JP7057249B2 - Switch mechanism - Google Patents

Description

The present invention includes a switch base, a rotatable switch operation unit provided on the switch base, and a moderation mechanism that forms a stop position and a non-stop region with respect to the rotation range of the switch operation unit in switch operation. It is related to the switch device.

A switch device provided with a rotatable switch operation unit is well known, and is equipped with a moderation mechanism that imparts moderation at a plurality of switching positions, and the rotation of the switch operation unit is fixed or a click feeling is given during the rotation operation. Such switch devices are also commonly used.
For example, the moderation mechanism of the switch device described in Patent Document 1 is provided with a non-stop region (moderation mountain) having three stop positions and two inclined surfaces between the stop positions, thereby providing a switch operation unit (moderation mountain). A rotational load is applied to the rotary knob) toward each stop position, and a click feeling is given when the switch operation unit (rotary knob) is operated.

Conventionally, in a light switch of an automobile, a switch having three positions of an extinguishing position (OFF), a position light position (SMALL), and a lighting position (ON) is commonly used, as in the switch device described in Patent Document 1. Those having three stop positions and having a moderation mechanism that gives a click feeling to the operation are also commonly used.
In recent years, many have been adopted with four stop positions in which an automatic lighting position (AUTO) for automatically turning on the headlights according to the illuminance of the surroundings has been added.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-043683

In such a known switch device, in order to make the automatic lighting position (AUTO) a regular use, it is prevented from stopping at the extinguishing position (OFF), and the automatic lighting position (AUTO), the position light position (SMALL), and the lighting position (ON) are prevented. ) Can be configured to maintain a stop at any of the three positions.
By not stopping the switch operation unit (rotary knob) at the off position (OFF), even if the switch is turned off when the vehicle is stopped, the switch operation unit (rotary knob) is returned to the automatic lighting position (AUTO) side, and it is possible to suppress the vehicle from running with the lights off at night.
However, the operator may leave the vehicle while the light is forgotten to be turned off, that is, the switch operation unit (rotary knob) is maintained in the lighting position (ON), and it is required to prevent this situation from occurring. Was there.
Further, even if the switch operation unit (rotary knob) is provided with the automatic lighting position (AUTO), the operator may forget to operate the automatic lighting position (AUTO) in the first place.
Even if the design is changed to solve the conventional problem, it is necessary to meet the requirements that the conventional operation feeling, that is, the click feeling is not lost, and the device is not complicated or enlarged.

The present invention solves the problems of the prior art as described above, and can maintain the switch operation unit at a position where it performs an arbitrary function with a simple configuration without increasing the number of parts. It is intended to provide a switch device provided with a moderation mechanism capable of realizing a predetermined operation feeling when operating a switch operation unit.

The switch device according to the present invention forms a stop position and a non-stop region with respect to a switch base, a rotatable switch operation unit provided on the switch base, and a rotation range of the switch operation unit in switch operation. A switch device provided with a moderation mechanism, wherein at least a part of the non-stop region is composed of a multi-stage load application region, and the multi-stage load application region is the switch at at least one location away from the stop position. It has an intermediate moderation position that gives different rotational loads to the operation unit, one end is provided adjacent to the stop position, and the moderation mechanism is provided on one of the switch operation unit and the switch base. It has a surface and a moderation member provided on the other side of the switch operation unit and the switch base portion and pressed against the moderation surface to come into contact with the moderation surface. The moderation surface has a stop portion forming the stop position and a stop portion. The multi-stage load application region having the non-stop surface portion forming the non-stop region and formed by the non-stop surface portion has a first inclined surface and the first inclined surface in order from the side closer to the stop position. A second inclined surface having a weaker applied load, a third inclined surface having a larger applied load than the second inclined surface and forming the intermediate moderation position, and a fourth inclined surface having a weaker applied load than the first inclined surface. The above-mentioned problem is solved by being composed of a multi-stage non-stop surface portion having at least .

According to the switch device according to claim 1, at least a part of the non-stop region is composed of a multi-stage load application region, and the multi-stage load application region is provided to the switch operation unit at at least one location away from the stop position. It has an intermediate moderation position that gives different rotational loads, and one end is provided adjacent to the stop position, so that it can perform any function with a simple configuration, that is, forget to operate such as automatic lighting. It is possible to provide an operating position that can suppress the above.
In addition, while ensuring the click feeling of the operator, the operator can be surely grasped to what position the operation has been performed, and after the operation, the switch operation unit is surely placed at the adjacent stop position. You can return.

Further , in the multi-stage load application region, in order from the side closer to the stop position, the first inclined surface, the second inclined surface where the applied load is weaker than the first inclined surface, and the intermediate moderation position where the applied load is larger than the second inclined surface. Since it is composed of a multi-stage non-stop surface portion having at least a third inclined surface forming the above and a fourth inclined surface having a weaker applied load than the first inclined surface, the configuration can be significantly changed for automatic recovery. With a simple configuration, it is possible to provide a plurality of operating positions in one area where the switch operation unit automatically returns, without adding parts.
Further, by making the second inclined surface and the fourth inclined surface as gentle as possible within the range where the rotational force capable of returning the switch operation unit can be generated, the operation range of automatic return becomes long. However, the rotational force at the time of automatic return does not become excessive, and there is no need to change the design of the stop part.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the moderation surface has a plurality of stop portions, and a load is applied to the switch operation portion between the plurality of stop portions toward one of the stop portions on both sides. By having a bidirectional non-stop surface portion that comes into contact with the moderator member in the imparted mode, it is possible to freely set a plurality of stop positions.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, a plurality of moderation members are provided, and the moderation surface is provided at a plurality of locations corresponding to the plurality of moderation members, so that, for example, the moderation member and the moderation surface are provided. By providing the set at equal intervals of 180 °, 120 °, 90 °, etc. around the rotation axis of the switch operation unit, it is possible to apply a rotational load in a well-balanced manner, and the operation can be performed smoothly. ..
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, one moderation member is provided, and one moderation surface is provided corresponding to the moderation member, so that the rotation range of the switch operation unit is 180. It is possible to set it to ° or more, and the degree of freedom in setting the number of stop positions and the rotation angle when switching to a different position is improved.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the moderation member has a sliding ball that abuts on the moderation surface and a pressing spring that presses the sliding ball toward the moderation surface, whereby the moderation mechanism has a simple structure. Can be configured.

According to the switch device according to claim 6 , the switch base and the switch operation unit are provided on the vehicle direction indicator lever or the wiper operation lever, and the rotation axis of the switch operation unit is the vehicle direction indicator lever or the wiper operation. By matching the extension direction of the lever, for example, it is used as a light switch of an automobile, and in consideration of safety, in order to prevent driving in the off position (OFF), the off position (OFF) is automatically turned on. Of the position (AUTO), position light position (SMALL), and lighting position (ON), the stop position is the automatic lighting position (AUTO), position light position (SMALL), and lighting position (ON), and the automatic lighting position. When the switch operation unit (rotary knob) is operated from (AUTO) to the off position (OFF), the switch operation unit (rotary knob) automatically returns to the automatic lighting position (AUTO), and the light is turned off only when the switch is operated to the off position (OFF) when stopped. However, it is possible to configure the operation system so that the headlights are automatically turned on according to the ambient illuminance at the automatic lighting position (AUTO) during traveling.
In that case, the stop position adjacent to the multi-stage load application area is set to the automatic lighting position (AUTO), the intermediate moderation position of the multi-stage load application area is set to the position light position (SMALL), and the stop position is further separated from the stop position of the multi-stage load application area. By setting the off position to the off position (OFF), the position light position (SMALL) and the off position (OFF) can be grasped and switched by the click feeling of the operator, and then the automatic on position (AUTO) is automatically set. ), And it is possible to prevent the vehicle from turning off or running with the position light.
Further, it is possible to further provide a stop position constituting the lighting position (ON) on the opposite side of the multi-stage load application region, and the lighting of the headlight can be arbitrarily maintained.

The external perspective view of the switch device which is 1st Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view of the switch operation part of the switch apparatus which is 1st Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view of the switch base of the switch apparatus which is 1st Embodiment of this invention. The explanatory view of the moderation mechanism of the switch device which is 1st Embodiment of this invention. Operation explanatory diagram of moderation mechanism.

As shown in FIG. 1, the switch device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided on an operation lever 102 attached to a steering column (not shown) of an automobile, and is used for operating headlights and position lights. It is a thing.
The operation lever 102 extends from the terminal accommodating portion 101 fixed to the steering column, and by swinging it, it is possible to indicate the left and right directions and switch the headlights between high and low.
The operation lever 102 has a switch base 110 and a switch operation unit 120 rotatably provided with respect to the switch base 110.
The switch device 100 has an extinguishing position (OFF), a position light position (SMALL), an automatic lighting position (AUTO), and a lighting position (ON) with respect to the rotation of the switch operation unit 120.
Further, the switch base 110 and the switch operation unit 120 are provided with a moderation mechanism 130, which gives the operator a click feeling at each rotation position of the switch operation unit 120, and also gives a click feeling to the turn-off position (OFF) and the position light position (SMALL). ) Automatically returns to the automatic lighting position (AUTO), and the stopped state is maintained at the automatic lighting position (AUTO) and the lighting position (ON).

As shown in FIG. 2, the switch operation unit 120 includes a moderation member 121 including a sliding ball 122 that abuts on the moderation surface 111, which will be described later, and a pressing spring 123 that presses the sliding ball 122 toward the moderation surface 111. have.
As shown in FIG. 3, the switch base 110 has a moderation surface 111 with which the moderation member 121 abuts.
As schematically shown in FIG. 4, the moderation surface 111 of the moderation mechanism 130 has two stop portions 112 forming two stop positions 131 of an automatic lighting position (AUTO) and a lighting position (ON), and two stops. A bidirectional non-stop surface portion 118 forming a non-stop region 132 for applying a rotational load to the switch operation unit 120 in either direction between the stop portions 112, and a bidirectional non-stop surface portion 118 of one of the stop portions 112. It has a multi-stage non-stop surface portion 113 which is a multi-stage load applying region 133 which is adjacent to the opposite side and applies a rotational load to the switch operation unit 120 in the direction of the stop portion 112.

The multi-stage non-stop surface portion 113 is in the middle of the first inclined surface 114, the second inclined surface 115 having a weaker applied load than the first inclined surface 114, and the applied load being larger than the second inclined surface 115 in order from the side closer to the stop position 131. It has a third inclined surface 116 forming the moderation position 134, a fourth inclined surface 117 having a weaker applied load than the third inclined surface 116, and a third inclined surface 116 to a fourth inclined surface forming the intermediate moderation position 134. When the sliding ball 122 comes into contact with 117, a different rotational load is applied to the switch operation unit 120, and the position light position (SMALL) is configured to give the operator a click feeling.

Further, the switch operation unit 120 is further rotated beyond the intermediate moderation position 134, and further rotation of the switch operation unit 120 is separately restricted at any position where the sliding ball 122 abuts on the fourth inclined surface 117. It is restricted by a member (not shown) to form an extinguishing position (OFF).
In the present embodiment, by having the second inclined surface 115, the inclined surface has a longer overall length than the case where the first inclined surface is extended as it is (see the dotted line in FIG. 4). Since the height can be kept low, the lengths of the switch base 110 and the switch operation unit 120 can be shortened. In addition, the range of load adjustment of the pressing spring 123 is widened, and the degree of freedom in design is increased.

The operation of the switch device 100 used for operating the headlight and the position light of the automobile configured as described above will be described with reference to the operation explanatory diagram of the moderation mechanism shown in FIG.
By setting the switch operation unit 120 to the automatic lighting position (AUTO), as shown in FIG. 5A, the switch operation unit 120 is maintained at the AUTO position by the moderation mechanism, and the headlights are automatically set according to the ambient illuminance while driving. It is turned on and off.
In the automatic lighting position (AUTO), the headlights remain lit even when the vehicle is stopped at night. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), by turning the switch operation unit 120 to the extinguishing position (OFF), the headlights remain lit. The headlights turn off.
The switch operation unit 120 itself returns to the AUTO position by the moderation mechanism.
As a result, the headlights can be turned off while the vehicle is stopped, and when the vehicle is restarted, the switch operation unit 120 is returned to the automatic lighting position (AUTO), so that the headlights are automatically turned on and off according to the ambient illuminance. Will be done.

If you want to turn off the headlights and keep only the position lights on when the vehicle is stopped at night or when you are driving slowly, you can use the switch operation unit 120 as shown in FIG. 5 (c). By turning to the position light position (SMALL) corresponding to the intermediate moderation position of the moderation mechanism, only the position light is turned on.
The switch operation unit 120 itself returns to the AUTO position by the moderation mechanism.
At this time, the operator can surely perceive and operate the position light position (SMALL) by feeling the click feeling at the intermediate moderation position of the multi-stage load application region of the moderation mechanism.
As a result, the headlights can be turned off and the position lights can be turned on while the vehicle is stopped, and when the vehicle is restarted, the switch operation unit 120 is returned to the automatic lighting position (AUTO). The headlights are automatically turned on and off.

Further, when it is desired to turn on the headlight regardless of the illuminance, running or stopping, by turning the switch operation unit 120 to the lighting position (ON) as shown in FIG. 5D, the front is turned on. The headlights are turned on and the moderation mechanism keeps them in the ON position.
At this time, the operator can reliably perceive and operate the lighting position (ON) by feeling a click feeling at the stop portion due to the moderation member 121 passing over the bidirectional non-stop surface portion 118 of the moderation mechanism.
Also, when returning from the lighting position (ON) to the automatic lighting position (AUTO), the operator can reliably perceive and operate the automatic lighting position (AUTO) by feeling a click feeling at the stop portion of the moderation mechanism. be able to.

In this embodiment, the intermediate moderation position in the multi-stage load application region is set to one place, but two or more places may be provided depending on the function and intended use.
Further, in the present embodiment, the multi-stage load application region is provided adjacent to the stop position of one end, but may be provided adjacent to the opposite side of the other end depending on the function and intended use. , May be provided in both.
Further, it is sufficient that each inclined surface of the multi-stage non-stop surface portion 113 can be surely returned to the stop portion 112 adjacent to the switch operation unit 120 and can give a click feeling and a load feeling at the intermediate moderation position during the rotation operation. Each such inclined surface may be, for example, a flat surface or a curved surface, and the connection portions of the respective inclined surfaces may be adjacent to each other by a bending line, or may be adjacent to each other by a curved surface whose inclination changes gently. May be.
Further, in the drawings of the present embodiment, the stop portion 112 is provided with a recess, but it is sufficient that the switch operation portion can be stably stopped and a click feeling and a load feeling can be given during the rotation operation. As such a stop portion, for example, the inclined surface of the adjacent bidirectional non-stop surface portion 118 or the multi-stage non-stop surface portion 113 may be formed in a V shape extending from both sides as it is, or may have another shape.

Further, in the present embodiment, the moderation surface 111 is provided on the switch base 110 and the moderation member 121 is provided on the switch operation unit 120, but conversely, the moderation surface 111 is provided on the switch operation unit 120 and the moderation member 121 is provided on the switch base 110. You may.
Further, in the present embodiment, the moderation member 121 is composed of the sliding ball 122 and the pressing spring 123, but any other configuration may be used as long as it gives the operator a click feeling and a rotational load.
Further, in the drawings of the present embodiment, the pressing direction of the moderator member 121 is set to be parallel to the rotation axis of the switch operation unit 120, but any direction is provided as long as it gives the operator a click feeling and a rotational load. It may be set to.

100 ・ ・ ・ Switch device 101 ・ ・ ・ Terminal accommodating part 102 ・ ・ ・ Operation lever 110 ・ ・ ・ Switch base 111 ・ ・ ・ Moderation surface 112 ・ ・ ・ Stop part 113 ・ ・ ・ Multi-stage non-stop surface part 114 ・ ・ ・ No. 1 inclined surface 115 ・ ・ ・ 2nd inclined surface 116 ・ ・ ・ 3rd inclined surface 117 ・ ・ ・ 4th inclined surface 118 ・ ・ ・ bidirectional non-stop surface portion 120 ・ ・ ・ switch operation unit 121 ・ ・ ・ moderation member 122 ・ ・ ・・ ・ Sliding ball 123 ・ ・ ・ Pressing spring 130 ・ ・ ・ Moderation mechanism 131 ・ ・ ・ Stop position 132 ・ ・ ・ Non-stop area 133 ・ ・ ・ Multi-stage load application area 134 ・ ・ ・ Intermediate moderation position

Claims (6)

A switch having a switch base, a rotatable switch operation unit provided on the switch base, and a moderation mechanism that forms a stop position and a non-stop region with respect to the rotation range of the switch operation unit in switch operation. It ’s a device,
At least a part of the non-stop area is composed of a multi-stage load application area.
The multi-stage load applying region has an intermediate moderation position for applying a different rotational load to the switch operating portion at at least one position away from the stop position, and one end thereof is provided so as to be adjacent to the stop position .
The moderation mechanism includes a moderation surface provided on one of the switch operation unit and the switch base, and a moderation member provided on the other side of the switch operation unit and the switch base and pressed against the moderation surface. Have,
The moderation surface has a stop portion forming the stop position and a non-stop surface portion forming the non-stop region.
The multi-stage load application region formed by the non-stop surface portion has a first inclined surface, a second inclined surface having a weaker applied load than the first inclined surface, and a second inclined surface in order from the side closer to the stop position. It is characterized by being composed of a multi-stage non-stop surface portion having at least a third inclined surface having a larger applied load than the surface and forming the intermediate moderation position and a fourth inclined surface having a weaker applied load than the first inclined surface. Switch device. The moderation surface has a plurality of stops, and the moderation surface has a plurality of stops.
A claim characterized by having a bidirectional non-stop surface portion that abuts on the moderator member in a manner of applying a load to the switch operation portion toward any of the stop portions on both sides between the plurality of stop portions. Item 1. The switch device according to item 1. A plurality of the moderator members are provided.
The switch device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the moderation surface is provided at a plurality of locations corresponding to the plurality of moderation members. One moderation member is provided.
The switch device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the moderation surface is provided one corresponding to the moderation member. The switch device according to claim 1 , wherein the moderator member includes a sliding ball that abuts on the moderation surface and a pressing spring that presses the sliding ball toward the moderation surface. A switch having a switch base, a rotatable switch operation unit provided on the switch base, and a moderation mechanism that forms a stop position and a non-stop region with respect to the rotation range of the switch operation unit in switch operation. It ’s a device,
At least a part of the non-stop area is composed of a multi-stage load application area.
The multi-stage load applying region has an intermediate moderation position for applying a different rotational load to the switch operating portion at at least one position away from the stop position, and one end thereof is provided so as to be adjacent to the stop position.
The switch base and the switch operation unit are provided on a vehicle direction indicator lever or a wiper operation lever.
A switch device characterized in that the rotation axis of the switch operation unit coincides with the extending direction of the vehicle direction indicating lever or the wiper operation lever.

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