JPH09134645A - Switch device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance strength and durability of a switch case by bringing a connecting bar of an operation knob into contact with a projecting part and a wall surface in an inserting part of the switch case. SOLUTION: When an operation knob 2 is pulled up and rotated, a connecting bar 2a comes into contact with a projecting part 3k of a switch case 3 and a wall surface 3j in an inserting part 2a, and its rotation stops. In this process, a tip part 9a of a plunger 9 moves to a midway surface of an inclined face part 3n, and one actuator 7 is pushed down by the operation knob 2, and one movable contact 5a overlaps with corresponding fixed contacts 5b and 5b, and one contact point mechanism 5 is turned on. When a fingertip is released from the operation knob 2, a plunger 8 slides down on the inclined face part 3n by its energizing force, and plunges into the V bottom, and releases the contact mechanism 5 being turned on by upward energizing force processed by a curved part 10a of a rubber mat 10.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a switch device applied to a vehicle power window switch, a sunroof switch, and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a switching device having a high switching speed and a good conduction performance, as shown in FIG.
An operating knob 2 provided with projecting connecting rods 2a, 2a and a plunger support cylinder 2b, and an insertion portion 3a (boss portion) into which the connecting rods 2a, 2a are inserted are formed, and both side surfaces of the insertion portion 3a are formed. Rotating shaft 3 for rotatably supporting the connecting rods 2a, 2a
The switch case 3 in which d and 3d are projected, the circuit board 4 assembled to the lower part of the switch case 3, and the rotation operation of the operation knob 2 mounted on the upper surface 4a of the circuit board 4 in the switch case 3 are interlocked. In some cases, the switch units 6 and 6 having the contact mechanisms 5 and 5 that are opened and closed are assembled.

When the switch device 1A is used as a power window switch or a sunroof switch of a vehicle, it is necessary to rotate a motor (not shown) in the forward and reverse directions in response to an opening / closing control operation of a window. The switch units 6 and 6 are configured in four sets, but since this figure is a cross-sectional view, two switch units 6 and 6 on one side are shown, and either of these two switch units 6 and 6 is shown. Depending on whether it is operated, the electric circuit
A reverse connection is made, and this connection is made at both ends of the movable range of the operation knob 2 which is rotated and tilted by the operation of the fingertip, and the movable range is restricted by the connecting rods 2a, 2a.
a against the inner walls 3j, 3j and the operation knob 2 following this
This is performed by abutting a stopper 3t formed on the outside of the switch case 3 by the end 2t.

FIG. 5 (a) is a vector diagram showing the direction and magnitude of the force acting on the switch device having the above-mentioned conventional structure. Based on this diagram, the following formulas are used to determine the various parts of the switch case. The direction of the force exerted and its magnitude are shown.

In the figure, (A) is the operation point of the operation knob,
(B) is the point where the end of the operation knob hits the switch case, (C) is the point where the connecting rod of the operation knob hits the switch case, (O) is the center of rotation, F is the magnitude of force, L
Indicates the distance. Now LA = 21 and LB = 1
Set 1 and LC = 9, and set 10K for point (A)
If the torques applied to (B) and (C) are equal when an operating force of gf is applied,

[Formula 1] F × L = (F (B) × L (B)) + (F (C) × L (C)) F (B) × L (B) = F (C) × L (C)

The following formula holds, and F (B) = 9.5 Kgf F (C) = 11.7 Kgf is calculated from this. Therefore, the force applied in the pulling direction is F + F (B) = 10 + 9.5 = 19.5 Kgf.

As a result, the resultant force applied to the rotary shaft is √ {(F + F (B)) ² + F (C) ² } = √ (19.5 ² +11.7)
² ) = 22.7 Kgf, and the force of 22.7 Kgf is applied to the insertion part (boss part) of the switch case.

Since the diameter d of the rotating shaft is d = 3 mm, the cross-sectional area is A = πd ² /4=7.07 (mm ² ), and the shearing force in the pulling direction is σ = (F + F (B)) / A = 1
9.5 / 7.07 = 2.76 Kgf / mm ² .

The allowable shearing force of the material is 4.80 Kgf / mm ²
Then, the safety factor S = 4.80 / 2.76 = 1.74 Similarly, regarding the resultant force applied to the rotating shaft, the shear force σ = 3.21 Kgf / mm ² safety factor S = 1.50 is derived.

[0010]

However, in the switch device having the above-mentioned conventional structure, as described above, the movable range of the operating knob is restricted by the contact between the insertion portion and the inner wall by the connecting rod and the subsequent operation. This is done by abutting the stopper formed on the outside of the switch case by the end of the knob, but depending on the deflection of the molded product such as the switch case and the operation knob and the difference in molding accuracy, the connecting rod may be used when operating the operation knob. Before the contact with the inner wall of the insertion portion, the end of the operation knob may contact the stopper outside the switch case.

In this case, the force applied in the pull-out direction of the operating knob is F + F (B) as shown in the above calculation formula,
This resultant force concentrates on the insertion part (boss part) of the switch case, and the insertion part (boss part) with respect to the pull-out direction of the operation knob.
As a result, the strength of the rotating shaft was weakened.

Further, since the end portion of the operation knob comes into contact with the outer surface of the switch case, the sound generated at the time of this contact reverberates over the entire switch case and becomes an unpleasant sound.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and a connecting rod is inserted into an insertion portion into which a connecting rod for supporting a rotary shaft of an operation knob is inserted, and the connecting rods are provided at both ends of the rotation restriction regions. By providing the abutting convex portion, the acting force by the operation of the operation knob is the insertion portion (boss portion) of the switch case,
In particular, it is possible to increase the pull-out strength of the operating knob by dispersing the concentration on the rotating shaft, and to suppress the contact noise generated during the rotating operation of the operating knob as much as possible. It is an object of the present invention to provide an extremely useful and convenient switch device in which the insertion width of the switch is narrowed, whereby the assemblability can be improved and the dustproof effect can be enhanced.

[0014]

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a switch device according to a first aspect of the invention, wherein an operating knob rotatably supported by a switch case and an opening / closing operation interlocked with a rotating operation of the operating knob. In a switch device including a switch unit having a contact mechanism, the switch case is provided with an insertion portion which is provided integrally with the operation knob and into which a connecting rod for rotatably supporting the operation knob is inserted. ,
The insertion portion is formed with a convex portion for contacting the connecting rod when the operation knob is rotated and for restricting the operation range of the operation knob. The term "rotation" as used herein means rotation because it is performed within the regulation range.

In the above structure, the both ends of the movable range of the operation knob are regulated by the connecting rod contacting the inner wall of the protrusion and the insertion portion (boss portion), and at this time, the insertion portion of the switch case ( In the boss portion, instead of the resultant force of F + F (B) as in the switch device of the conventional structure, the force is dispersed in the force equivalent to the force (F) applied in the pulling direction of the operation knob. The strength of the rotating shaft and thus the durability are improved.

In addition, since the contact portion when the operation knob is rotated is the wall surface of the convex portion and the insertion portion (boss portion) in the switch case, the contact sound is confined in the switch case and resonates outside. It is a small product that is not offensive to the user.

Furthermore, since the insertion width of the operation knob in the insertion portion (boss portion) of the switch case is narrowed due to the presence of the convex portion, the insertion of the connecting rod and the plunger support cylinder protruding from the operation knob is guided. As a result, the ease of assembly is improved, and it becomes difficult for dust or the like to enter the switch case from the insertion portion, and the obstacles such as the operation of the device and the contact failure are extremely reduced.

It is sufficient that at least the connecting rod is provided in the switch case, particularly at the contact portion of the connecting rod at the insertion port, and the shape of the convex portion is not particularly limited. However, by eliminating the positional deviation of the rotation stop position of the connecting rod, and abutting it in a stable posture, it is possible to disperse the concentration of the action force of the operation knob operation on the insertion part (boss part) of the switch case. In order to increase the strength against contact, it is desirable to form it near the upper end of the insertion part.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the structure according to the first aspect, the circuit board and the switch unit mounted on the circuit board are housed in the switch case, and the operation knob is provided from outside the switch case. The operation knob is provided so as to be exposed outside the switch case. In the above configuration, the circuit board and the switch unit mounted on the circuit board are integrally assembled in the switch case to improve the time and labor for mounting the switch device. Since the operation knob is exposed to the outside of the switch case, the operability is very good because the trouble such as the operation and the contact failure is reduced as much as possible.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the structure according to the first or second aspect, the opening / closing control of the vehicle window is performed by the opening / closing operation of the contact mechanism. In the above configuration, as a power window switch or a sunroof switch for an automobile or the like, it has a compact shape suitable for being installed in parallel at the elbow receiving portion on the inner surface of the door, the armrest between seats or the peripheral portion thereof. In addition, the operation knob is exposed in the pulling direction from the switch case, and its operation is also performed accurately at the stop positions at both ends of the movable range, and it is easy to use and can be operated with one fingertip. It is extremely useful because it is durable, has few failures, and can be easily mounted. Especially, in automobiles of recent years where quietness in the room is pursued, switch noise is suppressed as much as possible.

[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a central vertical sectional view showing an OFF state of a switch device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2A is a central vertical sectional view showing an ON state of the switch device, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a side sectional view showing a regulation area of a connecting rod, FIG. 3A is a plan view showing a main part of a switch case, FIG. 3B is a sectional view taken along line YY in FIG. Is also a sectional view taken along line XX.

Note that FIGS. 1 and 2 are cross-sectional views, and in order not to complicate the description, in the following description, when there are four sets of the same members, two sets of them will be designated as necessary. ing.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, in the switch device 1 of the present invention, two connecting rods 2a, 2a and a plunger support cylinder 2b projecting from between these connecting rods 2a, 2a are provided. The operation knob 2 and an insertion portion 3a (boss portion) into which the connecting rods 2a, 2a are inserted are formed, and the connecting rods 2a, 2a are formed on both side walls 3c, 3c (FIG. 3) inside the insertion portion 3a.
The switch case 3 having the rotating shafts 3d, 3d for rotatably supporting the switch case 3, the circuit board 4 assembled to the lower part of the switch case 3, and the operation knob mounted on the upper surface 4a of the circuit board 4 facing the inside of the switch case 3. The switch units 6 and 6 provided with the contact mechanisms 5 and 5 that open and close in conjunction with the rotating operation of the switch 2 are assembled.

Explaining the above-mentioned structure in more detail, the operation knob 2 has a surface 2c near one end of its upper portion for pulling out operation.
However, it is formed in a concave curved surface shape so that it can be easily operated in the pulling direction with a fingertip, and the entire upper surface 2d has a curved sloped shape, and one end portion 2f on the pulling operation side slightly projects downward, Side walls 2e, 2e are formed on both sides, and connecting rods 2a, 2a, a plunger support cylinder 2b, and pedestals 2g, 2g for pressing actuators 7, 7 described later project downward on the back surface of the operation knob 2. The connecting rods 2a, 2a are provided with rotating shafts 3d, 3 on the switch case 3 side.
Openings 2h, 2h for inserting d are formed, and the whole is made of an integrally molded product of resin or light metal rotatably supported by the rotating shafts 3d, 3d. A plunger 9 biased by a spring 8 is held in the plunger support cylinder 2b with its tip 9a protruding.

As shown in each of FIGS. 1 to 3, the peripheral portion 3b forming the insertion portion 3a of the switch case 3 has a rectangular portion in plan view of a part of the outer surface 3e of the switch case 3 in the outer direction of the case. It is formed by standing upright,
The rotating shafts 3d, 3d, which are short shafts, project in opposite directions on one of the inner surfaces 3c, 3c facing each other in the insertion portion 3a, and are located at the upper end of the other inner surface 3j, 3j in the insertion portion 3a or in the vicinity thereof. , The connecting rod 2 when the operation knob 2 is rotated.
a and 2a are in contact with each other to form projections 3k and 3k for restricting the rotational movement range of the operation knob 2, and a recess for allowing the tip 2f to project into a lower portion corresponding to the tip 2f of the operation knob 2. 3m and 3m are formed.

The upper end edges of the convex portions 3k, 3k in the facing direction have an inclined surface shape so that the connecting rods 2a, 2a can surely abut on the surface portions, and the whole is trapezoidal in side view. The convex portions 3k, 3k are preferably formed integrally with the switch case 3, but may be attached later.

An opening 3 is formed in the outer surface 3e of the switch case 3 at a position slightly apart from the four corners of the insertion portion 3a, through which the actuators 7, 7 are inserted and held toward the inside and outside of the case.
Holding portions 3p, 3p having p ', 3p' are formed.

In the insertion portion 3a of the switch case 3.
A slanted surface portion 3n having a V shape in a side view is integrally formed between the lower central portions of the inner surfaces 3j, 3j facing each other on the side where the rotation shafts 3d, 3d are not projected. When the tip 9a of 9 is in pressure contact with the V bottom of the slope 3n, the contact mechanisms 5 and 5 shown in FIG.
By rubbing up n, a click feeling is given to the rotational movement of the operation knob 2.

A peripheral wall portion (not shown) of the switch case 3
Has a peripheral wall end protruding toward the circuit board 4 to form a space S between the switch case 3 and the circuit board 4, and a surface portion is provided on the upper surface 4a of the circuit board 4 facing the space S. The rubber mat 10 having the curved portions 10a, 10a in which the four positions are curved upward is provided, and the lower ends 7b, 7b of the actuators 7, 7 are held on the upper portions of the curved portions 10a, 10a of the rubber mat 10. , Each curved portion 10
Movable contacts 5a and 5b are provided at the centers of the lower surfaces of a and 10a.

The rubber mat 10 has movable contacts 5a,
5b serves as a base for holding the upward biasing force of 5b, protects the upper surface 4a of the circuit board 4 in the switch case 3, and occurs when the connecting rods 2a, 2a abut the switch case 3. It has a role of absorbing the contact sound.

Two sets of fixed contacts 5b and 5c corresponding to the movable contacts 5a and 5b are mounted on the upper surface 4a of the circuit board 4 below the movable contacts 5a and 5b. 5a and fixed contacts 5b, 5c constitute a set of contact mechanisms 5, each of which includes the contact mechanism 5 and an operating knob 2, an actuator 7, a rubber mat 10, etc. for operating the contact mechanism 5. The unit 6 is configured.

Next, the operation of the switch device 1 according to this embodiment will be described in detail. At the position where the operation knob 2 shown in FIG. 1 is not operated, the tip portion 9a of the plunger 9 has the inclined surface portion 3n.
Of the operation knob 2 is pedestal 2g,
The upper end 7 of the actuator 7,7 in which 2g is stopped
It is in a neutral state as shown in a and 7a.

On the other hand, the operation knob 2 is shown in FIGS.
When pulled up and rotated as shown in FIG.
a comes into contact with the convex portion 3k of the switch case 3 and the wall surface 3j in the insertion portion 2a to stop its rotation, and in this process,
The tip portion 9a of the plunger 9 moves to the upper surface of the inclined surface portion 3n, one actuator 7 is pushed down by the operation knob 2, and one movable contact 5a corresponds to the fixed contact 5b,
Overlapping with 5b, one contact mechanism 5 is turned on.

When the fingertip is released from the operation knob 2 in this state,
The urging force of the plunger 8 causes it to slide down on the slope 3n and plunge into its V bottom, and the rubber mat 1 at the corresponding position.
The contact mechanism 5 that has been turned on is released by the upward biasing force (elastic restoring force to the original shape) possessed by the bending portion 10a of 0.

Although not shown, when the operation knob 2 is pushed in the direction opposite to that shown in FIG. 2, the circuit is reversely connected.

FIG. 5B is a vector diagram showing the magnitude and direction of the force of the switch device 1 according to the present invention.
The force exerted on each part of the switch device will be described in detail with reference to this figure and the following formulas.

In the figure, (A) is the operation point of the operation knob,
(B ') is the point where the end of the operating knob hits the switch case, (C) is the point where the connecting rod of the operating knob hits the switch case, (O) is the center of rotation, F is the magnitude of force,
L indicates a distance. Now LA = 21 and LB = 1
Set 1 and LC = 9, and set 10K for point (A)
If the torques applied to (B ') and (C) are equal when an operating force of gf is given,

[Formula 2] F × L = (F (B) '× L (B)') + (F (C) × L (C)) F (B) '× L (B)' = F (C) × L (C)

The following equation holds, and F (B) '= 11.7 Kgf F (C) = 25.0 Kgf is calculated from this. However, as shown in the drawing, the force in the pulling-out direction is only F, and only 10 Kgf of this F is applied to the insertion portion (boss portion).

The resultant force applied to the rotary shaft is √ {(F ² + (F (C) -F (B) ') ² } = √ (10 ² +13.3)
² ) = 16.6 Kgf, and the force of 16.6 Kgf is applied to the switch case insertion part (boss part).

Since the diameter d of the rotating shaft is d = 3 mm, the cross-sectional area is A = πd ² /4=7.07 mm ² , and when the allowable shearing force of the material is 4.80 Kgf / mm ² , the pulling direction is Shear force σ = 10 / 7.07 = 1.41 Kgf / mm ² Safety factor S '＝ 4.80 / 1.41 = 1.40 Similarly, regarding the resultant force applied to the rotating shaft, shear force σ = 16.6 / 7.07 ＝ 2.35Kgf / mm ² Safety factor S ´ ＝ 4.80 / 2.35 ＝ 2.04 is derived.

Comparing the vector direction of this figure and the numerical values of the respective calculation formulas with those of the prior art shown in FIG. 5B,
In both cases, the operating force of 10 Kgf in the pull-out direction was applied to the point (A), but the force applied in the pull-out direction was 10.5 Kgf in the case of the prior art, whereas in the present invention, In the case of 19.5 Kgf. Further, comparing the shearing force and safety factor in the pulling-out direction with the shearing force and safety factor applied to the rotating shaft, it is clear that the present invention is superior.

The switch device of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, in the above embodiment, a single switch device provided with an operation knob for each switch case is assumed, but for example, a power window of a four-door vehicle has at least four power windows.
In order to open and close one window glass, four or more operation knobs may be provided in parallel or in series correspondingly. Further, it may be a switch device for rotating the operation knob in one direction.

In addition to the power window switch and the sunroof switch, the switch device of the present invention is
For example, in the case of an automobile, its use range is wide, such as a movable switch of a door (side) mirror, an up / down switch of an antenna, a switch of a device for electrically adjusting the inclination of a backrest of a seat, and is not limited to an automobile.

[0044]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention,
Since both ends of the movable range of the operation knob are regulated by bringing the connecting rod of the operation knob into contact with the projection inside the insertion part of the switch case and the wall surface, the force applied to the insertion part of the switch case is Since it is dispersed into the force having the same magnitude as the force applied in the pulling-out direction, it is possible to improve the strength and thus the durability of the switch case. Moreover, since the contact portion during the rotation operation of the operation knob is the wall surface of the convex portion and the insertion portion inside the switch case, it is possible to confine the contact sound inside the switch case and make it an extremely small noise that does not echo outside. Therefore, unlike the conventional switch device, there is no unpleasant sound that is offensive to the user. Further, since the insertion width of the operation knob in the insertion portion can be narrowed by providing the projection portion on the insertion portion of the switch case, the insertion of the connecting rod and the plunger support cylinder protruding from the insertion portion can be performed by this protrusion. Guided and extremely easy to do,
As a result, the assemblability is improved, and since the insertion portion is narrow, it is possible to prevent the entry of dust and the like, and thereby to minimize the troubles such as the operation of the switch device and the contact failure.

Further, according to the invention of claim 2, since the switch unit on which the circuit board and the like are mounted is assembled integrally with the switch case, the time and labor for mounting the switch device are improved, and Since the switch unit is housed in the switch case, it is possible to minimize the troubles such as its operation and contact failure. Moreover, since the operation knob is exposed outside the switch case, it can be operated easily with your fingertips. You can do it, and its operability is good.

According to the invention of claim 3, when it is mounted as a power window switch or a sunroof switch of an automobile or the like, it is mounted also on an elbow receiving portion on the inner surface of a door, an armrest between seats or a peripheral portion thereof. Easy to do,
It can be equipped in parallel and in series, and is easy to use. In particular, the switch device of the present invention is suitable for mounting on a recent automobile where quietness in the room is pursued, because the contact noise of the operation knob is extremely small.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in which a switch device is turned off
It is a central longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a state.

FIG. 2A is a central vertical cross-sectional view showing an ON state of the switch device, and FIG. 2B is a side cross-sectional view showing a regulation region of a connecting rod.

3A is a plan view showing a main part of a switch case, FIG. 3B is a sectional view taken along line YY in FIG. 3A, and FIG. 3C is a sectional view taken along line XX.

4A is a central longitudinal sectional view showing an ON state of a switch device having a conventional structure, and FIG. 4B is a side sectional view showing a restriction region of a connecting rod.

FIG. 5 (a) is a vector diagram showing the magnitude and direction of force of a switch device having a conventional structure, and FIG. 5 (b) is a vector showing the direction and magnitude of force acting on the switch device of the present invention. It is a figure.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Switch Device 2 Operation Knob 2a Connecting Rod 3 Switch Case 3a Insertion Part 3d Rotation Shaft 3k Convex Part 4 Circuit Board 5 Contact Mechanism 6 Switch Unit 7 Actuator

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A switch device comprising: an operation knob rotatably supported by a switch case; and a switch unit having a contact mechanism that is opened / closed in association with a rotation operation of the operation knob. The case is provided with an insertion portion that is provided integrally with the operation knob and into which a connection rod for rotatably supporting the operation knob is inserted, and the insertion rod is provided with the connection rod when the operation knob is rotated. The switch device is characterized in that a convex portion is formed for contacting with each other to regulate the operation range of the operation knob. 2. A circuit board and a switch unit mounted on the circuit board are housed in a switch case, and the operation knob is exposed to the outside of the switch case so that the operation knob can be operated from the outside of the switch case. The switch device according to claim 1, wherein the switch device is provided. 3. The opening / closing control of the vehicle window is performed by the opening / closing operation of the contact mechanism.
3. The switch device according to claim 1.