JPH10315918A - Combination switch for automobile - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a structure of a relay connector between highly reliable switch units which have a simple structure and less number of parts and excel in the assembly work property. SOLUTION: A plurality of functional switches are stored in a case having a bridge part fitted in a groove part 5a of a main body 5, an elastic mounting knob part 7a, and a stopper claw 8a mounted on it. A light control switch unit 1 provided with a fixation connector 10a which takes out a switch signal to the outside below the case, a wiper control switch unit 2 which has a bridge part and a mounting knob part 7b in the same way and a stopper claw 8b and a fixation connector 10b which are provided on it and stores a plurality of functional switches, and a lead wire for relay which is arranged in the main body 5 and has movable connectors which are fitted into and detached from each fixation connector 10a, 10b of the switch unit when the switch unit is attached to the main body 5 at both ends are movably locked to the main body 5.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a combination switch for a vehicle having a mechanism switch such as a light control switch unit and a wiper control switch unit mounted on a steering column of the vehicle.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional technique will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a rear view showing the configuration of a conventional vehicle combination switch, and FIG. 8 is a side view of the conventional vehicle combination switch.

In FIGS. 7 and 8, reference numeral 1 denotes a light control switch unit, in which a light switch, a dimmer passing switch, a turn switch,
Other various switches are stored. Reference numeral 2 denotes a wiper control switch unit, which stores various function switches related to the wiper such as various front and rear wiper switches and washer switches. Here, reference numerals 3a and 3b denote output connectors for taking out the electric signals of the switches provided in the respective switch units, and the signals of the light control switch unit 1 and the wiper control switch unit 2 are separately taken out for each unit. And sent separately to the circuit outside the combination switch (on the vehicle side). 5 is a main body.

[0004]

However, in recent years, the combination switches for automobiles have become multifunctional and digitized, and a multiplex communication combination switch that digitally processes these switch signals inside the combination switch and outputs the signal to the outside has been developed. Has been developed. In this multiplex communication combination switch, both signals of the light control switch unit 1 and the wiper switch unit 2 are processed by a digital circuit (built in one of the units) and output to the vehicle side. The number of connectors and the number of pins can be reduced as compared with the methods shown in FIGS. However, a new structure for electrical connection between the two units is required, and each switch unit is detachably mounted on the main unit in a block form. Therefore, there is a demand for a relay connector structure that absorbs the above-mentioned variations and is highly reliable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide a combination switch for an automobile having a relay connector which is easy to assemble, has excellent reliability, has a simple component structure, and has a reduced number of components. It was done.

[0006]

According to the present invention, there is provided a combination switch for an automobile, comprising: a crosspiece fitted into a groove of a main body; an elastic mounting knob; and a stopper provided thereon. A light control switch unit, in which a plurality of function switches such as a turn switch, a dimmer switch, and a light switch are housed in a case having claws, and a fixed connector for extracting the switch signal to the outside under the function switch, and Wiper control switch unit, which has multiple parts such as a wiper switch and a washer switch, and a wiper control switch unit that has a stopper claw and a fixed connector provided on the The fixed connectors of the switch unit The relay leads having a movable connector at both ends which fits desorbed data in which a structure in which engaged movably in the body.

According to the present invention, when the light control switch unit and the wiper control switch unit are assembled to the main body, even if the positions of the fixed connectors provided in the respective switch units vary due to variations in mounting dimensions, etc. Since the movable connector for relay is movably attached to the main body,
The fitting is performed along the position of the fixed connector on the switch unit side, so that no prying or insertion cannot be performed.
Further, since the relay connector is formed of a general-purpose lead wire, no special molds or parts are required, and the relay connector can be manufactured inexpensively and reliably.

[0008]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention resides in a case having a crosspiece fitted into a groove of a main body, an elastic mounting knob, and a stopper claw provided thereon. , A light control switch unit containing a plurality of function switches such as a turn switch, a dimmer switch and a light switch, and a fixed connector for taking out the above-mentioned switch signal to the outside under the lower part, and a beam part and a mounting knob part. A wiper control switch unit having a stopper claw and a fixed connector provided thereon, and accommodating a plurality of function switches such as a wiper switch and a washer switch; and the switch unit disposed on the main body and mounted on the main body. Relays with movable connectors at both ends that can be fitted to and detached from each fixed connector The lead wire is movably locked to the main body, and the movable connectors at both ends connected by the lead wire are movably locked to the main body to absorb variations in the position of the fixed connector of each switch unit. As a result, both switch units can be reliably connected.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a support portion provided on the main body, a locking projection provided on the support portion, and provided relative to the locking projection. A movable connector provided with a hole having a size as large as possible to move and a stopper for restricting movement of the movable connector in a removing direction when the switch unit is removed are arranged on the main body. The combination switch for automobiles described in (1) above, wherein the dimensions of the locking projection and the hole are appropriately selected with respect to the variation in the mounting of the switch unit, so that the fixed connector of the switch unit and the movable connector of the relay lead can be smoothly connected. A special structure for locking the movable connector to the main body is not required, and a simple configuration can be realized.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the relay lead wire is mounted on at least one fitting side of a fixed connector provided on the switch unit or a movable connector provided at both ends of the relay lead wire. 3. The combination switch for an automobile according to claim 2, wherein a guide surface larger than an amount of movement of the connector is provided, and the movable connector between the fixed connector of the switch unit and the relay lead even when the position of the fixed connector varies. Move along the guide portion, thereby realizing a smooth fit between the two connectors.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a housing for accommodating the terminal portion of the relay lead wire, and a claw portion for holding the housing, and both ends are movably locked to the main body by a predetermined amount. 3. The combination switch for an automobile according to claim 2, wherein a movable connector of the relay lead wire is constituted by a holder provided with a locking projection or a hole portion for engaging the movable connector of the lead wire. A general-purpose component is used for the housing, which consists of a housing having an electrical connection function and a holder for movably locking the housing, and the two are elastically connected by resin claws. And a cheap configuration can be achieved.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a projection or a hole for movably locking the housing by a predetermined amount with respect to the main body is integrated with both ends of the housing for accommodating the terminal portion of the relay lead wire. The combination switch for an automobile according to claim 2, wherein the combination switch is formed and provided to form a movable connector,
By integrally forming a locking projection or a hole for movably locking the housing and the main body, the number of parts is reduced and the assembly is simplified.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a rear view showing the configuration of a vehicle combination switch according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a side view thereof, FIG. 3 is a plan sectional view of a movable connector, and FIG.
FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the movable connector, FIG. 5 is a front view of a holder portion of the movable connector, and FIG.

In FIG. 1, 1 is a light control switch unit, and 2 is a wiper control switch unit. On the side surfaces of the cases 4a and 4b formed by resin molding of the light control switch unit 1 and the wiper control switch unit 2,
Crosspieces 6a, 6b which are fitted into grooves 5a, 5b provided in the main body 5 to perform positioning with respect to the main body 5, and U-shaped mounting knobs 7a, 7 which have elasticity by utilizing the elasticity of resin.
b, and stopper claws 8a provided at predetermined positions thereon,
8b are integrally formed. Further, fixed connectors 10a, 1 soldered on printed circuit boards 9a, 9b to transmit signals of function switches of the respective switch units are provided at lower end portions of the respective switch units on the insertion side into the main body 5.
0b is provided at the opening of the cases 4a, 4b.
Furthermore, the printed circuit boards 9a and 9b and the fixed connector 10
a and 10b are protected by covers 11a and 11b.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show the movable connector portion of FIGS. 1 and 2 in more detail. 1 to 4, a hole 14 movably fitted to locking projections 13a, 13b provided on support portions 12a, 12b formed integrally with the main body 5.
holders 15a and 15 having a and 14b at both ends thereof.
and a housing 1 housing a terminal portion which is fixed and held by elastic claws 16a and 16b provided on holders 15a and 15b and to which a relay lead wire 17 is crimped.
The relay lead wire 17 having movable connectors 19a and 19b formed at both ends of the main body 5 is connected to the locking projection 13 of the main body 5 described above.
a, 13b and holes 14a, 1 in holders 15a, 15b.
The switch unit 4b is positioned in a fitted state, and is disposed at a position substantially opposed to the fixed connectors 10a and 10b of the switch unit. Here, the movable connectors 19a, 19b
Is moved by the locking projections 13a, 13b and the holes 14a, 1a.
4b, the movable connector 1 is limited.
9a and 19b do not fall off the main body 5. Body 5
And holders 15a, 15b are supported by support portions 12a, 12
The connection is made by means such as press fitting using the elastic force of the resin b. Further, at positions opposite to the support portions 12a and 12b of the main body 5 and sandwiching the holders 15a and 15b, stopper portions 20a and 20a for locking the movable connectors 19a and 19b integrally with the main body 5 when the switch unit is removed. 20b
Is provided.

In this embodiment, since a digital circuit is set on the wiper switch unit 2, the wiper switch unit 2 has an output connector 3c for outputting a signal to the vehicle.

The connection between each switch unit and the relay connector in the combination switch configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6. FIG.

Each switch unit is positioned and held by inserting bars 6a, 6b provided in cases 4a, 4b into grooves 5a, 5b provided in the main body 5. At this time, when the switch unit is inserted into the main body 5, the stopper claws 8a, 8b of the cases 4a, 4b are elastically fitted to the locking walls provided on the main body 5 by the elasticity of the U-shaped mounting knobs 7a, 7b. At the same time, the switch unit is held without looseness on the main body 5, and at the same time, the inserted state of the movable connectors 19a, 19b and the fixed connectors 10a, 10b is held.

Generally, the position of the fixed connectors 10a and 10b on the switch unit side is determined by the printed circuit board 9 of the fixed connectors 10a and 10b between the main body 5 and the cases 4a and 4b.
a, 9b, displacement of the printed circuit boards 9a, 9
b has variations due to factors such as displacement of the mounting positions of the cases 4a and 4b and dimensional variations of the parts, and the movable connectors 19a and 1 that are necessarily mounted on the main body side.
It does not match the position of 9b. However, since the fixed connectors 10a and 10b according to the present invention are supported by the locking projections 13a and 13b with respect to the main body 5, they do not fall off, and the locking portions between the holes 14a and 14b of the holders 15a and 15b and the main body side. In order to freely move freely by an amount corresponding to the dimensional difference between the projections 13a and 13b, the movable projections 13a and 13b are moved in accordance with the positions of the fixed connectors 10a and 10b on each unit side.
Eventually, the fitting of the two connectors is achieved in a form corresponding to the variation. When the switch unit is removed, the holders 15a, 15b of the movable connectors 19a, 19b for relaying are removed.
15b is restricted by the stopper portions 20a and 20b of the main body 5, so that the relay movable connector 19
The fixed connectors 10a and 10b on the switch unit side are pulled out without moving a and 19b.

Therefore, the movable connectors 19a and 19b of the combination switch for an automobile configured as described above.
In, the connector can be reliably inserted and detached without increasing the dimensional accuracy of each part and unit, and a highly reliable relay connector structure is realized.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, each of the ridges on the surface side (insertion side) where at least one of the fixed connectors 10a and 10b on the switch unit side or the movable connectors 19a and 19b for relay face each other. In addition, the guide portions 21a and 21 are larger than the amount by which their positions are shifted due to variations.
By providing b, the movable connectors 19a and 19b for relay can be smoothly moved by being guided by the guide portions 21a and 21b, and more reliable insertion and connection can be performed.

In the above embodiment, the holders 15a and 15b are provided with the holes 14a and 14b, and the main body 5 is provided with the locking projections 13a and 13b. Has the effect of

In the above embodiment, the holder 15
The housing 18 for holding the terminals 15a and 15b and the terminals is formed as separate parts, and the housing 18 is inserted into the holders 15a and 15b, and the resin claws 1 provided on the holders 15a and 15b are formed.
Although the movable connectors 19a and 19b are formed integrally by preventing the housing 18 from falling off by 6a and 16b, the housing 18 is formed by resin molding and has holes 14a and 14b at both ends at the same time. By forming the holders 15a and 15b to be movable connectors, it is possible to further reduce the number of parts and simplify the assembly.

[0024]

As described above, according to the present invention, a vehicle combination having a simple structure, a small number of parts, an excellent assembling workability, and a highly reliable relay connector between units is provided. A switch can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a rear view showing the configuration of an embodiment of a vehicle combination switch according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the same.

FIG. 3 is a detailed plan view of the connector section.

FIG. 4 is a detailed side view of the connector.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing the structure of the holder and a locking projection.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing a fitting operation of the connector section.

FIG. 7 is a rear view showing the configuration of a conventional vehicle combination switch.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the same.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 light control switch unit 2 wiper control switch unit 3a, 3b, 3c output connector 4a, 4b case 5 main body 5a, 5b groove 6a, 6b beam 7a, 7b mounting knob 8a, 8b stopper claw 9a, 9b printed circuit board 10a, 10b Fixed connector 11a, 11b Cover 12a, 12b Support 13a, 13b Locking projection 14a, 14b Hole 15a, 15b Holder 16a, 16b Claw 17 Relay lead 18 Housing 19a, 19b Movable connector 20a, 20b Stopper 21a , 21b Guide part

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A turn switch, a dimmer switch, and a case having a crosspiece fitted in a groove of a main body, an elastic mounting knob, and a stopper claw provided thereon.
A light control switch unit that houses a plurality of function switches of the light switch and has a fixed connector below the switch to take out the above switch signal to the outside, and similarly a bar, a mounting knob, and a stopper claw provided thereon. And a fixed connector, a wiper control switch unit for storing a plurality of function switches such as a wiper switch and a washer switch, and fitting / removing of the fixed connectors of the switch unit when the switch unit is mounted on the main body and mounted on the body. Combination switch for automobiles in which a relay lead wire having movable connectors at both ends is movably locked to the main body. 2. A supporting portion provided on the main body, a locking protrusion provided on the supporting portion, and a size provided so as to be relatively large and capable of relative movement with respect to the locking protrusion. The vehicle combination switch according to claim 1, wherein a movable connector having a hole formed therein and a stopper for restricting movement of the movable connector in a removal direction when the switch unit is removed are arranged on the main body. 3. The moving amount of the movable connector of the relay lead wire on at least one fitting side of the fixed connector provided on the switch unit or the movable connector provided on both ends of the relay lead wire. The vehicle combination switch according to claim 2, further comprising a guide surface. 4. A locking projection for housing a housing for accommodating a terminal portion of a relay lead wire, and a claw for holding the housing, and locking at both ends by a predetermined amount so as to be movable with respect to the main body. 3. The combination switch for an automobile according to claim 2, wherein a movable connector of the relay lead wire is constituted by a holder provided with a hole. 5. A movable connector which is integrally formed with a projection or a hole for movably engaging a predetermined amount with respect to a main body at both ends of a housing for accommodating a terminal portion of a relay lead wire. The vehicle combination switch according to claim 2, comprising: