JPH11134973A - Combination switch apparatus for multiplex communication - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a combination switch apparatus for multiplex communication which can be manufactured at lowered cost, miniaturized, and made easy to change its multiplex unit substrate. SOLUTION: A bracket 33 is fixed in a vehicle body side while penetrating a steering shaft 31. A turn lever unit 45 and a wiper lever unit 47 are attached to the bracket 33 in freely detachable manner through engagement means 39, 57 enabled to release the engagement. Pairs of connectors 53, 61, 65, 66 for electrically connecting a multiplex communication unit 63 with a turn lever unit 45 and the wiper lever unit 47 are connected between the multiplex communication unit 63 and the turn lever unit 45 and between the multiplex communication unit 63 and the wiper lever unit 47 one pair by one pair.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multiplex communication combination switch device for transmitting signals of a turn lever unit, a wiper lever unit and the like by multiplex communication.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the advancement of electronic systems mounted on vehicles, the number of electric wires and the amount of signals tend to increase.
In response to this, a multiplex communication system capable of transmitting a plurality of signals on the same transmission line has been adopted as an effective means. As one of the devices utilizing this type of multiplex communication system, for example, a multiplex communication combination switch device (referred to as a combination switch) for transmitting a signal from a vehicle turn lever unit, a wiper lever unit, or the like as a multiplex signal has been proposed. I have.

[0003] As shown in FIG.
Is a body 3 inserted into a steering shaft (not shown).
And a turn lever unit 5 for operating a head lamp, a turn lamp, and the like, a wiper lever unit 7 for operating a wiper, a washer, and the like, and a multiplex unit board 9 on which a multiplex transmission control circuit is formed. It is provided for.

The body 3 has a steering shaft penetrating portion 11, lever switch mounting portions 13 on both sides, a cable type electric connection device (referred to as a spiral cable) 15 for making an electric connection to an auxiliary device on the steering wheel, A multiplex unit substrate mounting section 17 (see FIG. 3) is provided. Also,
As shown in FIG. 3, a bus bar 19 is built in the body 3 by insert molding, and the bus bar 19 is formed as a plurality of concentric arc-shaped circuits outside the steering shaft insertion portion 11.

The bus bar 19 has a part of an end protruding from the lever switch mounting portion 13 and the multiplex unit substrate mounting portion 17, and has a lever switch connection terminal 21 and a substrate connection terminal 2.
It is set to 3. The multi-unit board 9 is connected to the board connection terminals 23 in the multi-unit board mounting section 17 and is built in the body 3. Further, the bus bar 19 is also provided with a circuit for connecting the spiral cable 15, the steering angle sensor 25, and the like.

Accordingly, the turn lever unit 5, the wiper lever unit 7, the spiral cable 15, and the steering angle sensor 25 are connected to the multiplex unit board 9 via the bus bar 19, and the multiplex unit board 9 transmits the plurality of signals in the same manner. Transmission is possible over the wire.

[0007]

However, in the conventional combination switch 1 described above, a plurality of electrical components scattered around the steering shaft and the multi-unit board 9 are inserted into the bus bar 19 having a complicated shape in the body 3. Since the connection was made by molding, there was a problem that the body 3 became expensive. In addition, since the mounting and housing space for the turn lever unit 5, the wiper lever unit 7, the spiral cable 15, the steering angle sensor 25, and the like is formed in the body 3, the body shape becomes complicated and large,
There was a problem that the entire steering column was enlarged.
Furthermore, since the multi-unit board 9 is connected to the bus bar 19 by soldering or elastic contact terminals and is built into the body 3, the column cover is removed when the multi-unit board 9 becomes abnormal. 3 has to be exposed, and furthermore, the cover for the multi-unit board has to be removed and replaced in a narrow space. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a multiplex communication combination switch device that can reduce costs, achieve downsizing, and easily replace a multiplex unit board. I do.

[0008]

To achieve the above object, a combination switch device for multiplex communication according to the present invention comprises: a bracket fixed to a vehicle body by inserting a steering shaft; A turn lever unit and a wiper lever unit that are detachably mounted via engagement means that can be disengaged; a multiplex communication unit that multiplexes at least signals from the turn lever unit and the wiper lever unit; A pair is provided between the communication unit and the turn lever unit and between the multiplex communication unit and the wiper lever unit. And a connector for electrically connecting the wiper lever unit. It is to feature a.

In this multiplex communication combination switch device, the turn lever unit and the wiper lever unit are fixed to the bracket, and the multiplex communication unit is directly connected to these units by a connector. This eliminates the need for a body that is insert-molded with a complicated circuit that was necessary for the above. In addition, since no body is required, the entire device is reduced in size. Further, since the multiplex communication unit is directly connected to each unit by a connector, the exchange becomes easy.

The configuration of the multiplex communication combination switch device is such that a pair of spiral cable units mounted on the bracket and a pair provided between the multiplex communication unit and the spiral cable unit are detachably fitted to each other. And a connector for electrically connecting the multiplex communication unit and the spiral cable unit.

In the multiplex communication combination switch device, the spiral cable unit can be directly connected to the multiplex communication unit in addition to the turn lever unit and the wiper lever unit.

[0012] Further, in the connector, one of a pair of the connectors is provided to a housing of the multiplex communication unit.
Alternatively, it is preferable that the housing be movable with respect to the housings of the turn lever unit, the wiper lever unit, and the spiral cable unit.

In this multiplex communication combination switch device, one of the pair of connectors is movable with respect to the housing of each unit, and a relative displacement occurs between the mating connectors. If one is present, one of the connectors moves to a position where it can be fitted, and the displacement is absorbed.

Further, the configuration of the multiplex communication combination switch device is characterized in that the multiplex communication unit is detachably mounted on the bracket via an engagement means which can be disengaged. Good.

In this combination switch device for multiplex communication, the multiplex communication unit is mounted on the bracket via the engagement means, and the multiplex communication unit is more securely fixed, and the relative position of the multiplex communication unit to other units due to vibration or the like is increased. Movement is prevented.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of a multiplex communication combination switch device according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a combination switch device for multiplex communication according to the present invention. A bracket 33 is inserted through the outer periphery of the steering shaft 31, and the bracket 33 is fixed to a vehicle body (not shown). The bracket 33 is inserted through the steering shaft 31 by loosely fitting the steering shaft 31 into a hole 33b formed in the center of the substrate 33a.

The bracket 33 fixed as described above
The board portion 33a of the bracket 33 is disposed in a plane direction orthogonal to the steering shaft 31. This board part 3
On both left and right sides of 3a, a pair of support plate portions 35 that are once bent perpendicularly to the board portion 33a and then bent outward in parallel with the board portion 33a are formed. .

Each support plate 35 has a guide 3
7, an engagement means (referred to as a locking hole) 39, and a cable unit fixing piece 41.

The guide portion 37 is provided at the base 35 of the support plate portion 35.
The upper and lower edges are formed by bending the upper and lower edges parallel to the base 35a toward the engine room. The locking hole 39 is formed in the base 35a. Cable unit fixing piece 41
Is provided in parallel with the base 35a by bending a part of the base 35a, or a separate body is provided in parallel with the base 35a by spot welding or the like. The cable unit fixing piece 41 has a spiral cable unit 43 with a fixing hole 43b.
Are fixed by screws (not shown) inserted through the holes.

A turn lever unit 45 is mounted on one of the pair of support plate portions 35, and a wiper lever unit 47 is mounted on the other.

Since the turn lever unit 45 and the wiper lever unit 47 have the same structure, here, the turn lever unit 45 will be described as an example. The turn lever unit 45 includes an operation lever 49, a switch assembly 51, a standby connector 53, a mounting groove 55, and an engagement means (referred to as an elastic locking claw) 57.

The standby connector 53 is fixed to the housing 51a of the switch assembly 51 via, for example, an elastic arm (not shown), and is relatively movable with respect to the housing 51a within an elastic deformation range of the elastic arm. I have.

A switch mechanism (not shown) is built in the switch assembly 51. The base end of the operation lever 49 is pivotally supported within the switch assembly 51. When the driver moves the operation lever 49 up, down, back and forth around the fulcrum, the base end of the operation lever 49 is moved inside the switch assembly 51. To act on the switch mechanism to switch the connection state. The connection state of the switch mechanism is transmitted to the standby connector 53.

A push-button or rotary knob switch 59 is provided at the tip of the operation lever 49.
When the driver operates the knob switch 59, the connection state is switched, and the connection state of the switch mechanism is also transmitted to the standby connector 53.

The switch assembly 51 is formed in a substantially cubic shape. The elastic locking claw 57 is provided on the front surface 51 b (the surface on the vehicle compartment side) of the switch assembly 51 so as to project toward the support plate portion 35 of the bracket 33. A claw is provided at the tip of the elastic locking claw 57, and the claw can be engaged with the locking hole 39 of the support plate portion 35.

The mounting groove 55 is provided in the switch assembly 51.
Are provided vertically on the front surface 51b of the base member with the elastic locking claw 57 interposed therebetween. The mounting groove 55 has a groove upper surface opening on the elastic locking claw 57 side and a terminal opening 55a on the support plate portion 35 side. The guide opening 3 of the support plate 35 is provided at the distal end opening 55a.
7 is to enter.

The spiral cable unit 43 has a built-in cable (not shown) for supplying electricity to accessories on the steering (not shown). Spiral cable unit 4
A standby connector 61 is provided on the back surface of 3 and the standby connector 61 is connected to an end of a built-in cable. The standby connector 61 is fixed to the housing 43a of the spiral cable unit 43 via, for example, an elastic arm (not shown), and is relatively movable with respect to the housing 43a within an elastic deformation range of the elastic arm.

On the other hand, the multiplex communication unit 63 incorporates a power supply circuit for the spiral cable unit 43 and the like, in addition to a multiplex communication circuit capable of transmitting and receiving a plurality of types of signals on the same transmission line. The multiplex communication unit 63 is provided with a standby connector 53 of the turn lever unit 45, a standby connector 53 of the wiper lever unit 47, and fixed connectors 65 and 66 that are fitted to the standby connector 61 of the spiral cable unit 43, respectively. is there.

Each of the fixed connectors 65 and 66 includes a turn lever unit 45 and a wiper lever unit 4.
7 and the spiral cable unit 43 with the support plate 3
5 and each standby connector 5
3 and 61 are arranged at the same position.

The multiplex communication unit 63 includes a fixed connector 6
5 and 66 may be fitted to the respective standby connectors 53 and 61 to be supported and fixed to the turn lever unit 45, the wiper lever unit 47, and the spiral cable unit 43 side. Alternatively, it may be mounted on the top plate portion 35b of the support plate portion 35, and detachably attached to the top plate portion 35b via an engagement means (not shown) that can be disengaged. With such a structure, the multiplex communication unit 63 can be fixed more reliably, relative movement with other units can be prevented, and the reliability of electrical connection can be improved.

In order to assemble the multiplex communication combination switch device (combination switch) 67 having the respective components as described above, first, the turn lever unit 45 is attached to one of the support plates 35 (right side in FIG. 1) of the bracket 33. At the same time, the wiper lever unit 47 is mounted on the other (left side in FIG. 1) support plate 35. The mounting of the lever unit is performed by inserting the mounting groove 55 of the switch assembly 51 into the guide portion 37 of the support plate portion 35 and inserting the switch assembly 51 along the guide portion 37 so that the locking hole of the support plate portion 35 is formed. The engagement is performed by locking the elastic locking claws 57 of the switch assembly 51 to the switch 39.

Next, the multiplex communication unit 63 is attached to the standby connector 53 of each lever unit by fitting the fixed connector 65 thereto. At this time, even if a relative displacement occurs between the fixed connector 65 and the standby connector 53, the stationary connector 65 and the standby connector 53 move to a position where the standby connector 53 can be fitted, and absorb the positional shift. To be fitted. The multiplex communication unit 6
In the configuration in which the engaging means is provided over the top 3 and the top plate 35b, the multiplex communication unit 63 and the top plate 35
b is fixed.

Thus, the turn lever unit 4
5, wiper lever unit 47, multiplex communication unit 6
With the 3 fixed to the bracket 33, the spiral cable unit 43 is attached to the fixed connector 66 of the multiplex communication unit 63 by fitting the standby connector 61 thereto. That is, a screw is inserted through the fixing hole 43b of the spiral cable unit 43 and the screw is fixed to the cable unit fixing piece 41 of the support plate portion 35, thereby screwing the spiral cable unit 43 over the left and right support plate portions 35. To wear. At this time, even if a relative displacement occurs between the fixed connector 66 and the standby connector 61, the stationary connector 66 and the standby connector 61 move to a position where the standby connector 61 can be fitted and absorb the positional shift. To be fitted.

In the combination switch 67, the turn lever unit 45, the wiper lever unit 47, and the spiral cable unit 43 are fixed to the bracket 33,
Since these units and the multiplex communication unit 63 can be directly connected to the connector, there is no need to make an electrical connection via a body having a bus bar.

Therefore, according to the combination switch 67, a body in which a complicated circuit is insert-molded as in the related art is not required, and the apparatus cost can be greatly reduced.

Since the body is not required, the size of the combination switch 67 can be reduced, and the entire steering column can be prevented from being enlarged.

Further, since the multiplex communication unit 63 is directly connected to each unit by a connector, replacement is facilitated, workability is improved, and work steps can be reduced.

In the embodiment described above, the multiplex communication unit 63 is provided with the fixed connectors 65 and 66, and the turn lever unit 45, the wiper lever unit 47, and the spiral cable unit 43 are provided with the standby connectors 53 and 6.
1, the fixed connector 65,
Conversely, the 66 and the standby connectors 53 and 61 may be provided with the standby connector 53 on the multiplex communication unit 63 side and the fixed connector 65 on the turn lever unit 45 side, for example.

Although not shown in the above-described embodiment, the combination switch 67 includes a steering angle sensor for the bracket 3.
3 and a fixed connector and a standby connector similar to those described above may be provided between the multiplex communication unit 63 and the steering angle sensor.

[0040]

As described above in detail, according to the multiplex communication combination switch device of the first aspect, the turn lever unit and the wiper lever unit are fixed to the bracket, and the multiplex communication is directly performed on these units. Since the unit is connected with a connector, a body that is insert-molded with a complicated circuit as in the past is not required.
The apparatus cost can be significantly reduced. Further, since no body is required, the size of the apparatus can be reduced.
Further, since the multiplex communication unit is directly connected to each unit by a connector, replacement is facilitated, workability is improved, and man-hours can be reduced. According to the multiplex communication combination switch device according to claim 2, the spiral cable unit is also a turn lever unit,
At the same time as the wiper lever unit, the multiplex communication unit can be directly connected to the connector. According to the combination switch device for multiplex communication according to the third aspect, one of the pair of connectors is movable with respect to the housing of each unit. Even in the case where a displacement has occurred, one connector is moved to a position where it can be fitted, and the displacement can be absorbed and fitted. According to the multiplex communication combination switch device according to the fourth aspect, the multiplex communication unit can be fixed more reliably, relative movement with other units due to vibration or the like can be prevented, and electrical connection reliability can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a multiplex communication combination switch device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a conventional combination switch device.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a body used in a conventional combination switch device as viewed from an engine room side.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 31 steering shaft 33 bracket 39 locking hole (engaging means) 43 spiral cable unit 45 turn lever unit 47 wiper lever unit 53, 61 standby connector (connector) 57 elastic locking claw (engaging means) 63 multiplex communication unit 65, 66 Fixed connector (connector) 67 Combination switch (combination switch device for multiplex communication)

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A bracket fixed to a vehicle body through a steering shaft, a turn lever unit and a wiper lever unit detachably attached to the bracket via engagement means that can be disengaged. A multiplex communication unit that multiplexes and transmits signals from at least the turn lever unit and the wiper lever unit; and between the multiplex communication unit and the turn lever unit and between the multiplex communication unit and the wiper lever unit. Characterized in that the combination switch is provided with a pair of connectors each of which is detachably fitted to each other and electrically connects the multiplex communication unit with the turn lever unit and the wiper lever unit. apparatus. 2. A spiral cable unit attached to the bracket, a pair provided between the multiplex communication unit and the spiral cable unit, the multiplex communication unit and the spiral cable being removably fitted to each other. 2. The multiplex communication combination switch device according to claim 1, further comprising a connector for electrically connecting the unit. 3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein one of the pair is movable with respect to a housing of the multiplex communication unit, or with respect to a housing of the turn lever unit, the wiper lever unit, and the spiral cable unit. 3. The multiplex communication combination switch device according to claim 1, wherein: 4. The multiplex communication unit according to claim 1, wherein said multiplex communication unit is detachably attached to said bracket via engagement means capable of being disengaged.
A combination switch device for multiplex communication according to claim 1.