JP2004314789A - Steering switch device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a steering switch device which is relatively small and lightweight, and which is excellent in the degree of freedom of an installation position.
A linear load detection sensor configured to linearly detect a load when a pair of electrode members are disposed in a linear shape and the pair of electrode members contact each other when a load is applied to make electrical conduction. Are arranged along the surface of the pad portion 14 and the spoke portion 16 of the steering wheel 10. The switch pressing operation unit 30 is provided on the position where the load detection sensor 20 is provided.
[Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a steering switch device provided in a steering of an automobile or the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a conventional steering switch, there is one disclosed in Patent Document 1.
[0003]
In Patent Literature 1, as a steering switch, for example, a push switch using a rubber contact or the like is used.
[0004]
The steering switch is disposed on a side wall of a pad portion of the steering wheel.
[0005]
Further, as a horn switch section structure provided on a steering wheel, there is one disclosed in Patent Document 2.
[0006]
In this horn switch structure, the center pad is attached to the center of the steering wheel so as to be able to be pressed. Inside the center pad, a plurality of springs and the like for urging the center pad outward are provided, and a horn switch using the spring and the like is provided.
[0007]
When the driver presses the center pad against the urging force of the spring, the horn switch inside the center pad is turned on and the horn operates.
[0008]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-103300 A [Patent Document 2]
JP-A-6-329025
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the steering switch disclosed in Patent Literature 1 has a problem that the structure is relatively complicated, resulting in an increase in size and weight.
[0010]
Further, for example, if such a large and heavy switch is disposed on the front surface of the pad portion, it will hinder the airbag deployment operation. Under such circumstances, the installation location of the switch is limited to a fixed location such as the periphery of the pad portion, and the installation location of the switch is restricted.
[0011]
Also, in the horn switch section structure disclosed in Patent Document 2, the mechanism for urging the center pad and the mechanism for turning on the horn switch in conjunction with the movement of the center pad are complicated, resulting in an increase in size and weight. There is a problem.
[0012]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a steering switch device which is relatively small and lightweight, and which is excellent in the degree of freedom of installation locations.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problem, an invention according to claim 1 is a steering wheel main body, a pad portion provided at a central portion of the steering wheel main body portion, and a pad between the steering wheel main body portion and the pad portion. A steering switch device incorporated in a steering having an arranged spoke portion, wherein a pair of electrode members are arranged in a line, and the pair of electrode members come into contact with each other by applying a load to electrically conduct. A load detection sensor that is configured in a line shape capable of detecting a load by being disposed along at least a part of the surface of the pad portion and the spoke portion, and on a position where the load detection sensor is disposed. And at least one switch pressing operation unit provided.
[0014]
As described in claim 2, at least one of the pair of electrode members has a predetermined resistance value per unit length, and the switch pressing operation unit is provided on a position where the load detection sensor is provided. May be provided in plurality.
[0015]
Further, as described in claim 3, an airbag is accommodated and arranged inside the pad portion, and a cleavage line is provided in the pad portion to be crushed by inflation and deployment of the airbag, and the load detection sensor is , It may be arranged at a position avoiding the cleavage line.
[0016]
As described in claim 4, the load detecting sensor is provided along the surface of the pad portion, and the horn is provided when the pair of electrode members are electrically conducted by pressing the surface of the pad portion. May be operated.
[0017]
In this case, it is preferable that the load detection sensor is disposed so as to draw a continuous substantially S-shape on the surface of the pad portion.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
<< 1st Embodiment >>
Hereinafter, a steering switch device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0019]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a steering wheel in which the present steering switch device is incorporated.
[0020]
The steering wheel 10 is provided in front of an indoor driver's seat of an automobile or the like. When a driver operates the steering wheel 10, the front wheels of the vehicle change directions, and the vehicle changes direction.
[0021]
The steering wheel 10 includes a steering wheel body 12, a pad portion 14, and a spoke portion 16.
[0022]
The pad portion 14 is formed in a substantially bowl-shaped cover shape with resin or the like, and is attached on an extension of the steering column shaft.
[0023]
The airbag is accommodated and arranged in the pad portion 14 in a folded form. A cleavage line 14L is formed in the middle part of the pad portion 14 in the vertical direction along the width direction. The portion of the pad portion 14 where the cleavage line 14L is formed is more easily broken than other portions. Then, when the airbag is inflated and deployed in an emergency or the like, the pad portion 14 is pressed along the cleavage line 14L under the deployment force. Thereby, the airbag is configured to be inflated and deployed in front of the steering wheel 10. In addition, the example of the cleavage line which is crushed when the airbag is deployed is not limited to this example.
[0024]
Further, the steering wheel body 12 is formed in a substantially annular shape. The pad portion 14 is disposed substantially at the center of the steering wheel body 12.
[0025]
The spoke portion 16 is disposed between the steering wheel body 12 and the pad portion 14 and connects the two. In the present embodiment, a total of four spoke portions 16 are provided so as to extend on both sides of the pad portion 14 and diagonally downward on both sides.
[0026]
The steering wheel 10 incorporates a steering switch device including a load detection sensor 20 and a switch pressing operation unit 30.
[0027]
The load detection sensor 20 is formed in a linear shape, and is disposed along at least a part of the surface of the pad portion 14 and the spoke portion 16.
[0028]
In the present embodiment, the load detection sensor 20 is configured such that the surface of the spoke portion 16 extending obliquely downward to one side from the surface of the spoke portion 16 extending to one side of the pad portion 14 and the lower half surface of the pad portion 14 In addition, the pad portion 14 is disposed along the surface of the spoke portion 16 extending obliquely downward to the other side of the pad portion 14 and the surface of the spoke portion 16 extending to the other side of the pad portion 14.
[0029]
Further, at least one switch pressing operation unit 30 is provided on the position where the load detection sensor 20 is provided.
[0030]
In the present embodiment, a pair of spoke portions 16 extending to both sides from the pad portion 14 are each provided with two switch pressing operation portions 30. Also, one switch pressing operation part 30 is provided on each of the spoke parts 16 extending obliquely downward on both sides from the pad part 14. Further, four switch pressing sections 30 are provided in the lower half of the pad section 14 along its width direction.
[0031]
The switch types of the switch pressing operation unit 30 provided on the steering wheel 10 include, for example, an audio volume adjustment switch, an audio medium (CD, radio (AM, FM), MD, etc.) changeover switch, and an audio station selection. Switches, an audio on / off switch, an air conditioner on / off switch, an air conditioner temperature adjustment switch, an air conditioner air volume adjustment switch, an air conditioner mode (wind outlet, inside / outside air circulation, etc.) changeover switch, a hands-free switch, a cruise control switch, and the like.
[0032]
The load detection sensor 20 and the switch pressing operation unit 30 are incorporated in the steering wheel 10, for example, in a mode shown in FIG.
[0033]
That is, the pad portion 14 and the spoke portion 16 have a relatively flexible sponge layer 42 formed of a resin or the like on a structural material portion 40 serving as a base material formed of a resin or the like. The structure is such that a relatively thin skin 44 is formed.
[0034]
The load detecting sensor 20 is embedded in the sponge layer 42. As the embedded configuration of the load detection sensor 20, for example, a configuration in which the sponge layer 42 is molded on the back side of the skin 44 while the load detection sensor 20 is fixed to the back side of the skin 44 can be adopted. .
[0035]
Further, in this example, the switch pressing operation portion 30 is formed by protruding the sponge layer 42 portion from other portions. Then, when the driver presses the switch pressing operation portion 30 which is the protruding portion, a load corresponding to the operation is transmitted to the load detection sensor 20 via the skin 44 or the like.
[0036]
Note that letters or symbols indicating the type of switch may be attached to the surface of the skin 44 of the switch pressing section 30.
[0037]
FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating an example of the load detection sensor 20. FIG.
[0038]
The load detection sensor 20 includes an elastic conductive tube (elastic tube) 21, a center electrode member 23, and an insulated linear member 25.
[0039]
The elastic conductive tube 21 is formed of an elastic material, and at least a part of the circumferential direction is a conductive portion having elasticity. Here, the entire elastic conductive tube 21 is formed of an elastic conductive material such as conductive rubber or elastic conductive resin, and the entire section in the circumferential direction is a conductive portion.
[0040]
The center electrode member 23 has an elongated shape which is bendable in one direction and is provided in the elastic conductive tube 21. The center electrode member 23 has predetermined tensile strength and resilience to bending deformation, and has a slender shape having a circular cross section having elasticity at least in the outer peripheral portion. And a conductive thin metal wire (second metal wire) 23b spirally densely wound horizontally at a predetermined pitch. As a material of the metal wire 23b, a nickel alloy, copper, a copper alloy, nichrome, stainless steel, or the like is used. Here, the metal wire 23b is wound so that a part of the cross section (in this case, half moderate) is cut into the surface of the central member 23a to prevent displacement.
[0041]
The center member 23a includes a center reinforcing member (tension member) having high tensile strength and an elastic layer (here, an elastic insulating material) made of an elastic material (here, an elastic insulating material) provided by extrusion molding around the center reinforcing member. Layer). As the material of the center reinforcing member, a fiber obtained by twisting or bundling fibers having high tensile strength (such as aramid fibers) is used. As the elastic insulating material of the elastic insulating layer, fluorine rubber, silicone rubber, EPDM or the like is used.
[0042]
The insulating linear member 25 has an elongated shape having an insulating property at least at its outer peripheral portion. In the present embodiment, a metal wire (first metal wire) and an insulating material such as enamel are applied to the surface of the metal wire. And an insulating coating layer formed by the formation. The insulated linear member 25 is spirally wound around the center electrode member 23 at a predetermined winding interval. Here, the winding interval and the like are adjusted according to the sensor sensitivity and the like as described later.
[0043]
To assemble the load detection sensor 20, the insulated wire member 25 is continuously wound around the outer periphery of the center electrode member 23 in the longitudinal direction by a winding machine or the like, and the insulated wire member 25 is elastically wound together with the center electrode member 23. This is performed by inserting it into the conductive tube 21.
[0044]
In the load detection sensor 20, when no load is applied, the center electrode member 23 (particularly, the metal wire 23 b) is separated from the elastic conductive tube 21 by the insulated linear member 25 so as to be electrically insulated. It has become.
[0045]
On the other hand, when a load having a predetermined strength or more is applied to the load detection sensor 20 and the internal cavity of the elastic conductive tube 21 is elastically deformed so as to be crushed, the helically wound insulating linear member 25 Electrical contact between the elastic conductive tube 21 and the center electrode member 23 via the gap is allowed. Then, the elastic conductive tube 21 returns to the original shape with the release of the load application, and the electrical contact between the elastic conductive tube 21 and the center electrode member 23 is released.
[0046]
When there is only one switch pressing operation unit 30, whether or not the switch pressing operation unit 30 is pressed is detected based on the presence or absence of conduction between the center electrode member 23 and the elastic conductive tube 21.
[0047]
On the other hand, when a plurality of switch pressing sections 30 are provided, it is determined which switch pressing section 30 has been pressed by the following principle.
[0048]
FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating the principle of determining which switch pressing operation unit 30 is pressed when a plurality of switch pressing operation units 30 are provided.
[0049]
As shown in FIG. 4A, the center electrode member 23 has a constant resistance value per unit length, and one end of the center electrode member 23 is connected to the ground (0 V), The other end of the member 23 is connected to a power supply, and a predetermined constant voltage E0 is applied. The elastic conductive tube 21 has a resistance that is negligible compared to the resistance of the center electrode member 23, is connected to a voltage detection terminal of the voltage detection unit 50, and has a voltage value E Can be detected.
[0050]
FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an equivalent circuit of the load detection sensor 20 viewed from the voltage detection unit 50.
[0051]
Each switch pressing operation unit 30 is disposed at a predetermined position along the longitudinal direction of the load detection sensor 20. In a state where none of the load detection sensors 20 is pressed (is not turned on), the center electrode member 23 and the elastic conductive tube 21 are electrically disconnected, and the detection voltage value of the elastic conductive tube 21 is set to the ground. Level.
[0052]
On the other hand, when one of the load detection sensors 20 is pressed, the center electrode member 23 and the elastic conductive tube 21 conduct at a predetermined position along the longitudinal direction of the load detection sensor 20, and the load detection sensor 20 Is detected, the voltage value of the elastic conductive tube 21 is detected. That is, the resistance value of the other end side (the side connected to the power source) of the center electrode member 23 from the position where the center electrode member 23 and the elastic conductive tube 21 are conducted is R1, and one end side of the center electrode member 23 (ground). Assuming that the resistance value on the side connected to is R2, the detection voltage value E is E0 × R2 / (R1 + R2).
[0053]
As described above, since the voltage value corresponding to the position of the load detection sensor 20 that has been pressed is detected, it is determined which load detection sensor 20 has been pressed according to the detected voltage value. This determination result is sent to each device (audio or air conditioner device) mounted on the vehicle, and each device performs an operation according to the switch operation.
[0054]
According to the steering switch device configured as described above, since the linear load detection sensor 20 is disposed along the surfaces of the pad portion 14 and the spoke portion 16, the configuration is simplified, and the conventional configuration is simplified. Compared with a configuration using a push switch using a rubber contact or the like, the size and weight can be reduced. In addition, as a result of such a reduction in size and weight, for example, the airbag deployment operation and the operation of the steering wheel 10 are hardly hindered, and not only the peripheral portion of the pad portion 14 but also the front portion of the pad portion 14 and the like. It can also be provided with a large number of switch pressing operation sections 30, and it is excellent in the degree of freedom of an installation place (design).
[0055]
In addition, since a relatively flexible linear sensor is used as the linear load detection sensor 20, it can be installed on a curved surface portion or a narrow space portion.
[0056]
Further, since the load detection sensor 20 is provided at a position that does not straddle the cleavage line 14L while avoiding the cleavage line 14L, the inflating and deploying operation of the airbag can be performed smoothly.
[0057]
Further, since the center electrode member 23 has a constant resistance value per unit length, a plurality of switch pressing operations are performed by detecting a voltage value corresponding to the position of the switch pressing operation unit 30 that has been pressed. It is possible to determine which of the units 30 has been pressed, and a plurality of switches can be provided by one load detection sensor.
[0058]
<< 2nd Embodiment >>
The invention according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Here, an embodiment in which the steering switch device is applied to a horn switch device will be described.
[0059]
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a steering wheel in which the horn switch device is incorporated.
[0060]
The steering wheel 110 is provided in front of an indoor driver's seat of an automobile or the like. When a driver operates the steering wheel 110, the front wheels of the vehicle change directions, and the vehicle changes direction.
[0061]
The steering wheel 110 includes a steering wheel body 112, a pad section 114, and a spoke section 116.
[0062]
The pad portion 114 is formed in a substantially bowl-shaped cover shape with resin or the like, and is mounted on a steering column shaft extension via a bracket body 113.
[0063]
An airbag (not shown) is accommodated and arranged in the pad portion 114 in a folded form. A groove-like cleavage line 114L is formed in the middle part of the pad part 114 in the vertical direction along the width direction thereof. The portion of the pad portion 114 where the cleavage line 114L is formed is easier to crack than other portions. Then, when the airbag is inflated and deployed in an emergency or the like, the deploying force causes the pad portion 114 to be broken along the cleavage line 114L. Thus, the airbag is inflated and deployed in front of the steering wheel 110. In addition, the example of the cleavage line which is crushed when the airbag is deployed is not limited to this example.
[0064]
Further, the steering wheel body 112 is formed in a substantially annular shape. The pad portion 114 is disposed substantially at the center of the steering wheel body 112.
[0065]
The spoke portion 116 is provided between the steering wheel main body 112 and the pad portion 114 and connects the both. In the present embodiment, a total of four spokes 116 are provided so as to extend on both sides and diagonally downward on both sides of the pad 114.
[0066]
The load detection sensor 20 is incorporated in the steering wheel 110.
[0067]
The load detection sensor 20 is formed in a linear shape, and is disposed along the surface of the pad portion 114.
[0068]
More specifically, the load detection sensor 20 is disposed so as to draw a plurality of continuous substantially S-shaped portions in the upper half region of the surface of the pad portion 114 and the lower half region of the surface of the pad portion 114. Are arranged in such a manner as to draw a plurality of substantially S-shaped characters. In this manner, the upper half region and the lower half region are arranged so as to draw a plurality of separate and substantially S-shaped portions. This is for the purpose of arranging without straddling. In order to make the horn sound even when any position on the surface of the pad portion 114 is pressed, the load detection sensor 20 may be disposed over the entire surface of the pad portion 114.
[0069]
The load detection sensor 20 is arranged along the surface of the pad portion 114 in the form shown in FIG. 6, for example.
[0070]
That is, a relatively soft sponge layer 142 is also formed of a resin or the like on a structural material portion 140 serving as a base material formed of a resin or the like, and a relatively thin skin layer is formed on the sponge layer 142. 144 is formed.
[0071]
The load detection sensor 20 is embedded in the sponge layer 142. As a configuration in which the load detection sensor 20 is embedded, for example, a configuration in which the sponge layer 142 is molded on the back surface side of the skin 144 while the load detection sensor 20 is fixed to the back surface side of the skin 144 can be adopted. .
[0072]
When the driver presses the surface of the pad portion 114 with his / her hand, a load corresponding to the pressing operation is transmitted to the load detection sensor 20 via the skin 144 or the like. In this embodiment, the pad portion 114 corresponds to a switch pressing operation portion provided on the position where the load detection sensor 20 is provided.
[0073]
The configuration of the load detection sensor 20 itself is the same as that described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B in the first embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. , And the detailed description is omitted here.
[0074]
One end of the elastic conductive tube 21 and one end of the center electrode member 23 of the load detection sensor 20 are electrically connected to the conduction detection unit 130 via the connector 128 and the like.
[0075]
Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the continuity detecting unit 130 detects the presence or absence of continuity between the elastic conductive tube 21 and the center electrode member 23, and when the continuity is detected, a horn-on signal is output. The horn 132 operates via an omitted drive circuit.
[0076]
According to the horn switch device configured as described above, the linear load detection sensor 20 is disposed along the surface of the pad portion 114, and the elastic conduction of the load detection sensor 20 is performed by pressing the surface of the pad portion 114. The horn is activated when conduction between the tube 21 and the center electrode member 23 is obtained, so that a conventional mechanism or switch mechanism for urging the entire pad portion becomes unnecessary, and Can be simplified, reduced in size and reduced in weight. Thereby, for example, effects such as cost reduction and improvement in steering operation feeling can be obtained.
[0077]
Further, in the conventional configuration, the center pad is biased by a plurality of springs, so that an operation feeling (a pressing force, a stroke, and the like) is different depending on a pressing position. However, in this horn switch device, Since the load is applied to the linear load detection sensor 20 by pressing the surface of the pad portion 114, an operation feeling as uniform as possible over the entire surface of the pad portion 114 can be realized.
[0078]
Further, in the past, since the entire center pad was moved, a gap for moving the center pad was required. This eliminates the need for a gap, thereby improving the design. Further, the operation feeling for sounding the horn can be improved.
[0079]
Further, since the load detection sensor 20 is provided at a position that does not straddle the cleavage line 114L while avoiding the cleavage line 114L, the inflation and deployment operation of the airbag can be performed smoothly.
[0080]
Of course, for the same reason as described in the first embodiment, the degree of freedom of the installation place (design) is excellent.
[0081]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the steering switch device of the first aspect of the present invention, the linear load detection sensor is disposed along at least a part of the surface of the pad portion and the spoke portion. It is relatively compact and lightweight, and is excellent in freedom of installation location.
[0082]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, since at least one of the pair of electrode members has a predetermined resistance value per unit length, both electrode members when the pair of electrode members are in contact with each other are provided. By detecting the resistance value or the corresponding voltage drop value, it is possible to determine which switch pressing operation unit has been pressed, and to provide a plurality of switches with one load detection sensor Can be.
[0083]
Furthermore, according to the third aspect of the invention, the inflating and deploying operation of the airbag can be performed smoothly.
[0084]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the horn can be operated when conduction between the pair of electrode members is obtained by pressing the surface of the pad portion.
[0085]
Further, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the operation feeling as uniform as possible can be obtained on the surface of the pad portion.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of a steering wheel according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where a load detection sensor and a switch pressing operation unit are incorporated in a steering wheel.
FIG. 3A is a perspective view illustrating a load detection sensor, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view illustrating the load detection sensor.
FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram for explaining the principle of the load detection sensor, and FIG. 4B is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit of the load detection sensor.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of a steering wheel according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a load detection sensor is provided on a pad portion.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of electrical connection of a load detection sensor.
[Explanation of symbols]
10, 110 Steering wheel 12, 112 Steering wheel body 14, 114 Pad portion 14L, 114L Cleaving line 16, 116 Spoke portion 20 Load detection sensor 21 Elastic conductive tube 23 Central electrode member 30 Switch pressing operation portion 130 Conduction detection portion 132 Horn

Claims (5)

A steering wheel body, a pad portion provided at a center portion of the steering wheel body portion, and a spoke portion provided between the steering wheel body portion and the pad portion are incorporated in a steering provided with the steering wheel body portion. A steering switch device,
The pair of electrode members are arranged in a linear shape, and the pair of electrode members are configured to be in a linear shape capable of detecting a load by applying a load so that the pair of electrode members come into contact with each other and electrically conduct, and the pad portion and the spoke portion A load detection sensor disposed along at least a portion of the surface of the
At least one switch pressing operation unit provided on an arrangement position of the load detection sensor;
Steering switch device equipped with The steering switch device according to claim 1,
At least one of the pair of electrode members has a predetermined resistance value per unit length,
A steering switch device, wherein a plurality of the switch pressing operation units are provided on a position where the load detection sensor is provided. The steering switch device according to claim 1 or 2,
An airbag is housed and arranged inside the pad portion, and a cleavage line is provided in the pad portion that is broken by inflation and deployment of the airbag,
The steering switch device, wherein the load detection sensor is disposed at a position avoiding the cleavage line. The steering switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The steering switch device, wherein the load detection sensor is disposed along a surface of the pad portion, and activates a horn when the pair of electrode members are electrically connected by pressing the surface of the pad portion. The steering switch device according to claim 4, wherein
The steering switch device, wherein the load detection sensor is disposed so as to draw a continuous substantially S-shape on the surface of the pad portion.

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