US20090090826A1 - Structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube - Google Patents
Structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090090826A1 US20090090826A1 US12/245,649 US24564908A US2009090826A1 US 20090090826 A1 US20090090826 A1 US 20090090826A1 US 24564908 A US24564908 A US 24564908A US 2009090826 A1 US2009090826 A1 US 2009090826A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- switch body
- steering column
- column tube
- adaptor
- attaching
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- 210000000078 claw Anatomy 0.000 claims description 28
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000003556 assay Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920000122 acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007935 neutral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/02—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments
- B60Q1/04—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights
- B60Q1/14—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights having dimming means
- B60Q1/1446—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights having dimming means controlled by mechanically actuated switches
- B60Q1/1453—Hand actuated switches
- B60Q1/1461—Multifunction switches for dimming headlights and controlling additional devices, e.g. for controlling direction indicating lights
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D1/00—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle
- B62D1/02—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle vehicle-mounted
- B62D1/16—Steering columns
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D65/00—Designing, manufacturing, e.g. assembling, facilitating disassembly, or structurally modifying motor vehicles or trailers, not otherwise provided for
- B62D65/02—Joining sub-units or components to, or positioning sub-units or components with respect to, body shell or other sub-units or components
- B62D65/14—Joining sub-units or components to, or positioning sub-units or components with respect to, body shell or other sub-units or components the sub-units or components being passenger compartment fittings, e.g. seats, linings, trim, instrument panels
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube, in more particular, to a structure in which a switch body can be easily attached to a steering column tube.
- a switch body mounting a light switch, a wiper switch or the like is attached at an edge of a column tube which supports a steering shaft of a vehicle.
- this type of attachment structure for example, there is disclosed a configuration in which an attachment portion extending outwards from a rim of an open hole letting a steering column tube penetrate is extendingly formed on a lower surface of a switch body and a ring-shaped clamping band is fitted over the attachment portion.
- the clamping band is a member in which a spring force acts in a diameter-reducing direction and a diameter-expanded state is kept by locking both edges thereof to a holding portion on the lower surface of the switch body.
- the switch body when attaching a switch body to a steering column tube, the switch body is temporarily fixed to the steering column tube by firstly letting the steering column tube through an insertion opening of the switch body.
- the diameter-expanded state of the clamping band by the holding portion is released since a temporarily locked state of the both edges of the clamping band with the holding portion is released. Therefore, since the clamping band reduces a diameter by a spring force thereof, the clamping band strongly presses an assembly portion of the switch body against the steering column tube from the periphery, as a result, the switch body is fixed to the steering column tube.
- a structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube comprises:
- the switch body may be attached by being temporarily assembled with the adaptor and being pushed into the steering column tube in this temporarily assembled state.
- the first engaging portion of the adaptor may be a metal clip attached by fixing to a predetermined position of the adaptor.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube in a first preferred embodiment according to the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a revolved section showing the structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube shown in FIG. 1 when viewed from A-A direction in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view showing a temporarily assembled state of a switch body 10 , a spring 30 and an adaptor 20 ;
- FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are cross sectional views showing a state of attachment to a steering column tube 100 , wherein FIG. 4A is a state before attaching and FIG. 4B is a state after attaching; and
- FIG. 5A is a cross sectional view showing a structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube in a second preferred embodiment according to the present invention which corresponds to FIG. 2
- FIG. 5B is a cross sectional view showing a structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube in a third preferred embodiment according to the present invention which corresponds to FIG. 2
- FIG. 5C is a cross sectional view showing a structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube in a fourth preferred embodiment according to the present invention which corresponds to FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube in a first preferred embodiment according to the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a revolved section showing the structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube shown in FIG. 1 when viewed from A-A direction in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view showing a temporarily assembled state of a switch body 10 , a spring 30 and an adaptor 20 .
- FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are cross sectional views showing a state of attachment to a steering column tube 100 , wherein FIG. 4A is a state before attaching and FIG. 4B is a state after attaching.
- a structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube in the first preferred embodiment comprises a switch body 10 attached to a steering column tube 100 of a vehicle and an adaptor 20 intervening between the switch body 10 and the steering column tube 100 of the vehicle, in which the switch body 10 is attached by being pushed in a state that the adaptor 20 is intervening between the switch body 10 and the steering column tube 100 mounted on the vehicle side.
- a non-illustrated roll connector for electrically connecting electrical components mounted on the switch body 10 such as various switches or the like with the vehicle side is mounted while allowing rotation of a non-illustrated steering wheel, furthermore, the steering wheel provided with a non-illustrated core bar is attached to a steering shaft 101 .
- the switch body 10 is provided with a turn lever 11 for a turn signal on a right surface in a state of being rotatable in an upward-downward direction and a forward/reverse direction about a proximal end as a fulcrum.
- a connection state of a non-illustrated turn lever switch in the switch body 10 is shifted and a turn signal is emitted corresponding to a lever operation.
- a wiper operation lever 12 is provided on a left surface in a state of being rotatable in an upward-downward direction about a proximal end as a fulcrum.
- a cylindrical-shaped attachment portion 13 fitted with the adaptor 20 is provided in a protruding condition on a side where the switch body 10 is attached to the steering column tube 100 .
- Three snap pressing portions 13 a are formed on this attachment portion 13 in a circumferential direction, which is a portion to push down a below-described snap claw 21 formed on the adaptor 20 and is formed having a step 13 d so as to push down the snap claw 21 easily as shown in FIG. 2 , furthermore, the step 13 d is formed in the circumferential direction with a predetermined width so that the snap claw 21 is fitted.
- the above-mentioned step 13 d is not an essential shape, it is acceptable as long as it is a locking structure in which the snap claw 21 can be pushed down and a movement relative to the snap claw 21 in the circumferential direction is not allowed, for example, it may be a structure that a concave portion or a hole is formed on an inner circumference of the attachment portion 13 for engaging with the snap claw 21 or a portion thereof.
- Three locking portions 13 b are formed between respective intervals in the circumferential direction of the above mentioned attachment portion 13 .
- a slit 13 c is formed along an axial direction of the cylindrical-shaped attachment portion 13 , as a result, it is possible to deflect in a radial direction and a locking claw 13 e as a locking portion locked by fitting into a hole 20 a or a notch 20 b of the adaptor 20 is formed on the inner circumference.
- a snap ring groove 13 f for fitting a spring 30 is formed in the cylindrical-shaped attachment portion 13 so as to facilitate a positioning of the spring 30 and temporary assembly with the adaptor 20 .
- the switch body 10 is mainly formed of a resin (for example, an ABS resin or the like) and the cylindrical-shaped attachment portion 13 is formed by being integrally molded, however, it may be formed by assembling two or more parts. Furthermore, the cylindrical-shaped attachment portion 13 may be configured to be independent as a separate member, to be attached to the steering column tube 100 via the adaptor 20 and to attach the switch body 10 to the attachment portion 13 as this separate member with a screw or the like, for example.
- a resin for example, an ABS resin or the like
- the adaptor 20 is in a cylindrical shape with steps and the three snap claws 21 are formed as the first engaging portion thereon in the circumferential direction.
- This snap claw 21 is allowed to deflect in a radial direction, is formed so as to be located in a peripheral direction of the adaptor 20 in the initial state, as shown in FIG. 2 and has a wedge-shaped convex portion 21 a fitting into a concave portion 100 a formed on the below-described steering column tube 100 .
- three holes 20 a and three notches 20 b are formed as the second engaging portion between respective intervals in the circumferential direction of the above-mentioned three snap claws 21 .
- the locking claw 13 e is fitted into the hole 20 a in the temporarily assembled state and is fitted into the notch 20 b in a state of being attached to the steering column tube 100 .
- the adaptor 20 is formed of a resin or a metal, however, it may be integrally formed with the snap claw 21 or the like formed of a separate member.
- the configuration in which he snap claw 21 is formed with a separate member will be shown in below-described third and fourth embodiments.
- the steering shaft 101 is rotatably supported at a center in a state of being attached to a vehicle side.
- Three concave portions 100 a for fitting the snap claw 21 of the adaptor 20 are formed on the steering column tube 100 .
- a steering wheel provided with a non-illustrated core bar is attached to a steering shaft 101 so as to penetrate an inner space of the adaptor 20 .
- the switch body 10 , the adaptor 20 and the spring 30 are temporarily assembled before being attached to the steering column tube 100 .
- the switch body 10 is temporarily assembled with the adaptor 20 via the spring 30 between them.
- the three locking claws 13 e on the switch body 10 side are fitted into the hole 20 a on the adaptor 20 side.
- the spring 30 imparts a biasing force in a direction to separate the switch body 10 and the adaptor 20 , there is no backlash between the switch body 10 and the adaptor 20 and it is possible to push down the adaptor 20 in a direction of the switch body 10 .
- FIG. 4A shows an assay product in a state that the switch body 10 , the adaptor 20 and the spring 30 are temporarily assembled, which is a preparatory state for being attached to the steering column tube 100 .
- An attachment operation is carried out by pushing the assay product of the temporarily assembled state in a direction of the steering column tube 100 from this state.
- FIG. 4B shows a state that the assay product in the temporarily assembled state of the switch body 10 , the adaptor 20 and the spring 30 is attached by being pushed toward the steering column tube 100 side.
- the adaptor 20 When pushing the switch body 10 temporarily assembled with the adaptor 20 toward the steering column tube 100 side, the adaptor 20 is inserted toward the steering column tube 100 side and the snap claw 21 comes close to the concave portion 100 a .
- the distance between the switch body 10 and the adaptor 20 decreases and the snap claw 21 is pushed down in an inner peripheral direction by the snap pressing portion 13 a .
- the convex portion 21 a of the adaptor 20 When further pushing the switch body 10 toward the steering column tube 100 side, the convex portion 21 a of the adaptor 20 is fitted into the concave portion 100 a , is further pushed strongly against the attachment portion 13 in the inner peripheral direction and is fixed due to a locked state of the adaptor 20 with the steering column tube 100 .
- the locking claw 13 e fitted with the hole 20 a of the adaptor 20 is locked by fitting into the notch 20 b after sliding onto the outer periphery of the attachment portion 13 from the hole 20 a .
- the switch body 10 is locked in an axial direction and a circumferential direction, and then, fixed.
- the switch body 10 and the adaptor 20 are integrally attached to the steering column tube 100 , locked in the axial direction and the circumferential direction and fixed by the above-mentioned attachment operation.
- the structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube in the first preferred embodiment according to the present invention has following effects.
- FIG. 5A is a cross sectional view showing a structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube in a second preferred embodiment according to the present invention which corresponds to FIG. 2 .
- the switch body 10 is temporarily assembled with the adaptor 20 omitting the spring 30 .
- certain backlashes are generated between the switch body 10 and the adaptor 20 in the temporarily assembled state, there is no significant obstacle for the attachment operation to the steering column tube 100 and there is an effect to reduce the cost.
- FIG. 5B is a cross sectional view showing a structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube in a third preferred embodiment according to the present invention which corresponds to FIG. 2 .
- the switch body 10 is temporarily assembled with the adaptor 20 omitting the spring 30 .
- a metal clip 22 is formed of a separate member and is attached to the adaptor 20 .
- the metal clip 22 can be made by an insert molding when molding the adaptor 20 , and also can be attached to the adaptor 20 by press fitting or screw cramp after molding the adaptor 20 .
- a lock function same as the first preferred embodiment is exerted by attaching the metal clip 22 to the adaptor 20 instead of the snap claw 21 .
- the cost is reduced as the spring 30 is omitted and the attachment strength, improvement of design freedom or the like are sought by the metal clip 22 .
- FIG. 5C is a cross sectional view showing a structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube in a fourth preferred embodiment according to the present invention which corresponds to FIG. 2 .
- a metal clip 22 is formed of a separate member and is attached to the adaptor 20 .
- the metal clip 22 can be made by an insert molding when molding the adaptor 20 , and also can be attached to the adaptor 20 by press fitting or screw cramp after molding the adaptor 20 .
- a lock function same as the first preferred embodiment is exerted by attaching the metal clip 22 to the adaptor 20 instead of the snap claw 21 .
- the switch body 10 is temporarily assembled with the adaptor 20 via the spring 30 between them, there is no backlash between the switch body 10 and the adaptor 20 , the attachment operation to the steering column tube 100 is facilitated and the workability is improved. Furthermore, the attachment strength, improvement of design freedom or the like are sought by the metal clip 22 .
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Steering Controls (AREA)
- Switches With Compound Operations (AREA)
Abstract
A structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube, includes a switch body attached to a steering column tube of a vehicle, an adaptor intervening between the switch body and the steering column tube of the vehicle and having a first engaging portion engaged with a locking portion of the steering column tube as well as a second engaging portion engaged with a locking portion of the switch body. The first engaging portion of the adaptor is engaged with the locking portion of the steering column tube, and at the same time, the second engaging portion of the adaptor is engaged with the locking portion of the switch body by pushing the switch body toward the steering column tube side of the vehicle.
Description
- The present application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-261707 filed on Oct. 5, 2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to a structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube, in more particular, to a structure in which a switch body can be easily attached to a steering column tube.
- 2. Related Art
- A switch body mounting a light switch, a wiper switch or the like is attached at an edge of a column tube which supports a steering shaft of a vehicle. As this type of attachment structure, for example, there is disclosed a configuration in which an attachment portion extending outwards from a rim of an open hole letting a steering column tube penetrate is extendingly formed on a lower surface of a switch body and a ring-shaped clamping band is fitted over the attachment portion. The clamping band is a member in which a spring force acts in a diameter-reducing direction and a diameter-expanded state is kept by locking both edges thereof to a holding portion on the lower surface of the switch body.
- According to the above-mentioned structure, when attaching a switch body to a steering column tube, the switch body is temporarily fixed to the steering column tube by firstly letting the steering column tube through an insertion opening of the switch body. When pulling the holding portion toward the near side in this state, the diameter-expanded state of the clamping band by the holding portion is released since a temporarily locked state of the both edges of the clamping band with the holding portion is released. Therefore, since the clamping band reduces a diameter by a spring force thereof, the clamping band strongly presses an assembly portion of the switch body against the steering column tube from the periphery, as a result, the switch body is fixed to the steering column tube.
- Patent document 1 JP-A-5-44609U
- However, when pressing the switch body against the steering column tube by the clamping band during switch body attachment, an operation to pull the holding member toward the near side is required in order to release the temporarily locked state of the clamping band, thus, there was a problem that the amount of man-hours increases and an efficiency of switch body attachment is poor. Furthermore, the switch body may be attached to a position where is hard to see from a worker, therefore, there was a countermeasure requirement also from a viewpoint of workability and working efficiency.
- Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a structure for attaching a switch body by which the switch body can be easily attached to a steering column tube with a single operation.
- According to a feature of the present invention, a structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube comprises:
-
- a switch body attached to a steering column tube of a vehicle;
- an adaptor intervening between the switch body and the steering column tube of the vehicle and having a first engaging portion engaged with a locking portion of the steering column tube as well as a second engaging portion engaged with a locking portion of the switch body,
- wherein the first engaging portion of the adaptor is engaged with the locking portion of the steering column tube, and at the same time, the second engaging portion of the adaptor is engaged with the locking portion of the switch body by pushing the switch body toward the steering column tube side of the vehicle.
- The switch body may be attached by being temporarily assembled with the adaptor and being pushed into the steering column tube in this temporarily assembled state.
- The first engaging portion of the adaptor may be a metal clip attached by fixing to a predetermined position of the adaptor.
- According to present invention, it is possible to provide a structure for attaching a switch body by which the switch body can be attached easily to a steering column tube with a single operation.
- Next, the present invention will be explained in more detail in conjunction with appended drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube in a first preferred embodiment according to the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a revolved section showing the structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube shown inFIG. 1 when viewed from A-A direction inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view showing a temporarily assembled state of aswitch body 10, aspring 30 and anadaptor 20; -
FIG. 4A andFIG. 4B are cross sectional views showing a state of attachment to asteering column tube 100, whereinFIG. 4A is a state before attaching andFIG. 4B is a state after attaching; and -
FIG. 5A is a cross sectional view showing a structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube in a second preferred embodiment according to the present invention which corresponds toFIG. 2 ,FIG. 5B is a cross sectional view showing a structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube in a third preferred embodiment according to the present invention which corresponds toFIG. 2 andFIG. 5C is a cross sectional view showing a structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube in a fourth preferred embodiment according to the present invention which corresponds toFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube in a first preferred embodiment according to the present invention.FIG. 2 is a revolved section showing the structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube shown inFIG. 1 when viewed from A-A direction inFIG. 1 .FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view showing a temporarily assembled state of aswitch body 10, aspring 30 and anadaptor 20.FIG. 4A andFIG. 4B are cross sectional views showing a state of attachment to asteering column tube 100, whereinFIG. 4A is a state before attaching andFIG. 4B is a state after attaching. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , a structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube in the first preferred embodiment according to the present invention comprises aswitch body 10 attached to asteering column tube 100 of a vehicle and anadaptor 20 intervening between theswitch body 10 and thesteering column tube 100 of the vehicle, in which theswitch body 10 is attached by being pushed in a state that theadaptor 20 is intervening between theswitch body 10 and thesteering column tube 100 mounted on the vehicle side. After theswitch body 10 is attached to thesteering column tube 100, a non-illustrated roll connector for electrically connecting electrical components mounted on theswitch body 10 such as various switches or the like with the vehicle side is mounted while allowing rotation of a non-illustrated steering wheel, furthermore, the steering wheel provided with a non-illustrated core bar is attached to asteering shaft 101. - The
switch body 10 is provided with aturn lever 11 for a turn signal on a right surface in a state of being rotatable in an upward-downward direction and a forward/reverse direction about a proximal end as a fulcrum. When theturn lever 11 is operated to an upper side or a lower side from a neutral position, a connection state of a non-illustrated turn lever switch in theswitch body 10 is shifted and a turn signal is emitted corresponding to a lever operation. Furthermore, awiper operation lever 12 is provided on a left surface in a state of being rotatable in an upward-downward direction about a proximal end as a fulcrum. When thewiper operation lever 12 is pushed downwards from an initial position, the connection state of a non-illustrated wiper operation switch in theswitch body 10 is shifted and a wiper is operated corresponding to a lever operation. - A cylindrical-
shaped attachment portion 13 fitted with theadaptor 20 is provided in a protruding condition on a side where theswitch body 10 is attached to thesteering column tube 100. Threesnap pressing portions 13 a are formed on thisattachment portion 13 in a circumferential direction, which is a portion to push down a below-describedsnap claw 21 formed on theadaptor 20 and is formed having astep 13 d so as to push down thesnap claw 21 easily as shown inFIG. 2 , furthermore, thestep 13 d is formed in the circumferential direction with a predetermined width so that thesnap claw 21 is fitted. The above-mentionedstep 13 d is not an essential shape, it is acceptable as long as it is a locking structure in which thesnap claw 21 can be pushed down and a movement relative to thesnap claw 21 in the circumferential direction is not allowed, for example, it may be a structure that a concave portion or a hole is formed on an inner circumference of theattachment portion 13 for engaging with thesnap claw 21 or a portion thereof. - Three
locking portions 13 b are formed between respective intervals in the circumferential direction of the above mentionedattachment portion 13. In thelocking portion 13 b, as shown inFIG. 2 , aslit 13 c is formed along an axial direction of the cylindrical-shaped attachment portion 13, as a result, it is possible to deflect in a radial direction and alocking claw 13 e as a locking portion locked by fitting into ahole 20 a or anotch 20 b of theadaptor 20 is formed on the inner circumference. - Furthermore, a
snap ring groove 13 f for fitting aspring 30 is formed in the cylindrical-shaped attachment portion 13 so as to facilitate a positioning of thespring 30 and temporary assembly with theadaptor 20. - In this embodiment, the
switch body 10 is mainly formed of a resin (for example, an ABS resin or the like) and the cylindrical-shaped attachment portion 13 is formed by being integrally molded, however, it may be formed by assembling two or more parts. Furthermore, the cylindrical-shaped attachment portion 13 may be configured to be independent as a separate member, to be attached to thesteering column tube 100 via theadaptor 20 and to attach theswitch body 10 to theattachment portion 13 as this separate member with a screw or the like, for example. - The
adaptor 20 is in a cylindrical shape with steps and the threesnap claws 21 are formed as the first engaging portion thereon in the circumferential direction. Thissnap claw 21 is allowed to deflect in a radial direction, is formed so as to be located in a peripheral direction of theadaptor 20 in the initial state, as shown inFIG. 2 and has a wedge-shapedconvex portion 21 a fitting into aconcave portion 100 a formed on the below-describedsteering column tube 100. - Furthermore, three
holes 20 a and threenotches 20 b are formed as the second engaging portion between respective intervals in the circumferential direction of the above-mentioned threesnap claws 21. The lockingclaw 13 e is fitted into thehole 20 a in the temporarily assembled state and is fitted into thenotch 20 b in a state of being attached to thesteering column tube 100. - The
adaptor 20 is formed of a resin or a metal, however, it may be integrally formed with thesnap claw 21 or the like formed of a separate member. The configuration in which he snapclaw 21 is formed with a separate member will be shown in below-described third and fourth embodiments. - In the
steering column tube 100, the steeringshaft 101 is rotatably supported at a center in a state of being attached to a vehicle side. Threeconcave portions 100 a for fitting thesnap claw 21 of theadaptor 20 are formed on thesteering column tube 100. A steering wheel provided with a non-illustrated core bar is attached to asteering shaft 101 so as to penetrate an inner space of theadaptor 20. - The
switch body 10, theadaptor 20 and thespring 30 are temporarily assembled before being attached to thesteering column tube 100. As shown inFIG. 3 , theswitch body 10 is temporarily assembled with theadaptor 20 via thespring 30 between them. The three lockingclaws 13 e on theswitch body 10 side are fitted into thehole 20 a on theadaptor 20 side. In this temporarily assembled state, since thespring 30 imparts a biasing force in a direction to separate theswitch body 10 and theadaptor 20, there is no backlash between theswitch body 10 and theadaptor 20 and it is possible to push down theadaptor 20 in a direction of theswitch body 10. - Three of the above-mentioned
snap pressing portions 13 a, the lockingportions 13 b and the lockingclaws 13 e formed on theattachment portion 13, theconvex portions 21 a and thenotches 20 b formed on theadaptor 20 and theconcave portions 100 a formed on thesteering column tube 100 are provided respectively, however, it is not limited thereto, it is acceptable as long as theattachment portion 13, theadaptor 20 and thesteering column tube 100 are fixed each other and a design change for the above-mentioned number of each parts is possible. -
FIG. 4A shows an assay product in a state that theswitch body 10, theadaptor 20 and thespring 30 are temporarily assembled, which is a preparatory state for being attached to thesteering column tube 100. An attachment operation is carried out by pushing the assay product of the temporarily assembled state in a direction of thesteering column tube 100 from this state. -
FIG. 4B shows a state that the assay product in the temporarily assembled state of theswitch body 10, theadaptor 20 and thespring 30 is attached by being pushed toward thesteering column tube 100 side. When pushing theswitch body 10 temporarily assembled with theadaptor 20 toward thesteering column tube 100 side, theadaptor 20 is inserted toward thesteering column tube 100 side and thesnap claw 21 comes close to theconcave portion 100 a. At the same time, the distance between theswitch body 10 and theadaptor 20 decreases and thesnap claw 21 is pushed down in an inner peripheral direction by thesnap pressing portion 13 a. When further pushing theswitch body 10 toward thesteering column tube 100 side, theconvex portion 21 a of theadaptor 20 is fitted into theconcave portion 100 a, is further pushed strongly against theattachment portion 13 in the inner peripheral direction and is fixed due to a locked state of theadaptor 20 with thesteering column tube 100. - Meanwhile, as for the
switch body 10 side, the lockingclaw 13 e fitted with thehole 20 a of theadaptor 20 is locked by fitting into thenotch 20 b after sliding onto the outer periphery of theattachment portion 13 from thehole 20 a. In this locked state, theswitch body 10 is locked in an axial direction and a circumferential direction, and then, fixed. - The
switch body 10 and theadaptor 20 are integrally attached to thesteering column tube 100, locked in the axial direction and the circumferential direction and fixed by the above-mentioned attachment operation. - The structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube in the first preferred embodiment according to the present invention has following effects.
- (1) An easy attachment with a single operation is possible by pushing the
switch body 10 into thesteering column tube 100. - (2) Since it is possible to carry out the attachment operation to the
steering column tube 100 in a state that theswitch body 10, theadaptor 20 and thespring 30 are temporarily assembled, a structure for attaching a switch body with excellent workability is realized. - (3) Since the
switch body 10 is temporarily assembled with theadaptor 20 via thespring 30, there is no backlash between theswitch body 10 and theadaptor 20, the attachment operation to thesteering column tube 100 is facilitated and the workability is improved. -
FIG. 5A is a cross sectional view showing a structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube in a second preferred embodiment according to the present invention which corresponds toFIG. 2 . In this second preferred embodiment, theswitch body 10 is temporarily assembled with theadaptor 20 omitting thespring 30. Although certain backlashes are generated between theswitch body 10 and theadaptor 20 in the temporarily assembled state, there is no significant obstacle for the attachment operation to thesteering column tube 100 and there is an effect to reduce the cost. -
FIG. 5B is a cross sectional view showing a structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube in a third preferred embodiment according to the present invention which corresponds toFIG. 2 . In this third preferred embodiment, theswitch body 10 is temporarily assembled with theadaptor 20 omitting thespring 30. Furthermore, in theadaptor 20, ametal clip 22 is formed of a separate member and is attached to theadaptor 20. Themetal clip 22 can be made by an insert molding when molding theadaptor 20, and also can be attached to theadaptor 20 by press fitting or screw cramp after molding theadaptor 20. A lock function same as the first preferred embodiment is exerted by attaching themetal clip 22 to theadaptor 20 instead of thesnap claw 21. According to the third preferred embodiment, the cost is reduced as thespring 30 is omitted and the attachment strength, improvement of design freedom or the like are sought by themetal clip 22. -
FIG. 5C is a cross sectional view showing a structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube in a fourth preferred embodiment according to the present invention which corresponds toFIG. 2 . In this fourth preferred embodiment, ametal clip 22 is formed of a separate member and is attached to theadaptor 20. Themetal clip 22 can be made by an insert molding when molding theadaptor 20, and also can be attached to theadaptor 20 by press fitting or screw cramp after molding theadaptor 20. A lock function same as the first preferred embodiment is exerted by attaching themetal clip 22 to theadaptor 20 instead of thesnap claw 21. According to the fourth preferred embodiment, in theadaptor 20, since theswitch body 10 is temporarily assembled with theadaptor 20 via thespring 30 between them, there is no backlash between theswitch body 10 and theadaptor 20, the attachment operation to thesteering column tube 100 is facilitated and the workability is improved. Furthermore, the attachment strength, improvement of design freedom or the like are sought by themetal clip 22. - Although the invention has been described with respect to the specific embodiments for complete and clear disclosure, the appended claims are not to be therefore limited but are to be construed as embodying all modifications and alternative constructions that may occur to one skilled in the art which fairly fall within the basic teaching herein set forth.
Claims (10)
1. A structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube, comprising:
a switch body attached to a steering column tube of a vehicle;
an adaptor intervening between the switch body and the steering column tube of the vehicle and having a first engaging portion engaged with a locking portion of the steering column tube as well as a second engaging portion engaged with a locking portion of the switch body,
wherein the first engaging portion of the adaptor is engaged with the locking portion of the steering column tube, and at the same time, the second engaging portion of the adaptor is engaged with the locking portion of the switch body by pushing the switch body toward the steering column tube side of the vehicle.
2. The structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube according to claim 1 , wherein
the switch body is attached by being temporarily assembled with the adaptor and being pushed into the steering column tube in this temporarily assembled state.
3. The structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube according to claim 1 , wherein
the first engaging portion of the adaptor is a metal clip attached by fixing to a predetermined position of the adaptor.
4. The structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube according to claim 1 , wherein
the first engaging portion of the adaptor is a snap claw allowed to deflect in a radial direction, formed so as to be located in a peripheral direction of the adaptor in the initial state and formed in a circumferential direction as a wedge-shaped convex portion fitted into a concave portion formed on the steering column tube.
5. The structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube according to claim 4 , wherein
a cylindrical-shaped attachment portion fitted with the adaptor is provided in a protruding condition in the switch body and a snap pressing portion for pressing the snap claw of the adaptor is formed in the circumferential direction of the attachment portion.
6. The structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube according to claim 4 , wherein
the switch body is integrally formed of the attachment portion and a locking portion with a locking claw by resin molding.
7. The structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube according to claim 4 , wherein
the switch body has a slit formed along an axial direction of the attachment portion and the locking portion locked to the adaptor between respective intervals in a circumferential direction of the attachment portion.
8. The structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube according to claim 4 , wherein
a snap ring groove for fitting a spring into the attachment portion is formed on the switch body.
9. The structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube according to claim 4 , wherein
the second engaging portion of the adaptor comprises a hole to which the locking claw is fitted in a temporarily assembled state and a notch to which the locking claw is fitted in a state of being attached to the steering column tube between respective intervals in a circumferential direction of the snap claw.
10. The structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube according to claim 9 , wherein
the temporary assembly of the switch body with the adaptor means a temporarily assembled state in which the locking claw on the switch body side is fitted into the hole on the adaptor side via a spring between the switch body and the adaptor.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2007-261707 | 2007-10-05 | ||
JP2007261707A JP2009090754A (en) | 2007-10-05 | 2007-10-05 | Structure for attaching switch body |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20090090826A1 true US20090090826A1 (en) | 2009-04-09 |
Family
ID=40019992
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/245,649 Abandoned US20090090826A1 (en) | 2007-10-05 | 2008-10-03 | Structure for attaching a switch body to a steering column tube |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20090090826A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2009090754A (en) |
CN (1) | CN101404218A (en) |
CZ (1) | CZ2008594A3 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2453440B (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN103456546A (en) * | 2013-07-30 | 2013-12-18 | 黄山奥特斯电气有限公司 | Automobile combination switch |
JP2014111451A (en) * | 2011-04-04 | 2014-06-19 | Nsk Ltd | Steering device |
US11628877B2 (en) | 2019-02-21 | 2023-04-18 | Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. | Mount base, mounting unit, operating device, and moving vehicle |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP6227577B2 (en) * | 2015-02-25 | 2017-11-08 | 株式会社東海理化電機製作所 | Switch device |
FR3055604B1 (en) * | 2016-09-08 | 2018-10-12 | Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa | BLOCK FOR MOUNTING CONTROL UNDER THE WHEEL OF A MOTOR VEHICLE |
JP7437653B2 (en) * | 2019-12-23 | 2024-02-26 | パナソニックIpマネジメント株式会社 | Input devices and moving objects |
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DE2522600C2 (en) * | 1975-05-22 | 1982-04-29 | SWF-Spezialfabrik für Autozubehör Gustav Rau GmbH, 7120 Bietigheim-Bissingen | Arrangement for a steering column switch for motor vehicles |
JPS58110336A (en) * | 1981-12-24 | 1983-06-30 | Nissan Motor Co Ltd | Switch box fixing structure |
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FR2885869B1 (en) * | 2005-05-17 | 2008-12-19 | Nacam France Sas | STEERING COLUMN MODULE WITH DOUBLE FUNCTION OF ROTATION GUIDANCE AND OF SUPPORT OF UNDERWHEELS |
-
2007
- 2007-10-05 JP JP2007261707A patent/JP2009090754A/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2008
- 2008-10-03 US US12/245,649 patent/US20090090826A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2008-10-03 GB GB0818110.9A patent/GB2453440B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2008-10-03 CZ CZ20080594A patent/CZ2008594A3/en unknown
- 2008-10-06 CN CNA2008101682623A patent/CN101404218A/en active Pending
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US5002422A (en) * | 1987-04-10 | 1991-03-26 | Daimler-Benz Ag | Dual angular adjustment device for coarse and fine angular rotation of a shaft relative to a releasably connectable component |
US5961245A (en) * | 1996-09-03 | 1999-10-05 | Eaton Corporation | Upper part of column |
US6151980A (en) * | 1997-11-21 | 2000-11-28 | Yazaki Corporation | Steering module |
US6318756B1 (en) * | 2000-09-14 | 2001-11-20 | Trw Inc. | Apparatus for attaching a steering wheel to a steering shaft |
US6892602B2 (en) * | 2002-09-24 | 2005-05-17 | Leopold Kostal Gmbh & Co. Kg | Device for fastening a casing tube switch module to the casing tube of a motor vehicle steering shaft |
US7552946B2 (en) * | 2004-09-20 | 2009-06-30 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Fastening device for a steering column module of a vehicle |
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Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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JP2014111451A (en) * | 2011-04-04 | 2014-06-19 | Nsk Ltd | Steering device |
CN104859706A (en) * | 2011-04-04 | 2015-08-26 | 日本精工株式会社 | Steering apparatus |
CN103456546A (en) * | 2013-07-30 | 2013-12-18 | 黄山奥特斯电气有限公司 | Automobile combination switch |
US11628877B2 (en) | 2019-02-21 | 2023-04-18 | Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. | Mount base, mounting unit, operating device, and moving vehicle |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB0818110D0 (en) | 2008-11-05 |
GB2453440B (en) | 2012-10-24 |
GB2453440A (en) | 2009-04-08 |
CZ2008594A3 (en) | 2009-04-15 |
CN101404218A (en) | 2009-04-08 |
JP2009090754A (en) | 2009-04-30 |
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