Module structure

• US 6,118,434 A
• Filed: 06/30/1997
• Issued: 09/12/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 07/09/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
• Original Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
• Inventors: Takiguchi, Shuji, Nishitani, Keizo
• Primary Examiner(s): CHOW, DOON Y
• Application Number:
  US08/886,140
• Time in Patent Office: 1,170 Days
• Field of Search: 345/173, 345/174, 345/175, 345/179, 345/156, 345/157, 345/104, 340/461, 340/525, 340/990, 340/995, 340/438
• US Class Current: 345/173
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/00 Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles

Abstract

A module structure which enables an instrument panel wire harness to have a simple construction, and in which the module can be formed into a small size, thereby reducing the number of the component parts and also enhancing the efficiency of the assembling operation. The module structure includes a panel body having a plurality of key members, a screen display device displayable a plurality of operating informations of electrical equipments, a touch panel switch feedable different switching signals based upon depression of the touch panel switch in accordance with a position of a display by the screen display device, the touch panel switch provided between the panel body and the screen display device, and a printed circuit board which has a plurality of contact portions associating with the key members, a circuit electrically connected to the screen display device, the touch panel switch and the contact portions, and a first connector electrically connected to the circuit, the first connector which is fittable to a second connector mounted in an opening formed in an instrument panel so that the module structure is detachable in the instrument panel.

Claims

1. A module structure comprising:

a panel body having a plurality of key members;

a screen display device displaying information of electrical equipment;

a touch panel switch for feeding different switching signals based upon depression of the touch panel switch in accordance with a position of a display by the screen display device, the touch panel switch provided between the panel body and the screen display device; and

a printed circuit board which has a plurality of contact portions associating with the key members, a circuit electrically connected to the screen display device, the touch panel switch and the contact portions, and a first connector electrically connected to the circuit, the first connector which is fittable to a second connector mounted in an opening formed in an instrument panel so that the module structure is detachable in the instrument panel,

wherein the touch panel switch comprising a switch plate and a transparent sheet provided between the screen display device and the switch plate, the transparent sheet including a project portion which has an elastic member having a hollow portion, and an air vent hole formed in the elastic member.

2. The module structure of claim 1, wherein the touch panel switch including a position detection device provided on a side surface of the printed circuit board so as to be abutted against the transparent sheet.