Patent Publication Number: US-6700084-B2

Title: Switch structure with electrical device

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a switch provided with an electronic element on a movable contact of a switch. Particularly, the invention relates to an improvement of a switch device having an electronic element, such as a diode, for preventing reverse flow of current on a contact portion to reduce the number of interconnections. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Conventionally, there has been a switch device provided with several switches as in an automobile combination switch. This related art combination switch has a plurality of operation members comprising a lever, a rotary knob and a push button, and a multiplicity of contact members operating on the operation members, thus being complicated in switch-device structure. In the switch device, the increased contact members increases the number of terminals or harnesses connected to the contact members, increasing connection work and the number of parts and hence leading to the increase of cost. 
     There is, as a technology for eliminating such problems, a device of a combination switch disclosed, e.g., in Japanese Utility Model Preliminary Publication(KOKAI)No. 5-79843. This device is intended to simplify the structure of a combination switch and reduce cost by making the fixed contact of the switch to a common contact and controlling electronic signals of each switch by one electronic control circuit. 
     The device disclosed in the foregoing publication decreases conventional five into three of output contact terminals connecting from the turn &amp; light switch to the electronic control circuit and conventional five into three of output contact terminals connecting from the wiper &amp; washer switch to the electronic control circuit, thereby reducing the number of parts and assembling processes. However, there are a number of switch devices in the combination switch. Even if the foregoing common contacts are used, the number of terminals and harnesses to be reduced is limited, which number still remains many. 
     It can be considered to make the contact portions of an electric circuit as shown in FIG. 11 into a matrix as a means to further reduce the number of contact terminals in the related art. In FIG. 11,  68  is an electronic control circuit of a combination switch,  69  is a contact portion made in matrix of a turn &amp; light switch and wiper &amp; washer switch, and  70  are lead wires connecting between the contact portion  69  and the electronic control circuit  68 . It is possible to further reduce the number of contact terminals by making a matrix in this manner. 
     However, in the combination switch that the related art contact portion  69  is made in a matrix, one lead wire can be utilized for signals exclusive for the lighting system and another for signals exclusive for the wiper system. It can be considered that such use leads to a functional failure for the lighting system (or the wiper system) entirety in the event of occurrence of trouble, such as disconnection, in the lead wire. The lead wires in plurality are preferably used commonly to the lighting system and the wiper system. 
     However, it can be considered that, where connection and disconnection of the switches are to be made by switching the contacts with the lead wires used commonly, unintended contacts are simultaneously put in a connection state due to the configuration of many switches. In the case of encountering such simultaneous connection, there is a problem that malfunction occurs in the electronic control circuit  68 . 
     Therefore, in order to prevent malfunction due to current flow-in in the electric circuit of the electronic combination switch  71  as shown in FIG. 11, it can be considered to provide a diode  72  for preventing reverse flow of current in the electric circuit within the control circuit  74  between contacts and an IC  75  or within the combination switch  71 . 
     The combination switch  71  is provided with a multiplicity of switch devices. In the case of the wiper switch  73 , for example, knob manipulation moves one movable contact  73   a  providing switching from an OFF contact  73   b  to an INT contact  73   c,  LO contact  73   d  or HI contact  73   e.  In this example, it is necessary for one of the diodes  72  to be provided between each of the output portions of the OFF contact  73   b,  the INT contact  73   c,  the LO contact  73   d  and the HI contact  73   e  and the IC  75  of the control circuit  74 , thus increasing the number of diodes used and increasing the cost of the combination switch  71 . 
     Meanwhile, where the diodes are provided on a printed board or pole board of the wiper switch  73 , the occupation space of the diodes increases, thus increasing the size of the printed board or pole board and hence the overall size of the combination switch. Where conversely the pole board is limited in size, another problem arises that the diodes occupy over the board surface making it impossible to secure a space for providing fixed contacts. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a switch device having electronic elements provided in proper positions and having a reduced number of switch terminals and harnesses. 
     The present invention has been made in order to eliminate the foregoing problems in the related art. 
     (1) A switch device according to the present invention comprises a plurality of fixed contacts and a plurality of movable contacts to contact the fixed contact, wherein the movable contacts each has an electronic element provided among contact members. 
     (2) In the switch device as set forth in (1), the electronic element comprises a diode. 
     (3) In the switch device as set forth in (1) or (2), the movable contacts each has the electronic element arranged in a connecting portion where the plurality of contact members join together. 
     (4) In the switch device as set forth in (3), the movable contacts each has a holding member fixing the electronic element and the connecting portion where the plurality of contact members join together. 
     (5) In the switch device as set forth in (4), the holding member forms a mover. 
     (6) In the switch device as set forth in (1), (2) or (3), the movable contact comprises two conductive metal rod-like members, and the two conductive metal rod-like members each forms a contact portion in one end and has the other end fixed on an end of each of the electronic elements. 
     (7) In the switch device as set forth in (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) or (6), the movable contacts each constitutes a contact member for an automobile combination switch. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a first embodiment in the present invention, which is a perspective view showing a movable contact having an electronic element; 
     FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a second embodiment in the present invention, which is a perspective view showing a movable contact having an electronic element; 
     FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a third embodiment in the present invention, which is a perspective view showing a movable contact having an electronic element; 
     FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a fourth embodiment in the present invention, which is a perspective view showing a movable contact having an electronic element; 
     FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a fifth embodiment in the present invention, which is a perspective view showing a movable contact having an electronic element; 
     FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a sixth embodiment in the present invention, which is a perspective view showing a movable contact having an electronic element; 
     FIG. 7 is an electronic circuit diagram of a combination switch having a switch structure according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 8 is an essential part magnifying plan view of the combination switch; 
     FIG. 9 is an essential part exploded view of the combination switch; 
     FIG. 10 is an essential part magnifying longitudinal sectional view of the combination switch; 
     FIG. 11 is an electric circuit diagram showing an electric circuit of a related art combination switch; and 
     FIG. 12 is an electric circuit diagram showing an electric circuit of a related art combination switch. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     First Embodiment 
     First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail based on FIG.  1 . 
       1  is a movable contact having, for example, two contact members  1   a,    1   b  to be contacted with a plurality of fixed contacts (not shown). The movable contact  1  has an electronic element  2  between the contact members  1   a,    1   b.    
     The contact members  1   a,    1   b  comprise, for example, conductive metal plate spring members, the respective of which are symmetric in form. Incidentally, although the contact members  1   a,    1   b  are two in number, they are not limited to two but, as required, may be increased to a predetermined number. 
     The contact member  1   a,    1   b  forms, at one end, a contact portion  1   c,    1   d  to be contacted with a fixed contact and, at the other end, a connection portion  1   e,  If firmly fixed to the electronic element  2  through solder or the like. The contact  1   c,    1   d  of the movable contact  1  comprises a slide contact that slides on a contact board and contacts the fixed contact when the switch is operated. 
     The electronic element  2  comprises a diode in the form of a chip to prevent, for example, reverse flow of current. The electronic element  2  is provided between the contact portions  1   e,    1   f  and fixed by resting a peripheral position of the providing portion on a holding member  3  comprising a plate member formed, for example, of resin. Due to this, only a current in a predetermined direction flows through the contact member  1   a,    1   b  of the movable contact  1 . 
     The holding member  3  is to hold the movable contact  1  and the electronic element  2  and is formed of an insulating material such as resin. The holding member  3  is to be mounted on a mover (not shown) or operating member (not shown) of the switch device. Incidentally, the holding member  3  may provide a movable-member main body that is caused to move by interacting with a knob of an operation lever or rotary switch. 
     Second Embodiment 
     Next, a second embodiment in the invention will be described in detail based on FIG.  2 . 
     The second embodiment of the invention is that the movable contact  1  comprising the two contact members  1   a,    1   b  in the foregoing first embodiment is structured by three contact members  4   a,    4   b,    4   c.    
     The moving contact  4  has an electronic element  5  provided on connecting portions  4   g,    4   h,    4   i  joining the ends of the contact members  4   a,    4   b,    4   c.  The contact members  4   a,    4   b,    4   c  comprise conductive metal plate spring members similarly to the first embodiment. 
     The contact members  4   a,    4   b,    4   c  each has a contact portion  4   d,    4   e,    4   f  formed at one end to be contacted with a fixed contact (not shown), and has a connecting portion  4   g,    4   h,    4   i  formed at the other end to be firmly fixed to the electronic element  5  through solder or the like. 
     The electronic element  5  comprises a diode having, for example, two diodes made into one chip. The electronic element  5  is provided between the three contact portions  4   g,    4   h,    4   i  and fixed by resting a peripheral position of the provided portion on the holding member  6 . Due to this, only a current in a predetermined direction, for example, shown by the arrows in FIG. 2 flows through the contact members  4   a,    4   b,    4   c  of the movable contact  4 . 
     Third Embodiment 
     Next, a third embodiment in the invention will be described in detail based on FIG.  3 . 
     The third embodiment of the invention is structured by increasing to two the one electronic element  5  provided between the movable contact  4  comprising the three contact members  4   a,    4   b,    4   c  in the foregoing second embodiment. 
     The movable contact  7  has an electronic element  8  comprising two electronic elements  8   a,    8   b  provided on connecting portions  7   g,    7   h,    7   i  joining the ends of the contact members  7   a,    7   b,    7   c.  The movable contact  7  comprises conductive metal plate spring members similarly to the first and second embodiments. The contact member  7   a,    7   b,    7   c  each have a contact portion  7   d,    7   e,    7   f  formed at the other end to be contacted with a fixed contact, and a connecting portion  7   g,    7   h,    7   i  to be soldered to the electronic elements  8   a,    8   b  through solder or the like. 
     The electronic element  8  comprises a member similar to the foregoing first embodiment. The electronic element  8   a  is provided between the contact portion  7   g  and the contact portion  7   h,  and fixed by resting at a peripheral position of the providing portion on the holding member  9 . The electronic element  8   b  is provided between the contact portion  7   h  and the contact portion  7   i,  and fixed by resting at a peripheral position of the providing portion on the holding member  9 . Due to this, only a current in a predetermined direction shown by the arrows in FIG. 3 flows through the contact members  7   a,    7   b,    7   c  of the movable contact  7 . 
     Fourth Embodiment 
     Next, a fourth embodiment of the invention will be described in detail based on FIG.  4 . 
     The fourth embodiment of the invention is structured by making the movable contact  1 ,  4 ,  7  in the foregoing first to third embodiments into another-type of switch contact. 
     The movable contact  10  has one electronic element  11  provided on connecting portions  10   c,    10   d  joining the ends of two symmetric-formed contact members  10   a,    10   b,  The movable contact  10  comprises a conductive metal plate. The contact member  10   a,    10   b  forms, at a central side, a connecting portion  10   e,    10   f  to be firmly fixed to the electronic element  11  through solder or the like and has, in a vicinity of the connecting portion  10   e,    10   f,  a contact portion  10   c,    10   d  to be contacted with a fixed contact (not shown). 
     The electronic element  11  comprises a member similar to the foregoing first to third embodiments. The electronic element  11  is provided between the contact portion  10   e  and the contact portion  10   f,  and fixed by resting at a peripheral position of the providing portion on the holding member  12 . Due to this, only a current in a predetermined direction flows through the contact member  10   a,    10   b  of the mover  10 . 
     Incidentally, the holding member  12  may be made as a mover (not shown) having an engaging portion  12   a  for engagement with the operating member and an engaging protrusion  12   c  for engagement in a through-hole of the movable contact  10 , as shown by the virtual line in FIG.  4 . Also, elastic engaging protuberances  10   g,    10   h  may be formed at both ends of the movable contact  10  and attached to an operating member (not shown) or mover through a contact spring (not shown). 
     Fifth Embodiment 
     Next, a fifth embodiment will be described in detail based on FIG.  5 . 
     The fifth embodiment is structured by making the movable contact  10  in the foregoing fourth embodiment into a thick-plated switch contact. 
     The movable contact  13  has one electronic element  14  provided on connecting portions  13   c,    13   d  joining, face-to-face, the ends of contact members  13   a,    13   b  comprising two symmetric forms. The movable contact  13  comprises a thick conductive metal plate. The contact members  13   a,    13   b  form, on a central side, a connecting portion  13   e,    13   f  to be firmly fixed to the electronic element  14  and has, at a lower portion, a contact portion  13   c,    13   d  to be contacted with a fixed contact. 
     The electronic element  14  comprises a member similar to the foregoing first, third and fourth embodiments. The electronic elements  14  is attached on one side between the contact portion  13   e  and the contact portion  13   f,  and fixed by providing a holding member  15  on the other side of the providing portion. Due to this, only a current in a predetermined direction flows through the contact member  13   a,    13   b  of the movable contact  13 . 
     Incidentally, the holding member  15  may be engaged with the operating member or structure part of the mover. 
     Sixth Embodiment 
     Next, a sixth embodiment in the invention will be described in detail based on FIG.  6 . 
     The sixth embodiment is that the movable contacts  1 ,  10 ,  13  in the foregoing first, fourth and fifth embodiments are structured by a switch contact comprising a conductive rod spring member and lead terminals, which are commonly provided for the movable contacts  1 ,  10 ,  13  and the electronic elements  2 ,  11 ,  14 . 
     The electronic element  17  is fixed, at both ends, to contact members  16   a,    16   b,  which serve also as lead terminals for the electronic element  17 . The electronic element  17  has a reverse-current preventing function for diode current. The movable contact  16  comprises two symmetric-formed contact members  16   a,    16   b  and has, at one end, contact portions  16   c,    16   d  to be contacted with a fixed contact. One electronic element  17  is provided in connecting portions  16   e,    16   f  at the other end of the movable contact  16 . The movable contact  16  and the electronic element  17  are held, for example, by a mover (not shown). 
     Seventh Embodiment 
     The electronic element  17  is fixed, at both ends, to contact members  16   a ,  16   b , which serve also as lead terminals for the electronic element  17 . The electronic element  17  has a reverse-current preventing function for diode current. The movable contact  16  comprises two symmetric-formed contact members  16   a ,  16   b  and has, at one end, contact portions  16   c ,  16   d  to be contacted with a fixed contact. One electronic element  17  is fixed to the connecting portions  16   e ,  16   f  at the other end of the moveable contact  16 . The moveable contact  16  and the electronic element  17  are held, for example, by a mover (not shown). 
     A seventh embodiment of the invention will be described in detail based on FIG.  7 . 
     The seventh embodiment of the present invention in the above configuration. The operation of the invention according to the seventh embodiment will next be described in detail. 
       18  is a control unit for controlling various devices by controlling signals from the combination switch  19 . The control unit  18  has control functions, for example, of switching a headlight switch to ON, OFF, HI and LO, switching a tail lamp to ON and OFF, switching a turn signal indicator of a flickering turn signal indicator switch to ON and OFF, switching a cornering lamp to ON and OFF, switching a fog lamp switch to ON and OFF, switching a rear-fog lamp switch to ON and OFF, switching a front wiper switch to ON, OFF, INT, LO and HI, and switching a rear wiper switch to INT, ON and OFF. 
     The control unit  18  has five output terminals  18   a,    18   b,    18   c,    18   d,    18   e  and five input terminals  18   f,    18   g,    18   h,    18 i,  18   j  connected to a contact position  19   a  of the combination switch  19 , an output terminal  18   k  and input terminal  181  connected to a washer device  19   b,  and an output terminal  18   m  and input terminal  18   n  connected to a wiper volume  19   c.    
     The combination switch  19 , at the contact position  19   a,  has input terminals  19   d,    19   e,    19   f,    19   g,    19   h  and output terminals  19   i,    19   j,    19   k,    191 ,  19   m  each connected through harnesses  25 ,  26 ,  27 ,  28 ,  29 ,  30  to the five output terminals  18   a,    18   b,    18   c,    18   d,    18   e  and five input terminals  18   f,    18   g,    18   h,    18   i,    18   j  of the control unit  18 . 
     The contact position  19   a  is connected with the five of the input terminals  19   d,    19   e,    19   f,    19   g,    19   h  and five of the output terminals  19   i,    19   j,    19   k,    191 ,  19   m  to have 25 points of connection points. Each of the 25 connection points has a movable contact  20 , a fixed contact  21  and an electronic element  22  respectively corresponding to the movable contact  1 ,  4 ,  7 ,  10 ,  13 ,  16 , the fixed contact and the electronic element  2 ,  5 ,  8 ,  11 ,  14 ,  17  that are for preventing reverse flow of current as explained in the foregoing first to sixth embodiments. 
     By providing the electronic element  22  having a function of preventing reverse flow of diode current at the movable contact  20  and fixed contact  21 , current is prevented from reverse flowing in other direction than the predetermined direction thus preventing the combination switch  19  from malfunctioning. 
     The contacts  19   r,    19   s  of the washer device  19  and the contact of the wiper volume  19   c  comprise contacts independent of the foregoing contact position  19   a.    
     The washer device  19   b  has an output terminal  18   k  of the control unit  18 , an input terminal  19   n  and output terminal  19   o  connected to the input terminal  181 , and connected with a washer motor  23  in parallel with the output terminal  18   k  and input terminal  181 . The washer device  19   b  is provided with a contact  19   r  for the front glass and a contact  19   s  for the rear glass, and wash-operates by the one washer motor  23 . The washer device  19   b  has the fixed contact on the power supply side to be connected to an ignition switch  24  and is grounded on a ground side. 
     The wiper volume  19   c  is connected to the output terminal  18   m  and input terminal  18   n  of the control unit  18  directly through the input terminal  19   p  and output terminal  19   q.    
     The seventh embodiment in the present invention is in at the above configuration. The operation of it will be described in detail. 
     The above seventh embodiment of the invention is provided, at the movable contact  20 , with the electronic element  22  comprising a diode for current-reverse-flow prevention, thereby preventing reverse flow of current in the contact position  19   a  of the electronic circuit. 
     This makes possible to provide the contact position  19   a  and to make the connection terminals of the combination switch  19  having a multiplicity of contacts into respective five of input terminals  19   d,    19   e,    19   f,    19   g,    19   h  and output terminals  19   i,    19   j,    19   k,    191 ,  19   m,  for example, as shown in the seventh embodiment of the invention. The output terminals  18   a,    18   b,    18   c,    18   d,    18   e  and the input terminal  18   f,    18   g,    18   h,    18   i,    18   j  of the control unit  18  are each reduced to five, making possible to reduce the number and connection operation of the harnesses for connecting them and decreasing the cost. 
     Next, an example of a combination switch using the present invention will be described in detail based on FIG. 8 to FIG.  10 . 
       31  is a combination switch body for an automobile as shown in FIG. 8, which is screw-fastened to a steering column (not shown). The body  31  is rotatably support about a central axis by a cylindrical pipe  32  having cancel pins  32   a  in a center, and inserted with a first switch  33  on a right side and a second switch  34  on a left side in right and left direction of the body  31 . 
     The first switch  33  has functions, for example, of a turn signal indicator switch, a passing switch, a main-dimmer selector switch, a headlight switch and fog lamp switch. The first switch  33  has a function of a turn signal indicator switch to cause the turn signal indicator to flicker if an operation lever L 1  is operated in a left-right direction of an arrow A-B direction. The first switch  33  has a function of a passing switch to cause the headlight to primarily go on if the operation lever L 1  is operated in an arrow C direction. Also, the first switch  33  has a function of a main-dimmer selector switch to switch between main and dimmer for the headlight if the operation lever L 1  is operated in the up-down direction of an arrow C, D direction. 
     Also, the first switch  33  has a function of a headlight switch to turn on and out the headlight and tail lamp by rotating a first rotary knob  36  provided at a tip of the lever  35  in an arrow E-F direction. Also, the first switch  33  has a function of a fog lamp switch to turn on and out the fog lamp by rotating a second rotary knob  37  in an arrow G-H direction. 
     The second switch  34  is axis-supported to swing an operation lever L 2  having a function, for example, of a wiper-washer switch. The operation lever L 2  has a lever  38  to be operated forward, backward, leftward and rightward similarly to the operation lever L 1 , and has a wiper volume, rear wiper switch and the like comprising a rotary switch at a tip of the lever  38 . 
     The lever  35  of the first switch  33  rotates in an arrow C-D direction about a shaft  35   a,  as shown in FIG.  9 . The lever  35  is a generally cylindrical operation member and has a penetration hole  35   b  opened to arrange a first coupling portion  39  in the vicinity of the shaft  35   a.  The operation lever  35  is formed with a first cylindrical portion  35   c  to arrange a nodal member  40  at one end and, at the other end, a second cylindrical member  35   d  for inserting a shaft  41  and for arranging a board  42 , movable contact  43 , contact spring  44 , second rotary knob  37 , nodal member  45  and fixing member  46 . 
     The lever  35  is integrally formed with a second coupling portion  35   f  fitted with a play in an engaging portion  55   a  comprising a hole of a second mover  55  on a lower side in the vicinity of the first cylindrical member  35   c.  If the lever  5  is operated in the arrow C-D direction, the second mover  55  linearly moves in an arrow L-M direction making possible to perform main-dimmer switching and passing. 
     The first rotary knob  36  is opened with an axial hole  36   a  in a center, and fixed to the shaft  41  by engaging an elastic engaging pawl (not shown) formed in the axial hole  36   a  with an engaging groove  41   a  of the shaft  41 . By rotating the first rotary knob  36  in the arrow E-F direction, the first coupling portion  39  firmly fixed on the other end of the shaft  41  linearly moves the first mover  47  in an arrow J-K direction thus putting on and off the headlight. 
     The second rotary knob  37  is an operating member generally in a doughnut form, which turns the fog lamp on and off by being rotated in the arrow H-G direction. The second rotary knob  37  engages an engaging piece  43   d  of the movable contact  43  through the contact spring  44  on a case  48  side, and has a nodal member  45  arranged on a side of the first rotary knob  36 . The second rotary knob  37  is inserted over the second cylindrical portion  35   d  of the operation lever  35 , and is rotatably sandwiched by an aperture  35   e  opened in a trumpet form and the fixing member  46  firmly fixed on the second cylindrical members  35   d.    
     The first coupling portion  39  is axially stopped at an end of the shaft  41  by engaging the elastic engaging pawl  39   a  in the engaging groove  41   b  of the shaft  41 , as shown in FIG.  10 . The first coupling portion  39  rotates together with the shaft  41  and first rotary knob  36  and engages the engaging portion  47   a  comprising a protuberance, whereby the rotation of the first rotary knob  36  converts the first mover  47  into linear movement to be delivered. The board  42  has a fixed contact to be contacted with the movable contact  43  and is fitted in the aperture  35   e.    
     The movable contact  43  comprises arcuate movable contacts  43   a,    43   a  in a left-and-right symmetric form as in the fourth embodiment of the invention, wherein the two movable contacts  43   a,    43   a  is fixed by a holding member  43   c  and both are connected to each other by an electronic element  43   b.  The holding member  43   c  comprises an insulator such as resin. The electronic element  43   b  comprises a diode to prevent reverse flow of current. Due to this, only a current in a predetermined direction flows through the two movable contacts  43   a,    43   a.  The movable contact  43  engages the engaging piece  43   d  with the second rotary knob  37  through the contact spring  44 . 
     The nodal member  40 , as shown in FIG. 10, is accommodated in the first cylindrical portion  35   c  and press-contacted with a nodal groove  49   d  formed in an inner wall of the movable member  49 . The nodal member  45  is inserted in the second rotary knob  37 . The nodal member  15  is press-contacted with a nodal groove formed in an inner surface of the fixing member  36  on the second rotary-knob  37  side. 
     The case  48  is closed, at an upper surface, by a lid member  54  through the movable member  49 , cancel cam  50 , leaf spring  51 , cam guide  52  and coiled spring  53 . The case  48  is closed, at a lower surface, by a pole board  57  through a first mover  47 , second mover  45  and third mover  46 . The case  48  accommodates the above parts, and is fitted and screwed to a body  31 . 
     The movable member  49  is elastically fitted, at left and right, with nodal members  58 , and rotates together with the operation lever L 1  in the arrow A-B direction about the shaft  49   a.  The movable member  49  is protrusion-formed, in a lower end, with a third coupling portion  49   b  to be engaged with an engaging portion  56   a  of the third mover  56 . If the operation lever L 1  is swung in the arrow A-B direction, the third mover  56  linearly moves in the arrow N-O direction to put on the turn signal indicator. 
     The cancel cam  50  has shafts  50   a  in the upper and lower sides. The lower shaft  50   a  is fitted with play in a support groove  49   c  of the movable member  49  of the lower shaft  50   a.  The upper shaft  50   a  is fitted in an elongate hole  54   a  of the lid member  54 . The leaf spring  51  at both ends is held by the lid member  54 . The leaf spring  51  at both ends is held by the lid member  54 , and at a center presses and urges the cancel cam  50 . A cam guide  53  rests on the movable member  49  and is urged toward the cancel cam  50  by the coiled spring  53 . The lid member  54  is fitted on an upper aperture end of the case  48 . 
     The first mover  47  engages a first holding member  59  comprising an insulator such as a board by elastic engaging pawls  47   b  formed at a plurality of positions in a lower surface. The first mover  47 , if the first rotary knob  36  is rotated in the arrow E-F direction, moves together with the first holding member  59  in the arrow K-J direction on a first board surface  57   a  of the pole board  57 . 
     The first holding member  59  comprises an insulator, for example, as explained in the foregoing first embodiment in the invention. The first holding member  59  comprises a printed circuit board firmly fixed, in a lower surface, with movable contacts  59   a,    59   a  to be contacted with the fixed contact  60  and an electronic element  59   b  comprising a diode for preventing reverse flow of current. The movable contacts  59   a,    59   a  comprise two conductive metal plate spring members, which fixes both base ends on the first holding member  59  and connects the two movable contacts  59   a,    59   a  by the electronic element  59   b.  Due to this, only a current in a predetermined direction flows between the movable contacts  59   a,    59   a,  preventing reverse flow of current. 
     The first holding member  59  forms, in a periphery, an engaging portion  59   c  to engage the elastic engaging pawl  47   b.  Incidentally, the first holding member  59  may be fixed to the first mover  47  by screws or the like, wherein attaching means is not especially limited. 
     The second mover  55  engages the second holding member  61  by elastic engaging pawls  55   d  or the like formed at a plurality of positions in a lower surface. The second mover  55 , if the operation lever L 1  is rotated in the arrow C-D direction, moves together with the second holding member  51  in the arrow L-M direction over the first board surface  57   a  of the pole board  57 . 
     An engaging portion  55   a  of the second mover  55  comprises an elongate hole. When the operation lever L 1  is swung in the arrow A-B direction, the second coupling member  35   f  inactively moves in the engaging portion  55   a  so that the second mover  55  does not move.  55   b  is a guide arm which slides on an inner wall of the case  48  to prevent chatter of the second mover  55 .  55   c  is a guide protrusion formed in a lower surface of the second mover  55 , which engages a guide hole  57   d  of a first board surface  57   a.  The second mover  55  is guided by the guide arm  55   b  and the guide protrusion  55   c  to linearly move in a desired direction without chattering. 
     The second holding member  61  comprises an insulator of a structure as explained in the foregoing first embodiment in the invention. The second holding member  61  has movable contacts  61   a,    61   a  for the main-dimmer switch and passing switch having a lower surface contacting the second fixed contact  62  and an electronic element  61   e.  The electronic element  61   e  comprises a diode for preventing reverse flow of current soldered between the two movable contacts  61   a,    61   a.  The movable contacts  61   a,    61   a  comprises two conductive metal plate spring members, which fixes both base ends on the second holding member  61  and connects the two movable contacts  61   a,    61   a  by the electronic element  61   e.  Due to this, only a current in a predetermined direction flows between the movable contacts  61   a,    61   a.    
     The second holding member  61  forms a cutout  61   c  matched to the engaging portion  55   a  of the second mover  55  and an engaging portion  61   d  with which the guide protrusion  55   c  engages. The second holding member  61  forms, in a periphery, an engaging portion  61   e  to engage the elastic engaging pawl  55   d.  Incidentally, the second holding member  61  may be fixed to the second mover  55  by screws or the like, wherein attaching means is not especially limited. 
     The third mover  56  engages a third engaging member  63  by elastic engaging pawls  56   b  or the like formed in plurality in a lower surface. In the third mover  66 , if the operation lever L 1  is rotated in the arrow A-B direction, the movable member  49  rotates together with the operation lever L 1 . The engaging portion  56   a  is pulled by the third coupling portion  49   b  and moves in the arrow N-O direction together with the third holding member  63  over a second board surface  57   b  of the pole board  57   b.    
     The engaging portion  56   a  comprises, for example, two rail-formed protrusions. When the operation lever  35  is swung in the arrow C-D direction, the third holding member  19   b  inactively moves in the engaging portion  56   a,  and the third mover  56  does not move. 
     The third holding member  63  comprises an insulator in a structure as explained in the foregoing first embodiment of the invention. The third holding member  63  has, for example in a lower surface, turn-signal-switch movable contacts  63   a,    63   a  contacting the third fixed contact  64 , and an electronic element  63   c.  The electronic element  63   c  comprises a current-reverse-preventing diode soldered between the two movable contacts  63   a,    63   a.  The movable contacts  63   a,    63   a  comprise two conductive metal plate spring members, and fixes both base portions to the third holding member  63  and connect the two movable contacts  63   a,    63   a  by the electronic element  63   c.  Due to this, only a current in a predetermined direction flows between the movable contacts  63   a,    63   a  thus preventing reverse flow of current. 
     The third holding member  63 , if the operation lever L 1  is rotated together with the third mover  66  in the arrow A-B direction, moves in the arrow N-O direction. The third holding member  63  forms, in a periphery, an engaging portion  63   b  for engagement with the elastic engaging pawl  56   b.  Incidentally, the third holding member  63  may be fixed to the third mover  56  by screws or the like, and attaching means is not especially limited. 
     The pole board  57  comprises a conductive plate  65  insert-molded by resin, and fitted over a lower aperture of the case  48 . The pole board  57  has a first board surface  57   a  and a second board surface  57   b.  The first mover  47  and the second mover  55  are rested on the lower first board surface  57   a  and the third mover  56  on the upper second board surface  57   b.    
     The pole board  57  is integrally formed with a connector portion  57   c  and has a terminal  65   b  protruding in the connector portion  57   c  and in conduction to the conducting plate  65 . By the provision of the electronic element  59   b,  the terminal  65   b  can pass a current only in a predetermined direction as in the input terminal  19   d,    19   e,    19   f,    19   g,    19   h  and output terminal  19   i,    19   j,    19   k,    191 ,  19   m  of the combination switch  19  explained in the foregoing seventh embodiment of the invention. This makes it possible to provide a contact position  19   a  on the pole board  57  and reduce the number of harnesses for connection to the terminal  65   b  and the terminal  65   b.  In the first board surface  27   a,  a guide hole  57   d  is opened with which the guide protrusion  55   c  of the second mover  55  engages. 
     Each conducting plate  65  comprises a terminal  65   a  provided on the first pole surface  57   a  and second pole surface  57   b,  a first fixed contact  60 , a second contact  62 , a third contact  64  and the terminal  65   b.  In each conducting plate  65 , each terminal  65   a,  each first to third fixed contact  60 ,  62 ,  64  and each terminal  65   b  may be separately formed and put in conduction by soldering or integrally formed. 
     Incidentally, the movable contacts  59   a,    61   a,    63   a  may use movable contacts  1 ,  4 ,  7 ,  10 ,  13 ,  16  as explained in the foregoing first to sixth embodiment of the invention. 
     The example of a combination switch using the invention is described as above. Next, the operation of the combination switch will be explained in detail. 
     If the first rotary knob  36  is rotated in the arrow E direction to a first stage from an OFF position, the shaft  41  and first coupling member  39  rotate together with the first rotary knob  36 . The first coupling member  39  is in engagement with the engaging portion  47   a  thereby moving the first mover  47  in the arrow J direction. The first holding member  59  provided on a lower surface of the first mover  47  moves (i.e., slides) together with the first mover in the arrow K and J direction over the first pole board  57   a  of the pole board  57  so that the movable contact  59   a  on the lower surface of the holding member  59  slides into contact with the first fixed contact  60  and the tail lamp goes on. 
     If the first rotary knob  36  is rotated further in the arrow E direction to a second stage, the shaft  41  and first coupling member  39  rotate together with the first rotary knob  36  in the manner stated above. The first coupling member  39  is in engagement with the engaging portion  47   a,  thereby further moving the first mover  47  in the arrow J direction. The first holding member  59  provided on the lower surface of the first mover  47  moves with the with the first mover  47  in the arrow J direction over the first board surface  57   a  of the pole board  57 , and the movable contact  59   a  on the lower surface of the first holding member  59  comes into contact with the first fixed contact  60  causing the headlight to go on. 
     If the first rotary knob  36  is rotated in the arrow F direction, the members stated above move in the opposite direction to the foregoing case. The headlight goes off and the tail lamp goes off in the order, becoming in former OFF state. 
     If the operation lever L 1  is rotated in the arrow C direction, the operation lever L 1  swings about the shaft  35   a  of the lever  35 . The second coupling member  35   f  moves the second mover  55  in the arrow L direction. When the second mover  55  moves in the arrow L direction, the movable contact  61   a  of the second holding member  61  provided on the lower surface moves (i.e., slides) in the arrow L direction over the first board surface  57   a  of the pole board  57  into contact with the second fixed contact  62 , performing passing. 
     When the operation lever L 1  is released from the hand, the operation lever L 1  returns to the former neutral position by a slant surface of the nodal groove  49   d  with which the nodal member  40  has been in contact. 
     If the operation lever L 1  is rotated in the arrow D direction, the operation lever L 1  swings about the shaft  35   a  of the lever  35  and the second coupling member  35   f  moves the second mover  55  in the arrow M direction. If the second mover  55  moves in the arrow M direction, the movable contact  61   a  of the second holding member  61  provided on the lower surface moves (i.e., slides) in the arrow M direction over the first board surface  57   a  of the pole board  57  into contact with the second fixed contact  62 , switching main-dimmer. 
     If the operation lever L 1  is swung to a leftward position in the arrow A direction, the operation lever L 1  rotates together with the movable member  49  about the shaft  49   a.  When the movable member  49  rotates, the third mover  56  with which the third coupling member  49   b  engages is moved in the arrow N direction. When the third mover  56  moves in the arrow N direction, the third holding member  63  provided on the lower surface moves (i.e., slides) together and the movable contact  63   a  slides into contact with the third fixed contact  64 , flickering the left turn signal. 
     Then, if the operation lever L 1  is operated in the opposite arrow B direction, the foregoing members move in the opposite direction, flickering the right turn signal. 
     By the provision of the electronic element  59   b,    61   e,    63   c  for preventing reverse flow of current between the movable contacts  59   a,    59   a,    61   a,    61   a,    63   a,    63   a,  the conductive plate  65  and terminal  65   b  of the pole board  57  makes possible to provide matrix-formed contact positions as explained in the seventh embodiment of the invention and reduce the number of harnesses to be connected to the combination-switch terminal  65   b  or control unit. 
     The present invention was structured as explained above and hence has effects as follows. 
     (1) The switch device according to the present invention comprises a plurality of fixed contacts and a plurality of movable contacts to contact the fixed contact, wherein the movable contacts have an electronic element provided between contact members. Due to this, it is possible to provide electronic elements in effective places and space saving of an electric circuit board for providing electronic elements. 
     (2) In the switch device as set forth in (1), the electronic element comprises a diode. Due to this, it is possible to prevent current from flowing in other than a predetermined direction, and prevent the switch device from malfunctioning even if the lead-wire signals are used commonly for a signal for various switches. 
     (3) In the switch device as set forth in (1) or (2), the movable contacts each has the electronic element arranged in a connecting portion where the plurality of contact members join together. Due to this, it is possible to perform, at the switch contact portions, prevention against reverse flow in an electric circuit having a plurality of switch contact portions, use commonly the switch terminals or harnesses, reduce cost and simplify the electric circuit apparatus. 
     (4) In the switch device as set forth in (3), the movable contacts each has a holding member fixing the electronic element and the connecting portion where the plurality of contact members join together. Due to this, it is possible to easily hold the movable contact and electronic elements by the holding member to provide them in the switch device and use the holding member also as the circuit board. 
     (5) In the switch device as set forth in (4), the holding member forms a mover. Due to this, it is possible to easily provide the movable contact and electronic elements in the switch device and arrange the movable contact to interact with the operation member. 
     (6) In the switch device as set forth in (1), (2) or (3), the movable contact comprises two conductive metal rod-like members, and the two conductive metal rod-like members each forms a contact portion in one end and fixing the other end on an end of each of the electronic elements. Due to this, it is possible to commonly use the movable contact to a lead terminal of an electronic element and reduce the number of parts, such as electronic elements, and assembling processes thus reducing cost. 
     (7) In the switch device as set forth in (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) or (6), the movable contacts each constitutes a contact member for an automobile combination switch. Due to this, it is possible to simplify a complicated combination-switch electric circuit and reduce the number and assembling processes of electronic elements, terminals or harnesses to be connected to the terminals, thus reducing cost. Also, it is possible to prevent reverse flow of current in contact positions and provide a combination switch which is prevented from malfunctioning due to such prevention of reverse flow of current.