JP2001015958A - Operation unit for electronic appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an operation unit for electronic appliance the switch knobs of which can be assembled with a panel with the minimum error and can be prevented from shaking and from tilting in a window. SOLUTION: The number of parts used in an operation unit for electronic appliance can be reduced by integrally forming a light leading member 20 and switch knobs 23 and 24. In addition, since the knobs 23 and 24 are connected to the main body 20A of the light leading member 20 through hinges 28 and 29, the relative positions between a panel 16 and the knobs 23 and 24 can be decided based only on the positioning tolerance of the light leading member 20 to the panel 16, and the knobs 23 and 24 can be installed stably.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an operating device for an electronic device, such as a vehicle-mounted audio device, in which switch knobs are arranged on an operation panel and the switch knob is illuminated.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a conventional electronic device. Reference numeral 6 in FIG. 5 denotes a panel (operation panel) of a nose portion (decorative portion) provided on the front surface of the electronic device. Windows 7 a and 7 b are formed on the front surface 6 a of the panel 6. Switch knobs 1a and 1b are inserted into the windows 7a and 7b from inside the front surface 6a, respectively. An operation surface, which is the surface of each switch knob 1a, 1b, protrudes from the front surface 6a in the Y1 direction.
A and 1b can be pressed from the front.

In the switch knobs 1a and 1b, flanges 2 formed around the base ends thereof are connected by an elastically deformable thin plate-shaped arm-shaped hinge 3.
In the vicinity of the middle of the arm-shaped hinge 3, a projection 4 serving as an operation fulcrum is provided in the back direction (Y2 direction). The back of each of the switch knobs 1a and 1b has a back direction (Y
Switch pressing portions 5a and 5b extending in two directions are formed. The switch knobs 1a and 1b are integrally formed of a synthetic resin material, and the arm-shaped hinge 3 is elastically deformable.

A light guide member 10 is provided behind the switch knobs 1a and 1b. This light guide member 10
Is for supporting the switch knobs 1a and 1b operably from the back. Ribs 8a, 8
b and the claws 9a, 9b are provided at a predetermined interval in the Y direction, and the edges of the light guide member 10 are ribs 8a, 8b and the claws 9a, 9
b. The light guide member 10 is provided with holes 10a and 10b,
The switch pressing portions 5a and 5b are inserted into 10b.

[0005] A substrate 14 is fixedly provided on the back side of the light guide member 10, and the switch elements 12a, 1
2b is fixedly provided. Switch knob 1a, 1
The switch pressing portions 5a and 5b formed on the switch element 12b face the pressing portions 13a and 13b of the switch elements 12a and 12b.

[0006] Each of the switch elements 12a,
An illumination member 15 such as a lamp or an LED is provided near 12b.
Are provided, and the back side of each switch can be illuminated.

When the power of the electronic device is turned on in conjunction with the light switch of the automobile, the illuminating member 15 emits light. This light propagates through the light guide member 10 and illuminates the back surfaces of the switch knobs 1a and 1b. Then, since it proceeds inside the switch knobs 1a and 1b and is guided toward the surface thereof, when viewed from the front of the panel 6, the switch knobs 1a and 1b are viewed.
The operation surface on the surface b is brightly lit, so that it can be easily operated at night.

[0008]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional electronic equipment, the switch knobs 1a and 1b and the light guide member 10 are not provided.
Are formed separately, there is a problem that the number of parts increases and the assembling process becomes complicated. Further, since a space for increasing the number of components is required in the electronic device, there is a problem that the depth space in the electronic device is reduced.

Further, there is a problem in that the switch knobs 1a and 1b are rattled due to the relationship between the molding dimensional accuracy of the switch knobs 1a and 1b and the arm-shaped hinge 3 and the assembling accuracy of the light guide member 10. That is, the light guide member 10 is positioned by being fitted between the rib 8a and the claw 9a inside the panel 6 and between the rib 8b and the claw 9b. It is unavoidable that an error occurs in the mounting position.

On the other hand, the switch knobs 1a and 1b are positioned by the projections 4 of the arm-shaped hinges 3 supported by the light guide member 10 from the rear side, and the flanges 2 and 2 contacting the rear side of the panel 6. Therefore, when the molding error of the switch knobs 1a and 1b and the arm-shaped hinge 3 and the error of the mounting position of the light guide member 10 accumulate, the gap between the flanges 2 and 2 of the switch knobs 1a and 1b and the rear surface of the panel 6 is increased. A gap may be formed and the switch knobs 1a and 1b may rattle.

Such rattling causes rattling noise when the vehicle body is vibrated, which is harsh and lowers the quality of the on-vehicle electronic device.

When the mounting position of the light guide member 10 is designed to be closer to the front surface 6a of the panel 6, the flanges 2 and 2 of the switch knobs 1a and 1b are pressed slightly against the back surface of the panel 6. The switch knob 1
The rattling of a and 1b can be prevented. However, in this case, since there is a possibility that an excessive deformation force in the Y1 direction may be applied to the arm-shaped hinge 3, the switch knobs 1a and 1b
a, 7b, resulting in switch knobs 1a, 1b
A gap is formed between the outer periphery of the rim and the inner surfaces of the edges of the windows 7a and 7b. If light leaks from the gap to the outside, a bright spot will be formed at a part of the outer periphery of the switch knobs 1a and 1b, which degrades the illumination quality when viewed from the front of the panel 6.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an operating device for an electronic device which can be constituted by a small number of components.

According to the present invention, a switch knob can be assembled to a panel with a minimum error, and rattling of the switch knob and inclination of the switch knob in a window can be prevented. It is intended to provide.

[0015]

According to the present invention, there is provided a panel having a window, a switch knob having a pressing portion formed on a back surface and an operating surface which appears in the window and receives an external operating force, and an illuminating device. A light guide member for guiding the light emitted from the member and providing the light to the switch knob; and an operating device for an electronic device, wherein the switch knob and a deformable portion that supports the switch knob so that the switch knob can be pressed freely. The light guide member is formed integrally with the light guide member, and a light emitting surface formed on the light guide member and a light receiving surface formed on the switch knob face each other.

In the above means, since the switch knob, the deformed portion, and the light guide member are integrally formed of a light guide material,
It can be configured with the minimum number of parts. In addition, since the relative position between the light guide member and the switch knob is determined with high precision by integral molding, when the light guide member is mounted on the back of the panel, the positioning tolerance of the switch knob is limited to the mounting tolerance of the light guide member relative to the panel. Becomes Therefore, rattling of the switch knob and inclination of the switch knob in the mounted state are less likely to occur.

Further, since the light emitted from the illuminating member is provided to the light receiving surface of the switch knob from the light emitting surface of the light guide member, the switch knob can be sufficiently provided with light.

For example, an opening is formed in the light guide member, and the switch knob is disposed inside the opening, and an inner surface of an edge of the opening of the light guide member becomes the light emitting surface. .

Alternatively, in addition to the inner surface of the edge portion of the opening of the light guide member, a light emitting surface facing the light receiving surface of the switch knob at a short distance may be formed.

In the switch knob, the operation surface is formed so as to protrude from the front surface of the light guide member toward the panel, and the light receiving surface formed on the back of the switch knob is provided on the operation surface. It can be formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the angle.

When the switch knob is formed so as to be located forward of the front surface of the light guide member, the switch knob can be securely inserted into the window of the panel. Further, when the light receiving surface is formed to be inclined, the light incident on the switch knob from the light receiving surface is
The operation surface on the front of the switch knob is reliably illuminated. In this case, it is preferable that the light exit surface on the light guide member side is formed to be inclined in the same direction as the light receiving surface and faces the light receiving surface.

For example, the light receiving surface is formed in a conical shape at the back of the switch knob. Alternatively, the shape may be a polygonal cone.

[0023]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an electronic apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II of the electronic apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in an assembled state. It is.

The electronic apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is, for example, a car-mounted CD.
1 and 2 show a part of a panel 16 forming a nose portion on the front surface of an electronic device.
The panel 16 is formed of a colored synthetic resin or the like,
A part of the panel 16 has a plurality of windows 16a, 16b, 16c.
And 16d are formed.

A light guide member 20 is attached to the back of the panel 16 (Y2 side in the figure). The light guide member 20 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin material such as a transparent or translucent acrylic plate or a glass material. An opening 20B is formed in the main body 20A of the light guide member 20, and four switch knobs 21, 22, 23 corresponding to the windows 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d are formed in the opening 20B.
And 24 are provided.

Switch knobs 21, 22, 23 and 24
The flanges 21a, 22a, 23a and 2
4a is provided around. Each flange 21a, 22a, 2
3a and 24a and the main body 20A of the light guide member 20 are connected by hinges 26, 27, 28 and 29 functioning as deformable portions. That is, the switch knobs 21, 22, 23, and 24 are supported in the openings 20B of the light guide member 20 by the hinges 26, 27, 28, and 29, respectively. And these hinges 26, 27,
28 and 29 are elastically deformable in the illustrated Y direction. Also, each of the switch knobs 21, 22, 23 and 24
Pressing portions 21b, 22 extending in the illustrated Y2 direction
b, 23b and 24b are formed respectively.

The switch knobs 21 and
2, 23, 24, the hinges 26, 27, 28, 29, and the main body 20A of the light guide member 20 are integrally injection-molded with the same light-transmitting synthetic resin material.

As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 2 of the light guide member 20 is
0A is fixed between a rib 31 provided inside the panel 16 and a claw 32. The same applies to the X1 side in the figure. Then, in this state, the windows 16a of the panel 16,
Switch knobs 21 and 16 from 16b, 16c and 16d
The surfaces of 2, 23 and 24 protrude. In addition, window 16
a, 16b, 16c and 16d, flanges 21a,
22a, 23a and 24a are pressed lightly.

As described above, since the main body 20A of the light guide member 20 and the switch knobs 21, 22, 23 and 24 are integrally formed, the relative position between the main body and the switch knob can be determined with high precision. it can. Therefore, the switch knobs 21, 22, 23 and 24 and the window 16 of the panel 16
The relative positions of the light guide members 20a, 16b, 16c and 16d depend only on the tolerance when the light guide member 20 is incorporated into the panel 16. As a result, if the accuracy of the positions of the ribs 31 and the claws 32 is improved, the switch knobs 21, 22, 23 and 2
4, windows 16a, 16b, 16c and 1 of panel 16
6d, the error of the relative position with respect to the flange 2d can be reduced.
1a, 22a, 23a and 24a can be brought into contact with the back surface of panel 16 with an appropriate force. As a result, the switch knobs 21, 22, 23 and 24 can be stabilized in the panel 16, and the switch knobs 21, 22, 23 and 24 can be stabilized.
23 and 24 do not tilt.

Since the switch knobs 21, 22, 23 and 24 are integrally formed with the light guide member 20, the manufacturing cost can be reduced by reducing the number of parts.
Furthermore, switch knobs 21, 22, and 22 in the electronic device are provided.
The space in the depth direction (Y direction) occupied by the light guide members 20 and 23 and 24 can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to contribute to downsizing of the electronic device.

As shown in FIG. 2, the light guide member 20 has a Y
On the second side, a substrate 40 is provided. The substrate 40
Is fixed to the panel 16 by means such as screwing. The switch elements 41, 42, 4
3 and 44 are fixedly provided. FIG. 2 shows only the switch elements 43 and 44, and the other switch elements 41 and 42 are omitted. As shown in FIG. 2, pressing portions 23 formed on the switch knobs 23 and 24 are provided.
b, 24b are the pressed parts 43 of the switch elements 43, 44
a, 44a.

On the substrate 40, there are provided illuminating members 45 and 46 which face the inside of the concave portions 20c and 20d formed on the back surface of the light guiding member 20, respectively.
The illuminating members 45 and 46 are, for example, a lamp in which an orange or green colored body is fitted to a lamp, or an LED.

Switch knobs 21, 22, 23 and 24
The operation surfaces 21d, 22d, 23d and 24d on the surface of
A coating process such as black is performed, and after this coating, a part of the coating is, for example, “1”, “2”,
Each is cut so as to have a predetermined character shape such as “3” and “4”, and the inner resin or white paint or the like is exposed.

The switch knobs 21, 22, 23, 24
A light receiving surface on which light is incident is formed on the back of. FIG. 2 shows a specific example of the light receiving surface. In a switch knob 23 shown in FIG.
3a1. The opening 20B of the light guide member 20
An inner surface of an edge of the light-emitting surface is a light-emitting surface 20e, and the light-emitting surface and the light-receiving surface 23a1 face each other at a short distance.

In the switch knob 24 shown in FIG. 2, a cone whose diameter gradually decreases toward the rear is integrally formed on the back, and a light receiving surface 24c whose peripheral surface is inclined with respect to the operation surface 24d is formed. Has become. A light-emitting surface 20f that is inclined in the same direction as the light-receiving surface 24c is formed on the inner surface of the edge of the opening 20B of the light-guiding member 20, and the light-emitting surface 20f and the light-receiving surface 24c face each other at a short distance. are doing.

The light receiving surface 23a1 and the light receiving surface 2
The surface of 4c is not painted, and light is easy to enter.

When a light switch or the like of an automobile is turned on, power is applied to the illuminating members 45 and 46, and the illuminating members 45 and 46 are turned on. The light emitted from the illuminating members 45 and 46
The light enters the light guide member 20 from c and 20d. Then, this light exits from the light exit surface 20e, and the flange portion 23a
The light is guided into the switch knob 23 from the light receiving surface 23a1 formed at the bottom. The light in the light guide 20 is guided from the light output surface 20f to the switch knob 24 via the light receiving surface 24c.
In the switch knob 24, since the light exit surface 20f and the light receiving surface 24c are inclined in the same direction, the inclined light receiving surface 2
The component in the direction substantially orthogonal to the light is easily incident on 4c. Further, light guided into the switch knob 24 from the inclined light receiving surface 24c is easily refracted in the direction of the operation surface 24d, so that much light can be given to the operation surface 24d.

As described above, the characters cut on the operation surfaces 23d and 24d of the switch knobs 23 and 24 ("3" in FIG. 1).
And "4") can be brightly raised.

When a light source such as a small LED 47 can be installed directly below the switch knob 23, the LED 4
It is also possible to directly illuminate the back of the switch knob 23 with the light emitted from 7.

When the switch knobs 23 and 24 are depressed, the hinges 28 supporting the switch knobs 23 and 24 are depressed.
And 29 can be bent in the Y2 direction, and the switch element 43 or 44 can be turned “on”.

At this time, the switch knobs 21, 22, 2
3 and 24 are independently supported by hinges, so that when one of the switch knobs is pressed, the other switch knobs are not affected and the other switch flanges and the inner surface of the panel 16 (window The degree of adhesion to the surrounding inner surface) does not decrease. Therefore, it is possible to prevent light from leaking from around the switch knob that is not operated.

FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment, in which (A) is a plan view of a light guide member and a switch knob, and (B) is a sectional view taken along line III-III in (A).

FIG. 3 shows a hinge 51 extending from the main body 50A of the light guide member 50 toward the inside of the opening 50B.
, And a switch knob 52 is provided at the tip thereof. The main body 50A, the hinge 51, and the switch knob 52 of the light guide member 50 are integrally formed in the same manner as described above, and the hinge 51 is elastically deformable in the Y direction in the figure. As shown in FIG. 3B, when the light guide member 50 is fixed inside the panel 16, the operation surface 52a of the switch knob 52 can protrude from the window 16e provided in the panel 16.

In the second embodiment, when the operation surface 52a of the switch knob 52 is pressed in the Y2 direction in the figure, the switch knob 52 rotates in the α1-α2 direction about the hinge 51 as a fulcrum. Light emitted from the illuminating members 45 and 46 is supplied to the inclined light receiving surface 52b of the switch knob 52 from the light emitting surface 50a on the inner surface of the edge of the opening 50B of the light guide member 50, Is illuminated.

FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment, in which (A) is a plan view of a light guide member and a switch knob, and (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in (A).

In the example shown in FIG.
Is provided inside the opening 60B of the light guide member 60, and the center of the switch knob 62 is supported by two hinges 61a and 61b extending from both directions. On the back of the switch knob 62, a pressing portion 61 extending in the illustrated Y2 direction is provided.
c and 61d are provided, which respectively oppose two switch elements provided inside the electronic device (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 4B, when the light guide member 60 is installed inside the panel 16, the window 16 f of the panel 16
, The operation surface 62a of the switch knob 62 can be projected. When the right or left side of the switch knob 62 is pressed, the hinges 61a and 61b are twisted, and the switch knob 62 can be swung in the illustrated β1 or β2 direction. Therefore, one of the switch elements can be turned on by the pressing portion 61c or 61d. That is, in the third embodiment, a so-called seesaw type switch operation unit can be integrally formed with the main body 60A of the light guide member 60.

Also in this case, similarly to the above, light emitted from the light emitting surface 60a on the inner surface of the edge of the opening 60B of the light guide member 60 enters the switch knob 62 from the oblique light receiving surface 61c of the switch knob 62. Given.

In the first embodiment, for example, not only the operation surfaces of the switch knobs 21, 22, 23 and 24 are painted, but also the main body 20 of the light guide member 20.
The surface of A (the surface on the Y1 side) may be painted together. In this case, since the painted surface of the light guide member 20 can be used as a light shielding surface, the amount of light that escapes to the outside of the light guide member 20 can be reduced.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the description has been made as an on-vehicle electronic device. However, the present invention can be used for other electronic devices, for example, an audio device, a mobile phone, a remote controller and the like.

[0051]

According to the present invention described in detail above, the switch knob can be provided on the light guide member, so that the number of parts can be reduced.

Even when the switch knob is formed integrally with the light guide member, a large amount of light can be concentrated on the back of the switch knob, so that the characters on the surface of the switch knob can be brightly illuminated.

Furthermore, the switch knob can be positioned with high accuracy with respect to the window of the panel of the electronic device, and the switch knob can be stably installed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG.

3A and 3B show a second embodiment, in which FIG. 3A is a plan view of a light guide member and a switch knob, and FIG.
A sectional view taken along line -III,

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a third embodiment, wherein FIG. 4A is a plan view of a light guide member and a switch knob, and FIG.
Sectional view of the IV line,

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional electronic device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 16 Panel 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d Window 20 Light guide member 20B Opening 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d Recess 20e, 20f Light emitting surface 21, 22, 23, 24 Switch knob 21a, 22a, 23a, 24a Flange 21b, 22b , 23b, 24b Pressing part 23a1, 24c Light receiving surface 26, 27, 28, 29 Hinge (deformed part) 40 Substrate 41, 42, 43, 44 Switch element 45, 46 Illuminating member

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A panel having a window, a switch knob having a pressing portion formed on a back surface and an operation surface that appears in the window and receives an external operation force, and guides light emitted from an illuminating member. And a light guide member for providing the light to the switch knob, wherein the switch knob and a deformable portion that supports the switch knob so that the switch knob can be pressed are formed integrally with the light guide member. The light emitting surface formed on the light guide member and the light receiving surface formed on the switch knob face each other. 2. An opening is formed in the light guide member.
The operating device for an electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the switch knob is disposed inside the opening, and an inner surface of an edge of the opening of the light guide member is the light emitting surface. 3. The switch knob, wherein the operation surface is formed so as to protrude from the front surface of the light guide member toward the panel, and the light receiving surface formed on the back of the switch knob is provided on the operation surface. 3. The operating device for an electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the operating device is formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the electronic device. 4. The operating device for an electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the light receiving surface is formed in a conical shape at the back of the switch knob.