JP2007149611A - Push type switching device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a push type switching device capable using a switch case in common even in case the number of housed operation button is one or two, preventing leakage of light at surroundings when illuminating a display face by transmitting light from back face side. <P>SOLUTION: Linear guiding recessed parts are formed on a plurality of positions of inner peripheral face of a housing part 4 of a switch case 5, and a plurality of guiding convex parts are formed on outer peripheral face of two operation buttons 2, 3 so as to correspond to the position of respective guiding recessed parts. Respective guiding convex parts are made to fit with respective guiding recessed parts in free shifting movement, and two operation buttons 2, 3, of which side faces are made to contact each other, are housed in the housing part 4. Furthermore, shielding ribs 15, 16, for shielding the light emitted from LEDs 11, 12 formed so as not to leak the light outside the operation buttons 2, 3, are formed on back face side of the housing part 4. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a push-type switch device used for, for example, a vehicle audio operation switch, and more particularly to a push-type switch device having an illumination function.

  A push-type switch device used for an audio operation switch of a vehicle (automobile) has an operation button having a plurality of guide projections formed along an operation direction on an outer peripheral surface, and a plurality of guides corresponding to the guide projections. A switch case having a concave portion (guide groove portion) on the inner peripheral surface is provided, and an operation button is installed in the switch case so that the guide convex portion is movably fitted in the guide concave portion (for example, a patent) Reference 1).

  By the way, in the push type switch device like the above-mentioned patent document 1, the guide convex portion is movably fitted into the guide concave portion and one operation button is accommodated in the switch case. For example, FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, in the conventional push type switch device that houses two independent operation buttons 101 and 102 in one switch case 100, the two housings are accommodated by a partition wall 100 a provided in the center of the switch case 100. The operation buttons are formed on the upper, lower, left and right guide recesses 103a, 103b, 103c, and 103d and the guide recesses 104a, 104b, 104c, and 104d formed on the peripheral surfaces of the storage portions 103 and 104, respectively. Guide protrusions 101a and 102a formed on the peripheral surfaces of 101 and 102 are movably fitted to each other to Each housing section 103 and 104 Chikesu 100 are adapted to receive the operation buttons 101 and 102.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the display surface 105 a of the operation knobs 105, 106 integrally formed on the front side through the inside of the operation buttons 101, 102 having a hollow inside is provided on the outer rear side of the storage portions 103, 104 of the switch case 100. , 106a are provided with illumination units 109 and 110 including LEDs 107 and 108 that transmit and illuminate the back side.

  In addition, since the partition wall 100a is provided in the central portion in the switch case 100, the operation buttons 101, 102, and the operation buttons 101, 102 are slidably contacted with the partition wall 100a and the partition walls 100a do not interfere with each other. Since the notches 101c and 102c are formed on the inner side surface of the 102, the front side of the notches 101c and 102c of the operation buttons 101 and 102 (the portion exposed to the outside from the switch case 100) is almost a gap. The wall thickness is increased so that it can be touched.

In each storage part 103, 104 of the switch case 100, a biasing member (not shown) for biasing the operation buttons 101, 102 forward, the operation buttons 101, 102 are removed from the storage parts 103, 104. There are provided a holding member (not shown) for holding the switch and a switch element (not shown) that is turned on / off in response to pressing / release of the operation buttons 101 and 102.
JP 2001-135186 A

  By the way, in the conventional push-type switch device shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, as described above, the front side of the notches 101c and 102c of the operation buttons 101 and 102 is made thick so as to be in contact with almost no gap. Therefore, the illumination range with respect to the display surfaces 105a and 106a on the front side is narrowed accordingly.

  Further, when light is emitted from the LEDs 107 and 108 of the illumination units 109 and 110 and the display surfaces 105a and 106a are transmitted and illuminated from the back side through the operation buttons 101 and 102 having hollow inside, due to a dimensional error at the time of manufacturing each member, etc. There is a risk that light leaks to the surroundings from the gaps formed between the storage portions 103 and 104 of the switch case 100 and the operation buttons 101 and 102.

  Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, a conventional push-type switch device in which one operation button 113 is housed in a housing portion 112 of a switch case 111 (the same size and the same external shape as the switch case 100 shown in FIG. 6). Then, the partition wall in the switch case 111 becomes unnecessary. The operation button 113 includes guide protrusions 113a and 113b (moving guide protrusions 113a and 113b, which are movably fitted in guide recesses 112a, 112b, 112c and 112d formed in the storage portion 112). The operation knob 114 having the display surface 114a is integrally formed on the front surface of the operation button 113.

  Thus, in the conventional push type switch device that stores one operation button 113 in the storage portion 112, the switch case that stores two operation buttons can also be used as a switch case even when the external shape is the same and the size is the same. However, since it is necessary to form separate switch cases by resin molding, the cost increases.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a push-type switch device that can ensure a wide illumination range when illuminating the display surface from the back side. Another object of the present invention is to provide a push-type switch device that can prevent light from leaking to the surroundings when illuminating the display surface from the back side. Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide a push-type switch device that can be used as a switch case even when one or two operation buttons are stored.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, one or two operation buttons having a display surface on the front side are movably accommodated in an operation direction in one storage portion provided in a switch case, and the storage In the push-type switch device capable of illuminating the display surface from the back side through the operation button by light from a light source provided on the back side of the unit, the operation button is provided at a plurality of locations on the inner peripheral surface of the storage unit. A linear guide recess is formed along the operation direction, and a plurality of guide protrusions are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the operation button in accordance with the position of each guide recess, and each guide protrusion is formed in each guide recess. One operation button or two operation buttons whose side surfaces are in contact with each other are accommodated in the storage portion so that the portions are movably fitted, and further, the light source is disposed on the back side in the storage portion. Luo emitted light is characterized in that a rib for shielding so as not leak out of the operation button.

  According to the present invention, since one operation button or two operation buttons whose side surfaces are in contact with each other can be stored in one storage portion provided in the switch case, the cost can be reduced by sharing the switch case. Furthermore, it is possible to secure a wide illumination range when illuminating the display surface from the back side. Further, by providing a rib for shielding the light emitted from the light source so as not to leak out of the operation button on the back side in the storage portion, light leakage from the inside of the operation button to the surroundings can be prevented.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on the illustrated embodiments.
<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a push-type switch device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the push-type switch device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. This is applied to an audio operation switch of a vehicle (automobile).

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the push-type switch device (audio operation switch) 1 according to this embodiment includes two operation buttons 2 and 3 having a rectangular cylindrical shape, and the back side of each operation button 2 and 3. The push-type switch device 1 is provided on an audio operation panel (not shown) attached to the instrument panel in the passenger compartment. The operation buttons 2 and 3 and the switch case 5 are formed by resin molding. The operation buttons 2 and 3 are formed as separate bodies.

  The operation buttons 2 and 3 have operation knobs 6 and 7 provided with display surfaces 6a and 7a on the front side (the left front side in FIG. 1), respectively, and are formed on the display surfaces 6a and 7a of the operation knobs 6 and 7, respectively. The characters ("RADIO" and "DISC / AUX" in the figure) and their surroundings can transmit light by illumination from the back side.

  The operation buttons 2 and 3 extend along the operation direction (arrow A direction) of the operation buttons 2 and 3 on the outer peripheral surface (both upper and lower surfaces and the outer side surface) on the back side (the back right side in FIG. 1). Linear guide protrusions 8a, 8b, and 8c (the lower surface of the operation button 2, the side surfaces of the operation button 3, and the guide protrusions on the lower surface are not shown) are integrally formed. Flange portions 6b and 7b are formed integrally with the rear portions of the operation knobs 6 and 7 of the operation buttons 2 and 3 except for the inner side surfaces. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, each inner side surface located on the back side (lower side in FIG. 2) of the flange portions 6b and 7b of the operation buttons 2 and 3 has a stepped portion, The thickness is reduced along the operation direction 3 (vertical direction in FIG. 2).

  The switch case 5 is formed with a storage portion 4 for storing the back sides of the operation buttons 2 and 3, and is stored on the inner peripheral surface (upper and lower surfaces and both side surfaces) of the storage portion 4. It extends along the front-rear direction (arrow A direction) of the switch case 5 according to the position of the guide convex portions 8a, 8b, 8c of the operation buttons 2, 3 (the guide convex portions on the lower surface and the left side surface are not shown). Linear guide recesses 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, and 10f are integrally formed. The storage unit 4 has no partition wall and is formed as one room.

  Illumination units 13 and 14 including the respective LEDs 11 and 12 are installed on the back outer side of the storage unit 4 of the switch case 5. In addition, between the back side of the storage part 4 and each illumination part 13 and 14, the display surfaces 6a and 7a on the front side are passed from the back side through the operation buttons 2 and 3 that are hollow inside by the light emission of the LEDs 11 and 12. Each is open so that it can be transmitted. In addition, rectangular cylindrical light shielding ribs 15 and 16 (see FIG. 2) are integrally formed on the inner side of the switch case 5, and the light shielding ribs 15 and 16 are accommodated in the accommodating portion 4. Each operation button 2, 3 is formed so as to be located inside the rear side end portion.

  As shown in FIG. 3, switch elements 17 and 18 that are turned ON / OFF in response to pressing / release of the operation buttons 2 and 3 are respectively installed on the back surface of the storage portion 4 of the switch case 5. ing. The switch elements 17 and 18 are arranged close to the inner side so as to abut on the inner side of the rear central portions of the operation buttons 2 and 3 to be accommodated.

  In the storage portion 4 of the switch case 5, a biasing member (not shown) for biasing the operation buttons 2 and 3 forward is provided so that the operation buttons 2 and 3 do not come out of the storage portion 4. A holding member (not shown) is provided that is movably held in the direction of arrow A.

  The operation buttons 2 and 3 and the switch case 5 of the push switch device 1 according to the present embodiment are configured as described above. Then, when assembling the operation buttons 2 and 3 to the storage portion 4 of the switch case 5, as shown in FIG. 1, the operation buttons 2 and 3 are pressed from both sides, and the side surfaces of the operation buttons 2 and 3 are pressed. The guide protrusions 8 a and 8 b on the upper and lower surfaces of the operation buttons 2 and 3 (in FIG. 1, the guide protrusions on the lower surface are not shown) are held from the front side of the switch case 5. The guide recesses 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d on the upper and lower surfaces of the storage unit 4 are movably fitted. Further, the guide protrusions 8c on the left and right side surfaces of the operation buttons 2 and 3 (in FIG. 1, the guide protrusions on the operation button 3 side are not shown) are moved to the guide recesses 10e and 10f on the left and right side surfaces of the storage unit 4. By freely fitting and inserting in this state, the back sides of the operation buttons 2 and 3 are simultaneously and integrally stored in the storage portion 4 (see FIG. 2). At this time, the inner side surfaces of the display surfaces 6a and 7a of the operation buttons 2 and 3 are slidably in contact with each other.

  When the back side of each operation button 2, 3 is accommodated in the storage portion 4, each operation button 2, 3 is urged forward by an urging member (not shown) and a holding member ( The operation buttons 2 and 3 are held movably so as not to come out. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, when the back side of each operation button 2 or 3 is accommodated in the accommodating part 4, the back side end of each operation button 2 or 3 is connected to each light shielding rib 15 or 16 and the switch. It will be in the state arrange | positioned between the side surfaces of case 5. FIG. Further, by turning on the power to the LEDs 11 and 12 of the illumination units 13 and 14 at night time, the LEDs 11 and 12 emit light, and the inside of the operation buttons 2 and 3 having a hollow inside pass through the operation buttons 2 and 3 on the front side. , 7a is transmitted and illuminated from the back side.

  For example, when the operator (driver) presses the display surface 7 a of the operation button 3, the operation button 3 is slightly moved (displaced) into the storage portion 4, and the contact provided on the back side of the operation button 3. The unit (not shown) presses the switch element 18 installed on the back side of the storage unit 4 to turn it on, and the audio device (not shown) corresponding to the operation button 3 is turned on.

  Thus, according to the push type switch device 1 according to the above-described embodiment, each switch member 17, 18 is installed slightly inward with respect to the center of the back surface of the operation button 3. When the contact portion (not shown) on the back side of FIG. 3 presses the switch element 18, an operation direction (in FIG. 1) is displayed on the display surface 7 a side of the operation button 3 that is pressed by the operator (driver). A slightly inward force is applied to the direction of arrow A (the same applies when the display surface 6a of the operation button 2 is pressed). Therefore, when the display surface 7a of the operation button 3 is pressed, there is no gap between the inner surfaces of the display surfaces 6a and 7a of the operation buttons 2 and 3, and the state is in a slidable contact state. Is retained.

  Further, since the partition wall is not provided in the storage portion 4 of the switch case 5, the inner side surfaces of the operation buttons 2 and 3 can be made thinner by the thickness of the partition wall. Therefore, when the front-side display surfaces 6a and 7a are transmissively illuminated from the back side through the inside of the operation buttons 2 and 3 whose insides are hollow by the light emission of the LEDs 11 and 12, respectively, from the corners of the display surfaces 6a and 7a. Effectively transmissive illumination can be achieved, and visibility can be improved.

  Further, by providing the light shielding ribs 15 and 16 on the back side of the storage unit 4, the front display surfaces 6a and 7a are transmitted from the back side through the operation buttons 2 and 3 by light emission of the LEDs 11 and 12, respectively. In doing so, it is possible to reliably prevent light leakage from the inside of each of the operation buttons 2 and 3 to the surroundings.

<Embodiment 2>
4 is an exploded perspective view showing a push-type switch device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the push-type switch device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

  In the first embodiment, the two operation buttons 2 and 3 are housed in the housing portion 4 of the switch case 5. However, in the push-type switch device 1 a according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. In addition, one operation button 19 (in this embodiment, an operation button for turning on / off the hazard lamp) is accommodated in the accommodating portion 4 of the resin-molded switch case 5. The size and shape of the switch case 5 (housing part 4) in this embodiment are the same as the switch case 5 (housing part 4) of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  In the storage portion 4 of the switch case 5, linear guide recesses 10a, 10b, 10c extending along the operation direction (arrow A direction) of the switch case 5 at the same positions as in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 10d, 10e, and 10f are integrally formed. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, illumination units 13 and 14 including LEDs 11 and 12 are installed outside the back surface of the storage unit 4 of the switch case 5. Further, rectangular cylindrical light shielding ribs 15 and 16 are integrally formed on the inner side of the switch case 5, and the light shielding ribs 15 and 16 are provided on the back of the operation button 19 accommodated in the accommodating portion 4. It is formed to be located inside the side edge

  The operation button 19 has an operation knob 20 provided with a display surface 20a on the front side (the left front side in FIG. 4), and the pictograms formed on the display surface 20a and its surroundings can transmit light by illumination from the back side. It is.

  The guide recesses 10b, 10d, 10e, and 10f formed in the storage portion 4 of the switch case 5 are provided on the outer peripheral surface (upper and lower surfaces and the outer side surface) of the operation button 19 on the back side (the right back side in FIG. 4). Linear guide protrusions 19a and 19b (the guide protrusions on the lower surface and the left side surface of the operation button 19 are not shown) extending along the operation direction (arrow A direction) of the operation button 19 according to the position. Is formed. In addition, the guide convex part is not formed in the part by the side of the operation button 19 corresponding to the guide recessed parts 10a and 10c of the switch case 5 (storage part 4). A flange portion 20b is integrally formed on the rear peripheral surface of the operation knob 22.

  In the storage portion 4 of the switch case 5, a switch element (not shown) that is turned on / off in response to pressing / depressing of each operation button 19, and a bias that biases the operation button 19 forward. A holding member (not shown) that holds the member (not shown) and the operation button 19 so as to be movable in the direction of the arrow A so as not to come out of the storage portion 4 is provided.

  When the operation button 19 is assembled to the storage portion 4 of the switch case 5, as shown in FIG. 5, the guide protrusions 19a on the upper and lower surfaces of the operation button 19 (in FIG. 5, the guide protrusions on the lower surface are not shown). ) Is movably fitted from the front side of the switch case 5 to the guide recess convex portions 10 b and 10 d on the upper and lower surfaces of the storage portion 4. Further, the guide convex portions 19b on the left and right side surfaces of the operation button 19 (in FIG. 5, the guide convex portions on the left side surface are not shown) are movably fitted to the guide concave portions 10e and 10f on the left and right side surfaces of the storage portion 4. In this state, the back side of the operation button 19 is stored in the storage unit 4 (see FIG. 5).

  When the back side of the operation button 19 is accommodated in the storage portion 4, the operation button 19 is urged forward by a biasing member (not shown), and the operation button is pressed by a holding member (not shown) in the storage portion 4. 19 is held movably so as not to come out. As shown in FIG. 5, when the back side of the operation button 19 is stored in the storage unit 4, the back side end of the operation button 19 is connected to each light shielding rib 15, 16 and the side surface of the switch case 5. It will be in the state arranged between. Further, by turning on the power to the LEDs 11 and 12 of the illumination units 13 and 14 at night, the LEDs 11 and 12 emit light, and the front display surface 20a passes through the inside of the operation button 19 having a hollow inside. Each is illuminated through.

  When the operator (driver) presses the display surface 20 a of the operation button 19, the operation button 19 is slightly moved (displaced) into the storage portion 4, and a contact portion provided on the back side of the operation button 19 ( (Not shown) presses a switch element (not shown) installed on the back side of the storage section 4 to turn it on, and a hazard lamp (not shown) corresponding to the operation button 19 is turned on.

  As described above, also in the push type switch device 1a according to the above-described embodiment, the light shielding ribs 15 and 16 are provided on the back side of the storage portion 4, so that the LEDs 11 and 12 emit light to pass through the operation buttons 19 and the front surface. When the side display surface 20a is transmitted and illuminated from the back side, light leakage from the inside of the operation button 19 to the surroundings can be surely prevented.

  Further, in the same switch case 5 used in the first embodiment, one operation button 19 is accommodated as in the present embodiment, and two operation buttons 2 and 3 are accommodated as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the cost can be reduced by sharing the switch case.

  The present invention is not limited to the vehicle audio operation switch and the hazard lamp switch in each of the above-described embodiments. For example, the push switch device such as a vehicle air conditioner operation switch or a push device used in various devices is used. The same applies to the type switch device.

1 is an exploded perspective view showing a push-type switch device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a push-type switch device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The front view which shows the switch case of the push type switch apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. The disassembled perspective view which shows the push type switch apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. The schematic sectional drawing which shows the push type switch apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. The disassembled perspective view which shows the push-type switch apparatus in a prior art example. The schematic sectional drawing which shows the push-type switch apparatus in a prior art example. The disassembled perspective view which shows the push-type switch apparatus in a prior art example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1a Push type switch apparatus 2,3,19 Operation button 4 Storage part 5 Switch case 6,7,20 Operation knob 6a, 7a, 20a Display surface 8a-8c, 19a, 19b Guide convex part 10a-10f Guide recessed part 11 , 12 LED
15, 16 Shading rib

Claims (1)

One or two operation buttons having a display surface on the front side are movably accommodated in an operation direction in one storage portion provided in the switch case, and are emitted from a light source provided on the back side of the storage portion. In the push-type switch device that can transmit and illuminate the display surface from the back side through the operation buttons with light,
Linear guide recesses are formed at a plurality of locations on the inner peripheral surface of the storage portion along the operation direction of the operation buttons, and a plurality of guides are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the operation buttons according to the positions of the guide recesses. A convex portion is formed, and each of the guide convex portions is movably fitted in each of the guide concave portions, and one operation button or two operation buttons whose side surfaces are in contact with each other is stored in the storage portion. ,
Furthermore, a rib that shields light emitted from the light source so as not to leak out of the operation button is provided on the back side in the storage unit.
A push-type switch device characterized by that.

Images