JP2007283866A - Dial type switching device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a dial type switching device which does not cause confusion in adjusting and has good operability by disposing a plurality of light sources for an indication part to illuminate the indication part of the dial operation part in a different color according to the set temperature of an air conditioner, and intensifying the set position by the indication part to make an adjustment content understandable. <P>SOLUTION: Three LEDs 14 for temperature set pointer are disposed at 90° intervals along the turning locus of the temperature set pointer 11a, and they are composed of the LEDs 141 (blue), 142 (white), and 143 (red) which are single-color different from each other. The LEDs 141, 142, 143 are selectively illuminated based on the temperature set by the temperature set pointer 11a. When the temperature set pointer 11a is at an intermediate position between the LEDs 141 and 142, the luminance of the both LEDs 141 and 142 is adjusted in light emission according to the separation distance between the temperature set pointer 11a and the LEDs 141, 142. The temperature set pointer 11a is illuminated by an intermediate mixed color (light blue) of the LEDs 141, 142 at the both sides. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a dial type switch device used in an air conditioner installed in a vehicle, a house or the like, and more particularly to a dial type illumination type switch device for a vehicle.

  For example, with regard to an air conditioner mounted on an automobile, a plurality of (for example, three) dial switches are attached to an operation panel provided on a dashboard or the like, and the operating state of the air conditioner can be adjusted by operating each switch. . Usually, these dial type switches operate (rotate) a rotary type cylindrical dial knob (dial operation unit) having a pointer (indicator unit), in addition to a set temperature of the air conditioner, and a discharge air volume ( It is provided to adjust (select) the discharge amount) and the discharge position (blowout port). In an illuminated dial switch that includes a light emitting unit (light source for display unit) such as an LED, a non-rotating and translucent display unit is fixed to the substrate inside the dial knob. It arrange | positions so that a switch for a part and LED may be enclosed over a perimeter. Therefore, such a display part has the mark (for example, scale) for showing the setting position of the operating state of the air conditioning apparatus by a pointer.

  The display LED is turned on (ON) to illuminate the display and dial knob regardless of whether it is daytime or nighttime, and according to the setting (set temperature or set air volume) of the air conditioner by the pointer. A technique for displaying the setting state by changing the color is disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2001-1747 A

  However, in the one shown in Patent Document 1, the display unit and the dial knob (pointer) are generally illuminated by turning on a single display unit LED. Therefore, the setting position by the pointer becomes inconspicuous, and there is a possibility that the contents of adjustment are difficult to understand. In addition, when the set temperature and set air volume are adjusted with the dial knob, the illumination color of the entire display and dial knob (pointer) changes, so the setting type is changed and displayed (for example, the temperature setting state has changed to the air volume setting state). ) And may cause confusion when adjusting these.

  It is a routine method to determine the discharge air volume and the discharge position of the air conditioner with reference to the set temperature. However, in Patent Document 1, since the adjustment of the discharge air volume and the discharge position is performed independently of the set temperature, there is a case where the air conditioning apparatus is once set and then the air conditioner is set and then adjusted again. It's easy to do.

  An object of the present invention is to arrange a plurality of indicator light sources in order to make the indicator part of the dial operation part shine in different colors according to the set temperature of the air conditioner, thereby emphasizing the setting position by the indicator part. It is an object of the present invention to provide a dial type switch device that is easy to understand and is less likely to cause confusion during adjustment and has good operability.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

In order to solve the above problems, a dial type switch device of the present invention is
A dial type switch device for operating an air conditioner that performs indoor air conditioning according to a difference between a measured temperature in a room and a set temperature,
It has a translucent indicator part for turning around the axis to artificially set the operating state of the air conditioner, and the air conditioner is operated according to the setting of the operating state by the indicator part A rotary dial operation unit provided with a switch unit for
On the non-display surface side of the dial operation unit, a plurality of indicator unit light sources arranged along a rotation trajectory of the indicator unit so that the indicator unit can be illuminated with different colors,
A non-rotating display unit disposed opposite to the dial operation unit and having a mark for indicating a setting position of an operating state by the indicator unit;
When the dial operation unit is rotated so as to match the mark on the display unit and the air conditioner is set to a predetermined operating state by the indicator unit, the plurality of the plurality of dial operation units are set based on the set temperature of the air conditioner. Light emission control means for displaying the indicator portion in different colors according to the set temperature by selectively causing the indicator portion light source to emit light,
It is characterized by providing.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a specific aspect of the dial type switch device of the present invention is as follows.
A dial type switch device for operating an air conditioner that performs indoor air conditioning according to a difference between a measured temperature in a room and a set temperature,
A light-transmitting indicator portion for rotating around an axis to artificially set the set temperature of the air conditioner, and operating the air conditioner according to the temperature setting by the indicator portion A rotating and cylindrical dial operation unit provided with a switch unit;
On the non-display surface side of the dial operation part, a plurality of indicator part light sources arranged along the turning locus of the indicator part so that the indicator part can be illuminated with different colors,
A non-rotating display unit disposed opposite to the inside of the dial operation unit and having a mark for indicating a temperature setting position by the indicator unit;
When the dial operation unit is turned so as to match the mark on the display unit and the air conditioner is set to a predetermined temperature by the indicator unit, the plurality of indicator light sources based on the set temperature Light emission control means for displaying the indicator portion in a different color according to the temperature setting position by selectively emitting light,
It is characterized by providing.

  In this way, in order to illuminate (display; illuminate) the indicator portion (eg, pointer) of the dial operation portion (eg, dial knob) with a different color, a plurality of indicator portion light sources are provided along the turning locus of the indicator portion. It arrange | positions and based on the preset temperature of the air conditioning apparatus by the predetermined operation part (for example, dial operation part for temperature setting), these several light sources for parameter | index parts are selectively light-emitted. By displaying the indicator part in different colors according to the set temperature of the air conditioner, the setting position (for example, the temperature setting position) of the operating state by the indicator part is emphasized by a plurality of indicator part light sources, making it easy to understand the adjustment contents It is displayed (illuminated), and the operability is improved because the confusion during adjustment is less likely to occur.

  In addition, “setting of the operating state of the air conditioner by the index unit” is not limited to the set temperature as in the above specific embodiment, but also the discharge air volume (blowout amount) and discharge position (blowout port) as the adjustment target. Including. Therefore, in the dial operation unit for setting the discharge air volume or the discharge position, the set temperature and the discharge air volume or the discharge position to be adjusted can be confirmed at the same time. In addition, the display unit includes a case where the display unit is formed by a push operation unit (push type switch) that is slidable in the axial direction and a case where a light emitting unit such as an LED is used as a light source for the display unit.

  Therefore, on the non-display surface side of the display unit, apart from the indicator unit light source, a display unit light source capable of illuminating the display unit by emitting light in a plurality of different colors is disposed. It is desirable that the light source for the part is selectively made to emit light based on the set temperature, and the light source for the display part is made to emit light in a color corresponding to the set temperature.

  As a result, the indicator section of the dial operation section is displayed (illuminated) with a plurality of indicator section light sources, while the display section is displayed (illuminated) with a display section light source, and both are displayed separately (illuminated). Therefore, it becomes easier to understand the adjustment contents by the index part. In addition, since the light source for the display unit can be turned on (ON) separately from the light source for the indicator unit, it is easy to arrange and operate the night illumination to make it easy to visually recognize the mark (for example, scale) on the display unit at night. Yes. At this time, if the emission color of the light source for the display unit is set to the same color as the emission color of the light source for the indicator unit, misidentification and confusion can be prevented. In addition, the structure of the whole dial type switch apparatus can be simplified by using single full color LED for the light source for display parts.

  In addition, the indicator unit light source includes a plurality of monochromatic LEDs of different colors arranged at predetermined intervals along the rotation trajectory of the indicator unit, and the light emission control means includes the indicator unit of any two of the plurality of monochromatic LEDs. By adjusting the light emission of at least one single-color LED at a brightness according to the separation distance between the index portion and the single-color LEDs on both sides sandwiching the indicator portion when in the middle position in the rotation direction, the single-color intermediate mixing of the indicator portions on the both-side LEDs Can be illuminated with color. In this way, by using a single color LED as the indicator light source, the dial type switch device can be constructed at low cost, and the intermediate mixed color of the single color LEDs on both sides can be changed in a wide range and continuously by brightness adjustment and displayed clearly. it can. Note that PWM control or the like based on a duty ratio can be used for generation (light emission) of an intermediate mixed color.

By the way, it has a translucent sub-index portion for artificially setting the discharge air volume or the discharge position of the air conditioner by rotating around the axis, and setting the discharge air volume or the discharge position by the sub-index portion. In response, a rotary sub dial operation unit provided with a sub switch unit for operating the air conditioner,
On the non-display surface side of the sub-dial operation unit, a plurality of sub-index unit light sources arranged along the rotation trajectory of the sub-index unit so that the sub-index unit can be illuminated with different colors,
A non-rotating sub-display unit that is disposed opposite to the sub-dial operation unit and has a mark for indicating a discharge air volume or a discharge position setting position by the sub-index unit;
The light emission control means sets the air conditioner when the sub dial operation unit is rotated so as to match the mark on the sub display unit and the air conditioner is set to a predetermined discharge air volume or discharge position by the sub indicator unit. A plurality of light sources for the sub-index part may be selectively emitted based on the temperature so that the sub-index part is displayed in a different color according to the set temperature.

  In this way, the sub-index part (for example, the sub-pointer) of the sub-dial operation unit (for example, the sub-dial knob) for setting the discharge air volume or the discharge position of the air conditioner is lit (displayed; illuminated) in different colors. A plurality of secondary indicator light sources are arranged along the rotation trajectory of the secondary indicator portion, and the plurality of secondary indicator light sources are based on the set temperature of the air conditioner by the dial operation unit (index unit) described above. To emit light selectively. That is, in the sub dial operation unit for setting the discharge air volume or the discharge position, the set temperature and the discharge air volume or the discharge position to be adjusted can be confirmed at the same time. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine (set) the discharge air volume and the discharge position with reference to the set temperature, and avoid the occurrence of a situation where the setting is adjusted again after the setting. The sub-display unit includes a case where it is formed by a sub-push operation unit (push type switch) that is slidable in the axial direction, and a case where a light emitting unit such as an LED is used as a light source for the sub-display unit.

  In addition to the sub indicator light source, a sub display light source capable of illuminating the sub display unit by emitting light in a plurality of different colors is disposed on the non-display surface side of the sub display unit. It is preferable that the plurality of light sources for the sub indicator section are selectively made to emit light based on the set temperature, and the light source for the sub display section is made to emit light in a color corresponding to the set temperature.

  As a result, the sub-index part of the sub-dial operation unit is displayed (illuminated) with a plurality of light sources for the sub-index part, while the sub-display part is displayed (illuminated) with the light source for the sub-display part. Since it is displayed (illuminated), it becomes easier to understand the adjustment contents by the sub-index part. Further, since the light source for the sub display unit can be turned on (ON) separately from the light source for the sub indicator unit, the arrangement and operation of the night illumination for making it easy to visually recognize the mark (for example, the scale) of the sub display unit at night. Can be done easily. At this time, if the light emission color of the light source for the sub display unit is set to the same color as the light emission color of the light source for the sub indicator unit, misidentification and confusion can be prevented. In addition, the structure of the whole dial type switch apparatus can be simplified by using single full color LED for the light source for a sub display part.

  In addition, a plurality of LEDs are arranged at predetermined intervals along the rotation path of the sub-index unit, and the light emission control unit selectively selects the plurality of LEDs based on the set temperature of the air conditioner. It is desirable to emit light and display the sub-index part in the same color as the index part. The emission color of the sub indicator light source that displays the discharge air volume or the discharge position emits light in the same color as the emission color of the indicator light source that displays the set temperature, so the set temperature when setting the discharge air amount and discharge position Therefore, the set temperature can be determined from the light emission color of the light source for the sub indicator unit without looking at the dial operation unit. In addition, by using a plurality of full-color LEDs as the light source for the sub indicator section, it is possible to easily emit light in a color similar to the light emission color of the indicator section light source.

(Example)
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to examples shown in the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of a dial illumination switch device according to the present invention, and FIG. In order to operate the air conditioner unit 1 (air conditioner; see FIG. 4), an air conditioner switch panel 2 to which a plurality of (for example, three) dial illumination switch devices 10, 20, 30 (dial switch devices) are attached. Is mounted on the body (main body) side (not shown) of the automobile. These dial-type illuminated switch devices (hereinafter also simply referred to as switch devices) are a temperature setting switch device 10 for setting the temperature of the air conditioner unit 1 from the left, and an air volume setting for setting an air volume (amount of air blow). The switch apparatus 20 and the blower outlet setting switch apparatus 30 for setting a blower outlet (discharge position) are included.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the temperature setting switch device 10 is disposed opposite to a temperature setting dial knob 11 (dial operation unit) that rotates around an axis by a rotation operation, and inside the temperature setting dial knob 11, and is operated by a pressing operation. An activation switch push knob 12 (push operation unit) that is movable in the axial direction is provided. The start switch push knob 12 and the temperature setting dial knob 11 are attached to the air conditioner switch panel 2 so as to overlap each other in an inner and outer double cylindrical shape.

  On the display surface (upper surface) side of the temperature setting dial knob 11, a temperature setting pointer 11a (indicator) for rotating around the axis and setting the temperature is formed of a translucent material (for example, a lens body). Yes. Further, on the light emission control board 40 (light emission control means) on the non-display surface (lower surface) side of the temperature setting dial knob 11, the air conditioner unit 1 (see FIG. 4) is set according to the temperature setting by the temperature setting pointer 11a. In order to operate, the temperature setting switch 13 (switch part) which consists of a variable resistor or a pulse switch is arrange | positioned. Similarly, on the light emission control board 40 on the non-display surface side of the temperature setting dial knob 11, a plurality of (for example, three) LED for temperature setting pointers 14 (for example, an indicator light source; A light emitting unit) is arranged, and the temperature setting pointer 11a can be illuminated with different colors (for example, blue, white, red) (see FIG. 3). The temperature setting switch 13 is disposed along the outer peripheral surface of the temperature setting dial knob 11 and the temperature setting pointer LED 14 is disposed along the inner peripheral surface thereof.

  On the other hand, on the light emission control board 40 on the non-display surface (lower surface) side of the start switch push knob 12, the compressor of the air conditioner unit 1 (see FIG. 4) is started by moving the start switch push knob 12 in the axial direction. In order to start cooling the inside of the vehicle, an air conditioner activation switch 16 including a tact switch is disposed. Similarly, a temperature setting display LED 15 (light source for display unit; light emitting unit) different from the temperature setting pointer LED 14 is disposed on the light emission control board 40 on the non-display surface side of the activation switch push knob 12. Emits light in a plurality of different colors (eg, blue, white, red). The air conditioner activation switch 16 is disposed below the cylindrical portion of the activation switch push knob 12, and the temperature setting display LED 15 is disposed below the central portion thereof.

  Returning to FIG. 1, on the display surface (upper surface) side peripheral portion of the activation switch push knob 12, a temperature mark 12a such as a numeral, a figure, a symbol, a sign, a scale, etc. is shown in order to indicate a temperature setting position by the temperature setting pointer 11a. (Display part) is formed by printing, engraving, or the like. Specifically, the temperature mark 12a is represented by a number such as “20” → “25” → “30” (° C.) over a half turn clockwise from the left end. In addition, a start operation display 12b (operation display unit) indicating the operation position of the air conditioner start switch 16 is formed at the center of the display screen side of the start switch push knob 12 by printing, engraving, or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the temperature setting display LED 15 emits light by a headlamp switch 45 (night travel switch; see FIG. 4) on the vehicle body (main body) that is turned ON during night travel, and mainly the temperature mark 12a. Used for night lighting. Reference numeral 17 denotes a mortar-shaped reflector whose inner surface is a reflective surface, and is fixed to the air conditioner switch panel 2. Further, an indicator (not shown) may be turned on by turning on the air conditioner activation switch 16.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the temperature setting pointer LEDs 14 are arranged in a plurality (for example, three) at predetermined intervals (for example, 90 ° intervals) along the rotation trajectory of the temperature setting pointer 11a. The LED 141 (for example, blue), 142 (for example, white), and 143 (for example, red) are comprised. Based on the temperature set by the temperature setting pointer 11a, the LEDs 141, 142, and 143 selectively emit light. For example, when the temperature setting pointer 11a is at an intermediate position between the LEDs 141 and 142, the luminance of the LEDs 141 and 142 is adjusted according to the distance between the temperature setting pointer 11a and the LEDs 141 and 142. Thus, the temperature setting pointer 11a is illuminated with an intermediate mixed color (in this example, light blue) of the LEDs 141 and 142 on both sides.

  On the other hand, the temperature setting display LED 15 is composed of a single full-color LED composed of the three primary colors of red, LED 15R, green LED 15G, and blue LED 15B, and is arranged at substantially the center of the temperature setting dial knob 11 (start switch push knob 12). Has been. The temperature setting display LED 15 emits light in a color similar to the emission color of the temperature setting pointer LED 14 (in this example, a light blue system).

  Returning to FIG. 2, the air volume setting switch device 20 is disposed opposite to the air volume setting dial knob 21 (sub-dial operation section) that rotates around the axis line by the rotation operation and the air volume setting dial knob 21, and the axis line by the pressing operation. It has a change-over switch push knob 22 (sub-push operation section) that can move in the direction. The selector switch push knob 22 and the air volume setting dial knob 21 are attached to the air conditioner switch panel 2 so as to overlap each other in an inner and outer double cylindrical shape.

  On the display surface (upper surface) side of the air volume setting dial knob 21, an air volume setting pointer 21 a (sub-index part) for turning around the axis to set the air volume is formed of a translucent material (for example, a lens body). ing. In order to operate the air conditioner unit 1 (see FIG. 4) on the light emission control board 40 on the non-display surface (lower surface) side of the air volume setting dial knob 21, according to the air volume setting by the air volume setting pointer 21a. An air volume setting switch 23 (sub switch unit) composed of a variable resistor or a pulse switch is provided. Similarly, on the light emission control board 40 on the non-display surface side of the air volume setting dial knob 21, a plurality (for example, 3) of LED 24 for air volume setting pointers (sub indicator light sources) along the rotation trajectory of the air volume setting pointer 21a. A light emitting section), and the air volume setting pointer 21a can be illuminated with different colors (for example, blue, white, red) (see FIG. 3). The air volume setting switch 23 is disposed along the outer peripheral surface of the air volume setting dial knob 21, and the air volume setting pointer LED 24 is disposed along the inner peripheral surface thereof.

  On the other hand, on the light emission control board 40 on the non-display surface side (lower surface) of the selector switch push knob 22, in order to switch between introduction of outside air and circulation of the inside air (circulation) by movement of the selector switch push knob 22 in the axial direction. In addition, an inside / outside air switching switch 26 comprising a tact switch is arranged. Similarly, on the light emission control board 40 on the non-display surface side of the selector switch push knob 22, an air volume setting display LED 25 (sub display light source; light emitting section) different from the air volume setting pointer LED 24 is arranged. , Emit light in a plurality of different colors (eg, blue, white, red). The inside / outside air switching switch 26 is disposed below the cylindrical portion of the selector switch push knob 22, and the air volume setting display LED 25 is disposed below the center portion thereof.

  Returning to FIG. 1, on the display surface (upper surface) side peripheral portion of the selector switch push knob 22, an air volume mark 22 a such as a numeral, a figure, a symbol, a sign, a scale, etc. is shown in order to indicate the position of the air volume set by the air volume setting pointer 21 a. (Sub-display portion) is formed by printing, engraving or the like. Specifically, the air volume mark 22a is expressed by characters such as “OFF” → “AUTO” → “manual (low → high)”, and is blown out at a position after “AUTO” for about a half turn clockwise from the left end. (Air conditioning operation) is started. Further, a switching operation display 22b (operation display unit) indicating a switching operation position between outside air introduction and inside air circulation (circulation) by the inside / outside air switching switch 26 is provided at the center of the display screen side of the changeover switch push knob 22. It is formed by printing, engraving, etc.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the air volume setting display LED 25 emits light by a headlamp switch 45 (night travel switch; see FIG. 4) on the vehicle body (main body) that is turned ON during night driving, and mainly the air volume mark 22a. Used for night lighting. Reference numeral 27 denotes a mortar-shaped reflector whose inner surface is a reflecting surface, and is fixed to the air conditioner switch panel 2. Alternatively, an indicator (not shown) on the outside air introduction side (inside air circulation side) may be turned on by turning on / off the inside / outside air switching switch 26.

  Here, the air volume setting pointer LED 24 emits light in a color similar to the emission color of the temperature setting pointer LED 14 (in the above example, light blue system) based on the set temperature of the temperature setting pointer 11a. Thus, the temperature set for the air conditioner unit 1 (see FIG. 4) can be known from the emission color of the LED 24 for the air flow setting pointer without looking at the temperature setting dial knob 11 (temperature setting pointer 11a) when setting the air flow. it can.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality (for example, three) of the air volume setting pointer LEDs 24 are arranged at predetermined intervals (for example, 90 ° intervals) along the rotation trajectory of the air volume setting pointer 21a. Each of the air volume setting pointer LEDs 241, 242, and 243 is a full-color LED including red LEDs 241R, 242R, 243R, green LEDs 241G, 242G, 243G, and blue LEDs 241B, 242B, 243B, which are the three primary colors of light. Thus, regardless of the position of the air volume setting pointer 21a, the air volume setting pointer LED 24 (air volume setting pointer 21a) can emit light in a color similar to the emission color of the temperature setting pointer LED 14 (temperature setting pointer 11a). .

  On the other hand, the air volume setting display LED 25 is composed of a single full-color LED composed of the three primary colors of light, a red LED 25R, a green LED 25G, and a blue LED 25B, and is arranged at the approximate center of the air volume setting dial knob 21 (selection switch push knob 22). Has been. The air volume setting display LED 25 emits light in a color similar to the light emission color of the temperature setting pointer LED 14 (temperature setting pointer 11a) (in this example, a light blue system).

  Returning to FIG. 2 again, the air outlet setting switch device 30 is disposed opposite to the air outlet setting dial knob 31 (sub-dial operating portion) that rotates around the axis line by the rotation operation, and the air outlet setting dial knob 31. It has a start switch push knob 32 (sub push operation part) that can move in the axial direction by a pressing operation. The start switch push knob 32 and the outlet setting dial knob 31 are attached to the air conditioner switch panel 2 so as to overlap each other in an inner and outer double cylindrical shape.

  On the display surface (upper surface) side of the air outlet setting dial knob 31, an air outlet setting pointer 31a (sub-indicator portion) for setting the air outlet by rotating around the axis is a translucent material (for example, a lens body). It is formed with. Further, the air conditioner unit 1 (see FIG. 4) is operated on the light emission control board 40 on the non-display surface (lower surface) side of the air outlet setting dial knob 31 according to the air outlet setting by the air outlet setting pointer 31a. For this purpose, a blowout port setting switch 33 (sub switch unit) comprising a pulse switch is provided. Similarly, on the light emission control board 40 on the non-display surface side of the outlet setting dial knob 31, a plurality (for example, three) of LED 34 for the outlet setting pointers (sub-index) along the rotation trajectory of the outlet setting pointer 31a. A light source for a part; a light emitting part) is arranged, and the outlet setting pointer 31a can be illuminated with different colors (for example, blue, white, red) (see FIG. 3). The air outlet setting switch 33 is disposed along the outer peripheral surface of the air outlet setting dial knob 31, and the air outlet setting pointer LED 34 is disposed along the inner peripheral surface thereof.

  On the other hand, a rear defroster (rear defogger; rear window defroster) is moved on the light emission control board 40 on the non-display surface side (lower surface) of the start switch push knob 32 by moving the start switch push knob 32 in the axial direction. In order to start, a rear defroster start switch 36 comprising a tact switch is disposed. Similarly, on the light emission control board 40 on the non-display surface side of the start switch push knob 32, a blowout port setting display LED 35 (sub-display unit light source; light emitting unit) different from the blowout port setting pointer LED 34 is provided. Arranged and emits light in a plurality of different colors (eg, blue, white, red). The rear defroster start switch 36 is disposed below the cylindrical portion of the start switch push knob 32, and the outlet setting display LED 35 is disposed below the center portion thereof.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the display switch (upper surface) side peripheral portion of the start switch push knob 32 has numbers, figures, symbols, symbols, scales, and the like to indicate the setting position of the outlet by the outlet setting setting pointer 31 a. A balloon mark 32a (sub-display portion) is formed by printing, engraving or the like. Specifically, the blowout mark 32a extends from the left end about half a clockwise direction, and is “AUTO” → “head blowout” → “head / leg blowout” → “leg blowout” → “leg blowout / front defroster” "→" Front defroster "etc. Further, a start operation display 32b (operation display unit) indicating the operation position of the rear defroster start switch 36 is formed at the center of the display surface side of the start switch push knob 32 by printing, engraving or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the outlet setting display LED 35 emits light by a headlamp switch 45 (night driving switch; see FIG. 4) on the vehicle body (main body) that is turned ON during night driving, and is mainly used for the outlet mark 32a. Used for night lighting. Reference numeral 37 denotes a mortar-shaped reflector whose inner surface is a reflecting surface, and is fixed to the air conditioner switch panel 2. Further, an indicator (not shown) may be turned on by turning on the rear defroster start switch 36.

  Here, the air outlet setting pointer LED 34 emits light in a color similar to the light emission color of the temperature setting pointer LED 14 (in the above example, light blue system) based on the temperature set by the temperature setting pointer 11a. As a result, the temperature set for the air conditioner unit 1 (see FIG. 4) is known from the emission color of the LED 34 for the outlet setting pointer without looking at the temperature setting dial knob 11 (temperature setting pointer 11a) when setting the outlet. be able to.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality (for example, three) of the outlet setting pointer LEDs 34 are arranged at predetermined intervals (for example, 90 ° intervals) along the rotation trajectory of the outlet setting pointer 31a. Each of the outlet setting pointer LEDs 341, 342, and 343 is configured by a full color LED including red LEDs 341R, 342R, 343R, green LEDs 341G, 342G, 343G, and blue LEDs 341B, 342B, 343B which are the three primary colors of light. Thus, regardless of the position of the air outlet setting pointer 31a, the air outlet setting pointer LED 34 (air outlet setting pointer 31a) emits light in the same color as the light emission color of the temperature setting pointer LED 14 (temperature setting pointer 11a). be able to.

  On the other hand, the blowout port setting display LED 35 is composed of a single full color LED composed of the three primary colors of red, LED 35R, green LED 35G, and blue LED 35B, and is substantially the center of the blowout port setting dial knob 31 (start switch push knob 32). Is arranged. The outlet setting display LED 35 emits light in a color similar to the light emission color of the temperature setting pointer LED 14 (temperature setting pointer 11a) (in this example, a light blue system).

  Next, FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing the electrical configuration of each switch device. As shown in FIG. 4, the light emitting units 14, 15, 24, 25, 34, 35 of the switch devices 10, 20, 30 are driven by a control signal from the light emission control board 40 (light emission control means).

  The light emission control board 40 includes a CPU 41 that is an arithmetic device, a ROM 42 that is a read-only storage device in which a control program and the like are stored in advance, a RAM 43 that is a readable / writable main storage device that is used as a work area, and an input / output port 44 are connected to each other via a bus (not shown).

  The light emission control board 40 has a temperature setting switch 13 disposed in the temperature setting switch device 10, an air volume setting switch 23 disposed in the air volume setting switch device 20, and a headlamp mounted on the vehicle body (main body) side of the automobile. Signals from the switch 45 are respectively input (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

  On the other hand, the operation of the air conditioner unit 1 is turned ON / OFF by a signal from the light emission control board 40. Further, the light emission of each temperature setting pointer LED 141, 142, 143 is turned ON / OFF via the LED drive circuits 141a, 142a, 143a in accordance with a signal from the light emission control board 40. Further, the light emission of the temperature setting display LED 15 (15R, 15G, 15B) is turned ON / OFF via the LED drive circuit 15a in accordance with a signal from the light emission control board 40.

  Similarly, in response to a signal from the light emission control board 40, each of the air volume setting pointer LEDs 241 (241R, 241G, 241B), 242 (242R, 242G, 242B), 243 (243R, 243a) via the LED drive circuits 241a, 242a, 243a 243G, 243B) is turned ON / OFF. Then, the light emission of the air volume setting display LED 25 (25R, 25G, 25B) is turned ON / OFF through the LED drive circuit 25a by a signal from the light emission control board 40.

  Further, similarly, in response to a signal from the light emission control board 40, each of the outlet setting pointer LEDs 341 (341R, 341G, 341B), 342 (342R, 342G, 342B), 343 (via the LED drive circuits 341a, 342a, 343a) 343R, 343G, and 343B) are turned ON / OFF. Then, in response to a signal from the light emission control board 40, the light emission of the outlet setting display LED 35 (35R, 35G, 35B) is turned ON / OFF via the LED drive circuit 35a.

  Next, a flowchart showing the light emission control process of FIG. 5 will be described. First, in S1, the air volume setting switch 23 is turned ON, and it is confirmed whether blowout (air conditioning operation) is started at a position after “AUTO”. If the air volume setting switch 23 is turned on (YES in S1), the set temperature of the temperature setting switch 13 is checked in S2, and the temperature setting pointer LED 14 (temperature setting pointer 11a) corresponds to the set temperature in S3. Light up with the color you want. Further, in S4, the air volume setting pointer LED 24 and the outlet setting pointer LED 34 are caused to emit light in the similar colors of the temperature setting pointer LED 14. Note that, when the vehicle interior is cooled, the start switch push knob 12 is pressed to turn on the air conditioner start switch 16. The air conditioner start switch 16 is turned on under the condition for starting the light emission control process shown in FIG. Is not defined.

  Subsequently, in S5, it is confirmed whether or not the headlamp switch 45 is turned on. If the headlight switch 45 is ON (YES in S5), it is determined that the vehicle is in the night driving state, and in S6, the display LEDs 15, 25, and 35 are caused to emit light in the same color as the temperature setting pointer LED 14 at night. Illuminate and return. If the air volume setting switch 23 is OFF (NO in S1) and the headlamp switch 45 is OFF (NO in S5), the process immediately returns.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing duty control of the temperature setting pointer LED 14. That is, in S3 of FIG. 5, when the temperature setting pointer LED 14 emits light with a color corresponding to the temperature set by the temperature setting switch 13 (temperature setting pointer 11a) checked in S2, the intermediate mixed color is obtained by PWM control based on the duty ratio. Is shown. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the case where the temperature setting pointer 11a is at an intermediate position between the temperature setting pointer LEDs 141 and 142 will be described. In FIG. 6, depending on whether the temperature setting pointer 11a (temperature setting switch 13) is closer to the blue LED 141 or the white LED 142, a duty ratio of a current value passed through the blue LED 141 is changed to execute a kind of PWM control. At this time, if the duty ratio is 50%, it is an ordinary light blue (FIG. 6A), if the duty ratio is 75%, it is a dark light blue (FIG. 6B), and if the duty ratio is 25%, it is a light light blue ( The light emission is adjusted to the intermediate mixed color in FIG. 6C, and the temperature setting pointer 11a is illuminated.

  As described above, in the temperature setting switch device 10, the temperature setting pointer LED 14 has a plurality of single-color LEDs 141, 142, and 143, and the temperature setting pointer 11a has a different color (the color of each LED or intermediate mixing) according to the set temperature. Since the temperature setting pointer 11a is emphasized, the temperature setting pointer 11a is emphasized and displayed clearly and clearly. Further, in the air volume setting switch device 20 (or the outlet setting switch device 30), the air volume setting pointer 21a (or the outlet setting pointer 31a) has the same color as the temperature setting pointer 11a according to the temperature set by the temperature setting pointer 11a. Since it is displayed (illuminated), the air volume setting (or outlet setting) can be easily adjusted with reference to the set temperature. Further, the temperature setting display LED 15 of the temperature setting switch device 10 and the air volume setting display LED 25 (or the air outlet setting display LED 35) of the air volume setting switch device 20 (or the air outlet setting switch device 30) are also the temperature setting pointer LED 14. Since the light is emitted in a similar color, misunderstanding and confusion are unlikely to occur in the setting contents even at night illumination of each switch device.

  Although FIG. 3 illustrates the case where the number and arrangement position of the airflow setting pointer LEDs 24 (or the outlet setting pointer LEDs 34) coincide with the temperature setting pointer LEDs 14, the number and arrangement positions may be changed. Moreover, you may provide the indicator of the switch 16 for an air-conditioner starting, the switch 26 for internal / external air switching, and the switch 36 for rear defroster starting.

The front view which shows an example of the dial type illumination type switch apparatus which concerns on this invention. AA sectional drawing of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows arrangement | positioning of LED. The block diagram which shows the electrical constitution of the dial type illumination type switch apparatus of FIG. The flowchart which shows light emission control processing. Explanatory drawing which shows duty control of LED for temperature setting pointers.

Explanation of symbols

1 Air conditioner unit (air conditioner)
10 Temperature setting switch device (Dial illumination switch device)
11 Temperature setting dial knob (dial operation section)
11a Temperature setting pointer (index part)
12 Start switch push knob (push operation part)
12a Temperature indicator (display section)
12b Start operation display (operation display section)
13 Temperature setting switch (switch part)
14 LED for temperature setting pointer (light source for indicator part; light emitting part)
15 LED for temperature setting display (light source for display unit; light emitting unit)
16 Air conditioner start switch 20 Air volume setting switch device (Dial type illumination type switch device)
21 Air volume setting dial knob (sub dial operation section)
21a Air volume setting pointer (sub-index part)
22 selector switch push knob (sub push operation part)
22a Air flow mark (sub-display section)
22b Switching operation display (operation display section)
23 Air volume setting switch (sub switch)
24 LED for air volume setting pointer (light source for sub-index part; light emitting part)
25 Airflow setting display LED (light source for sub-display unit; light-emitting unit)
26 Inside / outside air switching switch 30 Air outlet setting switch device (Dial type illumination type switch device)
31 Air outlet setting dial knob (sub dial operation section)
31a Outlet setting pointer (sub indicator part)
32 Start switch push knob (sub push operation part)
32a Outlet mark (sub display part)
32b Start operation display (operation display section)
33 Air outlet setting switch (sub switch)
34 LED for outlet setting pointer (light source for sub-index part; light emitting part)
35 LED for outlet setting display (light source for sub-display unit; light emitting unit)
36 Rear defroster start switch 40 Light emission control board (light emission control means)
45 Headlight switch (night travel switch)

Claims (7)

A dial type switch device for operating an air conditioner that performs indoor air conditioning according to a difference between a measured temperature in a room and a set temperature,
It has a translucent indicator part for turning around the axis to artificially set the operating state of the air conditioner, and the air conditioner is operated according to the setting of the operating state by the indicator part A rotary dial operation unit provided with a switch unit for
On the non-display surface side of the dial operation unit, a plurality of indicator unit light sources arranged along a rotation trajectory of the indicator unit so that the indicator unit can be illuminated with different colors,
A non-rotating display unit disposed opposite to the dial operation unit and having a mark for indicating a setting position of an operating state by the indicator unit;
When the dial operation unit is rotated so as to match the mark on the display unit and the air conditioner is set to a predetermined operating state by the indicator unit, the plurality of the plurality of dial operation units are set based on the set temperature of the air conditioner. Light emission control means for displaying the indicator portion in different colors according to the set temperature by selectively causing the indicator portion light source to emit light,
A dial type switching device comprising: A dial type switch device for operating an air conditioner that performs indoor air conditioning according to a difference between a measured temperature in a room and a set temperature,
A light-transmitting indicator portion for rotating around an axis to artificially set the set temperature of the air conditioner, and operating the air conditioner according to the temperature setting by the indicator portion A rotating and cylindrical dial operation unit provided with a switch unit;
On the non-display surface side of the dial operation unit, a plurality of indicator unit light sources arranged along a rotation trajectory of the indicator unit so that the indicator unit can be illuminated with different colors,
A non-rotating display unit disposed opposite to the inside of the dial operation unit and having a mark for indicating a temperature setting position by the indicator unit;
When the dial operation unit is rotated so as to match the mark of the display unit and the air conditioner is set to a predetermined temperature by the indicator unit, the plurality of indicator unit light sources based on the set temperature Light emission control means for displaying the indicator portion in different colors according to the temperature setting position by selectively emitting light,
A dial type switching device comprising: On the non-display surface side of the display part, apart from the indicator part light source, a display part light source capable of illuminating the display part by emitting a plurality of different colors,
The light emission control unit causes the plurality of indicator light sources to selectively emit light based on the set temperature, and causes the display light source to emit light in a color corresponding to the set temperature. Dial type switch device. In the indicator portion light source, a plurality of monochromatic LEDs of different colors are arranged at predetermined intervals along the turning locus of the indicator portion,
The light emission control means has a brightness corresponding to a separation distance between the indicator portion and the single-color LEDs on both sides sandwiching the indicator portion when the indicator portion is at an intermediate position in the rotation direction of any two of the plurality of single-color LEDs. The dial type switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the indicator portion is illuminated with an intermediate mixed color of the monochromatic LEDs on both sides by adjusting light emission of at least one monochromatic LED. It has a translucent sub-index part for artificially setting the discharge air volume or discharge position of the air conditioner by rotating around the axis, and according to the setting of the discharge air volume or discharge position by the sub-index part A rotary sub-dial operating unit provided with a sub-switch unit for operating the air conditioner;
On the non-display surface side of the sub-dial operation unit, a plurality of sub-index unit light sources arranged along the rotation trajectory of the sub-index unit so that the sub-index unit can be illuminated with different colors,
A non-rotating sub-display unit disposed opposite to the sub-dial operation unit and having a mark for indicating a discharge air volume or a discharge position setting position by the sub-index unit;
The light emission control unit is configured such that when the sub dial operation unit is rotated so as to match the mark of the sub display unit and the air conditioner is set to a predetermined discharge air volume or a discharge position by the sub indicator unit, 3. The dial according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of light sources for the sub-index units are selectively caused to emit light based on the set temperature of the air conditioner to display the sub-index units in different colors according to the set temperature. Type switch device. On the non-display surface side of the sub display unit, a sub display unit light source capable of illuminating the sub display unit by emitting light in a plurality of different colors, apart from the sub indicator light source,
6. The light emission control unit according to claim 5, wherein the light emission control unit selectively emits the plurality of sub indicator light sources based on the set temperature, and causes the sub display light source to emit light in a color corresponding to the set temperature. Dial type switch device. In the light source for the secondary indicator part, a plurality of LEDs are arranged at predetermined intervals along the rotation trajectory of the secondary indicator part,
The dial according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the light emission control means selectively causes the plurality of LEDs to emit light based on a set temperature of the air conditioner, and displays the sub indicator portion in a color similar to the indicator portion. Type switch device.

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