JP2009021193A - Push lock type switch - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a push lock type switch in which a mechanism for moving a composing part in a perpendicular direction to a pushing operation direction in combination with a pushing operation can be eliminated and a display status in an indicator window can clearly be recognized even if the surrounding of the indicator window is irradiated by external light such as sunlight. <P>SOLUTION: The push lock type switch changes ON/OFF of a switch in accordance with a relative position of a switch knob 20 against a switch body 30, wherein the push lock type switch includes: an indicator window 21 for displaying an ON/OFF status of the switch; a light source 31 for radiating light onto the indicator window 21 when the switch is ON; a first optical system 40 which is fixed on the switch knob 20 and changes a light transmitting direction; and a second optical system 50 which is fixed on the switch body 30 and changes a light transmitting direction. The first optical system 40 and the second optical system 50, when the switch is ON, form a light passage for making an image formation of an external light incident on the indicator window 21, and, when the switch is OFF, the formation of light passage is released. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a push-lock switch that switches a switch on and off according to the relative position of a switch knob with respect to a switch body.

  Conventionally, an indicator window for performing on / off display of a predetermined operation, a light source disposed on the back side of the indicator window, and when the indicator window is on-displayed, it is inserted into an optical path connecting the indicator window and the light source. An illumination mechanism including a recursive light guide that is in a state of being retracted from the optical path connecting the indicator window and the light source when the indicator window is turned off is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).

The illumination mechanism having the above-mentioned conventional structure is in a state where the recursive light guide is inserted into the optical path connecting the indicator window and the light source when the indicator window is on, so that it enters the surface of the recursive light guide. Reflected outside light such as sunlight. For this reason, even if the vicinity of the indicator window is illuminated with external light such as sunlight, the light reflected by the surface of the recursive light guide and the light from the light source that has passed through the recursive light guide are synergistic. The operator can clearly recognize that the indicator window is illuminated. Therefore, complicated control such as increasing the luminance of the light source when the vicinity of the indicator window is illuminated with strong external light and decreasing the luminance of the light source when the external light becomes weak is not necessary. When the indicator window is off, the light source is turned off and the recursive light guide is retracted from the optical path connecting the indicator window and the light source. It is no longer involved and the operator does not misunderstand that the indicator window is illuminated.
JP 2006-196266 A

  However, the illumination mechanism having the above-described conventional configuration requires a mechanism for inserting and retracting the recursive light guide into the optical path connecting the indicator window and the light source in conjunction with the pressing operation of the push-lock switch. Become. In other words, the illumination mechanism having the conventional configuration requires a mechanism for moving the recursive light guide in a direction perpendicular to the pressing operation direction in conjunction with the pressing operation. For this reason, the mechanism becomes complicated, and the mechanism for moving the recursive light guide may be damaged when used repeatedly.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and the vicinity of the indicator window is sunlight or the like without requiring a mechanism for moving a component in a direction perpendicular to the pressing operation direction in conjunction with the pressing operation. An object of the present invention is to provide a push-lock switch that can clearly recognize the display state of an indicator window even when illuminated by external light.

To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a push-lock switch that switches on and off according to the relative position of a switch knob with respect to a switch body.
An indicator window that displays the on / off status of the switch;
A light source that illuminates the indicator window when the switch is on; and
A first optical system fixed to the switch knob and changing a light propagation direction;
A second optical system fixed to the switch body and changing a light propagation direction;
The first optical system and the second optical system form an optical path for imaging external light incident on the indicator window on the indicator window when the switch is on, and the switch is off. In some cases, the optical path is not formed.

  According to the present invention, the optical path in which the first optical system and the second optical system form external light incident on the indicator window from the outside onto the indicator window in conjunction with the pressing operation of the push-lock switch. Form and release. For this reason, even if the vicinity of the indicator window is illuminated with external light such as sunlight without requiring a mechanism for transmitting the pressing force of the pressing operation in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the pressing force, the indicator window The display state can be clearly recognized.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that changing the light propagation direction means not only changing the light propagation direction from the first direction to the second direction, but also scattering the light propagation direction from the first direction to an unspecified direction. Including.

  1A and 1B are diagrams showing an embodiment of a push-lock switch according to the present invention, in which FIG. 1A is a sectional view and FIG. 1B is a perspective view. This push-lock switch is used, for example, as a switch for a vehicle air conditioning system. In an air conditioning system mounted on an actual vehicle, a plurality of push-lock switches are arranged in a line on a console or the like that is easy for a driver to operate. An operator such as a driver can select an air outlet of the air conditioning system by turning on and off the plurality of push-lock switches.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the push-lock type switch may include a function display unit 11 that displays the function of the switch and a first light source 12 that irradiates light to the function display unit 11. The first light source 12 is turned on when the driver operates the light switch of the headlamp of the vehicle to turn on, and irradiates the function display unit 11 with light. The function display unit 11 has a window 11a that transmits light from the first light source 12, and the window 11a is formed in a shape corresponding to the function of the switch. For this reason, the operator can confirm the position, function, and arrangement of the switches of the air conditioning system with light leaking from the window 11a even at night or in a tunnel.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the push-lock switch of this embodiment includes a switch knob 20 and a switch body that supports the switch knob 20 so as to be movable between a first position P1 and a second position P2. 30, a first optical system 40 fixed to the switch knob 20, and a second optical system 50 fixed to the switch body 30. The push-lock switch is switched on and off according to the relative position of the switch knob 20 with respect to the switch body 30, that is, in conjunction with the pressing operation. Hereinafter, each configuration will be described in detail.

  The switch knob 20 includes an indicator window 21 that displays an on / off state of the switch, and a guide portion 23 that is in sliding contact with the switch body 30. The switch knob 20 is made of, for example, an opaque resin such as black, and the indicator window 21 is formed of a transparent resin such as white, so that light is transmitted through the indicator window 21.

  The switch body 30 includes a second light source 31 that irradiates light to the indicator window 21, a printed wiring board 33 that supplies power to the second light source 31, and a bias that biases the switch knob 20 to the first position P1. A biasing means (not shown), a lock mechanism (not shown) for locking the switch knob 20 at the second position P2, and a relative position of the switch knob 20 with respect to the switch body 30, that is, in conjunction with a pressing operation. And an electric circuit (not shown) that is turned on and off.

  When the switch knob 20 is in the first position P1, when the driver presses the switch knob 20 against the urging force of the urging means, the switch knob 20 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2. And is locked at the second position P2. At this time, the printed wiring board 33 supplies power to the second light source 31, the second light source 31 is turned on, and the light emitted from the second light source 31 is transmitted from the indicator window 21 to the outside. At this time, the electric circuit is turned on in conjunction with the pressing operation.

  When the switch knob 20 is in the second position P2, when the driver presses the switch knob 20, the lock is released and the switch knob 20 is moved from the second position P2 to the first position by the urging force of the urging means. Return to position P1. At this time, the printed wiring board 33 cancels the supply of power to the second light source 31 and turns off the second light source 31. At this time, the electric circuit is turned off in conjunction with the pressing operation.

  For this reason, the operator can determine the on / off state of the electric circuit without confirming the position of the switch knob 20 by confirming the presence or absence of light transmitted from the indicator window 21 to the outside. That is, the operator can determine the on / off state of the electric circuit by the display state of the indicator window 21 even from the front side of the switch knob 20.

  For example, an LED can be used as the second light source 31, and a color different from the color of the indicator window 21 can be used as the color of the LED light. For example, the distinguishability of the display state of the indicator window 21 can be improved by combining the white transparent indicator window 21 and the second light source 31 that emits green light.

  The push-lock switch of the present embodiment is fixed to the switch knob 20 as a characteristic configuration, and is fixed to the switch body 30 and the first optical system 40 that changes the propagation direction of light. And a second optical system 50 that changes the light propagation direction. Since the first optical system 40 and the second optical system 50 are fixed to the switch knob 20 and the switch body 30, respectively, their relative positions can be changed in conjunction with the pressing operation.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the first optical system 40 includes a light guide plate 41 that guides external light such as sunlight that has entered the indicator window 21, and a first reflection mirror 43 that changes the light propagation direction. Is provided.

  2A and 2B are diagrams showing an example of the configuration of the light guide plate 41 and the first reflection mirror 43, where FIG. 2A is a front view, FIG. 2B is a side view, and FIG. 2C is a plan view.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the light guide plate 41 is installed adjacent to the indicator window 21, guides external light incident on the indicator window 21 to the first reflection mirror 43, and emits it from the second light source 31. The emitted light is guided to the indicator window 21. For example, an acrylic resin can be used for the light guide plate 41, and a reflection sheet is installed on the outer peripheral surfaces 41a, 41b, 41c, and 41d to totally reflect light propagating through the acrylic resin inward. May be. Note that an opening is provided in the reflection sheet provided on the outer peripheral surface 41 a, and external light reflected by the first reflection mirror 43 is guided to the second optical system 50 on the opening. A structure 41e is installed.

  In the light guide plate 41, as shown in FIG. 2C, the optical path L1 connecting the indicator window 21 and the first reflecting mirror 43 is located with respect to the optical path L2 connecting the second light source 31 and the indicator window 21. Fixed amount offset. For this reason, the light emitted from the second light source 31 is irradiated to the indicator window 21 without passing through the first reflection mirror 43. Therefore, the light emitted from the second light source 31 is applied to the indicator window 21 without substantially attenuating the intensity thereof. As a result, even when the second light source 31 is turned on with relatively little power consumption, the luminance of the light irradiated on the indicator window 21 can be ensured.

  In this embodiment, the optical path L1 and the optical path L2 are offset by a predetermined amount. However, as long as the light emitted from the second light source 31 can pass through the first reflecting mirror 43, the optical path L1 and the optical path L2 are shifted by a predetermined amount. It does not have to be offset. In this case, a half mirror can be used as the first reflection mirror 43, but the half mirror attenuates the intensity of the light emitted from the second light source 31.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the first reflection mirror 43 is formed by installing a metal reflection film on the end face of the light guide plate 41. The first reflection mirror 43 is installed with an inclination of approximately 45 ° with respect to the incident direction of the external light so as to change the propagation direction of the external light incident on the indicator window 21 by approximately 90 °. The external light whose propagation direction has been changed by about 90 ° by the first reflecting mirror 43 passes through the opening 23 a installed in the guide portion 23 and is irradiated to the second optical system 50 described later.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the second optical system 50 includes a second reflecting mirror 51 that changes the propagation direction of light.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the second reflection mirror 51 is formed by installing a metal reflection film on the switch body 30. The second reflection mirror 51 is adapted to propagate the external light reflected by the first reflection mirror 43 in order to return the external light reflected by the first reflection mirror 43 to the first reflection mirror 43. And has a substantially vertical reflecting surface.

  The second reflecting mirror 51 has a configuration that does not receive the external light reflected by the first reflecting mirror 43 when the switch knob 20 is at the first position P1, that is, when the switch is in the OFF state. Therefore, the external light reflected by the first reflecting mirror 43 is scattered by the switch body 30.

  The second reflection mirror 51 receives the external light reflected by the first reflection mirror 43 when the switch knob 20 is in the second position P2, that is, when the switch is in the on state, and the first reflection mirror 51 Recursed to 43. The external light recursed to the first reflection mirror 43 is reflected by the first reflection mirror 43 and forms an image on the indicator window 21 via the light guide plate 41.

  As described above, the first optical system 40 and the second optical system 50 form an optical path for imaging the external light incident on the indicator window 21 onto the indicator window 21 when the switch is in an on state. When is turned off, the formation of the optical path is canceled.

  Therefore, on the back surface of the indicator window 21, when the switch is in an on state, external light that has passed through the optical path formed by the first optical system 40 and the second optical system 50 is combined with the light from the second light source 31. Irradiated. The intensity of the light irradiated on the indicator window 21 from the back side is proportional to the intensity of the external light.

  Therefore, even if the vicinity of the indicator window 21 is illuminated with external light such as sunlight without requiring a mechanism for moving the components in the direction perpendicular to the pressing operation direction, the operator can illuminate the indicator window 21. Can be clearly recognized. Therefore, complicated control such as increasing the luminance of the second light source 31 when the vicinity of the indicator window 21 is illuminated with strong external light and decreasing the luminance of the second light source 31 when the external light is weakened. No longer needed. Further, when the indicator window 21 is turned off, the second light source 31 is turned off and the optical path formed by the first optical system 40 and the second optical system 50 is released. It will not be mistaken if 21 is illuminated.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the configuration of the push-lock switch. Each configuration will be described below, but the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the push-lock switch may include a color filter 25 that allows light of a specific wavelength to pass through an optical path formed by the first optical system 40 and the second optical system 50. The color filter 25 is installed in the opening 23a of the guide part 23, for example. As the color filter 25, a filter that transmits light having substantially the same wavelength as the light emitted from the second light source 31 can be used.

  For this reason, the color of the external light that has passed through the optical path formed by the first optical system 40 and the second optical system 50 can be matched with the color of the light from the second light source 31, and the indicator window 21. The display state can be identified more easily.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the configuration of the push-lock switch. Each configuration will be described below, but the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the push-lock switch can use a reflection mirror having a concave surface on the reflection surface 51 a as the second reflection mirror 51. By providing the concave surface, the light can be condensed, and the light imaged on the indicator window 21 can be condensed.

  For this reason, the brightness | luminance of the irradiation area | region of the indicator window 21 can be improved, and the discriminability of the display state of the indicator window 21 can be improved.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the configuration of the push-lock switch. Each configuration will be described below, but the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  As a characteristic configuration of the push lock switch, the push lock switch is fixed to the switch knob 20 and is fixed to the switch body 30 and the first optical system 60 that changes the light propagation direction. And a second optical system 70 for changing. Since the first optical system 60 and the second optical system 70 are fixed to the switch knob 20 and the switch body 30, respectively, their relative positions can be changed in conjunction with the pressing operation.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the second optical system 70 includes a light guide plate 71 that guides external light incident on the indicator window 21, and a first reflection mirror 73 that changes the light propagation direction.

  The light guide plate 71 is installed adjacent to the light source 31, guides external light incident on the indicator window 21 to the first reflection mirror 73, and guides light emitted from the second light source 31 to the indicator window 21. Shine.

  The first reflection mirror 73 is formed by installing a metal reflection film on the end face of the light guide plate 71. The first reflecting mirror 73 is installed with an inclination of approximately 45 ° with respect to the incident direction of the external light so as to change the propagation direction of the external light incident on the indicator window 21 by approximately 90 °. The external light whose propagation direction is changed by about 90 ° by the first reflecting mirror 73 is irradiated to the first optical system 60 described later.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the first optical system 60 includes a second reflecting mirror 61 that changes the propagation direction of light.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the second reflection mirror 61 is formed by installing a metal reflection film on the guide portion 23 of the switch knob 20. The second reflection mirror 61 is adapted to propagate the external light reflected by the first reflection mirror 73 in order to return the external light reflected by the first reflection mirror 73 to the first reflection mirror 73. And has a substantially vertical reflecting surface.

  The second reflection mirror 61 has a configuration that does not receive the external light reflected by the first reflection mirror 73 when the switch knob 20 is at the first position P1, that is, when the switch is in the OFF state. Accordingly, the external light reflected by the first reflecting mirror 73 is scattered by the guide portion 23 of the switch knob 20.

  The second reflection mirror 61 receives the external light reflected by the first reflection mirror 73 when the switch knob 20 is in the second position P2, that is, when the switch is in the on state, and the first reflection mirror 61 Recursed to 73. The external light recursed to the first reflecting mirror 73 is reflected by the first reflecting mirror 73 and forms an image on the indicator window 21 via the light guide plate 71.

  As described above, the first optical system 60 and the second optical system 70 form an optical path for imaging the external light incident on the indicator window 21 onto the indicator window 21 when the switch is on, When is turned off, the formation of the optical path is canceled.

  Therefore, on the back surface of the indicator window 21, when the switch is turned on, external light that has passed through the optical path formed by the first optical system 60 and the second optical system 70 is emitted together with the light from the second light source 31. Irradiated. The intensity of the light irradiated on the indicator window 21 from the back side is proportional to the intensity of the external light.

  Therefore, even if the vicinity of the indicator window 21 is illuminated with external light such as sunlight without requiring a mechanism for moving the components in the direction perpendicular to the pressing operation direction, the operator can illuminate the indicator window 21. Can be clearly recognized. Therefore, complicated control such as increasing the luminance of the second light source 31 when the vicinity of the indicator window 21 is illuminated with strong external light and decreasing the luminance of the second light source 31 when the external light is weakened. No longer needed. In addition, when the indicator window 21 is turned off, the second light source 31 is turned off and the optical path formed by the first optical system 60 and the second optical system 70 is released. It will not be mistaken if 21 is illuminated.

  FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing another modification of the configuration of the push-lock switch. Each configuration will be described below, but the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  As a characteristic configuration of the push lock switch, the push lock switch is fixed with respect to the switch knob 20 and is fixed with respect to the switch body 30 and the first optical system 80 that changes the light propagation direction, and the light propagation direction. And a second optical system 90 for changing. Since the first optical system 80 and the second optical system 90 are fixed to the switch knob 20 and the switch body 30, respectively, their relative positions can be changed in conjunction with the pressing operation.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the second optical system 90 includes a light guide plate 91 that guides external light incident on the indicator window 21, a first reflection mirror 93 that changes a light propagation direction, and light propagation. A second reflecting mirror 95 that changes the direction.

  The light guide plate 91 is installed adjacent to the light source 31 and guides the external light incident on the indicator window 21 to the first reflection mirror 93 and guides the light emitted from the second light source 31 to the indicator window 21. Shine.

  The first reflecting mirror 93 is formed by installing a metal reflecting film on the end face of the light guide plate 91. The first reflecting mirror 93 is installed with an inclination of approximately 45 ° with respect to the incident direction of the external light so as to change the propagation direction of the external light incident on the indicator window 21 from the outside by approximately 90 °.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the second reflecting mirror 95 is formed by installing a metal reflecting film on the switch body 30. The second reflection mirror 95 is substantially in the propagation direction of the external light reflected by the first reflection mirror 93 so as to return the external light reflected by the first reflection mirror 93 to the first reflection mirror 93. It has an orthogonal reflecting surface. The external light recursed to the first reflecting mirror 93 is reflected by the first reflecting mirror 93 and forms an image on the indicator window 21 via the light guide plate 91.

  As described above, the second optical system 90 converts the external light incident on the indicator window 21 into the light guide plate 91, the first reflection mirror 93, the second reflection mirror 95, the first reflection mirror 93, and the light guide plate 91. To form an optical path for imaging on the indicator window 21.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the first optical system 80 includes a light shielding plate 81 having an opening 81a. The light shielding plate 81 also has a function as the guide portion 23 of the switch knob 20.

  The light shielding plate 81 retracts the opening 81a from the optical path connecting the first reflecting mirror 93 and the second reflecting mirror 95 when the switch knob 20 is in the first position P1, that is, when the switch is in the OFF state. To do. Accordingly, the external light reflected by the first reflecting mirror 93 is scattered by the light shielding plate 81.

  When the switch knob 20 is in the second position P2, that is, when the switch is on, the light shielding plate 81 has an opening 81a inserted in the optical path connecting the first reflecting mirror 93 and the second reflecting mirror 95. To do. Therefore, the external light reflected by the first reflection mirror 93 passes through the opening 81a, passes through the second reflection mirror 95, the opening 81a, the first reflection mirror 93, and the light guide plate 91, and is displayed on the indicator. An image is formed on the window 21.

  As described above, the first optical system 80 and the second optical system 90 form an optical path for imaging the external light incident on the indicator window 21 onto the indicator window 21 when the switch is in an on state, and the switch When is turned off, the formation of the optical path is canceled.

  Therefore, on the back surface of the indicator window 21, when the switch is on, outside light that has passed through the optical path formed by the first optical system 80 and the second optical system 90 is emitted together with the light from the second light source 31. Irradiated. The intensity of the light irradiated on the indicator window 21 from the back side is proportional to the intensity of the external light.

  Therefore, even if the vicinity of the indicator window 21 is illuminated with external light such as sunlight without requiring a mechanism for moving the components in the direction perpendicular to the pressing operation direction, the operator can illuminate the indicator window 21. Can be clearly recognized. Therefore, complicated control such as increasing the luminance of the second light source 31 when the vicinity of the indicator window 21 is illuminated with strong external light and decreasing the luminance of the second light source 31 when the external light is weakened. No longer needed. Further, when the indicator window 21 is turned off, the second light source 31 is turned off, and the optical path formed by the first optical system 80 and the second optical system 90 is released. It will not be mistaken if 21 is illuminated.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another modification of the configuration of the push-lock switch. Each configuration will be described below, but the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  As a characteristic configuration of the push lock switch, the push lock switch is fixed to the switch knob 20 and is fixed to the switch body 30 and the first optical system 100 that changes the light propagation direction, and the light propagation direction. And a second optical system 110 for changing. Since the first optical system 100 and the second optical system 110 are fixed to the switch knob 20 and the switch body 30, respectively, their relative positions can be changed in conjunction with the pressing operation.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the first optical system 100 includes a light guide plate 101 that guides external light incident on the indicator window 21, a first reflection mirror 103 that changes the light propagation direction, and light propagation. And a second reflecting mirror 105 that changes the direction.

  The light guide plate 101 is installed adjacent to the indicator window 21, guides external light incident on the indicator window 21 to the first reflection mirror 103, and transmits light emitted from the second light source 31 to the indicator window 21. Light guide.

  The first reflection mirror 103 is formed by installing a metal reflection film on the end face of the light guide plate 101. The first reflecting mirror 103 is installed with an inclination of approximately 45 ° with respect to the incident direction of the external light so as to change the propagation direction of the external light incident on the indicator window 21 by approximately 90 °.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the second reflection mirror 105 is formed by installing a metal reflection film on the guide portion 23 of the switch knob 20. The second reflection mirror 105 is substantially in the propagation direction of the external light reflected by the first reflection mirror 103 so as to return the external light reflected by the first reflection mirror 103 to the first reflection mirror 103. It has an orthogonal reflecting surface. The external light recursed to the first reflecting mirror 103 is reflected by the first reflecting mirror 103 and forms an image on the indicator window 21 via the light guide plate 101.

  As described above, the first optical system 100 converts the external light incident on the indicator window 21 into the light guide plate 101, the first reflection mirror 103, the second reflection mirror 105, the first reflection mirror 103, and the light guide plate 101. An optical path for forming an image on the indicator window 21 is formed via the.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the second optical system 110 includes a light shielding plate 111 having an opening 111a. The light shielding plate 111 extends from the switch body 30 substantially parallel to the guide portion 23.

  The light shielding plate 111 retracts the opening 111a from the optical path connecting the first reflecting mirror 103 and the second reflecting mirror 105 when the switch knob 20 is at the first position P1, that is, when the switch is in the OFF state. To do. Therefore, the external light reflected by the first reflecting mirror 103 is scattered by the light shielding plate 111.

  When the switch knob 20 is in the second position P2, that is, when the switch is on, the light shielding plate 111 inserts an opening 111a into the optical path connecting the first reflecting mirror 103 and the second reflecting mirror 105. To do. Therefore, the external light reflected by the first reflecting mirror 103 passes through the opening 111a, passes through the second reflecting mirror 105, the opening 111a, the first reflecting mirror 103, and the light guide plate 101, and is displayed on the indicator. An image is formed on the window 21.

  As described above, the first optical system 100 and the second optical system 110 form an optical path for forming an image of the external light incident on the indicator window 21 on the indicator window 21 when the switch is turned on. When is turned off, the formation of the optical path is canceled.

  Therefore, on the back surface of the indicator window 21, when the switch is turned on, the external light that has passed through the optical path formed by the first optical system 100 and the second optical system 110 is combined with the light from the second light source 31. Irradiated. The intensity of the light irradiated on the indicator window 21 from the back side is proportional to the intensity of the external light.

  Therefore, even if the vicinity of the indicator window 21 is illuminated with external light such as sunlight without requiring a mechanism for moving the components in the direction perpendicular to the pressing operation direction, the operator can illuminate the indicator window 21. Can be clearly recognized. Therefore, complicated control such as increasing the luminance of the second light source 31 when the vicinity of the indicator window 21 is illuminated with strong external light and decreasing the luminance of the second light source 31 when the external light is weakened. No longer needed. In addition, when the indicator window 21 is turned off, the second light source 31 is turned off and the optical path formed by the first optical system 100 and the second optical system 110 is released. It will not be mistaken if 21 is illuminated.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Can be added.

  For example, in the push-lock switch shown in FIG. 4, the concave surface is set on the reflective surface 51a of the second reflective mirror 51. However, as long as external light can be condensed on the back surface of the indicator window 21, the first reflective mirror 43 is provided. A concave surface may be set on the reflective surface.

It is the figure which showed one Example of the structure of the push-lock type switch of this invention. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a light guide plate 41 and a first reflection mirror 43. FIG. It is sectional drawing which showed another example of the structure of a push lock type switch. It is sectional drawing which showed another example of the structure of a push lock type switch. It is sectional drawing which showed another example of the structure of a push lock type switch. It is sectional drawing which showed another example of the structure of a push lock type switch. It is sectional drawing which showed another example of the structure of a push lock type switch.

Explanation of symbols

20 switch knob 21 indicator window 25 color filter 30 switch body 31 second light source 40, 60, 80, 100 first optical system 43, 73, 93, 103 first reflecting mirror 50, 70, 90, 110 second Optical system 51, 61, 95, 105 Second reflecting mirror 51a Reflecting surface

Claims (4)

In push-lock type switches that switch on and off according to the relative position of the switch knob to the switch body,
An indicator window that displays the on / off status of the switch;
A light source that illuminates the indicator window when the switch is on; and
A first optical system fixed to the switch knob and changing a light propagation direction;
A second optical system fixed to the switch body and changing a light propagation direction;
The first optical system and the second optical system form an optical path for imaging external light incident on the indicator window on the indicator window when the switch is on, and the switch is off. A push-lock switch having a configuration for releasing the formation of the optical path.   The push lock according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the optical path formed by the first optical system and the second optical system is offset by a predetermined amount with respect to an optical path connecting the light source and the indicator window. Type switch.   The push-lock switch according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a color filter that allows light of a specific wavelength to pass is installed in the optical path formed by the first optical system and the second optical system. At least one of the first optical system and the second optical system includes a reflecting mirror that changes a light propagation direction,
The push-lock switch according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the reflection mirror includes a concave surface on a reflection surface.

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