JP2017123256A - Lighting device and switch device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lighting device and a switch device that can realize proper luminance.SOLUTION: A switch device (lighting device) 10 includes a light source 42 and a tubular slider (light guide portion) 30 for guiding light from the light source 42 to an irradiation region 22. The slider 30 has a light guide path 34 for reflecting light incident from the light source 42 to one first opening 36 at the inner circumferential surface 33 of the slider 30, and guides the light to the other second opening 38 opposed to the irradiation region 22. The light guide path 34 becomes thinner as shifting from the first opening 36 to the second opening 38.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

  The present invention relates to an illumination device and a switch device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, many operation units of electronic devices have an illumination function. Such an apparatus is typically configured such that light from a light source is applied to a specific area such as an operation unit (for example, an area where a specific figure, character, symbol, or the like is displayed). For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic device that can reduce the number of components by using at least a part of a housing as a light guide unit that can guide light incident from a light source to an illumination unit. It is disclosed. Further, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses a switch with a light guide function that can reduce the number of components by arranging a light source in the vicinity of a light guide key top formed of a rod-shaped body. It is disclosed.

JP 2010-182421 A JP 2002-208326 A

  However, although the above-described conventional device can reduce the number of parts, it does not consider luminance unevenness in an irradiated region irradiated with light. Therefore, there may be a disadvantage that sufficient luminance cannot be obtained in an area requiring illumination such as an operation unit.

  This invention is made | formed in view of this situation, The objective is to provide the illuminating device and switch apparatus which implement | achieve appropriate brightness | luminance.

  The present invention is an illumination device including a light source and a cylindrical light guide that guides light from the light source to an irradiated region, and the light guide is incident on one of the first openings. A light guide path that reflects light from the light source on an inner peripheral surface of the light guide section and guides the light to the other second opening facing the irradiated region, the light guide path from the first opening; The illumination device is thinner as it approaches the second opening.

  According to this configuration, the light guide path that guides light to the second opening facing the irradiated region becomes narrower as it approaches the second opening from the first opening, so that the light is efficiently guided to the irradiated region. Can do. As a result, it is possible to reduce luminance unevenness in the irradiated region and realize appropriate luminance.

  Preferably, in the illumination device of the present invention, the light guide path has a substantially circular or substantially elliptical cross section substantially orthogonal to the light guide direction, and the cross section extends from the first opening to the second opening. The diameter becomes smaller as it gets closer to.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to guide light to the irradiated region more efficiently than in the case where the cross section of the light guide is a polygon or the like. As a result, it is possible to further reduce luminance unevenness in the irradiated region and realize appropriate luminance.

  Preferably, in the illumination device of the present invention, the light guide section has a shape in which at least the light guide path is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped member.

  According to this configuration, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped member can be applied as the light guide unit of the present invention.

  Preferably, in the illumination device according to the present invention, the light guide portion becomes thicker as it approaches the second opening from the first opening.

  According to this configuration, the thickness of the light guide portion can be increased as the irradiation region is approached.

  Preferably, the illumination device according to the present invention further includes an irradiated member including the irradiated region, and the irradiated member has the second opening so that the irradiated region faces the second opening. One or a plurality of convex lenses are provided on the light source side of the portion that is blocking and blocking the second opening.

  According to this configuration, since the convex lens provided in the portion that closes the second opening condenses light, it is possible to further reduce luminance unevenness in the irradiated region and realize appropriate luminance.

  The present invention includes an operation knob including an irradiated area, a cylindrical slider having one end connected to the operation knob, and configured to move in response to a pressing operation of the operation knob, and a light source And one or more switches arranged to be turned on by being pushed by the other end of the slider in accordance with the movement of the slider, and the slider is incident on one first opening. A light guide path that reflects the light from the light source reflected on the inner peripheral surface of the slider and guides the light to the other second opening facing the irradiated area, and the light guide path extends from the first opening. The switch device becomes thinner as it approaches the second opening.

  According to this configuration, the light guide path that guides light to the second opening facing the irradiated region becomes narrower as it approaches the second opening from the first opening, so that the light is efficiently guided to the irradiated region. Can do. As a result, it is possible to reduce luminance unevenness in the irradiated region and realize appropriate luminance.

  Preferably, in the switch device according to the present invention, the slider has a shape in which at least the light guide path is formed on a substantially rectangular parallelepiped member, and the light guide path has a substantially circular cross section substantially orthogonal to the light guide direction. Or it is substantially elliptical.

  According to this configuration, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped member can be applied as the slider of the present invention. In addition, light can be guided more efficiently than when the light guide path has a polygonal cross section. As a result, it is possible to further reduce luminance unevenness in the irradiated region and realize appropriate luminance.

  Preferably, the switch device according to the present invention is configured such that the one or more switches are arranged to be pushed at a first position of the other end of the slider, and the slider has the first switch. A second switch arranged to be pushed at a second position of the other end, wherein the first position and the second position are based on the center of the other end. There is a substantially point-symmetrical relationship.

  According to this configuration, the first and second positions at which the first and second switches are respectively pressed are substantially point-symmetric with respect to the center of the end of the slider. Even when a pressing operation is performed at a position deviated from the position, at least one of the first switch and the second switch is easily turned on.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the illuminating device and switch apparatus which implement | achieve appropriate brightness | luminance can be provided.

It is a perspective view of the switch apparatus concerning the embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of the switch apparatus of FIG. It is a rear view of the operation knob of the switch apparatus of FIG. It is sectional drawing in the ii line of the switch apparatus of FIG. It is sectional drawing in the ii-ii line of the switch apparatus of FIG. It is sectional drawing in the iii-iii line of the switch apparatus of FIG. It is a front view of the circuit board of the switch apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows typically a mode that light is guided in the switch apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification of a lens array. It is a figure which shows the modification of a lens array. It is a figure which shows the modification of a lens array. It is a figure which shows the modification of a lens array. It is a figure which shows the modification of a lens array. It is a figure which shows the modification of a lens array. It is a figure which shows the modification of a lens array. It is a figure which shows the modification of a lens array. It is a figure which shows the modification of a lens array. It is a figure which shows the modification of a lens array.

  Hereinafter, a switch device (lighting device) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the switch device 10 of the present embodiment. For example, the switch device 10 is used by being attached to a dashboard or the like of a vehicle (not shown), and is configured such that a switch of a device such as a hazard lamp is turned on / off according to an operation by an operator.

  In the present specification, the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, and the front-rear direction are defined for convenience of description, and do not limit the direction in actual use. The terms used in the description of the present specification are used to describe the general shape of each component, and the terms used in the description are not limited to the word “abbreviated”. Elements are not strictly limited to their shape.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the switch device 10 includes an operation knob (irradiated member) 20 that is pressed by an operator, and a slider in which one end (front end) is connected to the operation knob 20. (Light guide part) 30 and a circuit board 40 positioned on the other end side (rear side) of the slider 30. The switch device 10 is mounted in a housing (not shown). Specifically, the circuit board 40 of the switch device 10 is fixed to the housing, and the slider 30 (and the operation knob 20 coupled thereto) is attached to the housing so as to be movable in the front-rear direction.

  2 is a front view of the switch device 10 of FIG. 1 as viewed from the front (operation knob 20 side), FIG. 3 is a rear view of the operation knob 20, and FIG. 4 is a diagram of the switch device 10 of FIG. It is sectional drawing in the ii line. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the operation knob 20 has a plate-like shape having a longitudinal direction on the left and right, and more specifically, has a tray-type shape having a recess on the slider 30 side.

  The operation knob 20 has an irradiated region 22 at a substantially central portion of the surface (front side surface). The irradiated region 22 is a region to be irradiated with light, and for example, a position where an object (symbol) 26 such as a figure, a character, or a symbol corresponding to a function to be switched on by the switch device 10 is displayed. Including. In the irradiated area 22 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a graphic corresponding to a hazard lamp switch (hazard switch) is displayed as an object 26.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the operation knob 20 is arranged so that the three convex lenses 24 have a substantially equilateral triangular shape as a whole at the substantially central portion of the back surface (the surface on the rear side, the surface on the slider 30 side). The convex lens 24 is configured as a hemispherical lens that protrudes backward (in the direction of the slider 30).

  The operation knob 20 is made of, for example, a transparent or translucent resin, and the surface and side surfaces (up, down, left and right surfaces) are painted with a light-shielding paint.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the slider 30 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape having a longitudinal direction in the front-rear direction. A pair of ribs 32 extending in the front-rear direction are formed on the left and right side surfaces of the slider 30. The movement of the rib 32 is restricted by a guide rail of the housing (not shown). As a result, the slider 30 is supported by the housing so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. The ribs 32 may be further formed on the upper and lower side surfaces of the slider 30 so as to be configured as cross-shaped ribs.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the slider 30 is a cylindrical member having a light guide path 34 formed therein. The light guide 34 has a first opening 36 on the circuit board 40 side and a second opening 38 on the operation knob 20 side, and is defined by the inner peripheral surface 33 of the slider 30. The light guide path 34 has a shape (tapered shape) that becomes narrower as it approaches the second opening 38 from the first opening 36. The light guide 34 functions as a light guide that guides light from a light source 42 (described later) disposed on the circuit board 40 to the irradiated region 22 while reflecting light from the inner peripheral surface 33.

  The second opening 38 is closed by the operation knob 20 so that the irradiated region 22 is located at a position facing the second opening 38. As a result, the three convex lenses 24 provided on the back surface of the operation knob 20 block the second opening 38. The operation knob 20 and the slider 30 are fixed by a hook mechanism (not shown).

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line ii-ii of the switch device 10 of FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line iii-iii of the switch device 10 of FIG. As is apparent from FIGS. 5 and 6, the light guide path 34 has a substantially circular cross section substantially orthogonal to the light guide direction (the direction from the first opening 36 toward the second opening 38). The diameter of the cross section decreases as the distance from the first opening 36 to the second opening 38 approaches. As described above, the light guide path 34 can also be said to be a cavity having a substantially truncated cone shape with the second opening 38 as an upper base and the first opening 36 as a lower base. In addition, the light guide 34 can also be formed so that a cross section becomes a substantially ellipse.

  As described above, the slider 30 has a shape in which the light guide path 34 that is thinned toward the second opening 38 from the first opening 36 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped member. The wall thickness increases as the distance from the first opening 36 to the second opening 38 approaches.

  The slider 30 is made of a light shielding resin. For example, the slider 30 is formed of a black or white resin having a high light shielding property. The inner peripheral surface 33 of the slider 30 is mirror-finished.

  FIG. 7 is a front view of the circuit board 40 of the switch device 10 of FIG. 1 viewed from the front (slider 30 side). In FIG. 7, the positions of the slider 30 and the first opening 36 are indicated by broken lines. As shown in FIG. 7, the light source 42 is disposed substantially at the center of the circuit board 40, the first switch 44 a is disposed at the upper left position of the light source 42, and the second switch is disposed at the lower right position of the light source 42. The switch 44b is arranged. The light source 42, the first switch 44a, and the second switch 44b are arranged on the same straight line, and the first switch 44a and the second switch 44b have substantially the same distance to the light source 42. The first switch 44a and the second switch 44b are configured as tactile switches.

  The light source 42 is configured by, for example, an LED. As shown in FIG. 7, the light source 42 is disposed at a position corresponding to the approximate center of the first opening 36 (that is, the intersection of the axis of the light guide 34 and the circuit board 40).

  The first switch 44a and the second switch 44b function as switches for the same device. For example, in the switch device 10 of the present embodiment, both the first switch 44a and the second switch 44b function as hazard switches, and the hazard lamp operates when at least one of them is pressed and turned on. It is configured as follows. As shown in FIG. 7, the first switch 44 a and the second switch 44 b are regions (excluding the light guide path 34) excluding the second opening 38 in the end portion (end surface) of the slider 30. It is arranged at a position corresponding to. Specifically, the first switch 44a and the second switch 44b are disposed at positions corresponding to the first position 39a (shown as a dashed-dotted circle in FIG. 7) at the end of the slider 30, The second switch 44b is disposed at a position corresponding to a second position 39b (shown as a dot-and-dash line circle in FIG. 7) at the end of the slider 30.

  Therefore, when the slider 30 moves in response to the pressing operation of the operation knob 20, the first switch 44 a is pushed by the first position 39 a at the end of the slider 30, and the second switch 44 b is pushed at the end of the slider 30. It is pushed by the second position 39c. Since the first position 39a and the second position 39b are point-symmetric with respect to the center of the end of the slider 30, for example, when a position away from the center of the operation knob 20 is pressed. However, it is difficult to occur when at least one of the first switch 44a and the switch 44b is pressed and both the first switch 44a and the switch 44b are not pressed. Since the switch device 10 is configured such that the hazard lamp operates when at least one of the first switch 44a and the switch 44b is pressed and turned on, the operator can more reliably perform the hazard lamp. Can be turned on / off.

  Next, the effect | action at the time of illumination of the switch apparatus 10 comprised in this way is demonstrated. FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing how light is guided in the switch device 10 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the light from the light source 42 arranged on the circuit board 40 enters the first opening 36 of the light guide 34. The light incident on the first opening 36 is made of a light-shielding resin, and is efficiently reflected by the inner peripheral surface 33 that is mirror-finished and guided to the second opening 38. Then, the light guided to the second opening 38 is condensed on the irradiated region 22 by the condensing action of the convex lens 24.

  As described above, the switch device 10 is efficient because the light guide path 34 that guides light to the second opening 38 that faces the irradiated region 22 becomes narrower as it approaches the second opening 38 from the first opening 36. Light can be guided to the irradiated region 22. As a result, luminance unevenness in the irradiated region 22 can be reduced and appropriate luminance can be realized.

  In addition, since the convex lens 24 provided in the portion that blocks the second opening 38 condenses the light, the switch device 10 can further reduce the luminance unevenness in the irradiated region 22 and realize appropriate luminance. it can.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. That is, those skilled in the art may make various changes, combinations, sub-combinations, and alternatives regarding the components of the above-described embodiments within the technical scope of the present invention or an equivalent scope thereof.

  For example, the number, arrangement, and shape (lens array mode) of the convex lenses included in the operation knob 20 are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes can be made. 9 to 18 show various modifications of the lens array. Which lens array is to be used is appropriately determined depending on the shape of the object 26 and the like.

  The lens array shown in FIG. 9 includes a single convex lens 24a that is larger than the convex lens 24 of the above-described embodiment.

  The lens array shown in FIG. 10 includes seven convex lenses 24b that are larger than the convex lens 24 of the above-described embodiment and smaller than the convex lens 24a of FIG. 9, and six convex lenses 24b are arranged around one central convex lens 24b. Arranged to surround.

  The lens array shown in FIG. 11 includes 24 convex lenses 24 that are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, and is arranged in a substantially hexagonal shape as a whole.

  The lens array shown in FIG. 12 includes 56 convex lenses 24c smaller than the convex lenses 24 of the above-described embodiment, and these convex lenses 24c are arranged in a tile shape of 8 rows × 7 columns.

  The lens array shown in FIG. 13 includes four convex lenses 24b shown in FIG. 10 and three convex lenses 24c shown in FIG. 12, and three lenses are arranged at the center and upper and lower centers of the four convex lenses 24b arranged in a substantially square shape. The convex lenses 24c are arranged adjacent to each other. In this way, it is possible to form a lens array with a plurality of convex lenses having different sizes.

  The lens array shown in FIG. 14 is configured by 16 convex lenses 24 that are the same as those in the above-described embodiment and nine convex lenses 24c in FIG. 12, and the gap between the 16 convex lenses 24 arranged in a substantially square shape is 9. Each of the convex lenses 24c is arranged so as to be buried.

  The lens array shown in FIG. 15 includes three substantially hexagonal convex lenses 24d, and these convex lenses 24d are arranged so as to have a honeycomb structure.

  The lens array shown in FIG. 16 is composed of seven substantially hexagonal convex lenses 24e smaller than the convex lenses 24d in FIG. 15, and these convex lenses 24e are arranged in a honeycomb structure. Specifically, it is arranged so that the six convex lenses 24e surround the central convex lens 24e.

  The lens array shown in FIG. 17 is constituted by 17 substantially hexagonal 17 convex lenses 24f smaller than the convex lens 24e of FIG. 16, and these convex lenses 24f are arranged in a honeycomb structure. Specifically, two lens lines constituted by four convex lenses 24f arranged in the horizontal direction are arranged between three lens lines constituted by three convex lenses 24f arranged in the horizontal direction.

  The lens array shown in FIG. 18 is configured by 27 substantially hexagonal 27 convex lenses 24g smaller than the convex lens 24f of FIG. 17, and these convex lenses 24g are arranged in a honeycomb structure. Specifically, three lens lines constituted by five convex lenses 24g arranged in the horizontal direction and three lens lines constituted by four convex lenses 24g arranged in the horizontal direction are arranged alternately adjacent to each other. Has been.

  As described above, the lens array can be in various forms. For example, depending on the size and shape of the irradiated region 22 or the shape of the object 26 displayed in the irradiated region 22, the number and arrangement of convex lenses so that appropriate luminance can be realized in a necessary portion. The shape and the like are changed as appropriate.

  Further, the convex lens is not necessarily provided on the operation knob 24 and may be provided on the slider 30. Furthermore, it is not necessary to provide a convex lens.

  Further, the number and arrangement of the light sources 42 and switches provided on the circuit board 40 are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes can be made. For example, only one of the first switch 44a and the second switch 44b can be used.

  In addition to the first switch 44a and the second switch 44b, a third switch located on the upper right side of the light source 42 and / or a fourth switch located on the lower left side of the light source 42 may be provided. Since the end of the slider 30 of the above-described embodiment on the circuit board 40 side (light source 42 side) has a relatively large area at the four corners except for the substantially circular second opening 38, freedom regarding the number and arrangement of switches. High degree.

  Further, the shapes of the slider 30 and the light guide path 34 are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes can be made. For example, the slider 30 may be a substantially cylindrical member, and the light guide path 34 may have a non-circular (for example, polygonal) cross section.

  The illumination device of the present invention can also be applied to devices other than the switch device 10 of the above-described embodiment. That is, the illumination device of the present invention is not limited to a device having a switch function.

  The present invention is applicable to an illumination device and a switch device mounted on a vehicle.

10 ... Switch device (lighting device)
20 ... Operation knob (irradiated member)
22 ... Irradiated area 24, 24a-g ... Convex lens 26 ... Object 30 ... Slider (light guide)
33 ... inner peripheral surface 34 ... light guide 36 ... first opening 38 ... second opening 39a ... first position 39b ... second position 40 ... circuit board 42 ... light source 44a ... first switch 44b ... second Switch

Claims (8)

An illumination device comprising a light source and a cylindrical light guide that guides light from the light source to an irradiated region,
The light guide section guides light from the light source incident on one first opening to the other second opening facing the irradiated area by reflecting the light from the inner peripheral surface of the light guide section. Has an optical path,
The light guide becomes thinner as it approaches the second opening from the first opening,
Illumination device. The light guide path has a substantially circular or elliptical cross section substantially orthogonal to the light guide direction,
The cross section has a diameter that decreases from the first opening toward the second opening.
The illumination device according to claim 1.   The illumination device according to claim 2, wherein the light guide section has a shape in which at least the light guide path is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped member. The light guide portion becomes thicker as it approaches the second opening from the first opening,
The illumination device according to claim 1. Further comprising an irradiated member including the irradiated region,
The irradiated member closes the second opening so that the irradiated region faces the second opening, and one or a plurality of convex lenses are provided on the light source side of the portion closing the second opening. Provided,
The illumination device according to claim 1. An operation knob including the irradiated area;
One end is connected to the operation knob, and a cylindrical slider configured to move in response to a pressing operation of the operation knob;
A light source;
One or more switches arranged to be turned on by being pushed by the other end of the slider according to the movement of the slider;
With
The slider has a light guide path that reflects light from the light source incident on one first opening to the other second opening facing the irradiated area by reflecting the light from the inner peripheral surface of the slider. ,
The light guide becomes thinner as it approaches the second opening from the first opening,
Switch device. The slider has a shape in which at least the light guide path is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped member,
The light guide path has a substantially circular or substantially elliptical cross section substantially orthogonal to the light guide direction.
The switch device according to claim 6. The one or more switches include a first switch arranged to be pushed at a first position of the other end of the slider and a second position of the other end of the slider. A second switch arranged to be pushed,
The first position and the second position are in a substantially point-symmetric relationship with respect to the center of the other end.
The switch device according to claim 6 or 7.

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