JP3904803B2

JP3904803B2 - Illuminated rotary electronic component and electronic device using the same

Info

Publication number: JP3904803B2
Application number: JP2000131503A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 敏孝三和; 敏夫高橋
Original assignee: Alps Electric Co Ltd
Current assignee: Alps Alpine Co Ltd
Priority date: 2000-04-26
Filing date: 2000-04-26
Publication date: 2007-04-11
Anticipated expiration: 2020-04-26
Also published as: JP2001305259A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、照光式回転型電子部品とそれを用いた電子装置に関し、特に、ノブに配置された指針部が光源からの光にて照光されて、ノブの回動位置を表示するのに好適な照光式回転型電子部品とそれを用いた電子装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来の照光式回転型電子部品を用いた電子装置について図面を用いて説明する。
図６は、従来の照光式回転型電子部品を用いた電子装置を示す正面図、図７は、従来の照光式回転型電子部品を用いた電子装置を示す側面図、図８は、従来の照光式回転型電子部品の導光部材を示す平面図、図９は、従来の照光式回転型電子部品の導光部材を示す側面図、図１０は、従来の照光式回転型電子部品の導光部材を示す正面図である。
【０００３】
図６、図７に示すように、従来の照光式回転型電子部品を用いた電子装置は、プリント配線基板１０と、プリント配線基板１０に配置された光源２０と、光源２０から離間され、プリント配線基板１０に配置され、受動素子としての切換部（図示せず）を収納した本体部３０と、本体部３０内の切換部を回転操作するための回転軸４０と、回転軸４０の先端部に配設され、導光部材５０と指針部６０とを有するノブ７０とによって概略構成されている。
【０００４】
また、従来の照光式回転型電子部品は、前記本体部３０と、前記回転軸４０と、前記導光部材５０と前記指針部６０とを有する前記ノブ７０とによって概略構成されている。
【０００５】
プリント配線基板１０は、例えば、絶縁性樹脂材料から成り、平板状に形成され、所定の箇所に形成された取付孔１０ａと、所定の回路パターン（図示せず）とを有している。
【０００６】
光源２０は、例えば、クリプトンランプやＬＥＤ（発光ダイオード）素子などから成り、所定の照度を有している。この光源２０は、プリント配線基板１０の取付孔１０ａ内に挿通され、例えば、半田付けや接着剤など適宜手段にてプリント配線基板１０に固着・接続されている。
【０００７】
本体部３０は、略箱形の筐体３０ａと、筐体３０ａから外方に突出して配設された軸受け部３０ｂと、筐体３０ａ内に収納・配置された切換部（図示せず）とを有している。この本体部３０は、プリント配線基板１０の光源２０から離間された位置に、例えば、半田付けや接着剤など適宜手段にてプリント配線基板１０に固着・接続されている。換言すれば、プリント配線基板１０上に配設された光源２０と本体部３０とは所定の距離をもって離間されている。
【０００８】
回転軸４０は、例えば、アルミニウムなどの金属材料から成り、切削加工などで形成され、全体として、略円柱状で、先端部（一方の端部）には、摺り落とし部４０ａが形成されている。この回転軸４０は、本体部３０の軸受け部３０ｂに挿通され、他方の端部が、筐体３０ａ内に収納・配置された切換部（図示せず）を駆動するように配設されている。
【０００９】
導光部材５０は、図８〜図１０に示すように、例えば、アクリル樹脂などの光を導くことが出来る合成樹脂材料からなり、成形加工によって形成され、略矩形の基部５０ａと、基部５０ａの下面から外方に突出された略円柱状の導光部５０ｂと、基部５０ａの上面から外方に突出された土手状の照光部５０ｃとを有している。
【００１０】
指針部６０は、図６に示すように、例えば、アクリル樹脂などの光を透過することが出来る透光性の合成樹脂材料から成り、成形加工によって形成されている。
【００１１】
ノブ７０は、例えば、合成樹脂材料から成り、成形加工によって形成され、略円筒状の摘み部７０ａと、摘み部７０ａの中央部から外方に突出された略円筒状の保持部７０ｂと、摘み部７０ａの外周縁部うちの所定の箇所の近傍に設けられた前記導光部材５０が配置される係合部７０ｃとを有している。
また、ノブ７０の係合部７０ｃと対向する位置には、前記指針部６０が表面が露出するように配設されている。
【００１２】
このノブ７０の係合部７０ｃには、前記導光部材５０が配置され、この状態で、この導光部材５０は、前記指針部６０と対向して配設されている。
【００１３】
次ぎに、この照光式回転型電子部品を用いた電子装置の動作について説明する。
この照光式回転型電子部品では、ノブ７０を指（図示せず）などで回動させると、ノブ７０の回動によって、回転軸４０が回動する。この回転軸４０の回動によって、本体部３０内の受動素子としての切換部（図示せず）が切換られ、電気的な特性が可変し、所定の電気信号が出力される。
【００１４】
そして、この状態のとき、光源２０がオンの状態で、光を放射していると、光源２０からの光が、導光部材５０の導光部５０ｂによって、基部５０ａを介して照光部５０ｃまで導かれる。この照光部５０ｃまで導かれた光によって、指針部６０が照光され、明るく光ることになり、ノブ７０の回動位置が表示されることになる。
【００１５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
上述の如き、従来の照光式回転型電子部品を用いた電子装置では、操作のためにノブ７０を回動させ、そのノブ７０の回動位置を光源２０からの光が導光部材５０の導光部５０ｂによって導かれて指針部６０を光らせ、この指針部６０にて位置表示をするのだが、ノブ７０の回動位置によって、光源２０とノブ７０に配設された導光部材５０との離間距離が近接（至近距離）したり、離れたり（遠距離）するので指針部６０を光らせる導光部材５０によって導かれる光源２０からの光量が増減されることになる。
【００１６】
特に、ノブ７０の回動で導光部材５０が光源２０から最も遠距離になる位置にときは、導光部材５０と光源２０との間に回転軸４０が位置することになり、よって、この回転軸４０が光源２０からの導光部材５０に入力される光を遮ることになり、一層導光部材５０に入力される光が減少することになる。
このことから、指針部６０の照度がノブ７０の回動位置によって増減されることになるという問題がある。
【００１７】
本発明の照光式回転型電子部品とそれを用いた電子装置は、上述の問題点を解決するもので、その目的は、ノブの回動位置に係わらず指針部の照度が均一である照光式回転型電子部品とそれを用いた電子装置を提供する。
【００１８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明の照光式回転型電気部品は、透光性の指針部を有するノブと、光を指針部に導く導光部材と、ノブの回動によって電気的な特性が可変され電気信号を出力する受動素子と、受動素子が収納された筐体と、筐体から外方に突出した回転軸とを備え、ノブが回転軸の先端部に固着され、導光部材が円環部と、円環部の一部から円環部の中心軸と平行に延設された導出部と、円環部と導出部とを連結する連結部とを有し、円環部が回転軸の外周囲に回転軸を囲むように配設され、ノブの回動によって回転軸と導光部材とが共に回動し、円環部、及び連結部によって導出部に導かれた光が、導出部を介して指針部を照光するようにしたことである。
【００１９】
また、本発明の照光式回転型電気部品は、導光部材は、導出部が回転軸に添い、且つ、指針部に対向して配置されたことである。
【００２０】
また、本発明の照光式回転型電子部品は、ノブは、略円筒状に形成され、導光部材の導出部には、導出部から円環部の中心軸方向に延設された係止部が形成され、回転軸の外周面部には凹部が形成され、前記係止部が前記凹部に係止されて、且つ、導光部材の円環部が回転軸の外周面部に保持され、導出部が回転軸の凹部とノブの内壁との間にそれぞれと対向するように配置されたことである。
【００２１】
また、本発明の照光式回転型電気部品を用いた電子装置は、照光式回転型電子部品の筐体が、基板に配設されており、この基板には、筐体から離間されてひとつ、又は複数個の光源が配設されており、光源からの光が円環部、及び連結部によって導出部に導かれ、導出部を介して照光式回転型電子部品の指針部を照光することである。
【００２２】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明の照光式回転型電子部品を用いた電子装置について図面を用いて説明する。
図１は、本発明の照光式回転型電子部品を用いた電子装置の実施の形態を示す分解斜視図、図２は、本発明の照光式回転型電子部品を用いた電子装置の実施の形態を説明するための要部断面図、図３は、本発明の照光式回転型電子部品の導光部材の実施の形態を示す正面図、図４は、本発明の照光式回転型電子部品の導光部材の実施の形態を示す側面図、図５は、本発明の照光式回転型電子部品の導光部材の実施の形態を示す平面図である。
【００２３】
図１に示すように、照光式回転型電子部品を用いた電子装置は、プリント配線基板１と、プリント配線基板１に配置された光源２と、光源２から離間され、プリント配線基板１に配置され、受動素子としての切換部（図示せず）を収納した本体部３と、本体部３内の切換部を回転操作するための回転軸４と、回転軸４の外周面部（外周囲）に配設された導光部材５と、指針部６を有するノブ７とによって概略構成されている。
【００２４】
また、本発明の照光式回転型電子部品は、前記本体部３と、前記回転軸４と、前記導光部材５と、前記指針部６を有する前記ノブ７とによって概略構成されている。
【００２５】
この照光式回転型電子部品は、例えば、照光式回転型スイッチ装置や照光式回転型可変抵抗器装置などを構成しており、本発明の実施の形態では、照光式回転型スイッチ装置として説明する。
【００２６】
基板としてのプリント配線基板１は、例えば、絶縁性樹脂材料から成り、平板状に形成され、所定の箇所に形成された略小判状の取付孔１ａと、複数個（例えば、６個）の丸孔１ｂと、所定の回路パターン（図示せず）とを有している。
【００２７】
光源２は、例えば、クリプトンランプやＬＥＤ（発光ダイオード）素子などであって、所定の照度を有している。この光源２は、プリント配線基板１の取付孔１ａ内に挿通され、例えば、半田付けや接着剤など適宜手段にてプリント配線基板１に固着・接続されている。
【００２８】
筐体としての本体部３は、合成樹脂材料から成り、成形加工にて形成され、略箱形の筐体部３ａと、筐体部３ａ内に収納された固定接点（図示せず）などから成り、受動素子としてのスイッチ機構を構成する切換部（図示せず）と、前記固定接点などから延設され、筐体部３ａから外方に突出された複数本（例えば、６本）の端子３ｃとを有している。また、筐体部３ａの略中央部から外方に突出する略円筒状の筒部３ｄを有している。また、筐体部３ａをプリント配線基板１に取り付けるための金属板から成り、略平板状の取付部材３ｂが、筐体部３ａをプリント配線基板１に取り付けるように配設されている。
【００２９】
この本体部３は、各端子３ｃがプリント配線基板１の各丸孔１ｂに挿通され、プリント配線基板１に半田付けされている。
【００３０】
この本体部３内に配置された受動素子としてのスイッチ機構を構成する切換部（図示せず）が切換られることによって、電気的な特性が可変され、可変された電気信号が出力される。
【００３１】
回転軸４は、合成樹脂材料から成り、成形加工にて形成され、筒部４ａと、筒部４ａの外周面部の一部に設けられた矩形状の凹部４ｂとを有している。
この回転軸４は、筐体としての本体部３の一方の面（図示上面）から外方に突出するように本体部３に配設され、回転軸４の回動によって、受動素子としてのスイッチ機構が切換られるように構成されている。
この回転軸４は、前記本体部３の筒部３ｄに挿通されて配設され、換言すれば、本体部３から外方に突出するように回転軸４が配設されている。
【００３２】
導光部材５は、図３〜図５に示すように、例えば、アクリル樹脂などの光を導くことが出来る導光性の合成樹脂材料から成り、成形加工によって形成され、略円環状の円環部５ａと、円環部５ａの一部から円環部５ａの中心軸と平行に外方に延設された略角柱状の導出部５ｂと、導出部５ｂから円環部５ａの中心軸方向に延設された一対の係止部５ｃとを有している。
【００３３】
また、円環部５ａと導出部５ｂとの一対の連結部５ｄは、それぞれ略円弧状であって、曲線になるように形成されている。この曲線に形成された連結部５ｄによって、円環部５ａと導出部５ｂとが滑らかなカーブをもって接合されている。このように連結部５ｄを滑らかな曲線とすることで、円環部５ａからの光を円滑に導出部５ｂへ導くことが出来る。
【００３４】
そして、図１に示すように、この導光部材５は、円環部５ａが回転軸４の外周囲に回転軸４を囲むように配設され、導出部５ｂが回転軸４に添うように配設され、且つ、係止部５ｃが回転軸４の凹部４ｂに係止され、この凹部４ｂに係止された係止部５ｃによって導光部材５が回転軸４に対して回り止めされている。
【００３５】
指針部６は、例えば、アクリル樹脂などの光を透過することが出来る透光性の合成樹脂材料から成り、成形加工によって形成されている。
【００３６】
ノブ７は、合成樹脂材料から成り、成形加工によって形成され、略円筒状の基部７ａと、基部７ａの一方の端部側の外周面部に設けられた矩形の貫通孔７ｂと、基部７ａの内壁の一部分で、前記貫通孔７ｂの近傍に設けられた肉薄部７ｃ（図２参照）とを備えている。また、ノブ７の貫通孔７ｂには、前記指針部６が二色成形による成形などの適宜手段にて固着されている。
【００３７】
また、このノブ７は、前記回転軸４の先端部に、例えば、スナップイン係合などの適宜手段にて固着されている。この固着によって、ノブ７と回転軸４とは、一緒に回動出来るように構成されている。
【００３８】
この状態のとき、導光部材５の導出部５ｂは、回転軸４の凹部４ｂとノブ７の内壁に設けられた肉薄部７ｃとの間にそれぞれと対向するように配置されている。そして、導出部５ｂは、指針部６に対向して配置されている。
【００３９】
なお、上述の実施の形態では、導光部材５の円環部５ａと導出部５ｂとの連結部５ｄを円弧状の曲線に形成したが、これに限定されず、一対の連結部をそれぞれ円環部に対して傾斜した直線になるように形成しても良いことは勿論である。
【００４０】
また、上述の実施の形態では、光源をプリント配線基板にひとつのみの配設としたが、これに限定されず、複数個の光源を本体部の周囲に配設しても良いことは勿論である。
【００４１】
次ぎに、この照光式回転型電子部品を用いた電子装置の動作について説明する。
この照光式回転型電子部品では、ノブ７を指（図示せず）などで回動させると、ノブ７の回動によって、回転軸４が回動する。この回転軸４の回動によって、本体部３内の受動素子としての切換部（図示せず）が切換られ、電気的な特性が可変され、所定の電気信号が出力される。
【００４２】
そして、この状態のとき、プリント配線基板１上に配設された光源２がオンの状態で、光を放射していると、光源２からの光が、導光部材５の円環部５ａ、及び連結部５ｄによって、導出部５ｂまで導かれ、導出部５ｂが光るように構成されている。この光る導出部５ｂからの光によって、導出部５ｂと対向配置された指針部６が照光され、明るく光ることになり、照光された指針部６によってノブ７の回動位置が表示されることになる。
【００４３】
このとき、導光部材５の円環部５ａは、回転軸４の周囲を囲むように配設されていることから、光源２と導光部材５の導出部５ｂとの離間距離が近接（至近距離であっても）していても、或いは離れていても（遠距離であっても）、円環部５ａ、及び連結部５ｄによって導出部５ｂに導かれる光源２からの光は、一定の照度を保っていることになる。
【００４４】
そして、特に、導出部５ｂが光源２から最も遠距離になる位置にあるときは、導光部材５の導出部５ｂと光源２との間に回転軸４が位置するのだが、この状態でも光源２の近傍には導光部材５の円環部５ａの一部が配設されていることから、この円環部５ａの一部から光源２の光が入光され、この光が導出部５ｂまで安定して導かれ、ノブ７の回動位置に係わらず、指針部６では均一な光量（照度）が得られるように構成されている。
【００４５】
【発明の効果】
本発明の照光式回転型電子部品では、ノブが回転軸の先端部に固着され、導光部材が円環部を有し、円環部が回転軸の外周囲に回転軸を囲むように配設され、ノブの回動によって回転軸と導光部材とが共に回動し、光が導光部材の円環部によって指針部に導かれ、指針部が照光されるようにしたことによって、指針部の回動位置によって、光源から指針部が離れていても、又は、近接していても光源からの光が導光部材の円環部によって指針部に導かれ、照光される指針部の光量が均一であって、指針部に一定の照明が成されるという効果を奏する。
【００４６】
また、本発明の照光式回転型電子部品では、導光部材は、円環部と、円環部の一部から円環部の中心軸と平行に延設された導出部と、円環部と導出部とを連結する連結部とを有し、導出部が回転軸に添い、且つ、指針部に対向して配置され、円環部、及び連結部によって導出部に導かれた光が、導出部を介して指針部を照光することによって、指針部に対向して配置された導出部に円環部から光が安定して導かれ、指針部の光量が一層均一に維持され、安定した照明が成される。
【００４７】
また、本発明の照光式回転型電子部品では、導光部材の導出部には、導出部から円環部の中心軸方向に延設された係止部が形成され、回転軸の外周面部には凹部が形成され、係止部が凹部に係止されて、且つ、導光部材の円環部が回転軸の外周面部に保持され、導出部が回転軸の凹部とノブの内壁との間にそれぞれと対向するように配置されたことによって、導光部材の回転軸への係止が、導出部の係止部によって簡単に出来、係止部が導出部に設けられていることから導出部の位置決めが容易に出来るという効果を奏する。
【００４８】
また、本発明の照光式回転型電子部品を用いた電子装置では、照光式回転型電子部品の筐体が、基板に配設されており、この基板には、筐体から離間されてひとつ、又は複数個の光源が配設されており、光源からの光が導光部材の円環部によって導出部に導かれ、導出部を介して照光式回転型電子部品の指針部を照光することによって、光源が筐体から離間されて配設されていることから、光源の交換がし易く、電子装置のメンテナンスが容易にできる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の照光式回転型電子部品を用いた電子装置の実施の形態を説明するための分解斜視図である。
【図２】本発明の照光式回転型電子部品を用いた電子装置の実施の形態を説明するための要部断面図である。
【図３】本発明の光式回転型電子部品の導光部材の実施の形態を示す正面図である。
【図４】本発明の照光式回転型電子部品の導光部材の実施の形態を示す側面図である。
【図５】本発明の照光式回転型電子部品の導光部材の実施の形態を示す平面図である。
【図６】従来の照光式回転型電子部品を用いた電子装置を示す正面図である。
【図７】従来の照光式回転型電子部品を用いた電子装置を示す側面図である。
【図８】従来の照光式回転型電子部品の導光部材を示す平面図である。
【図９】従来の照光式回転型電子部品の導光部材を示す側面図である。
【図１０】従来の照光式回転型電子部品の導光部材を示す正面図である。
【符号の説明】
１プリント配線基板（基板）
１ａ取付孔
２光源
３本体部（筐体）
３ａ筐体部
４回転軸
４ａ筒部
４ｂ凹部
５導光部材
５ａ円環部
５ｂ導出部
５ｃ係止部
５ｄ連結部
６指針部
７ノブ
７ａ基部
７ｃ肉薄部[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an illuminated rotary electronic component and an electronic apparatus using the same, and particularly suitable for displaying a rotating position of a knob when a pointer portion arranged on the knob is illuminated with light from a light source. The present invention relates to a light-emitting rotary electronic component and an electronic device using the same.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A conventional electronic device using an illuminated rotary electronic component will be described with reference to the drawings.
6 is a front view showing an electronic device using a conventional illuminated rotary electronic component, FIG. 7 is a side view showing an electronic device using a conventional illuminated rotary electronic component, and FIG. FIG. 9 is a side view showing a light guide member of a conventional illuminated rotary electronic component, and FIG. 10 is a side view showing a light guide member of the conventional illuminated rotary electronic component. It is a front view which shows an optical member.
[0003]
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, an electronic device using a conventional illuminated rotary electronic component includes a printed wiring board 10, a light source 20 disposed on the printed wiring board 10, and a light source 20. A main body 30 that is disposed on the wiring board 10 and stores a switching unit (not shown) as a passive element, a rotating shaft 40 for rotating the switching unit in the main body 30, and a tip of the rotating shaft 40 And a knob 70 having a light guide member 50 and a pointer portion 60.
[0004]
Further, the conventional illuminated rotary electronic component is roughly constituted by the main body portion 30, the rotary shaft 40, the knob 70 having the light guide member 50 and the pointer portion 60.
[0005]
The printed wiring board 10 is made of, for example, an insulating resin material, is formed in a flat plate shape, and has mounting holes 10a formed at predetermined locations and a predetermined circuit pattern (not shown).
[0006]
The light source 20 includes, for example, a krypton lamp or an LED (light emitting diode) element, and has a predetermined illuminance. The light source 20 is inserted into the mounting hole 10a of the printed wiring board 10, and is fixed and connected to the printed wiring board 10 by appropriate means such as soldering or adhesive.
[0007]
The main body 30 includes a substantially box-shaped housing 30a, a bearing portion 30b that protrudes outward from the housing 30a, and a switching unit (not shown) that is housed and disposed in the housing 30a. have. The main body 30 is fixed and connected to the printed wiring board 10 at a position spaced apart from the light source 20 of the printed wiring board 10 by appropriate means such as soldering or adhesive. In other words, the light source 20 disposed on the printed circuit board 10 and the main body 30 are separated from each other by a predetermined distance.
[0008]
The rotating shaft 40 is made of, for example, a metal material such as aluminum, and is formed by cutting or the like. The rotating shaft 40 has a substantially cylindrical shape as a whole, and a slide-off portion 40a is formed at the tip (one end). . The rotating shaft 40 is inserted into the bearing portion 30b of the main body portion 30, and the other end portion is disposed so as to drive a switching portion (not shown) housed and disposed in the housing 30a. .
[0009]
As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the light guide member 50 is made of a synthetic resin material that can guide light, such as acrylic resin, and is formed by a molding process. The light guide member 50 includes a substantially rectangular base portion 50 a and a base portion 50 a. It has a substantially cylindrical light guide portion 50b protruding outward from the lower surface, and a bank-like illumination portion 50c protruding outward from the upper surface of the base portion 50a.
[0010]
As shown in FIG. 6, the pointer portion 60 is made of a light-transmitting synthetic resin material that can transmit light, such as acrylic resin, and is formed by molding.
[0011]
The knob 70 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin material and is formed by a molding process. The knob 70 has a substantially cylindrical knob portion 70a, a substantially cylindrical holding portion 70b protruding outward from the center portion of the knob portion 70a, and a knob. And an engaging portion 70c in which the light guide member 50 is provided in the vicinity of a predetermined portion of the outer peripheral edge of the portion 70a.
Further, the pointer portion 60 is disposed at a position facing the engaging portion 70c of the knob 70 so that the surface is exposed.
[0012]
The light guide member 50 is disposed in the engaging portion 70c of the knob 70, and in this state, the light guide member 50 is disposed to face the pointer portion 60.
[0013]
Next, the operation of the electronic apparatus using the illuminated rotary electronic component will be described.
In this illuminated rotary electronic component, when the knob 70 is rotated by a finger (not shown) or the like, the rotation shaft 40 is rotated by the rotation of the knob 70. By the rotation of the rotating shaft 40, a switching unit (not shown) as a passive element in the main body 30 is switched, the electrical characteristics are changed, and a predetermined electrical signal is output.
[0014]
In this state, if the light source 20 emits light while the light source 20 is on, the light from the light source 20 is transmitted to the illumination unit 50c through the base 50a by the light guide unit 50b of the light guide member 50. Led. The pointer portion 60 is illuminated by the light guided to the illumination portion 50c and shines brightly, and the rotation position of the knob 70 is displayed.
[0015]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, in the electronic apparatus using the conventional illuminated rotary electronic component, the knob 70 is rotated for operation, and the light from the light source 20 is guided to the rotation position of the knob 70 by the light guide member 50. The pointer portion 60 is guided by the light portion 50b and the pointer portion 60 is lit, and the position is displayed by the pointer portion 60. Depending on the rotation position of the knob 70, the light source 20 and the light guide member 50 disposed on the knob 70 are connected. Since the separation distance approaches (closest distance) or leaves (far distance), the amount of light from the light source 20 guided by the light guide member 50 that illuminates the pointer 60 is increased or decreased.
[0016]
In particular, when the light guide member 50 is at the farthest distance from the light source 20 due to the rotation of the knob 70, the rotation shaft 40 is positioned between the light guide member 50 and the light source 20, and thus The rotating shaft 40 blocks the light input to the light guide member 50 from the light source 20, and the light input to the light guide member 50 is further reduced.
Therefore, there is a problem that the illuminance of the pointer portion 60 is increased or decreased depending on the rotation position of the knob 70.
[0017]
The illuminated rotary electronic component of the present invention and the electronic apparatus using the same solve the above-described problems, and the purpose thereof is an illuminated type in which the illuminance of the pointer portion is uniform regardless of the rotation position of the knob. A rotary electronic component and an electronic device using the same are provided.
[0018]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The illuminated rotary electric component of the present invention outputs a knob having a light-transmitting pointer portion, a light guide member for guiding light to the pointer portion, and an electrical signal whose electrical characteristics are varied by turning the knob. A passive element; a housing in which the passive element is housed; and a rotating shaft protruding outward from the housing; a knob is fixed to the tip of the rotating shaft; and the light guide member includes an annular portion and an annular ring A leading portion extending in parallel with the central axis of the annular portion from a part of the portion, and a connecting portion connecting the annular portion and the leading portion, and the annular portion rotates around the outer periphery of the rotation shaft The rotation shaft and the light guide member are rotated together by the rotation of the knob , and the light guided to the lead-out portion by the annular portion and the connecting portion is guided through the lead-out portion. This is to illuminate the part .
[0019]
Further, Illuminated rotary electric part of the invention, the light guide member, the electrically detecting section is Soi to the rotation axis, and is that disposed opposite the guide portion.
[0020]
Further, in the illuminated rotary electronic component of the present invention, the knob is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and the lead portion of the light guide member has a locking portion extending from the lead portion toward the center axis of the annular portion. A concave portion is formed in the outer peripheral surface portion of the rotating shaft, the locking portion is locked in the concave portion, and the annular portion of the light guide member is held by the outer peripheral surface portion of the rotating shaft, and the lead-out portion Are arranged so as to face each other between the recess of the rotating shaft and the inner wall of the knob.
[0021]
Further, in the electronic device using the illuminated rotary electrical component of the present invention, the casing of the illuminated rotary electronic component is disposed on the substrate, and this substrate is separated from the housing by one, Alternatively, a plurality of light sources are arranged, and light from the light sources is guided to the lead-out portion by the annular portion and the connecting portion, and the pointer portion of the illumination type rotary electronic component is illuminated through the lead-out portion. is there.
[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
An electronic device using the illuminated rotary electronic component of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of an electronic device using the illuminated rotary electronic component of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an embodiment of the electronic device using the illuminated rotary electronic component of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a front view showing an embodiment of a light guide member of the illuminated rotary electronic component of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the illuminated rotary electronic component of the present invention. The side view which shows embodiment of a light guide member, FIG. 5 is a top view which shows embodiment of the light guide member of the illumination type rotary electronic component of this invention.
[0023]
As shown in FIG. 1, an electronic device using an illuminated rotary electronic component is arranged on a printed wiring board 1, a light source 2 arranged on the printed wiring board 1, a distance from the light source 2, and arranged on the printed wiring board 1. The main body 3 containing a switching portion (not shown) as a passive element, the rotating shaft 4 for rotating the switching portion in the main body 3, and the outer peripheral surface portion (outer periphery) of the rotating shaft 4 The light guide member 5 and the knob 7 having the pointer portion 6 are roughly configured.
[0024]
The illuminated rotary electronic component of the present invention is roughly constituted by the main body 3, the rotary shaft 4, the light guide member 5, and the knob 7 having the pointer portion 6.
[0025]
The illuminated rotary electronic component constitutes, for example, an illuminated rotary switch device, an illuminated rotary variable resistor device, and the like. In the embodiment of the present invention, the illuminated rotary electronic component will be described as an illuminated rotary switch device. .
[0026]
The printed wiring board 1 as a substrate is made of, for example, an insulating resin material, is formed in a flat plate shape, has a substantially oval mounting hole 1a formed at a predetermined location, and a plurality (for example, six) of circles. It has a hole 1b and a predetermined circuit pattern (not shown).
[0027]
The light source 2 is, for example, a krypton lamp or an LED (light emitting diode) element, and has a predetermined illuminance. The light source 2 is inserted into the mounting hole 1a of the printed wiring board 1, and is fixed and connected to the printed wiring board 1 by appropriate means such as soldering or adhesive.
[0028]
The main body 3 as a casing is made of a synthetic resin material, is formed by molding, and includes a substantially box-shaped casing 3a and a fixed contact (not shown) housed in the casing 3a. And a plurality of (for example, six) terminals extending from the switching portion (not shown) constituting the switch mechanism as a passive element and the fixed contact and projecting outward from the housing portion 3a. 3c. Moreover, it has the substantially cylindrical cylinder part 3d which protrudes outward from the approximate center part of the housing | casing part 3a. In addition, a substantially flat mounting member 3 b is provided so as to attach the casing 3 a to the printed wiring board 1, which is made of a metal plate for attaching the casing 3 a to the printed wiring board 1.
[0029]
In the main body 3, each terminal 3 c is inserted into each round hole 1 b of the printed wiring board 1 and soldered to the printed wiring board 1.
[0030]
By switching a switching unit (not shown) constituting a switch mechanism as a passive element disposed in the main body unit 3, the electrical characteristics are varied, and a varied electrical signal is output.
[0031]
The rotating shaft 4 is made of a synthetic resin material, is formed by molding, and includes a cylindrical portion 4a and a rectangular concave portion 4b provided in a part of the outer peripheral surface portion of the cylindrical portion 4a.
The rotary shaft 4 is disposed on the main body 3 so as to protrude outward from one surface (upper surface in the drawing) of the main body 3 as a casing, and a switch as a passive element is formed by the rotation of the rotary shaft 4. The mechanism is configured to be switched.
The rotating shaft 4 is disposed by being inserted through the cylindrical portion 3 d of the main body 3. In other words, the rotating shaft 4 is disposed so as to protrude outward from the main body 3.
[0032]
As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the light guide member 5 is made of a synthetic resin material having a light guide property capable of guiding light, such as an acrylic resin, and is formed by a molding process. A portion 5a, a substantially prismatic lead-out portion 5b extending outwardly from a part of the annular portion 5a in parallel with the central axis of the annular portion 5a, and a central axis direction of the annular portion 5a from the lead-out portion 5b And a pair of locking portions 5c.
[0033]
Further, the pair of connecting portions 5d of the annular portion 5a and the lead-out portion 5b are each substantially arc-shaped and formed to be curved. The ring portion 5a and the lead-out portion 5b are joined with a smooth curve by the connecting portion 5d formed in this curve. Thus, by making the connection part 5d into a smooth curve, the light from the ring part 5a can be smoothly guide | induced to the derivation | leading-out part 5b.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 1, the light guide member 5 is arranged such that the annular portion 5 a is disposed on the outer periphery of the rotation shaft 4 so as to surround the rotation shaft 4, and the lead-out portion 5 b follows the rotation shaft 4. The locking portion 5c is disposed in the recess 4b of the rotating shaft 4, and the light guide member 5 is prevented from rotating with respect to the rotating shaft 4 by the locking portion 5c locked in the recess 4b. Yes.
[0035]
The pointer portion 6 is made of a light-transmitting synthetic resin material that can transmit light, such as acrylic resin, and is formed by molding.
[0036]
The knob 7 is made of a synthetic resin material, is formed by molding, and has a substantially cylindrical base portion 7a, a rectangular through hole 7b provided on the outer peripheral surface portion on one end side of the base portion 7a, and an inner wall of the base portion 7a. And a thin portion 7c (see FIG. 2) provided in the vicinity of the through hole 7b. Further, the pointer portion 6 is fixed to the through hole 7b of the knob 7 by an appropriate means such as molding by two-color molding.
[0037]
The knob 7 is fixed to the distal end portion of the rotating shaft 4 by appropriate means such as snap-in engagement. By this fixing, the knob 7 and the rotating shaft 4 can be rotated together.
[0038]
In this state, the lead-out portion 5b of the light guide member 5 is disposed between the concave portion 4b of the rotating shaft 4 and the thin portion 7c provided on the inner wall of the knob 7 so as to face each other. And the derivation | leading-out part 5b is arrange | positioned facing the pointer | guide part 6. FIG.
[0039]
In the above-described embodiment, the connecting portion 5d between the annular portion 5a and the lead-out portion 5b of the light guide member 5 is formed in an arcuate curve. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the pair of connecting portions are each circular. Of course, it may be formed to be a straight line inclined with respect to the ring portion.
[0040]
In the above-described embodiment, only one light source is disposed on the printed wiring board. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is needless to say that a plurality of light sources may be disposed around the main body. is there.
[0041]
Next, the operation of the electronic apparatus using the illuminated rotary electronic component will be described.
In this illuminated rotary electronic component, when the knob 7 is rotated by a finger (not shown) or the like, the rotation shaft 4 is rotated by the rotation of the knob 7. By the rotation of the rotating shaft 4, a switching unit (not shown) as a passive element in the main body unit 3 is switched, the electrical characteristics are changed, and a predetermined electrical signal is output.
[0042]
In this state, when the light source 2 disposed on the printed circuit board 1 is on and emits light, the light from the light source 2 is converted into the annular portion 5a of the light guide member 5, And it is comprised so that the derivation | leading-out part 5b may be guide | induced to the derivation | leading-out part 5b by the connection part 5d. The light from the derivation unit 5b illuminates the pointer unit 6 disposed opposite to the derivation unit 5b and shines brightly. The illuminated pointer unit 6 displays the rotation position of the knob 7. Become.
[0043]
At this time, since the annular portion 5a of the light guide member 5 is disposed so as to surround the rotation shaft 4, the separation distance between the light source 2 and the lead-out portion 5b of the light guide member 5 is close (close). The light from the light source 2 guided to the lead-out part 5b by the ring part 5a and the connecting part 5d is constant, whether it is a distance or a distance (even a long distance). The illumination is maintained.
[0044]
And especially when the derivation | leading-out part 5b exists in the position which becomes the furthest distance from the light source 2, the rotating shaft 4 is located between the derivation | leading-out part 5b of the light guide member 5, and the light source 2, but even in this state, the light source Since a part of the annular portion 5a of the light guide member 5 is disposed in the vicinity of 2, the light of the light source 2 enters from a part of the annular portion 5a, and this light is emitted to the lead-out portion 5b. The pointer portion 6 is configured to obtain a uniform amount of light (illuminance) regardless of the rotation position of the knob 7.
[0045]
【The invention's effect】
In the illuminated rotary electronic component of the present invention, the knob is fixed to the tip of the rotating shaft, the light guide member has an annular portion, and the annular portion is arranged around the rotating shaft around the rotating shaft. The rotating shaft and the light guide member are rotated together by the rotation of the knob, the light is guided to the pointer portion by the annular portion of the light guide member, and the pointer portion is illuminated. Even if the pointer part is away from or close to the light source depending on the rotation position of the part, the light from the light source is guided to the pointer part by the ring part of the light guide member and illuminated. Is uniform, and there is an effect that a constant illumination is made on the pointer portion.
[0046]
In the illuminated rotary electronic component of the present invention, the light guide member includes an annular portion, a lead-out portion extending from a part of the annular portion in parallel with the central axis of the annular portion, and the annular portion And a connecting portion that connects the lead-out portion, the lead-out portion is attached to the rotation axis and is opposed to the pointer portion, and the light guided to the lead-out portion by the annular portion and the connecting portion is By illuminating the pointer portion via the lead-out portion, light is stably guided from the annular portion to the lead-out portion arranged opposite to the pointer portion, and the light amount of the pointer portion is more uniformly maintained and stabilized. Lighting is done.
[0047]
In the illuminated rotary electronic component of the present invention, the lead-out portion of the light guide member is formed with a locking portion extending from the lead-out portion in the central axis direction of the annular portion, and is formed on the outer peripheral surface portion of the rotary shaft. Is formed with a recessed portion, the engaging portion is engaged with the recessed portion, the annular portion of the light guide member is held on the outer peripheral surface portion of the rotating shaft, and the lead-out portion is between the recessed portion of the rotating shaft and the inner wall of the knob. The light guide member can be easily locked to the rotating shaft by the locking portion of the lead-out portion, and the locking portion is provided in the lead-out portion. There is an effect that the positioning of the part can be easily performed.
[0048]
Further, in the electronic device using the illuminated rotary electronic component of the present invention, the casing of the illuminated rotary electronic component is disposed on the substrate, and this substrate is separated from the housing by one, Alternatively, a plurality of light sources are disposed, and light from the light sources is guided to the lead-out portion by the annular portion of the light guide member, and the pointer portion of the illumination type rotary electronic component is illuminated through the lead-out portion Since the light source is disposed away from the housing, the light source can be easily replaced and the maintenance of the electronic device can be facilitated.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view for explaining an embodiment of an electronic device using an illuminated rotary electronic component of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an essential part for explaining an embodiment of an electronic device using the illuminated rotary electronic component of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a front view showing an embodiment of a light guide member of an optical rotary electronic component according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a side view showing an embodiment of a light guide member of an illuminated rotary electronic component according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an embodiment of a light guide member of an illuminated rotary electronic component according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a front view showing an electronic apparatus using a conventional illuminated rotary electronic component.
FIG. 7 is a side view showing an electronic apparatus using a conventional illuminated rotary electronic component.
FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a light guide member of a conventional illuminated rotary electronic component.
FIG. 9 is a side view showing a light guide member of a conventional illuminated rotary electronic component.
FIG. 10 is a front view showing a light guide member of a conventional illuminated rotary electronic component.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Printed wiring board (board)
1a Mounting hole 2 Light source 3 Body (housing)
3a Case part 4 Rotating shaft 4a Tube part 4b Recessed part 5 Light guide member 5a Ring part 5b Derived part 5c Locking part 5d Connecting part 6 Pointer part 7 Knob 7a Base part 7c Thin part

Claims

A knob having a translucent pointer part, a light guide member for guiding light to the pointer part, a passive element whose electrical characteristics are changed by rotation of the knob and outputting an electrical signal, and the passive element are accommodated And a rotating shaft protruding outward from the housing, the knob is fixed to the tip of the rotating shaft, the light guide member is an annular portion, and one of the annular portions. A lead-out part extending in parallel with the central axis of the annular part, and a connecting part for connecting the annular part and the lead-out part, and the annular part is an outer periphery of the rotating shaft The rotation shaft and the light guide member are rotated together by the rotation of the knob , and are guided to the lead-out portion by the annular portion and the connecting portion. An illuminated rotary electronic component , wherein light illuminates the pointer portion through the lead-out portion .

The light guide member, the front Symbol derivation portion Soi to the rotating shaft, and, Illuminated rotary electronic component according to claim 1, characterized in that it is arranged to face the guide portion.

The knob is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and the guide portion of the light guide member is formed with a locking portion extending from the lead-out portion in the central axis direction of the annular portion, A concave portion is formed in the outer peripheral surface portion, the locking portion is locked in the concave portion, the annular portion of the light guide member is held by the outer peripheral surface portion of the rotating shaft, and the lead-out portion is rotated. 3. The illuminated rotary electronic component according to claim 2, wherein the illuminated rotary electronic component is disposed between the concave portion of the shaft and the inner wall of the knob so as to face each other.

A knob having a guide portion of the light-light guiding member rather guiding light to the pointer unit, a passive element electrical characteristics of outputting a variable by an electrical signal by rotation of said knob, said passive element A housing that is housed, and a rotating shaft that protrudes outward from the housing, wherein the knob is fixed to a tip of the rotating shaft, the light guide member includes an annular portion, and the annular portion A lead portion extending from a part of the ring portion in parallel with the central axis of the annular portion, and a connecting portion for connecting the annular portion and the lead portion, and the annular portion is located outside the rotating shaft. The casing of the illumination-type rotary electronic component that is disposed so as to surround the rotary shaft and is configured such that the rotary shaft and the light guide member are rotated together by the rotation of the knob. The substrate is provided with one or a plurality of light sources spaced from the housing, and Annular portion of light above and is guided to the outlet portion by the connecting portion, an electronic device using the illumination type rotary electronic component, characterized in that illuminating the pointer portion through said outlet portion.

The light guide member, the front Symbol derivation portion Soi to the rotating shaft, and an electronic device using the illumination type rotary electronic component according to claim 4, characterized in that it is arranged to face the guide portion .

The knob is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and the guide portion of the light guide member is formed with a locking portion extending from the lead-out portion in the central axis direction of the annular portion, A concave portion is formed in the outer peripheral surface portion, the locking portion is locked in the concave portion, the annular portion of the light guide member is held by the outer peripheral surface portion of the rotating shaft, and the lead-out portion is rotated. 6. The electronic device using the illuminated rotary electronic component according to claim 5, wherein the electronic device is disposed between the concave portion of the shaft and the inner wall of the knob so as to face each other.