JP4104097B2 - Transmitted illumination type switch device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a switch device operated when selecting a function or operation content of a target device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, electrical components such as car stereos and car air conditioners that are centrally arranged on the center console of an automobile require operation buttons for selecting the function and operation content. Therefore, each function and operation content is displayed on the center console. A number of operation buttons for selecting are arranged.
[0003]
However, as the functions and operations of electrical components diversify due to technological advances, and the number of operation buttons required for selecting functions and operations increases accordingly, the functions and operations assigned to which operation buttons There is a tendency that it is difficult to grasp whether or not is currently selected.
[0004]
Therefore, for example, as shown in a front view in FIG. 11, when a plurality of operation buttons 33 arranged on the center console 31 are operated, the operation buttons 33 are shown in FIG. Furthermore, the illumination light illuminates from behind by turning on a light source 35 such as an LED disposed behind the illumination light, and the illumination light transmitted through the operation button 33 causes the operation surface 33a on the operation surface 33a to be shown in FIG. There is provided a function or operation content that emits light to recognize the currently selected function or operation content.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
According to the transmission illumination method in which the display on the operation surface 33a of the operation button 33 is emitted by the illumination light from the light source 5, as described above, which function and operation content depends on which operation button 33 is in the light emission display. However, due to the diversification of indoor design in recent years, as shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. 14, the conventional relatively vertical center console is advantageous. As shown in the explanatory view of FIG. 15 in addition to 37, today, a relatively horizontal center console 39 has been provided, and the following new problems have arisen.
[0006]
That is, when the display on the operation surface 33a of the operation button 33 is caused to emit light, naturally, from the viewpoint of maintaining safety by securing the front view, as shown in FIGS. The reflection on the windshield W located above must be avoided.
[0007]
As shown conceptually in the explanatory diagrams of FIGS. 16 and 17, the light source that causes the display on the operation surface 33 a of the operation button 33 to emit light by the louver 41 disposed in front of the center consoles 37 and 39. When the light path component toward the windshield W among the illumination light from 35 is shielded, a relatively vertical center console 37 shown in FIG. 14 and a relatively horizontal center console 39 shown in FIG. And the situation is very different.
[0008]
First, in the relatively vertical center console 37 shown in FIG. 14, the operation button 33 is operated from the optical axis center of the illumination light from the light source 35 and, for example, the eye range I of a driver (not shown) in the driver's seat. Since the line of sight toward the surface 33a almost overlaps, as shown in FIG. 16, even if the light path component toward the windshield W in the illumination light is shielded by the louver 41, the eye direction I almost overlaps with the optical axis center. Since the luminance of the optical path component is high, it is possible to sufficiently recognize which operation button 33a display of the operation button 33 emits light and the content of the light emission display on the operation surface 33a.
[0009]
However, in the case of the relatively horizontal type center console 39 shown in FIG. 15, the optical axis center of the illumination light from the light source 35 and the line of sight from the eye range I toward the operation surface 33a of the operation button 33 are large. In order to make the directions different, as shown in FIG. 17, when the light path component toward the windshield W in the illumination light is shielded by the louver 41, the light path component in the optical axis center direction of the illumination light with the highest luminance is caused by the louver 41. Since the light is shielded, the luminance of the optical path component toward the eye range I is insufficient, and it is possible to sufficiently recognize which operation button 33 emits light and the content of the light emission displayed on the operation surface 33a. It becomes impossible.
[0010]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to detect the operation surface of the operated operation button with respect to the windshield or the eye range by causing the illumination light from behind to recognize the display. Without restricting the layout, and without increasing the amount of light source that causes an increase in power consumption, it is possible to ensure the luminance on the eye range side enough to recognize the light emitting display and the content of the display. An object of the present invention is to provide a transmission illumination type switch device.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, a transmission illumination type switch device according to the present invention described in claim 1 is characterized in that a character for function notification of the operation button displayed on the operation surface of the operation button has an optical axis direction of the operation surface. In a transmissive illumination switch device for a vehicle, the illumination light transmitted through the operation surface is transmitted by irradiating illumination light emitted from an LED substantially orthogonal to the back of the operation surface and transmitting the illumination light through the operation surface. An optical path direction restricting member for restricting light from going outside the eye range of a passenger seated in the vehicle seat is provided on the operation surface.BehindThe transmission light deflecting member for deflecting the optical axis of the illumination light that irradiates the operation surface in a direction in which the illumination light passes through the optical path direction regulating member.Optical path direction regulating memberoffurtherIt is characterized by providing behind.
[0012]
  A transmission illumination type switch device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the transmission illumination type switch device according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the character is arranged behind the transmission type light deflection member. The light-emitting character image member is formed by being illuminated from behind, and the optical path of the image light of the character formed by the light-emitting character image member illuminated from behind by the illumination light is deflected by the transmissive light deflection member,After deflectionThe image light of the character is on the operation surface.ofThe character is displayed on the operation surface by being irradiated from behind and passing through the operation surface.
[0015]
  And claims3The transmitted illumination type switch device of the present invention described in claimDescribed in 1 or 2In the transmitted illumination type switch device of the present invention, the transmissive light deflection member is constituted by a prism.
[0016]
  According to the transmission illumination type switch device of the present invention described in claim 1, the optical axis direction of the character for function notification of the operation button displayed on the operation surface of the operation button is substantially orthogonal to the operation surface. In a transmissive illumination type switch device for a vehicle that irradiates illumination light emitted from an LED from behind the operation surface and transmits the operation surface, the illumination light transmitted through the operation surface is transmitted to the vehicle. An optical path direction restricting member for restricting heading to a place other than the eye range of an occupant seated in the seatBehindThe transmission light deflecting member for deflecting the optical axis of the illumination light that irradiates the operation surface in a direction in which the illumination light passes through the optical path direction regulating member.Optical path direction regulating memberoffurtherSince it is provided in the back, out of the image light of the character illuminated from behind by the illumination light, the angle formed with the direction of the optical path of the deflected illumination light is greater than a predetermined angle, in a direction other than the occupant's eye range. This light path component is blocked by the light path direction restricting member disposed on the front side of the operation button with respect to the transmissive light deflecting member so that the transmission of the light path direction restricting member is restricted. Then, the optical path of the illumination light that is irradiated from behind the operation surface of the operation button and passes through the operation surface is transmitted to the operation surface from the front side of the operation button by the transmissive light deflecting member disposed behind the operation surface. The optical path of the image light of the character deflected toward the viewing direction and illuminated from behind by the illumination light is deflected toward the viewing direction of the operation surface at least at the stage of passing through the operation surface of the operation button. It will be.
[0017]
According to the transmission illumination type switch device of the present invention described in claim 2, in the transmission illumination type switch device of the present invention described in claim 1, the optical path of the image light of the character illuminated from behind by the illumination light However, after being deflected by the transmissive light deflection member toward the viewing direction of the operation surface from the front side of the operation button, the operation surface of the operation button is transmitted.
[0020]
  And claims3According to the transmitted illumination type switch device of the present invention described in claim1 or 2In the transmitted illumination type switch device of the present invention described above, when the illumination light is incident on the prism from the incident surface and when the illumination light is emitted from the exit surface to the outside of the prism, the incident angle of the illumination light with respect to the incident surface The illumination light is deflected at an angle corresponding to the emission angle of the illumination light with respect to the emission surface.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of a transmission illumination type switch device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0022]
FIG. 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing a schematic configuration of a transmission illumination type switch device according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is applied to the center console 31 of FIG. 12 referred to in the description of the prior art. The transmitted illumination type switch device according to the present embodiment is mounted on a push-type operation button 3 embedded in the panel 1 of the center console instead of the operation button 33 for the air conditioner shown in FIG. The LEDs 7a and 7b arranged behind the operation button 3, prisms 9a and 9b and louvers 11a and 11b (corresponding to optical path direction regulating members) housed inside the operation button 3, and character sheets 13a and 13b ( Equivalent to a light-emitting character image member).
[0023]
The operation button 3 has a cylindrical shape with one end closed and the other end opened. The closed end of the operation button 3 protrudes from the opening 1a of the panel 1 to the outside. As shown in the front view, a rectangular operation surface 3a is configured.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 1, a partition plate portion 3b that partitions the inside of the operation button 3 into two upper and lower spaces 3c and 3d is integrally formed, and the operation button 3 excluding the operation surface 3a is integrally formed. The entire portion including the partition plate portion 3b described above is configured to have a light shielding property by, for example, black coating.
[0025]
The LED 7a is housed in the space 3c of the operation button 3, and similarly, the LED 7b is housed in the space 3d of the operation button 3, and the blinking pattern of these LEDs 7a, 7b is mounted on the substrate 5. Each time the tact switch 14 detects a pressing operation of the operation button 3, the tact switch 14 is switched by control of a control unit (not shown).
[0026]
The prism 9a is housed in the space 3c of the operation button 3, and similarly, the prism 9b is housed in the space 3d of the operation button 3.
[0027]
Each of the prisms 9a and 9b has an exit surface 9d parallel to the operation surface 3a of the operation button 3 and a predetermined angle θ with respect to the exit surface 9d, as shown in an enlarged sectional view in FIG. It is formed in a triangular prism shape having an inclined incident surface 9c, and the light from the LEDs 7a and 7b is inclined at an angle according to the incident angle with respect to the incident surface 9c and the outgoing angle with respect to the outgoing surface 9d. It is configured to deflect downward in accordance with.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 1, the louver 11a is accommodated in the space 3c of the operation button 3 so as to be in close contact with the back surface of the operation surface 3a and the exit surface 9d of the prism 9a, and similarly, the louver 11b. Are accommodated in the space 3d of the operation button 3 so as to be in close contact with the back surface of the operation surface 3a and the exit surface 9d of the prism 9b.
[0029]
Both of these louvers 11a and 11b are arranged with a plurality of strip-shaped light-shielding portions 11d spaced apart in the vertical direction of the substrates 11c and 11c between a pair of transparent substrates 11c and 11c, as shown in an enlarged sectional view in FIG. Of the light from the LEDs 7a and 7b emitted from the emission surfaces 9d of the prisms 9a and 9b, the light path components near the center of the optical axis with relatively high luminance are adjacent to the light shielding portions 11d and 11d. The other diffused light path components having a relatively low luminance can be passed between the light shielding portions 11d and 11d without being passed between the adjacent light shielding portions 11d and 11d.
[0030]
The character sheet 13a is accommodated in the space 3c of the operation button 3 so as to be in close contact with the exit surface 9d of the prism 9a and the louver 11a. Similarly, the character sheet 13b is disposed on the exit surface 9d of the prism 9b. And the louver 11b are accommodated in the space 3c of the operation button 3 so as to be in close contact with each other.
[0031]
As shown in an enlarged front view in FIG. 5, the character sheet 13a has a translucent portion 13d in which the letters “AUTO” are removed from the design at a substantially central portion of the light-shielding sheet body 13c. By irradiating light from behind, the characters “AUTO” (corresponding to the character) are emitted and displayed by the light transmitted through the translucent part 13d.
[0032]
Similarly, as shown in an enlarged front view in FIG. 6, the character sheet 13 b has a translucent portion 13 e in which a character “OFF” is removed from the design at a substantially central portion of the light-shielding sheet main body 13 c. By irradiating light from behind the character sheet 13b, “OFF” characters (corresponding to characters) are displayed and emitted by the light transmitted through the translucent portion 13e.
[0033]
In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, in the space 3c, 3d of the operation button 3, an inner peripheral surface portion located between the LED 7a, 7b prisms 9a, 9b and the incident surface 9c is coated with a white light diffusion portion. 3e is formed, and when the light diffusing portion 3e is irradiated with light from the LEDs 7a and 7b, the light is diffused when reflected by the light diffusing portion 3e, and the light transmitting portions of the character sheets 13a and 13b are transmitted. The light from the LEDs 7a and 7b is uniformly irradiated on the entire portions 13d and 13e, and the amount of light transmitted through the light transmitting portions 13d and 13e is not varied.
[0034]
Then, the center console provided with the transmission illumination type switch device of the present embodiment configured as described above is a relatively long vertical, which has been conventionally popular, as shown in FIG. 14 referred to in the problem to be solved by the invention. Installed in the interior of the vehicle with a layout to be placed, or as shown in FIG. 15 referred to in the problem to be solved by the invention, and installed in the interior of the vehicle with a relatively lateral layout that has been increasing in recent years. To do.
[0035]
Therefore, the angle θ formed by the entrance surface 9c and the exit surface 9d of each of the prisms 9a and 9b described above is an eye range that is an area in which the eyes of the occupant seated on the vehicle seat are located, as shown in FIGS. It is set according to the positional relationship between I and the operation button 3 not shown in FIGS.
[0036]
That is, the incident surfaces of the prisms 9a and 9b so that the optical axis directions of the light beams from the LEDs 7a and 7b that are transmitted by the operation surface 3a of the operation button 3 after being deflected by the prisms 9a and 9b are directed to the eye range I. An angle θ formed by 9c and the exit surface 9d is set.
[0037]
Further, the interval between the adjacent light shielding portions 11d and 11d of each louver 11a and 11b and the dimension of each light shielding portion 11d in the interval direction between the substrates 11c and 11c are positioned above the center console shown in FIGS. More specifically, a diffused light path component having a relatively low luminance other than the vicinity of the optical axis center and exiting from the exit surface 9d of each prism 9a, 9b toward the windshield W is set by the positional relationship with the windshield W. It is set to a value that does not pass between adjacent light shielding portions 11d and 11d and is shielded by these light shielding portions 11d and 11d.
[0038]
Next, the operation (action) of the transmission illumination type switch device of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.
[0039]
In the transmitted illumination type switch device of the present embodiment, each time the operation button 3 is pressed, both the LEDs 7a and 7b are turned off under the control of a control unit (not shown) in which the pressing operation is detected by the tact switch 14. The state where the LED 7a is turned on and the LED 7b is turned off and the state where the LED 7a is turned off and the LED 7b is turned on are cyclically repeated.
[0040]
As described above, the entire operation button 3 except the operation surface 3a has a light shielding property including the partition plate portion 3b. Therefore, when the LED 7a is turned on and the LED 7b is turned off, the light of the LED 7a is emitted. On the contrary, the light of the LED 7a does not leak into the space 3d when the LED 7a is turned off and the LED 7b is turned on.
[0041]
Therefore, in a state where both the LEDs 7a and 7b are turned off, there is no light emission display on the operation surface 3a of the operation button 3 part as shown in FIG. 7A, and in a state where the LED 7a is turned on and the LED 7b is turned off, As shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. 7B, the LED 7a that has passed through the translucent portion 13d of the character sheet 13a only in the upper half portion 3e facing the space 3c indicated by the alternate long and short dash line in the operation surface 3a of the operation button 3. The letters “AUTO” are emitted and displayed by the light from the light, and no light emission is displayed on the lower half 3f of the operation surface 3a facing the space 3d shown by the alternate long and short dash line.
[0042]
On the other hand, in the state where the LED 7a is turned off and the LED 7b is turned on, as shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. 7C, only the lower half 3f of the operation surface 3a is transmitted from the LED 7b that has passed through the light transmitting portion 13e of the character sheet 13b. The light of “OFF” is displayed by light emission, and no light emission display is performed on the upper half 3e of the operation surface 3a.
[0043]
As described above, the optical axis of the image light of the characters “AUTO” and “OFF” selectively emitted and displayed on the upper half 3e and the lower half 3f of the operation surface 3a is the upper half 3e and the lower half. The prisms 9a and 9b of the operation button 3 corresponding to the half 3f are deflected in the direction toward the eye range I of the vehicle from the direction orthogonal to the operation surface 3a directed by the LEDs 7a and 7b.
[0044]
Therefore, even if the center console is installed in the vehicle interior in either the vertical or horizontal layout shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the letters “AUTO” and “OFF” on the operation surface 3a Is displayed when the operation surface 3a of the operation button 3 is visually recognized from the optical axis direction of the image light after being deflected by the prisms 9a and 9b having the letters "AUTO" and "OFF" and the indoor eye range I. Since the line-of-sight direction matches, when the operation surface 3a is viewed from the eye range I, the line of sight is viewed with the highest luminance.
[0045]
In addition, even if the center console is installed in the interior of the vehicle in either the vertical or horizontal layout shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, “AUTO” or “OFF” on the operation surface 3 a is displayed. Of the image light of characters, the diffused light path component toward the windshield W is shielded by the louvers 11a and 11b of the operation button 3 corresponding to the upper half 3e and the lower half 3f and the louvers 11a and 11b of the space 3d. The image light of the characters “AUTO” and “OFF” does not reach the windshield W and are reflected on the windshield W.
[0046]
As described above, according to the transmission illumination type switch device of the present embodiment, the character sheets 13a and 13b and the LEDs 7a and 7b are accommodated in the spaces 3c and 3d inside the operation button 3, respectively, and the LEDs 7a and 7b are turned on. Thus, the upper half 3e facing the space 3c of the operation surface 3a of the operation button 3 and the lower half 3f facing the space 3d by the light from the LEDs 7a and 7b transmitted through the light transmitting portions 13d and 13e of the character sheets 13a and 13b. In addition, when the characters “AUTO” and “OFF” are displayed in a light-emitting manner, the optical path of the light from the LEDs 7 a and 7 b that have passed through the light-transmitting portions 13 d and 13 e of the character sheets 13 a and 13 b is controlled by the operation of the character sheets 13 a and 13 b. The prisms 9a and 9b arranged on the surface 3a side are biased so as to coincide with the line-of-sight direction when the operation surface 3a of the operation button 3 is viewed from the indoor eye range I. It was configured to.
[0047]
For this reason, the optical path of the light emitted from the LEDs 7a and 7b does not coincide with the line-of-sight direction when the operation surface 3a of the operation button 3 is viewed from the indoor eye range I, and the center console is connected to the vehicle. Even if it is installed indoors, the light emission display of the characters “AUTO” and “OFF” on the operation surface 3a can be viewed with the highest luminance from the eye range I, and the light emission display of these characters and the content of the light emission display are displayed. Luminance that can be sufficiently recognized is secured in the direction of the eye range I where the operation surface 3a is visually recognized, and the light emission display on the operation surface 3a is visually recognized without increasing the power consumption due to the increase in the amount of light emitted by the LEDs 7a and 7b. Can be improved.
[0048]
In addition, the angle θ formed between the incident surface 9c and the exit surface 9d of each prism 9a, 9b is set to an appropriate value according to the positional relationship between the eye range I and the operation button 3, thereby deflecting by each prism 9a, 9b. Then, the optical axis direction of the light from the LEDs 7a and 7b that passes through the operation surface 3a of the operation button 3 can be reliably deflected in the visual recognition direction when the operation surface 3a is viewed from the eye range I.
[0049]
Note that the structure for displaying the characters "AUTO" and "OFF" on the operation surface 3a of the operation button 3 in a light-emitting manner is a character sheet made up of a light-shielding sheet body 13c and light-transmitting portions 13d and 13e at its substantially central portion. The display is not limited to 13a and 13b, and may be a hologram display, or may be "AUTO" or "OFF" characters engraved on the operation surface 3a from the back side.
[0050]
Further, as in the present embodiment, the characters “AUTO” and “OFF” are displayed by using the light-shielding sheet main body 13c and the light-transmitting portions 13d and 13e at the substantially central portion thereof. Even in this case, the aspect of the present embodiment in which the portion to be lit and displayed is the character portion of “AUTO” or “OFF” and the surrounding margin portion is not lit and displayed is merely an example. Conversely, the character portion is lit. Needless to say, the blank portion may be displayed as a light-emitting display instead of the display.
[0051]
Further, in the present embodiment, the inside of the operation button 3 is divided into two upper and lower spaces 3c and 3d in which the light shielding property is maintained by the partition plate portion 3b, and the character sheets 13a and 13b are separated into the spaces 3c and 3d. The case where the two patterns of characters “AUTO” and “OFF” are selectively emitted and displayed by accommodating the LEDs 7a and 7b has been described.
[0052]
However, for example, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 referred to in the description of the prior art, the operation surface 33a of the operation button 33 is formed using a single illumination light source 35 and a light-emitting character image member (not shown). A single light-emitting display pattern is selectively light-displayed on the top, and conversely, three or more lights are emitted on the operation surface of the operation button using three or more illumination light sources and light-emitting character image members. Needless to say, the display pattern may be selectively displayed by light emission.
[0053]
In the present embodiment, the character sheets 13a and 13b are arranged so as to be in close contact with the exit surface 9d of the prisms 9a and 9b and the louver 11a, but the incident surface 9c of the prisms 9a and 9b and the operation surface of the operation button 3 are arranged. The character sheets 13a and 13b may be disposed between 3a and 3a.
[0054]
With this configuration, the optical path of the light for displaying the characters “AUTO” and “OFF” on the operation surface 3a is simply coincident with the line-of-sight direction when the operation surface 3a is visually recognized from the eye range I. In addition, the character sheets 13a and 13b are not directly facing the eye range I due to the deflection function of the prisms 9a and 9b. Since the characters “AUTO” and “OFF” are viewed without being tilted, they are visually advantageous.
[0055]
Furthermore, the light emission display on the operation surface 3a of the operation button 3 is not limited to the characters “AUTO” and “OFF” as in the present embodiment, but is referred to as a character such as a symbol mark indicating a function or operation content. Of course, any material can be used.
[0056]
Further, the function of restricting the light path direction of the LEDs 7a and 7b by the louvers 11a and 11b and the light diffusion function by the light diffusion part 3e in the operation button 3 adopted in the present embodiment may be omitted singly or together.
[0057]
However, in particular, if the configuration relating to the function of restricting the optical path direction of the LEDs 7a and 7b by the louvers 11a and 11b is provided as in the present embodiment, the optical axis exits from the exit surface 9d of the prisms 9a and 9b and travels toward the windshield W. The diffused optical path component having a relatively low brightness other than the vicinity of the center is shielded by the light shielding portion 11d and does not reach the windshield W, thereby causing “AUTO” or “OFF” displayed on the operation surface 3a of the operation button 3 to emit light. ”And the operation buttons 3 that perform the light emission display on the operation surface 3a are prevented from being reflected on the windshield W, and the front view through the windshield W from the eye range I is kept good. This is advantageous.
[0058]
Further, in the present embodiment, the optical path of the light from the LEDs 7a and 7b transmitted through the light transmitting portions 13d and 13e of the character sheets 13a and 13b is deflected by the prisms 9a and 9b. A bundle may be used.
[0059]
When, for example, an optical fiber bundle is used instead of the prism, the axis of the optical fiber bundle extends in the line-of-sight direction when viewing the operation surface 3a from the eye range I, and both end faces of the optical fiber bundle are operated. The one end face of the optical fiber bundle positioned parallel to the operation surface 3a of the button 3 and close to the operation surface 3a may be brought into close contact with the substrate 11c positioned on the LED 7a, 7b side of the louvers 11a, 11b.
[0060]
Even when configured in this manner, the same effects as those of the present embodiment described above can be obtained.
[0061]
The present invention can also be applied to a switch device having a different operation form from that of a simple press operation such as the operation button 3 described in the present embodiment.
[0062]
That is, a multi-directional seesaw button 17 (corresponding to an operation button) on the multi-switch panel 15 used as a common operation panel for the cassette deck and the CD player as shown in a front view in FIG. 8 will be described as an example. This multi-directional seesaw button 17 has an elliptical ring shape with the vertical axis as the end axis direction, and is configured so that different functions and operation details can be selected by tilting up and down and left and right, and tilts in the same direction. Even if the function is selected, the function that can be selected by the operation of the multi-directional seesaw button 17 and the target of the operation content itself in accordance with the pressing operation of the mode selection button 19 arranged at the center of the multi-directional seesaw button 17 are two patterns. It is configured so that the setting can be changed to either one.
[0063]
Although not shown in detail, a mode selection button is used to switch a function that can be selected by tilting the multi-directional seesaw button 17 and an operation display target light emission display pattern that are set by pressing the mode selection button 19. 19, behind the multi-directional seesaw button 17 portion of the upper, lower, left and right, the operation button 3 described in the above embodiment, the substrate 5 behind the operation button 3, the LEDs 7a and 7b inside the operation button 3, prisms 9a and 9b, Configurations similar to those of the louvers 11a and 11b and the character sheets 13a and 13b are provided.
[0064]
Therefore, in the multi-switch panel 15, among the operation surfaces 17 a of the multi-directional seesaw button 17, the operation surface 17 a portions respectively positioned on the top, bottom, left and right of the mode selection button 19 correspond to the pressing operation of the mode selection button 19. The light emitting display states as shown in front views in FIGS. 8 to 12 are sequentially repeated in a cyclic manner.
[0065]
In the state shown in FIG. 8, all the LEDs (not shown) behind the multi-directional seesaw button 17 are turned off and nothing is displayed. In the state shown in FIG. A part of the illustrated LED is turned on, and the other part is turned off, and the functions related to the cassette deck such as “repeat”, “rewind”, “fast forward”, and “direction change” on each operation surface 17a portion. And only the characters of the operation details are displayed.
[0066]
Further, in the state shown in FIG. 10, some of the LEDs (not shown) behind the multi-directional seesaw button 17 are turned off and the other parts are turned on, and “repeat” and “TRACK−” are displayed on each operation surface 17a. ”,“ TRACK + ”, and“ Random ”, only the characters related to the functions and operation contents relating to the CD player are displayed in a light-emitting manner.
[0067]
8 to 10, reference numerals 21, 23, 25, and 27 indicate other operation buttons respectively disposed at the four corners of the multi-switch panel 15.
[0068]
Even when the present invention is applied to the multi-directional seesaw button 17 in the multi-switch panel 15 shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.
[0069]
In addition, the present invention is not limited to the operation mode of the operation button such as the previous press or the tilt described above. For example, the structure arranged inside or behind the operation button is caused to follow the operation button. In the case where it is possible to do so, the present invention can also be applied to operation buttons that are rotated.
[0070]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the switch device used for selecting and setting the operation content of the device arranged in the center console of the automobile has been described as an example, but the present invention is applied to the switch device in the automobile. Needless to say, the present invention can be widely applied to, for example, a switch device used for selecting and setting the operation contents of a plurality of target devices by operating a common operation button such as a central setting device for indoor facilities.
[0071]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the transmitted illumination type switch device of the present invention described in claim 1, the function notification character displayed on the operation surface of the operation button is displayed on the operation axis in the optical axis direction. In a transmissive illumination switch device for a vehicle that irradiates illumination light emitted from an LED substantially orthogonal to the surface from behind the operation surface and transmits the operation light, the vehicle transmits the operation surface. An optical path direction restricting member for restricting the illumination light from going outside the eye range of the occupant seated in the vehicle seat is provided on the operation surface.BehindThe transmission light deflecting member for deflecting the optical axis of the illumination light that irradiates the operation surface in a direction in which the illumination light passes through the optical path direction regulating member.Optical path direction regulating memberoffurtherA configuration is provided for the back.
[0072]
  For this reason, of the image light of the character illuminated from behind by the illumination light, the angle formed by the direction of the optical path of the deflected illumination light is greater than a predetermined angle.Other than the eye range of the crewThe optical path component in the direction is blocked by the optical path direction regulating member disposed on the front side of the operation button with respect to the transmissive light deflection member, and is blocked by the optical path direction regulating member. AndThe optical path of the illumination light irradiated from behind the operation surface of the operation button and passing through the operation surface is viewed from the front side of the operation button by the transmissive light deflecting member disposed behind the operation surface. The optical path of the image light of the character that is deflected toward the back and illuminated from behind by the illumination light is deflected toward the viewing direction of the operation surface at least at the stage of passing through the operation surface of the operation button. Become. Then, the direction of the optical path component of the illumination light that is blocked and blocked by the optical path direction regulating member by the optical path direction regulating member is different from the viewing direction of the operation surface, and is placed in an inconvenient place when illuminated with illumination light. The luminance of the light emitting display on the operation surface viewed from the viewing direction of the operation surface can be reliably increased while matching the direction of the head to prevent the illumination light from reaching such an inconvenient location. Even if the operation buttons arranged in the console box are not arranged in front of the occupant seated in the seat, the brightness of the display on the operation surface when viewed from the occupant's eye range is viewed from other directions. It is possible to recognize the display of the operation surface that emits light in the best state and the content of the display relatively higher than the brightness in the case of the above.
[0073]
  According to a transmission illumination type switch device of the present invention as set forth in claim 2, in the transmission illumination type switch device of the present invention as set forth in claim 1, the character is disposed behind the transmission light deflection member. The light-emitting character image member formed is illuminated from behind, and the light path of the character image light formed by the light-emitting character image member illuminated from behind by the illumination light is deflected by the transmissive light deflecting member. AndAfter deflectionThe image light of the character is on the operation surface.ofThe character is displayed on the operation surface by being irradiated from behind and passing through the operation surface.
[0074]
For this reason, the light path of the illumination light transmitted through the operation surface of the operation button is not only simply deflected toward the viewing direction of the operation surface from the front side of the operation button, but the light-emitting character image illuminated from behind by the illumination light Even if the optical path of the image light of the character formed by the member is deflected toward the visual recognition direction of the operation surface, even if the visual recognition position of the operation surface is not in front of the operation surface, The image can be visually recognized as if viewed from the front.
[0079]
  And claims3According to the transmitted illumination type switch device of the present invention described in claim1 or 2In the described transmissive illumination type switch device of the present invention, the transmissive light deflection member is constituted by a prism.
[0080]
For this reason, the angle formed between the incident surface and the exit surface of the prism is set in accordance with the angle formed between the operation surface of the operation button and the direction in which the operation button is viewed from the front side of the operation button. It is possible to reliably deflect the optical path of the illumination light to be viewed in the viewing direction of the operation surface.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing a schematic configuration of a transmission illumination type switch device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is an enlarged front view of a main part around an operation button in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the inside of the operation button space of FIG. 2;
4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the louver in FIG. 2. FIG.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged front view of the character sheet of FIG. 2;
6 is an enlarged front view of the character sheet of FIG.
7A is an explanatory diagram showing a light emission display pattern on the operation surface of the operation button when both LEDs in FIG. 2 are turned off, FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram when one LED is turned on and the other LED is turned off, and FIG. These are explanatory drawings at the time when the LED is turned off and the other is turned on.
FIG. 8 is a front view of a multi-switch panel showing another embodiment of the transmission illumination type switch device according to the present invention.
9 is an explanatory view showing a light emission display pattern when some of the LEDs on the operation surface of the multi-directional seesaw button of FIG. 8 are turned on and the other parts are turned off.
10 is an explanatory diagram showing a light emission display pattern when some of the LEDs on the operation surface of the multi-directional seesaw button of FIG. 8 are turned off and the other are turned on.
FIG. 11 is a front view of a center console having a transmission illumination type switch device according to a conventional example.
12 is a front view showing another conventional switch device applicable to the center console instead of the switch device of FIG. 11. FIG.
FIG. 13 is a front view showing still another conventional switch device with a function explanation display applicable to the center console instead of the switch device of FIG. 11;
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a layout example in a vehicle compartment of a center console provided with the switch device of FIGS. 11 to 13;
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a layout example in the vehicle compartment of the center console provided with the switch device of FIGS. 11 to 13;
16 is an explanatory diagram showing an optical path of illumination light of an operation button when a louver for restricting the optical path of illumination light is provided in the center console of FIG.
17 is an explanatory diagram showing an optical path of illumination light of an operation button when a louver for restricting the optical path of illumination light is provided in the center console of FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
3,17 Operation buttons
3a, 17a Operation surface
9a, 9b prism
11a, 11b Louver (optical path direction regulating member)
13a, 13b Character sheet (light emitting character image member)
I eye range

Claims (3)

The function notification character displayed on the operation surface of the operation button is irradiated with illumination light emitted from an LED whose optical axis direction is substantially orthogonal to the operation surface from behind the operation surface. In a transmission illumination type switch device for a vehicle that performs transmission illumination by transmitting the surface,
An optical path direction restricting member for restricting the illumination light transmitted through the operation surface from going outside the eye range of an occupant seated in the vehicle seat is provided behind the operation surface.
A transmissive light deflection member for deflecting an optical axis of illumination light that irradiates the operation surface in a direction in which the illumination light passes through the optical path direction regulating member is provided further behind the optical path direction regulating member. Transmitted illumination type switch device.   The character is formed by illuminating a light-emitting character image member disposed behind the transmissive light deflection member from behind, and the character formed by the light-emitting character image member illuminated from behind by the illumination light. The optical path of the image light is deflected by the transmissive light deflecting member, and the image light of the deflected character is irradiated from behind on the operation surface and transmitted through the operation surface. The transmitted illumination type switch device according to claim 1, wherein a character is displayed.   The transmission illumination type switch device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission light deflection member is constituted by a prism.

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