JP7129651B2 - input device - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to input devices.

As a conventional input device, a patterned first film, a flexible second film having a conductive pattern, and a base provided between the first film and the second film Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-200000 discloses an electronic device appearance case including the following. An LED is arranged on the side of the external case for electronic equipment, and the pattern of the first film is illuminated by illuminating the display section with the LED.

JP 2009-130283 A

However, when the LED is lit, the pattern of the first film can be illuminated, but a pattern other than the desired pattern, such as a pattern adjacent to the pattern, may be illuminated. In other words, light leakage occurs from adjacent patterns. This makes it difficult for the pattern to emit light with sufficient brightness.

Also, depending on the environment in which the input device is installed, thinning may be required. However, in the configuration in which the LEDs are arranged on the side of the exterior case for electronic equipment, as in the conventional input device, the thickness of the input device increases.

Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an input device that can emit light with high brightness from a designed portion of the input device and that can reduce the thickness of the input device.

An input device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a light source that emits light, a first sheet on which a design portion is formed, and a conductive pattern, the light source is mounted on the conductive pattern, and the light source is a second sheet on which touch sensor electrodes are arranged at different positions; a second sheet sandwiched between the first sheet and the second sheet; a body that guides light emitted by a light source; and a body separate from the body that is arranged on an optical path from the light source to the design section and guides the light guided inside the body to the design section. a guide portion, wherein the light source and the guide portion are arranged along the surface of the second sheet on the main body side, the guide portion is formed so as to enclose the light source, and the main body includes the It is integrally formed while enclosing the guide portion enclosing the light source.

Further, an input device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a light source that emits light, a first sheet on which a design portion is formed, and a conductive pattern. a second sheet on which the touch sensor electrodes are arranged at positions different from the second sheet, sandwiched between the first sheet and the second sheet and integrally formed with the first and second sheets; and and a main body for guiding the light emitted by the light source, the light source being mounted on the second sheet, and the portion of the second sheet on which the light source is mounted is a portion of the light emitted by the light source. The body is formed to be inclined so that the optical axis faces the design portion, and the main body is formed integrally with the light source included therein.

In the present disclosure, light with high brightness can be emitted from the design portion of the input device.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a storage box equipped with an input device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the input device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-section of the input device taken along line III-III of FIG. 2. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-section of the input device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-section of the input device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-section of the input device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the light source, the light guide, and the design portion according to the first embodiment. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an input device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6A and 6B are plan views illustrating the operation unit of the input device according to the first embodiment when it is lit and when it is extinguished. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-section of the input device according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a light source, a light guide, and a design portion according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-section of the input device according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 1. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a light source, a light guide, and a design portion according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 1. FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a light source and a light blocking section according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram exemplifying a light source and a light shielding part according to a modification of Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-section of the input device according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams illustrating a light source and a light shielding portion according to a modification of Embodiment 3. FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a display device according to Embodiment 4. FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating the second sheet, connectors, and cables of the display device according to Embodiment 4. FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view illustrating cross-sections of the second sheet, connectors and cables of the display device taken along line XVIA-XVIA of FIG. 15. FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view illustrating cross-sections of the second sheet, connectors, and cables of the display device taken along line XVIB-XVIB of FIG. 15. FIG. FIG. 17A is a schematic diagram exemplifying the second sheet, the connectors, and the cables when the connectors are arranged in a place other than the corners of the second sheet. FIG. 17B is a schematic diagram illustrating the second sheet, connectors, and cables of the display device when the connectors are arranged at the corners of the second sheet. FIG. 18A is a plan view of the second sheet and the conductive pattern when seen from above. FIG. 18B is a cross-sectional view illustrating cross-sections of the second sheet and the conductive pattern along line XVIIIB-XVIIIB of FIG. 18A. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating cross-sections of the second sheet, the connector, and the cable of the display device according to Embodiment 5. FIG.

An input device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a light source that emits light, a first sheet on which a design portion is formed, and a conductive pattern, the light source is mounted on the conductive pattern, and the light source is a second sheet on which touch sensor electrodes are arranged at different positions; a second sheet sandwiched between the first sheet and the second sheet; a body that guides light emitted by a light source; and a body separate from the body that is arranged on an optical path from the light source to the design section and guides the light guided inside the body to the design section. a guide portion, wherein the light source and the guide portion are arranged along the surface of the second sheet on the main body side, and the main body is integrally formed to enclose the light source and the guide portion. be.

Thus, the guide section guides the light emitted by the light source to the design section. Therefore, light is collected on the design portion.

Also, the light source and the guide portion are arranged on the same surface of the second sheet on the main body side. For this reason, the light source and the guide section are arranged between the first sheet and the second sheet, and are all integrated with the main body, so that the thickness of the input device is unlikely to increase.

Therefore, in this input device, light with high brightness can be emitted from the designed portion of the input device, and the thickness of the input device can be reduced. As a result, it becomes easier for the user to visually recognize the pattern of the design portion. Further, when the input device is installed on the installation surface, the user can suppress unevenness in the case of the input device protruding from the installation surface. As a result, for example, the input device can be applied to the installation surface of a thin member such as the lid portion that constitutes the storage box, and the input operation portion can be made into a uniform surface, so that the design is improved. improves.

Further, an input device according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a light source that emits light, a first sheet on which a design portion is formed, and a conductive pattern, the light source is mounted on the conductive pattern, and the a second sheet on which the touch sensor electrode is arranged at a position different from the light source; and a second sheet sandwiched between the first sheet and the second sheet and formed integrally with the first sheet and the second sheet, and a main body that guides light emitted by the light source, the light source being mounted on the second sheet in a posture in which the optical axis of the light emitted by the light source faces the design portion, and the main body is: It is integrally formed while enclosing the light source.

Also in this case, the same effects as described above are obtained.

Further, in the input device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the guide section includes an incident surface facing the light source and through which light is incident, an exit surface facing the design section through which light is emitted, and the incident surface. It is a light guide having a surface and a reflecting surface which is a surface other than the exit surface and reflects light guided inside toward the exit surface.

As described above, in the light guide, the light entering from the incident surface and guided inside enters the first reflecting surface (an example of the reflecting surface) and is reflected by the first reflecting surface. The light reflected by the first reflecting surface is emitted from the emitting surface and directed toward the design portion. Therefore, light can be collected on the design portion. Accordingly, in this input device, light with higher luminance can be emitted from the design portion of the input device.

Also, in the input device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, at least one of a light reflecting material laminated on the light guide and a light reflecting sheet is arranged on the reflecting surface.

Thus, the light guide can more reliably emit light from the exit surface.

Further, in the input device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the reflecting surface has an inclined surface, and the inclined surface sandwiches the incident surface with the light source, and is opposite to the light source side with respect to the incident surface. It is arranged on the opposite side to the design portion with respect to the emission surface, sandwiching the exit surface with the design portion.

In this way, the light emitted by the light source is incident on the inclined surface via the entrance surface and reflected by the inclined surface toward the exit surface. Since the light emitted from the emission surface is more likely to travel toward the design portion, more light can be collected at the design portion. Accordingly, in this input device, light with higher luminance can be emitted from the design portion of the input device.

Also, in the input device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the inclined surface is a free-form surface.

In this way, even if the inclined surface is a free-form surface, the same effect as described above can be obtained. Further, if the inclined surface is a free-form surface, the curvature of the inclined surface can be changed according to the position, size and shape of the design portion. Therefore, since a light guide body suitable for the design portion can be used, the degree of freedom in designing the design portion can be increased in this input device.

Also, in the input device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a light diffusing material is dispersed on at least one of the entrance surface, the exit surface, and the interior of the light guide.

Thus, since the light diffusing material is present on the optical path from the light source to the design portion, it is possible to reliably diffuse the guided light. Therefore, the diffused light gathers in the design portion, so that the design portion can emit light with reduced luminance unevenness.

Also, in the input device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a coloring agent is dispersed on at least one of the entrance surface, the exit surface, and the interior of the light guide.

Thus, since the colorant exists on the optical path from the light source to the design portion, the color of the guided light can be colored (changed) to a desired color.

Also, in the input device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the softening point of the light guide is higher than the softening point of the main body.

When manufacturing an input device, for example, a second sheet on which a light source, a light guide, etc. are mounted is placed in a mold, and the main body is formed by insert molding using a resin material to obtain the input device. can. In this case, if the softening point of the light guide is lower than that of the main body resin material, the light guide may melt during insert molding. However, since the softening point of the light guide is higher than that of the main body, melting of the light guide can be suppressed.

Further, in the input device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the guide section is a light shielding section having a light shielding property, and the main body forms the optical path with the light shielding section.

Further, in the input device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the light shielding section is configured by including an opaque film that does not transmit light or a light reflecting film on at least one surface of a resin material.

Further, an input device according to another aspect of the present disclosure further includes a light shielding section having a light shielding property, and the main body forms an optical path from the light source to the design section by the light shielding section.

As described above, since the light shielding portion forms an optical path in the main body, light can be collected in the design portion.

Also, in the input device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the light shielding section is made of a white resin material or a black resin material.

In this way, the light blocking portion has a function of blocking light by reflecting light.

Also, in the input device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first sheet blocks light other than light passing through the portion where the design portion is formed.

Thus, the light shielding portion can suppress light leakage from places other than the design portion. Therefore, light with high brightness can be emitted from the design portion.

The input device according to one aspect of the present disclosure further includes a connector arranged on the back surface of the second sheet opposite to the main body side and electrically connected to the conductive pattern and the touch sensor electrode.

Thus, the connector is arranged on the second sheet on the side opposite to the light source and is electrically connected to the light source by the conductive pattern. Therefore, since a cable such as a flat cable is connected to the light source through the connector, there is no extending portion as in the conventional case. As a result, even if stress is applied to the input device, disconnection is less likely to occur.

Therefore, disconnection of the wiring of the input device can be suppressed.

In the input device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the connector is electrically connected to a cable, and the cable does not protrude from the second sheet when the second sheet is viewed in the vertical direction.

For example, if the cable protrudes from the second sheet when the second sheet is viewed in the vertical direction, the cable is exposed from the input device, creating a gap in the input device. The input device for covering may become large. However, if the cables do not protrude from the second sheet, such problems are less likely to occur.

In the input device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the cable is arranged at an angle between a direction along the back surface of the second sheet and a direction perpendicular to the second sheet.

In this way, by arranging the connectors on the second sheet so as to face the connectors to which they are connected, the cables electrically connected to the connectors can be pulled out in a smooth direction without folding the cables. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of disconnection of the cable due to forcible folding of the cable.

In the input device according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the second sheet has the conductive pattern formed on a surface opposite to the back surface, and electrically connects the connector and the conductive pattern. through-holes are formed.

In this way, the through holes can electrically connect the connector and the conductive pattern, so the connector can be surface-mounted on the second sheet. Therefore, the size of the input device can be reduced.

In the input device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a plurality of through holes are formed between the connector and the conductive pattern.

When insert-molding the second sheet of molten resin, the flow of the molten resin at high temperature and high pressure may break the through holes. However, if there are a plurality of through-holes, even if some of the through-holes are disconnected, the remaining through-holes that are not disconnected electrically connect the conductive pattern on the front side and the connector on the back side. Therefore, it is possible to ensure reliability during insert molding of the second sheet.

In the input device according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the second sheet has a flat flat portion and a curved curved surface portion, and the conductive pattern formed on the curved surface portion is formed on the flat surface portion. The width of the conductive pattern is greater than the width of the conductive pattern.

When forming the second sheet on which the conductive patterns are formed, the conductive patterns of the second sheet are also formed at the same time. Therefore, the conductive pattern may be disconnected due to the tension caused by the forming. However, since the conductive pattern formed on the curved portion is wider than the conductive pattern formed on the flat portion, disconnection of the conductive pattern due to forming is less likely to occur.

In the input device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the connector is arranged on the flat portion.

This makes it difficult for the connector to float from the back surface of the second sheet. Therefore, the connector can be firmly fixed to the second sheet.

In the input device according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the second sheet further has a recess whose shape is deformed so as to approach the first sheet, and the connector is arranged in the recess.

Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the thickness of the input device from increasing.

Also, in the input device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second sheet is a flexible substrate.

According to this, it becomes easy to mount the light source and the like on the second sheet, and to easily form the touch sensor electrodes on the second sheet.

Further, in the input device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the light guide is arranged along the main body side surface of the second sheet so as to cover at least a portion including the light emitting surface of the light source. be.

For example, if the light-emitting surface of the light source is separated from the light guide, the light emitted by the light source is guided through the main body and enters the light guide, and the light that enters the light guide and is guided into the main body The light that enters the main body is guided to the design surface. However, according to the input device of the present disclosure, the light emitted by the light source is guided through the light guide and enters the main body, and the light that enters and is guided through the main body is guided to the design surface. In this way, when light passes through the boundary between the light guide and the main body, which have different refractive indices, attenuation of the light reflected at the boundary can be suppressed by the amount of the boundary.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that each of the embodiments described below is a specific example of the present disclosure. Numerical values, shapes, materials, constituent elements, arrangement positions and connection forms of constituent elements, and the like shown in the following embodiments are examples, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. In addition, among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, constituent elements that are not described in independent claims representing the highest concept will be described as arbitrary constituent elements.

Each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily strictly illustrated. Moreover, in each figure, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected to the substantially same structure, and the overlapping description is abbreviate|omitted or simplified.

Further, in the following description, the “front surface” is the surface on which the input device can be visually recognized (the positive side in the X-axis direction, hereinafter referred to as the “positive X-axis direction”), and the “back surface” is referred to as the “back surface”. is the surface on the opposite side (minus side of the X-axis direction, hereinafter referred to as the minus direction of the X-axis). Also, the lengthwise direction of the input device that intersects the X-axis direction is defined as the Y-axis direction. A direction intersecting the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction is defined as the Z-axis direction.

An input device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below.

(Embodiment 1)
[Constitution]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a storage box 100 equipped with an input device 1 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 1 illustrates the interior of a vehicle.

As shown in FIG. 1, a storage box 100 is arranged in the compartment of the vehicle. The storage box 100 stores eyeglasses, a wallet, and the like. Note that the storage box 100 is not limited to a vehicle, and may be an aircraft, a facility such as a house, or the like, and the place of arrangement is not particularly limited.

A storage box 100 includes an input device 1 .

The input device 1 has functions such as, for example, opening and closing the storage box 100 and a ceiling window (for example, a sunroof) and turning on a lighting device in the passenger compartment. The input device 1 serves as a cover for the storage box 100 . The input device 1 has a plurality of operation units 3 for executing such functions. The operation unit 3 is a portion corresponding to the design unit 110 which will be described later. The user makes the input device 1 function by touching the operation unit 3 .

The input device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5. FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the input device 1 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-section of the input device 1 taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the light source 20, the light guide 120, and the design portion 110 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 4, the main body 10, the first sheet 31, the second sheet 32, etc. are omitted. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the input device 1 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the input device 1 is a flat panel. The input device 1 displays a pattern (a design portion 110 to be described later) for opening and closing the storage box 100 described above. The pattern is omitted in FIG. There are no particular restrictions on the pattern, and any pattern may be used.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the input device 1 includes a main body 10, a plurality of light sources 20, a first sheet 31, a second sheet 32, a light guide 120, a control circuit 40, and a touch sensor. an electrode 50; Note that the control circuit 40 may be built in the main body 10 or may be provided outside the main body 10 .

The main body 10 has translucency. The main body 10 is a light guide plate through which the light emitted by the light source 20 is guided. In the main body 10 , light emitted from the light source 20 mounted on the second sheet 32 is guided, and the guided light is emitted from the design portion 110 . The main body 10 is made of a transparent material, such as a resin material such as acrylic or polycarbonate.

Further, the main body 10 is integrally formed with the light source 20 and the light guide 120 included therein. Furthermore, the main body 10 is integrally formed with the first sheet 31 and the second sheet 32 . Here, the term “integral” means not only that different members are adhered to each other, but also includes a state in which a member is included in another member.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the first sheet 31 is laminated on the surface 10a of the main body 10. As shown in FIG. A design portion 110 is formed on the first sheet 31 . The first sheet 31 blocks light other than the light passing through the portion where the design portion 110 is formed. In this embodiment, the first sheet 31 reflects the light guided through the main body 10 toward the second sheet 32 . The first sheet 31 is a coating material having a light reflecting function, a light reflecting sheet, or the like, but may have a light absorbing function. In the present embodiment, a plurality of design portions 110 are formed on the first sheet 31 in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of operation portions 3 .

The design portion 110 is a portion from which light is emitted from the input device 1 . The design portion 110 is a portion where the surface 10a of the main body 10 is exposed, and is a space through which light guided through the main body 10 passes. That is, the design portion 110 is a portion (space) where the first sheet 31 is not formed, and is formed by the first sheet 31 .

As another example, the design portion 110 may be part of the main body 10 (protruding portion). That is, the main body 10 may be formed in a portion where the first sheet 31 is not formed.

As still another example, the design portion 110 may have a decorative portion and a thin portion. The decorative portion is a translucent film or sheet-like layer laminated on the surface 10 a of the main body 10 . The thin portion is part of the first sheet 31 laminated on the upper surface of the decorative portion (the surface on the positive side of the X axis). In the thin portion, the first sheet 31 is laminated thinner than other portions. Specifically, a decorative portion corresponding to the pattern of the design portion 110 is laminated on the surface 10a of the main body 10, and the first sheet 31 is further laminated thereon. Therefore, although the surface of the operation portion 3 of the input device 1 is flush, the upper surface portion (thin portion) of the decorative portion is thin. As a result, light is transmitted through the thin portion. As described above, it is sufficient that light can be emitted from the design portion 110 .

The multiple light sources 20 emit light toward the light guide 120 . Specifically, in the plurality of light sources 20, light emitting elements 21 are sealed and fixed with white resin (hereinafter referred to as reflectors 22). The light source 20 is mounted on the second sheet 32 in such a posture as to emit light in the positive Y-axis direction in FIG. 3A, for example. More specifically, the light emitting element 21 of the light source 20 is arranged on the main body 10 in such a posture that the optical axis direction of the emitted light, that is, the Y-axis plus direction and the light guide 120 intersect.

Each of the plurality of light sources 20 is configured by an LED (Light Emitting Diode) as a light emitting element 21, for example. Each of the plurality of light sources 20 emits light such as white light, blue light, red light, and green light. Note that each of the plurality of light sources 20 may be configured by a light-emitting element 21 other than an LED, and may be configured by, for example, an organic EL (Electro Luminance) light bulb.

In addition, each of the plurality of light sources 20 may be configured by the same kind of light source, for example, the same kind of light emitting element 21 (for example, LED). In this case, the same kind of light-emitting elements 21 are light-emitting elements that emit light with the same luminance under the same light-emitting conditions (for example, the magnitude of applied current or power).

The second sheet 32 is laminated on the back surface 10b of the main body 10 and reflects the light guided through the main body 10 toward the first sheet 31 and the like. The second sheet 32 has a conductive pattern 33 on the surface facing the main body 10 and serves as a circuit board. The light source 20 is mounted on the conductive pattern 33 on the surface of the second sheet 32 facing the main body 10 (surface side), and the touch sensor electrode 50 is arranged at a position different from the light source 20 . Further, the control circuit 40 shown in FIG. 5 is mounted on the front side or the back side of the second sheet 32 . Note that the control circuit 40 may be mounted on another substrate electrically connected to the conductive pattern 33 of the second sheet 32 .

The second sheet 32 is, for example, a flexible substrate, a light reflecting sheet, or the like, the surface of which is coated with a coating material. For the base material of the second sheet 32, for example, a film such as polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, or polyimide is used. In this embodiment, a flexible substrate is used for the second sheet 32 .

The light guide 120 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and is translucent. The light guide 120 is separate from the main body 10 . The light guide 120 is fixed to the surface side of the second sheet 32 so as to overlap at least a part of the touch sensor electrode 50 when viewed from the X-axis direction, is arranged between the main body 10 and the second sheet 32, and , facing the light source 20 with the main body 10 therebetween. The light guide 120 is arranged on the surface of the touch sensor electrode 50 on the positive direction side of the X axis. When the light guide 120 , main body 10 and first sheet 31 are viewed in the X-axis direction, at least a portion of the light guide 120 overlaps the design section 110 . In this embodiment, the light guide 120 is embedded inside the main body 10 . Although the main body 10 is formed between the light guide 120 and the first sheet 31 in this embodiment, the main body 10 may be omitted. Light guide 120 is an example of a guide. Moreover, the shape of the light guide 120 is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and may be a truncated pyramid shape, which will be described later. It may be a polyhedral shape.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 4, the light guide 120 has an entrance surface 121, an exit surface 122, and a plurality of first reflective surfaces 123. As shown in FIGS.

The incident surface 121 is a surface on which light emitted from the light source 20 is incident (a surface on the Y-axis negative direction side). The incident surface 121 is a surface facing the light source 20 through the main body 10 and intersects the optical axis J. As shown in FIG.

The exit surface 122 is a surface (a surface on the positive side of the X-axis) from which light guided inside the light guide 120 is emitted. The exit surface 122 is a surface facing the design portion 110 with the main body 10 interposed therebetween.

The plurality of first reflecting surfaces 123 are surfaces that reflect light guided inside the light guide 120 . The plurality of first reflecting surfaces 123 are surfaces other than the entrance surface 121 and the exit surface 122 . That is, the plurality of first reflecting surfaces 123 are the X-axis negative direction side surface, the Y-axis positive direction side surface, the Z-axis positive direction side surface, and the Z-axis negative direction side surface of the light guide 120 . A reflective sheet 130 having a light reflecting function is attached to each of the plurality of first reflective surfaces 123 . A reflective film may be formed on each of the plurality of first reflective surfaces 123 instead of the reflective sheet 130 . Also, the reflection sheet 130 may not be formed. For example, the first reflective surface 123 may be realized by the difference in refractive index between the light guide 120 and the main body 10 . For example, the light guide 120 may be made of a material with a higher refractive index than the body 10 . The first reflecting surface 123 is an example of a reflecting surface.

A light diffusing material may be dispersed on at least one of the entrance surface 121 , the exit surface 122 , and the interior of the light guide 120 . Further, a colorant may be dispersed in at least one of the entrance surface 121, the exit surface 122, and the interior of the light guide 120. FIG. In other words, the light diffusing material and the coloring agent are arranged on the optical path from the light source 20 to the design section 110 . Both the light diffusing agent and the colorant may be dispersed in the light guide 120 , or either one may be selectively dispersed in the light guide 120 . For example, when the light emitted by the light source 20 is white, the coloring agent colors the light emitted by the light source 20 red, blue, yellow, green, or the like.

Note that the light diffusing material and the coloring agent are the main body 10 between the light guide 120 and the first sheet 31, more specifically, the first sheet 31 and the main body 10, when viewed from the surface, the design portion 110 and the main body. A light diffusing material and a coloring agent may be dispersed in the portion overlapping with 10 .

Also, the light guide 120 may be provided as shown in FIGS. 3B, 3C and 3D. 3B, 3C, and 3D are cross-sectional views illustrating cross-sections of the input device according to Embodiment 1. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the light guide 120 may be elongated in the Y-axis direction from the touch sensor electrodes 50 so as to enclose the light source 20 . That is, the light guide 120 prevents the light source 20 from directly contacting the main body 10 . In this case, it is preferable to perform insert molding after filling the gap between the light source 20 and the light guide 120 with a thermosetting resin such as epoxy.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3C, the light guide 120 and the light source 20 may be integrally formed in advance.

3B and 3C, in the process of forming the main body 10, when the main body 10 is molded by insert molding with a resin material, the light source 20 is exposed to the high-temperature, high-pressure molten resin material. can be protected.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3D, the light guide 120 is elongated in the Y-axis direction from the touch sensor electrode 50 to the light emitting surface 20a (also referred to as the light emitting surface) that is the surface of the light source 20 on the Y-axis positive direction side. may be Further, the light guide 120 is arranged along the surface of the second sheet 32 on the main body 10 side so as to cover at least the light emitting surface 20 a of the light source 20 . Here, the light emitting surface 20a is a surface perpendicular to the optical axis J of the light emitted by the light source 20 and parallel to the XZ plane.

It should be noted that the incident surface 121 of the light guide 120 may be arranged up to a position where it abuts or approaches the light emitting surface 20a of the light source 20 . Therefore, it is not limited to the light guide 120 shown in FIG. 3D.

In either case, the light emitted by the light source 20 can be efficiently incident on the incident surface 121 of the light guide 120 .

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 5, control circuitry 40 controls the operation of light source 20 . The control circuit 40 detects the touch position, which is the position touched by the user, based on the signal output by the touch sensor electrode 50 . The control circuit 40 exhibits a function according to the position of the design portion 110 corresponding to the detected touch position. For example, when the touch sensor electrode 50 detects a position corresponding to the design portion 110 and the operation portion 3 is touched, the control circuit 40 outputs a command corresponding to the pattern indicated by the design portion 110 of the operation portion 3 . accepts the input of

Further, the control circuit 40 operates the input device 1, the ceiling window, the lighting device, etc. in a plurality of operation modes. For example, the control circuit 40 has an operation mode for opening/closing the storage box 100 of FIG. 1, an operation mode for opening/closing the ceiling window, an operation mode for turning on/off the lighting device in the passenger compartment, and the like. That is, the control circuit 40 operates the input device 1, the ceiling window, the lighting device, etc. according to the pattern indicated by the design section 110. FIG.

The touch sensor electrodes 50 are arranged, for example, on the front surface, the back surface, or both surfaces of the second sheet 32, and output signals to the control circuit 40 when touched by the user. The touch sensor electrode 50 is, for example, a capacitive sensor electrode.

In FIG. 3A , the touch sensor electrodes 50 are sandwiched between the second sheet 32 and the light guide 120 . When the touch sensor electrodes 50 and the light guide 120 are viewed in the X-axis direction, they overlap each other. In addition, the touch sensor electrode 50 is arranged at a position overlapping the design portion 110 when viewed in the X-axis direction, and the touch sensor electrode 50 is located on the surface of the second sheet 32 on the main body 10 side. are placed in different positions. The touch sensor electrodes 50 and the light source 20 are mounted along the surface of the second sheet 32 on the main body 10 side. Here, from the viewpoint of the decrease in sensitivity and malfunction of the touch sensor electrode 50 due to the conductors built in the light source 20 and the conductive pattern 33 on which the light source 20 is mounted, and the thickness of the input device 1, the touch sensor electrode 50 is arranged immediately below the design portion 110 (on the negative side of the X-axis), the light source 20 is not arranged between the design portion 110 and the touch sensor electrode 50, and the touch sensor electrode 50 and the light source 20 are arranged in the second direction. They are arranged at different positions on the surface of the seat 32 on the main body 10 side.

[motion]
As shown in FIGS. 3A and 4 , in such an input device 1 , for example, light emitted by the light source 20 is guided through the main body 10 and enters the incident surface 121 of the light guide 120 . The light that has entered the incident surface 121 is guided through the interior of the light guide 120 and enters the first reflecting surface 123 . The light incident on the first reflecting surface 123 is reflected toward the exit surface 122 . The light emitted from the emission surface 122 gathers at the design portion 110 of the first sheet 31 (at the design portion 110 and around the design portion 110). Part of the light converging on the design portion 110 is emitted from the design portion 110, and the remaining part of the light is reflected on the back surface of the first sheet 31 and returns to the light guide 120. Gather around 110 and repeat.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate the state when the lamp is lit and when the lamp is extinguished. FIG. 6 is a plan view exemplifying the operation unit 3 of the input device 1 according to the embodiment when it is lit and when it is extinguished.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the light source 20 is turned on, light is emitted from the design portion 110 (main body 10 exposed at the design portion 110). This allows the user to recognize the pattern of the design portion 110 when lit. In addition, since the surface of the operation portion 3 of the input device 1 is flush (uniform) when the light is turned off, the user cannot or hardly recognizes the pattern of the design portion 110 .

[Effect]
Next, the effects of the input device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

The input device 1 according to the present embodiment has a light source 20 that emits light, a first sheet 31 on which a design portion 110 is formed, and a conductive pattern 33. The light source 20 is mounted on the conductive pattern 33, It is sandwiched between the second sheet 32 in which the touch sensor electrode 50 is arranged at a position different from the light source 20, and the first sheet 31 and the second sheet 32, and the first sheet 31 and the second sheet 32 are integrally formed. The main body 10 is formed and guides the light emitted by the light source 20, and it is arranged on the optical path from the light source 20 to the design portion 110, and guides the light guided inside the main body 10 to the design portion 110. A light guide 120 separate from the main body 10 is provided. Also, the light source 20 and the light guide 120 are arranged along the surface of the second sheet 32 on the main body 10 side. Further, the main body 10 is integrally formed with the light source 20 and the light guide 120 included therein. The light guide 120 has an incident surface 121 facing the light source 20 and into which light is incident, an emitting surface 122 facing the design portion 110 and emitting light, and surfaces other than the incident surface 121 and the emitting surface 122, It has a first reflecting surface 123 that reflects the light guided inside the light guide 120 toward the output surface 122 .

Therefore, in the light guide 120 , the light entering from the incident surface 121 and guided inside enters the first reflecting surface 123 and is reflected by the first reflecting surface 123 . The light reflected by the first reflecting surface 123 is emitted from the emitting surface 122 toward the design portion 110 . In this way, light can be collected on the design portion 110 .

Also, the light source 20 and the light guide 120 are arranged on the same surface of the second sheet 32 on the main body 10 side. Therefore, the thickness of the input device 1 can be made thinner in the input device 1 of the present embodiment than, for example, when the light source and the light guide are stacked so as to line up in the X-axis direction.

Therefore, in this input device 1, light with high luminance can be emitted from the design portion 110 of the input device 1, and the thickness of the input device 1 can be reduced. As a result, it becomes easier for the user to visually recognize the pattern of the design portion 110 . In addition, when the input device 1 is installed on the installation surface of the storage box 100 , the unevenness in the case where the input device 1 protrudes from the installation surface of the storage box 100 is suppressed. As a result, for example, the input device 1 can be applied to an installation surface of a thin member such as the lid portion that constitutes the storage box 100, and the input operation portion (operation portion 3) can be made into a uniform surface. can improve designability.

Further, in the input device 1 according to the present embodiment, the light diffusing material is dispersed in at least one of the entrance surface 121 , the exit surface 122 , and the inside of the light guide 120 in the light guide 120 . Therefore, the light guided through the light guide 120 can be reliably diffused. Since the diffused light is emitted from the emission surface 122 of the light guide 120 and gathers in the design portion 110, the design portion 110 can emit light with reduced brightness unevenness.

Further, in the input device 1 according to the present embodiment, the light guide 120 has a colorant dispersed in at least one of the entrance surface 121 , the exit surface 122 and the interior of the light guide 120 . Therefore, the color of the light guided through the light guide 120 can be colored (changed) to a desired color.

In the input device 1 according to this embodiment, the softening point of the light guide 120 is higher than that of the main body 10 . For example, when manufacturing the input device 1, the second sheet 32 on which the light source 20, the light guide 120, etc. are mounted is accommodated in a mold, and the main body 10 is formed by insert molding using a resin material. A device 1 can be obtained. In this case, if the softening point of the light guide 120 is lower than the softening point of the resin material forming the main body 10, the light guide 120 may melt during insert molding. However, since the softening point of the light guide 120 is higher than that of the main body 10, melting of the light guide 120 can be suppressed.

(Modification 1 of Embodiment 1)
A configuration of an input device according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG.

7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-section of the input device according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the light source 20, the light guide 220, and the design portion 110 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 8, the main body 10, the first sheet 31, the second sheet 32, etc. are omitted.

Other configurations in this modified example are the same as those in Embodiment 1 unless otherwise specified, and the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of the configuration is omitted.

The light guide 220 has a truncated pyramid shape and a trapezoidal cross section. The light guide 220 has an incident surface 121 on which light emitted from the light source 20 is incident, a plurality of first reflecting surfaces 223 that reflect the light, and an output surface 122 from which the light is emitted.

Some of the plurality of first reflecting surfaces 223 are inclined surfaces 224 . The first reflecting surface 223 is an example of a reflecting surface.

The inclined surface 224 is an inclined surface 224 that is inclined with respect to the ZY plane. The inclined surface 224 intersects the optical axis J of the light source 20 . The inclined surface 224 is inclined upward in the positive direction of the X-axis as it goes away from the light source 20 (toward the positive direction of the Y-axis). When the light guide 220 , main body 10 and first sheet 31 are viewed from the X-axis direction, the light guide 220 at least partially overlaps the design section 110 . Note that the inclined surface 224 reflects the light guided inside toward the emission surface 122 . The inclined surface 224 causes total internal reflection at the interface with the main body 10 . The inclined surface 224 faces the light source 20 via the incident surface 121 and the main body 10 and faces the design section 110 via the output surface 122 and the main body 10 . Specifically, the inclined surface 224 sandwiches the entrance surface 121 with the light source 20 , is arranged on the opposite side of the entrance surface 121 from the light source 20 side (Y-axis plus direction side), and emits light with the design portion 110 . It is arranged on the opposite side of the output surface 122 from the design portion 110 side (X-axis negative direction side) with the surface 122 interposed therebetween. A reflective sheet 230 may be attached to the inclined surface 224 .

The multiple first reflecting surfaces 223 are surfaces other than the entrance surface 121 , the inclined surface 224 and the exit surface 122 . That is, the plurality of first reflecting surfaces 223 are the surface of the light guide 220 on the negative side of the X-axis, the surface on the positive side of the Z-axis, and the surface on the negative side of the Z-axis. A reflecting sheet 230 having a light reflecting function is attached to the first reflecting surface 223 . Note that the reflection sheet 230 may not be formed. For example, the first reflecting surface 223 may be realized by a refractive index difference between the light guide 220 and the main body 10 . Also, a light reflecting film may be used instead of the reflecting sheet 230, and the first reflecting surface 223 may be realized by dispersing a light reflecting material having a light reflecting function.

A surface (first reflecting surface 223) on the Z-axis positive direction side of the light guide 220 and a surface (first reflecting surface 223) on the Z-axis negative direction side (first reflecting surface 223) reflect light according to the shape of the first reflecting surface 223. A sheet 230 is attached.

The effects of such an input device in this modified example will be described.

In the input device according to this modification, the light guide 220 further has an inclined surface 224 that faces the light source 20 via the entrance surface 121 and the design section 110 via the exit surface 122 .

Therefore, the light emitted by the light source 20 is incident on the inclined surface 224 via the incident surface 121 and reflected by the inclined surface 224 toward the emission surface 122 . Since the light emitted from the emission surface 122 is more likely to travel toward the design portion 110 , the light can be more concentrated on the design portion 110 . Accordingly, in this input device, light with higher brightness can be emitted from the design portion 110 of the input device.

(Modification 2 of Embodiment 1)
A configuration of an input device according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG.

9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-section of the input device according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the light source 20, the light guide 320, and the design portion 110 according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 10, the main body 10, the first sheet 31, the second sheet 32, etc. are omitted.

Other configurations in this modification are the same as those in Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 unless otherwise specified, and the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of the configuration is omitted.

The light guide 320 has a truncated pyramid shape and a trapezoidal cross section. The light guide 320 has an incident surface 121 on which the light emitted from the light source 20 is incident, a plurality of first reflecting surfaces 323 that reflect the light, an inclined surface 324, and an output surface 122 from which the light is emitted.

The inclined surface 324 has a function of reflecting light similarly to the first reflecting surface 323 . The first reflecting surface 323 is an example of a reflecting surface.

The inclined surface 324 is a free-form surface. Therefore, the shape of the inclined surface 324 is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 of this modified example. Depending on the position, size and shape of the design portion 110, the curvature of the inclined surface 324 may vary from place to place. Therefore, since the inclined surface 324 corresponding to the design portion 110 can be used, the degree of freedom in designing the design portion 110 can be increased in this input device.

A surface (first reflecting surface 323) on the Z-axis positive direction side of the light guide 320 and a surface (first reflecting surface 323) on the Z-axis negative direction side (first reflecting surface 323) reflect light in accordance with the shape of the first reflecting surface 323. A sheet 330 is attached.

(Embodiment 2)
The configuration of the input device according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram illustrating the light source 20 and the light blocking portions 430a to 430c according to Embodiment 2. FIG. In FIG. 11A, the main body 10, the first sheet 31, and the like are omitted.

In this embodiment, the light guide of the first embodiment is not provided. Other configurations in the present embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment unless otherwise specified, and the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of the configurations will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the input device further has a plurality of light shields 430a-430c.

The plurality of light blocking portions 430a to 430c have light blocking properties. The light shielding portions 430a to 430c are made of a white resin material or a black resin material, and have a function of reflecting light. The light shielding portions 430a-430c have second reflecting surfaces 431a-431c. The light blocking portions 430a to 430c are examples of guide portions.

The main body 10 forms an optical path from the light source 20 to the design section 110 with a plurality of light shielding sections 430a to 430c. Specifically, the plurality of light blocking portions 430a to 430c are arranged in an upright posture with respect to the second sheet 32. As shown in FIG. A pair of light shielding portions 430a and 430b out of the plurality of light shielding portions 430a to 430c are arranged parallel to the optical axis J of the light source 20 and facing each other with a predetermined spacing. One light shielding portion 430c of the plurality of light shielding portions 430a to 430c is arranged to face the light source 20 with the main body 10 interposed therebetween.

In the present embodiment, three light shielding portions 430a to 430c are arranged, and one light shielding portion 430c rises and inclines in the positive direction of the X axis as it moves away from the light source 20 (toward the positive direction of the Y axis). It is also possible to simply place the In other words, one light shielding portion 430c may be arranged in an inclined state.

Note that the plurality of light blocking portions 430a to 430c may not have the second reflecting surfaces 431a to 431c. The plurality of light shielding parts 430a to 430c are, for example, an opaque film that does not transmit light on at least one surface of a plate-shaped resin material (which may be translucent), or a light reflecting film (second reflecting surface 431a to 431c). At least one surface of each of the plurality of light shielding portions 430a to 430c referred to here is any surface in the Z-axis direction for the light shielding portions 430a and 430b, and any surface in the Y-axis direction for the light shielding portion 430c.

Also, the light shielding portion may be provided as shown in FIG. 11B. FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram illustrating the light source 20 and the light blocking portions 430a1, 430b1, and 430c according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 11B, the light blocking portions 430a1 and 430b1 are elongated in the Y-axis direction and arranged on both sides of the light source 20 in the Z-axis direction. That is, the light source 20 is arranged between the light shielding portion 430a1 and the light shielding portion 430b1. Thereby, the light emitted by the light source 20 can be guided to the design surface 110 more efficiently.

Further, as in the first embodiment, in the process of forming the main body 10, when the main body 10 is molded by insert molding with a resin material, the light source 20 is protected from high-temperature, high-pressure molten resin material. It is preferable to cover 20 in advance with a thermosetting resin such as epoxy.

[Effect]
Next, the effects of the input device according to this embodiment will be described.

In the input device according to this embodiment, the light shielding sections 430a to 430c are arranged so as to form an optical path from the light source 20 to the design section 110. FIG. Also, the light shielding portions 430a to 430c are made of a white resin material or a black resin material. Therefore, the light blocking portions 430a to 430c can block the light by reflecting the light. As a result, the light shielding portions 430a to 430c form an optical path from the light source 20 to the design portion 110, so that the design portion 110 can collect light.

Other effects of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

(Embodiment 3)
The configuration of the input device according to Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 12 .

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-section of the input device according to Embodiment 3. FIG.

In this embodiment, the light guide of the first embodiment is not provided. Other configurations in the present embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment unless otherwise specified, and the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of the configurations will be omitted.

The light source 20 is mounted on the second sheet 532 in such a posture that the optical axis J of the light emitted by the light source 20 faces the design portion 110 . In this embodiment, the optical axis J of the light source 20 and the design portion 110 intersect.

Also, the light source 20 is embedded in the main body 10 so as to protrude from the rear surface of the main body 10 .

The second sheet 532 is formed to match the shape of the projected light source 20 . For example, the second sheet 532 is formed so that the optical axis J of the light emitted from the light source 20 faces the design portion 110 before the light source 20 is mounted.

[motion]
In such an input device, for example, light emitted from the light source 20 is guided through the main body 10 toward the design section 110 . Part of the light collected on the design portion 110 is emitted from the design portion 110, and the remaining part of the light is reflected on the back surface of the first sheet 31 and returns.

[Effect]
Next, the effects of the input device according to this embodiment will be described.

In the input device according to the present embodiment, the light source 20 is mounted on the second sheet 532 in such a posture that the optical axis J of the light emitted by the light source 20 faces the design portion 110 . Therefore, light with high brightness can be emitted from the design section 110 of the input device.

Other effects of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

As in the first embodiment, in the process of forming the main body 10, when the main body 10 is molded by insert molding with a resin material, the light source 20 is protected from high-temperature, high-pressure molten resin material. It is preferable to cover 20 in advance with a thermosetting resin such as epoxy.

(Modification of Embodiment 3)
A configuration of an input device according to a modification of Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the light source 20 and the light blocking portions 630a to 630c according to the modification of the third embodiment. In FIG. 11A, the main body 10, the first sheet 31, and the like are omitted.

Other configurations in this modified example are the same as those in Embodiment 3 unless otherwise specified, and the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of the configurations will be omitted.

The input device further has a plurality of light shields 630a-630c.

The plurality of light blocking portions 630a to 630c are made of a white resin material or a black resin material, and have a function of reflecting light, that is, have light blocking properties. The light shielding portions 630a-630c have second reflecting surfaces 631a-631c. The light blocking portions 630a to 630c are examples of guide portions.

A plurality of light blocking portions 630a to 630c are arranged to form an optical path. Specifically, the plurality of light shielding portions 630 a to 630 c are arranged in an upright posture with respect to the second sheet 32 . A pair of light shielding portions 630a and 630b out of the plurality of light shielding portions 630a to 630c are arranged to face each other with the main body 10 interposed therebetween at a predetermined interval. One light shielding portion 630c of the plurality of light shielding portions 630a to 630c is arranged to face the light source 20 with the main body 10 interposed therebetween.

(Embodiment 4)
[Constitution]
The configuration of the input device 800 of Embodiment 4 will be described.

In this embodiment, a light guide like the first embodiment is not provided. Other configurations in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment and the like unless otherwise specified, and the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of the configuration is omitted.

The input device 800 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 14. FIG. FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating an input device 800 according to Embodiment 4. FIG. FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating the second sheet 32, the connector 81 and the cable 80 of the input device 800 according to the fourth embodiment. 16A is a cross-sectional view illustrating cross-sections of the second sheet 32, the connector 81 and the cable 80 of the input device 800 along line XVIA-XVIA of FIG. 15. FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view illustrating cross-sections of the second sheet 32, the connector 81 and the cable 80 of the input device 800 along line XVIB-XVIB in FIG. 15. FIG. The connector 81 and the cable 80 stand substantially vertically with respect to the second sheet 32 .

The multiple light sources 20 emit light toward the design section 110 . Specifically, the plurality of light sources 20 are mounted on the second sheet 32 in a state of being mounted on the conductive pattern 71, for example, in a posture of emitting light in the positive direction of the X axis in FIGS. 16A and 16B. More specifically, the light source 20 is arranged on the main body 10 in a posture in which the direction of the optical axis of emitted light, that is, the plus direction of the X-axis and the design portion 110 intersect. Each of the plurality of light sources 20 at least partially overlaps with the design section 110 when the input device 800 is viewed from the front.

The second sheet 32 is laminated on the back surface 10b of the main body 10 and reflects the light guided through the main body 10 toward the first sheet 31 and the like. The second sheet 32 serves as a circuit board on which a plurality of light sources 20 and the like are mounted and which has conductive patterns 71 and 72 .

The second sheet 32 has a conductive pattern 71 formed on the front surface 32a and a conductive pattern 72 formed on the back surface 32b. The light source 20 is mounted on the conductive pattern 71 on the surface 32 a of the second sheet 32 . The second sheet 32 mounts the light source 20 in such a posture that the optical axis J of the light source 20 faces the design portion 110 .

Also, in the second sheet 32, a plurality of through holes 37 are formed between the conductive pattern 71 on the front surface 32a and the conductive pattern 72 on the back surface 32b. The through holes 37 are filled with a conductive paste such as copper paste or silver paste. Thereby, the conductive pattern 71 on the front surface 32 a and the conductive pattern 72 on the back surface 32 b are electrically connected via the plurality of through holes 37 . Although a plurality of through holes 37 are formed in this embodiment, the number of through holes 37 may be one. Further, the through-hole 37 is not limited to the configuration in which the conductive paste is filled. For example, the conductive pattern 71 and the conductive pattern 72 may be electrically connected by plating the wall surface of the through-hole 37 with copper. good. Moreover, the copper plating structure of the wall surface of the through hole 37 and the filling structure of the conductive paste may be provided at the same time.

A connector 81 is arranged on the conductive pattern 72 on the back surface 32 b of the second sheet 32 . The connector 81 is electrically connected with the conductive pattern 72 . The connector 81 is also electrically connected to the touch sensor electrodes. The touch sensor electrodes have the same configuration as in the first embodiment and the like. The touch sensor electrodes are provided on the front surface 32 a or the back surface 32 b of the second sheet 32 .

The relationship between the position of the connector 81 arranged on the second sheet 32 and the position of the cable 80 will be described.

A case where the connector 81 is arranged at a position other than the corner of the second sheet 32 (for example, at the central portion of the second sheet 32) will be described with reference to FIG. 17A. FIG. 17A is a schematic diagram illustrating the second sheet 32, the connector 81, and the cable 80 when the connector 81 is arranged at a position other than the corner of the second sheet 32. FIG. In FIG. 17A , the posture of the connector 81 and three directions in which the cable 80 is pulled out from the connector 81 are illustrated by chain double-dashed lines.

In this case, the cable 80 extends from one direction along the back surface 32b of the second sheet 32 (minus direction of the Y axis) to the direction perpendicular to the second sheet 32 (minus direction of the X axis). It is arranged (pulled out) at an angle (180 degrees) to the other direction (Y-axis plus direction) along the back surface 32b. In other words, the connector 81 may be in any posture as long as it can be electrically connected to the cable 80 , and may be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the back surface 32 b of the second sheet 32 . Here, the direction in which the insertion hole of the connector 81 faces is the direction opposite to the direction in which the cable 80 is inserted into the insertion hole of the connector 81 and the direction in which the cable 80 is pulled out from the connector 81 .

A case where the connector 81 is arranged at the corner of the second sheet 32 will be described with reference to FIG. 17B. 17B is a schematic diagram illustrating the second sheet 32, the connector 81, and the cable 80 of the input device 800 when the connector 81 is arranged at the corner of the second sheet 32. FIG. 17B illustrates the orientation of the connector 81 and the two directions in which the cable 80 is pulled out from the connector 81 by two-dot chain lines.

In this case, the cable 80 is arranged (pulled out) at an angle between the direction along the back surface 32b of the second sheet 32 (the negative direction of the Y axis) and the direction perpendicular to the second sheet 32 (the negative direction of the X axis). ). However, the cable 80 is not arranged in the direction in which the cable 80 protrudes from the second sheet 32 (the Y-axis positive direction in this embodiment). That is, the direction in which the insertion hole of the connector 81 faces is not between the negative direction of the X-axis and the positive direction of the Y-axis.

Although not shown, even if the connector 81 is arranged at the corner of the second sheet 32, the cable 80 extends from the Z-axis positive direction to the Z-axis negative direction via the X-axis negative direction. may be placed in

In this way, the position where the cable 80 can be arranged changes depending on the position where the connector 81 is arranged on the second sheet 32 . At least, the cable 80 does not protrude from the second sheet 32 when the second sheet 32 is viewed in the vertical direction.

18A and 18B, the second sheet 32 has a flat flat portion 132 with a flat surface formed on the back surface 32b and a curved surface portion 131. As shown in FIGS. In this embodiment, the conductive pattern 72 formed on the back surface 32b of the second sheet 32 will be described as an example. The conductive pattern 72 is composed of a conductive pattern 72a and a conductive pattern 72b. Here, FIG. 18A is a plan view when the second sheet 32 and the conductive pattern 72 are viewed from above. FIG. 18B is a cross-sectional view illustrating cross-sections of the second sheet 32 and the conductive pattern 72 taken along line XVIIIB-XVIIIB of FIG. 18A.

When the second sheet 32 is viewed in the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. It is larger than the width of the pattern 72a. Such a curved surface portion 131 is formed by forming after forming the conductive pattern 72 on the second sheet 32 .

In the conductive pattern 71 formed on the surface 32a of the second sheet 32, the portion forming the curved surface portion 131 is the same as described above.

[motion]
As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16A, in such an input device 800, for example, the light emitted by the light source 20 is guided through the main body 10 and gathers around the design portion 110 of the first sheet 31 and the design portion 110. . Part of the light that gathers around the design portion 110 and the design portion 110 is emitted from the design portion 110, and the rest of the light is reflected by the back surface of the first sheet 31 and then by the light source 20. The design portion 110 of one sheet 31 and the periphery of the design portion 110 are gathered.

[Effect]
Next, the effects of input device 800 according to the present embodiment will be described.

An input device 800 according to the present embodiment has a light source 20 that emits light, a first sheet 31 on which a design portion 110 is formed, and a conductive pattern 71 . The main body 10 is sandwiched between the sheet 32, the first sheet 31, and the second sheet 32, and is arranged on the back surface of the second sheet 32 opposite to the main body 10 side. , and a connector 81 electrically connected to the conductive pattern 71 . Connector 81 electrically connects with cable 80 . The cable 80 is arranged at an angle between the direction along the back surface 32 b of the second sheet 32 and the direction perpendicular to the second sheet 32 .

Thus, the connector 81 is arranged on the side of the second sheet 32 opposite to the light source 20 and electrically connected to the light source 20 by the conductive pattern 71 . Therefore, since the cable 80 such as a flat cable is connected to the light source 20 via the connector 81, there is no conventional extending portion. As a result, even if stress is applied to the input device 800, disconnection of the wiring (for example, the cable 80) is less likely to occur.

Further, by arranging the connector 81 on the second sheet 32 so as to face the connector 81 of the connection destination, the cable 80 electrically connected to the connector 81 can be pulled out in a smooth direction without folding the cable 80. can. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cable 80 from being broken due to the cable 80 being forcibly folded back.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent disconnection of wiring such as the cable 80, the conductive patterns 71 and 72, and the through holes inside the input device 800. FIG.

Further, in the input device 800 according to the present embodiment, the cables 80 do not protrude from the second sheet 32 when the second sheet 32 is viewed in the vertical direction.

For example, when the second sheet 32 is viewed in the vertical direction, if the cable 80 protrudes from the second sheet 32, the cable 80 is exposed from the input device 800 and a gap is formed in the input device 800, resulting in a waterproof effect. , and the size of the input device 800 for covering the cable 80 may increase. However, if the cable 80 does not protrude from the second sheet 32, such problems are less likely to occur. Accordingly, in this input device 800, it is easy to take waterproof measures.

Further, in input device 800 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of through holes 37 are formed between connector 81 and conductive pattern 71 (between conductive pattern 72 and conductive pattern 71). As a result, the connector 81 can be surface-mounted on the second sheet 32, so that the input device 800 can be miniaturized.

Further, for example, when the second sheet 32 is insert-molded with molten resin, the through-hole 37 may be disconnected due to the inflow of high-temperature, high-pressure molten resin. However, if there are a plurality of through holes 37, even if some of the through holes 37 are broken, the remaining through holes 37 that are not broken are the conductive pattern 71 on the front surface 32a side of the second sheet 32 and the back surface of the second sheet 32. 32b side connector 81 is electrically connected. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the reliability of the second sheet 32 during insert molding.

Further, in input device 800 according to the present embodiment, second sheet 32 has flat portion 132 and curved surface portion 131 . 18A formed on the curved surface portion 131 is wider than the conductive pattern 72a formed on the flat surface portion 132. As shown in FIG.

When forming the second sheet 32 on which the conductive patterns 72 are formed, the conductive patterns 72 of the second sheet 32 are also formed at the same time. Therefore, the conductive pattern 72 may be disconnected due to the tension caused by the forming. However, since the conductive pattern 72 formed on the curved portion 131 is wider than the conductive pattern 72a formed on the flat portion 132, disconnection of the conductive pattern 71 due to forming is less likely to occur. The same applies to the conductive pattern 71 on the surface 32a of the second sheet 32 as well.

In addition, in the input device 800 according to the present embodiment, since the connector 81 is arranged on the flat portion 132 , the connector 81 is less likely to be lifted from the back surface 32b of the second sheet 32 . Therefore, the connector 81 can be firmly fixed to the second sheet 32 .

(Embodiment 5)
The configuration of the input device according to Embodiment 5 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating cross-sections of the second sheet 32, the connector 81 and the cable 80 of the input device according to the fifth embodiment.

Other configurations in the present embodiment are the same as those in the fourth embodiment and the like unless otherwise specified, and the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of the configuration is omitted.

The second sheet 32 further has a concave portion 35 whose shape is deformed so as to approach the first sheet 31 . The concave portion 35 is formed by deforming the shape of the second sheet 32 by forming the second sheet 32 . In this embodiment, the recess 35 is recessed in the positive direction of the X axis.

The thickness of the main body 10 that exists between the recess 35 and the first sheet 31 is thinner than the thickness of the main body 10 that exists between the first sheet 31 and the planar portion 132 of the second sheet 32 other than the recess 35 .

A connector 81 is arranged in the recess 35 . More specifically, the concave portion 35 has a side portion 35 a that curves with respect to the plane portion 132 and a bottom portion 35 b that corresponds to the bottom of the concave portion 35 . The bottom portion 35b has a flat flat surface. Conductive patterns 71 and 72 are formed on the front surface 32a and the back surface 32b of the bottom portion 35b (the front surface 32a and the back surface 32b of the second sheet 32).

The light source 20 is mounted on the conductive pattern 71 formed on the surface 32a of the bottom portion 35b. The mounting configuration of the light source 20 on the conductive pattern 71 is the same as that of the fourth embodiment. A connector 81 is mounted on the conductive pattern 72 formed on the back surface 32b of the bottom portion 35b. The recess 35 accommodates at least part of the connector 81 .

[Effect]
Next, the effects of the input device according to this embodiment will be described.

In the input device according to the present embodiment, the second sheet 32 further has a concave portion 35 deformed so as to approach the first sheet 31 . A connector 81 is arranged in the recess 35 . Therefore, an increase in the thickness of the input device can be suppressed.

Other effects of this embodiment are the same as those of the fourth embodiment.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the mounting configuration of the light source 20 on the conductive pattern 71 is the same configuration as in the fourth embodiment, but the configuration is not limited to this configuration. That is, for example, the light source 20 may be mounted on the conductive pattern 71 formed on the bottom portion 35b of the concave portion 35 . In this case, the concave portion 35 brings the light source 20 and the design portion 110 closer to each other, so that the brightness of the design portion 110 can be increased. Alternatively, the amount of light from the light source 20 for obtaining the same luminance of the design portion 110 can be reduced, so the power consumption of the light source 20 is suppressed.

(others)
The present disclosure has been described above based on Embodiments 1 to 5, Modifications 1 and 2 of Embodiment 1, and Modifications of Embodiment 3, but the present disclosure is limited to the above input device. is not.

For example, in the input devices according to each of Embodiments 1 to 5, Modifications 1 and 2 of Embodiment 1, and Modifications of Embodiment 3, the plurality of light sources are arranged to sandwich the light guide body. Light may be emitted towards the body. That is, light may enter the light guide from both sides.

Further, the input device according to each of Embodiments 1 to 5, Modifications 1 and 2 of Embodiment 1, and Modifications of Embodiment 3 is a member in which a light source, a control circuit, etc. are arranged on the surface of the first sheet. can be obtained by accommodating the in a prepared mold and forming the main body by insert molding using a resin material. Alternatively, the input device may be obtained by manufacturing only the main body in advance by insert molding, and fitting a member in which the light source, the control circuit, etc. are arranged on the surface of the first sheet.

Further, in the input devices according to each of the above-described Embodiments 1 to 5, Modifications 1 and 2 of Embodiment 1, and Modifications of Embodiment 3, the design portion is formed by a two-color molding resin, a coating film laser, or the like. It may be formed by a pattern removal process, a mask process (screen printing, etc.), an in-mold method using transfer, a TOM (Three Dimension Overlay Method) method, insert molding, or the like. Note that the formation of the design portion is not limited to this, and other known means may be used.

Further, the input devices according to the first to fifth embodiments, the first and second modifications of the first embodiment, and the third modifications of the embodiment may be supplied with electric power from a battery or the like. It may be powered by a utility power source or may be powered by commercial power.

In addition, in the input devices according to each of Embodiments 1 to 5, Modifications 1 and 2 of Embodiment 1, and Modifications of Embodiment 3, the first sheet and the second sheet include films. .

Further, the input devices according to the first to fifth embodiments, modified examples 1 and 2 of the first embodiment, and modified examples of the third embodiment are not limited to the lid portion of the storage box. The present invention may be applied to an input device provided on an armrest, door inner surface, or the like that needs to be reinforced.

As described above, the input device according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure has been described based on Embodiments 1 to 5, Modifications 1 and 2 of Embodiment 1, and Modifications of Embodiment 3. The disclosure is not limited to Embodiments 1 to 5, Modifications 1 and 2 of Embodiment 1, and Modifications of Embodiment 3. As long as it does not depart from the spirit of the present disclosure, various modifications that a person skilled in the art can think of are applied to Embodiments 1 to 5, Modifications 1 and 2 of Embodiment 1, and Modifications of Embodiment 3, and different implementations. A form constructed by combining the components in the form of may also be included within the scope of one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present disclosure is useful as an input device or the like capable of emitting light with high luminance from a design portion of the input device.

1,800 Input device 10 Main body 20 Light source 20a Light emitting surface 31 First sheet 32, 532 Second sheet 32a Front surface 32b of second sheet Back surface 33, 71, 72, 72a, 72b of second sheet Conductive pattern 35 Concave portion 37 Through hole 50 touch sensor electrode 80 cable 81 connector 110 design portion 120, 220, 320 light guide (guide portion)
121 entrance surface 122 exit surface 123, 223, 323 first reflecting surface (reflecting surface)
131 curved surface portion 132 flat surface portions 224, 324 inclined surfaces 430a, 430b, 430a1, 430b1, 430c, 630a, 630b, 630c light shielding portion (guide portion)

Claims (30)

a light source that emits light;
a first sheet on which a design portion is formed;
a second sheet having a conductive pattern, the light source being mounted on the conductive pattern, and the touch sensor electrode being arranged at a position different from the light source;
a main body sandwiched between the first sheet and the second sheet, integrally formed with the first sheet and the second sheet, and guiding light emitted from the light source;
a guide part separate from the main body, arranged on an optical path from the light source to the design part, and guiding light guided inside the main body to the design part;
The light source and the guide section are arranged along the main body side surface of the second sheet,
The guide part is formed to enclose the light source,
The main body is an input device integrally formed in a state of enclosing the guide part enclosing the light source. The guiding portion includes an incident surface facing the light source and into which light is incident, an exit surface facing the design portion and emitting light, and a surface other than the incident surface and the exit surface, and guides the inside. 2. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising a light guide member having a reflecting surface that reflects the emitted light to the exit surface side. 3. The input device according to claim 2, wherein at least one of a light reflecting material laminated on the light guide and a light reflecting sheet is arranged on the reflecting surface. The reflective surface has an inclined surface,
The inclined surface sandwiches the incident surface with the light source, is arranged on a side opposite to the light source side with respect to the incident surface, and sandwiches the output surface with the design portion, and the design portion with respect to the output surface. 4. The input device according to claim 2 or 3, arranged opposite to the side. The input device according to claim 4, wherein the inclined surface is a free curved surface. The input device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein a light diffusing material is dispersed on at least one of the entrance surface, the exit surface, and the interior of the light guide. The input device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein a coloring agent is dispersed on at least one of the entrance surface, the exit surface, and the interior of the light guide. The input device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the softening point of the light guide is higher than the softening point of the main body. The guide portion is a light shielding portion having a light shielding property,
The input device according to claim 1, wherein the main body forms the optical path by the light blocking portion. 10. The input device according to claim 9, wherein the light blocking portion is made of a white resin material or a black resin material. 10. The input device according to claim 9, wherein the light shielding part is configured by including an opaque film that does not transmit light or a light reflecting film on at least one surface of a resin material. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first sheet blocks light other than light passing through the portion where the design portion is formed. a light source that emits light;
a first sheet on which a design portion is formed;
a second sheet having a conductive pattern, the light source being mounted on the conductive pattern, and the touch sensor electrode being arranged at a position different from the light source;
a main body sandwiched between the first sheet and the second sheet and integrally formed with the first sheet and the second sheet and guiding light emitted by the light source;
The light source is mounted on the second sheet,
The portion of the second sheet on which the light source is mounted is formed to be inclined so that the optical axis of the light emitted from the light source faces the design portion,
The input device, wherein the main body is integrally formed while enclosing the light source. Furthermore, it has a light-shielding part with light-shielding properties,
14. The input device according to claim 13, wherein the main body forms an optical path from the light source to the design section by the light shielding section. 15. The input device according to claim 14, wherein the light blocking portion is made of a white resin material or a black resin material. The input device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the first sheet blocks light other than light passing through the portion where the design portion is formed. 17. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising a connector disposed on the back surface of the second sheet opposite to the main body side and electrically connected to the conductive pattern and the touch sensor electrode. input device. the connector electrically connects with the cable;
18. The input device according to claim 17, wherein the cable does not protrude from the second sheet when the second sheet is viewed in the vertical direction. 19. The input device of claim 18, wherein the cable is arranged at an angle between a direction along the back surface of the second sheet and a direction perpendicular to the second sheet. 17. The second sheet has the conductive pattern formed on a surface opposite to the back surface, and has a through hole for electrically connecting the connector and the conductive pattern. 20. The input device according to any one of 19. 21. The input device according to claim 20, wherein a plurality of said through holes are formed between said connector and said conductive pattern. The second sheet has a flat flat portion and a curved surface portion,
The input device according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein the conductive pattern formed on the curved surface portion is wider than the conductive pattern formed on the flat surface portion. The input device according to claim 22, wherein the connector is arranged on the flat portion. The second sheet further has a recess whose shape is deformed so as to approach the first sheet,
The input device according to any one of claims 17 to 23, wherein the connector is arranged in the recess. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the second sheet is a flexible substrate. 9. The light guide according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the light guide is arranged along the main body side surface of the second sheet so as to cover at least part of the light source including the light emitting surface. input device. a light source that emits light;
a first sheet on which a design portion is formed;
a second sheet having a conductive pattern, the light source being mounted on the conductive pattern, and the touch sensor electrode being arranged at a position different from the light source;
a main body sandwiched between the first sheet and the second sheet, integrally formed with the first sheet and the second sheet, and guiding light emitted from the light source;
a guide section separate from the main body, which is arranged on an optical path from the light source to the design section and guides light guided inside the main body to the design section;
a connector disposed on the back surface of the second sheet opposite to the main body side and electrically connected to the conductive pattern and the touch sensor electrode;
The light source and the guide section are arranged along the main body side surface of the second sheet,
The main body is integrally formed to enclose the light source and the guide section,
The second sheet has a flat flat portion and a curved surface portion,
The conductive pattern formed on the curved portion is wider than the conductive pattern formed on the flat portion.
input device. a light source that emits light;
a first sheet on which a design portion is formed;
a second sheet having a conductive pattern, the light source being mounted on the conductive pattern, and the touch sensor electrode being arranged at a position different from the light source;
a main body sandwiched between the first sheet and the second sheet, integrally formed with the first sheet and the second sheet, and guiding light emitted from the light source;
a guide section separate from the main body, which is arranged on an optical path from the light source to the design section and guides light guided inside the main body to the design section;
a connector disposed on the back surface of the second sheet opposite to the main body side and electrically connected to the conductive pattern and the touch sensor electrode;
The light source and the guide section are arranged along the main body side surface of the second sheet,
The main body is integrally formed to enclose the light source and the guide section,
The second sheet further has a recess whose shape is deformed so as to approach the first sheet,
The connector is arranged in the recess
input device. a light source that emits light;
a first sheet on which a design portion is formed;
a second sheet having a conductive pattern, the light source being mounted on the conductive pattern, and the touch sensor electrode being arranged at a position different from the light source;
a main body sandwiched between the first sheet and the second sheet and integrally formed with the first sheet and the second sheet and guiding light emitted from the light source;
a connector disposed on the back surface of the second sheet opposite to the main body side and electrically connected to the conductive pattern and the touch sensor electrode;
The light source is mounted on the second sheet in a posture in which the optical axis of the light emitted from the light source faces the design portion,
The main body is integrally formed with the light source included,
The second sheet has a flat flat portion and a curved surface portion,
The conductive pattern formed on the curved portion is wider than the conductive pattern formed on the flat portion.
input device. a light source that emits light;
a first sheet on which a design portion is formed;
a second sheet having a conductive pattern, the light source being mounted on the conductive pattern, and the touch sensor electrode being arranged at a position different from the light source;
a main body sandwiched between the first sheet and the second sheet and integrally formed with the first sheet and the second sheet and guiding light emitted from the light source;
a connector disposed on the back surface of the second sheet opposite to the main body side and electrically connected to the conductive pattern and the touch sensor electrode;
The light source is mounted on the second sheet in a posture in which the optical axis of the light emitted from the light source faces the design portion,
The main body is integrally formed with the light source included,
The second sheet further has a recess whose shape is deformed so as to approach the first sheet,
The connector is arranged in the recess
input device.

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