Panel device

Abstract

The panel device (4) is provided with a panel portion (8), a light source portion (9), and a light-blocking layer (10). The panel device (4) is provided with a light attenuation layer (37), so-called smoke layer, for securing blackness of the outer surface of the panel portion (8). The light attenuation layer (37) is arranged between the light source portion (9) and the light-blocking layer (10), specifically, on the back surface of the light-blocking layer (10).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a panel device that displays a display body. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, as a panel device for operating a machine mounted on a vehicle, a liquid crystal device disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6350489 is known. The liquid crystal device has, for example, an outer panel, a liquid crystal display, and a display forming panel. The liquid crystal device displays various display bodies on the outer panel by projecting an image displayed by the liquid crystal display to the outer panel via the display forming panel. SUMMARY

[0003] The display forming panel has, for example, a light projecting base sheet, a light shielding printed layer, and a haze printed layer. However, in the display forming panel, the light shielding printed layer is disposed on the back of the haze printed layer. In a structure in which this layer disposition order is adopted, there is a possibility that the quality of the panel device cannot be ensured due to the layer disposition order as a main cause.

[0004] For example, in the appearance of the panel device, there is a possibility that a step of the haze printed layer and the light shielding printed layer can be seen, and thus there is a problem that the appearance is deteriorated. In addition, in a case where the outer panel is provided as a touch operation type, a sheet of an electrostatic sensor or the like is mounted on the back of the light shielding printed layer. However, in this structure, it is also assumed that the sheet is not firmly fixed to the light shielding printed layer at the boundary between the haze printed layer and the light shielding printed layer, and there is a possibility that the sensor sensitivity cannot be ensured.

[0005] An object of the present application is to provide a panel device in which the quality can be ensured.

[0006] A panel device according to an aspect of the present application includes a panel portion that is colored transparent or colorless transparent; a light shielding layer having a hole that imitates a display body displayed on the panel portion; a light source portion that irradiates light from the back of the panel portion to display the display body on the panel portion using the light passing through the hole; and a light attenuation layer that attenuates ambient light to compensate for coloring based on the light shielding layer, the light attenuation layer being disposed between the light source portion and the light shielding layer.

[0007] [Definition] The hole includes at least one of a window frame, a mark hole portion, and an indicator hole portion. The display body includes at least one of an image, a mark, and an indicator.

[0008] According to the present application, the quality can be ensured in the panel device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a front view of a panel device according to an embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 1.Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the panel assembly.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the display section.

[0012] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the symbol section.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the indicator section.

[0014] Figure 6 This is the electrical configuration diagram of the panel device.

[0015] Figure 7 shows the structure of the existing positioning panel device, (a) is a partial cross-sectional view of the display section, and (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the symbol section.

[0016] Figure 8 shows the structure of the panel device in this example. (a) is a partial cross-sectional view of the display section, and (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the symbol section. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The following describes one embodiment of the panel device. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, some parts of the structure are exaggerated or simplified in the figures illustrating the embodiment. Also, the dimensional ratios of each part may sometimes differ from the actual values.

[0018] like Figure 1 As shown, the driver's seat 2 of vehicle 1 is equipped with a panel device 4, which is operated to switch the operating status of the onboard machine 3. The panel device 4 is a type of panel device that has panel display function, touch operation function, and indicator function. The panel display function, for example, displays the current operating status of the machine 3 or displays the appearance of the machine 3. The touch operation function, for example, switches the operating status of the machine 3 by touching the panel device 4. The indicator function, for example, indicates the operating status of the machine 3 by switching lights on and off. The machine 3 is, for example, an air conditioning unit 5 that regulates the air inside the vehicle.

[0019] like Figure 2 As shown, the panel device 4 includes a panel portion 8, a light source portion 9, and a light-shielding layer 10. In the following description, "back side" refers to the side of the panel portion 8 opposite to the outer side viewed by the user. The light-projecting portion 45 is located behind the panel portion 8. The "back face" refers to the side facing the opposite side to the outer side viewed by the user. The panel portion 8 is either colored transparent or colorless transparent. In this example, the panel portion 8 is colored transparent. The background of the panel portion 8 is, for example, black based on the color of the light-shielding layer 10 (black printing). The light-shielding layer 10 has holes 12 that mimic the display element 13 displayed on the panel portion 8 (see reference). Figure 1(etc.). The light source 9 shines light from behind the panel 8, and the display 13 is displayed on the panel 8 using the light passing through the hole 12.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, the panel device 4 includes a display unit 16, multiple symbol units 17, and multiple indicator units 18. The display unit 16 displays the current operating status of the machine 3 on the panel device 4. The symbol units 17 implement the touch operation function of the panel device 4. The indicator units 18 implement the indicator function of the panel device 4. In addition, the panel device 4 only needs to have at least one of the display unit 16, symbol units 17, and indicator units 18, but in this example, it is designed to have all three.

[0021] The symbol section 17 and the indicator section 18 are arranged in groups. The symbol section 17 and the indicator section 18 may also be grouped one by one, and the combination of the symbol section 17 and the indicator section 18 may have one symbol section 17 and multiple indicator sections 18. In this example, multiple (three in this example) indicator sections 18 are provided relative to the symbol section 17 for the seat heater.

[0022] The panel device 4 includes multiple switches 19, which are operated to switch the states of various functions displayed on the display unit 16. The switches 19 are, for example, toggle switches. The multiple switches 19 are provided according to the multiple display bodies 13 displayed on the display unit 16. In this example, the multiple switches 19 include a driver's seat temperature adjustment switch 19, an airflow mode switching switch 19, an airflow adjustment switch 19, and a passenger seat temperature adjustment switch 19.

[0023] like Figure 3 As shown, the display unit 16 includes a window frame 22 serving as an opening 12 and an image display unit 23 serving as a light source unit 9. The window frame 22 is arranged opposite to the light source unit 9. The image display unit 23 displays the image 24 on the panel unit 8 by projecting the image 24, which serves as the display body 13, onto the panel unit 8 from behind the panel unit 8 via the window frame 22.

[0024] The specific structure of the display section 16 is as follows. The panel section 8 includes, for example, a resin panel 25 and a back film 26. The resin panel 25 is, for example, a panel incorporating smoke (light attenuation components). The back film 26 is attached to the back of the resin panel 25. For example, the back film 26 may include a transparent film. The panel section 8 can be either flat or curved.

[0025] The light-shielding layer 10 is provided on the back side of the back film 26, for example, and is formed by black printing. The light-shielding layer 10 is printed on the back side of the back film 26, for example. The light-shielding layer 10 is formed from a raw material that prevents light from the image display unit 23 from passing through the panel unit 8. The light-shielding layer 10 can be manufactured by methods such as coating laser, screen printing, inkjet printing, pad printing, etc.

[0026] The image display unit 23 includes, for example, a display unit 27, a lens 28, and a light-emitting element 29. The display unit 27 includes an image display module 30 capable of displaying various images. The image display module 30 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED). A diffuser 32 is mounted on the back of the image display module 30 using a partially provided adhesive tape member 31. The adhesive tape member 31 is, for example, double-sided tape. The light-emitting element 29 is, for example, an LED (light-emitting diode). The lens 28 is provided to enhance the brightness of the light-emitting element 29.

[0027] The panel assembly 4 includes a light-attenuating layer 37, which ensures the blackness of the surface of the panel portion 8. The light-attenuating layer 37 fills the gap created by the coloration of the light-shielding layer 10. In other words, the light-attenuating layer 37 works in conjunction with the light-shielding layer 10 to darken the light by attenuating the surrounding light. The light-attenuating layer 37 is a so-called smoke layer, disposed between the light source portion 9 and the light-shielding layer 10. In this example, the light-attenuating layer 37 is disposed on the back side of the light-shielding layer 10. The light-attenuating layer 37 is formed, for example, by performing coating laser, screen printing, inkjet printing, pad printing, etc.

[0028] The light attenuation layer 37 includes a light-passing portion 42, which is disposed through the window frame 22 in a manner communicating with it. The light-passing portion 42 is formed, for example, with an opening size larger than or the same size as the window frame 22. The image display unit 23 illuminates light from behind the panel 8 and displays the image 24 on the panel 8 using the light passing through the window frame 22 and the light-passing portion 42.

[0029] like Figure 4 As shown, the symbol section 17 includes a marking hole section 33 (which serves as a hole 12), a light-emitting section 34 (which serves as a light source section 9), and a detection section 35. The marking hole section 33 is a hole portion that mimics the shape of the mark 36, which serves as the display body 13. The light-emitting section 34 illuminates the marking hole section 33 from behind the panel section 8, displaying the mark 36, which corresponds to the shape of the marking hole section 33, on the panel section 8. The detection section 35 is disposed inside the marking hole section 33 and detects touch operations on the panel section 8 that target the marking hole section 33.

[0030] The specific structure of the symbol section 17 is as follows. The marking hole 33 is formed in the hole portion of the light-shielding layer 10, modeled after the shape of the mark 36. For example, in the case where the machine 3 is an air conditioning unit 5, the mark 36 includes at least one of the following: a front window defrosting mark, a rear window defrosting mark, a seat heater mark, an automatic operation mark, an internal gas mark, an external gas mark, an air conditioning mark, and a shut-off mark. The light attenuation layer 37 is disposed on the back side of the light-shielding layer 10 and is formed to fill the marking hole 33.

[0031] The detection unit 35 is mounted on the back side of the light attenuation layer 37 using an adhesive tape component 38. The detection unit 35 is, for example, a capacitive sensor, but other types such as resistive film, surface capacitive, projected capacitive, ultrasonic surface elastic wave, optical, and electromagnetic induction sensors can also be used. The detection unit 35 detects touch operations on the panel 8 targeting the mark 36. For example, the detection unit 35 is sheet-shaped. The detection unit 35 is transparent (transparent electrode) so that light from the light source 9 is directed toward the panel 8.

[0032] The projection unit 34 includes, for example, a diffuser 39, a lens 40, and a light-emitting element 41. The diffuser 39 is disposed between the detection unit 35 and the lens 40. The diffuser 39 is, for example, made of a white sheet that allows light to pass through. The light-emitting element 41 is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The lens 40 is provided to increase the brightness of the light-emitting element 41.

[0033] The light attenuation layer 37 includes an embedded portion 43 provided in such a way as to fill the marking hole 33. The embedded portion 43 of the light attenuation layer 37 is formed, for example, by mimicking the hole shape of the marking hole 33. In the case where the embedded portion 43 is formed in the light attenuation layer 37 to mimic the hole shape of the marking hole 33, a recess 43a is formed on the back side of the embedded portion 43.

[0034] like Figure 5 As shown, the indicator unit 18 includes an indicator hole 44, which serves as an aperture 12, and a light-projecting part 45, which serves as a light source unit 9. The indicator hole 44 is an aperture portion that mimics the shape of the indicator 46, which serves as the display body 13. The light-projecting part 45 illuminates light from the back of the panel 8 onto the indicator hole 44, displaying the indicator 46, which corresponds to the shape of the indicator hole 44, on the panel 8.

[0035] The specific structure of the indicator section 18 is as follows. The indicator hole section 44 is formed in the hole portion of the light-shielding layer 10, modeled after the shape of the indicator 46. The indicator hole section 44 is, for example, a circular hole. Only one indicator section 18 can be formed for one symbol section 17, or multiple indicator sections 18 (three in this example) can be formed for one symbol section 17. When multiple indicator sections 18 are provided for one symbol section 17, the multiple indicator sections 18 are arranged adjacent to each other, for example. The aforementioned light attenuation layer 37 is provided on the back side of the light-shielding layer 10 in such a way that the indicator hole section 44 is buried. In addition, the light attenuation layer 37 is not limited to being shared by the symbol section 17 and the indicator section 18, and can also be provided separately.

[0036] The projection section 45 includes, for example, a lens 47 and a light-emitting element 48. The light-emitting element 48 is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The lens 47 is provided to increase the brightness of the light-emitting element 48.

[0037] like Figure 6 As shown, the panel device 4 includes a controller 50 that controls the operation of the control panel device 4. The inputs of the controller 50 are connected to the switch unit 19 and the detection unit 35. The outputs of the controller 50 are connected to other ECUs, the image display module 30, and the light-emitting elements 29, 41, and 48. Based on the input signal Sin from the switch unit 19 and the detection unit 35, the controller 50 detects user operations on the panel device 8 and outputs an operation signal Sout corresponding to the detection result to other ECUs. These other ECUs include, for example, the ECU of the machine 3. Based on the input signal Sin, the controller 50 controls the image display module 30 and the light-emitting elements 29, 41, and 48 to switch the display on the display unit 13.

[0038] Next, the function of the panel device 4 in this embodiment will be explained.

[0039] Figure 7(a) illustrates a structural example of the conventional positioning of the display section 16, and Figure 7(b) illustrates a structural example of the conventional positioning of the symbol section 17. As shown in Figure 7(a), in the case of the conventionally positioned display section 16, a light-shielding layer 10 is provided on the back side of the panel section 8, separated by a light-attenuating layer 37. That is, the light-shielding layer 10 and the light-attenuating layer 37 are arranged in the order of light-attenuating layer 37 → light-shielding layer 10 when viewed from the outside of the panel section 8. The light-shielding layer 10 extends around the opening of the light-attenuating layer 37. Therefore, when viewing the panel section 8 from the front, the step of the light-attenuating layer 37 can be seen, which does not guarantee the appearance.

[0040] As shown in Figure 7(b), with the existing positioning symbol 17, a large step is created between the light-shielding layer 10 and the light-attenuation layer 37. Therefore, when the detection unit 35 is mounted on the back of the light-shielding layer 10, such as an electrostatic sensor sheet, there is a possibility that a gap 52 will be generated in the step portion. In this case, the detection unit 35 cannot be firmly attached to both the light-shielding layer 10 and the light-attenuation layer 37, and the detection unit 35 may float or air bubbles may enter inside, resulting in a decrease in the sensitivity of the detection unit 35.

[0041] On the other hand, as shown in FIG8(a), in this example, a light-attenuating layer 37 is installed on the back of the panel portion 8 with the light-shielding layer 10 positioned in the middle. That is, the light-shielding layer 10 is disposed between the light-attenuating layer 37 and the panel portion 8. In other words, the light-shielding layer 10 and the light-attenuating layer 37 are arranged in the order of light-shielding layer 10 → light-attenuating layer 37 when viewed from the outside of the panel portion 8. Therefore, in the display portion 16, the light-attenuating layer 37 can be hidden behind the light-shielding layer 10, so the steps of the light-shielding layer 10 and the light-attenuating layer 37 are not visible from the outside. Therefore, the appearance of the display portion 16 can be ensured.

[0042] As shown in Figure 8(b), in the symbol portion 17 of this example, the light attenuation layer 37 is formed in a shape that mimics the hole shape of the light-shielding layer 10. Therefore, a gently sloping recess 43a is generated on the back side of the embedded portion 43 of the light attenuation layer 37, which is filled into the marking hole portion 33 of the light-shielding layer 10. Therefore, when the detection portion 35 is mounted on the back side of the light attenuation layer 37, the detection portion 35 can be mounted on the back side of the light attenuation layer 37 with good mimicry. Therefore, the detection portion 35 can be mounted on the back side of the light attenuation layer 37 without gaps, so the sensitivity of the detection portion 35 can also be ensured.

[0043] The panel device 4 according to the above embodiment can achieve the following effects.

[0044] (1) The panel assembly 4 includes a panel portion 8, a light source portion 9, a light-shielding layer 10, and a light-attenuating layer 37. The light-attenuating layer 37 is disposed between the light source portion 9 and the light-shielding layer 10. According to this structure, for example, in the case where the light-shielding layer 10 has a hole 12, when the structure is adopted in which the light-attenuating layer 37 is hidden on the back side of the light-shielding layer 10 around the hole 12 (the structure of the display portion 16 in this example), the step between the light-shielding layer 10 and the light-attenuating layer 37 is not visible from the outside. In addition, when the structure is adopted in which the light-attenuating layer 37 is disposed in the hole 12 of the light-shielding layer 10 (the structure of the symbol portion 17 in this example), even if it is necessary to provide a component (the detection portion 35 in this example) in the hole 12, the detection portion 35 can be disposed along the back side of the light-attenuating layer 37. Therefore, the detection portion 35 can be installed in a place with high imitation where it forms a gentle curved surface instead of a steep step, so the sensor sensitivity of the detection portion 35 can be ensured by firmly mounting the detection portion 35 on the light-attenuating layer 37. Through the above, the quality of the panel assembly 4 can be ensured.

[0045] (2) The light attenuation layer 37 is disposed on the back side of the light-shielding layer 10. According to this structure, the layer structure of the light-shielding layer 10 and the light attenuation layer 37 can be set to a simple structure in which the light attenuation layer 37 is installed on the back side of the light-shielding layer 10.

[0046] (3) The background of the panel 8 is black based on the color of the light-shielding layer 10. According to this structure, a panel device 4 with a high appearance can be made so that the appearance of the panel 8 is uniformly black.

[0047] (4) The panel device 4 includes a display unit 16, which includes a window frame 22 and an image display unit 23. According to this structure, the panel device 4 can be configured to display various images based on the display unit 16 on the panel unit 8 with a high aesthetic appeal.

[0048] (5) The light attenuation layer 37 has a light-passing portion 42 that is provided through it in communication with the window frame 22. In this case, the step caused by the color difference between the light-shielding layer 10 and the light attenuation layer 37 is not visible in the window frame 22, so the appearance of the display unit 16 can also be ensured. In addition, the light irradiated from the image display unit 23 (light source unit 9) can be led out to the panel unit 8 without passing through the light attenuation layer 37, so the display body 13 (image 24) can be displayed clearly on the panel unit 8.

[0049] (6) The panel device 4 includes a symbol section 17, which includes a marking hole 33, a light-emitting section 34, and a detection section 35. According to this structure, the panel device 4 can be configured to display an operation mark 36 on the panel section 8, resulting in a highly aesthetically pleasing panel device 4.

[0050] (7) The light attenuation layer 37 includes an embedded portion 43, which is provided in such a way that the marking hole portion 33 is filled. According to this structure, the detection portion 35 can be installed along the outer surface shape of the embedded portion 43, so the detection portion 35 can be installed in the light attenuation layer 37 with good imitation. Therefore, when the detection portion 35 is provided in the marking hole portion 33, the detection portion 35 can be firmly installed in a state that is difficult to detach.

[0051] (8) The panel device 4 includes an indicator section 18, which includes an indicator hole section 44 and a light-projecting section 45. According to this structure, the panel device 4 can be configured to display an indicator 46 on the panel section 8 and has a high aesthetic appeal.

[0052] Furthermore, this embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within a technically compatible range.

[0053] • The lens and the light source may be shared in at least two of the display section 16, the symbol section 17 and the indicator section 18.

[0054] • When multiple indicator units 18 are provided, the lens and light source group can be shared among these indicator units 18.

[0055] • The light attenuation layer 37 is not limited to being installed on the back of the panel 8; for example, it can also be installed on the light source section.

[0056] • The light attenuation layer 37 is not limited to being installed on the panel part 8 and the light source part 9, but can also be installed in the middle of these.

[0057] • The light attenuation layer 37 can also be a structure in which the light passing part 42 and the embedded part 43 are omitted.

[0058] • The light-shielding layer 10 and the light-attenuating layer 37 can each be a sheet formed on one side that extends across the display section 16, the symbol section 17 and the indicator section 18, or they can be sheets formed separately.

[0059] • The light source for the display section 16 can also use components other than LEDs. This is also true for the symbol section 17 and the indicator section 18.

[0060] • The switch section 19 is not limited to a toggle switch; it can also be changed to a push-button switch, DIP switch, etc.

[0061] • The panel device 4 is not limited to vehicle use; it can also be used on other machines or devices. That is, the panel device 4 can be used on any object that needs to display various information related to the operation of the machine 3 to the user, regardless of the object on which it is mounted.

[0062] This disclosure is based on embodiments, but it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to those embodiments or structures. This disclosure also includes various modifications and equivalent variations. In addition, various combinations or methods, and further including only one element, more elements, or fewer elements, also fall within the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A panel device comprising: A colored transparent or colorless transparent panel; A light-shielding layer having holes that mimic the display element shown on the panel portion; A light source unit that illuminates light from behind the panel portion, using light passing through the aperture to display the display element on the panel portion; and A light-attenuating layer fills the gap in the coloration based on the light-shielding layer by attenuating the surrounding light. The light attenuation layer is disposed between the light source and the light-shielding layer. The light attenuation layer has a light-passing portion that is disposed through the window frame, which is the hole, and is formed with an opening size larger than the window frame.

2. The panel device according to claim 1, wherein, The light attenuation layer is disposed on the back side of the light-shielding layer.

3. The panel device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The panel includes a black background based on the color of the light-shielding layer.

4. The panel device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The display unit includes: The window frame serving as the hole; and As the image display unit of the light source, it displays the image on the panel by projecting an image of the display body from behind the panel and through the window frame onto the panel.

5. The panel device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The symbol part includes: The hole portion, which serves as a marker for the hole, mimics the shape of the marker that serves as the display body; As a light-projecting part of the light source, it illuminates light from behind the panel onto the marking hole, displaying a mark corresponding to the shape of the marking hole on the panel; and A detection unit is disposed inside the marking hole and detects touch operations on the panel that target the marking.

6. The panel device according to claim 5, wherein, The light attenuation layer has an embedded portion, which is provided in such a way that the mark is embedded in a hole.

7. The panel device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The indicator unit includes: The hole portion, serving as an indicator, mimics the shape of the indicator that serves as the display body; and As the light-emitting part of the light source, it illuminates light from behind the panel to the indicator hole, displaying the indicator corresponding to the shape of the indicator hole on the panel.

Images