switch

Abstract

The switch comprises: a switch cover having a dividing wall that separates a first region for capturing light from a first light-emitting part and a second region for capturing light from a second light-emitting part that emits light independently of the first light-emitting part; a first light guide plate disposed in the first region in a manner that allows visual recognition from the outside of the switch cover, and diffuses light incident from the first light-emitting part; a second light guide plate disposed in the second region in a manner that allows visual recognition from the outside of the switch cover, and diffuses light incident from the second light-emitting part; and a light guide plate holder connected to the switch cover, holding the first light guide plate and the second light guide plate between the light guide plate holder and the switch cover, wherein the light guide plate holder is formed of an opaque material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a switch having a light guide plate. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, DIP switches have been proposed that can use a pointer portion to determine the rotation position of a rotary knob (e.g., Patent Document 1). In this technology, the rotary knob has: a lens member serving as a pointer portion, which is elongated along the central axis of the rotary knob; a first cylindrical member that exposes the front part of the lens member forward and to the side and has a cutout on its circumferential surface to hold the lens member, and covers the inner circumferential surface of the lens member; and a second cylindrical member that is engaged with the rear end of the first cylindrical member and covers the rear surface of the lens member, and protrudes rearward from the lens member.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-84242 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In a switch configuration where one of multiple light guide plates is illuminated while another is off, such as an indicator showing the on / off state of a switch or other always-lit displays, light from the light source may still be incident on the light guide plate that is intended to be off. Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a technique for suppressing light leakage when a switch comprises multiple light guide plates.

[0008] Solution for solving the problem

[0009] The switch of the present invention comprises: a switch cover having a dividing wall that divides a first region for capturing light from a first light-emitting part and a second region for capturing light from a second light-emitting part that emits light independently of the first light-emitting part; a first light guide plate disposed in the first region in a manner that allows visual recognition from the outside of the switch cover, and diffuses light incident from the first light-emitting part; a second light guide plate disposed in the second region in a manner that allows visual recognition from the outside of the switch cover, and diffuses light incident from the second light-emitting part; and a light guide plate holder connected to the switch cover, holding the first light guide plate and the second light guide plate between the light guide plate holder and the switch cover, wherein the light guide plate holder is formed of an opaque material.

[0010] The aforementioned light guide plate holder can hold the light guide plate between the holder and the switch cover, thus eliminating the need for a locking portion on the light guide plate itself to connect it to the switch cover. Consequently, light leakage, for example, from the locking portion, can be suppressed.

[0011] Alternatively, the structure can be configured such that the wall is divided into a cylindrical wall surface with a through hole for connecting the light guide plate holder, the light guide plate holder having claws that insert into the through hole, and covering the entire through hole when connected to the switch cover. In this way, even when the through hole is located within the switch cover, light leakage from the through hole can be suppressed.

[0012] Alternatively, the claw can be angled and abut against the edge of the through hole in a manner that applies force to the light guide plate holder against the switch cover. This ensures a reliable connection between the light guide plate holder and the switch cover, suppresses friction between components when the switch is operated, and thus reduces the generation of abnormal noise.

[0013] Alternatively, the switch can have the following structure: the switch further includes a frame disposed on a substrate, and has a cylindrical wall portion that divides a first region for arranging a first light-emitting part and a second region for arranging a second light-emitting part. A light guide plate holder includes a cylindrical portion extending from the dividing wall toward the substrate side, and the substrate-side end of the cylindrical portion of the light guide plate holder is located closer to the substrate side than the substrate-side end of the cylindrical wall portion of the frame. In this way, even if light from the light-emitting part diffracts within the switch, light leakage between the first and second regions can be suppressed.

[0014] It should be noted that the contents described in the solution to the problem can be combined as much as possible without departing from the subject matter and technical concept of the present invention.

[0015] Invention Effects

[0016] According to the present invention, a technique for suppressing light leakage is provided when a switch includes multiple light guide plates. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a front view showing an example of a switch.

[0018] Figure 2 This is an exploded 3D view of the switch structure obtained by observing it from a slightly above and below the front.

[0019] Figure 3 This is an exploded 3D view of the switch structure obtained by observing it from a slightly upward angle from the back.

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the AA end face.

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the BB end face.

[0022] Figure 6 This is an end view of an example of a comparative switch.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0024] 1: Switch

[0025] 101, 102, 104: Display Section

[0026] 103: Indicator

[0027] 2: Substrate

[0028] 21: Touch switch

[0029] 22: Light-emitting part

[0030] 221~223: LED

[0031] 3: Frame

[0032] 31: Dividing the wall

[0033] 4: Switch cover

[0034] 41–43: Slits or light-transmitting components

[0035] 44: Dividing the wall

[0036] 441: Through hole

[0037] 5: First light guide plate

[0038] 6: Second light guide plate

[0039] 7: Light guide plate holder

[0040] 71: Maintaining Department

[0041] 72: Claw

[0042] 73: Guiding Department. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a front view showing an example of a switch. In this embodiment, switch 1 is placed in... Figure 1 The orientation of the shown surfaces is set to the front (front) of each component, facing towards... Figure 1The up, down, left, and right directions of switch 1 are defined as the up, down, left, and right directions of each component. Switch 1 is, for example, a component installed on the dashboard of a passenger car for operating the air conditioning. Switch 1 includes at least a button for turning the device on and off, and may also include, for example, a DIP switch for changing the set temperature. In addition, switch 1 has displays 101 and 102 that indicate the direction of operation for changing the set temperature, an indicator 103 that indicates the on / off state (on / off), and a display 104 that displays the word "AUTO," all of which can be illuminated from the front side. Displays 101 and 102 are formed by light guide plates and are always illuminated. Indicator 103 is illuminated when the switch is on and the device is in operation, and is off when the switch is off and the device is not in operation. In addition, display 104 is always illuminated, for example. As described above, indicator 103 is illuminated independently of displays 101, 102, and 104.

[0045] Figure 2 This is an exploded 3D view of the switch structure obtained by observing it from a slightly above and below the front. Figure 3 This is an exploded 3D view of the switch structure obtained by observing it from a slightly upward angle from the back. Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the AA end face. Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic BB end view. Switch 1 includes a substrate 2, a frame 3, a switch cover 4, a first light guide plate 5, a second light guide plate 6, and a light guide plate holder 7.

[0046] The substrate 2 is a circuit board for mounting electronic components, and it includes a touch switch 21 that is pressed via the switch cover 4 when the user presses the switch 1, and a light-emitting part 22 formed of, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The light-emitting part 22 includes: an LED 221, which is used to... Figure 1 The display units 101 and 102 shown are illuminated (also referred to as "first light-emitting units"); LED 222, which is used to make... Figure 1 The indicator 103 shown is illuminated (also referred to as the "second light-emitting part"); and LED 223 is used to make... Figure 1 The display unit 104 shown is lit up.

[0047] The frame 3 is disposed on the substrate 2 and is a cylindrical frame extending along the front-rear direction of the switch 1. The frame 3 holds the switch cover in a position to slide along its extension direction. Additionally, inside the frame 3, there is a dividing wall 31 extending cylindrically along the front-rear direction of the switch 1, which divides a first region for capturing light from LED 221 and a second region for capturing light from LED 222. A DIP switch (not shown) that rotates circumferentially along the cylindrical side surface may also be provided on the outside of the frame 3.

[0048] The switch cover 4 is a component that covers the front of the switch 1. On the front side of the switch cover 4, slits or light-transmitting components 41 to 43 are provided so that the first light guide plate 5, the second light guide plate 6, etc., can be visually identified from the outside. Furthermore, the switch cover 4 has a dividing wall 44 extending in a cylindrical shape along the front-rear direction of the switch 1, which divides a first region for capturing light from LED 221 and a second region for capturing light from LED 222. Additionally, a through hole 441 is provided in the dividing wall 44 for connecting the light guide plate holder 7.

[0049] The first light guide plate 5 is used to form the end of its front side. Figure 1 The components of display units 101 and 102 are shown. The first light guide plate 5 diffuses the light incident from LED 221. Additionally, the second light guide plate 6 is formed at its front end. Figure 1 The components of indicator 103 are shown. The second light guide plate 6 diffuses light incident from LED 222 toward the rear end of the second light guide plate 6.

[0050] The light guide plate holder 7 is a cylindrical member connected to the switch cover 4 and extending further toward the substrate 2 from the dividing wall 44. Furthermore, the light guide plate holder 7 is formed of an opaque material. The rear end of the light guide plate holder 7 is located further rearward than the front end of the dividing wall 31 of the frame 3. Therefore, even if light from the LED diffracts within the switch 1, the dividing wall 31, the light guide plate holder 7, and the dividing wall 44 can suppress light leakage between the first region capturing light from the LED 221 and the second region capturing light from the LED 222. It should be noted that the rear end of the light guide plate holder 7 can be located either outside or inside the front end of the dividing wall 31 of the frame 3.

[0051] Furthermore, the light guide plate holder 7 holds the first light guide plate 5 and the second light guide plate 6 between the light guide plate holder 7 and the switch cover 4. Specifically, the light guide plate holder 7 has a holding portion 71 for clamping the first light guide plate 5. The holding portion 71 is a portion with a "ko"-shaped cross-section and an opening on the front side, and the end of the first light guide plate 5 is clamped between it, overlapping the end of the dividing wall 44 of the switch cover 4.

[0052] Furthermore, the light guide plate holder 7 has: claw portions 72 protruding outwards to the left and right; and guide portions 73 protruding towards the front. The guide portion 73 of the light guide plate holder 7 is inserted into the dividing wall 44 of the switch cover 4 until the root portion of the guide portion 73 abuts against the end of the dividing wall 44. Furthermore, while the root portion of the guide portion 73 of the light guide plate holder 7 abuts against the end of the dividing wall 44, the claw portion 72 is inserted into the through hole 441 provided in the dividing wall 44 of the switch cover 4 via, for example, a snap-fit ​​structure, thereby combining the light guide plate holder 7 with the switch cover 4. At this time, the entire through hole 441 is covered by the light guide plate holder 7.

[0053] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, the claw portion 72 includes: a front portion 721, the thickness of which is greatest in the middle and decreases towards the front; and a rear portion 722, the thickness of which decreases towards the rear. Furthermore, when the claw portion 72 is inserted into the through hole 441, the light guide plate holder 7 is subjected to force towards the front of the switch 1 by the interaction between the rear portion 722 of the claw portion 72 and the through hole 441. By applying this bias, even when vibrations, such as those from a vehicle, are applied to the switch 1, the generation of abnormal noise can be suppressed.

[0054] <Comparative Example>

[0055] Figure 6 This is an end view showing an example of the switch used in the comparative example. In this comparative example, structural elements corresponding to the embodiments described above are labeled with their corresponding reference numerals, and descriptions are omitted. Figure 6 In switch 1, the second light guide plate 6 has a claw portion 61 that is inserted into a through hole 441 provided in the dividing wall 44 of the switch cover 4. That is, in this comparative example, switch 1 does not include a light guide plate holder 7, and the second light guide plate 6 is connected to the switch cover 4. In this case, since the through hole 441 is provided in the dividing wall 44, it is difficult to divide the first region that captures light from LED 221 and the second region that captures light from LED 222. That is, even when light emitted by LED 222 is incident on the claw portion 61 inserted into the through hole 441 and LED 221 is off, some light may still diffuse into the light guide plate 6.

[0056] Here, the through hole 441 of the switch cover 4 is suitable as a recessed shape for resin molding. Therefore, in general, the through hole 441 can be formed by filling the mold with resin based on applying a sliding core for forming the through hole 441 from the outside of the dividing wall 44. Especially when the width of the light guide plate 6 is, for example, less than about 10 mm, it is difficult to process a non-through recess on the inside of the dividing wall 44.

[0057] On the other hand, according to the light guide plate holder 7 of the above embodiment, the first light guide plate 5 and the second light guide plate 6 can be held between the light guide plate holder 7 and the switch cover 4. In addition, since the light guide plate holder 7 is connected to the switch cover 4 and covers the entire through hole 441 provided in the dividing wall 44, light leakage can be suppressed.

[0058] It should be noted that the structure of switch 1 shown in the embodiment is an example, and various modifications can be made without departing from the subject matter and technical concept of the present invention.

Claims

1. A switch, characterized in that, The switch includes: A switch cover having a dividing wall that separates a first region that captures light from a first light-emitting part and a second region that captures light from a second light-emitting part that emits light independently of the first light-emitting part; A first light guide plate is disposed in the first region in a manner that allows for visual recognition from the outside of the switch cover, and diffuses the light incident from the first light-emitting part. The second light guide plate is disposed in the second region in a manner that allows for visual recognition from the outside of the switch cover, and diffuses the light incident from the second light-emitting part. as well as A light guide plate holder, connected to the switch cover, holds the first light guide plate and the second light guide plate between the light guide plate holder and the switch cover, and the light guide plate holder is made of an opaque material. The light guide plate holder has a holding portion that clamps the end of the first light guide plate overlapping the end of the dividing wall.

2. The switch according to claim 1, wherein, The dividing wall is a cylindrical wall surface with a through hole for connecting the light guide plate holder. The light guide plate holder has claws that insert into the through hole and covers the entire through hole when connected to the switch cover.

3. The switch according to claim 2, wherein, The claw portion abuts against the edge of the through hole at an angle, such that it applies force to the light guide plate holder towards the switch cover.

4. The switch according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The switch also includes a frame disposed on a substrate, and has a cylindrical wall portion that divides a first region for arranging a first light-emitting part and a second region for arranging a second light-emitting part. The light guide plate holder includes a cylindrical portion extending from the dividing wall toward the substrate side. The end of the cylindrical portion of the light guide plate holder on the substrate side is located closer to the substrate side than the end of the cylindrical wall portion of the frame on the opposite side of the substrate.

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