Lever switch, display device, and in-vehicle device

JP2025034138APending Publication Date: 2025-03-13DENSO TEN LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2023140329
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-08-30
Publication Date
2025-03-13

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

【0007】 本発明によれば、レバースイッチの省スペース化を実現することができる。

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Abstract

To provide a technique capable of achieving space saving for a lever switch disposed in a bezel of a display device.SOLUTION: A lever switch includes: an operation lever including an operation portion to which an operation load is to be applied, the operation lever swinging around a rotation axis; a first drive lever driven by the operation lever and swinging around a first fulcrum to drive a first switch in response to the operation lever being operated around the rotation axis in a first direction; and a second drive lever driven by the operation lever and swinging around a second fulcrum to drive a second switch in response to the operation lever being operated in a second direction opposite to the first direction. When projected onto a plane orthogonal to the rotation axis, the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum are disposed on a same side with respect to a virtual straight line passing through the operation portion and the rotation axis, and separated from the virtual straight line.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lever switch, a display device including a lever switch, and an in-vehicle device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a multi-directional lever switch is known that is provided with a plurality of switches and can selectively drive the switches depending on the operating direction of the lever. In this connection, Patent Document 1 discloses a lever switch in which the switches arranged on the left and right of the lever are driven by a pusher by pushing an operating part provided at the tip of an inverted T-shaped lever to the left or right. In this type of lever switch, the left and right switches are arranged symmetrically with respect to the fulcrum of the lever, so that the lever ratio from the operating part at the tip of the lever to the left and right switches is equal, and the same operating feel (operating force) can be obtained whether the operating part is pushed to the left or right. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-14475 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, a so-called narrow-frame design, in which the width of the outer frame (bezel) of a display device is narrowed, has become mainstream. When arranging a multi-directional lever switch in such a narrow-frame bezel, in the above-mentioned conventional structure, the switch must be installed on the opposite side of the lever fulcrum, which poses the problem of being unable to secure mounting space.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and an object of the present invention is to realize space saving of a lever switch arranged on the bezel of a display device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following means. That is, the present invention is a lever switch including an operating lever, a first drive lever, and a second drive lever. The operating lever includes an operating portion to which an operating load is applied, and swings about a rotation shaft. The first drive lever is driven by the operating lever, and swings about a first fulcrum to drive a first switch when the operating lever is operated in a first direction about the rotation shaft. The second drive lever is driven by the operating lever, and swings about a second fulcrum to drive a second switch when the operating lever is operated in a second direction opposite to the first direction. In addition, when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the rotation shaft, the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum are disposed on the same side of an imaginary line passing through the operating portion and the rotation shaft, and spaced apart from the imaginary line. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize space saving for the lever switch. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a part of a display device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a part of the display device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a rear view (1) of a portion of the display device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a rear view (2) of a portion of the display device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a rear view (3) of a portion of the display device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, as an example of an embodiment of the present invention, an aspect in which the present invention is applied to a display device provided in an in-vehicle device will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment described below is an example for carrying out the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the aspect described below. The present invention can also be applied to a display device provided in a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet.

[0010] [Overall configuration] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a part of a display device 100 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a part of the display device 100. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower right part of the display device 100 is shown. In addition, in FIGS. 1 and 2, a lever switch, which will be described later, is shown in an initial position. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the "front-rear direction", "up-down direction", and "left-right direction" shown in FIG. 1 and the like refer to the "front-rear direction", "up-down direction", and "left-right direction" of the display device 100. However, these directions merely indicate the relative positional relationship of each component of this embodiment.

[0011] The display device 100 according to the present embodiment is mounted on an in-vehicle device. The in-vehicle device equipped with the display device 100 is, for example, a car navigation device mounted on a vehicle, and provides a general car navigation function. Specifically, the in-vehicle device is embedded in the instrument panel or dashboard (both not shown) of the vehicle. The in-vehicle device searches for a route (path) from the current location of the vehicle to a destination by accepting an operation by a user (mainly the driver), and provides guidance along the route selected by the user. The in-vehicle device also includes, for example, a control device. The control device is a device that executes processing of the car navigation function in the in-vehicle device, and is configured to include various hardware (not shown) such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, a communication interface, and an input / output interface.

[0012] The display device 100 is a device for inputting and outputting various information in an in-vehicle device. As shown in FIG.

[0013] [Display panel] The display panel 10 is a substantially rectangular panel that displays various visual information supplied from the control device. The display panel 10 is disposed so that it is perpendicular to the front-rear direction and a pair of opposite sides coincide with the up-down direction. The display panel 10 is, for example, a liquid crystal panel. The display panel 10 may also be one in which a touch panel capable of receiving operations by a user is superimposed on the front or back of the liquid crystal panel.

[0014] [Bezel] The bezel 20 is a picture frame-like frame body that is assembled so as to surround the display panel 10. The bezel 20 has a frame-like front panel 201 that is perpendicular to the front-rear direction and surrounds the periphery of the display panel 10, and a cylindrical peripheral wall panel 202 that extends rearward from the periphery of the front panel. A substantially rectangular opening 20a in which the lever switch 30 is disposed is formed in the lower frame portion of the front panel 201.

[0015] [Lever switch] The lever switch 30 accepts an input operation by a user and outputs a signal corresponding to the input operation to the control device. The lever switch 30 is installed in the lower frame portion of the bezel 20. This lever switch 30 is configured as a multi-directional lever switch that includes multiple switches and can selectively drive the switches depending on the operating direction of the operating lever.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 2. In FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, a cross-section perpendicular to the left-right direction of the display device 100 and perpendicular to the rotation axis A10 extending in the left-right direction is illustrated. Therefore, the positional relationship of each component shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5 corresponds to the positional relationship of each component when the display device 100 is projected on a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis A10. Note that each configuration is illustrated in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5 in a simplified manner. Hereinafter, with regard to the rotation direction about the rotation axis A10, the rotation direction when the operating lever indicated by the reference symbol 2 is tilted downward is defined as a first direction F1, and the rotation direction when the operating lever 2 is tilted upward, that is, the opposite direction to the first direction F1, is defined as a second direction F2.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the lever switch 30 has a circuit board 1, an operating lever 2, drive levers 3 and 4 (first drive lever 3 and second drive lever 4), push button switches 5 and 6 (first switch 5 and second switch 6), a light source 7, and a holder 8.

[0018] Fig. 6 to Fig. 8 are rear views of a portion of the display device 100 according to this embodiment. Fig. 6 to Fig. 8 show a lower right portion of the display device 100. Fig. 6 shows only the bezel 20 and the operating lever 2, Fig. 7 shows only the bezel 20, the operating lever 2, and the drive levers 3 and 4, and Fig. 8 shows only the bezel 20, the operating lever 2, the drive levers 3 and 4, and the holder 8.

[0019] The structure of the lever switch 30 will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS.

[0020] [Circuit board] The circuit board 1 is an insulating board, and as shown in Fig. 3 etc., is disposed rearwardly facing the display panel 10 and the front panel 201 of the bezel 20 with a gap therebetween in the front-rear direction. A circuit pattern is formed on the surface (front surface) of the circuit board 1. The display panel 10, the bezel 20 and the circuit board 1 form a space S1 in which the operating lever 2, the drive levers 3 and 4, the push button switches 5 and 6, the light source 7 and the holder 8 are housed.

[0021] [Push button switch] As shown in FIG. 3, the pushbutton switches 5 and 6 are disposed on the circuit board 1 (front surface of the circuit board 1). The pushbutton switches 5 and 6 are disposed apart in the vertical and horizontal directions, with the first switch 5 disposed above and to the right of the second switch 6. Stems 5a and 6a are provided at the tops of the pushbutton switches 5 and 6, respectively. In the initial state, the pushbutton switches 5 and 6 are maintained in the OFF state by the stems 5a and 6a being biased toward the tops (forward) by the biasing force of a biasing member (not shown) provided inside. The biasing member may be, for example, an elastic member such as a rubber spring. When the stems 5a and 6a are pushed toward the circuit board 1 side (rear) against the biasing force of the biasing member by operating the operating lever 2 described later, a movable contact (not shown) provided inside touches the circuit pattern of the circuit board 1 to close the circuit. This causes the pushbutton switches 5 and 6 to be in the ON state. When the stems 5a, 6a are released from being pressed, the stems 5a, 6a return to their original positions due to the biasing force of the biasing member, and the contact between the movable contacts and the circuit pattern is released. This causes the push button switches 5, 6 to be in the OFF state. The push button switches 5, 6 may have a known configuration. Furthermore, the switch according to the present invention is not limited to a push button switch, and various types of switches may be used.

[0022] [Operation lever] The operating lever 2 is a member that swings (tilts) around a rotation axis A10 by operation by a user. As shown in Fig. 3 and other figures, the operating lever 2 has a shaft portion 21, an operating arm 22, a first driving arm 23, a second driving arm 24, and a light guiding portion 25, which are integrally formed. Therefore, the shaft portion 21, the operating arm 22, the first driving arm 23, the second driving arm 24, and the light guiding portion 25 rotate integrally around the rotation axis A10.

[0023] The shaft portion 21 is a cylindrical portion extending in the left-right direction with the rotation axis A10 as the central axis. As shown in Fig. 6, the shaft portion 21 protrudes from both the left and right sides of the operating lever 2, and is journaled by the bezel 20 so that the operating lever 2 can swing around the rotation axis A10. As shown in Fig. 3 and other figures, the shaft portion 21 is disposed with a gap between it and the circuit board 1 in the front-rear direction.

[0024] The operating arm 22 is a part operated by the user. As shown in FIG. 3 etc., the operating arm 22 extends in a radial direction centered on the rotation axis A10 and protrudes to the outside of the space S1 through the opening 20a. In the initial state, the operating arm 22 stands upright along the normal direction of the display panel 10 (in this example, the front-rear direction). At the tip of the operating arm 22, a knob portion 221 (an example of an "operating portion") is provided for the user to operate the operating arm 22 by pinching it with his / her fingers. In other words, the knob portion 221 is a part to which an operating load is applied by the user. In this specification, the operation of the operating arm 22 by the user may be expressed as "operating the operating lever 2."

[0025] The first drive arm 23 is a part that drives the first drive lever 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the first drive arm 23 extends in a radial direction about the rotation axis A10, which is different from the operation arm 22. A first pressing portion 231 is provided at a side end portion on the first direction F1 side of the first drive arm 23. When the operation lever 2 is operated in the first direction F1, the first pressing portion 231 moves (swings) in the first direction F1 about the rotation axis A10 in association with the rotation of the operation lever 2, thereby pressing the first drive lever 3. The first pressing portion 231 according to this embodiment is formed as a convex portion protruding from the side end portion of the first drive arm 23, but is not limited thereto, and may have any shape that can contact and press the first drive lever 3.

[0026] The second drive arm 24 is a part that drives the second drive lever 4. As shown in FIG. 3 and the like, the second drive arm 24 extends in a radial direction about the rotation axis A10, which is different from the operation arm 22 and the first drive arm 23. As shown in FIG. 5, a second pressing portion 241 is provided at the side end portion on the second direction F2 side of the second drive arm 24. When the operation lever 2 is operated in the second direction F2, the second pressing portion 241 moves (swings) in the second direction F2 about the rotation axis A10 in association with the rotation of the operation lever 2, thereby pressing the second drive lever 4. The second pressing portion 241 according to the present embodiment is formed as a convex portion protruding from the side end portion of the second drive arm 24, but is not limited thereto, and may have any shape that can contact and press the second drive lever 4.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 6, the operating arm 22, the first driving arm 23, and the second driving arm 24 are provided at different positions in the axial direction (left-right direction in this example), with the first driving arm 23 being positioned on the right side, the second driving arm 24 being positioned on the left side, and the operating arm 22 being positioned between the first driving arm 23 and the second driving arm 24.

[0028] The light guide section 25 is a section that guides the light emitted from the light source 7 to the tip surface of the knob 221. As shown in FIG. 4, the light guide section 25 according to this embodiment is formed as a hollow section that extends from the base end (the end opposite the knob 221) of the operating arm 22 to the tip (the knob 221). As a result, the light that has entered the operating lever 2 from the base end surface of the operating arm 22 is guided to the knob 2. The light is guided to the tip surface of 21 and exits from the tip surface. Note that light guide unit 25 is not limited to a hollow space, and may be formed to include an optical member capable of guiding light. Also, the light guide unit according to the present invention may be one that guides light to the surface of the operation unit, and the exit surface of the light is not limited to the tip surface of the operation unit.

[0029] [First drive lever] The first driving lever 3 is a member driven by the operating lever 2. When the operating lever 2 is operated in the first direction F1 around the rotation axis A10, the first driving lever 3 swings in the second direction F2 around the first fulcrum A1, which is a rotation axis extending parallel to the rotation axis A10, to drive the first switch 5. As shown in FIG. 3, the first driving lever 3 has a first shaft portion 31, a first pressure receiving arm 32, and a first pressing arm 33, which are integrally formed. Therefore, the first shaft portion 31, the first pressure receiving arm 32, and the first pressing arm 33 rotate integrally around the first fulcrum A1. The first driving lever 3 is disposed at a position corresponding to the first driving arm 23 and the first switch 5 of the operating lever 2 in the left-right direction.

[0030] The first shaft portion 31 is a cylindrical portion extending in the left-right direction with the first fulcrum A1 as the central axis. As shown in Fig. 7, the first shaft portion 31 protrudes to both the left and right sides of the first driving lever 3, and is journaled by the bezel 20 and the holder 8 so that the first driving lever 3 can swing around the rotation axis A10. As shown in Fig. 3, the first shaft portion 31 is disposed between the shaft portion 21 of the operating lever 2 and the first switch 5 in the up-down direction.

[0031] The first pressure receiving arm 32 is a portion that is pressed by the first pressing portion 231 of the operating lever 2. The first pressure receiving arm 32 extends in a radial direction centered on the first fulcrum A1. In an initial state, the first pressure receiving arm 32 contacts the first pressing portion 231 of the operating lever 2 from the second direction F2 side.

[0032] The first pressing arm 33 is a part that drives the first switch 5. The first pressing arm 33 extends in a radial direction around the first fulcrum A1, which is different from the first pressure receiving arm 32. A first driving unit 331 is provided at the side end of the first pressing arm 33 on the second direction F2 side. The first driving unit 331 is in contact with the stem 5a of the first switch 5 in the initial state. When the first driving lever 3 is pressed by the first pressing unit 231, the first driving unit 331 moves (swings) around the first fulcrum A1 in the second direction F2 in accordance with the rotation of the first driving lever 3, thereby pressing the stem 5a and pushing it toward the circuit board 1. The first driving unit 331 according to this embodiment is formed as a convex portion protruding from the side end of the first driving arm 23, but is not limited thereto, and may have any shape that can contact and press the first switch 5.

[0033] [Second drive lever] The second driving lever 4 is a member driven by the operating lever 2. When the operating lever 2 is operated in the second direction F2 around the rotation axis A10, the second driving lever 4 swings in the first direction F1 around the second fulcrum A2, which is a rotation axis extending parallel to the rotation axis A10, to drive the second switch 6. As shown in FIG. 5, the second driving lever 4 has a second shaft portion 41, a second pressure receiving arm 42, and a second pressing arm 43, which are integrally formed. Therefore, the second shaft portion 41, the second pressure receiving arm 42, and the second pressing arm 43 rotate integrally around the second fulcrum A2. The second driving lever 4 is disposed at a position corresponding to the second driving arm 24 and the second switch 6 of the operating lever 2 in the left-right direction.

[0034] The second shaft portion 41 is a cylindrical portion extending in the left-right direction with the second fulcrum A2 as the central axis. As shown in Fig. 7, the second shaft portion 41 protrudes to both the left and right sides of the first driving lever 3, and is journaled by the bezel 20 and the holder 8 so that the first driving lever 3 can swing around the rotation axis A10. As shown in Fig. 5, the second shaft portion 41 is disposed between the shaft portion 21 of the operating lever 2 and the second switch 6 in the up-down direction.

[0035] The second pressure receiving arm 42 is a portion that is pressed by the second pressing portion 241 of the operating lever 2. The second pressure receiving arm 42 extends in a radial direction centered on the second fulcrum A2. In an initial state, the second pressure receiving arm 42 is in contact with the second pressing portion 241 of the operating lever 2 from the first direction F1 side.

[0036] The second pressing arm 43 is a part that drives the second switch 6. The second pressing arm 43 extends in a radial direction around the second fulcrum A2, which is different from the second pressure receiving arm 42. A second driving part 431 is provided at the side end of the second pressing arm 43 on the first direction F1 side. The second driving part 431 is in contact with the stem 6a of the second switch 6 in the initial state. When the second driving lever 4 is pressed by the second pressing part 241, the second driving part 431 moves (swings) around the second fulcrum A2 in the first direction F1 in accordance with the rotation of the second driving lever 4, thereby pressing the stem 6a and pushing it toward the circuit board 1. The second driving part 431 according to this embodiment is formed as a convex part protruding from the side end of the second pressing arm 43, but is not limited thereto, and may have any shape that can contact and press the second switch 6.

[0037] [light source] The light source 7 is an LED (Light Emitting Diode) light source having a light emitting surface. As shown in FIG. 4, the light source 7 is disposed on the circuit board 1 so that its light emitting surface faces forward. The light source 7 is disposed at a position facing the light guiding section 25 of the operating lever 2 in the front-rear direction so that the light guiding section 25 is located on its optical axis. The light source according to the present invention is not limited to an LED, and may be configured with other types of light emitting elements. The light source may be configured with, for example, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence).

[0038] [holder] The holder 8 is a member that holds the first driving lever 3 and the second driving lever 4. As shown in FIG. 3 and other figures, the holder 8 is disposed between the driving levers 3, 4 and the circuit board 1 in the front-rear direction, and is fixed to the bezel 20 to support the driving levers 3, 4 from the rear side. The holder 8 has a main body 81, a pivot support 82, and a cylindrical portion 83. The main body 81 is formed in a plate shape and disposed in a position perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The pivot support 82 is provided on the front side of the main body 81 and rotatably supports the first shaft 31 of the first driving lever 3 and the second shaft 41 of the second driving lever. The cylindrical portion 83 is formed in a cylindrical shape that penetrates the main body 81 and extends in the front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the cylindrical portion 83 is disposed so as to surround the light source 7. The light emitted from the light source 7 passes through the cylindrical portion 83, enters the light guide portion 25 of the operating lever 2, and is emitted from the tip surface of the knob portion 221.

[0039] [Operation] Next, the operation of the lever switch 30 according to this embodiment will be described. In the initial state shown in Figs. 3 to 5, the push button switches 5 and 6 are maintained in the OFF state by the biasing force of the biasing member. As shown in Figs. 3 and 5, in the initial state, the first pressing portion 231 of the operating lever 2 and the first pressure receiving arm 32 of the first driving lever 3 are in contact with each other, and the first driving portion 331 of the first driving lever 3 and the first switch 5 are in contact with each other. Also, in the initial state, the second pressing portion 241 of the operating lever 2 and the second pressure receiving arm 42 of the second driving lever 4 are in contact with each other, and the second driving portion 431 of the second driving lever 4 and the second switch 6 are in contact with each other. Therefore, in the initial state, the operating lever 2 is supported by the reaction force (biasing force of the biasing member) of the push button switches 5 and 6 via the driving levers 3 and 4, and the operating arm 22 is maintained in an upright position.

[0040] First, the ON operation of the first switch 5 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. From the initial state, the user applies an operating load to the knob 221 of the operating arm 22 so that the operating arm 22 tilts downward. Then, the operating lever 2 rotates against the reaction force of the first switch 5. The first drive lever 23 is operated in a first direction F1 around the axis A10. Then, the first pressing portion 231 of the first drive arm 23 moves in the first direction F1, and the first pressure receiving arm 32 of the first drive lever 3 is pressed. This causes the first drive lever 3 to swing in a second direction F2 around the first fulcrum A1. As the first drive lever 3 rotates, the first drive portion 331 of the first pressing arm 33 moves in the second direction F2 around the first fulcrum A1, and the stem 5a of the first switch 5 is pressed toward the circuit board 1, and the first switch 5 is driven. This causes the first switch 5 to be turned on.

[0041] Next, referring to FIG. 5, the ON operation of the second switch 6 will be described. From the initial state, an operating load is applied to the knob portion 221 of the operating arm 22 by the user so that the operating arm 22 tilts upward. Then, the operating lever 2 is operated in the second direction F2 around the rotation axis A10 against the reaction force of the second switch 6. Then, the second pressing portion 241 of the second driving arm 24 moves in the second direction F2, and the second pressure receiving arm 42 of the second driving lever 4 is pressed. As a result, the second driving lever 4 swings in the first direction F1 around the second fulcrum A2. As the second driving portion 431 of the second pressing arm 43 moves in the first direction F1 around the second fulcrum A2 with the rotation of the second driving lever 4, the stem 6a of the second switch 6 is pressed toward the circuit board 1, and the second switch 6 is driven. As a result, the second switch 6 is turned on.

[0042] Next, the OFF operation of the push button switches 5, 6 will be described. When the operation load on the knob portion 221 is removed from the ON state of the first switch 5 or the second switch 6, the drive levers 3, 4 and the operating lever 2 rotate due to the reaction force of the push button switches 5, 6, and the operating lever 2 returns to the upright position. As a result, the push button switches 5, 6 are turned OFF, and the lever switch 30 is returned to the initial state.

[0043] In this manner, the lever switch 30 can be operated. The in-vehicle device equipped with the display unit 100 can control the display on the display panel 10 based on the control signal output from the push button switches 5, 6 that are in the on state. The in-vehicle device may, for example, move an image or a cursor displayed on the display panel 10 in accordance with the tilt direction of the operating lever 2.

[0044] [Location] Next, the positional relationship of each component of the display device 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Here, a virtual line passing through the knob portion 221 and the rotation axis A10 when the lever switch 30 is projected onto a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis A10 of the operating lever 2 is indicated by the symbol L1 in Figs. 3 to 5. The virtual line L1 according to this embodiment extends parallel to the front-rear direction. Here, the plane perpendicular to the rotation axis A10 can be divided into two regions with the virtual line L1 as the boundary. In the plane perpendicular to the rotation axis A10, the region above the virtual line L1 is defined as a first region 101, and the region below the virtual line L1 is defined as a second region 102.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3, the first fulcrum A1 of the first driving lever 3 is located in the first region 101. That is, the first fulcrum A1 is disposed above the imaginary line L1 and spaced apart from the imaginary line L1. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the second fulcrum A2 of the second driving lever 4 is located in the first region 101. That is, the second fulcrum A2 is disposed above the imaginary line L1 and spaced apart from the imaginary line L1. Therefore, when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis A10, the first fulcrum A1 and the second fulcrum A2 are disposed on the same side (upper side in this example) of the imaginary line L1 and spaced apart from the imaginary line L1. This makes it possible to dispose one of the push button switches 5 and 6 (the second switch 6 in this example) in the vicinity of the imaginary line L1. In addition, in a direction perpendicular to the imaginary line L1 in the above-mentioned plane (in the vertical direction in this example), compared to a case where the first fulcrum A1 and the second fulcrum A2 are disposed on opposite sides of the imaginary line L1, This reduces the space required for arranging the drive levers 3, 4. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the lever switch 30 can be made space-saving. Furthermore, by arranging the first fulcrum A1 and the second fulcrum A2 on the inside of the bezel 20 (the display panel 10 side) with respect to the imaginary straight line L1 as in this embodiment, the lever switch 30 can be arranged with ample space even in the narrow-framed bezel 20 which has a narrow width and limited arrangement space. Note that, although the first fulcrum A1 and the second fulcrum A2 are arranged coaxially in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0046] Here, as shown in FIG. 3, a contact point between the first pressing portion 231 of the operating lever 2 and the first pressure receiving arm 32 of the first driving lever 3 in the initial state is defined as a contact point P11, and a contact point between the first driving portion 331 of the first driving lever 3 and the first switch 5 in the initial state is defined as a contact point P12. At this time, in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the virtual straight line L1 (in the vertical direction in this example), the contact point P11 and the contact point P12 are disposed on opposite sides of the first fulcrum A1. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, a contact point between the second pressing portion 241 of the operating lever 2 and the second pressure receiving arm 42 of the second driving lever 4 in the initial state is defined as a contact point P21, and a contact point between the second driving portion 431 of the second driving lever 4 and the second switch 6 in the initial state is defined as a contact point P22. At this time, in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the virtual straight line L1, the contact point P21 and the contact point P22 are disposed on the same side (lower side in this example) of the second fulcrum A2. In this way, the lever switch 30 according to this embodiment has different positional relationships between the contact points of the operating lever 2 and the push button switches 5, 6 between the first driving lever 3 and the second driving lever 4. This makes it possible to drive the push button switches 5, 6 even though the first fulcrum A1 and the second fulcrum A2 are disposed apart from each other on the same side of the imaginary straight line L1.

[0047] 1, when the display device 100 is projected onto a plane perpendicular to the normal direction of the display panel 10, the operating lever 2 is disposed at a position overlapping the bezel 20, and the first switch 5 of the push button switches 5, 6 is disposed at a position overlapping the display panel 10. By disposing the first switch 5 at a position overlapping the display panel 10, there is no need to secure space in the bezel 20 for disposing the first switch 5, and therefore the bezel 20 can have a narrow frame.

[0048] [About the lever ratio] The lever ratio of the lever switch 30 will be described below. The "lever ratio" is also called the leverage ratio, and is generally expressed as the ratio of the distance between the fulcrum and the point of application to the distance between the fulcrum and the point of application. By changing the lever ratio, the load required for lever operation can be adjusted. In other words, the operation feel (operation force) such as the hardness or softness of the lever operation can be adjusted. In this embodiment, the arrangement and dimensions of each lever and each switch are set so that the lever ratio (total lever ratio) of the operation lever 2 to the first switch 5 and the lever ratio (total lever ratio) of the operation lever 2 to the second switch 6 are equivalent, so that the driving operation of the first switch 5 and the driving operation of the second switch 6 can provide the same operation feel. This will be described in detail below. Note that "equivalent lever ratio" does not need to be completely equivalent as long as there is no significant difference in the operation feel, and also includes the case where the lever ratios are substantially equivalent. "Equivalent lever ratio" means, for example, that the difference between one lever ratio and the other lever ratio is within 10%, and also includes the case where the lever ratios are completely equivalent (the difference is 0%).

[0049] 3, the distance from the tip of knob 221 to which the operation load is applied to rotation axis A10 is A, the distance from rotation axis A10 to contact point P11 between first pressing portion 231 and first drive lever 3 is B1, the distance from contact point P11 to first fulcrum A1 is C1, and the distance from first fulcrum A1 to contact point P12 between first drive portion 331 and first switch 5 is D1. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the distance from rotation axis A10 to contact point P2 between second pressing portion 241 and second drive lever 4 is D2. 1 is B2, the distance from contact point P21 to second fulcrum A2 is C2, and the distance from second fulcrum A2 to contact point P22 between second drive portion 431 and second switch 6 is D2.

[0050] Furthermore, the lever ratio of the operating lever 2 to the first driving lever 3 is X1, the lever ratio of the first driving lever 3 to the first switch 5 is Y1, the lever ratio of the operating lever 2 to the second driving lever 4 is X2, and the lever ratio of the second driving lever 4 to the second switch 6 is Y2. In this case, each lever ratio can be calculated by the following relational expressions. X1=A / B1 formula (1) Y1=C1 / D1 formula (2) X2=A / B2 formula (3) Y2=C2 / D2 formula (4)

[0051] Furthermore, if the lever ratio of the operating lever 2 to the first switch 5 is defined as a total lever ratio Z1, the total lever ratio Z1 is obtained by multiplying the lever ratio X1 of the operating lever 2 to the first drive lever 3 by the lever ratio Y1 of the first drive lever 3 to the first switch 5. That is, Z1 can be calculated by the following relational expression. Z1=X1×Y1 Formula (5)

[0052] Similarly, if the lever ratio of the operating lever 2 to the second switch 6 is taken as a total lever ratio Z2, Z2 can be calculated by the following relational expression. Z2=X2×Y2 Equation (6)

[0053] As described above, in this embodiment, the layout and dimensions of each lever and switch are set so that the total lever ratio Z1 of the operating lever 2 to the first switch 5 is equivalent to the total lever ratio Z2 of the operating lever 2 to the second switch 6. That is, in this embodiment, X1×Y1 is equivalent to X2×Y2, and more specifically, (A / B1)×(C1 / D1) is equivalent to (A / B2)×(C2 / D2). This makes it possible to provide a similar operational feel when driving the first switch 5 and the second switch 6.

[0054] Although the magnitude of the lever ratio is not particularly limited, it is preferable to make the total lever ratio Z1 and the total lever ratio Z2 equal to 1 in terms of providing a suitable operational feeling. By doing so, it is possible to obtain an operational feeling equivalent to that obtained when the switch is directly operated (pressed) without using a lever. Note that the "lever ratio is equal to 1" does not have to be completely equal to the operational feeling obtained when the switch is directly operated, as long as there is no significant difference therebetween, and also includes cases where the lever ratio is substantially equal to 1. The "lever ratio is substantially equal to 1" means, for example, that the lever ratio is 0.9 or more and 1.1 or less, and also includes cases where the lever ratio is completely equal to 1. For example, by making (C1 / D1) and 1 / (A / B1) equal, the total lever ratio Z1 can be made equal to 1. Similarly, for example, by making (C2 / D2) and 1 / (A / B2) equal, the total lever ratio Z2 can be made equal to 1. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of saving space (reducing thickness) of the lever switch 30 within the bezel 20 (space S1) in the extending direction of the imaginary straight line L1 (front-rear direction), it is preferable that A>B1 and A>B2.

[0055] [Actions and Effects] As described above, in the lever switch 30 according to this embodiment, when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis A10 of the operating lever 2, the first fulcrum A1 and the second fulcrum A2 are disposed on the same side of the imaginary line L1 passing through the knob portion 221 and the rotation axis A10, and spaced apart from the imaginary line L1. This makes it possible to reduce the space required for the lever switch 30.

[0056] Furthermore, in the lever switch 30 according to this embodiment, by making the total lever ratio Z1 of the operating lever 2 to the first switch 5 and the total lever ratio Z2 of the operating lever 2 to the second switch 6 equivalent, it is possible to provide a similar operational feel in the drive operation of the first switch 5 and the drive operation of the second switch 6. Furthermore, by making the total lever ratio Z1 and the total lever ratio Z2 equivalent to 1, it is possible to provide a preferable operational feel.

[0057] Moreover, the lever switch 30 according to this embodiment further includes a holder 8 that holds the drive levers 3 and 4, the holder 8 having a cylindrical portion 83 formed so as to surround the light source 7, and the operating lever 2 having a light guide portion 25 that guides light emitted from the light source 7 and passing through the cylindrical portion 83 to the surface of the knob portion 221. This can improve the visibility and aesthetics of the operating lever 2. Also, by surrounding the light source 7 with the cylindrical portion 83, it is possible to prevent the light from the light source 7 from leaking outside the display device 100 from places other than the light guide portion 25.

[0058] Furthermore, in the display device 100 equipped with the lever switch 30 according to this embodiment, when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the normal direction of the display panel 10, the operating lever 2 is disposed at a position overlapping the bezel 20, and the first switch 5 is disposed at a position overlapping the display panel 10. This makes it possible to realize a narrower frame of the bezel 20. From the viewpoint of narrowing the frame of the bezel 20, it is sufficient that at least one of the first switch 5 and the second switch 6 is disposed at a position overlapping the display panel 10.

[0059] <Other> Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 2. Control lever 3. First drive lever 4. Second drive lever 5. First switch 6 Second switch 7...Light source 8. Holder 10. Display panel 20. Bezel 30 Lever switch 100 Display device

Claims

1. an operating lever including an operating portion to which an operating load is applied and which swings about a rotation axis; a first drive lever that is driven by the operating lever and that swings about a first fulcrum to drive a first switch when the operating lever is operated in a first direction about the rotation shaft; a second drive lever that is driven by the operating lever and that swings about a second fulcrum to drive a second switch when the operating lever is operated in a second direction opposite to the first direction; Equipped with When projected onto a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis, the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum are disposed on the same side of a virtual line passing through the operation unit and the rotation axis and spaced apart from the virtual line. Lever switch.

2. a lever ratio of the operating lever to the first switch and a lever ratio of the operating lever to the second switch are equal to each other; The lever switch according to claim 1.

3. When a lever ratio of the operation lever to the first drive lever is X1, a lever ratio of the first drive lever to the first switch is Y1, a lever ratio of the operation lever to the second drive lever is X2, and a lever ratio of the second drive lever to the second switch is Y2, X1×Y1 is equal to X2×Y2; The lever switch according to claim 1.

4. the operating lever has a first pressing portion that moves in the first direction about the pivot shaft to press the first drive lever when the operating lever is operated in the first direction, and a second pressing portion that moves in the second direction about the pivot shaft to press the second drive lever when the operating lever is operated in the second direction, the first drive lever has a first drive portion that, when pressed by the first pressing portion, moves in a circumferential direction about the first fulcrum to press the first switch, the second drive lever has a second drive portion that, when pressed by the second pressing portion, moves in a circumferential direction about the second fulcrum to press the second switch, A is a distance from the tip of the operation unit to the rotation axis, a distance from the pivot shaft to a contact point between the first pressing portion and the first driving lever is B1; a distance from a contact point between the first pressing portion and the first driving lever to the first fulcrum is defined as C1; A distance from the first fulcrum to a contact between the first drive unit and the first switch is defined as D1, a distance from the pivot shaft to a contact point between the second pressing portion and the second driving lever is B2; a distance from a contact point between the second pressing portion and the second driving lever to the second fulcrum is defined as C2; When the distance from the second fulcrum to the contact point between the second drive unit and the second switch is D2, (A / B1) x (C1 / D1) is equal to (A / B2) x (C2 / D2); The lever switch according to claim 1.

5. a lever ratio of the operating lever to the first switch and a lever ratio of the operating lever to the second switch are equal to 1; The lever switch according to claim 2.

6. a holder for holding the first drive lever and the second drive lever, The holder has a cylindrical portion formed to surround the light source, The operating lever has a light guide portion that guides the light emitted from the light source and passing through the cylindrical portion to a surface of the operating portion. The lever switch according to claim 1.

7. A display device including a display panel and a bezel surrounding the display panel, When projected onto a plane perpendicular to the normal direction of the display panel, the operation lever is disposed at a position overlapping the bezel, and at least one of the first switch and the second switch is disposed at a position overlapping the display panel; The lever switch according to claim 1.

8. A display panel, a bezel surrounding the display panel, and the lever switch according to any one of claims 1 to 7. Display device.

9. An in-vehicle device comprising the display device according to claim 8.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Multidirectional inputting device

    JP1995014475A