Display switching devices, switches, and electrical equipment

Abstract

To provide a display switching device that can be easily incorporated into electrical devices with curved surfaces.SOLUTION: A display switching device (11) is provided, comprising a lens array (44) and a display unit (43). In at least a portion of the lens array, (1) curvature of an average surface of light incident surface is concave and curvature of an average surface of a light exit surface is convex, or (2) curvature of the average surface of the light incident surface is convex and curvature of the average surface of the light exit surface is concave.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display switching device that switches a display image, a switch including the display switching device, and an electrical device including the switch.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a backlight display device for automatic visual inspection of a lenticular image card including a light source that selectively illuminates individual images formed on a lenticular medium by design. In the backlight display device, the illumination source of the display is adapted to the viewing distance of the card and the selected viewing angle in order to illuminate each image sequentially and continuously, and directs light through the micro lens side of the lenticular image card.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the surface of the device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is flat. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to incorporate it into an electrical device having a curved surface.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure aims to realize a display switching device and the like that are easy to incorporate into an electrical device having a curved surface.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, a display switching device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a display switching device that switches a display image by switching the irradiation of light from a plurality of light sources, comprising a lens array in which a plurality of lenses are arranged, and a display unit, wherein the display unit comprises a plurality of pixel regions arranged to include a region through which light focused by each of the lenses of the lens array passes, the transmittance in each of the pixel regions is set to correspond to a predetermined still image, and in at least a portion of the lens array, the average surface of the light incident surface and the average surface of the light emission surface are curved, and (1) the curved surface of the average surface of the light incident surface is concave and the curved surface of the average surface of the light emission surface is convex, or (2) the curved surface of the average surface of the light incident surface is convex and the curved surface of the average surface of the light emission surface is concave.

[0007] According to the above configuration, a display switching device can be provided that displays information on curved surfaces when curved surfaces exist in various devices or components. Therefore, the variety of devices and components that can incorporate the display switching device can be greatly expanded.

[0008] Furthermore, since the direction of curvature is the same on both the light incident surface and the light exit surface, the volume of the lens array can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce component costs and the weight of the device.

[0009] Furthermore, in a display switching device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the curved surface of the average plane of the light incident surface and the curved surface of the average plane of the light emission surface may have a curvature greater than 0 in a first direction and a curvature of 0 in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0010] According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a display switching device that displays on a surface having curvature in only one direction.

[0011] Furthermore, in a display switching device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the curved surface of the average plane of the light incident surface may be concave, and the curved surface of the average plane of the light emission surface may be convex.

[0012] With the above configuration, since the average surface of the light incident surface of the lens array is concave, the variation in the distance between the light source and each position on the curved surface can be reduced. Therefore, the light-gathering performance of each lens in the lens array can be made more uniform, and the amount of light emitted from each lens can also be made more uniform.

[0013] Furthermore, in a display switching device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the lens is formed on the light incident surface side, and the curvature of the average surface of the light emission surface may be greater than the curvature of the average surface of the light incident surface.

[0014] When a lens is formed on the light incident surface, if the curvature of the average surface of the light incident surface is made too large, there is a problem in that it becomes difficult to remove the light incident surface when injection molding the lens array. In contrast, with the above configuration, even when it is desired to increase the curvature of the average surface of the light incident surface, it is possible to make the curvature of the average surface of the light incident surface such that it is still possible to remove it.

[0015] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present disclosure, the display switching device may have a convex curved surface on the average plane of the light incident surface and a concave curved surface on the average plane of the light emission surface.

[0016] With the above configuration, since the average surface of the light-emitting surface of the lens array is concave, the variation in distance between the user viewing the display switching device and each position on the curved surface can be reduced. Therefore, a display switching device can be provided in which the displayed content at any position on the display unit is easily visible.

[0017] Furthermore, for example, in a push button where the pressing surface is concave, taking into consideration the feel when pressed, a display switching device can be provided that displays information on the pressing surface.

[0018] Also, in the display switching device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the curvature of the average plane of the light incident surface and the curvature of the average plane of the light exit surface may be greater than 0 in a first direction, and may also be greater than 0 in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0019] According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a display switching device that performs display on a surface having curvature in two directions.

[0020] Also, in the display switching device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the curvature of the average plane of the light exit surface may include a part of a spherical surface or an ellipsoidal surface.

[0021] According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a display switching device that performs display on a spherical surface or an ellipsoidal surface.

[0022] Also, in the curvature of the average plane of the light exit surface of the display switching device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the curvature of the outer edge region disposed around the central region including the center of the surface may be greater than the curvature of the central region.

[0023] According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a display switching device that performs display on a surface such as a button shape, where the curvature is small in the central region and large in the outer edge region. Also, due to the large curvature in the outer edge region, the amount of light emitted at a larger angle with respect to the direction of the optical axis of the light emitted from the surface can be increased. Therefore, the visibility from a wider viewing angle can be improved.

[0024] Also, in the display switching device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a transparent member layer formed of a transparent material may be further provided on the light exit side of the lens array.

[0025] According to the above configuration, since a transparent member layer having a curved surface shape of a light-emitting surface different from the curved surface shape of the light-emitting surface of the lens array can be provided, the degree of freedom of the curved surface shape of the light-emitting surface as a display switching device can be improved. Therefore, for example, even when there is an upper limit to the curvature of the curved surface of the light-emitting surface of the lens array due to structural reasons in lens formation, it becomes possible to provide a display switching device having a light-emitting surface with a larger curvature.

[0026] Moreover, a switch according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a display switching device according to any of the above aspects, and detects a user operation on the display switching device.

[0027] According to the above configuration, the same effects as those of the display switching device according to any of the above aspects are achieved.

[0028] Moreover, an electrical device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes the switch according to the above aspect, and operations are performed by the switch.

[0029] According to the above configuration, the same effects as those of the above switch are achieved.

Effects of the Invention

[0030] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a display switching device that is easy to incorporate into an electrical device having a curved surface or the like can be realized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram showing a basic configuration of a display switching device according to an application example of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] (a) to (d) are diagrams showing switching display examples of the display unit in FIG. 1, respectively. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing the correspondence relationship between the display unit, the lenses constituting the microlens array, and the light source in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing the configuration of the main part of a display switching device according to a configuration example of the present disclosure. [Figure 5]This figure shows the curvature of the average surface of the light incident surface and the average surface of the light exit surface, respectively. [Figure 6] This figure shows the operation of the display switching device according to an example configuration of this disclosure. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a switch equipped with a display switching device according to the configuration example of this disclosure. [Figure 8] This figure shows the configuration of the main part of the display switching device according to the first modified example of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] This figure shows the configuration of the main part of the display switching device according to the second modified example of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] This figure shows the configuration of the main part of the display switching device according to the third modified example of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of a switch equipped with a display switching device according to a third modified example of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view showing an example of a lens array in a display switching device according to a third modification of the present disclosure, with a shape different from the example shown in Figure 10. [Figure 13] This figure shows the configuration of the main part of the display switching device according to the fourth modified example of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of a switch equipped with a display switching device according to a fourth modification of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] This figure shows the configuration of the main part of the display switching device according to the fifth modified example of this disclosure. [Figure 16] This figure shows the configuration of the main part of the display switching device according to the sixth modified example of this disclosure. [Figure 17] This figure shows the configuration of the main part of the display switching device according to the seventh modified example of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] Hereinafter, an embodiment relating to one aspect of this disclosure (hereinafter also referred to as "this embodiment") will be described based on the drawings.

[0033] §1 Examples of Application Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the basic configuration of the display switching device 11 according to this application example. As shown in Figure 1, the display switching device 11 comprises, from top to bottom in the drawing, a light absorbing member 2, a light diffusing member 3, a display light concentrating unit 4, a plurality of light sources 5, and a substrate 6.

[0034] The following describes an example where the display switching device 11 is applied as a keytop on a keyboard for character input. The sizes of each component described below are examples that are suitable when applied as a keytop.

[0035] The light-absorbing member 2 is square when viewed from above, with a side length of 14 mm. The light source 5 consists of four light sources, preferably RGB LEDs, with a distance of 8 mm between adjacent light sources 5. However, the light sources 5 may be omitted if necessary. In this case, the user will provide the light sources.

[0036] For example, the light-absorbing member 2 is made of smoke and has a thickness of 1 mm. Preferably, the transmittance of the light-absorbing member 2 is, for example, 20%.

[0037] The light-diffusing member 3, located below the light-absorbing member 2, preferably has a thickness of 0.1 mm and a haze value of 90%. Further details of the light-absorbing member 2 and the light-diffusing member 3 will be described later.

[0038] The display light-gathering unit 4 comprises a display unit 43 and a microlens array (hereinafter abbreviated as lens array) 44. The display unit 43 consists of an image layer 41 and a matrix layer 42, and displays the image to be displayed (display image) P. The image layer 41 has a thickness of 0.1 mm. The matrix layer 42 comprises, for example, a pixel region 45a (aperture, the same applies hereinafter) and a pixel periphery region 45b (mask, the same applies hereinafter), which is the region other than the pixel region 45a. The image layer 41 and the matrix layer 42 are joined. The "pixel periphery region 45b" referred to here refers to a region around each pixel region 45a with a constant transmittance. The pixel periphery region 45b also blocks light from the light source side, that is, light from the side where the lens array 44 is located.

[0039] A lens array 44 located below the display unit 43 focuses the light emitted by multiple light sources 5 mounted on the substrate 6. Its thickness is 0.4 mm. The lens array 44 is composed of multiple lenses arranged in a grid.

[0040] The display unit 43 comprises multiple pixel regions 45a. Each pixel region 45a is an area that includes the region through which light emitted from multiple light sources 5 and focused by each lens of the lens array 44 passes. The transmittance in each pixel region 45a is set to correspond to a predetermined static image.

[0041] The light-absorbing member 2, the light-diffusing member 3, the display unit 43, and the lens array 44 are supported by the housing 7. Furthermore, the basic configuration of the display switching device 11 is achieved by attaching the housing 7 to a substrate 6 on which multiple light sources 5 are mounted. The display switching device 11 may also be provided with a protective layer above the light-absorbing member 2 to prevent damage. Details of the substrate 6 and housing 7 will be described later. The distance from the upper end of the light source 5 to the lower end of the lens array 44 is 20 mm.

[0042] In the display switching device 11 with the above configuration, the display image P is switched by switching the illumination of light from the positions of the multiple light sources 5. The switching of the light sources 5 on and off is performed by a light source control unit (not shown). The light source control unit is composed of, for example, an IC chip provided on a circuit board inside the keyboard, and the light source is controlled based on instructions from, for example, the PC main unit.

[0043] Figures 2(a) to (d) show examples of the switching display of the display unit 43. Figure 2(a) shows an example of the display shown on the display unit 43 (image layer 41), (b) shows an example of the displayed pattern, (c) is a magnified view of part A of (a), and (d) is a magnified view of part B of (c).

[0044] In the example shown in Figure 2, for example, the same image layer can be used to switch between displaying a third image P3 (in the example, the hiragana character "き"), a fourth image P4 (in the example, the pattern "△"), a fifth image P5 (in the example, the uppercase letter "G"), and a sixth image P6 (in the example, the number "6").

[0045] As shown in Figure 2(d), for example, the entire display unit 43 can be divided into multiple areas (multiple pixels) such that each area contains up to four pixel areas 45a, and the display can be switched accordingly.

[0046] Here, as an example, the pitch of adjacent areas is approximately 200 μm, the distance between adjacent pixel areas 45a within the same area is approximately 100 μm, and the diameter of multiple pixel areas 45a is 30 to 80 μm. Also, as shown in Figure 2(d), the area of ​​the display unit 43 other than the pixel areas 45a is the pixel surrounding area 45b.

[0047] Figure 3 shows the correspondence between the display unit 43, the lenses constituting the lens array 44, and the light sources 5. The light sources 5a to 5d shown in Figure 3 are, for example, light sources that emit white light, green light, red light, and blue light, respectively.

[0048] In Figure 3, two pixels are illustrated, and light from each light source is focused by the lens array 44 and emitted from the corresponding pixel region 45a. Each pixel is divided into a pixel region 45a and a surrounding region 45b.

[0049] §2 Example Configuration Figure 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of a display switching device 11 according to an example configuration of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, the display switching device 11 comprises a display unit 43 and a lens array 44. The display switching device 11 may also further comprise a light absorbing member 2, a light diffusing member 3, a display light concentrating unit 4, a plurality of light sources 5, and a substrate 6, as shown in Figure 1.

[0050] The lens array 44 has a light incident surface 441 and a light emission surface 442. In this example configuration, a plurality of lenses are formed on the light incident surface 441 side of the lens array 44. However, in the display switching device according to this disclosure, a plurality of lenses may be formed on the light emission surface 442 side.

[0051] On both the light incident surface 441 and the light exit surface 442, a surface that approximates a plane or a curved surface is called the average surface. In at least a portion of the lens array 44, the average surface of the light incident surface 441 and the average surface of the light exit surface 442 are curved. In Figure 4, the average surface of the light incident surface 441 and the average surface of the light exit surface 442 are curved throughout the entire lens array 44.

[0052] In the display switching device 11 according to this disclosure, in the example shown in Figure 4, the average surface of the light incident surface 441 is concave, and the average surface of the light emission surface 442 is convex. Alternatively, as will be described later, the average surface of the light incident surface 441 may be convex, and the average surface of the light emission surface 442 may be concave. In this specification, concave means recessed backward when the direction from the surface of the lens array 44 toward the outside of the lens array 44 is considered forward. Conversely, in this specification, convex means protruding forward when the direction from the surface of the lens array 44 toward the outside of the lens array 44 is considered forward. In such a shape, the direction in which the surfaces of the light incident surface 441 and the light emission surface 442 are curved is the same, so the volume of the lens array 44 can be reduced. Therefore, the component cost and weight of the display switching device 11 can be reduced.

[0053] As shown in Figure 4, in the lens array 44, the average surface of the light incident surface 441 is concave. Conversely, the average surface of the light emission surface 442 is convex. This reduces the variation in distance between the light source 5 (see Figure 1, etc.) and each position on the average surface of the light incident surface 441. Therefore, the light-gathering performance of each lens in the lens array 44 can be made more uniform, and the amount of light emitted from each lens can also be made more uniform.

[0054] In the lens array 44, the curvature of the average surface of the light incident surface 441 and the curvature of the average surface of the light emission surface 442 may differ depending on the position. For example, a planar lens array 44 may be bent. In this case, the curvature of the bent portion is locally larger, and the curvature of the other planar portions is zero. In this case, the display unit 43 may also be shaped to conform to the bent lens array 44. Note that the bent portion may not have lenses in the lens array 44 or pixel areas in the display unit 43.

[0055] In this configuration example, the curved surface of the average plane of the light incident surface 441 and the curved surface of the average plane of the light emission surface 442 have a curvature greater than 0 in a first direction along the curved surface, and a curvature of 0 in a second direction along the curved surface that is different from the first direction. In Figure 4, the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper is the second direction. As a result, the display switching device 11 can display on a surface that has curvature in only one direction.

[0056] The lens array 44 may be formed by injection molding using a mold such that the molded product has the shape described above. Alternatively, the lens array 44 may be formed by curving a lens array formed by injection molding using a mold such that the light incident surface 441 and the light emission surface 442 of the molded product are flat.

[0057] Figure 5 shows the curvature of the average surface of the light incident surface 441 and the average surface of the light emission surface 442, respectively. In the example shown in Figure 5, the curvature of the average surface of the light emission surface 442 is greater than the curvature of the average surface of the light incident surface 441.

[0058] When multiple lenses are formed on the side of the light incident surface 441, if the curvature of the average surface of the light incident surface 441 is made too large, it may become difficult to mold the light incident surface 441 when forming the lens array 44 by injection molding. By having the lens array 44 have the shape shown in Figure 5, even if it is desired to increase the curvature of the average surface of the light incident surface 441, it is possible to limit the curvature to a degree that allows for molding of the lens array 44.

[0059] Figure 6 shows the operation of the display switching device 11. In addition to the display unit 43 and lens array 44 of the display switching device 11, Figure 6 shows light sources 5e and 5f as light sources 5. Also in Figure 6, pixel areas 45aa and 45ab are shown as pixel areas 45aa. Pixel areas 45aa and 45ab are pixel areas 45a for displaying different images from each other.

[0060] Light emitted from light source 5e is focused by the lens array 44 onto each of the pixel regions 45aa. Light emitted from light source 5f is focused by the lens array 44 onto each of the pixel regions 45ab, which are separate from the pixel regions 45aa. Therefore, the display switching device 11 can switch the displayed image by switching the light source that emits light.

[0061] Figure 7 shows an example of a switch 110 equipped with a display switching device 11. In the example shown in Figure 7, the switch 110 is assumed to be a device having a cylindrical shape and performing switching operations by pushing it down in the axial direction or rotating it around an axis. The side surface of the cylindrical shape is an example of a surface that has curvature in only one direction. The display switching device 11 may be provided on the side surface of the cylindrical shape of the switch 110, or it may be provided as a display part on the side surface of the cylindrical member.

[0062] §3 Variant Example <3.1> Figure 8 shows the configuration of the main parts of a display switching device 11A according to the first modified example of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 8, the display switching device 11A includes the same display unit 43 and lens array 44 as the display switching device 11. In Figure 8, the lens array 44 includes microlenses L0 to L6.

[0063] The display switching device 11A includes, as a plurality of light sources 5, light sources 51A to 57A belonging to the first light source group and light sources 51B to 57B belonging to the second light source group. The display switching device 11A also includes, as pixel areas, a first pixel area group including pixel area 4A (first pixel area) and a second pixel area group including pixel area 4B (second pixel area).

[0064] In the display switching device 11A shown in Figure 8, the pixel area 4A included in the first pixel area group is illuminated by light emitted from a light source 51A belonging to the first light source group, after being focused by the microlens L0 of the lens array 44. Furthermore, the pixel area 4A is illuminated by light emitted from a light source 52A belonging to the first light source group, after being focused by the microlens L1 of the lens array 44. Also, the pixel area 4A is illuminated by light emitted from a light source 53A belonging to the first light source group, after being focused by the microlens L2 of the lens array 44. Furthermore, the pixel area 4A is illuminated by light emitted from a light source 54A belonging to the first light source group, after being focused by the microlens L3 of the lens array 44. Finally, the pixel area 4A is illuminated by light emitted from a light source 55A belonging to the first light source group, after being focused by the microlens L4 of the lens array 44. Furthermore, light emitted from light source 56A belonging to the first light source group is focused by the microlens L5 of the lens array 44 before illuminating the pixel area 4A. Also, light emitted from light source 57A belonging to the first light source group is focused by the microlens L6 of the lens array 44 before illuminating the pixel area 4A. In this embodiment, the case in which light from seven different light sources 51A to 57A is illuminating the pixel area 4A via different microlenses L0 to L6 has been described as an example, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0065] Similarly, the pixel area 4B included in the second pixel area group of the display switching device 11A shown in Figure 8 is illuminated by light emitted from light source 51B belonging to the second light source group, after being focused by the microlens L0 of the lens array 44. Furthermore, the pixel area 4B is illuminated by light emitted from light source 52B belonging to the second light source group, after being focused by the microlens L1 of the lens array 44. Also, the pixel area 4B is illuminated by light emitted from light source 53B belonging to the second light source group, after being focused by the microlens L2 of the lens array 44. Furthermore, the pixel area 4B is illuminated by light emitted from light source 54B belonging to the second light source group, after being focused by the microlens L3 of the lens array 44. Finally, the pixel area 4B is illuminated by light emitted from light source 55B belonging to the second light source group, after being focused by the microlens L4 of the lens array 44. Furthermore, light emitted from light source 56B belonging to the second light source group is focused by the microlens L5 of the lens array 44 before illuminating the pixel area 4B. Also, light emitted from light source 57B belonging to the second light source group is focused by the microlens L6 of the lens array 44 before illuminating the pixel area 4B. In this embodiment, the case in which light from seven different light sources 51B to 57B is illuminated to the pixel area 4B via different microlenses L0 to L6 has been described as an example, but the invention is not limited to this. The display switching device 11A can improve the uniformity of the display in each of the pixel area 4A (first pixel area) and pixel area 4B (second pixel area). Furthermore, the uniformity of brightness between the pixel area 4A (first pixel area) and the pixel area 4B (second pixel area) can also be improved. Therefore, it is possible to make the display switching device 11A larger and thinner.

[0066] As shown in Figure 8, light source 51A belonging to the first light source group and light source 51B belonging to the second light source group are arranged within the first arrangement area. Similarly, light source 52A belonging to the second light source group and light source 52B belonging to the second light source group are arranged within the second arrangement area. The first arrangement area and the second arrangement area are adjacent to each other. The same applies to light sources 53A to 57A belonging to the first light source group and light sources 53B to 57B belonging to the second light source group.

[0067] Furthermore, in the display switching device 11A, to ensure that the display is brightly visible from a specific angle, for example, only the light sources 56A to 57A belonging to the first light source group and the light sources 56B to 57B belonging to the second light source group, or the light sources 51A to 52A belonging to the first light source group and the light sources 51B to 52B belonging to the second light source group may be illuminated. Moreover, to ensure that the display is brightly visible from a specific angle, for example, only the light sources 56A to 57A belonging to the first light source group and the light sources 56B to 57B belonging to the second light source group, or the light sources 51A to 52A belonging to the first light source group and the light sources 51B to 52B belonging to the second light source group may be provided on the substrate 6.

[0068] <3.2> Figure 9 shows the configuration of the main parts of a display switching device 11B according to a second modified example of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 9, the display switching device 11B comprises a display unit 43B and a lens array 44B. The display switching device 11B may also further include a light absorbing member 2, a light diffusing member 3, a display light concentrating unit 4, a plurality of light sources 5, and a substrate 6, similar to the display switching device 11. The display unit 43B has the same configuration as the display unit 43 except that it has a shape that follows the lens array 44B.

[0069] As shown in Figure 9, in the lens array 44B, multiple lenses are formed on the side of the light incident surface 441. Furthermore, in the lens array 44B, the average surface of the light incident surface 441 is convex, and the average surface of the light emission surface 442 is concave. The display unit 43B differs from the display unit 43 only in that it has a shape that follows the lens array 44B.

[0070] In the display switching device 11B, the lens array 44B has the shape described above, which reduces the variation in distance between the user viewing the display switching device 11B and each position on the curved average surface of the light-emitting surface 442 of the lens array 44B. Therefore, the display content at any position on the display unit 43 becomes easier to see.

[0071] Furthermore, some push buttons pressed by users of devices equipped with the display switching device 11B have a concave shape on the pressing surface, taking into consideration the feel when pressed. The display switching device 11B is applicable to such push buttons.

[0072] <3.3> Figure 10 shows the configuration of the main parts of a display switching device 11C according to a third modified example of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 10, the display switching device 11C includes a lens array 44C. The display switching device 11C also includes a display unit (not shown) shaped along the light-emitting surface 442 of the lens array 44C. The display switching device 11C may further include a light-absorbing member 2, a light-diffusing member 3, a display light-concentrating unit 4, a plurality of light sources 5, and a substrate 6, similar to the display switching device 11.

[0073] In Figure 10, curve A1 is a curve along the first direction on the average plane of the light incident surface 441 and the average plane of the light emission surface 442 of the lens array 44C. Curve A2 is a curve along the second direction on the average plane of the light incident surface 441 and the average plane of the light emission surface 442 of the lens array 44C.

[0074] As shown in Figure 10, in the lens array 44C, the curved surface of the average plane of the light incident surface 441 and the curved surface of the average plane of the light emission surface 442 have a curvature greater than 0 in a first direction along the curved surface, and also have a curvature greater than 0 in a second direction along the curved surface that is different from the first direction. Because the lens array 44C has this shape, the display switching device 11C can display on a surface that has curvature in two directions.

[0075] In the example shown in Figure 10, the curvature center C1 in the first direction and the curvature center C2 in the second direction are both located on the side of the light incident surface 441 relative to the lens array 44C. The radius of curvature of the lens array 44C in the first direction is R1, and the radius of curvature of the lens array 44C in the second direction is R2. That is, the curvature of the lens array 44C in the first direction is 1 / R1, and the curvature of the lens array 44C in the second direction is 1 / R2. The values ​​of R1 and R2 may be the same or different.

[0076] In Figure 10, surface S1 is a plane containing curve A1, and surface S2 is a plane containing curve A2. The angle θ between surfaces S1 and S2 may be 90° or a different angle. However, if the angle θ is 90°, the processing and evaluation of the lens array 44C will be easier.

[0077] Figure 11 shows an example of a switch 120 equipped with a display switching device 11C. In the example shown in Figure 11, the switch 120 is installed on a part of the steering wheel of an automobile. Therefore, the switch 120 has a portion that is shaped like a curved cylinder. The side surface of the portion that is shaped like a curved cylinder is an example of a surface that has curvature in two directions. The display switching device 11C may be installed on a button-shaped switch 120 installed on a part of the steering wheel, or it may be installed as a display unit installed on a part of the steering wheel.

[0078] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing an example of a lens array 44C with a different shape than the example shown in Figure 10. In Figure 12, reference numerals 1201 and 1202 indicate different examples of the shape of the lens array 44C.

[0079] In the example shown with reference numeral 1201, the curvature center C1 of the lens array 44C in the first direction is located on the light emission surface 442 side relative to the lens array 44C. On the other hand, the curvature center C2 of the lens array 44C in the second direction is located on the light incident surface 441 side relative to the lens array 44C. In the example shown with reference numeral 1202, both the curvature center C1 of the lens array 44C in the first direction and the curvature center C2 of the lens array 44C in the second direction are located on the light emission surface 442 side relative to the lens array 44C. Lens arrays 44C having the shapes shown with reference numerals 1201 and 1202 can also be represented by surfaces having curvature in two directions corresponding to each shape.

[0080] <3.4> Figure 13 shows the configuration of the main part of a display switching device 11D according to a fourth modification of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 13, the display switching device 11D includes a lens array 44D. The display switching device 11D also includes a display unit (not shown) shaped along the light-emitting surface 442 of the lens array 44D. The display switching device 11D may further include a light-absorbing member 2, a light-diffusing member 3, a display light-concentrating unit 4, a plurality of light sources 5, and a substrate 6, similar to the display switching device 11. In Figure 13, reference numerals 1301 and 1302 indicate different examples of the shape of the lens array 44D.

[0081] In the example shown by reference numeral 1301 in Figure 13, the curved surface of the average plane of the light-emitting surface 442 of the lens array 44D includes a portion of a virtual sphere B1. In the example shown by reference numeral 1302 in Figure 13, the curved surface of the average plane of the light-emitting surface 442 of the lens array 44D includes a portion of a virtual ellipsoidal surface B2. Thus, in the display switching device 11D, the curved surface of the average plane of the light-emitting surface 442 includes a portion of either the sphere B1 or the ellipsoidal surface B2. The display switching device 11D can display information on a spherical or ellipsoidal surface.

[0082] Figure 14 shows an example of a switch 130 equipped with a display switching device 11D. The switch 130 has a lever-like shape with a spherical portion at its tip. The display switching device 11D is mounted on the surface of the spherical portion of the switch 130.

[0083] <3.5> Figure 15 shows the configuration of the main parts of a display switching device 11E according to a fifth modified example of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 15, the display switching device 11E comprises a display unit 43E and a lens array 44E. The display switching device 11E may also further comprise a light absorbing member 2, a light diffusing member 3, a display light concentrating unit 4, a plurality of light sources 5, and a substrate 6, similar to the display switching device 11. The display unit 43E has the same configuration as the display unit 43 except that it has a shape that follows the lens array 44E.

[0084] As shown in Figure 15, the lens array 44E has a central region Rc and an outer region Re. The central region Rc is the region that includes the center of the curved surface of the mean plane of the light-emitting surface 442 of the lens array 44E. The outer region Re is the region located around the central region Rc.

[0085] In the curved average surface of the light-emitting surface 442 of the lens array 44E, the curvature of the outer edge region Re is greater than the curvature of the central region Rc. The display switching device 11E can display on surfaces with shapes such as buttons, where the curvature is small in the central region Rc and large in the outer edge region Re.

[0086] Furthermore, in the lens array 44E, the curvature is increased in the outer edge region Re, which allows for an increase in the amount of light emitted at a larger angle with respect to the direction of the optical axis of the light emitted from the curved surface of the outer edge region Re. Therefore, the display switching device 11E can improve visibility from a wider viewing angle.

[0087] <3.6> Figure 16 shows the configuration of the main parts of a display switching device 11F according to a sixth modification of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 16, the display switching device 11F comprises a display unit 43F, a lens array 44F, and a transparent member layer 46. The display switching device 11F may also further comprise a light absorbing member 2, a light diffusing member 3, a display light concentrating unit 4, a plurality of light sources 5, and a substrate 6, similar to the display switching device 11. In Figure 16, six examples of display switching devices 11F with different structures of the transparent member layer 46 are shown by reference numerals 1601 to 1606.

[0088] The display switching device 11F differs from the display switching device 11 in that it is equipped with a transparent member layer 46 on the light-emitting side of the lens array 44F. The transparent member layer 46 is a layer formed of a transparent material. As the material of the transparent member layer 46, a light-transmitting resin or glass can be used without particular limitation.

[0089] The transparent member layer 46 may be in contact with the lens array 44F, or a gap may exist between it and the lens array 44F. If a gap exists between the transparent member layer 46 and the lens array 44F, the gap may be filled with an adhesive or the like.

[0090] In the example shown by reference numeral 1601, the configuration of the display unit 43F and the lens array 44F is the same as the configuration of the display unit 43 and the lens array 44 in the display switching device 11. The transparent member layer 46 has a shape with different thicknesses depending on its position. In the example shown by reference numeral 1601, the thickness of the transparent member layer 46 is thicker near the center of the lens array 44F and becomes thinner towards the outer edge of the lens array 44F. However, the positional thickness of the transparent member layer 46 is not limited to this.

[0091] In the example shown with reference numeral 1602, the configuration of the lens array 44F is the same as the configuration of the lens array 44C in the display switching device 11C. The configuration of the display unit 43F is the same as the configuration of the display unit 43, except that it has a shape that follows the light-emitting surface of the lens array 44F. The transparent member layer 46 has a shape with different thicknesses depending on its position. In the example shown with reference numeral 1602, the thickness of the transparent member layer 46 is thick near the center of the lens array 44F and thins towards the outer edge of the lens array 44F. However, the positional thickness of the transparent member layer 46 is not limited to this.

[0092] In the examples shown by reference numerals 1601 and 1602, a transparent member layer 46 with a curved surface shape different from that of the light-emitting surface 442 of the lens array 44F can be provided. This improves the degree of freedom of the curved surface shape of the surface from which light is emitted as a display switching device 11F. Therefore, even if there is an upper limit to the curvature of the curved surface of the light-emitting surface 442 due to structural reasons related to lens formation, it becomes possible to provide a display switching device in which the surface from which light is emitted has a greater curvature.

[0093] In the example shown by reference numeral 1603, the configuration of the display unit 43F and the lens array 44F is the same as the configuration of the display unit 43 and the lens array 44 in the display switching device 11. The transparent member layer 46 is either colored or its light transmittance is adjusted. Specifically, a colorant or an additive that changes the light transmittance is added to the transparent member layer 46. This improves the design of the display switching device 11F and the switches equipped with the display switching device 11F. In addition, in the example shown by reference numeral 1603, the transparent member layer 46 has a constant thickness regardless of its position.

[0094] In the example shown by reference numeral 1604, the configuration of the display unit 43F and the lens array 44F is the same as the configuration of the display unit 43 and the lens array 44 in the display switching device 11. The transparent member layer 46 has a light-diffusing layer 46a on the side into which light is incident. The light-diffusing layer 46a may be a light-diffusing sheet, a layer printed with light-diffusing ink, or a light-diffusing structure. This improves the viewing angle characteristics of the display switching device 11F.

[0095] In the example shown with reference numeral 1605, the configuration of the display unit 43F and the lens array 44F is the same as the configuration of the display unit 43 and the lens array 44 in the display switching device 11. The transparent member layer 46 is equipped with a reflectance adjustment layer that adjusts the reflectance of light. The reflectance adjustment layer may be a transparent or opaque color layer, or a half-mirror layer.

[0096] In the example shown by reference numeral 1606, the configuration of the display unit 43F and the lens array 44F is the same as the configuration of the display unit 43 and the lens array 44 in the display switching device 11. The transparent member layer 46 has a light-shielding layer 46b on a part of the surface on which light is incident. The light-shielding layer 46b can block unintended light emission from the display switching device 11F. In reference numeral 1606, the light-shielding layer 46b is located near the edge of the transparent member layer 46. Therefore, the light-shielding layer 46b can block unintended light emission from the edge of the display switching device 11F. However, the position of the light-shielding layer 46b is not limited to the vicinity of the edge of the transparent member layer 46.

[0097] In all the examples shown in Figure 16, the transparent member layer 46 is located on the light-emitting side of the display unit 43F. However, the transparent member layer 46 only needs to be located on the light-emitting side of the lens array 44F, and may be located, for example, between the lens array 44F and the display unit 43F.

[0098] Furthermore, if the transparent member layer 46 is positioned on the light-emitting side of the display unit 43F, the light-emitting side of the transparent member layer 46 is exposed to the outside of the display switching device 11F. In this case, the light-emitting side of the transparent member layer 46 may be coated to prevent scratches on the transparent member layer 46.

[0099] <3.7> In all of the above-described configuration examples and modifications, only the curved surface of the average plane of the light incident surface 441 and the curved surface of the average plane of the light emission surface 442 have been described. However, the display switching device according to this disclosure does not necessarily have to have an entire average plane that is curved.

[0100] Figure 17 shows the configuration of the main parts of a display switching device 11G according to a seventh modified example of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 17, the display switching device 11G comprises a display unit 43G and a lens array 44G. In Figure 17, reference numerals 1701 and 1702 indicate different examples of the shape of the lens array 44G. The display switching device 11G may also further include a light absorbing member 2, a light diffusing member 3, a display light concentrating unit 4, a plurality of light sources 5, and a substrate 6, similar to the display switching device 11. The display unit 43G has the same configuration as the display unit 43 except that it has a shape that follows the lens array 44G.

[0101] The lens array 44G has a planar region Ra and a curved region Rb. The planar region Ra is the region where the average plane of the light incident surface 441 and the average plane of the light emission surface 442 are planar. The curved region Rb is the region where the average plane of the light incident surface 441 and the average plane of the light emission surface 442 are curved. In the example shown by reference numeral 1701 in Figure 17, in the curved region Rb, the average plane of the light incident surface 441 is concave and the average plane of the light emission surface 442 is convex. In the example shown by reference numeral 1702 in Figure 17, in the curved region Rb, the average plane of the light incident surface 441 is convex and the average plane of the light emission surface 442 is concave. In the example shown in Figure 17, the curved region Rb is located near the center of the lens array 44G, and the planar region Ra is located outside the curved region Rb. Even with such a display switching device 11G, displays can be made on surfaces having the corresponding shapes.

[0102] However, the positional relationship between the planar region Ra and the curved region Rb in the lens array 44G is not limited to the example shown in Figure 17. For example, the planar region Ra may be located on one side of the lens array 44G, and the curved region Rb may be located on the other side. Alternatively, the planar region Ra may be located near the center of the lens array 44G, and the curved region Rb may be located outside the planar region Ra.

[0103] <3.8> The technical scope of this disclosure includes, in addition to the display switching devices relating to the above-described examples and modifications, switches that include the display switching device and detect user operations on the display switching device. Furthermore, the technical scope of this disclosure includes electrical equipment that includes the above-described switches and is operated by the switches.

[0104] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0105] [Additional Notes] This disclosure can also be expressed as follows:

[0106] A display switching device according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure is a display switching device that switches a display image by switching the irradiation of light from a plurality of light sources, comprising a lens array in which a plurality of lenses are arranged, and a display unit, wherein the display unit comprises a plurality of pixel regions arranged to include a region through which light emitted from each of the plurality of light sources passes, and the transmittance in each of the lens regions is set to correspond to a predetermined still image, and in at least a portion of the lens array, the average surface of the light incident surface and the average surface of the light emission surface are curved, and (1) the curved surface of the average surface of the light incident surface is concave and the curved surface of the average surface of the light emission surface is convex, or (2) the curved surface of the average surface of the light incident surface is convex and the curved surface of the average surface of the light emission surface is concave.

[0107] In the display switching device according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure, in Embodiment 1, the curved surface of the average plane of the light incident surface and the curved surface of the average plane of the light emission surface may have a curvature greater than 0 in a first direction and a curvature of 0 in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0108] In the display switching device according to embodiment 3 of the present disclosure, in embodiment 1 or 2, the curved surface of the average plane of the light incident surface may be concave, and the curved surface of the average plane of the light emission surface may be convex.

[0109] In the display switching device according to embodiment 4 of the present disclosure, in any of embodiments 1 to 3, the lens is formed on the light incident surface side, and the curvature of the average surface of the light emission surface may be greater than the curvature of the average surface of the light incident surface.

[0110] In the display switching device according to aspect 5 of the present disclosure, in aspect 1 or 2, the curved surface of the average plane of the light incident surface may be convex, and the curved surface of the average plane of the light emission surface may be concave.

[0111] In the display switching device according to embodiment 6 of the present disclosure, in embodiment 1, the curved surface of the average plane of the light incident surface and the curved surface of the average plane of the light emission surface may have a curvature greater than 0 in a first direction and a curvature greater than 0 in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0112] In the display switching device according to Embodiment 7 of this disclosure, in Embodiment 1, the curved surface of the average surface of the light emitting surface may include a part of a spherical or ellipsoidal surface.

[0113] In the display switching device according to embodiment 8 of the present disclosure, in any of embodiments 1 to 6, the curvature of the outer edge region arranged around the central region including the center of the curved surface of the average surface of the light emitting surface may be greater than the curvature of the central region.

[0114] In any of embodiments 1 to 8, the display switching device according to embodiment 9 of this disclosure may further include a transparent member layer made of a transparent material on the light-emitting side of the lens array.

[0115] The switch according to aspect 10 of this disclosure includes a display switching device as described in aspects 1 to 9, and detects user operations on the display switching device.

[0116] The electrical equipment according to aspect 11 of this disclosure includes a switch according to aspect 10, and is operated by the switch. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0117] 5, 5a, 5e, 5e,5f, 5f, 51A, 51B, 52A, 52B, 53A, 53B, 54A, 54B, 55A, 55B, 56A, 56B, 57A, 57B Light source 11, 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, 11F, 11G Display Switching Device 41, 43, 43B, 43E, 43F, 43G display section 42, 44, 44B, 44C, 44D, 44E, 44F, 44G lens array Pixel regions 4A, 4B, 45a, 45aa, 45ab 441 Light entrance surface 442 Light exit surface

Claims

1. A display switching device that switches the displayed image by switching the illumination of light from multiple light sources, A lens array in which multiple lenses are arranged, It includes a display unit, The display unit comprises a plurality of pixel regions, each of which includes a region through which light emitted from a plurality of light sources passes, and which is focused by each of the lenses of the lens array. The transmittance in each of the aforementioned pixel regions is set to correspond to a predetermined static pattern. A display switching device in which, in at least a portion of the lens array, the average surface of the light incident surface and the average surface of the light output surface are curved, and (1) the curved surface of the average surface of the light incident surface is concave and the curved surface of the average surface of the light output surface is convex, or (2) the curved surface of the average surface of the light incident surface is convex and the curved surface of the average surface of the light output surface is concave.

2. The display switching device according to claim 1, wherein the curved surface of the average plane of the light incident surface and the curved surface of the average plane of the light emission surface have a curvature greater than 0 in a first direction along the curved surface and a curvature of 0 in a second direction along the curved surface that is different from the first direction.

3. The display switching device according to claim 2, wherein the curved surface of the average plane of the light incident surface is concave, and the curved surface of the average plane of the light emission surface is convex.

4. The display switching device according to claim 3, wherein the lens is formed on the light incident surface side, and the curvature of the curved surface of the average surface of the light emission surface is greater than the curvature of the curved surface of the average surface of the light incident surface.

5. The display switching device according to claim 2, wherein the curved surface of the average plane of the light incident surface is convex, and the curved surface of the average plane of the light emission surface is concave.

6. The display switching device according to claim 1, wherein the curved surface of the average plane of the light incident surface and the curved surface of the average plane of the light emission surface have a curvature greater than 0 in a first direction along the curved surface, and also have a curvature greater than 0 in a second direction along the curved surface that is different from the first direction.

7. The display switching device according to claim 1, wherein the curved surface of the average surface of the light-emitting surface includes a part of a sphere or an ellipsoid.

8. The display switching device according to claim 1, wherein, in the curved surface of the average surface of the light-emitting surface, the curvature of the outer edge region arranged around the central region including the center of the curved surface is greater than the curvature of the central region.

9. The display switching device according to claim 1, wherein a transparent member layer made of a transparent material is further provided on the light-emitting side of the lens array.

10. A switch comprising a display switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and for detecting user operation on the display switching device.

11. An electrical device comprising the switch described in claim 10, wherein the device is operated by the switch.

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