Electronic device

Abstract

This electronic device (1) has a mechanism unit (2) and a control unit (3). The mechanism unit (2) is provided with: a glass layer (10) provided with one continuous surface (10a); a resin layer (20) disposed on the reverse-surface (10b) side of the glass layer (10); a display unit (30) disposed on the reverse-surface (20b) side of the resin layer (20); and a physical switch (40) disposed on the reverse-surface side of the display unit (30), the physical switch (40) being such that, when the glass layer (10) is pressed, the physical switch is pressed by the elastically deformed glass layer (10), the resin layer (20), and the display unit (30) and switches between conduction and non-conduction. The control unit (3) is electrically connected to the display unit (30) and the physical switch (40). The control unit (3) causes the display unit (30) positioned on the physical switch (40) to display a first image. When switching between conduction and non-conduction of the physical switch (40) is detected, the control unit (3) switches the image being displayed on the display unit (30) to a second image.

Description

electronic equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to electronic devices.

[0002] A known switch device includes a glass layer and a switch disposed on the rear side of the glass layer, the glass layer having a thickness of 20 μm to 150 μm, the switch having multiple contacts, including a contact that moves up and down, and in which, when the glass layer is pressed, the glass layer elastically deforms, switching the multiple contacts between conductive and non-conductive states. Such a switch device is mounted on, for example, an electronic device and used to input data to the electronic device. In such an electronic device, it may be difficult to determine whether the switch has been pressed.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-166480

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points, and has as its object to provide an electronic device that makes it easy to recognize when a switch is pressed.

[0005] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is an electronic device having a mechanism and a control unit, wherein the mechanism has a glass layer having a continuous surface, a resin layer arranged on the back side of the glass layer, a display unit arranged on the back side of the resin layer, and a physical switch arranged on the back side of the display unit, which is pressed by the glass layer, the resin layer, and the display unit, which elastically deforms when the glass layer is pressed, thereby switching between conductive and non-conductive states, and the control unit is electrically connected to the display unit and the physical switch, and the control unit displays a first image on the display unit located above the physical switch, and when it detects that the physical switch has switched between conductive and non-conductive states, switches the image displayed on the display unit to a second image.

[0006] According to the disclosed technology, it is possible to provide an electronic device that makes it easy to recognize when a switch has been pressed.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an electronic device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to the first embodiment; FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a control unit; FIG. 4 is an example of a flowchart when the control unit switches an image on the display unit; FIG. 5 is a diagram (part 1) illustrating an image displayed on the display unit; FIG. 6 is a diagram (part 2) illustrating an image displayed on the display unit; FIG. 7 is a diagram (part 3) illustrating an image displayed on the display unit; FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an electronic device according to a modified example of the first embodiment; FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to a second embodiment; and FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to the second embodiment.

[0008] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following describes the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted.

[0009] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an electronic device according to a first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic device 1 includes a mechanism unit 2 and a control unit 3.

[0010] The mechanical unit 2 includes a glass layer 10, a resin layer 20, a display unit 30, a physical switch 40, a support unit 50, and a bonding layer 60. The support unit 50 and the bonding layer 60 are not essential components of the mechanical unit 2.

[0011] 1 , when the glass layer 10 is pressed toward the physical switch 40, the movable portion of the physical switch 40 is pressed by the elastically deformed glass layer 10, the resin layer 20, and the display unit 30, switching between conductive and non-conductive states. When the pressing of the glass layer 10 is stopped, the glass layer 10, the resin layer 20, and the display unit 30 return to the state shown in FIG. 1 .

[0012] The control unit 3 is electrically connected to the display unit 30 and the physical switch 40 of the mechanism unit 2. The control unit 3 controls the operation of the entire electronic device 1. For example, the control unit 3 detects whether the physical switch 40 is conductive or non-conductive, and can display an image on the display unit 30 based on the detection result. The control unit 3 can also switch the image displayed on the display unit 30 based on the detection result.

[0013] The components of the mechanism section 2 will be described below.

[0014] [Glass Layer] The glass layer 10 has a front surface 10a and a back surface 10b opposite to the front surface 10a. The front surface 10a is a single continuous surface. The back surface 10b is also a single continuous surface. The front surface 10a side of the glass layer 10 becomes the outermost surface of the mechanical section 2. The glass layer 10 has high surface durability as determined by a pencil hardness test of 9H or higher, and excellent dimensional stability.

[0015] The glass layer 10 is not particularly limited, and an appropriate glass layer can be adopted depending on the purpose. The glass layer 10 can be classified by composition, for example, soda-lime glass, borate glass, aluminosilicate glass, quartz glass, etc. Furthermore, the glass layer 10 can be classified by alkali component, for example, alkali-free glass or low-alkali glass. The alkali metal component (e.g., Na) of the glass can be used. ２ O.K. ２ O, Li ２ The content of O) is preferably 15% by weight or less, and more preferably 10% by weight or less.

[0016] Considering the surface hardness, airtightness, and corrosion resistance of glass, the thickness of the glass layer 10 is preferably 20 μm or more. Furthermore, because the glass layer 10 needs to have film-like flexibility and durability against repeated use, the thickness of the glass layer 10 is preferably 150 μm or less. The thickness of the glass layer 10 is more preferably 30 μm to 120 μm, and particularly preferably 50 μm to 100 μm.

[0017] The glass layer 10 preferably has a light transmittance of 85% or more at a wavelength of 550 nm. The glass layer 10 preferably has a refractive index of 1.4 to 1.65 at a wavelength of 550 nm. The glass layer 10 preferably has a density of 2.3 g / cm ３ ~3.0 g / cm ３ and more preferably 2.3 g / cm ３ ~2.7g / cm ３ is.

[0018] The method for forming the glass layer 10 is not particularly limited, and an appropriate method can be adopted depending on the purpose. Typically, the glass layer 10 can be produced by melting a mixture containing a main raw material such as silica or alumina, an antifoaming agent such as mirabilite or antimony oxide, and a reducing agent such as carbon at a temperature of approximately 1400°C to 1600°C, forming it into a thin plate, and then cooling it. Examples of methods for forming the glass layer 10 include the slot downdraw method, the fusion method, and the float method. The glass layer formed into a plate shape by these methods may be chemically polished with a solvent such as hydrofluoric acid, as necessary, to make it thinner or to improve smoothness.

[0019] The glass layer 10 may be made of tempered glass. The tempered glass may be chemically tempered glass or thermally tempered glass, but chemically tempered glass having a compressive stress layer is easier to manufacture than thermally tempered glass. When the glass layer 10 is made of tempered glass, it is preferable that the compressive stress be 600 MPa or more.

[0020] Chemical strengthening refers to the process of replacing ions near the surface of a glass sheet with ions with a larger ionic radius. This ion exchange creates a compressive stress layer on the surface of the glass sheet, resulting in chemically strengthened glass. The glass composition in the compressive stress layer is different from the glass composition inside the glass.

[0021] In chemically strengthened glass, the glass plate before strengthening can be, for example, soda-lime glass, aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, aluminoborosilicate glass, etc. Soda-lime glass or soda-silicate glass is preferred, and soda-lime glass is more preferred, in that the depth of the compressive stress layer does not become too large more than necessary.

[0022] Ion exchange can be performed, for example, by substituting Li ions on the surface of the glass plate with Na ions and / or K ions. Alternatively, Na ions on the surface of the glass plate may be substituting K ions. By such ion exchange, a compressive stress layer is formed on the surface of the glass plate.

[0023] In the case of substituting Na ions with K ions, for example, a glass plate containing sodium may be brought into contact with an inorganic molten salt containing potassium nitrate. ２ CO ３ , Na ２ CO ３ , KHCO ３ , NaHCO ３ It is preferable that the solution contains at least one salt selected from the group consisting of KOH and NaOH.

[0024] A functional layer such as an antifouling layer, an antireflection layer, a conductive layer, a reflective layer, or a decorative layer may be provided on the front surface 10a and / or the back surface 10b of the glass layer 10. Braille may also be provided on the front surface 10a of the glass layer 10. In the electronic device according to this embodiment, the glass layer 10 is located on the outermost surface. Here, "the glass layer 10 is located on the outermost surface" means that the glass layer 10 is essentially located on the outermost surface. Even if an additional layer such as that described above is provided, this embodiment expresses the glass layer 10 as being located on the outermost surface.

[0025] [Resin Layer] The resin layer 20 is disposed on the rear surface 10b side of the glass layer 10. The resin layer 20 has a front surface 20a and a rear surface 20b opposite to the front surface 20a. The resin layer 20 is flexible. From the viewpoint of flexibility, the thickness of the resin layer 20 is preferably 50 μm or more and 150 μm or less.

[0026] Examples of materials for the resin layer 20 include polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate resins and polyethylene naphthalate resins, cycloolefin resins such as norbornene resins, polyethersulfone resins, polycarbonate resins, acrylic resins, polyolefin resins, polyimide resins, polyamide resins, polyimideamide resins, polyarylate resins, polysulfone resins, polyetherimide resins, and urethane resins.

[0027] In this way, when the glass layer 10 and the resin layer 20 are laminated, the resin layer 20 suppresses excessive deformation of the glass layer 10, which has the effect of preventing cracking of the glass layer 10, and also realizes an appropriate amount of deformation, thereby improving the durability of the glass layer 10 when it is repeatedly elastically deformed. Note that the amount of deformation of the glass layer 10 can be controlled by changing the thickness of the resin layer 20.

[0028] A bonding layer may be provided between the glass layer 10 and the resin layer 20. Any pressure-sensitive adhesive or adhesive described below can be used as the bonding layer. However, from the viewpoint of strength, it is preferable to use an adhesive as the bonding layer. From the viewpoint of appearance, the thickness of the bonding layer is preferably 0.5 μm or more and 25 μm or less, more preferably 0.5 μm or more and 5 μm or less, and even more preferably 0.5 μm or more and 3 μm or less.

[0029] A plurality of resin layers may be laminated on the rear surface 10b side of the glass layer 10. Such a laminated structure can further suppress cracking of the glass layer 10 and further improve the durability of the glass layer 10 against repeated elastic deformation.

[0030] [Display Unit] The display unit 30 is disposed on the rear surface 20b side of the resin layer 20. For example, the display unit 30 can be disposed so as to be in contact with the rear surface 20b of the resin layer 20. The display unit 30 is a thin, flexible member. The display unit 30 is, for example, a liquid crystal display unit or an organic EL display unit. The display unit 30 may be a touch switch type display device in which a touch switch and a liquid crystal display unit or an organic EL display unit are stacked. Any type of touch switch can be used, for example, a capacitive type, an optical type, an ultrasonic type, or the like. Note that no clicking sensation is obtained when the touch switch is operated.

[0031] [Physical Switch] The physical switch 40 is disposed on the back side of the display unit 30. When viewed from the front surface 10a side of the glass layer 10, the physical switch 40 is disposed in a position overlapping the display unit 30. The physical switch 40 is a switch that detects a physical change when pressed. A click feeling is provided by operating the physical switch 40. The physical switch 40 is, for example, a tactile switch, but is not limited to this and may be any switch that provides a click feeling, such as a membrane switch.

[0032] [Supporting Section] The supporting section 50 is disposed on the rear surface side of the display section 30 and supports the glass layer 10, the resin layer 20, and the display section 30. The supporting section 50 may support the physical switch 40. For example, the supporting section 50 may be disposed outside the physical switch 40 in a frame shape so as to surround the physical switch 40. Alternatively, a plurality of supporting sections 50 may be disposed at intervals at any positions outside the physical switch 40. The supporting section 50 is formed from, for example, resin, metal, or the like.

[0033] Note that a component constituting the physical switch 40 may be used as the support section. Alternatively, the physical switch 40 itself may be used as the support section. That is, the support section may be a part of the physical switch 40, or the whole of the physical switch 40. In these cases, the support section 50 shown in FIG. 1 does not need to be provided. Alternatively, a part or the whole of the physical switch 40 may be used as the support section, and the support section 50 shown in FIG. 1 may be provided separately.

[0034] [Bonding Layer] The bonding layer 60 bonds the display unit 30 and the support unit 50. Any adhesive or adhesive can be used as the bonding layer 60. The thickness of the bonding layer 60 can be, for example, 5 μm or more and 20 mm or less.

[0035] In this specification, a pressure-sensitive adhesive refers to a layer that has adhesive properties at room temperature and adheres to an adherend with light pressure. Therefore, even when an adherend that has been stuck to the pressure-sensitive adhesive is peeled off, the pressure-sensitive adhesive retains practical adhesive strength. On the other hand, an adhesive refers to a layer that can bond substances by being interposed between them. Therefore, when an adherend that has been stuck to the adhesive is peeled off, the adhesive loses practical adhesive strength.

[0036] Examples of the adhesive include adhesives having a base polymer such as an acrylic polymer, a silicone polymer, a polyester, a polyurethane, a polyamide, a polyether, a fluorine-based polymer, or a rubber-based polymer.

[0037] Examples of adhesives include polyester adhesives, polyurethane adhesives, polyvinyl alcohol adhesives, and epoxy adhesives. If the adhesive is a thermosetting adhesive, it can exhibit peel resistance by being heated and cured (solidified). If the adhesive is a photocurable adhesive such as an ultraviolet curable adhesive, it can exhibit peel resistance by being cured by irradiating it with light such as ultraviolet light. If the adhesive is a moisture curable adhesive, it can be cured by reacting with moisture in the air, and can therefore exhibit peel resistance by being left to stand.

[0038] Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device according to the first embodiment Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a control unit.

[0039] 2 and 3, the control unit 3 is an electronic circuit, and includes, as its main components, a central processing unit (CPU) 301, a read-only memory (ROM) 302, a random access memory (RAM) 303, an interface (I / F) 304, and a bus line 305. The CPU 301, the ROM 302, the RAM 303, and the I / F 304 are connected to one another via the bus line 305. The control unit 3 may include other hardware blocks as necessary.

[0040] The CPU 301 controls each function of the control unit 3. The ROM 302, which is a storage means, stores various information and programs executed by the CPU 301 to control each function of the control unit 3. The RAM 303, which is a storage means, is used as a work area for the CPU 301. The RAM 303 can also temporarily store predetermined information. The I / F 304 is an interface for connecting to other devices, etc., and can connect to, for example, other devices, etc. located outside the electronic device 1. The connection may be wired or wireless. The I / F 304 may be, for example, an infrared transmission module.

[0041] The control unit 3 may include a processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a system on a chip (SOC), a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc. Alternatively, the control unit 3 may be a circuit module, etc.

[0042] Fig. 4 is an example of a flowchart when the control unit switches the image on the display unit. Fig. 5 is a diagram (part 1) showing an example of an image displayed on the display unit. The procedure by which the control unit 3 switches the image on the display unit 30 will be described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5 .

[0043] Here, an example is shown in which the physical switch 40 is a switch that switches on and off a light in a lighting device disposed outside the electronic device 1. Here, the physical switch 40 is assumed to be non-conductive when not pressed, conductive when pressed, and non-conductive when the pressing is stopped. However, it is also possible to use a physical switch that is conductive when not pressed, non-conductive when pressed, and conductive when the pressing is stopped. Also, at the start of FIG. 4 , the electronic device 1 is powered on and the light is turned off. At this time, the physical switch 40 is non-conductive.

[0044] 4 , the control unit 3 detects that the physical switch 40 is not conductive, and therefore causes the display unit 30 to display a first image A indicating that the light is off. Data for the image to be displayed on the display unit 30 is stored, for example, in the ROM 302. The control unit 3 reads out the data for the first image A stored in the ROM 302 and causes the display unit 30 to display it.

[0045] In addition, at the same time as displaying the first image A in step S101, the control unit 3 may also display ``Lighting OFF'' or the like in a position different from the position where the first image A is displayed on the display unit 30 so that it is possible to recognize that the lighting device is turned off.

[0046] 5 is an example of a first image A. In this example, a light bulb mark arranged inside a ring is displayed on the display unit 30 located above the physical switch 40. The first image A indicates the position of the physical switch 40 and also indicates that the physical switch 40 is not pressed.

[0047] The first image A is an image that reminds the operator of the physical switch 40 of an object that operates in response to the operation of the physical switch 40. In this example, the object is a lighting device, and therefore, as an example, the first image A is a mark that resembles a light bulb.

[0048] 4 , in step S102, the control unit 3 detects whether the physical switch 40 has been switched to conductive. That is, the control unit 3 detects whether the physical switch 40 has been pressed. If the control unit 3 does not detect that the physical switch 40 has been switched to conductive (NO) in step S102, the control unit 3 repeats the processing of step S102. If the control unit 3 detects that the physical switch 40 has been switched to conductive (YES) in step S102, the control unit 3 proceeds to the processing of step S103.

[0049] In step S103, the control unit 3 switches the image displayed on the display unit 30 from the first image A to the second image B. Specifically, the control unit 3 reads out the data of the second image B stored in the ROM 302, and causes the display unit 30 to display the second image B in place of the first image A.

[0050] 5 is an example of the second image B. Here, the second image B is an image showing the light bulb mark recessed from the first image A.

[0051] The second image B is an image that reminds the operator of the physical switch 40 that the physical switch has been pressed. In the example of Fig. 5, the second image B is an image in which the light bulb mark is recessed further from the surface of the glass layer than the first image A, thereby making the operator recognize that the physical switch 40 has been pressed.

[0052] 4 , in step S104, the control unit 3 detects whether the physical switch 40 has been switched to a non-conductive state. That is, the control unit 3 detects whether the pressing of the physical switch 40 has been released. If the control unit 3 does not detect that the physical switch 40 has been switched to a non-conductive state in step S104 (in the case of NO), the process of step S104 is repeated. If the control unit 3 detects that the physical switch 40 has been switched to a non-conductive state in step S104 (in the case of YES), the control unit 3 proceeds to the process of step S105.

[0053] In step S105, the control unit 3 transmits a signal to turn on the illumination to an illumination device disposed outside the electronic device 1. The transmitted signal may be, for example, infrared light, and the illumination device turns on the illumination upon receiving the signal. Next, in step S106, the control unit 3 switches the image displayed on the display unit 30 from the second image B to the first image A. Specifically, the control unit 3 reads out the data of the first image A stored in the ROM 302, and displays the first image A on the display unit 30 in place of the second image B.

[0054] The first image A to be switched in step S106 is shown in the lower part of Fig. 5 in the direction of the arrow, and is the same image as the upper part in the direction of the arrow. Note that the second image B is displayed only for a relatively short period of time between when the operator presses the physical switch 40 and when he or she releases it.

[0055] The processes of steps S105 and S106 can be performed almost simultaneously, or the order of the processes of steps S105 and S106 can be reversed.

[0056] At the same time as displaying first image A in step S106, control unit 3 may display "Lighting ON" or the like in a position on display unit 30 different from the position where first image A is displayed, so that it is possible to recognize that the lighting device is on. Alternatively, control unit 3 may make first image A displayed in step S106 brighter than first image A displayed in step S101 or in a different color from first image A displayed in step S101, so that it is possible to recognize that the lighting device is on.

[0057] The above steps S101 to S106 are the procedure for turning on an illumination device that is in an off state. The following steps S107 to S111 are the procedure for turning off an illumination device that is in an on state.

[0058] In step S107, the control unit 3 detects whether the physical switch 40 has been switched to conductive. That is, the control unit 3 detects whether the physical switch 40 has been pressed. In step S107, if the control unit 3 does not detect that the physical switch 40 has been switched to conductive (in the case of NO), the control unit 3 repeats the processing of step S107. In step S107, if the control unit 3 detects that the physical switch 40 has been switched to conductive (in the case of YES), the control unit 3 proceeds to the processing of step S108.

[0059] In step S108, the control unit 3 switches the image displayed on the display unit 30 from the first image A to the second image B. Specifically, the control unit 3 reads out the data of the second image B stored in the ROM 302, and causes the display unit 30 to display the second image B in place of the first image A.

[0060] In step S109, the control unit 3 detects whether the physical switch 40 has been switched to a non-conductive state. That is, the control unit 3 detects whether the pressing of the physical switch 40 has been released. In step S109, if the control unit 3 does not detect that the physical switch 40 has been switched to a non-conductive state (if NO), the control unit 3 repeats the processing of step S109. In step S109, if the control unit 3 detects that the physical switch 40 has been switched to a non-conductive state (if YES), the control unit 3 proceeds to the processing of step S110.

[0061] In step S110, the control unit 3 transmits a signal to turn off the light to a lighting device located outside the electronic device 1. The transmitted signal may be, for example, infrared light, and the lighting device turns off the light upon receiving the signal. Next, in step S111, the control unit 3 switches the image displayed on the display unit 30 from the second image B to the first image A. Specifically, the control unit 3 reads out the data of the first image A stored in the ROM 302 and displays the first image A on the display unit 30 instead of the second image B.

[0062] The processes of steps S110 and S111 can be performed almost simultaneously, or the order of the processes of steps S110 and S111 can be reversed.

[0063] At the same time as displaying first image A in step S111, control unit 3 may display "Lighting OFF" or the like in a position on display unit 30 different from the position where first image A is displayed, so that it is possible to recognize that the lighting device is turned off. Alternatively, control unit 3 may make first image A displayed in step S111 darker than first image A displayed in step S106 or in a different color from first image A displayed in step S106, so that it is possible to recognize that the lighting device is turned off.

[0064] The above steps S101 to S111 are repeatedly executed while the electronic device 1 is powered on.

[0065] Fig. 6 is a diagram (part 2) illustrating an example of an image displayed on the display unit. In Fig. 6, a first image A shown in the upper part of the diagram in the direction of the arrow depicts a grid in addition to a light bulb mark. The grid is composed of only straight lines. In the grid, vertical and horizontal lines intersect at right angles. On the other hand, a second image B shown in the lower part of the diagram in the direction of the arrow depicts a light bulb mark recessed from the first image A, and part or all of the grid is configured to include curves.

[0066] That is, here, the second image B is an image that shows a more distorted appearance than the first image A. The second image B may be an image that shows only a more distorted appearance than the first image A without being more concave than the first image A. Such an image allows the operator to recognize that the physical switch 40 has been pressed, as in the case of FIG. 5 .

[0067] 7 is a diagram (part 3) illustrating an example of an image displayed on the display unit. In FIG. 7, a first image A shown in the upper part of the arrow indicates a protruding light bulb mark, which is an object that moves in response to the operation of the physical switch 40. In contrast, a second image B shown in the lower part of the arrow indicates a recessed light bulb mark relative to the first image A. Such an image allows the operator to more clearly recognize that the physical switch 40 has been pressed than in the case of FIG. 5.

[0068] In this way, in the electronic device 1, the control unit 3 displays the first image A on the display unit 30 located above the physical switch 40, and when it detects that the physical switch 40 has switched between conductive and non-conductive states, it switches the image displayed on the display unit 30 to the second image B.

[0069] Specifically, for example, when the control unit 3 detects that the physical switch 40 has switched between conduction and non-conduction when the glass layer 10 is pressed, the control unit 3 switches the image displayed on the display unit 30 from the first image A to the second image B, and when the control unit 3 detects that the physical switch 40 has switched between conduction and non-conduction when the pressing of the glass layer 10 is released, the control unit 3 switches the image displayed on the display unit 30 from the second image B to the first image A. Here, pressing and releasing the pressing of the glass layer 10 are a series of operations.

[0070] As a result, the operator of the physical switch 40 can visually recognize that the first image A has been switched to the second image B only while the physical switch 40 is being pressed. In other words, it is possible to realize an electronic device 1 in which the operator of the physical switch 40 can easily recognize that the physical switch 40 has been pressed.

[0071] In the above description, an example has been shown in which the physical switch 40 is a switch that switches on and off a light in a lighting device that is disposed outside the electronic device 1. However, the physical switch 40 may also be a switch that controls an air conditioning device, an audio device, a navigation device, or the like.

[0072] For example, if the object is an air conditioning device, the first image A may be a plurality of curved arrows that represent air flow. If the object is an audio device, the first image A may be a mark that represents musical notes. If the object is a navigation device, the first image A may be a mark that represents a map. In either case, the second image B may be an image that shows a more recessed appearance than the first image A or an image that shows a more distorted appearance than the first image A, as in the case where the object is a lighting device.

[0073] Furthermore, the timing of transmitting a signal to the target device, as in steps S105 and S110, can be adjusted as desired to match the operational image of the target device. For example, a signal may be transmitted to the target device the moment conduction of the physical switch is detected in step S102. Alternatively, a signal may be transmitted to the target device after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed since non-conduction of the physical switch was detected in step S104.

[0074] 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an electronic device according to a modification of the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 8, the electronic device 1A differs from the electronic device 1 in that the mechanism unit 2 has a touch switch operation area R. In the example of Fig. 8, the touch switch operation area R is disposed in a position that does not overlap with the physical switch 40 in a plan view.

[0075] When the control unit 3 detects that the operator has touched the glass layer 10 located in the touch switch operation area R, the control unit 3 can switch the display on the display unit 30 based on the detection. For example, when the control unit 3 detects that the operator has touched the glass layer 10 located in the touch switch operation area R, the control unit 3 can cause the display unit 30 located above the physical switch 40 to display the first image A.

[0076] For example, the entire display unit 30 may be displayed in black, or a background image may be displayed. In this case, when the operator of the electronic device 1A touches the touch switch operation area R, the image on the display unit 30 changes, and for example, a first image A shown in the upper part of the arrow direction in Fig. 5 can be displayed at a position that overlaps with the physical switch 40 of the display unit 30 in a plan view. The subsequent operations are as shown in the flowchart of Fig. 4.

[0077] In this way, the mechanism unit 2 may have a touch switch operation area R.

[0078] The touch switch operation area R may be located directly above the physical switch 40. In this case, the same function as above can be realized. That is, the control unit 3 can independently detect that the operator has touched the glass layer 10 located in the touch switch operation area R and that the physical switch 40 has been pressed.

[0079] Second Embodiment In the second embodiment, a specific example of the electronic device according to the first embodiment will be described. Note that in the second embodiment, the description of the same components as those in the embodiments already described may be omitted.

[0080] Fig. 9 is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to a second embodiment. Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figs. 9 and 10 , the electronic device 200 has a housing 210, a switch unit 220, a touch switch display device 230, a resin film 240, a transparent film 250, and a frame 260. The electronic device 200 may have a battery, a power input terminal, a signal output terminal, etc.

[0081] The switch section 220, the touch switch type display device 230, the resin film 240, and the transparent film 250 are layered in this order from the housing 210 side between the housing 210 and the frame 260. The respective components can be joined to each other by screwing, adhesive, or the like.

[0082] The housing 210 is a member on which the switch unit 220 and the touch switch display device 230 are arranged, and can be made of, for example, resin or metal. The switch unit 220 is arranged on the housing 210. The switch unit 220 includes a switch holding unit 221 and one or more physical switches 222. In the illustrated example, three physical switches 222 are held in the switch holding unit 221, but the number of physical switches 222 can be any number. The physical switches 222 are, for example, tactile switches.

[0083] A touch switch type display device 230, in which a touch switch and a display unit are stacked, is arranged on the switch unit 220. The touch switch type display device 230 is a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL display device, or the like. The touch switch type display device 230 is connected to a circuit unit 235. A control unit electrically connected to the physical switch 222 and the touch switch type display device 230 is arranged in the circuit unit 235.

[0084] A resin film 240 is disposed on the touch switch display device 230. The resin film 240 can be disposed as needed. For example, a flexible acrylic plate with a thickness of about 0.3 to 0.7 mm can be used as the resin film 240. The resin film 240 is not limited to an acrylic plate.

[0085] The resin film 240 may be transparent or may not be transparent. The resin film 240 may be printed. For example, a black frame-like frame may be printed so as to conceal the outer edge of the touch switch display device 230.

[0086] In addition to the resin film 240, a dark decorative film may be disposed between the touch switch display device 230 and the switch unit 220. For example, when the touch switch display device 230 is transparent, the switch unit 220 can be prevented from being viewed from the surface side of the transparent film 250.

[0087] The transparent film 250 is a laminate of the glass layer 10 and the resin layer 20 described above. That is, the transparent film 250 has the glass layer 10 having one continuous surface and the resin layer 20 laminated on the back surface side of the glass layer 10. The transparent film 250 is arranged so that the resin layer 20 is located on the resin film 240 side. The transparent film 250 may be flat or curved.

[0088] Furthermore, it is preferable that the transparent film 250, the resin film 240, and the display unit 30 are bonded together via an adhesive layer. That is, it is preferable that there is no air layer between the transparent film 250 and the resin film 240, and between the resin film 240 and the display unit 30. Because the interface between the air layer and the material increases the amount of reflected light, if there is an air layer inside, the display unit 30 will be viewed through two types of reflected light, one reflected at the interface with the glass layer and one reflected internally, which may reduce the contrast of the display unit 30. By bonding the transparent film 250 and the resin film 240, and the resin film 240 and the display unit 30 together via an adhesive layer, the risk of such problems occurring is reduced, and good contrast can be obtained.

[0089] The frame 260 is a frame-shaped member and can be composed of, for example, a resin frame 261 and a glass frame 262. The resin frame 261 may be replaced with a metal frame. The frame 260 may be flat, curved, or a mixture of both. In the illustrated example, both ends of the frame 260 in the longitudinal direction are curved, and the remaining portions are flat.

[0090] The glass layer 10 constituting the transparent film 250 is exposed inside the frame 260. Unlike the glass layer 10, the glass frame 262 is made of a relatively thick glass plate having a thickness of about several millimeters. The glass frame 262 is located on the outermost surface of the electronic device 200. This allows the design of the electronic device 200 to be improved.

[0091] The electronic device 200 can control other electronic devices based on user input operations via a touch switch and / or a physical switch. The electronic device 200 is similar to the electronic device 1 in that a control unit displays a first image on a display unit located above the physical switch, and switches the image displayed on the display unit to a second image when it detects that the physical switch has switched between conductive and non-conductive states.

[0092] The electronic device 200 can be mounted in a vehicle such as an automobile, and can control an air conditioning system, a lighting system, an audio system, a navigation system, etc. mounted in the vehicle via wired or wireless communication. The electronic device 200 can be disposed, for example, in the center console, steering wheel, door, dashboard, ceiling, etc. of the vehicle. The electronic device 200 may be fixed to any position in the vehicle, or may be detachable.

[0093] The above is merely an example, and the electronic device according to the present invention may be used for purposes other than in-vehicle use, such as a mobile phone, a personal computer, or an electronic dictionary.

[0094] The above describes preferred embodiments in detail, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0095] In addition to the above embodiments, the following supplementary notes are further disclosed. (Supplementary Note 1) An electronic device having a mechanism unit and a control unit, wherein the mechanism unit has: a glass layer having a single continuous surface; a resin layer disposed on the back side of the glass layer; a display unit disposed on the back side of the resin layer; and a physical switch disposed on the back side of the display unit, the physical switch being pressed by the glass layer, the resin layer, and the display unit, which elastically deforms when the glass layer is pressed, to switch between conductive and non-conductive states; the control unit is electrically connected to the display unit and the physical switch; the control unit displays a first image on the display unit located above the physical switch, and switches the image displayed on the display unit to a second image when it detects that the physical switch has switched between conductive and non-conductive states. (Supplementary Note 2) The electronic device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the first image is an image that reminds an operator of the physical switch of an object that moves in response to the operation of the physical switch. (Supplementary Note 3) The electronic device according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein the second image is an image that reminds an operator of the physical switch that the physical switch has been pressed. (Supplementary Note 4) The electronic device according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the second image is an image that shows a more recessed appearance than the first image. (Supplementary Note 5) The electronic device according to Supplementary Note 3 or 4, wherein the second image is an image that shows a more distorted appearance than the first image. (Supplementary Note 6) The electronic device according to Supplementary Note 3 or 4, wherein the first image is an image that shows a protruding appearance of an object that moves in response to operation of the physical switch, and the second image is an image that shows a more recessed appearance than the first image. (Appendix 7) The electronic device described in any one of Appendices 1 to 6, wherein when the control unit detects that the physical switch has switched between conductive and non-conductive states when the glass layer is pressed, it switches the image to be displayed on the display unit to the second image, and when it detects that the physical switch has switched between conductive and non-conductive states when the pressing of the glass layer is released, it switches the image to be displayed on the display unit to the first image.(Appendix 8) The electronic device described in any one of Appendices 1 to 7, wherein the mechanism unit has a touch switch operation area, and when the control unit detects that an operator has touched the glass layer located in the touch switch operation area, it causes the display unit located on the physical switch to display the first image.

[0096] This international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-048067, filed on March 25, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0097] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1, 1A, 200 Electronic device 2 Mechanical section 3 Control section 10 Glass layer 10a, 20a Front surface 10b, 20b Back surface 20 Resin layer 30 Display section 40 Physical switch 50 Support section 210 Housing 220 Switch section 221 Switch holding section 222 Physical switch 230 Touch switch type display device 235 Circuit section 240 Resin film 250 Transparent film 260 Frame 261 Resin frame 262 Glass frame 301 CPU 302 ROM 303 RAM 304 I / F 305 Bus line

Claims

1. An electronic device having a mechanism and a control unit, wherein the mechanism has: a glass layer having one continuous surface; a resin layer arranged on the back side of the glass layer; a display unit arranged on the back side of the resin layer; and a physical switch arranged on the back side of the display unit, which is pressed by the glass layer, which elastically deforms, the resin layer, and the display unit when the glass layer is pressed, thereby switching between conductive and non-conductive states; the control unit is electrically connected to the display unit and the physical switch, and the control unit displays a first image on the display unit located above the physical switch, and switches the image displayed on the display unit to a second image when it detects that the physical switch has switched between conductive and non-conductive states.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first image is an image that reminds the operator of the physical switch of an object that moves in response to the operation of the physical switch.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the second image is an image that reminds an operator of the physical switch that the physical switch has been pressed.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the second image is an image that shows a more recessed appearance than the first image.

5. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the second image is an image that shows a more distorted appearance than the first image.

6. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein the first image is an image showing a protruding object that moves in response to the operation of the physical switch, and the second image is an image showing a more recessed object than the first image.

7. An electronic device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit switches the image to be displayed on the display unit to the second image when it detects that the physical switch has switched between conductive and non-conductive states when the glass layer is pressed, and further switches the image to be displayed on the display unit to the first image when it detects that the physical switch has switched between conductive and non-conductive states when the pressing of the glass layer is released.

8. An electronic device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the mechanism unit has a touch switch operation area, and the control unit, when detecting that an operator has touched the glass layer located in the touch switch operation area, causes the display unit located on the physical switch to display the first image.

Images