JPH11265158A - Multiplex display switch - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multiplex display switch capable of making compatible the variety of colors and design patterns and the good appearance due to precise design patterns in spite of a shallow and thin type. SOLUTION: This display switch has switches 5a and 5b for changing electric output characteristics through pressing operation and a switch button 2 made of a transparent resin for operating these switches 5a and 5b. In this case, a self light emitting body 3 is arranged on the back of a front face 20 of the switch button 2 by laminating three transparent light emitting plates (electroluminescence elements 31-33) to be emitted in mutually different prescribed design patterns when electric fields are impressed. By adopting the self light emitting body 3, any lamp or the like is not required and the shallow and thin type is provided. Besides, since the self light emitting body 3 has three light emitting plates 31-33, the variety of colors and design patterns and the good appearance due to the precise design patterns is made compatible.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention belongs to the technical field of switches, and more particularly, to the technical field of switches having a multiple display function of displaying a plurality of different design patterns.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an apparatus having a multiple display function for displaying different design patterns is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-12993.
There is a multiple display device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 50-250. The device includes a design lens in which a plurality of lenses are stacked, and a plurality of colored miniature lamps that emit light from behind each other to illuminate the design lens from behind. The design lens includes a transparent display unit that forms a design pattern, and a masking processing unit that reflects only light of a specific color that occupies the entire periphery of the display unit. A plurality of types of design lenses having different masking processing units having specific colors of reflected light rays and display units having different design patterns are superimposed, and a plurality of different design lenses are stacked behind a plurality of stacked design lenses. A miniature light bulb of a specific color is provided as a backlight.

In the multiplex display device having the above structure, if the backlight of the light beam of a specific color is turned on, only the display unit of the design lens having a masking processing unit for reflecting only the light beam of the specific color is used. Transmit through the pattern. On the other hand, the other design lens transmits the light beam of the specific color as a whole, and as a result, only the specific design pattern is displayed on the surface of the multiplex display device. Therefore, by changing the color of the light beam of the backlight, a plurality of types of design patterns are displayed in different colors on the surface of the multiplex display device.

[0004]

However, since the multiple display device according to the prior art requires miniature bulbs of a plurality of colors as a backlight, the depth is inevitably increased, which is not suitable for reduction in size and weight. Absent. Further, when applying to a multiple display switch, the thickness of the switch is also added to the depth, so that the depth of the multiple display switch on the instrument panel increases, which is inconvenient. In addition, in the multiplex display device according to the related art, since different design patterns require backlights of different colors, there are restrictions on the colors of the design patterns, and different design patterns cannot be displayed in the same color. . Further, since the incandescent wire of the miniature bulb of the backlight may be cut off due to the life or the like, it cannot be said that it is convenient in terms of reliability.

By the way, as the multiple display switch, a switch using an LCD (liquid crystal display with backlight) can be considered in addition to the switch according to the above-mentioned conventional technology. As the method, a dot matrix type LCD multiple display switch (the former) and a segment type LCD multiple display switch (the latter) can be implemented. However, in the former, there is an advantage that the display of an arbitrary design such as a character or a pattern can be switched, but since it is costly to sufficiently reduce the size of the dot, the roughness of the vivid display design is conspicuous and the appearance is poor. There is an inconvenience. Further, in the latter, there is a limitation that the design pattern that can be displayed by one LCD is limited, so that various displays cannot be performed. Further, since both of them are also restricted in color, it is difficult to achieve both the variety of colors and design patterns and the good appearance by the fine design patterns.

Accordingly, the present invention solves the problem of providing a multiple display switch which can achieve both a variety of colors and design patterns and a good appearance by a fine design pattern while being thin and shallow. Should be a task to be done.

[0007]

Means for Solving the Problems and Their Functions / Effects To solve the above problems, the inventor has invented the following means. (First Means) A first means of the present invention is a multiple display switch according to the first aspect. In this means, a self-luminous body having one or a plurality of stacked transparent light-emitting plates that emit light in a predetermined design pattern when an electric field is applied is disposed behind the transparent front surface of the switch button. . Therefore, the self-luminous body is provided with one or more light-emitting plates that emit light by itself, and there is no need for a backlight on the back.Therefore, a miniature bulb or the like as a backlight is unnecessary, and the depth is shallow and thin. Multiple display switches can be configured. Further, since miniature bulbs are not used, there is no fear of disconnection due to the life of the incandescent wire, and reliability is improved.

[0008] In addition, since it is possible to form a fine light emitting design pattern on each light emitting plate, good appearance can be obtained by the fine design pattern. Furthermore, the luminescent color of the design pattern of each luminescent plate can be arbitrarily set to some extent by adjusting the components of the luminescent portion.
In addition, even if one light emitting plate is used, if a portion of the design pattern to which an electric field is applied is wired so as to be switchable, it is possible to display different design patterns in the same color.

Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a multiplex display switch which can achieve both a variety of colors and design patterns and a good appearance by a fine design pattern while being thin and shallow. There is an effect that can be. (Second Means) A second means of the present invention is a multiple display switch according to the second aspect.

In the present invention, the plurality of light emitting plates are each an electroluminescent element, and emit light in a predetermined color when a predetermined electric field is applied. Here, in the electroluminescence element, an arbitrary design pattern can be precisely formed, so that good appearance can be obtained by the fine design pattern. In addition, since a plurality of light emitting plates having different design patterns are stacked, a variety of design patterns can be obtained. Further, since the light can be emitted in different colors by changing the light emitting components of the electroluminescence element, it is possible to set the colors of the design patterns of the light emitting plate in various ways.
As a result, by having the light emitting plate in which a plurality of light emitting plates are stacked, it is possible to achieve both the variety of colors and design patterns and the good appearance of the fine design patterns.

Therefore, according to this means, there is an effect that means for concretely implementing the multiple display switch which can obtain the effect of the first means can be provided. (Third Means) A third means of the present invention is a multiple display switch according to the third aspect. In this means, the function of the switch contact when operated is different depending on which of the plurality of design patterns the self-luminous body emits. That is, which light emitting plate of the self-luminous body is emitting light,
In addition, the function of the switch contact differs depending on which design pattern the light emitting plate that emits light emits. As a result, a single switch can have a plurality of functions, and a multiple display switch can be used as a multi-function switch.

Therefore, according to this means, in addition to the effect of the first means, there is an effect that the multiple display switch can be used as a multi-function switch.

[0013]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the multiple display switch according to the present invention will be clearly and fully described in the following embodiments so that those skilled in the art can understand the present invention. Embodiment 1 (Configuration of Embodiment 1) A multiple display switch according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is implemented as a part of a switch panel occupying a part of a dashboard of an automobile as shown in FIG. Is done. That is, in the illustrated switch panel, menu selection buttons S1 to S3 and design switching display buttons S4 to S8 are provided as a multiple display switch of the present embodiment, and a multiple display section D is further provided. .

As an example, design switching display buttons S4 to S
8, S7 will be taken up and its configuration as a multiple display switch will be described below. The multiple display switch S7 includes switch elements 5a and 5b whose electric characteristics change by a manual pressing operation, as schematically shown in FIG.
A switch button 2 made of a transparent resin for operating the switch elements 5a and 5b. Switch elements 5a, 5b
Are fixed to the printed circuit board 6. Printed circuit board 6
A logic circuit is formed thereon, and the logic circuit includes a design pattern of each of the switches S1 to S8 and each of the switches S1 to S8.
To S8.

When the center of the multiple display switch S7 is pressed, both circuits of the switch elements 5a and 5b are closed, and an output signal for performing a predetermined function is output from the printed circuit board 6 to an appropriate device. On the other hand, the multiple display switch S7
Is pressed, the circuit of only the switch element 5a is closed, and an output signal for performing another predetermined function is sent to another appropriate device. Conversely, when the left side of the multiple display switch S7 is pressed, the circuit of only the switch element 5b is closed, and an output signal for performing another predetermined function is output to another appropriate device.

Behind the front surface 20 of the switch button 2,
A self-luminous body 3 is provided, and three transparent light-emitting plates 31 to 33 that emit light in predetermined design patterns different from each other when an electric field is applied are stacked on the self-luminous body 3. That is, the self-luminous body 3 is disposed on the back of the front surface 20 of the switch button 2 while being held on the surface of the back plate 42 made of a hard resin.

The back plate 42 is formed integrally with the left and right back plates 41 and 43, bypassing the left and right legs 21 and 22 of the multiple display switch S7. Similarly, the self-luminous body 3 is integrally formed continuously with the left and right self-luminous bodies 3, bypassing the left and right legs 21 and 22 of the multiple display switch S7. Also, each of the switches S1 to S8
Where there is no light, the self-luminous body 3 and the back plate 4
, A decorative board 1 made of hard resin is provided, and the decorative board 1 is also formed integrally with the upper, lower, left and right decorative boards 11, 12 bypassing the switches S1 to S8. .

The decorative board 1 is made of a transparent resin, and the back thereof is painted with a black paint. However, as shown in FIG. 1 again, only the multiple display portion D of the decorative board 1 is not coated with the paint from the back, so that the light emitted from the self-luminous body 3 disposed on the rear of the multiple display portion D emits light. It can be seen from outside. As shown in FIG. 3, the self-luminous body 3 includes a transparent glass substrate 30 having a predetermined thickness, three light-emitting plates 31 to 33 laminated on the substrate 30, and each light-emitting plate 31 to 33.
And two transparent insulating plates 34 for partitioning. That is,
Three laminated light emitting plates 31 to 33 are sandwiched between the two glass substrates 30, and furthermore, the light emitting plates 31 to 33 are sandwiched.
3, two transparent insulating plates 34 are sandwiched.

As shown in FIG. 4, each of the light-emitting plates 31 to 33 has a transparent light-emitting layer 3a which emits light in a predetermined color when a predetermined electric field is applied, and a two-layered light-emitting layer 3a bonded to both surfaces of the light-emitting layer 3a. This is an electroluminescent device comprising a transparent insulating layer 3b and transparent electrodes 3c and 3d sandwiching both insulating layers 3b. Here, the transparent electrodes 3c and 3d are transparent electrode films formed by forming a design pattern on a part of the other surface of both insulating layers 3b and joining them.

Although the multi-display switch S7 has been described above as an example, the self-luminous body 3 formed continuously and integrally with each other behind the multi-display switches S1 to S8, similarly to the multi-display switch S7. Are arranged. therefore,
The multiple display switches S1 to S8 include multiple display switches S
There are various light emitting display functions similar to those of FIG. (Operation and Effect of First Embodiment) Multiple display switch S of the present embodiment
As shown in FIG. 1 again, a self-luminous body 3 integrally formed on the back of the multiple display switches S1 to S8 is arranged on the switch panel having the multiple display units D1 to S8. Also, a self-luminous body 3 having substantially the same configuration is provided behind the multiple display unit D.

When no power is supplied to the switch panel, nothing is displayed on the multiple display switches S1 to S8 and the multiple display section D as shown in FIG. When the power is turned on to this switch panel, "Navi (car navigation)" is displayed on the multiple display switches S1 to S3, which are menu selection buttons, in the same color indicating that the switch is in a standby state.
"Audio" and "Air conditioner" are displayed.

Therefore, for example, when "NAVIGATION" is selected by pressing the multiple display switch S1, as shown in FIG. 6, only the multiple display switch S1 is used (an electric field is applied to the other light-emitting plates) to obtain another color having a high luminance. , And the switchboard is "Navi"
The mode is clearly indicated. Simultaneously, the multiplex display switches S4 to S8, which are design change display buttons, and the multiplex display section D are each illuminated with a design pattern as shown in the figure. Then, the multiple display switches S4 to S8
In the above, the function of the switch element when pressed is different depending on which of the design patterns the self-luminous body 3 emits light. That is, the function of displaying the design pattern on each of the multiple display switches S4 to S8 is changed to the multiple display switches S4 to S8.
Is to have.

The circuit connected to the switch panel is shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, a menu switch (menu selection buttons S1 to S3), a function switch (design switching display buttons S4 to S8) and a transparent self-luminous body (multiple display switches S1 to S8 and a multiple display section) visible from the surface of the switchboard. D), a processing circuit and a driving circuit, which are microchips stored behind the switch panel, and an air conditioner circuit, an audio circuit, and a navigation circuit for driving each function.

As described above, "Navi" is operated by the menu switch.
When the switch S1 is pressed, the color of the transparent self-luminous body behind the switch S1 is changed and the luminance is increased according to the logic pre-stored in the processing circuit, and the mode is easily changed to the "navi" mode. Is visually recognized. At that time, the brightness of the switch corresponding to the previous mode is reduced and the color is changed according to the logic pre-stored in the processing circuit, so that it is easy to visually recognize that the mode has entered the standby state. Then, according to the logic pre-stored in the processing circuit, the display of the transparent self-luminous body behind the function switch is also changed to “navi”.
The display corresponds to the mode, and functions different from those of the other modes are assigned to the function switches S4 to S8.

When any one of the function switches S4 to S8 is pressed in this state, a signal corresponding to the drive circuit is sent in accordance with the logic built in the processing circuit in advance. As a result, a drive signal for driving the navigation circuit is sent from the drive circuit to the navigation circuit, and a desired function is exhibited by the navigation circuit.

As will be described below, when any of the menu switches S1 to S3 is selected, the display of the transparent self-luminous body behind the function switches S4 to S8 is switched by the operation of the processing circuit, and at the same time, the function is switched. Switch S4
To S8, a function corresponding to the mode is assigned. When any one of the function switches S4 to S8 is pressed in this state, the drive circuit operates, and a drive signal for driving the function of the circuit in the mode among the air conditioner circuit, the audio circuit, and the navigation circuit is transmitted. .

Next, when the multiplex display switch S2 is pressed and "audio" is selected, as shown in FIG. 8, the multiplex display switch S2 changes to another color having a high luminance, and the switchboard enters the "audio" mode. Is clearly specified. At the same time, the multiple display switch S1 of "Navi" returns to the original color and becomes the same color as the multiple display switch S3 of "Air conditioner". In addition, the multiplex display switches S4 to S8, which are design switching display buttons, and the multiplex display section D are each illuminated with the design pattern shown in FIG. 8 corresponding to the "audio" mode. Then, the multiple display switches S4 to
In S8, the function in the case where the pressing operation is performed is different from that in the case of the “navigation” mode, corresponding to the switch to the “audio” mode.

Further, when the "air conditioner" is selected by pressing the multiple display switch S3, as shown in FIG. 9, the multiple display switch S3 changes to another color having a high luminance, and the switch panel is in the "air conditioner" mode. It is clearly indicated. At the same time, the "audio" multiplex display switch S2 returns to its original color and becomes the same color as the "navi" multiplex display switch S1 indicating that it is in the standby state. Multiple display switches S4 to S8, which are design switching display buttons
9 are illuminated and displayed on the multiple display section D in correspondence with the "air conditioner" mode. And regarding the multiple display switches S4 to S8,
In response to switching to the “air conditioner” mode, the function when pressed is different from that in the “navi” mode or the “audio” mode.

Here, the multiplex display section D can emit light in two kinds of design patterns of "VOL" and "TEMP" even if the same color is selected by mode selection, and is used in this embodiment. The self-luminous body 3 is also different from the multiplex display device of the related art in this point (the conventional technology cannot display different design patterns in the same color). As described in detail above, according to the multiple display switches S1 to S8 of the present embodiment,
Although the depth of the switch is small and thin, there is an effect that it is possible to achieve both the variety of colors and design patterns to be illuminated and displayed and the good appearance of the fine design pattern. Not only that, by switching the function mode, it functions not only as a multiplex display but also as a switch having a multiplex function, so that there is an effect that many operation functions can be provided within a limited area on the dashboard. is there.

Embodiment 2 As Embodiment 2 of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 10, a self-luminous body 3 'having a single light emitting plate is used.
It is also possible to implement a multiple display switch having a configuration in which is disposed behind a switch button (not shown). In this embodiment, the transparent electrode 3d is formed of four parts: three parts A1 to A3 of an arrow divided into three parts, and a vehicle outline B indicating the outline of the vehicle body. Arrow A1 and vehicle outline B
Are electrically connected to each other, but wiring is made independently at each part of the arrows A1 to A3 so that an applied voltage can be applied separately.

When an applied voltage is applied to the arrow A1 and the vehicle outline B and the arrow A2 of the self-luminous body 3 'of this embodiment, the flow path of the air conditioner is formed to circulate in the vehicle as shown in FIG. A design pattern indicating that the operation is performed is displayed.
Conversely, when an applied voltage is applied to the arrow A1, the vehicle outline B, and the arrow A3, as shown in FIG. 12, a design pattern indicating that the flow path of the air conditioner is formed to take in outside air into the vehicle is displayed. Is done.

Therefore, even with the multiple display switch of the present embodiment, it is possible to achieve both a variety of design patterns for light-emitting display and a good appearance by the fine design patterns, even though the switches are thin and thin. This has the effect. (Modification 1 of Embodiment 2) As Modification 1 of the present embodiment, similarly to Embodiment 1, the configuration of a multiplex display switch having three light emitting plates of different emission colors in which self-luminous bodies 3 'are stacked. Is possible. For example, the vehicle outline B is displayed in light emission in the first color, and the arrows A1 and A2 are displayed in the second color.
It is possible to configure so that the arrows A1 and A3 emit light in the third color. According to this configuration, the arrows A1 and A2 during the circulation in the vehicle and the arrows A1 and A3 during the intake of the outside air can be displayed in different colors from the vehicle contour line B, so that the effects of the second embodiment can be obtained. In addition, there is also an effect that visibility is easily obtained by the variety of emission colors.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a switch panel having a multiple display switch according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a horizontal cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a multiple display switch according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a self-luminous body according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a light emitting plate according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing a state when the power of the switch panel according to the first embodiment is turned off.

FIG. 6 is a front view showing a state when the navigation is selected on the switchboard according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration concept of a circuit connected to a switch panel according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing a state of the switch panel of the first embodiment when audio is selected.

FIG. 9 is a front view showing the state of the switch panel of the first embodiment when the air conditioner is selected.

FIG. 10 is a front view showing the configuration of the self-luminous body of the multiple display switch according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a front view showing an example of the design pattern of the self-luminous body of Example 2.

FIG. 12 is a front view showing another example of the design pattern of the self-luminous body of the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 11, 12: decorative plate 2: switch button 20: front surface 21, 22, leg part 3, 3 ': self-luminous body 30: glass substrate 31-33: light emitting plate 3a: light emitting layer 3b: insulating layer 3c, 3d : Transparent electrode 34: Transparent insulating plate 4, 41 to 43: Back plate 5a, 5b: Switch element 6: Printed circuit board A: Voltage source A1 to A3: Arrow B: Vehicle outline
D: Multiple display section S1 to S8: Multiple display switch S1 to S3: Menu selection button S4 to S8: Design switching display button

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A switch having a switch element whose electric output characteristic changes by operation, and a switch button for operating the switch element, the switch button being transparent at least on a front side thereof, the switch being disposed behind the front side of the switch button. A multi-display switch comprising a self-luminous body having one or a plurality of stacked transparent light-emitting plates that emit light in a predetermined design pattern when an electric field is applied. 2. The multiple display switch according to claim 1, wherein each of said light emitting plates is an electroluminescent element. 3. The multiple display switch according to claim 1, wherein the switch contact has a different function when operated depending on which of the design patterns the self-luminous body emits.