JP3665685B2 - Light-emitting switch operation mechanism - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a light emitting switch operating mechanism, and more particularly to a light emitting switch operating mechanism built in a remote control operation panel or the like often installed on a wall surface such as a bathroom.
[0002]
[Prior art]
This type of remote control panel is often installed on a relatively dark wall such as a corner of a room. To improve operability, it is important to be able to display the operation buttons for each remote control brightly. For example, the operation button proposed as Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 5-87761 is combined with a switch (3) that emits light in a conductive state, as shown in FIG. The auxiliary operating body (1b) facing the actuator (31) and the main operating body (1a) with the operating surface exposed on the surface of the operation panel and in contact with the auxiliary operating body (1b). Yes.
[0003]
In this case, the lens function and the condition of the surface of the material so that both the main operating body (1a) and the auxiliary operating body (1b) function to collect and scatter light from the light emitting section (32). It has a function to scatter light.
Therefore, in this conventional device, the light reaching the operation surface is scattered by the entire main operation body (1a), and the main operation body (1a) enters a light emitting state.
[0004]
On the other hand, in this device, the auxiliary operation body (1b) is made of a rubber-based material, and the periphery is fixed so as to be in close contact with the box main body (1) as an operation panel. As a result, the auxiliary operating body (1b) is attached and fixed in a watertight state and can move up and down by a fixed stroke (moving in the operating direction of the actuator (31)) with respect to the box main body (1). .
[0005]
Further, since the main operating body (1a) is sandwiched between the auxiliary operating body (1b) and the box main body (1), the main operating body (1a) remains in the watertight state while maintaining the watertightness. The up-and-down movement is possible together with the body (1b). Therefore, the switch (3) can be operated by operating the main operating body (1a).
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in this conventional device, the light from the light emitting portion (32) of the switch (3) cannot be sufficiently condensed on the surface of the main operation body (1a) and sufficient light scattering does not occur in this portion. There was a problem. This is because the auxiliary operating body (1b) has a single lens configuration, so that sufficient condensing cannot be performed. The main operating body (1a) also has a lens function, but it is desirable to make the appearance of scattered light emission as a whole in this part, and the condensing function of this part is easy to see the main operating body (1a). This is because it does not function effectively.
[0007]
The invention of claim 1 has been made in view of such a point, and “the main operation body (1a) exposed on the surface of the operation panel, the auxiliary operation body (1b) in contact with the main operation body (1a), In addition, an actuator (31) of a switch (3) that is operated by pushing the auxiliary operating body (1b) is arranged in series, and light from the light emitting section (32) in the vicinity of the actuator (31) In the `` light emitting switch operating mechanism designed to reach the operating body (1a) '', the light from the light emitting section (32) is efficiently condensed on the main operating body (1a) and this portion is sufficient. The problem is to make the main operating body (1a) scatter brightly so as to scatter.
[0008]
The invention of claim 2 is to solve the problem of the invention of claim 1 and to set the relationship between the first lens body (101) and the second lens body (102) accurately. And
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the above-mentioned problem can be solved in a state in which watertightness inside the operation panel accommodating the switch (3) is secured.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The solving means of the invention of claim 1 devised to solve the above-described problem is that in the switch operating device, “the auxiliary operating body (1b) is provided on the back side of the main operating body (1a); A second lens body (102) made of a transparent synthetic resin held in a through hole in a wall plate on the surface side of the box main body (1) serving as a housing portion for the switch (3) in the operation panel, and is movable in the axial direction; The first lens body (101) made of a transparent synthetic resin and accommodated in the concave portion (103) formed on the surface side of the second lens body (102), and the second lens body (102 ) In which the bottom of the concave portion (103) overlaps the first lens body (101) on the same axis, the lens section and the first lens body (101) are both convex lenses, and the second lens The top center of the back side of the lens part of the body (102) is made to face the actuator (31).
[0010]
In this device, the switch (3) is pushed by the auxiliary operation body (1b) comprising the first lens body (101) and the second lens body (102) in conjunction with the operation of the main operation body (1a). The actuator (31) is actuated and the contact is switched.
When the switch (3) is turned on, the light from the light emitting part (32) is transmitted from the lens part of the second lens body (102) to the main operating body (1a) through the first lens body (101). Reach. While passing through these two, the light of the light emitting part (32) is efficiently condensed. That is, it becomes difficult for the light from the light emitting section (32) to escape until the light reaches the main operation body (1a).
[0011]
The first lens body (101) is accommodated in a recessed portion (103) formed on the surface side of the second lens body (102) (the surface side of the operation panel when the operation panel is used as a reference). Has been. Accordingly, the relative position between the lens portion of the second lens body (102) and the first lens body (101) is accurately determined.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, an annular stepped portion (105) is formed in a range from the inner periphery of the open end of the recessed portion (103) to a position where it enters a certain range, and the first lens A collar (106) is provided between the annular step (105) and the open end on the periphery of the body (101), and the collar (106) is placed in the annular step (105). The lens portion of the second lens body (102) and the first lens body (101) abut on the same axis in the accommodated state.
[0012]
In this configuration, the first lens body (101) is accommodated in the second lens body (102), whereby the axial direction and the radial direction between the first lens body (101) and the lens portion of the second lens body (102). Is determined.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the main body of the box in which the through hole for accommodating the auxiliary operating body (1b) is movable in the axial direction (the switch (3) is incorporated) 1) and is covered with a cover sheet (171) made of an elastic synthetic resin that blocks the inside and outside of the box main body (1) in a watertight state.
[0013]
In this case, when the box main body (1) is used as a remote control operation panel or the like, the portion that becomes the movable part of the switch operation is shut off inside and outside by a cover sheet (171) made of elastic synthetic resin.
[0014]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the light from the light emitting section (32) does not easily escape before reaching the main operating body (1a), the main operating body (1a) becomes bright.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the above effects, the axial and radial positions of the lens portion of the second lens body (102) and the first lens body (101) are determined. The relationship between the lens portions is accurately positioned, and the effect of the combination of the two lens portions is further improved.
[0015]
According to the invention of claim 3, since the surface side of the auxiliary operating body (1b) and the surface side of the gap between the auxiliary operating body (1b) and the through hole are covered with the preceding covering sheet (171), the switch Watertightness in the box main body (1) containing (3) is secured.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is carried out, for example, on a remote control panel of a bath apparatus with a water heater. Usually, this type of remote control panel includes a remote control panel for bathroom (bathroom remote control) and a main control panel (main remote control) installed in the kitchen.
In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to the bathroom remote controller as shown in FIG.
[0017]
[Cover body (2) and main control body (1a)]
This bathroom remote control is required to be watertight. However, as shown in the front view (or plan view) in FIG. 2 and the cross-sectional view in FIG. 4, the board (10) is accommodated, and the switch (3) and auxiliary operating body ( 1b) and so on, and a cover body (2) that covers the front (or plane) of the box main body (1).
[0018]
In the bathroom remote control, four main operating bodies (1a) and (1a) are arranged in the center of the front and side, and on the left side is a window plate that covers the front of the fluorescent display tube type light emitting display unit (5). (51) is exposed. The window plate (51) is made of a light transmissive synthetic resin. On the right side, a cover plate (21) that opens outward in the left-right direction is provided.
The box main body (1) is composed of a front half (A) and a bottom half (B) that closes the opening on the back side. A substrate (10) is attached to the front half (A). On the surface side of the substrate (10), a switch (3) operated by each main operating body (1a), a hidden switch (30) (30), and the light emitting display unit (5) are attached, Other control elements are attached to the back side.
[0019]
As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, each main operating body (1a) is a flat oval button part attached to the tip of the elastic plate (13), and the central area of the cover body (2). The surface of the main operation body (1a) is exposed from the opening provided in the central area of the cover body (2). As shown in FIG. 14, the elastic plate (13) is composed of a pair of arms extending from both sides of the outer peripheral body of one main operating body (1a), and these arms are connected by a connecting bar (14). A connecting bar (14) is attached to the back side of the central area of the cover body (2). A display print layer (11) having a characteristic of scattering light is formed on the back surface of the main operation body (1a). The design of the display print layer (11) corresponds to the driving operation and the automatic operation, respectively.
[0020]
On the surface side plane of the surface side half (A), an auxiliary operation surface portion (22) serving as an operation portion of the hidden switch (30) (30) is provided in a range covered by the lid plate (21). Auxiliary operating bodies (1b) and (1b) are provided at portions corresponding to the back side of the main operating bodies (1a) and (1a).
As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4, the surface of the auxiliary operation surface portion (22) is a single sheet covering the entire surface of the arrangement portion of the operation buttons (301) and (301) for the hidden switches (30) and (30). The structure is covered with a presser sheet (172), and the movable gap between the operation button (301) and the front half (A) is sealed by the presser sheet (172), and the water tightness of the operation part is ensured. ing. The portion of the presser sheet (172) that faces the operation button (301) is a partial movable portion that closes the button hole provided in the front half (A), and this is the operation portion.
[0021]
[Auxiliary operation body (1b)]
The auxiliary operating body (1b) is composed of two synthetic resin first lens bodies (101) and second lens bodies (102) as shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. In the two-lens body (102), a flange portion projects from the peripheral edge portion, and the first lens body (101) is accommodated in a recessed portion (103) formed in the inner peripheral area of the flange portion. The two first lens bodies (101) and the second lens body (102) overlap each other, and the light from the light emitting part (32) of the switch (3) is efficiently transmitted to the entire area of the main operation body (1a). The lens configuration allows the light to be condensed.
[0022]
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 11, the second lens body (102) has a bottom portion of the concave portion (103) as a lens portion (104), and is in contact with a top actuator (31) on the back surface side. . An annular step (105) is formed at a predetermined depth in the inner peripheral portion of the open end of the concave portion (101), and the first lens body (101) is formed in the annular step (105). The collar portion (106) protruding from the periphery is just accommodated.
[0023]
The auxiliary operating body (1b) is accommodated in a recessed portion (18) formed in the front side half (A), and reciprocates in the front-back direction in the box main body (1) in the recessed portion (18). It is configured to be possible. The four auxiliary operating bodies (1b) and (1b) are arranged on the surface side plane of the surface side half (A), as shown in FIGS. It is covered with a presser sheet (171) made of a synthetic resin sheet. Accordingly, the auxiliary operating bodies (1b) (1b) accommodated in the recessed portions (18) (18) are held movably, and the surface side such as a gap portion for making this movable is located on the presser sheet (171 ) To ensure water-tightness of this part. In the covering state by the presser sheet (171), the collar portion (106) is just accommodated in the annular step portion (105), so the surface of the box main body (1) and the first lens body The surface of (101) is smoothly continuous.
[0024]
[Features of window plate (51)]
The window plate (51) is formed integrally with the front side half (A), but in this embodiment, it is integrated by so-called two-color molding. The light-emitting display unit (5) is a flat rectangular parallelepiped, and a range slightly smaller than the front surface is an effective display area, and an opening (25) slightly smaller than the effective display area has the surface side half (A). The first injection molding is carried out in a form formed in the following manner, and thereafter, the portion of the window plate (51) is placed in a rectangular area covering the opening (25) as shown in FIG. A second injection molding is performed with a type of synthetic resin. Thus, the appearance of the window plate (51) exposed from the front surface of the cover body (2) from the front is bordered in a strip shape between the periphery of the window plate (51) and the periphery of the opening (25). It will be the appearance. In this example, the window plate (51) has a reddish smoke color, and the front half (A) has a light gray color. As a result, the border portion looks dark gray.
[0025]
An annular packing (26) is interposed between the peripheral edge surface of the front half (A) and the peripheral edge surface of the bottom half (B) with the above structure to ensure watertightness, and by screwing at multiple locations. The flat half (A) and the bottom half (B) form a flat box-shaped box main body (1). In this state, the watertightness of each part of the auxiliary operation surface part (22), the auxiliary operation body (1b) (1b) and the window plate (51) is ensured as described above. .
[0026]
In this example, the front side of the front half (A) is covered by the cover body (2) as in the case of the box main body (1) described above, but the cover body (2) An opening (52) for fitting the surface side of the window plate (51) is formed in a portion corresponding to the window plate (51). Further, as in the case of Embodiment 1, the main operating bodies (1a) and (1a) provided at the tip of the elastic plate (13) are in contact with the surface side of the auxiliary operating bodies (1b) and (1b). Thus, the surface side of the main operating bodies (1a) (1a) is exposed on the surface of the cover body (2). The configuration of the cross section of the main operating body (1a) and the point of providing a connecting bar (14) attached to the back surface of the cover body (2) are the same as in the first embodiment.
[0027]
In this case, the light from the light emitting part (32) of the switch (3) is transmitted through the first lens body (101) and the second lens body (102) to the display printing layer on the back surface of the main operation body (1a). Since the light is focused on (11), the display of the portion can be seen from the front of the bathroom remote controller through the transparent main operation body (1a) due to the scattering of the display print layer (11).
The power cord and the signal cord to the box main body (1) are inserted into a bushing (61) fitted in a watertight state on the cylindrical portion (6) in the center of the bottom half (B), and the box main body (1) Has been introduced in. In the box main body (1), the switch (3), the hidden switch (30), and the control element are wired.
[0028]
[Wire stop]
On the inner surface of the bottom half (B), a locking tool (60) as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is provided. This locking tool (60) is composed of a flat central protrusion (62) formed integrally with the bottom half (B) and flat sandwiching protrusions (63) (63) facing each other across the center protrusion (62). The projections are arranged in parallel so that the flat cross sections of the central projection (62) and the clamping projection (63) are parallel to each other.
[0029]
The gap between the central protrusion (62) and the sandwiching protrusion (63) is gradually widened toward the protrusion tip in the portion excluding both ends, and ribs (R) from both ends of the cross section of each protrusion. Projecting opposite each other, and the distance between the tops of the ribs (R) and (R) is substantially constant from the distal end side to the proximal end of each projection.
Accordingly, the slack of the cords introduced into the box main body (1) in the above-described manner is clamped by the ribs (R) (R) when pushed between the central projection (62) and the clamping projection (63). Is done. Accordingly, the cord and the like are stably held on the inner surface of the bottom half (B).
[0030]
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the back surface of the bottom half (B) and the back side end of the tube part (6) are set on the same plane, and the tube part An annular elastic packing (64) is attached and fixed to the outer peripheral area of (6). A similar annular elastic packing (65) is attached and fixed to the peripheral edge of the back surface of the bottom half (B). Therefore, when the box main body (1) is fixedly attached to the wall surface by means such as screwing, in addition to the seal by the bushing (61), the annular elastic packing (64) (65) is used to Water-tightness is ensured.
[0031]
In addition, since the cylindrical portion (6) does not protrude from the back of the bottom half (B), it is sufficient that the wall surface has a hole through which the power cord or signal cord is inserted, and a large hole is made for installing a bathroom remote control. There is no need to
[Auxiliary operating body holding mechanism]
In order to achieve water-tightness on the surface side of the auxiliary operating bodies (1b) (1b), as shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the surface side of the arrangement portion of these auxiliary operating bodies (1b) (1b) is a presser sheet ( 171), but the presser sheet (171) is adhered to the surface side surface of the surface side half body (A) using a double-sided adhesive tape (T). In this example, the four auxiliary operating bodies (1b) (1b) are arranged at positions corresponding to the square corners, and the recessed portions (18) (18) for accommodating these auxiliary operating bodies (1b) (1b). Between is a flat part. The area surrounding the recesses (18) and (18) on this plane is attached in a strip shape by the double-sided adhesive tape (T), and in addition, an intermediate side portion parallel to one side is also attached in a strip shape. It is worn. Therefore, between these double-sided adhesive tapes (T), the surface of the auxiliary operating body (1b) and the back surface of the presser sheet (171) are in a free state.
[0032]
Therefore, when the presser sheet (171) covering the surface of the auxiliary operating body (1b) is pushed by the main operating body (1a) and the switch (3) is operated, the back surface of the presser sheet (171) and the auxiliary operation body There is a certain degree of freedom of relative movement between the surface of the body (1b) and the operation feeling is good. The click feeling of the switch (3) is used as it is, and it becomes an operation feeling.
[0033]
[Actual electrical connection]
In order to connect the power cord and the signal cord in the box main body (1), in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, on the back side of the substrate (10) in the box main body (1). The size of the space is such that the connector (66) (67) for connecting the cord can be accommodated, and one connector (67) is a power cord and / or a signal cord inserted through the cylindrical portion (6). At the end of the box main body (1) side.
[0034]
Accordingly, in this case, the cylindrical portion (6) is removed with the peripheral joining screws removed and the box main body (1) separated into the front half (A) and the bottom half (B). If the connector (67) is attached to the inner end of the inserted power cord and / or signal cord and this is connected to the other connector (66) on the front half (A) side, electrical connection can be made It becomes. At this time, the cords are easily entangled in the box main body (1), but at the time of the connection work, the cords are engaged by using the locking members (60) (60) on the bottom half (B) side. Workability is good because it can be stopped.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of the main part of a conventional example. FIG. 2 is a plan view (or front view) of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a rear view (or rear view) of the embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line Y-Y in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a bottom half (B) of the bathroom remote control according to the embodiment. Front view [Fig. 7] An enlarged plan view of the locking device (60) of the bottom half (B) [Fig. 8] An enlarged side view of the locking device (60) [Fig. 9] A plane of the presser sheet (171) [Fig. 10] Plan view of the double-sided adhesive tape (T) [Fig. 11] Enlarged view of the structure of the auxiliary operating body (1b) and the structure of attaching the presser sheet (171) [Fig. 12] Inside the box main body (1) FIG. 13 is a front view showing the relationship between the main operating body (1a) and the elastic plate (13). FIG. 14 is a side view of the relationship between the main operating body (1a) and the elastic plate (13). Figure [Explanation of symbols]
(1) ・ ・ ・ Box main body (32) ・ ・ ・ Light emitting part
(1a) ... Main operating body (301)
(1b) ... Auxiliary operation body (5) ... Light-emitting display unit
(10) ... Substrate (51) ... Window
(11) ・ ・ ・ Display printing layer (A) ・ ・ ・ Front side half
(13) ... Elastic plate (B) ... Bottom half
(14) ・ ・ ・ Connecting bar (101) ・ ・ First lens body
(18) ... Concave part (102) ・ ・ Second lens body
(171) ・ ・ Presser sheet (103) ・ ・ Recess
(172) ・ ・ Presser sheet (R) ... Rib
(21) ・ ・ ・ Cover plate (6) ・ ・ ・ Cylinder
(22) ・ ・ ・ Auxiliary operation surface (61) ・ ・ ・ Bushing
(25) ・ ・ ・ Opening (60) ・ ・ ・ Locking tool
(26) ・ ・ ・ Packing (62) ・ ・ ・ Center protrusion
(3) ... Switch (63) ... Nipping protrusion
(30) ... Hidden switch (64) ... Elastic packing
(31) ... Actuator (65) ... Elastic packing
(R) ・ ・ ・ Rib (T) ・ ・ ・ Double-sided adhesive tape
(411) .. Recessed portions The same reference numerals in the drawings indicate the same or corresponding portions.

Claims (3)

  The main operating body (1a) exposed on the surface of the operation panel, the auxiliary operating body (1b) in contact with the main operating body (1a), and the switch (3) operated by pressing the auxiliary operating body (1b) In the light emitting switch operating mechanism, the actuator (31) is arranged in series, and the light from the light emitting section (32) in the vicinity of the actuator (31) is made to reach the main operating body (1a). The auxiliary operating body (1b) is provided in the through hole of the wall plate on the front surface side of the box main body (1) which is provided on the back side of the main operating body (1a) and serves as a housing portion for the switch (3) in the operation panel. A transparent synthetic resin-made second lens body (102) held movably in the axial direction, and a transparent portion received in the concave portion (103) formed on the surface side of the second lens body (102). The first lens body (101) made of synthetic resin, and the bottom of the recessed portion (103) of the second lens body (102) is coaxial with the first lens body (101). The lens part and the first lens body (101) are both convex lenses, and the top center of the back side of the lens part of the second lens body (102) is opposed to the actuator (31). Light-emitting switch operation mechanism. An annular step (105) is formed in a range from the inner periphery of the open end of the recessed portion (103) to a position where it enters a certain range, and the annular step (105) is formed on the periphery of the first lens body (101). And a collar portion (106) accommodated between the open end and the lens portion of the second lens body (102) in a state in which the collar portion (106) is accommodated in the annular step portion (105). The light-emitting switch operating mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the first lens body (101) abuts on the same axis. The through hole that accommodates the auxiliary operating body (1b) so as to be movable in the axial direction is adhered to the surface of the box main body (1) containing the switch (3), and the inside and outside of the box main body (1) are watertight. The light emitting switch operating mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, which is covered with a covering sheet (171) made of an elastic synthetic resin for blocking.

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