JP6474708B2 - Input device and method for manufacturing input device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device and a method for manufacturing the input device.

  There is an input device of an electrostatic capacity type in which an input is performed by an operation with an operating body such as a finger. The input device is provided with a display surface for displaying information for the operator, and the visibility of the information is enhanced by illuminating the display surface with light from the light source. Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is known to further improve the visibility of information on a display surface by providing a reflective layer that reflects light from a light source toward the display surface.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-6266

  However, when the reflective layer for guiding light from the light source to the display surface and the other components are integrally formed by injection molding, there are the following problems. When one member is formed first, then the previously formed member is put into a mold and the other member is injection-molded so as to be integrated with the previously formed member, the previously formed member is heated or Deforms by pressure. If the member that guides light from the light source to the display surface is deformed, there is a disadvantage that the amount of light reaching the display surface from the light source is reduced and visibility is deteriorated.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an input device capable of guiding light with low loss by a member formed with high accuracy, and a method of manufacturing such an input device. is there.

  The present invention is an input device that includes a light source and a display surface including a display area and performs input based on an external operation, and includes a first member and a material having a higher reflectance than the first member. A light guide surface that reflects at least part of the light from the light source and guides it to the display area, and a facing surface that contacts the first member. The input device includes a projecting portion disposed so that the first member penetrates from the facing surface to the light guide surface.

  According to this configuration, since the projecting portion is provided, deformation at the time of injection molding can be suppressed. As a result, light can be guided with low loss by a member formed with high accuracy.

In the input device according to the present invention, the first member further includes a first end surface and a frame portion extending from the first end surface toward the light source, and the first end surface is not within the display surface. A proximity area that surrounds the display area other than the continuous part, and a separation area that extends away from the display surface to the light source side in the discontinuous part, and the second member is located within the display surface from the first end face A second end face surrounding the display area on the inner side, a light guide part extending from the second end face toward the light source and having a light guide face, and connected to the light guide part between the separated area and the display face In the display surface, none of the line segments that reach the connection portion along the predetermined direction from all the positions of the light guide portion intersect the first member.

  According to this configuration, in the display surface, the material proceeds in a predetermined direction without hitting the first member, so that the first member can be prevented from being deformed during injection molding. As a result, light can be guided with low loss by a member formed with high accuracy.

  Preferably, in the input device according to the present invention, the display area has four sides that define a substantially rectangular outer edge in the display surface, and the separation area extends along at least one of the four sides of the display area. Arranged.

  According to this configuration, in the display surface, the material proceeds in a predetermined direction without hitting the first member, so that the first member can be prevented from being deformed during injection molding. In particular, by disposing the separation area along one side of the rectangle, deformation can be suppressed with a simple structure. As a result, light can be guided with low loss by a member formed with high accuracy.

  Preferably, in the input device of the present invention, the light guide surface includes a plurality of surfaces defining a cylindrical light guide path, and a protruding portion is provided on each of the plurality of surfaces.

  According to this configuration, by providing projecting portions on a plurality of surfaces, deformation can be suppressed in a wider range, and light can be guided with low loss by a member formed with high accuracy.

  Preferably, in the input device of the present invention, the first member and the second member are integrally formed.

  According to this configuration, the light can be guided with low loss by the member formed with high accuracy.

  Preferably, in the input device of the present invention, the display area is formed by the second member.

  According to this configuration, the light can be guided with low loss by the member formed with high accuracy. Furthermore, the use of the same material facilitates manufacturing.

  Preferably, the input device of the present invention performs input based on a change in capacitance.

  According to this configuration, in the capacitive input device, light can be guided with low loss by the member formed with high accuracy.

  The present invention is an input device that includes a light source and a display surface including a display area and performs input based on an external operation, and includes a holding surface and a protruding portion that protrudes from the holding surface. A second member having a first member formed of one material and a light guide unit having a light guide surface that reflects at least part of light from the light source and guides the light to the display region, and has a higher reflectance than the first material. A second member formed by injection molding from the above material, and for the light guide portion between the molding surface and the holding surface when the light guide portion makes the protruding portion contact the molding surface of the mold An input device is formed in the gap and the light guide surface is formed by a molding surface.

  According to this configuration, since the projecting portion is provided, deformation at the time of injection molding can be suppressed. As a result, light can be guided with low loss by a member formed with high accuracy.

  Preferably, in the input device of the present invention, the first member further includes a first end surface and a frame portion extending from the first end surface toward the light source, and the first end surface is the display surface. An adjacent area surrounding the display area other than the discontinuous portion, and a distant area extending away from the display surface toward the light source in the discontinuous portion, and the second member forms the display surface When the adjacent area is brought into contact with the other molding surface of the mold of the mold, the second material is formed by pouring the second material into the gap for the light guide section from the gap for the connection section between the separated area and the other molding surface. The second member further includes a connection portion disposed between the separation area and the display surface and connected to the light guide portion, and in a predetermined direction from all positions of the light guide portion gap in the display surface. None of the line segments that reach the connecting portion along the line intersect the first member.

  According to this configuration, in the display surface, the material proceeds in a predetermined direction without hitting the first member, so that the first member can be prevented from being deformed during injection molding. As a result, light can be guided with low loss by a member formed with high accuracy.

  The present invention is a method of manufacturing an input device that includes a light source and a display surface including a display area and performs input based on an external operation, and includes a holding surface and a protruding portion protruding from the holding surface. The first step of forming the first member including the first member from the first material and the projecting portion is brought into contact with the molding surface of the mold to form a light guide gap between the molding surface and the holding surface. A second step and a third step of forming a second member including the light guide portion by injection molding from a second material having a higher reflectance than the first material, wherein the light guide portion is the light guide portion. A third step in which the light guide part has a light guide surface that is formed in the gap for use and the light guide part reflects at least part of the light of the light source and guides it to the display area, and the light guide surface is formed by a molding surface; Including an input device manufacturing method.

  According to this configuration, since the projecting portion is provided, deformation at the time of injection molding can be suppressed. As a result, light can be guided with low loss by a member formed with high accuracy.

In the manufacturing method of the input device of the present invention, the first member formed in the first step includes a first end surface and a frame portion extending from the first end surface in a first predetermined direction. In addition, a first end face includes a proximity area that surrounds the display area other than the discontinuous portion in the display surface, and a separation area that extends away from the display surface in the first predetermined direction at the discontinuous portion. And the second step includes positioning the other molding surface of the mold and the first member such that the adjacent area is in contact with the other molding surface of the mold for forming the display surface; Forming a gap for the connecting portion between the second molding surface and the other molding surface, and for the connecting portion along the second predetermined direction from all positions of the gap for the light guide portion in the other molding surface None of the line segments reaching the gap intersects the first member, and the third step is for the light guide section from the gap for the connection section. It includes flowing a second material between.

  According to this configuration, in the display surface, the material proceeds in a predetermined direction without hitting the first member, so that the first member can be prevented from being deformed during injection molding. As a result, light can be guided with low loss by a member formed with high accuracy.

  According to the input device of the present invention, light can be guided with low loss by a member formed with high accuracy, and according to the method for manufacturing an input device of the present invention, light can be guided with low loss by a member formed with high accuracy. An input device can be provided.

It is a perspective view of the input device of the embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing in the 2-2 line of the input device of FIG. It is sectional drawing in the 3-3 line of the input device of FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of the input device of FIG. It is the perspective view seen from the downward direction of the input device of FIG. 1 except the circuit board. It is a top view of the 1st member and 2nd member of FIG. It is a bottom view of the 1st member and 2nd member of FIG. It is a perspective view of the 1st member and spring of FIG. It is a top view of the 1st member of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the manufacturing method of the input device of embodiment of FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the first member and mold of FIG. 1 positioned. FIG. It is the elements on larger scale of the 1st member of FIG. 6A, and a 2nd member.

  Hereinafter, an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the input device 100 of this embodiment. The input device 100 is attached to a dashboard of a vehicle (not shown), for example.

  The input device 100 receives an operation by a person such as a driver and transmits an input corresponding to the operation to a control device of the vehicle. The input device 100 detects the movement of a human finger including proximity and contact as a change in capacitance, and transmits an input based on the change in capacitance to the control device as an electrical signal. The input device 100 appropriately includes components for capacitance-type input, but a description thereof is omitted. Input may be performed by moving the entire input device 100 and pressing a mechanical switch, or input may be performed by other methods.

(Input device structure)
In the present specification, the vertical direction is defined for convenience of description, and does not limit the actual direction of use. The terms used in the description of the present specification are used to describe the general shape of each component, and the terms used in the description are not limited to the word “abbreviated”. Elements are not strictly limited to their shape.

  2 is a cross-sectional view of the cross section taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 as viewed in the direction of the arrow. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cross section taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 1 as viewed in the direction of the arrow. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the cross section taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 4 as viewed in the direction of the arrow. 2, 3, and 4 show only a cross section, and the structure behind is omitted. FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the internal structure of the input device 100 as viewed obliquely from below, and the circuit board 400 shown in FIG. 2 to be described later is removed for easy viewing.

  The input device 100 includes a first member 200 and a second member 300 shown in FIG. 1, a circuit board 400 shown in FIG. 2, six springs 500 shown in FIG. 5, and 4 shown in FIGS. Two cushion materials 600. The first member 200 is made of a light shielding resin. The second member 300 is made of a translucent resin. The reflectance of the second member 300 is larger than the reflectance of the first member 200.

(Circuit board)
The circuit board 400 includes five light sources 410 shown in FIGS. The light source of the present embodiment is a light emitting diode (LED), but is not limited thereto, and may be another member that emits light, such as a light bulb. The circuit board 400 is mounted with a circuit that controls light emission of the light source 410 by communicating with a vehicle control device (not shown). The circuit board 400 is equipped with a circuit for detecting an operation by a capacitance method.

(Second member)
As shown in FIG. 1, the second member 300 functions as a housing of the input device 100 and is also a member that receives an operation with a human finger.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the external shape of the second member 300 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. The second member 300 includes an upper plate 310 that substantially extends along a plane that is substantially orthogonal to the vertical direction, and a plate-like wall portion 320 that extends downward in a cylindrical shape from the rectangular outer edge of the upper plate 310. . A substantially rectangular parallelepiped internal space 330 defined by the second member 300 is opened downward.

  FIG. 6A is a top view of the first member 200 and the second member 300. FIG. 6B is a bottom view of the first member 200 and the second member 300. As shown in FIG. 6A, the outer surface facing upward, which is formed by the upper surface of the upper plate 310 and a part of the upper end surface of the first member 200, is referred to as a display surface 110. As shown in FIG. 1, the display surface 110 is provided with irregularities. The display surface 110 also includes a portion that is not illuminated by the light source 410.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the display surface 110 includes a first display area 111a to a fifth display area 111e (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the display area 111 without distinction). The display area 111 is formed by the second member 300. The display area 111 is substantially rectangular when viewed from the top to the bottom, and has four sides that define the outer edge of the rectangle. All of the display areas 111 are mostly parallel to a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, but the display areas 111 include some unevenness except for the third display area 111c. The first display area 111a and the second display area 111b are arranged so that one side of a rectangle is adjacent. The fourth display area 111d and the fifth display area 111e are arranged so that one side of the rectangle is adjacent.

  The light source 410 of FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 illuminates the display area 111 of FIG. 6A. The display area 111 may be plain or may have characters or figures drawn on it. For example, in an example in which a character is drawn with a light-shielding material in the display region 111, when the light from the light source 410 is received, the character is easily recognized by being illuminated brightly.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the second member 300 includes a first light guide part 340 a to a fifth light guide part 340 e that extend downward from the upper plate 310 in the internal space 330 (hereinafter, without distinction). It may be referred to as a light guide 340).

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the first light guide 340a extends downward from the outer edge of the first display region 111a. The second light guide 340b extends downward from the rectangular outer edge of the second display region 111b. The third light guide 340c extends downward from the rectangular outer edge of the third display region 111c. The fourth light guide 340d extends downward from the rectangular outer edge of the fourth display region 111d. The fifth light guide 340e extends downward from the rectangular outer edge of the fifth display region 111e.

  In any light guide unit 340, the cross section along the plane perpendicular to the vertical direction is substantially the same at any position along the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 6B, the cross section along the plane orthogonal to the up-down direction in the 3rd light guide part 340c is a rectangle. The third light guide portion 340c includes four plate-like portions 341 having a uniform thickness along the vertical direction. The plate-like portion 341 is disposed so as to surround the light guide path below the display area 111 in a cylindrical shape.

  In the first light guide 340a, the second light guide 340b, the fourth light guide 340d, and the fifth light guide 340e, the cross section along the plane perpendicular to the vertical direction lacks one side of the rectangle. It has a different shape. The first light guide 340a, the second light guide 340b, the fourth light guide 340d, and the fifth light guide 340e are three plate-like parts 341 having a uniform thickness along the vertical direction. Is provided. The plate-like portion 341 is disposed so as to partially surround the display area 111. The first light guide part 340a and the second light guide part 340b do not have the plate-like part 341 in the part facing each other. The fourth light guide part 340d and the fifth light guide part 340e do not have the plate-like part 341 in the part facing each other.

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, each plate-like portion 341 has a light guide surface 342 facing the light guide path below the display region 111 and a facing surface 343 facing the opposite side of the light guide surface 342. With. The light guide surface 342 is a flat surface extending in the vertical direction. The facing surface 343 is parallel to the light guide surface 342. The plate-like portion 341 includes a hole 344 that penetrates from the facing surface 343 to the light guide surface 342. The opening area of the hole 344 on the light guide surface 342 side is smaller than the area of the light guide surface 342. There may be a plurality of holes 344, and the holes 344 may be at a position different from the illustrated position. The cross-sectional shape of the hole 344 may be a circle or another shape. The hole 344 may extend long in the vertical direction, or may extend long in another direction.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first light guide 340a is integrally connected to the upper plate 310 in the vicinity of the upper end surface 345 of the first light guide 340a. The upper end surface 345 of the first light guide 340a surrounds the first display area 111a along three sides of the rectangle. The second light guide 340b is integrally connected to the upper plate 310 in the vicinity of the upper end surface 345 of the second light guide 340b. The upper end surface 345 of the second light guide 340b surrounds the second display area 111b along three sides of the rectangle.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the third light guide 340c is integrally connected to the upper plate 310 in the vicinity of the upper end surface 345 of the third light guide 340c. The upper end surface 345 of the third light guide 340c surrounds the third display region 111c along the four sides of the rectangle.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the fourth light guide 340d is integrally connected to the upper plate 310 in the vicinity of the upper end surface 345 of the fourth light guide 340d. The upper end surface 345 of the fourth light guide 340d surrounds the fourth display region 111d along three sides of the rectangle. The fifth light guide 340e is integrally connected to the upper plate 310 in the vicinity of the upper end surface 345 of the fifth light guide 340e. The upper end surface 345 of the fifth light guide 340e surrounds the fifth display region 111e along three sides of the rectangle.

(First member)
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the first member 200 and the spring 500. FIG. 8 is a top view of the first member 200. As shown in FIG. 7, the first member 200 includes a first group 210a, a second group 210b, and a third group 210c. The first group 210a includes a first frame portion 220a and two spring accommodating portions 230. The second group 210b includes a second frame portion 220b and two spring accommodating portions 230. The third group 210 c includes a third frame part 220 c and two spring accommodating parts 230.

  The first frame portion 220a, the second frame portion 220b, and the third frame portion 220c (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the frame portion 220 without distinction) are respectively a plurality of plates extending in the vertical direction. It has a shape that connects the shaped members. The 1st frame part 220a demarcates the 1st light guide space 221a and the 2nd light guide space 221b which penetrated the 1st frame part 220a in the up-and-down direction. The second frame portion 220b defines a third light guide space 221c that penetrates the second frame portion 220b in the vertical direction. The third frame portion 220c defines a fourth light guide space 221d and a fifth light guide space 221e penetrating the third frame portion 220c in the vertical direction.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when viewed from above, the first light guide space 221a to the fifth light guide space 221e (hereinafter may be referred to as the light guide space 221 without distinction) are all Looks like a rectangle. As shown in FIG. 7, each light guide space 221 is defined by a plurality of planar holding surfaces 222 extending in the vertical direction. The lower end surface of the first member 200 extends as a whole in a single plane orthogonal to the vertical direction.

  A bar-shaped protruding portion 226 shown in FIG. 8 protrudes from the holding surface 222 in a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction. Of the four holding surfaces 222 that define the first light guide space 221a, the protruding portions 226 are provided on the three holding surfaces 222 that are not adjacent to the second light guide space 221b. Of the four holding surfaces 222 that define the second light guide space 221b, the protruding portions 226 are provided on the three holding surfaces 222 that are not adjacent to the first light guide space 221a. Projecting portions 226 are provided on the four holding surfaces 222 that define the third light guide space 221c. Of the four holding surfaces 222 that define the fourth light guide space 221d, projecting portions 226 are provided on three holding surfaces 222 that are not adjacent to the fifth light guide space 221e. Of the four holding surfaces 222 that define the fifth light guide space 221e, the protruding portions 226 are provided on the three holding surfaces 222 that are not adjacent to the fourth light guide space 221d.

  The first frame portion 220a includes a first upper end surface 223a located at the upper end. The first upper end surface 223a includes a first proximity area 224a, a first separation area 225a, and a second separation area 225b. The first proximity area 224a extends in an H shape when viewed from above. The first separation area 225a extends in a straight line so as to block one H-shaped opening of the first proximity area 224a. When viewed from the top to the bottom, the first light guide space 221a is enclosed in a rectangular shape by a part of the first proximity area 224a and the first separation area 225a. The second separation area 225b extends linearly so as to block the other H-shaped opening of the first proximity area 224a. When viewed from above, the second light guide space 221b is enclosed in a rectangular shape by a part of the first proximity area 224a and the second separation area 225b.

  The second frame portion 220b includes a second upper end surface 223b located at the upper end. The second upper end surface 223b includes a second proximity area 224b and a third separation area 225c. The second proximity zone 224b extends along three sides of the rectangle when viewed from the top to the bottom. The third spacing area 225c extends along the remaining one side of the rectangle formed in part by the second proximity area 224b. When viewed from above, the third light guide space 221c is enclosed in a rectangular shape by a part of the second proximity area 224b and the third separation area 225c.

  The third frame portion 220c includes a third upper end surface 223c located at the upper end. The third upper end surface 223c includes a third proximity area 224c, a fourth separation area 225d, and a fifth separation area 225e. The third proximity zone 224c extends in a distorted H shape when viewed from top to bottom. The fourth separation area 225d extends in a straight line so as to cover one H-shaped opening of the third proximity area 224c. When viewed from above, the fourth light guide space 221d is enclosed in a rectangular shape by a part of the third proximity area 224c and the fourth separation area 225d. The fifth separation area 225e extends in a straight line so as to block the other H-shaped opening of the third proximity area 224c. When viewed from above, the second light guide space 221b is enclosed in a rectangular shape by a part of the third proximity area 224c and the fifth separation area 225e.

  The spring accommodating portion 230 extends in a vertical direction in a columnar shape and is shorter in the vertical direction than the frame portion 220. Each spring accommodating portion 230 accommodates one spring 500 that gives an elastic force in the vertical direction. The spring 500 is incorporated when the first member 200 is injection-molded. Two spring accommodating portions 230 are connected to one frame portion 220.

  The first member 200 is made of a resin having a higher light shielding property than the second member 300. The light passing through the light guide space 221 does not pass through the frame part 220 or very little even if it passes through. The first member 200 and the spring 500 may be formed of a conductive member. In the first member 200, wiring for detecting an operation by a capacitance method may be incorporated.

(Relationship between first member and second member)
As shown in FIG. 2, the first member 200 and the second member 300 are integrally formed by injection molding.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a first light guide 340a is disposed in the first light guide space 221a. A second light guide portion 340b is disposed in the second light guide space 221b. As shown in FIG. 3, the third light guide 340c is disposed in the third light guide space 221c. As shown in FIG. 4, a fourth light guide 340d is disposed in the fourth light guide space 221d. A fifth light guide portion 340e is disposed in the fifth light guide space 221e.

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, one rectangular holding surface 222 having substantially the same shape is in close contact with one rectangular facing surface 343. One protruding portion 226 is disposed so as to completely fill one hole 344. The projecting portion 226 is disposed so as to penetrate the second member 300 from the facing surface 343 to the light guide surface 342. The light guide surface 342 and the tip of the projecting portion 226 are flush with each other and form one plane.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the first proximity area 224a, the second proximity area 224b, and the third proximity area 224c (hereinafter may be referred to as the proximity area 224 without distinction) are the upper surface of the upper plate 310. In addition, the display surface 110 is configured. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, a part of the lower portion of the proximity area 224 is in close contact with the upper plate 310 and is surrounded by the upper plate 310 in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the first spacing area 225a, the second spacing area 225b, the third spacing area 225c, the fourth spacing area 225d, the fifth spacing area 225e (hereinafter, The distinction area 225 may be referred to without being distinguished from each other) and extends downward from the display surface 110. The separation area 225 is in close contact with the lower surface of the upper plate 310. The distance between the separation area 225 and the display surface 110 corresponds to the thickness of the upper plate 310 at a position where the separation area 225 and the upper plate 310 are in close contact with each other, and is substantially constant.

  A first proximity area 224a shown in FIG. 6A surrounds the first display area 111a in the display surface 110 except for some discontinuous portions. The first separated area 225a shown in FIG. 7 extends so as to interpolate the discontinuous portion at a position separated from the display surface 110. The first proximity area 224a shown in FIG. 6A further surrounds the second display region 111b in the display surface 110 except for some discontinuous portions. The second separation area 225b shown in FIG. 7 extends so as to interpolate the discontinuous portion at a position separated from the display surface 110.

  A second proximity area 224b shown in FIG. 6A surrounds the third display region 111c in the display surface 110 except for some discontinuous portions. The third separated area 225c shown in FIG. 7 extends so as to interpolate the discontinuous portion at a position separated from the display surface 110.

  A third proximity area 224c illustrated in FIG. 6A surrounds the fourth display region 111d in the display surface 110 except for some discontinuous portions. The fourth separation area 225d shown in FIG. 7 extends so as to interpolate the discontinuous portion at a position separated from the display surface 110. The fifth proximity area 224e shown in FIG. 6A further surrounds the fifth display area 111e in the display surface 110 except for some discontinuous portions. The fifth separation area 225e shown in FIG. 7 extends so as to interpolate the discontinuous portion at a position away from the display surface 110.

(Relationship with circuit board)
As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, a light source 410 is disposed near the lower end of each light guide space 221 so as to emit light upward.

  7 is fixed to the upper plate 310 of the second member 300 together with the first member 200 at the time of injection molding. The lower end of the spring 500 is in contact with the circuit board 400 shown in FIG. Since the first member 200 and the second member 300 and the circuit board 400 are elastically fixed via the spring 500, positioning can be roughly performed even if there is an individual difference in shape. When the first member 200 and the spring 500 are conductive, the spring 500 electrically connects the first member 200 and the circuit board 400. The first member 200 may be used as a capacitance change detection unit based on an operation of a finger or the like.

(Cushion material)
As shown in FIG. 2, the rectangular cushioning material 600 is sandwiched between the first frame portion 220 a and the first light guide portion 340 a that define the first light guide space 221 a and the circuit board 400 from above and below. Is arranged. As shown in FIG. 4, a rectangular cushion material 600 is sandwiched between the third frame portion 220c and the fourth light guide portion 340d defining the fourth light guide space 221d and the circuit board 400 from above and below. Is arranged.

  As shown in FIG. 1, on the display surface 110, a cushion material 600 is fixed at a position surrounding the first display area 111a in a rectangle, and another cushion material is positioned at a position surrounding the fourth display area 111d in a rectangle. 600 is fixed. The cushion material 600 is sandwiched between the input device 100 and another member when the input device 100 and another member are coupled. The cushion material 600 may be conductive.

(Operation)
Light emitted from the light source 410 to the light guide space 221 is reflected by the light guide surface 342 and the holding surface 222 in the light guide space 221 to reach the display area 111 and illuminate the display area 111 brightly. Since the reflectance of the second member 300 is larger than that of the first member 200, most of the light is reflected by the light guide surface 342, but part of it is also reflected by the holding surface 222. Since the first member 200 is formed of a light-shielding resin, light does not substantially pass through the first member 200.

(Production method)
Next, a method for manufacturing the input device 100 will be described with reference to the flow 700 of FIG. First, in step 710, the first member 200 shown in FIG. 7 is formed. Specifically, the first member 200 is formed by injection molding using a light shielding resin as a material. The first member 200 has a higher light shielding property than the second member 300 shown in FIG. The first member 200 has a lower reflectance than the second member 300. When the first member 200 is formed, the spring 500 is fixed to the first mold, and the spring 500 shown in FIG. 7 is integrally formed.

  Next, in step 720 of FIG. 9, as shown in FIG. 10, the second mold 800 for forming the second member 300, the spring 500, and the first member 200 are positioned. FIG. 10 shows the positional relationship between the second mold 800 and the first member 200 when viewed in the same cross section as FIG. Between the second mold 800 and the first member 200, there is a space for pouring the resin that is the material of the second member 300.

  The second mold 800 has a first molding surface 810 for forming the light guide surface 342. The protruding portion 226 is in contact with the first molding surface 810. A light guide gap 820 for forming the light guide 340 is formed between the protruding portion 226 and the first molding surface 810. The surface of the frame portion 220 where the protruding portion 226 is not formed is fixed in close contact with the mold.

  The second mold 800 has a second molding surface 830 for forming the display surface 110. Proximal zone 224 is in contact with second molding surface 830. The spacing area 225 is spaced from the second molding surface 830. A connecting portion gap 850 for forming the connecting portion 350 shown in FIG. 11 is formed between the separation area 225 and the second molding surface 830. 11 provided in the second member 300 exists between the separation area 225 and the display surface 110, and connects the light guide 340 and the remaining portion of the second member 300.

  Next, in step 730 of FIG. 9, the second member 300 is injection molded. Resin that is the material of the second member 300 is poured into a space not filled with the first member 200 in the second mold 800 shown in FIG. The resin flows from the mold portion corresponding to the external structure of the second member 300 into the light guide gap 820 through the connection gap 850 in the direction of the arrow 840.

  Since the projecting portion 226 contacts the first molding surface 810 and supports the frame portion 220 during injection molding, when the resin flows in the direction of the arrow 840, the frame portion 220 is pushed and deformed or displaced. Can be suppressed. Since the protruding portion 226 is provided, the frame portion 220 including the holding surface 222 can be prevented from being deformed by heat during injection molding. Since the deformation of the holding surface 222 that defines the light guide space 221 is suppressed, light loss on the holding surface 222 can be reduced. Since the light guide unit 340 including the light guide surface 342 is formed with high accuracy, light can be guided with low loss. The protruding portion 226 may be disposed at a position different from the position shown in the present embodiment, and may have a shape different from the shape shown in the present embodiment.

  FIG. 11 is a partial plan view of the first member 200 and the second member 300 in the vicinity of the first group 210a. The first display area 111a will be described, but the same applies to the other display areas 111. The extending direction of the separation area 225 is defined as a predetermined direction.

  The maximum width in the predetermined direction of the first light guide 340a extending below the first display area 111a is the same d as the minimum width in the predetermined direction of the first separation area 225a. In the display surface 110, none of the line segments that reach the connection part 350 along the direction of the arrow 840 orthogonal to the predetermined direction from all positions of the light guide part 340 intersects the first member 200. Therefore, when the resin advances in the direction of the arrow 840 during the injection molding, the resin does not hit the first member 200 in the movement in the direction of the arrow 840.

  In the input device 100 of this embodiment, since the protruding portion 226 is provided, it is possible to suppress the frame portion 220 including the holding surface 222 from being deformed by heat during injection molding. Since the deformation of the holding surface 222 that defines the light guide space 221 is suppressed, light loss on the holding surface 222 can be reduced. Since the light guide unit 340 including the light guide surface 342 is formed with high accuracy, light can be guided with low loss.

  In the input device 100 according to the present embodiment, the resin proceeds in the direction of the arrow 840 in the display surface 110 during the injection molding without hitting the first member 200, so that the frame portion 220 is deformed during the injection molding. Can be suppressed. As a result, since the light guide 340 including the light guide surface 342 is formed with high accuracy, light can be guided with low loss.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. That is, those skilled in the art may make various modifications, combinations, subcombinations, and alternatives regarding the components of the above-described embodiments within the technical scope of the present invention or an equivalent scope thereof.

  The present invention is applicable to an input device mounted on a vehicle.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Input device 110 ... Display surface 111a-111e ... 1st display area-5th display area 200 ... 1st member 220a-220c ... 1st frame part-3rd frame part 222 ... Holding surface 223a- 223c ... first upper end surface to third upper end surface 224a to 224c ... first proximity zone to third proximity zone 225a to 225e ... first separation zone to fifth separation zone 226 ... projecting portion 300 ... 2nd member 340a-340e ... 1st light guide part-5th light guide part 342 ... Light guide surface 343 ... Opposing surface 345 ... Upper end surface 350 ... Connection part 410 ... Light source 800 ... 2nd type | mold 810 ... 1st 1 molding surface 820 ... light guide gap 830 ... 2nd molding surface

Claims (7)

An input device that includes a light source and a display surface including a display area and performs input based on an external operation,
A first member;
A second member made of a material having a higher reflectance than the first member;
With
The second member is
A light guide surface that reflects and guides at least part of the light from the light source to the display area;
A facing surface in contact with the first member;
Including
Said first member, viewed contains a disposed a projecting portion so as to penetrate from the opposed surface to the light guide surface,
The first member is
A first end surface;
A frame extending from the first end surface toward the light source;
Further including
The first end face is
A proximity area surrounding the display area other than a discontinuous portion in the display surface;
A separation area extending away from the display surface toward the light source in the discontinuous portion;
Have
The second member is
A second end face that surrounds the display area inside the first end face within the display face;
A light guide portion extending from the second end surface toward the light source and having the light guide surface;
A connection part connected to the light guide part between the separation area and the display surface;
Further including
In the display surface, no line segment that reaches the connection part along a predetermined direction from all positions of the light guide part, does not intersect the first member,
Input device. The display area has four sides that define a substantially rectangular outer edge in the display surface;
The spacing area is disposed along at least one of the four sides of the display area;
The input device according to claim 1 . The light guide surface includes a plurality of surfaces defining a cylindrical light guide;
The protruding portion is provided on each of the plurality of surfaces.
The input device according to claim 1 . The first member and the second member are integrally molded;
The input device according to claim 1 . The display area is formed by the second member;
The input device according to claim 1 . Input is made based on the change in capacitance,
The input device according to claim 1 . A manufacturing method of an input device that includes a light source and a display surface including a display area and performs input based on an external operation,
A first step of forming a first member including a holding surface and a protruding portion protruding from the holding surface from a first material;
A second step of bringing the projecting portion into contact with a molding surface of a mold and forming a gap for a light guide portion between the molding surface and the holding surface;
A third step of forming a second member including a light guide portion by injection molding from a second material having a higher reflectance than the first material, wherein the light guide portion is formed in the light guide portion gap; A third step, wherein the light guide part has a light guide surface that reflects at least part of the light of the light source and guides it to the display area, and the light guide surface is formed by the molding surface;
Only including,
The first member formed in the first step is
A first end surface;
A frame portion extending in a first predetermined direction from the first end surface;
Further including
The first end face is
A proximity area surrounding the display area other than the discontinuous portion in the display surface;
A spacing area extending away from the display surface in the first predetermined direction at the discontinuous portion;
Have
The second step includes
Positioning the other molding surface of the mold and the first member such that the adjacent area is in contact with the other molding surface of the mold for forming the display surface;
Forming a gap for the connecting portion between the spacing area and the other molding surface;
Including
In the other molding surface, all the line segments that reach the connection portion gap along the second predetermined direction from all positions of the light guide portion gap intersect with the first member. Without
The third step includes flowing the second material from the connection portion gap to the light guide portion gap.
Manufacturing method of input device.

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