JP2000082360A - Operation switch operation content display device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] Whether an operation of an operation switch performed to change a set value that determines an operation content of a target device increases the set value or decreases the set value. To be able to quickly and easily identify An operation switch for performing an operation of displacing an operation portion in one of two directions or another direction in order to change a set value that determines the operation content of a target device.
Is a device for displaying the operation content of the operation switch 1 based on the detection result of the operation position of the operation switch 1 by the operation position detection means 7.
When the operation switch 1 is operated, the operation presence / absence determining means 41A
Is determined, the display in a different light emitting mode is performed for each direction in accordance with the direction of displacement of the operation location of the operation switch 1 determined by the operation direction determination means 41B based on the detection result of the operation location detection means 7. Then, the light emission display execution means 41C causes the light emission display body 12 to perform the light emission display.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device for displaying operation contents of operation switches provided on various devices including a switch for a car stereo and a car air conditioner arranged on a center console of an automobile, for example.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, a car stereo or a car air conditioner arranged on a center console of an automobile has operation switches for volume control and temperature setting, and the occupant turns or slides the operation switches. By performing an operation of displacing the operation part, such as causing the car stereo, the volume of the car stereo is adjusted or the set temperature of the car air conditioner is changed.

By the way, the operation switch of the above-mentioned automobile is used when driving at night or when driving in a dark place such as a tunnel.
An illumination knob device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-281377 has been proposed as one of the techniques in consideration of such circumstances because it is difficult to visually recognize the operation only with the amount of light in the room. .

As shown in a vertical sectional view of FIG. 15A, the illumination knob device has a light source 52 provided on a printed circuit board 51 and a light transmitting member for guiding light from the light source 52 toward the center of the switch. The light guide 53, a light refraction unit 54 that refracts the light from the light guide 53 at a right angle, a light guide 55 that guides the light from the light refraction 54 in the switch axis direction, and the light guide 55. A light emitting unit for receiving light at right angles, that is, an operation surface of a push switch 56 is provided.

A push switch 56 is provided on an inner shaft 58 of a volume 57. The transparent portion 6 between the light guide 53 and the light refracting portion 54 is provided on the outer shaft 59 of the volume 57.
A dial switch 61 is provided through “0”. 15B, the dial switch 61 is located outside the push switch 56, and the operation of the dial switch 61 is performed by rotating the dial switch 61. As shown in FIG. Is displaced to adjust the volume (volume).

In the illumination knob device described above, the light emitted from the light source 52 passes through the light guide 53, passes through the transparent portion 60, is reflected at a right angle by the light refraction portion 54, passes through the light guide portion 55, and is pushed by the push switch. Illuminate 56 operation surfaces. At the same time, light leaking from the light guide 53 illuminates the periphery of the outer dial switch 61.

[0007]

However, the illuminating knob device merely focuses on improving the visibility of the push switch 56 and the dial switch 61. Therefore, for example, the dial switch 61 may be turned in either direction. Even if a display indicating whether the volume or the like increases or decreases when rotated is placed near the dial switch 61, the visibility of the display itself is improved using light emitted from the light source 52. Is not possible.

Therefore, if the volume that can be adjusted by operating the dial switch 61 is the volume, the operation of the dial switch 61 increases the volume by actually listening to and confirming the change in the volume output from a speaker or the like. It can be confirmed immediately after the operation whether the operation has been performed or the volume has been reduced.

However, if the volume which can be adjusted by operating the dial switch 61 is the set temperature of the car air conditioner, whether the operation is to increase the set temperature or to decrease the set temperature The vehicle occupant cannot immediately confirm that the condition has been met by the change in the sensed temperature.

As a result, the illumination knob device has no direct role in immediately recognizing the meaning of the operation when the dial switch 61 is operated. There was a problem that it could not be fulfilled.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances,
An object of the present invention is to perform an operation of displacing an operation portion of an operation switch in one of two directions or the other direction in order to change a set value that determines the operation content of a target device. Increases the set value,
Another object of the present invention is to provide an operation content display device of an operation switch capable of promptly and easily recognizing whether the setting value is to be reduced.

[0012]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for displaying operation contents of an operation switch according to the first aspect of the present invention. A device for displaying operation contents of an operation switch 1 for performing an operation of displacing an operation portion in one of two directions or another direction in order to change a set value to be determined, the operation of the operation switch 1 being performed. An operation location detection means 7 for detecting a location, an operation presence / absence determination means 41A for determining whether or not the operation switch 1 is operated based on a detection result of the operation location detection means 7,
When the operation presence / absence determining means 41A determines that the operation has been performed, based on the detection result of the operation location detecting means 7, it is determined whether the direction of displacement of the operation location of the operation switch 1 is the one direction. Operation direction determining means 41B for determining whether
When the operation direction determining means 41B determines that the direction of displacement of the operation portion of the operation switch 1 is the one direction, the light emitting display 12 is caused to perform display in a light emitting mode corresponding to the one direction. Together with the operation switch 1
When the operation direction discriminating means 41B determines that the direction of displacement of the operation portion is not the one direction, the display in the light emitting mode corresponding to the other direction is performed by the light emitting display body 12.
And a light emission display execution unit 41C for performing the operation.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an operation content display device for operating switches according to the first aspect of the present invention.
While the operation presence / absence determining means 41A determines that the operation has been performed, the displacement of the operation location of the operation switch 1 is determined based on the detection result of the operation location detection means 7 and the determination result of the operation direction determination means 41B. A set value change amount determining means 41D for calculating a change amount of the set value corresponding to the amount; and an operation of the target device by an amount corresponding to the change amount of the set value calculated by the set value change amount determining means 41D. The operation change amount of the target device is changed by an amount corresponding to the change amount of the set value determined by the operation change amount determining unit 41E for determining whether the content has changed and the set value change amount determining unit 41D. And the operation change amount determination means 41E has determined
A second light-emitting display executing means 41F for causing the light-emitting display body 12 to perform display in a light-emitting form different from the light-emitting form corresponding to the one direction and the light-emitting form corresponding to the other direction; Second light emission display executing means 4
Until 1F starts display by the light-emitting display body 12, the light-emitting display execution unit 41C operates the light-emitting display body 1C.
2 is continued.

Further, according to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the operation content display device of the operation switch according to the first or second aspect, wherein the light emission display according to the difference in the light emission mode. Display in different colors is performed by the body 12.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the operation content display device for an operation switch according to the first, second, or third aspect of the present invention, wherein the operation content display device according to the difference in the light emission mode. The light-emitting display 12 performs display in different lighting patterns.

Further, according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the operation content display device for operating switches according to the first, second, third or fourth aspect. It is arranged along at least a part of the trajectory of the operation switch 1 due to the displacement of the operation position of the operation switch 1, and also serves as illumination of the operation switch 1.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the operation content display device for an operation switch according to the present invention, the light-emitting display body 12 is provided with the operation switch. A plurality of display areas 12a _{1 to} 12a ₆ are arranged so as to extend along at least a part of the trajectory of the operation switch 1 due to the displacement of the operation position of the switch 1 in the extending direction of the light emitting display body 12. is divided into, in the light emitting format corresponding to the direction of the one display to sequentially turned the respective display areas 12a ₁ ~12a ₆ in a predetermined order in the extending direction by the luminous display body 12 Performed, and in the light emitting mode corresponding to the other direction, the display areas 12a
_The light-emitting display 1 is a display in which _{1 to} 12a ₆ are sequentially lit in an order opposite to the predetermined order in the extending direction.
2 was performed.

Further, according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the operation content display device for operating switches according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, wherein the light emitting display element 1 is provided.
Reference numeral 2 also serves as illumination of the operation switch 1.

According to the operation switch operation content display device of the first aspect of the present invention, when the operation switch 1 is operated to displace the operation portion in one of the two directions or the other direction, the operation is performed. The operation location of the operation switch 1 detected by the location detection means 7 changes, and based on this, it is determined that the operation of the operation switch 1 has been performed.
A, and the operation direction determination means 41B determines whether the direction of displacement of the operation portion of the operation switch 1 due to the operation is one of the other direction and the other direction.

Then, the direction of displacement of the operation portion of the operation switch 1 is one direction and the operation direction discriminating means 41
B, the display in the light emitting mode corresponding to one direction is performed on the light emitting display body 12 by the light emitting display executing means 41C, and conversely, the direction of displacement of the operation portion of the operation switch 1 is one direction. If it is determined by the operation direction determining means 41B that the display direction is not the same, the light emitting display executing means 41C causes the light emitting display 12 to perform display in the light emitting mode corresponding to the other direction.

Therefore, when the operation switch 1 is operated so that the direction of displacement of the operation portion is one direction, or when the operation switch 1 is operated such that the direction of displacement of the operation portion is the other direction. Whether the operation is for increasing the set value or for decreasing the set value is immediately and easily recognized by the difference in the light emission form of the light emitting display 12. Becomes possible.

According to the operation switch operation content display device of the present invention, when the operation switch 1 is operated in the operation switch operation display device according to the first embodiment, the operation portion of the operation switch is displayed. The display of the light emitting display body 12 in the light emitting mode corresponding to the direction of displacement is performed by the light emitting display executing means 41C, and the change amount of the set value corresponding to the displacement amount of the operation portion of the operation switch 1 is set value change amount indexing. The light emission display executing means is determined by the means 41D, and thereafter, until the operation change amount determining means 41E determines that the operation content of the target device has changed by an amount corresponding to the determined change amount of the set value. The display of the light emitting display body 12 by 41C is continuously performed.

When it is determined by the set value change amount determining means 41D that the operation content of the target device has changed by an amount corresponding to the change amount of the set value, it is determined by the operation change amount determining means 41E. Thus, the display of the light-emitting display body 12 in a light-emitting mode different from the display of the light-emitting display body 12 performed by the light-emitting display execution unit 41C is performed by the second light-emitting display execution unit 41F.

Therefore, in addition to whether the operation of the operation switch 1 is for increasing or decreasing the set value, the operation content of the target device changes by an amount corresponding to the change amount of the set value changed by the operation. The light-emitting display 1
Recognition can be performed by the change of the light emission mode of No. 2.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an operation content display device for operating switches.
In the operation content display device of the operation switch described above, the light emission display execution means 41C or the light emission display execution means 41C
And the second light-emitting display execution means 41F causes the light-emitting display body 12 to perform display in which the colors are different from each other depending on the light-emitting mode. Therefore, the increase or decrease of the set value by operating the operation switch 1 or the change of the set value By setting the color of each light emitting mode to a color reminiscent of a change in the operation content of the target device due to increase or decrease, it is possible to easily identify the purpose of the operation of the operation switch 1 by the content of the color. Becomes possible.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the operation switch operation content display device according to the first, second, or third aspect, wherein the light emission display execution means 41C comprises: Alternatively, the light emission display executing means 41
C and the second light-emitting display execution means 41F display the light-emitting display 1 with the lighting patterns different from each other depending on the light-emitting mode.
2, it is possible to easily identify whether the change of the set value by the operation of the operation switch 1 is an increase or a decrease by the lighting pattern of the light emitting display 12.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for displaying operation contents of an operation switch according to the first, second or third aspect.
In the case of the operation portion of the operation switch 1 is displaced in one direction, in the case of displacing the other direction, the order in which a plurality of display areas 12a ₁ ~12a ₆ constituting the light emitting display element 12 is sequentially illuminated Are in the order opposite to each other in the extending direction of the light-emitting display body 12, so that the set value is increased or decreased by operating the operation switch 1, or the operation content of the target device is changed due to the increase or decrease of the set value. by successively lighting the respective display areas 12a ₁ ~12a ₆ in order reminiscent of, whether the operation of the operation switch 1 is for any easily in a sequential lighting order of the display region 12a ₁ ~12a ₆ Can be identified.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an operation content display device for operating switches.
According to the operation content display device for an operation switch according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the operation content display device for an operation switch according to the sixth aspect of the present invention provides the operation content display device for an operation switch according to the sixth aspect. Also, since the light emitting display 12 arranged along at least a part of the locus of the operation switch 1 when the operation switch 1 is operated also serves as the illumination of the operation switch 1, the new light emitting display 1
Without providing the light emitting element 2, the light emitting display 12 provided for improving the visibility of the operation switch 1 can be used to display the operation content of the operation switch 1, preventing an increase in cost and simplifying the configuration. Can be achieved.

[0029]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a device for displaying operation contents of an operation switch according to the present invention.

First, prior to describing the operation content display device (hereinafter, abbreviated as "operation content display device") of the operation switch according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the operation content display device will be used. The structure, arrangement, and the like of the operation switch for displaying the operation content will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of a center console portion of an automobile to which the operation content display device according to the first embodiment is applied, and a dial switch (corresponding to an operation switch) indicated by reference numeral 1 in FIG. Are arranged on a bezel 2 which is a decorative panel of the center console.

The dial switch 1 has a flat cylindrical shape, and an operation knob 1b is provided on one end surface 1a on the front side of the dial switch 1, and the operation knob 1b is provided with a dial switch. It also has the function of an indicator that serves as a guide when recognizing the first operation location.

A circular hole 9 having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the dial switch 1 is formed in the bezel 2, and a wiring board 6 is arranged behind the bezel 2, that is, inside the center console. A rotary switch 7 is mounted on the wiring board 6 by soldering a lead terminal 8, and the rotary shaft 4 of the rotary switch 7 is positioned on the center axis of the circular hole 9 of the bezel 2. Are located.

The dial switch 1 constructed as described above is provided with a hakama portion 1 protruding from the other end surface 1c on the back side of the dial switch 1, as shown in a vertical sectional view in FIG.
By press-fitting the tip of the rotary shaft 4 of the rotary switch 7 into d, both end surfaces 1a and 1c are respectively located on the front side and the back side with the bezel 2 interposed therebetween. It is arranged on the bezel 2 so as to be located on a concentric circle.

The rotary switch 7 (corresponding to an operation position detecting means) rotates the dial switch 1 clockwise (clockwise) or counterclockwise (counterclockwise) in FIG. By rotating the switch 4 in the same direction, the conduction position of the internal contact of the rotary switch 7 is displaced, and the content of the terminal output of the rotary switch 7 is changed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the dial switch 1 and the rotary switch 7 are connected to the other end of the dial switch 1 while the dial switch 1 is disposed on the bezel 2 by press-fitting the rotating shaft 4 into the skirt portion 1d. Between the end face 1c of the rotary shaft 7 and the rotary switch 7 in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 4.

In the center console, the operation contents of the dial switch 1 are displayed on the bezel 2 using display light from the light emitting unit 30 disposed between the bezel 2 and the wiring board 6. You.

As shown in FIG. 2, the light emitting unit 30 comprises a light source unit 31 and a light guide ring 10. The light source unit 31 includes the light guide box 14 and the light guide box. A light emitting diode (hereinafter abbreviated as “LED”) 16 attached to the LED 14 and an LED
16 for a holder 18.

The light guide box 14 is formed of a translucent resin material and has a flat hexagonal prism shape. The light guide box 14 has a circular hole 9 of the bezel 2 at the center thereof. The inner diameter is smaller than the inner diameter, and the inner diameter of the rotary switch 7 can be arranged therein.
Are formed.

As shown in FIG. 3, a hollow annular space 14b surrounding the through hole 14a is formed inside the light guide box 14, and an inner surface near one end surface 26 of the light guide box 14 is formed. An inclined annular reflecting surface 22 is formed at a portion 23.

Further, as shown in FIG.
Openings 20 communicating with the annular space 14b are formed on every other three side surfaces 25 among the six side surfaces of 4,
Engaging portions (not shown) formed by claws or grooves are formed on both side edges 27 inside each opening 20.

In the present embodiment, the LED 16 is a so-called multi-color LED, and has a disk-shaped socket portion 16a and a substantially hemispherical light emitting portion 16b. ), G (green), and B (blue), and emits light of any one of the three colors, or simultaneously emits light of two or more arbitrary colors to output light of a desired color. I have.

Reference numeral 17 in FIG. 2 denotes a terminal extended from the socket 16a for mounting the LED 16 on the wiring board 6 by soldering.

The holder 18 is made of a light-shielding resin material and has a hollow box shape.
An insertion hole 18a into which the light emitting portion 16b can be inserted is formed on the surface, and an opening 18b is formed on another surface opposite to the surface on which the insertion hole 18a is formed.

The openings 18b are provided at both side edges thereof with engaging portions (not shown) formed by claws or grooves formed on the inner peripheral wall 27 of each opening 20 of the light guide box 14. Nail 1
9 are protruded from each other.

The holder 18 thus formed is inserted into the holder 18 from the insertion hole 18a into the light emitting portion 1 of the LED 16.
The LED 16 is held by inserting the socket 6b and applying the socket portion 16a to the holder 18 at the periphery of the insertion hole 18a.

The holder 18 is provided with engaging claws 1 on engaging portions formed on both side edges 27 of each opening 20 of the light guide box 14.
8c, the opening 18b is attached to the light guide box 14 so as to be in close contact with the opening 20.

As shown in FIG. 3, the light source unit 31 has one end face 26 of the light guide box 14 facing the wiring board 6 and the rotary switch 7
The light guide box 14 is placed on the wiring board 6 so as to be arranged inside the light guide box a, and the holder 18 holding the LED 16 is attached to each opening 20 of the light guide box 14 on the light guide box 14. Assembled on the wiring board 6.

As shown in FIG. 2, the light guide ring 10 is made of a translucent resin material and has an outer diameter substantially close to the outer shape of the light guide box 14 and an inner diameter of the through hole 14 a of the light guide box 14. One end face 1 of the light guide ring 10 is formed so as to have a flat annular shape having a slightly larger inner diameter.
An annular emitting portion 12 (corresponding to a light emitting display) having an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the circular hole 9 of the bezel 2 is formed to bulge at 0a.

The light guide ring 10 thus formed is
As shown in FIG. 3, the position of the central axis is aligned with the through hole 14 a of the light guide box 14, and the other end face 10 b is placed on the other end face 24 of the light guide box 14, so that the annular emission section 12 is formed. Is disposed so as to be inserted into the circular hole 9 and exposed on the surface side of the bezel 2, whereby the light emitting unit 30 is assembled and disposed between the bezel 2 and the wiring board 6.

Then, as described above, the light emitting unit 30
In the state in which is mounted and arranged, the tapered surface 11 of the light guide ring 10 formed on the inner periphery of the ring-shaped emission portion 12 is formed on the periphery of the end surface 1c of the dial switch 1 in which the skirt portion 1d is press-fitted to the rotating shaft 4 of the rotary switch 7. And contacts the peripheral surface of the dial switch 1.

In the center console of the first embodiment described above, when each LED 16 emits light, the light is diffusely reflected on the holder 18 and the inner surface 23 of the light guide box 14 as shown in a vertical sectional view in FIG. While being diffused in the annular space 14b, the light is transmitted through the other end surface 24 by being reflected by the reflection surface 22 of the light guide box 14, and further enters the light guide ring 10 from the other end surface 10b. The light is diffusely reflected in the light guide ring 10 and a part of the light is emitted outward from the annular emission portion 12.

The light emitted from the tapered surface 11 out of the light emitted from the annular emitting portion 12 illuminates the peripheral surface of the dial switch 1 and emitted from the tip of the annular emitting portion 12. Are directly visible from the front side of the bezel 2.

Next, the electrical schematic configuration of the operation content display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

In FIG. 5, reference numeral 40 denotes an operation content display device. Although this operation content display device 40 actually includes the light emitting unit 30, the FIG. , The light emitting unit 30
5 are not shown in FIG. 5.

When the dial switch 1 is used to set the room temperature value of a car air conditioner (not shown) of the first embodiment, the operation content display device 40 of the first embodiment uses the dial switch. 1 is used to cause the annular light emitting portion 12 of the light guide ring 10 to emit light and display the operation content.
A microcomputer (hereinafter, abbreviated as “microcomputer”) 41 for controlling lighting of the ED 16 is provided.

The microcomputer 41 includes a CPU 41a,
The CPU 41a includes the LE 41 of the light emitting unit 30.
D16 and the terminal of the rotary switch 7 are connected to each other, and an accessory switch 43 of the vehicle and a temperature sensor 45 for detecting a room temperature of the vehicle are connected.

The RAM 41b is provided with a data area and a work area used for various processing operations. Among them, the work area is provided with an area used for various flags and buffers, and the like. RO
A control program for causing the CPU 41a to perform various processing operations is stored in the M41c.

Next, the processing performed by the CPU 41a in accordance with the control program stored in the ROM 41c will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

When the accessory switch 43 is turned on, the microcomputer 41 is started by receiving power supply from a battery (not shown) mounted on the vehicle and the program is started.
As shown in the flowchart of the main routine in FIG. 6, the CPU 41a first sets the flags F1 and F3 of the operation detection flag area and the display change flag area of the RAM 41b.
Are set to "0", the previous output buffer area of the RAM 41b is cleared, and the LED 16 is set to emit green light (step S1).

When the initial setting of step S1 is completed,
Next, a switch operation detection process (step S3) and a light emission display process (step S5) are sequentially performed.
At 7, it is confirmed whether or not the accessory switch 43 is ON.

If the accessory switch 43 is ON (Y in step S7), the process returns to step S3.
If it is not ON (N in step S7), a series of processing ends.

In the switch operation detection processing in step S3, as shown in the flowchart of the subroutine in FIG. 7, the terminal output from the rotary switch 7 is fetched (step S3a), and the terminal output of the rotary switch 7 is fetched. It is checked whether or not the dial switch 1 has been operated based on whether or not the content matches the previous output stored in the previous output buffer area (step S).
3b).

When the dial switch 1 is operated (Y in step S3b), it is confirmed whether or not the flag F1 in the operation detection flag area is "0" (step S3).
c) If it is not "0" (N in step S3c), the process proceeds to step S3e described later, and if it is "0" (Y in step S3c), the operation detection flag F1 is set to "1" ( Step S3d) and proceed to step S3e.

In step S3e, the content of the previous output in the previous output buffer area is updated to the content of the terminal output fetched from the rotary switch 7 in step S3a. Thereafter, the switch operation detection processing is terminated, and the process returns to the main routine of FIG. Then, the process proceeds to step S5.

On the other hand, if the dial switch 1 is not operated (N in step S3b), the operation detection flag F
It is checked whether 1 is "0" (step S3f),
If it is "0" (Y in step S3f), the switch operation detecting process is terminated, the process returns to the main routine of FIG. 6, and proceeds to step S5.

On the other hand, the operation detection flag F1 is "0".
If not (N in step S3f), the flag F3 in the display change flag area is set to "1" (step S3f).
g) After setting the operation detection flag F1 to “0” (step S3h), the switch operation detection processing is terminated, and the process returns to the main routine of FIG. 6 and proceeds to step S5.

In the light emission display process in step S5, as shown in the flowchart of the subroutine in FIG. 8, it is confirmed whether or not the display change flag F3 is "0" (step S5a). If there is (Step S
5A, Y), the light emission display process ends, and the process returns to the main routine of FIG. 6 and proceeds to step S7.

On the other hand, the display change flag F3 is set to "0".
If not (N in step S5a), the temperature sensor 45
(Step S5)
b) After the current room temperature is calculated based on the signal value from the temperature sensor 45 (step S5c),
The process proceeds to step S5d described later.

In step S5d, the target indoor temperature set by operating the dial switch 1 is calculated based on the previous output stored in the previous output buffer area of the RAM 41b. ,
It is checked whether the room temperature is higher than the current room temperature determined in step S5c (step S5e).

When the indoor temperature target value is higher than the current indoor temperature (Y in step S5e), each LED 16 is caused to emit red light (step S5f), and then the light emission display processing is terminated and the processing returns to the main routine of FIG. Return and step S
Then, if it is not higher than the current room temperature (N in step S5e), it is checked whether the room temperature target value is lower than the current room temperature (step S5g).

If the room temperature target value is not lower than the current room temperature (N in step S5g), each LED 16
Emits green light (step S5h), sets the display change flag F3 to "0" (step S5j), ends the light emission display process, returns to the main routine of FIG. 6, advances to step S7, and proceeds to step S7. If it is lower than the temperature (Y in step S5g), each LED 16 is caused to emit blue light (step S5k), and then the light emission display processing is terminated and FIG.
Then, the process returns to the main routine and proceeds to step S7.

As is clear from the above description, in the first embodiment, step S in the flowchart of FIG.
3b is processing corresponding to the operation presence / absence determining means 41A in the claims, and steps S5e and S5g in the flowchart of FIG. 8 are processing corresponding to the operation direction determining means 41B in the claims. .

Further, in the first embodiment, steps S5f and S5k in FIG. 8 are processing corresponding to the light emission display executing means 41C in claims, and step S5c in FIG. Medium set value change amount determining means 41
This is a process corresponding to D.

Further, in the first embodiment, steps S5c, S5e, and S5g in FIG.
The processing corresponds to the operation change amount determining means 41E in the claims, and step S5h in FIG. 8 corresponds to the second light emission display executing means 41F in the claims.

Next, the operation (operation) of the operation content display device 40 of the first embodiment configured as described above will be described.

When the accessory switch 43 of the automobile is turned on, the light source unit 3 in the light emitting unit 30 is turned on.
Each LED 16 emits green light, and this green light is guided from the holder 18 to the annular space 14b of the light guide box 14, and further guided from the annular space 14b to the inside of the light guide ring 10, and Part of the light is emitted outward from the annular emission part 12, whereby the periphery of the dial switch 1 is illuminated with green light.

Here, when the dial switch 1 is rotated clockwise (clockwise) in FIG. 2 to increase the set temperature of the car air conditioner, the content of the terminal output of the rotary switch 7 changes, and the rotation operation is performed. In response to this, the color of the light emitted by each LED 16 of the light source unit 31 changes from green to red of warm color reminiscent of a temperature rise.

Then, this red light is guided from each LED 16 to the inside of the light guide ring 10 in the same manner as the above-mentioned green light, and a part of the light is emitted outward from the annular emission part 12. Thereby, the periphery of the dial switch 1 is illuminated with the red light.

Thereafter, when the actual room temperature rises and reaches the room temperature target value set by rotating the dial switch 1 clockwise (clockwise) in FIG. 2, the light source responds accordingly. The color of the light emitted from each LED 16 of the unit 31 changes from the previous red to the original green, whereby the periphery of the dial switch 1 is illuminated with green light.

On the other hand, when the dial switch 1 is rotated counterclockwise (counterclockwise) in FIG. 2 to lower the set temperature of the car air conditioner, the rotary switch 7 is rotated.
When the rotation of the terminal output is changed and the rotation operation is completed, the color of the light emitted from each LED 16 of the light source unit 31 is changed from the previous green color to a cool blue color reminiscent of a temperature drop. Changes to

The blue light is transmitted from each LED 16 to the light guide ring 10 in the same manner as the green light and the red light described above.
And a part of the light is emitted outward from the annular emission part 12, whereby the periphery of the dial switch 1 is illuminated with blue light.

After that, when the actual room temperature drops and reaches the room temperature target value set by rotating the dial switch 1 in the counterclockwise (counterclockwise) direction in FIG.
In response to this, the color of the light emitted from each LED 16 of the light source unit 31 changes from the previous blue color to the original green color, whereby the periphery of the dial switch 1 is illuminated with green light.

By rotating the dial switch 1 in the clockwise (clockwise) direction in FIG.
When the dial switch 1 is rotated in the counterclockwise (counterclockwise) direction in FIG. 2 in the state where the light emitted from the light 2 changes to red, the following occurs.

First, after the dial switch 1 is rotated counterclockwise (counterclockwise) in FIG. 2, the target indoor temperature set according to the content of the terminal output of the rotary switch 7 is set to the current value. If the temperature is higher than the room temperature, each LED
The color of the light emitted by the light switch 16 remains red, and therefore, the light emitted from the annular light emitting section 12 and illuminating the periphery of the dial switch 1 also remains red.

On the other hand, if the indoor temperature target value set according to the contents of the terminal output of the rotary switch 7 is lower than the current indoor temperature, the color of the light emitted from each LED 16 changes from red to blue. The light emitted from the annular emission part 12 and illuminating the periphery of the dial switch 1 also turns blue,
On the other hand, if the indoor temperature target value is the same as the current indoor temperature,
The color of the light emitted from each LED 16 changes from red to green, and the light emitted from the annular emission unit 12 and illuminating the periphery of the dial switch 1 also changes to green.

Similarly, when the dial switch 1 is rotated in the counterclockwise (counterclockwise) direction in FIG. 2, the light emitted from the annular emitting portion 12 which has been illuminating the periphery of the dial switch 1 in green until then. Is turned blue, then turn the dial switch 1 clockwise (clockwise) in FIG.
When the rotation operation is performed in the direction, the operation is as follows.

First, after the dial switch 1 is rotated counterclockwise (counterclockwise) in FIG. 2, the room temperature target value set according to the content of the terminal output of the rotary switch 7 is set to the current value. If the temperature is lower than the room temperature, each LED
The color of the light emitted by the light switch 16 remains unchanged in blue, so that the light emitted from the annular light emitting section 12 and illuminating the periphery of the dial switch 1 also remains in blue.

On the other hand, if the room temperature target value set according to the contents of the terminal output of the rotary switch 7 is higher than the current room temperature, the color of the light emitted from each LED 16 changes from blue to red. The light emitted from the annular emission part 12 and illuminating the periphery of the dial switch 1 also turns red,
On the other hand, if the indoor temperature target value is the same as the current indoor temperature,
The color of the light emitted from each LED 16 changes from blue to green, and the light emitted from the annular emission unit 12 and illuminating around the dial switch 1 also changes to green.

As is clear from the above description, in the first embodiment, the display in the light emitting mode corresponding to one direction and the display in the light emitting mode corresponding to the other direction in the claims are circular emission. This is achieved when the light emitted from the unit 12 and illuminating the periphery of the dial switch 1 is red or blue.

In the first embodiment, a display in a light emitting mode different from the light emitting mode corresponding to one direction and the light emitting mode corresponding to the other direction in the claims is emitted from the annular emitting section 12. This is achieved in a state where the light illuminating the periphery of the dial switch 1 is green.

As described above, according to the operation content display device 40 of the first embodiment, when the dial switch 1 for setting the room temperature of the car air conditioner is rotated, the annular light source unit 31 illuminating the periphery of the dial switch 1 is formed. Emitting part 1
The light emitted from 2 changes from green to red when the indoor temperature target value is set to a temperature higher than the current indoor temperature, and the indoor temperature target value is set to a temperature lower than the current indoor temperature. When the current room temperature reaches the room temperature target value, the color changes from red or blue to the original green when the current room temperature reaches the room temperature target value.

For this reason, by rotating the dial switch 1, the room temperature target value depends on whether the illumination light of the dial switch 1 emitted from the annular emission section 12 changes from green to red or blue. Whether the temperature is set to a higher temperature or a lower temperature than the current room temperature can be immediately and easily recognized.

Each of the LEs of the light source unit 31 depends on the relationship between the target room temperature of the car air conditioner set by the rotation operation of the dial switch 1 and the current room temperature.
The color of the light emitted by D16 is not limited to the combination of red and blue.

However, as in the first embodiment, when the indoor temperature target value is higher than the current indoor temperature, the color is set to warm red, and when the indoor temperature target value is lower than the current room temperature, the cool color is red. If it is blue, the indoor temperature target value is set to a temperature higher than the current indoor temperature, associating the height relationship between the indoor temperature target value and the current indoor temperature with the visual image of those colors This is advantageous because it is possible to more easily recognize whether the temperature is set to a low temperature.

Similarly, when the indoor temperature target value of the car air conditioner set by the rotation operation of the dial switch 1 and the current indoor temperature are the same, each LED of the light source unit 31
The color of the light emitted by the light source 16 is not limited to the green color, and in a more extreme case, when the indoor temperature target value and the current indoor temperature are the same, the LEDs 16 of the light source unit 31 are not caused to emit light,
The illumination light of the dial switch 1 may not be emitted from the annular emission part 12.

However, as in the first embodiment, when the indoor temperature target value is the same as the current indoor temperature, and if the green color, which is the safety color of the traffic signal, is used, the indoor temperature is represented by a visual image of the color. This is advantageous because it is possible to make it easier to recognize the relationship between the target value and the current room temperature by associating the same with the room temperature.

Further, if the configuration is such that the illumination light of the dial switch 1 is emitted from the annular emission section 12 when the indoor temperature target value is the same as the current indoor temperature, as in the first embodiment, as in the first embodiment, Even if the dial switch 1 is not rotated, the dial switch 1 is always illuminated with the light emitted from the annular emitting portion 12 so that the position of the dial switch 1 can be easily recognized when the dial switch 1 is rotated. Is advantageous.

Further, in the above-described first embodiment, the state of the illumination light of the dial switch 1 emitted from the annular emitting section 12 is changed at the time when the rotary operation of the dial switch 1 is completed. Needless to say, the configuration may be such that the state of the illumination light of the dial switch 1 is changed from the start of the operation.

In the above-described first embodiment, the relationship between the indoor temperature target value of the car air conditioner set by the rotation operation of the dial switch 1 and the current indoor temperature is determined by the change in the color of each LED 16 emitting light. Although the identification is performed, the height relationship between the indoor temperature target value and the current indoor temperature may be identified based on the difference in the lighting pattern of the LED 16 instead.

In the case of the operation content display device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the R
The content of the control program stored in the OM 41c for causing the CPU 41a to perform various processing operations is slightly different from that of the operation content display device 40 of the first embodiment.

Specifically, in the initial setting of step S1 in the main routine of FIG. 6, instead of causing each LED 16 to emit green light, each LED 16 is caused to emit light in a continuous lighting state.

Also, as shown in the flowchart of the subroutine of the light emission display process in step S5 in FIG. 9, in step S5e, the room temperature target value calculated in step S5d is smaller than the current room temperature calculated in step S5c. If it is larger (Y), instead of step S5f for causing each LED 16 to emit red light, step S5m for causing each LED 16 to emit light intermittently in a lighting state at the first blinking cycle is executed, and then the light emission display processing is terminated and FIG. The process returns to the main routine and proceeds to step S7.

In step S5g, the room temperature target value calculated in step S5d is replaced by step S5c.
If the current room temperature is not lower than the current room temperature determined in step (N), each LED 16 emits green light.
Instead of 5h, after executing Step S5n for causing each LED 16 to emit light in a continuous lighting state, the process proceeds to Step S5j to set the display change flag F3 to "0".

Further, in step S5g, the room temperature target value calculated in step S5d is used in step S5.
When the room temperature is smaller than the current room temperature determined by c (Y)
Then, instead of step S5k for causing each LED 16 to emit blue light, step S5p for causing each LED 16 to emit light intermittently in a lighting state with a second blinking cycle longer than the first blinking cycle.
Is executed, the light emission display process is terminated, the process returns to the main routine of FIG. 6, and proceeds to step S7.

Therefore, in the second embodiment, steps S5m and S5p in FIG. 9 are processing corresponding to the light emission display executing means 41C in claims, and step S5n in FIG. Two-emission display execution means 41
This is processing corresponding to F.

In the operation content display device of the second embodiment, each LED 16 emits red light in the operation content display device 40 of the first embodiment. In the situation where the LED 16 is illuminated with the red emission light, each LED 16 emits light intermittently in the first blinking cycle.
Is illuminated with blinking emission light from the annular emission section 12 in the first blinking cycle.

In the operation content display device of the second embodiment, each L
In a situation where the ED 16 emits blue light and the periphery of the dial switch 1 is illuminated with the blue emission light from the annular emission unit 12, each LED 16 intermittently operates in the second flashing cycle longer than the first flashing cycle. As a result, the periphery of the dial switch 1 is illuminated with intermittent emission light from the annular emission unit 12 at the second blinking cycle.

Further, in the operation content display device of the second embodiment, each LED 16 emits green light in the operation content display device 40 of the first embodiment. In the situation where the LED 16 has been illuminated with the green emission light, the LEDs 16 continuously emit light, whereby the periphery of the dial switch 1 is illuminated with the light continuously emitted from the annular emission unit 12.

In this case, the emission color of each LED 16 is the first color.
As in the embodiment, the LED may be changed according to the height relationship between the indoor temperature target value of the car air conditioner set by the rotation operation of the dial switch 1 and the current indoor temperature.
If the emission color of 16 is a single color, the light source unit 31
This is advantageous because the cost of parts can be reduced as much as the LED 16 used for the LED is not required to be a so-called multi-color LED.

According to the operation content display device of the second embodiment configured as described above, when the dial switch 1 is rotated, the lighting pattern of the illumination light of the dial switch 1 emitted from the ring-shaped emission section 12 is obtained. Is changed from continuous light to intermittent light of the first blinking cycle or the second blinking cycle, whether the indoor temperature target value is set to a temperature higher than the current indoor temperature or to a lower temperature. Whether the setting has been made can be immediately and easily recognized.

Each of the LEs of the light source unit 31 depends on the level relationship between the target room temperature of the car air conditioner set by the rotation operation of the dial switch 1 and the current room temperature.
The lighting pattern when D16 emits light is not limited to the combination of the patterns described above, and is arbitrary as long as the mutual pattern can be identified.

When the indoor temperature target value of the car air conditioner set by rotating the dial switch 1 and the current indoor temperature are the same, each LED of the light source unit 31
The illumination light of the dial switch 1 may not be emitted from the annular emission unit 12 without emitting the light from the ring 16.

However, as in the second embodiment, when the indoor temperature target value is the same as the current indoor temperature, the light source unit 3
If the configuration is such that each LED 16 emits not only continuous light but also the illumination light of the dial switch 1 from the annular emission unit 12, the dial switch 1 is always emitted annularly without rotating the dial switch 1. This is advantageous because it is easy to recognize the position of the dial switch 1 when illuminating with the light emitted from the unit 12 and rotating the dial switch 1.

Next, an operation content display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of a center console portion of an automobile to which the operation content display device according to the third embodiment is applied. In the light source unit 31 of this console portion, a light guide box 14 has a holder. The light source unit 31 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is different from the light source unit 31 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. .

FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the light source unit 31 shown in FIG. 10, and as shown in FIG.
In the light source unit 31 of the embodiment, the annular space 14b of the light guide box 14 is formed by six light-shielding partition plates 14c.
One of the points is divided into the light guide region 14d ₁ ~14d ₆ and, a point light emission color of each LED16 is a single color, the first
This is different from the light source unit 31 of the embodiment.

In the center console according to the third embodiment described above, when each LED 16 emits light, the light is diffusely reflected on the holder 18 and the inner surface 23 of the light guide box 14 while each light guide of the annular space 14b is formed. The light is diffused individually in the regions 14 d _{1 to} 14 d ₆ , and is transmitted through the other end face 24 by being reflected by the reflection surface 22 of the light guide box 14, and further, inside the light guide ring 10, the other end face 10 b And the light is diffusely reflected in the light guide ring 10, and a part of the light is emitted outward from the annular emission portion 12.

The light emitted from the tapered surface 11 of the light emitted from the annular light emitting portion 12 to the outside illuminates the peripheral surface of the dial switch 1 and is emitted from the tip of the annular light emitting portion 12. Are directly visible from the front side of the bezel 2.

At this time, each of the light guide regions 14d _{1 to} 14d _{6 of the} light guide box 14 has an enlarged plan view shown in FIG.
The corresponding divided areas 10c _{1 to} 10c of the light guide ring 10
The other end face 10b of the part ₆ faces each other.

[0121] Thus, passes through the other end surface 24 portions of which correspond to each light guide region 14d ₁ of the light guide box 14,
Light from each LED 16 that has entered the inside of the light guide ring 10 from the other end face 10 b is mainly diffusely reflected in the corresponding divided region 10 c ₁ of the light guide ring 10, and a part of the light is It will be mainly emitted from the divided regions 12a ₁ outward.

Similarly, each light guide area 1 of the light guide box 14
The light from each LED 16 transmitted through the other end face 24 corresponding to 4d _{2 to} 14d ₆ and entering the inside of the light guide ring 10 from the other end face 10b is transmitted to the light guide ring 10.
Of, is mainly reflected diffusely within each divided region 10c ₂ ~10c ₆ corresponding, respectively emitted from each of the divided regions 12a ₂ ~12a ₆ where the part light corresponding mainly annular exit portion 12 outwardly Will be.

As is clear from the above description, in the third embodiment, the divided regions 12a ₁ to 12a
a ₆ is equivalent to a display area in the claims.

Next, the electrical schematic configuration of the operation content display device according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

The operation content display device of the third embodiment indicated by reference numeral 40A in FIG. 13 is actually a light emitting unit 3 having the light source unit 31 having the configuration shown in FIG.
13, only the electrical configuration is shown in FIG. 13, and therefore, the structural elements of the light emitting unit 30 are not shown in FIG. 13.

Operation content display device 40A of the third embodiment
When the dial switch 1 is used to adjust the volume of a car stereo (not shown) of an automobile, the operation contents of the dial switch 1 are divided into respective portions of the annular light emitting portion 12 of the light guide ring 10. area 12a ₂ ~12a ₆
Are used for light-emitting display.

The operation content display device 40A according to the third embodiment is connected to the CPU 41a in accordance with the point that the temperature sensor 45 connected to the CPU 41a of the microcomputer 41 is omitted and the number of LEDs 16 increases. LED1
6 is different from the operation content display device 40 of the first embodiment in that the number of 6 is increased and the content of the control program stored in the ROM 41c is slightly changed. Is configured similarly to the operation content display device 40 of the first embodiment.

The CPU 41a of the microcomputer 41 in the operation content display device 40A of the third embodiment is
The contents of the processing performed according to the control program stored in 41c will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

When the accessory switch 43 is turned on, the microcomputer 41 is activated by receiving power from a battery or the like (not shown) mounted on the automobile, and the program is started.
The CPU 41a firstly sets the flags F5 and F5 of the clockwise flag area and the counterclockwise flag area of the RAM 41b.
7 are set to “0”, the previous output buffer area of the RAM 41b is cleared, and an initial setting is performed to make all the LEDs 16 emit light (step SA1).

After the initial setting of step SA1, the terminal output from the rotary switch 7 is fetched (step SA3), and the content of the fetched terminal output of the rotary switch 7 is stored in the previous output buffer area. It is confirmed whether or not the dial switch 1 has been operated on the basis of whether or not the output is the same as the previous output (step SA).
5).

If the dial switch 1 is not operated (N in step SA5), step SA2 described later
When the operation proceeds to step 3 (Y in step SA5),
Contents of previous output in previous output buffer area and step S
Based on the contents of the terminal output taken from the rotary switch 7 in A3, it is confirmed whether or not the operation of the dial switch 1 is a clockwise (clockwise) rotation operation in FIG. 2 (step SA7).

If the operation of the dial switch 1 is not a clockwise (clockwise) rotation operation in FIG.
(N in A7), the process proceeds to step SA15 to be described later, and if the operation is a clockwise rotation operation (Y in step SA7), the flag F in the clockwise flag area of the RAM 41b is set.
5 is determined to be “0” (step SA)
9).

If the clockwise flag F5 is not "0" (N in step SA9), the process proceeds to step SA21 described later, and if "0" (Y in step SA9), each light guide of the light guide box 14 is set. regions 14d of _{1 ~14d 6} each LED16 corresponding to performs light emission processing clockwise sequentially sequentially emit light in the clockwise direction in FIG. 2 (step SA1
1), while setting the clockwise flag F5 to "1",
After setting the flag F7 in the counterclockwise flag area of the RAM 41b to "0" (step SA13), the process proceeds to step S13.
Proceed to A21.

On the other hand, when the operation of the dial switch 1 is not the clockwise rotation operation in FIG. 2 in step SA7 (N), the process proceeds to step SA15 where it is determined whether or not the counterclockwise flag F7 is "0". If it is not “0” (N in step SA15), step SA21
Proceed to.

[0135] In contrast, when counterclockwise flag F7 is set to "0" each LED16 corresponding to each light guide region 14d ₁ ~14d ₆ of (Y in step SA15), guide box 14, FIG. 2 A counterclockwise sequential light emission process for sequentially emitting light in the counterclockwise direction (counterclockwise) is performed (step SA17), and the counterclockwise flag F7 is set to "1" and the clockwise flag F5 is set to "0". After that (step SA19), the process proceeds to step SA21.

The clockwise sequential light emission processing in step SA11 is specifically performed as follows.

First, the light guide region 14d of the light guide box 14
₁At a predetermined time.
After a while, while the LED 16 is lit, the light guide region 1
4d ₁Light guide regions adjacent in the clockwise direction in FIG.
14d₆At a predetermined time.
After a while, both light guide regions 14d₁, 14d₆LE corresponding to
D16 is kept emitting light, and the light guide region 14d₆of
Light guide region 14d adjacent in the clockwise direction in FIG._Five
The LED 16 corresponding to is made to emit light.

Then, 14d ₄ , 14d ₃ , 14
In the order of d ₂ , additional light emission is performed at predetermined time intervals while keeping all the LEDs 16 that have previously emitted light, so that each light guide region 14
Once made to emit light all the LED 16 corresponding to d ₁ ~14d _6, with its after a predetermined time to terminate the light emission of all the LED 16, further after the predetermined time, to emit LED 16 corresponding to the light guide region 14d _1, it Thereafter, the above-described processing is repeatedly executed.

On the other hand, the counterclockwise sequential light emission processing in step SA17 is specifically performed as follows.

First, the light guide region 14d of the light guide box 14
₁At a predetermined time.
After a while, while the LED 16 is lit, the light guide region 1
4d ₁Light guide regions adjacent in the counterclockwise direction in FIG.
Area 14d_TwoLED 16 corresponding to
After time, both light guide regions 14d₁, 14d_TwoL corresponding to
While the ED 16 emits light, the light guide region 14 d_Two
Light guide region 14d adjacent in the clockwise direction in FIG.
_ThreeThe LED 16 corresponding to is made to emit light.

Thereafter, 14d ₄ , 14d ₅ , 14
In the order of d ₆ , additional light emission is performed at predetermined time intervals while keeping all of the LEDs 16 that have previously emitted light, so that each light guide region 14
Once made to emit light all the LED 16 corresponding to d ₁ ~14d _6, with its after a predetermined time to terminate the light emission of all the LED 16, further after the predetermined time, to emit LED 16 corresponding to the light guide region 14d _1, it Thereafter, the above-described processing is repeatedly executed.

Now, returning to the description of the flowchart in FIG. 14, in step SA9, the clockwise flag F5
Is not "0" (N), the clockwise flag F5 is set to "1" and the counterclockwise flag F7 is set to "0" in step SA13, and then, in step SA15.
If the counterclockwise flag F7 is not "0" (N), and in step SA19, the counterclockwise flag F7 is set to "1" and the clockwise flag F
In step SA21 to which the process proceeds after setting 5 to "0", the content of the previous output in the previous output buffer area is updated to the content of the terminal output fetched from the rotary switch 7 in step SA3, and thereafter, the process proceeds to step S29 described later. .

If the dial switch 1 is not operated in step SA5 (N), the flow advances to step SA23 to check whether both the clockwise flag F5 and the counterclockwise flag F7 are "0". If both are “0” (Y in step SA23), the process proceeds to step SA29. If any one of them is not “0” (N in step SA23), each light guide region 14d _{1 of the} light guide box 14 is set. ～14D ₆ simultaneously by continuous emission of each LED16 corresponding to (step SA25), after setting the a clockwise flag F5 and counterclockwise flag F7 both to "0" (step SA27), the process proceeds to step SA 29.

In step SA21, the process proceeds after updating the content of the previous output in the previous output buffer area, and in step SA27, after setting both the clockwise flag F5 and the counterclockwise flag F7 to "0". In SA29, it is checked whether or not the accessory switch 43 is ON, and if it is ON (step SA
If Y is not ON (N in step SA29), a series of processes is ended.

As is clear from the above description, in the third embodiment, step SA5 in the flowchart of FIG. 14 is a process corresponding to the operation presence / absence determining means 41A in the claims. Step SA7 is a process corresponding to the operation direction discriminating means 41B in the claims. Step SA11 and step SA11 in FIG.
Reference numeral 17 denotes a process corresponding to the light emission display execution unit 41C in the claims.

Next, the operation (operation) of the operation content display device 40A according to the third embodiment configured as described above will be described.

When the accessory switch 43 of the automobile is turned on, the light source unit 3 in the light emitting unit 30 is turned on.
1 continuously emits light, and light from each LED 16 is transferred from the holder 18 to the annular space 14 b of the light guide box 14.
Each is guided to the light guide region 14d ₁ ~14d ₆ of further light guide ring from the light guide region 14d ₁ ~14d ₆ 10
Of primarily corresponding guided within each divided area 10c ₁ ~10c _6, of a portion of the light is annular exit portion 12 mainly emitted from the respective divided regions 12a ₁ ~12a ₆ corresponding outwardly Will be done.

Therefore, at this point, each LED 16
The light guided to the light guide ring 10 via the light guide box 14 from the light emitting device 10 is transmitted to all the divided areas 12 a _{1 to} 12 a _{6 of the} annular emission part 12.
As a result, the ring-shaped light emitting portion 12 emits light as a whole, and the periphery of the dial switch 1 is illuminated.

Here, when the dial switch 1 is rotated clockwise (clockwise) in FIG. 2 in order to increase the volume of the car stereo, the contents of the terminal output of the rotary switch 7 change. Each L of the light source unit 31
After ED16 disappears once, firstly, the corresponding LED16 emits light in the light guide region 14d ₁ of the light guide box 14, then adjacent at predetermined time intervals, in Figure 2 the light guide region 14d ₁ in counterclockwise guide Light regions 14d ₂ , 14d ₃ , 1
The corresponding LED 1 in the order of 4d ₄ , 14d ₅ , 14d ₆
6 emits light sequentially.

[0150] When the LED16 corresponding to the last light guide region 14d ₆ is elapse of the predetermined period from the light emission, all LED16 disappears once, then again, guiding box 1
Four light guide regions 14d ₁ , 14d ₂ , 14d ₃ , 14
d _4, 14d _5, referred 14d ₆ in this order counterclockwise in FIG. 2, corresponding LED16 is that sequentially emits light at predetermined time intervals, sequentially emitting operation described above is repeated.

As a result, the divided regions 12a ₁ , 12a
a ₂ , 12a ₃ , 12a ₄ , 12a ₅ , and 12a ₆ , in this order, by the light sequentially emitted to the outside of the annular emission unit 12,
The periphery of the dial switch 1 is illuminated.

After that, when the rotating operation of the dial switch 1 in the clockwise direction (clockwise direction) in FIG. 2 is completed, all the LEDs 16 continuously emit light in response to this operation.
The light emitted outward guided from the LED16 and from all divided areas 12a ₁ ~12a ₆ of annular exit portion 12,
The periphery of the dial switch 1 is illuminated.

On the other hand, when the dial switch 1 is rotated counterclockwise (counterclockwise) in FIG. 2 to reduce the volume of the car stereo, the content of the terminal output of the rotary switch 7 changes, and in response to this, Light source unit 31
After the LEDs 16 have once disappeared, first, the light guide box 1
4 of the light guide region 14d LED 16 corresponding to ₁ emits light,
Then, at predetermined time intervals, the light guide regions 14d ₁ , 14d ₆ , 14d ₅ , and the clockwise adjacent light guide regions 14d ₁ in FIG.
The corresponding LEDs in the order of 14d ₄ , 14d ₃ , 14d ₂
16 emits light sequentially.

[0154] When the LED16 corresponding to the last light guide region 14d ₆ is elapse of the predetermined period from the light emission, all LED16 disappears once, then again, guiding box 1
Four light guide regions 14d ₆ , 14d ₅ , 14d ₄ , 14
The above-described sequential light-emitting operation in which the corresponding LEDs 16 sequentially emit light at predetermined time intervals in the clockwise order in FIG. 2 of d ₃ and 14d ₂ is repeated.

As a result, the divided regions 12a ₁ , 12a
a ₆ , 12 a ₅ , 12 a ₄ , 12 a ₃ , and 12 a ₂ , in this order, by the light sequentially emitted to the outside of the annular emission portion 12,
The periphery of the dial switch 1 is illuminated.

After that, when the rotation operation of the dial switch 1 in the counterclockwise (counterclockwise) direction in FIG. 2 is completed, all the LEDs 16 continuously emit light in response to this operation. the light emitted outward from the entire divided region 12a ₁ ~12a ₆ of annular exit portion 12 Te, so around the dial switch 1 is illuminated.

As is apparent from the above description, in the third embodiment, the LEDs 16 corresponding to the light guide regions 14d _{1 to} 14d _{6 of the} light guide box 14 are arranged in a counterclockwise direction in FIG. Alternatively, light is emitted sequentially at predetermined time intervals in the clockwise direction in FIG.
From 2a ₁ ~12a ₆ to the outside of the annular exit portion 12, in this order counterclockwise in FIG. 2, or, in order of the order of around in 2 clock, in a state in which light is sequentially emitted, in the claims The display in the light emitting mode corresponding to one direction and the display in the light emitting mode corresponding to the other direction are achieved.

Also, in the third embodiment, the light guide box 1
Each LED corresponding to the entire light guide region 14d ₁ ~14d ₆ 4
16 all continuously emitting light, in a state where the light outwardly emitted from all of the divided regions 12a ₁ ~12a ₆ of annular exit portion 12, the light emission mode and the other direction corresponds to one of the direction in claim This means that display in a light emitting mode different from the corresponding light emitting mode is achieved.

As described above, the operation content display of the third embodiment
According to the device 40A, a die for adjusting the volume of a car stereo
When the dial switch 1 is rotated, this dial switch
Annular emission part 1 of light source unit 31 illuminating the periphery of h
Light emitted from 2 is rotated by dial switch 1
If the volume of the car stereo increases due to
Split area 12a₁~ 12a₆From the continuous flash state of each
Region 12a₁~ 12a ₆Figure 2 in clockwise order
The light emission state changes sequentially at regular time intervals,
If the volume is low, the whole divided area 12a₁~ 12
a₆From the continuous light emission state of each divided region 12a₁~ 12a
₆2 at predetermined time intervals in the counterclockwise order in FIG.
It was configured to change to a light emitting state.

For this reason, when the dial switch 1 is rotated, the illumination light of the dial switch 1 emitted from the annular emitting portion 12 is changed from the continuous emission of the entire annular emitting portion 12 clockwise or counterclockwise in FIG. It is possible to immediately and easily recognize whether the volume has been increased or decreased, depending on which one of the surroundings sequentially emits light.

According to the magnitude relationship of the volume control of the car stereo by rotating the dial switch 1, the order in which the LEDs 16 of the light source unit 31 sequentially emit light is determined by the clock shown in FIG. The order of rotation is not limited to the combination of counterclockwise in FIG. 2 when the volume decreases.

When the dial switch 1 is not being rotated, all the LEDs 16 may not emit light, and the illumination light of the dial switch 1 may not be emitted from the annular emission section 12.

However, as in the third embodiment, when the dial switch 1 is not rotated, all LEDs 16
Is not limited to continuous light emission. For example, all LEDs 16 may be flashed in synchronization with each other. Therefore, if the light emitting device is configured to emit light anyway, the dial switch 1 is always ring-shaped without rotating the dial switch 1. This is advantageous because the position of the dial switch 1 can be easily recognized when the dial switch 1 is rotated and illuminated by the light emitted from the emission unit 12.

Furthermore, in the third embodiment described above, the magnitude relationship of the volume adjustment of the car stereo by rotating the dial switch 1 is determined by the order in which the LEDs 16 sequentially emit light, that is, the order of clockwise rotation in FIG. Although the identification is made only by the difference in the order of counterclockwise rotation, in addition to this, each LED 16 is a so-called multi-color LED,
The identification may also be made by a change in the color of the light emitted by D16. This is advantageous because the design can be improved and the commercial value can be increased.

In this case, when each LED 16 emits light in the order of clockwise in FIG. 2 or counterclockwise in FIG.
The LED16 that emits light later, the LED16 that emits light earlier
Rather, the color tone of the emitted light may be made darker or lighter, and a gradation may be applied. In such a case, the design value can be further improved and the commercial value can be further increased, which is advantageous. .

In each of the first to third embodiments described above, the annular light emitting portion 12 of the light guide ring 10 is arranged around the dial switch 1.
A luminous body which emits and displays the operation content of the dial switch 1 similar to the annular light emitting unit 12 may be arranged at a position slightly away from the light emitting unit.

However, as in the first to third embodiments,
By disposing the annular emitting portion 12 along at least a part of the periphery of the dial switch 1, when rotating the dial switch 1, illumination light for facilitating recognition of the position of the dial switch 1 is used. A change in the color or lighting pattern or a change in the sequential light emission pattern can also be used as a light emission display for recognizing the operation contents of the dial switch 1, which is advantageous in the following points.

That is, a special light emitter for displaying the operation contents of the dial switch 1 by light emission is not separately required.
It is possible to prevent a rise in cost, simplify the configuration, and increase the commercial value.

Further, in the above-described first to third embodiments, the operation presence / absence determining unit 41A, the operation direction determining unit 41B, the light emission display executing unit 41C, the set value change amount determining unit 41D, the operation change amount The case has been described in which both the determination unit 41E and the second light emission display execution unit 41F are configured by the CPU 41a of the microcomputer 41 executing the processing according to the control program stored in the ROM 41b. Some or all,
A configuration other than a microcomputer such as a logic circuit or a sequencer may be used.

In the above-described first to third embodiments, the case where the operation content of the dial switch 1 which is rotated and operated is displayed by light emission is described as an example.
It goes without saying that the same effect can be obtained by applying the same method to the case where the operation content of the slide switch that slides linearly is displayed.

In the first to third embodiments described above, the case where the operation contents of the switch disposed on the center console of the vehicle are displayed by light emission is described as an example. In order to change the set value that determines the operation content of the target device such as a home appliance or various devices without being limited to the operation switch, an operation of displacing the operation portion in one of the two directions or the other direction is performed. It goes without saying that the present invention can be widely applied when the operation content of the operation switch is displayed by light emission.

[0172]

As described above, according to the operation content display device of the operation switch of the first aspect of the present invention, in order to change the set value that determines the operation content of the target device, two times are required.
A device for displaying operation content of an operation switch for performing an operation of displacing an operation portion in one of the directions or the other direction, the operation portion detecting means detecting an operation portion of the operation switch; An operation presence / absence determination unit configured to determine whether or not the operation switch has been operated based on a detection result of the location detection unit; and an operation determination unit configured to perform the operation when the operation presence / absence determination unit determines that the operation switch has been operated. An operation direction determination unit configured to determine whether a direction of displacement of an operation position of the operation switch is the one direction based on a detection result of the position detection unit; When the operation direction discriminating unit determines that the one of the directions is the one of the directions, the control unit controls the light emitting display to perform a display in a light emitting mode corresponding to the one of the directions, and operates the operation switch. A light-emitting display executing means for causing the light-emitting display to display in a light-emitting form corresponding to the other direction when the operation direction determining means determines that the direction of the displacement of the place is not the one direction. And

For this reason, when the operation switch is operated so that the direction of displacement of the operation point is one direction, or when the operation switch is operated such that the direction of displacement of the operation point is the other direction, Whether the operation is for increasing the set value or for decreasing the set value can be immediately and easily recognized by the difference in the light emitting mode of the light emitting display. .

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the operation switch operation content display device according to the first aspect, wherein the operation switch is operated when the operation switch is operated. While the determination unit is performing the determination, the change amount of the set value corresponding to the displacement amount of the operation location of the operation switch is calculated based on the detection result of the operation location detection unit and the determination result of the operation direction determination unit. A set value change amount determining unit, and an operation change amount determining unit configured to determine whether an operation content of the target device is changed by an amount corresponding to the set value change amount determined by the set value change amount determining unit. With the means, the operation change amount determination means determines that the operation content of the target device has changed by an amount corresponding to the change amount of the set value determined by the set value change amount determination means, on the other hand A second light emission display executing means for causing the light emitting display to perform a display in a light emission form different from the light emission form corresponding to the direction and the light emission form corresponding to the other direction; Until the means starts the display by the light-emitting display, the light-emitting display executing means continuously performs the display by the light-emitting display.

Therefore, in addition to whether the operation of the operation switch is for increasing or decreasing the set value, the operation content of the target device changes by an amount corresponding to the change amount of the set value changed by the operation. The fact that the light emission has been completed can also be recognized by the change in the light emission mode of the light emitting display.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an operation content display device for operating switches.
In the operation content display device for operating switches described above, the light-emitting display body performs display in mutually different colors according to the difference in the light-emitting mode.

For this reason, the color of each light emitting mode is set to a color that is reminiscent of an increase or decrease in the set value by operating the operation switch, or a change in the operation content of the target device due to the increase or decrease in the set value. Thus, the purpose of the operation of the operation switch can be easily identified by the content of the color.

According to the operation switch operation content display device of the present invention described in claim 4, in the operation switch operation content display device of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, the operation switch display device operates according to the difference in the light emission mode. Thus, the light-emitting display body is configured to perform display with different lighting patterns, so that whether the change of the set value by operating the operation switch is increasing or decreasing can be easily determined by the lighting pattern of the light-emitting display body. Can be identified.

Furthermore, according to the operation switch operation content display device of the present invention described in claim 6, in the operation switch operation content display device of claim 1, 2, or 3,
The light emitting display is disposed so as to extend along at least a part of a trajectory of the operation switch due to a displacement of an operation portion of the operation switch, and a plurality of display areas are provided in a direction in which the light emitting display extends. In the light emission mode corresponding to the one direction, the display in which the display areas are sequentially lit in a predetermined order in the extending direction is performed by the light emitting display body, and the other is displayed. In the light emission mode corresponding to the direction, the light emitting display body performs display in which the display regions are sequentially turned on in the order opposite to the predetermined order in the extending direction.

For this reason, each display area is sequentially lit in an order reminiscent of an increase or decrease of the set value by operating the operation switch or a change in the operation content of the target device due to the increase or decrease of the set value. , The purpose of the operation of the operation switch can be easily identified in the order of sequential lighting of each display area.

According to the operation switch operation content display device of the present invention described in claim 5, claims 1, 2, and 3 are provided.
5. The operation content display device for an operation switch according to 4, wherein the light-emitting display body is arranged along at least a part of a locus of the operation switch due to displacement of an operation position of the operation switch, and illumination of the operation switch. The configuration is also used.

Further, according to the operation content display device of the operation switch of the present invention described in claim 7, in the operation content display device of the operation switch according to claim 6, the light-emitting display element illuminates the operation switch. The configuration is also used.

Therefore, both the operation switch display device of the present invention described in claim 5 and the operation switch operation display device of the present invention described in claim 7 provide a new light emitting display. Without providing a light emitting display provided for improving the visibility of the operation switch, the operation content of the operation switch can be displayed, thereby preventing a rise in cost and simplifying the configuration. it can.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a basic configuration diagram of an operation content display device of an operation switch according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a main part of a center console of an automobile to which the operation content display device of the operation switch according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of a center console portion of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a center console portion showing a light guide path of light from the LED of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical schematic configuration of the operation content display device of the operation switch according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a flowchart of a main routine showing a process performed by a CPU according to a control program stored in a ROM of the microcomputer of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a subroutine showing a switch operation detection process of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a subroutine showing a light emission display process of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a subroutine showing a light emission display process performed by a CPU of a microcomputer of an operation content display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention in accordance with a control program stored in a ROM.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of a center console of an automobile to which an operation content display device for operating switches according to a third embodiment of the present invention is applied.

11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the light source unit of FIG.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged plan view of the light guide ring of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an electrical schematic configuration of an operation content display device for operating switches according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

14 is a flowchart showing a process performed by a CPU according to a control program stored in a ROM of the microcomputer of FIG.

15A is a longitudinal sectional view of an illumination knob device according to a conventional example, and FIG. 15B is a front view of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 operation switch 7 operation location detection means 12 light emitting display 12a _{1 to} 12a ₆ display area 41 microcomputer 41a CPU 41b RAM 41c ROM 41A operation presence / absence determination means 41B operation direction determination means 41C light emission display execution means 41D setting value change amount determination Means 41E Operation change amount determination means 41F Second light emission display execution means

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5G019 JJ03 JJ08 JJ09 JJ13 JJ14 SK02 SY01 SY05 SY10 5G052 AA23 BB02 JA03 JA09 JB05 JC08 JC20

Claims (7)

[Claims] An apparatus for displaying operation contents of an operation switch for performing an operation of displacing an operation portion in one of two directions or another direction in order to change a set value that determines operation contents of a target device. An operation location detection unit that detects an operation location of the operation switch, based on a detection result of the operation location detection unit, an operation presence / absence determination unit that determines whether or not the operation switch is operated, When the operation presence / absence determination means determines that the operation switch has been operated, based on the detection result of the operation location detection means, determines whether the direction of displacement of the operation location of the operation switch is the one direction. Operating direction determining means for determining whether the operating direction of the operation switch is displaced in the one direction when the operating direction determining means determines that the direction of displacement of the operating portion is the one direction. When the operation direction discriminating means determines that the direction of displacement of the operation portion of the operation switch is not one of the directions, the light emission display body performs the display according to the form. And a light emission display executing means for causing the light emitting display to perform a display. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the operation presence / absence determining means determines that the operation switch has been operated, based on a determination result of the operation direction determining means. A set value change amount determining means for calculating a set value change amount, and whether or not the operation content of the target device has changed by an amount corresponding to the set value change amount determined by the set value change amount determining means. Operation change amount determination means for determining whether the operation content of the target device has changed by an amount corresponding to the change amount of the set value determined by the set value change amount determination means. With that,
A second light-emitting display executing means for causing the light-emitting display body to perform display in a light-emitting form different from the light-emitting form corresponding to the one direction and the light-emitting form corresponding to the other direction; 2. The operation content display device for an operation switch according to claim 1, wherein the illuminated display execution unit causes the illuminated display unit to continuously perform display until the illuminated display execution unit starts displaying by the illuminated display unit. 3. The display in different colors is performed by the light emitting display according to the difference in the light emitting mode.
Or an operation content display device of the operation switch according to 2. 4. The operation content display device for an operation switch according to claim 1, wherein display is performed in different lighting patterns by the light emitting display according to the difference in the light emitting mode. 5. The light emitting display according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting display is disposed along at least a part of a locus of the operation switch due to a displacement of an operation position of the operation switch, and also serves as illumination of the operation switch. 5. An operation content display device of the operation switch according to 2, 3, or 4. 6. The light-emitting display body is arranged so as to extend along at least a part of a locus of the operation switch due to a displacement of an operation position of the operation switch, and an extending direction of the light-emitting display body. In the light emitting mode corresponding to the one direction, a display for sequentially lighting the display areas in a predetermined order in the extending direction is performed by the light emitting display. In addition, in the light-emitting mode corresponding to the other direction, the light-emitting display body performs display in which the display areas are sequentially lit in the order opposite to the predetermined order in the extending direction. Item 4. An operation content display device for an operation switch according to item 1, 2 or 3. 7. The operation content display device for an operation switch according to claim 6, wherein the light-emitting display also serves as illumination of the operation switch.