Switch panel

• US 20120039020A1
• Filed: 11/02/2005
• Published: 02/16/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 11/02/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: John McGavigan Limited
• Original Assignee: John McGavigan Limited
• Inventors: Mathers, Stephen John, Thaniotis, Michael
• Granted Patent: US 8,506,101 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 361/632
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/702 with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/83 characterised by legends, e.g. Braille, liquid crystal displays, light emitting or optical elements
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2209/0021 with metallic appearance, e.g. polymers with dispersed particles to produce a metallic appearance
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2209/004 Depressions or protrusions on switch sites
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2209/02 UV or light sensitive
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2209/04 Glass
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2215/03 Sound
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2215/044 Light
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2215/052 piezoelectric
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2217/032 Feedback about selected symbol, e.g. display
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2219/014 LED
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2219/028 Printed information
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2219/03 in transparent keyboard
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2219/038 ambient light dependent
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2219/056 Diffuser; Uneven surface
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2221/07 transparent
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2227/018 Printed contacts; Metal foil
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2229/004 Conductive ink
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2231/026 Car
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2239/006 Containing a capacitive switch or usable as such
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2239/07 : UV or IR detection, e.g. of human body
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 9/182 : Illumination of the symbols or distinguishing marks H01H9/181 takes precedence

Abstract

There is disclosed an improved switch panel (SP), e.g. for use in automotive vehicles or electronic/electrical apparatus such as white goods or keypads. Modern switch panels, particularly in cars/automobiles, are provided with an increasing number of electronic controls and equipment. A problem has therefore arisen in that a driver/passenger/user can easily become confused when presented with an array of control switches. The invention therefore provides a switch panel (SP) having a panel member (P) and at least one switch member (S), wherein the panel member (P) has a first appearance when front lit, and at least one second appearance when at least a portion thereof is back lit. The back lighting is provided by illumination means controlled by the at least one switch member (S). The at least one switch member (S) is provided on a reverse (rear) side (105) of the panel member (P) and is controlled by a user from an obverse (front) side (100) of the panel member (P).

Claims

1. A switch panel or control panel having a panel member and at least one switch member or means or control member or means, wherein the panel member has a first appearance when front lit, and at least one second appearance when at least a portion thereof is back lit.

2. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the back lighting is provided by illumination means controlled by the at least one switch member or control member.

3. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least one switch member or control member is provided on a reverse or rear side of the panel member and is controlled by a user from an obverse or front side of the panel member.

4. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the or each at least one switch member or means or control member or means is an electrical or electronic switch.

31. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switch panel is adapted for use as a part of an automotive vehicle, such as a centre stack panel, or as at least part of a door panel or roof panel or other panel for use in an automotive vehicle.

32. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 31, wherein the switch panel provides markings/switches for one or more of:

ventilation controls, air conditioning, climate control, heating, equipment, television, radio, entertainment/electronic equipment, such as audio equipment, CD, DVD, MP3, telephone, television, radio, navigational equipment, and associated switches which associated switches are illuminated only when the respective equipment control is selected.

33. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switch panel is adapted for use in electronic equipment or goods, such as white goods, consumer electronic goods, industrial equipment, or keyless entry equipment.

34. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switch panel is adapted for use in or forms a part of a glass door or a window.

35. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switch panel is adapted for use in other modes of transportation, apparatus such as motorcycles, trains, planes, ships, yachts or boats.

36. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switch member(s)/means is/are selected from a type comprising capacitive, infrared, piezoelectric, and or mechanical.

37. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 36, wherein the case of capacitive, infrared or piezoelectric, the switch member(s)/means are provided with tactile feedback means.

38. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 37, wherein the tactile feedback is provided by a piezoelectric transducer.

39. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the panel is a decorative panel, comprising a plurality of layers, said layers including a first layer which is an at least partially transparent layer, and a second layer, at least selected areas of said second layer having a degree of contrast in opacity and/or colour, said first and second layers being associated with a substrate layer having an obverse surface and a reverse surface, wherein means are provided for furnishing said substrate layer with a partially transparent tinted appearance, wherein said first layer comprises a coating comprising a transparent carrier in which are supported non-opaque particulate light-splitting or light-frequency modifying materials, said materials being capable of causing light-splitting effects when viewed in light falling in the direction of the obverse surface of said substrate layer, and wherein said second layer provides said at least selected areas rearwardly of said first layer which are of predetermined size and shape, the construction and arrangement being such that the light splitting or modifying effects caused by said particulate material in said first layer and visible in ambient light is suppressed by the passage of light from a source located at the reverse side of the panel so that the presence of said at least selected areas become visible from the obverse side of the panel.

40. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 39, wherein the first layer comprises an at least substantially transparent carrier containing particulate semi-transparent colour producing material.

41. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 40, wherein the material is a flaked, iridescent material such as mica.

42. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 39, wherein said second layer is provided as graphics in the form of information symbols applied in a discontinuous layer of an opaque or substantially opaque pigment, or said second layer is colour tinted in a contrasting hue so that the colour tint is visible only on the passage of light from a source located at a reverse side of the panel.

43. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the panel comprises or includes a metallic finish which is provided by means of a metallised film.

44. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the panel comprises a partially transparent panel substrate such as smoke coloured.

45. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 39, wherein the first layer is provided by coating the substrate with a layer including ultra-thin flakes of mica that have been pre-coated with titanium dioxide, the coated flakes being capable of splitting light into its visible component colours, the apparent colour depending upon the thickness of the titanium dioxide layer or other pigment on the mica.

5. A switch panel or control panel having a panel and switch means, the panel having an obverse side and a reverse side, wherein, in use, when viewed from the obverse side the panel has a first appearance when not illuminated from the reverse side and at least one second appearance when illuminated from the reverse side.

6. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 5, wherein the switch means comprises one or more switches.

7. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 5, wherein the switch means at least partly comprises an at least partially transparent conductor, optionally selected from indium tin oxide (ITO), or a non-transparent conductor optionally selected from silver or copper.

8. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 6, wherein the panel comprises at least one marking or indicia, the or each marking being associated with the or one of the plurality of switches.

9. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 8, wherein at least one of the at least one markings is visibly illuminated in at least one of the at least one second appearances.

10. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 5, wherein, in use, in the first appearance the at least one marking is not illuminated and is either not visible or only partially visible.

11. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 5, wherein the switch panel comprises at least one illumination means, the or each illumination means being associated with the or one of a/the plurality of switches.

12. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 11, wherein each illumination means comprises an LED and optionally a diffuser means.

13. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 11, wherein when a particular switch is off, the associated illumination means is off.

14. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 11, wherein when a particular switch is on the associated illumination means is on.

15. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 11, wherein the switch means is mounted on a rear side of the panel, substantially coplanarly one with the other and substantially parallel to the panel.

16. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 11, wherein the illumination means is mounted on a reverse side of the switch or switches.

17. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 5, wherein the panel comprises a substantially rigid sheet.

18. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 17, wherein the rigid sheet comprises plastics material such as polycarbonate, acrylic or polyester.

19. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 17, wherein the rigid sheet comprises glass.

20. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 17, wherein the sheet has a plurality of ink layers printed thereon.

21. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 17, wherein the sheet is around 0.5 mm to 10 mm or 1 mm to 2 mm in thickness.

22. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 5, wherein the panel comprises an appliqué

or foil or flexible membrane.

23. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 22, wherein the foil is made from a plastics material, such as polycarbonate, acrylic or polyester.

24. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 22, wherein the foil has a plurality of ink layers printed thereon.

25. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 22, wherein the foil is around 50 to 500 μ

m or 50 to 250 μ

m in thickness.

26. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 22, wherein the foil is moulded to a rigid at least partially transparent backing sheet made of plastics or polymer material, such as polycarbonate, acrylic or polyester.

27. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 5, wherein a/the each switch is switched on or off by a user by placing a finger on or adjacent an/the associated marking thereby selectably switching an/the associated illumination means on or off.

28. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 5, wherein the panel provides one or more switch portions which are concave or convex to provide a visual and/or tactile indication of a position of a switch.

29. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 5, wherein one or more switch portions are provided with a soft touch coating on an obverse surface of the panel, to provide a tactile indication of a position of a switch.

30. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 28, wherein the switch portion(s) are depressible so as to provide motive and/or audible feedback, in use.

57. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 5, wherein the panel is adapted for use as a part of an automotive vehicle or as at least part of a door panel or roof panel or other panel for use in an automotive vehicle.

58. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 57, wherein the switch panel provides markings/switches for one or more of:

ventilation controls, air conditioning, climate control, heating, equipment, television, radio, entertainment/electronic equipment, such as audio equipment, CD, DVD, MP3, telephone, television, radio, navigational equipment, and associated switches which associated switches are illuminated only when the respective equipment control is selected.

59. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 5, wherein the switch panel is adapted for use in electronic equipment or goods consumer electronic goods, industrial equipment, or keyless entry equipment.

60. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 5, wherein the switch panel is adapted for use in or forms a part of a glass door or a window.

61. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 5, wherein the switch panel is adapted for use in other modes of transportation, selected from the group consisting of motorcycles, trains, planes, ships, yachts and boats.

62. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 5, wherein the switch member(s)/means is/are selected from a type comprising capacitive, infrared, piezoelectric, and or mechanical.

63. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 62, wherein the case of capacitive, infrared or piezoelectric, the switch member(s)/means are provided with tactile feedback means.

64. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 63, wherein the tactile feedback is provided by a piezoelectric transducer.

65. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 5, wherein the panel is a decorative panel, comprising a plurality of layers, said layers including a first layer which is an at least partially transparent layer, and a second layer, at least selected areas of said second layer having a degree of contrast in opacity and/or color, said first and second layers being associated with a substrate layer having an obverse surface and a reverse surface, wherein means are provided for furnishing said substrate layer with a partially transparent tinted appearance, wherein said first layer comprises a coating comprising a transparent carrier in which are supported non-opaque particulate light-splitting or light-frequency modifying materials, said materials being capable of causing light-splitting effects when viewed in light falling in the direction of the obverse surface of said substrate layer, and wherein said second layer provides said at least selected areas rearwardly of said first layer which are of predetermined size and shape, the construction and arrangement being such that the light splitting or modifying effects caused by said particulate material in said first layer and visible in ambient light is suppressed by the passage of light from a source located at the reverse side of the panel so that the presence of said at least selected areas become visible from the obverse side of the panel.

66. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 65, wherein the first layer comprises an at least substantially transparent carrier containing particulate semi-transparent color producing material.

67. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 60, wherein the material is a flaked, iridescent material such as mica.

68. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 65, wherein said second layer is provided as graphics in the form of information symbols applied in a discontinuous layer of an opaque or substantially opaque pigment, or said second layer is color tinted in a contrasting hue so that the color tint is visible only on the passage of light from a source located at a reverse side of the panel.

69. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 5, wherein at least a portion of the panel comprises or includes a metallic finish which is provided by means of a metallised film.

70. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 5, wherein the panel comprises a partially transparent panel substrate such as smoke colored.

71. A switch panel or control panel as claimed in claim 65, wherein the first layer is provided by coating the substrate with a layer including ultra-thin flakes of mica that have been pre-coated with titanium dioxide, the coated flakes being capable of splitting light into its visible component colors, the apparent color depending upon the thickness of the titanium dioxide layer or other pigment on the mica.

46. A switch panel assembly adapted to provide, in use, a variable visual appearance to a switch panel or control panel having a panel member and at least one switch member or means or control member or means, wherein the panel member has a first appearance when front lit, and at least one second appearance when at least a portion thereof is back lit, said assembly optionally further comprising a support device for mounting said panel, and a source of light or illumination means positioned behind the reverse surface of the panel and adapted to provide light arranged to pass through the panel, wherever the opacity thereof permits.

47. A panel such as a formed, shaped or moulded member or body, for use in a switch panel or control panel having a panel member and at least one switch member or means or control member or means, wherein the panel member has a first appearance when front lit, and at least one second appearance when at least a portion thereof is back lit.

48. A panel as claimed in claim 47, the panel comprising means for reducing the effects of ultraviolet light degradation of the panel.

49. An apparatus having a switch panel or control panel having a panel member and at least one switch member or means or control member or means, wherein the panel member has a first appearance when front lit, and at least one second appearance when at least a portion thereof is back lit.

50. An apparatus as claimed in claim 49, wherein the apparatus is an automotive vehicle such as an automobile, lorry, van, off-road vehicle, or motorcycle.

51. An apparatus as claimed in claim 49, wherein the apparatus is an electronic/electrical apparatus such as white goods, consumer electronic goods or industrial electronic apparatus or a keyless entry system, or a keypad.

52. An apparatus as claimed in claim 49, wherein the apparatus is a window or a door, a shop window, glass window, or a glass door.

53. An apparatus as claimed in claim 49, wherein means are provided for reducing effects upon at least part of the panel caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

54. An apparatus as claimed in claim 53, wherein the panel comprises a substrate layer, at least one ink layer, and an ultraviolet reducing layer.

55. An apparatus as claimed in claim 54, wherein the substrate layer comprises a polycarbonate material and the at least one ink layer comprises a polycarbonate based ink.

56. An apparatus as claimed in claim 53, wherein the ultraviolet reducing means comprises polyvinyldifluoride or a material based thereon.

72. A switch panel assembly adapted to provide, in use, a variable visual appearance to a switch panel or control panel having a panel and switch means, the panel having an obverse side and a reverse side, wherein, in use, when viewed from the obverse side the panel has a first appearance when not illuminated from the reverse side and at least one second appearance when illuminated from the reverse side, said assembly optionally further comprising a support device for mounting said panel, and a source of light or illumination means positioned behind the reverse surface of the panel and adapted to provide light arranged to pass through the panel, wherever the opacity thereof permits.

73. A panel such as a formed, shaped or molded member or body, for use in a switch panel or control panel having a panel and switch means, the panel having an obverse side and a reverse side, wherein, in use, when viewed from the obverse side the panel has a first appearance when not illuminated from the reverse side and at least one second appearance when illuminated from the reverse side.

74. A panel as claimed in claim 73, the panel comprising means for reducing the effects of ultraviolet light degradation of the panel.

75. An apparatus having a switch panel or control panel having a panel and switch means, the panel having an obverse side and a reverse side, wherein, in use, when viewed from the obverse side the panel has a first appearance when not illuminated from the reverse side and at least one second appearance when illuminated from the reverse side.

76. An apparatus as claimed in claim 75, wherein the apparatus is an automotive vehicle such as an automobile, lorry, van, off-road vehicle, or motorcycle.

77. An apparatus as claimed in claim 75, wherein the apparatus is an electronic/electrical apparatus such as white goods, consumer electronic goods or industrial electronic apparatus or a keyless entry system, or a keypad.

78. An apparatus as claimed in claim 75, wherein the apparatus is a window or a door, a shop window, glass window, or a glass door.

79. An apparatus as claimed in claim 75, wherein means are provided for reducing effects upon at least part of the panel caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

80. An apparatus as claimed in claim 79, wherein the panel comprises a substrate layer, at least one ink layer, and an ultraviolet reducing layer.

81. An apparatus as claimed in claim 79, wherein the substrate layer comprises a polycarbonate material and the at least one ink layer comprises a polycarbonate based ink.

82. An apparatus as claimed in claim 79, wherein the ultraviolet reducing means comprises polyvinyldifluoride or a material based thereon.