JP7026499B2 - Operation device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an operating device.

In the operating device described in Patent Document 1 below, the operating body (first member) having a bottomed cylindrical shape is configured to be capable of push operation and tilt operation (tilt operation). Therefore, the operating device is configured as a composite type operating device.

Further, in this operating device, a case (second member) is provided on the opening side of the operating body. In this case, a wall portion (inner cylinder) protruding toward the operating body is formed, and the wall portion is arranged radially inside the opening end of the operating body. As a result, it is possible to prevent droplets and the like from entering the inside of the operating body through the opening of the operating body by the wall portion.
In addition, as a composite type operating device, there is also a device in which the operating body is operated by sliding.

Japanese Patent No. 5617433

Here, in the slide operation and tilt operation of the operating body, the operating body is displaced relative to the axis of the operating body. As a result, in order to suppress the interference between the wall portion and the operating body (opening) during operation of the operating body, a gap between the wall portion arranged inside the operating body and the opening of the operating body is created. It is necessary to set it large. Therefore, the operating device tends to be large in the radial direction of the operating body.

The present invention provides an operating device that can contribute to miniaturization in consideration of the above facts.

Embodiment 1: One or more embodiments of the present invention are provided on one side in the axial direction of the first member having a cylindrical shape and the first member in the axial direction, and face the one end portion in the axial direction of the first member. The first member provided on the arranged second member and the second member, extending from the second member to the other side in the axial direction of the first member and with respect to one end portion in the axial direction of the first member. A cylindrical inner wall arranged inside in the radial direction of the member is provided, and the first member can be slidably operated in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the first member or with respect to the axial direction of the axis. The operation device is configured to be tiltable and tiltable, and the inner wall is made of a soft material that can be elastically deformed.

Embodiment 2: One or more embodiments of the present invention are provided on one side in the axial direction of the first member forming a cylinder and the first member in the axial direction, and face the one end portion in the axial direction of the first member. The first member provided on the arranged second member and the second member, extending from the second member to the other side in the axial direction of the first member and with respect to one end portion in the axial direction of the first member. A cylindrical inner wall arranged inside in the radial direction of the member is provided, and one of the first member and the second member can be slidably operated in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the first member. A soft material capable of tilting with respect to the axial direction of the axis, the other of the first member and the second member being rotatable around the axis, and the inner wall being elastically deformable. It is an operation device characterized by being configured by.

Form 3: The second member includes a tubular base portion having a diameter larger than that of the first member, and the base portion has a grip portion that protrudes radially outward from the base portion. The operating device is characterized in that the grip portion and the inner wall are made of the same material.

Embodiment 4: One or more embodiments of the present invention are characterized in that the base portion is made of a hard material, and the soft material and the hard material are integrally formed in the second member. It is an operation device.

Embodiment 5: In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the first member is configured to be slidable or tiltable, and the second member is configured to be rotatable. The second member has a tubular main body portion arranged radially inside the base portion, and a moderation mountain formed on the inner peripheral surface of the main body portion inside the main body portion in the radial direction. A moderation mechanism is provided that includes a moderation member that is in contact with the body and gives the operator a sense of moderation when the second member is rotated. The outer peripheral surface of the main body is provided with the moderation mechanism. On the other hand, it is an operation device in which a soundproof portion made of the soft material is integrally formed on the radial outer side of the main body portion.

Embodiment 6: One or more embodiments of the present invention is an operating device characterized in that the soundproofing portion is formed over the entire circumferential direction of the main body portion.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to contribute to miniaturization.

FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the end portion of the slide knob on one side in the second direction of the operating device according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view showing the other side of the slide knob in the second direction. It is sectional drawing which shows the periphery of the end part of. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an operating device according to the present embodiment. 3 (A) is a cross-sectional view (3-3 line cross-sectional view of FIG. 2) of the operating device shown in FIG. 2 as viewed from one side in the first direction, and FIG. 3 (B) is FIG. 3 (A). ) Is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the slide knob is slid to one side in the second direction from the state shown in). 4 (A) is a cross-sectional view (4-4 line cross-sectional view of FIG. 2) of the operating device shown in FIG. 2 as viewed from one side in the second direction, and FIG. 4 (B) is FIG. 4 (A). ) Is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the slide knob is slid to one side in the first direction from the state shown in). FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the operating device shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the tip of the plate shown in FIG. 4 (A), and FIG. 6 (A) shows a state in which the first detection unit and the convex portion of the reflector ring are vertically opposed to each other. 6 (B) is an enlarged view showing a state in which the first detection unit and the recess of the reflector ring are arranged so as to face each other in the vertical direction. FIG. 7 is a partially broken plan view showing the periphery of the plate of the detection mechanism shown in FIG. FIG. 8A is a plan view showing an operating state of the plate in the detection mechanism when the slide knob shown in FIG. 2 is operated to one side in the first direction, and FIG. 8B is a plan view showing the slide knob. It is a top view which shows the operating state of a plate when operated to the other side in one direction. FIG. 8C is a plan view showing the operating state of the plate when the slide knob is operated to one side in the second direction, and FIG. 8D is a plan view showing the operating state of the plate when the slide knob is operated to the other side in the second direction. It is a top view which shows the operating state of the plate of. 9 (A) is a cross-sectional view showing a plate when the slide knob is operated to one side in the first direction from the state shown in FIG. 6 (A), and FIG. 9 (B) is a cross-sectional view showing FIG. 6 (A). It is sectional drawing which shows the plate when the slide knob is operated to the other side in the 1st direction from the state shown in. FIG. 10A is an explanatory diagram for explaining a state in which the concave-convex portion of the reflector ring and the first detection portion face each other before the rotation operation of the rotary knob assembly shown in FIG. 2; Is an explanatory diagram for explaining a state in which the uneven portion and the first detection portion are opposed to each other when the rotary knob assembly is rotated by one pitch in the rotation direction from the state of FIG. 10A. FIG. 10C is an explanatory diagram for explaining a state in which the uneven portion and the first detection portion face each other when the rotary knob assembly is rotated one pitch in the rotation direction from the state of FIG. 10B. 10 (D) is for explaining the facing arrangement state of the uneven portion and the first detection portion when the rotary knob assembly is rotated by one pitch in the rotation direction from the state of FIG. 10 (C). It is explanatory drawing of. 11 (A) is a table showing the output signals of the first detection and the second detection of each state shown in FIG. 8, and FIG. 11 (B) shows the first detection and the first detection of each state shown in FIG. It is a table which shows the output signal of the 2nd detection. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the periphery of the operating member showing a modified example of the operating device.

Hereinafter, the operation device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The operation device 10 is mounted on a vehicle (automobile), for example, and is configured as a device for operating vehicle equipment. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the operating device 10 is formed in a substantially columnar shape as a whole. In the drawings, the arrow A appropriately shown indicates one side (lower side) of the axis AL of the operating device 10 in the axis direction, and the arrow B indicates the other side (upper side) of the axis AL in the axis direction. .. Further, in the following description, the virtual reference line passing through the axis AL is defined as the first reference line L1 (see FIG. 2) in a plan view seen from above, and the virtual reference line passes through the axis AL and is orthogonal to the first reference line L1. The virtual reference line is the second reference line L2 (see FIG. 2). Further, the extending direction of the first reference line L1 (arrow C and arrow D direction in FIG. 2) is set as the first direction, and the extending direction of the second reference line L2 (arrow E and arrow F direction in FIG. 2) is the first direction. There are two directions.

The operating device 10 has a case 12 and a lid 20 that form an outer shell of a lower portion of the operating device 10. A substrate 30, a rotary knob assembly 40 as a "second member", a slide mechanism 50, and a slide operation mechanism 60 are housed in the case 12. A part of the rotary knob assembly 40 and the slide operation mechanism 60 is operably exposed upward from the case 12. Further, the operating device 10 has a detecting mechanism 90 for detecting an operation on the rotary knob assembly 40 and the slide operating mechanism 60. Hereinafter, each configuration of the operating device 10 will be described.

(About case 12)
The case 12 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with the vertical direction as the axial direction, and is arranged coaxially with the axis AL. The diameter dimension at the upper end portion of the case 12 is set smaller than that of the other portions. Therefore, the upper end portion of the case 12 projects inward in the radial direction of the case 12.

(About lid 20)
The lid 20 is formed in a substantially disk shape with the vertical direction as the plate thickness direction. A rib 20A projecting upward is integrally formed on the outer peripheral portion of the lid 20, and the rib 20A is formed over the entire circumference of the lid 20 in the circumferential direction. Then, the rib 20A is fitted into the opening of the case 12 from below, and the lid 20 is fixed to the case 12. As a result, the lower end of the case 12 is closed by the lid 20.

A raised portion 22 that is raised upward is formed in a substantially central portion of the lid 20, and the raised portion 22 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape that is open to the lower side. A support recess 22A for supporting the pin 64, which will be described later, is formed in the central portion of the upper wall of the raised portion 22, and the support recess 22A is arranged coaxially with the axis AL. The support recess 22A is formed in a concave shape that is open to the upper side, and the inner peripheral surface of the support recess 22A is formed by a spherical concave surface. Further, four inclined recesses 22B are formed on the radial outer side of the support recess 22A. The inclined recesses 22B are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the support recesses 22A. Specifically, in a plan view, two inclined recesses 22B are arranged along the first reference line L1, and the other two inclined recesses 22B are arranged along the second reference line L2. ing. Further, the inclined recess 22B is formed in a substantially semicircular shape open upward when viewed from the radial direction of the supporting recess 22A, so that the depth of the inclined recess 22B becomes deeper toward the support recess 22A side. The inclined recess 22B is inclined.

Further, the lid 20 is formed with a plurality of (three locations in the present embodiment) fixing bosses 20B for fixing the substrate 30 described later. The fixed boss 20B is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with the vertical direction as the axial direction, protrudes upward from the lid 20, and is arranged at a predetermined position on the radial outer side of the raised portion 22.

(About board 30)
The substrate 30 is formed in a substantially annular plate shape having a hole 30A in the central portion with the vertical direction as the plate thickness direction. The substrate 30 is placed on the upper side of the rib 20A of the lid 20 and is fixed to the fixing boss 20B of the lid 20 by the screw SC1 together with the holder 52 described later. In the fixed state of the substrate 30, the raised portion 22 of the lid 20 is arranged in the hole portion 30A of the substrate 30, and the substrate 30 is arranged outside the raised portion 22 in the radial direction.

As shown in FIG. 7, a pair of first detection units 32A and 32B for detecting a position change of the slide operation mechanism 60 and the rotary knob assembly 40, which will be described later, are provided on the upper surface of the substrate 30 (mounting). Has been). The pair of first detection units 32A and 32B are arranged 90 degrees apart in the circumferential direction of the substrate 30 in the radial intermediate portion of the substrate 30. Specifically, one of the first detection units 32A is arranged on the other side in the first direction with respect to the raised portion 22 of the lid 20, and is arranged at a position corresponding to the first reference line L1 in a plan view. There is. On the other hand, the other first detection unit 32B is arranged on the other side in the second direction with respect to the raised portion 22, and is arranged at a position corresponding to the second reference line L2 in a plan view.

Further, on the upper surface of the substrate 30, a second detection unit 34 for detecting which of the slide operation mechanism 60 and the rotary knob assembly 40, which will be described later, is operated is provided (mounted). The second detection unit 34 is arranged on one side in the first direction with respect to one of the first detection units 32A in the inner peripheral portion of the substrate 30.

As shown in FIG. 6, the first detection units 32A and 32B and the second detection unit 34 are configured as photoreflectors. That is, the first detection unit 32A, 32B and the second detection unit 34 have a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, and the light emitting unit irradiates light to the upper side (specifically, the detection mechanism 90 side described later). Then, the light receiving unit receives the light reflected downward by the detection mechanism 90.

Further, a control unit 36 (see FIG. 5) is electrically connected to the first detection units 32A and 32B and the second detection unit 34. Then, the first detection unit 32A, 32B and the second detection unit 34 output an output signal (on signal or off signal) to the control unit 36 based on the light received by the light receiving unit, and the control unit 36 outputs the output signal (on signal or off signal). The operation of the slide operation mechanism 60 and the rotary knob assembly 40 is detected based on the output signals from the first detection units 32A and 32B and the second detection unit 34.

(About rotary knob assembly 40)
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the rotary knob assembly 40 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with the vertical direction as the axial direction as a whole. The rotary knob assembly 40 is arranged coaxially with the axis line AL, and the lower portion of the rotary knob assembly 40 is rotatably housed in the case 12. Further, the rotary knob assembly 40 is rotatably supported around the axis AL by a holder 52 described later.

The rotary knob assembly 40 has a soft portion 42 made of a soft material (in the present embodiment, a soft resin material (elastomer)) and a hard material (in the present embodiment, a hard resin material (ABS resin)). It is composed of a hard portion 44 configured by the above, and is manufactured by a method such as two-color molding. Specifically, the rotary knob assembly 40 is configured with the hard portion 44 as the main portion, and the soft portion 42 is integrally formed at the upper end portion of the hard portion 44 (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the rigid portion 44 has a knob main body 44A as a “main body” formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and an upper end portion of the knob main body 44A. It is configured to include a base portion 44B which is arranged on the radial outer side of the above and is formed in a cylindrical shape. Then, the knob main body portion 44A and the base portion 44B are connected at a position (not shown). Further, the base portion 44B is formed through a plurality of hole portions 44B1 for arranging the grip portion 42B described later. The holes 44B1 are arranged side by side at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the base portion 44B, and extend in the circumferential direction of the base portion 44B.

On the other hand, the soft portion 42 has a soft main body portion 42A that covers the upper end portion of the knob main body portion 44A from the upper side, the radial inner side, and the outer side. The soft main body portion 42A is formed in a substantially U-shape that is open downward in a vertical cross-sectional view, and is formed over the entire circumference of the knob main body portion 44A in the circumferential direction. The radial outer portion of the soft main body portion 42A is arranged between the upper end portion of the knob main body portion 44A and the base portion 44B. Further, the soft portion 42 has a plurality of grip portions 42B (12 locations in the present embodiment) at positions corresponding to the holes 44B1 of the base portion 44B. The grip portion 42B protrudes radially outward from the radial outer portion of the soft main body portion 42A, and is inserted into the hole portion 44B1 of the base portion 44B. The tip of the grip portion 42B protrudes radially outward from the base portion 44B of the rotary knob assembly 40, and extends in the circumferential direction corresponding to the hole portion 44B1. As a result, the grip portions 42B are arranged side by side at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the rotary knob assembly 40.

Further, the lower end portion of the soft main body portion 42A in the radial outer portion is a soundproof portion 42C, and the soundproof portion 42C is substantially inward in the radial direction corresponding to the outer shape of the knob main body portion 44A in a vertical cross-sectional view. It is bent like a crank to cover the outer peripheral surface of the knob main body 44A.

Further, an inner cylinder 42D as an "inner wall" is integrally formed on the radial inner edge portion on the upper surface of the soft main body portion 42A, and the inner cylinder 42D is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape to form the soft main body portion 42A. It extends upward from. As described above, since the soft portion 42 is made of a soft material, the inner cylinder 42D is configured to be elastically deformable in the radial direction of the rotary knob assembly 40. Further, the wall thickness of the inner cylinder 42D is set to be thinner than the wall thickness of the portion of the soft portion 42 other than the inner cylinder 42D.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, a plurality of holding claws 44C (4 locations in the present embodiment) are integrally formed in the vertical intermediate portion of the rotary knob assembly 40 (knob body portion 44A). Has been done. The plurality of holding claws 44C are arranged at intervals of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction of the rotary knob assembly 40. Further, the holding claw 44C is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape in which the upper end thereof is connected to the rotary knob assembly 40, and is configured to be elastically deformable in the radial direction of the rotary knob assembly 40. Further, a holding claw portion 44C1 protruding inward in the radial direction of the rotary knob assembly 40 is integrally formed at the lower end portion of the holding claw 44C.

On the inner peripheral surface of the rotary knob assembly 40 (knob body portion 44A), holding protrusions 44D are formed on the upper side of the plurality of holding claws 44C and at positions between the plurality of holding claws 44C (that is, four places). Holding projection 44D is formed). The holding protrusion 44D is formed in a rib shape extending in the circumferential direction of the rotary knob assembly 40.

As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of (20 points in the present embodiment) moderation ridges 44E are integrally formed on the inner peripheral surface of the rotary knob assembly 40 (knob body portion 44A). The plurality of moderation peaks 44E are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction of the rotary knob assembly 40, and are formed over the entire circumference of the rotary knob assembly 40 in the circumferential direction. The vertical position of the moderation mountain 44E is set corresponding to the vertical position of the soundproof portion 42C. That is, the soundproof portion 42C and the moderation peak 44E are arranged to face each other in the radial direction of the knob main body portion 44A. Further, the moderation peak 44E is curved in a substantially arc shape which is convex inward in the radial direction of the rotary knob assembly 40 in a plan view.

(About slide mechanism 50)
As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the slide mechanism 50 is configured as a mechanism for holding the slide operation mechanism 60, which will be described later, so as to be slidable (movable) in the first direction and the second direction. The slide mechanism 50 includes a holder 52 and a slider 54, and is housed inside the rotary knob assembly 40.

<About holder 52>
The holder 52 is formed in a substantially bottomed cylindrical shape that is open downward. The holder 52 is arranged adjacent to the upper side of the substrate 30, and the lower end portion of the holder 52 is fixed to the fixing boss 20B of the lid 20 together with the substrate 30 by the screw SC1. A fixed flange 52A slightly protruding outward in the radial direction is integrally formed at the upper end portion of the outer peripheral portion of the holder 52, and the fixed flange 52A is formed over the entire circumference of the holder 52 in the circumferential direction. .. Then, the fixed flange 52A is vertically sandwiched between the holding claw portion 44C1 of the rotary knob assembly 40 and the holding protrusion 44D, and the rotary knob assembly 40 is held by the holder 52. Specifically, the holder 52 is inserted into the rotary knob assembly 40 from below, and the holding claw 44C of the rotary knob assembly 40 is pressed by the fixing flange 52A to elastically deform outward in the radial direction. As a result, the fixing flange 52A is arranged between the holding claw portion 44C1 and the holding protrusion 44D, and the rotary knob assembly 40 is assembled to the holder 52. Further, in a state where the rotary knob assembly 40 is assembled to the holder 52, the rotary knob assembly 40 is assembled to the holder 52 so as to be relatively rotatable. As a result, the rotary knob assembly 40 is rotatably supported by the holder 52.

A housing portion 52B is formed on the upper surface of the upper wall of the holder 52. The accommodating portion 52B has a concave shape that is open to the upper side, and is formed in a substantially track shape with the second direction as the longitudinal direction in a plan view. A substantially rectangular insertion hole 52C having a second direction as a longitudinal direction is formed through the substantially central portion of the accommodating portion 52B. The insertion hole 52C has a slit-shaped first slit hole 52C1 extending to one side and the other side in the first direction in the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction. Further, the insertion hole 52C has a slit-shaped second slit hole 52C2 extending to one side and the other side in the first direction at the other end in the second direction.

Further, a support pillar 52D is formed at one end of the accommodating portion 52B on one side in the second direction. The support pillar 52D is formed in a substantially rectangular columnar shape and protrudes upward from the accommodating portion 52B. Further, the accommodating recess 52D1 is formed in the support pillar 52D, and the accommodating recess 52D1 is formed in a concave shape open to one side in the second direction and has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from one side in the second direction. It is formed. The moderation mechanism 56 (see FIG. 3) is housed in the housing recess 52D1.

Here, the moderation mechanism 56 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1A, the moderation mechanism 56 includes a moderation member 57 and an urging spring 58 configured as a compression coil spring. The moderation member 57 is formed in a substantially rectangular columnar shape extending in the second direction, and is housed in the housing recess 52D1 so as to be relatively movable in the second direction (that is, in the radial direction of the rotary knob assembly 40). The urging spring 58 is housed in the housing recess 52D1 and is arranged between the bottom of the housing recess 52D1 and the moderator member 57. As a result, the moderator member 57 is urged to one side in the second direction (the radial outside of the rotary knob assembly 40) by the urging force of the urging spring 58. Further, a substantially hemispherical moderation portion 57A is integrally formed at one end of the moderation member 57 on one side in the second direction, and the moderation portion 57A is adjacent to the moderation mountain 44E in the circumferential direction in the rotary knob assembly 40. It is placed between. As a result, the soundproofing portion 42C of the rotary knob assembly 40 described above is arranged radially outside the moderation mechanism 56. When the rotary knob assembly 40 is rotated, the moderation portion 57A gets over the moderation mountain 44E to give the operator a moderation feeling (click feeling). Further, as described above, the rotary knob assembly 40 is formed with 20 moderation peaks 44E. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the rotary knob assembly 40 is set to be rotated 18 degrees when the moderation portion 57A gets over one moderation mountain 44E. That is, in the present embodiment, the rotation pitch of the rotary knob assembly 40 is set to 18 degrees.

Returning to the description of the holder 52, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, a support pillar 52E is formed at the other end of the accommodating portion 52B in the second direction. The support pillar 52E is formed in a substantially rectangular tubular shape and protrudes upward from the accommodating portion 52B. Further, a notch 52F for arranging the plate 92 of the detection mechanism 90, which will be described later, is formed at the lower end of the holder 52, and the notch 52F is formed in a concave shape open to the lower side.

<About slider 54>
The slider 54 is formed in a substantially bottomed cylinder shape that is open downward, and is arranged above the accommodating portion 52B of the holder 52. At the lower end of the slider 54, a pair of guide portions 54A arranged in the second direction are formed on one side and the other side in the first direction, respectively. The pair of guide portions 54A are formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape with the vertical direction as the plate thickness direction, and project from the slider 54 to one side and the other side in the first direction, respectively. Then, the pair of guide portions 54A are accommodated in the accommodating portion 52B of the holder 52 so as to be slidable in the second direction with respect to the holder 52. Further, in the state of accommodating the guide portion 54A in the accommodating portion 52B, the tip portion of the guide portion 54A abuts on the inner peripheral surface of the accommodating portion 52B, so that the guide portion 54A (that is, the slider 54) moves in the first direction. Is restricted.

An insertion hole 54B is formed through the upper wall of the slider 54 at a central portion. The insertion hole 54B is formed in a substantially track shape with the first direction as the longitudinal direction in a plan view. Further, a pair of guide recesses 54C and 54D are formed on one side and the other side of the slider 54 in the second direction. One guide recess 54C is formed in a concave shape open to one side in the second direction, and the other guide recess 54D is formed in a concave shape open to the other side in the second direction. Then, the support pillar 52D of the holder 52 is inserted into one guide recess 54C so as to be relatively movable in the second direction, and the support pillar 52E of the holder 52 is relatively movable in the other guide recess 54D. It is inserted in. As a result, the slider 54 is held by the holder 52 so as to be slidable in the second direction, and the slider 54 is configured to guide the slide in the second direction by the guide recesses 54C and 54D.

Further, a pair of guide rails 54E for guiding the knob base 68, which will be described later, are integrally formed at the upper end portion of the slider 54. The guide rail 54E is formed in a substantially U-shape that protrudes from the slider 54 to one side and the other side in the first direction and is open upward when viewed from the first direction. That is, a guide groove 54F opened upward is formed in the central portion of the guide rail 54E in the width direction, and the guide groove 54F extends along the first reference line L1 in a plan view.

(About slide operation mechanism 60)
The slide operation mechanism 60 is for moving the slide knob 80 as the "first member" that is slide-operated by the operator and the plate 92 of the detection mechanism 90 described later integrally with the slide knob 80 when the slide knob 80 is operated. It is configured to include the moving mechanism 61 of the above. Further, the moving mechanism 61 includes a shaft 62, a pin 64, an urging spring 66, and a knob base 68. Hereinafter, the configuration of the moving mechanism 61 will be described first, and then the configuration of the slide knob 80 will be described.

<About shaft 62>
The shaft 62 has a plate-shaped shaft base 62A whose vertical direction is the plate thickness direction, and the shaft base 62A is formed in a substantially regular octagonal shape in a plan view. The shaft base 62A is housed inside the holder 52 and is arranged adjacent to the lower side of the upper wall of the holder 52.

A pair of stopper pieces 62B are integrally formed on the shaft base 62A. The stopper piece 62B is arranged on one side and the other side in the second direction with respect to the central portion of the shaft base 62A, and protrudes upward from the shaft base 62A. Further, the stopper piece 62B is formed in a substantially T-shaped plate shape with the second direction as the plate thickness direction. Specifically, the stopper piece 62B includes a base portion 62B1 extending upward from the shaft base 62A, and a stopper portion 62B2 extending upward from the upper end portion of the base portion 62B1 to one side and the other side in the first direction. It is composed of. A pair of stopper portions 62B2 are arranged above the accommodating portion 52B of the holder 52, and the shaft 62 is assembled to the holder 52. As a result, the accommodating portion 52B of the holder 52 is arranged between the stopper portion 62B2 and the shaft base 62A, and the vertical movement of the shaft 62 with respect to the holder 52 is restricted.

When assembling the shaft 62 to the holder 52, the stopper portion 62B2 on one side in the second direction of the pair of stopper portions 62B2 is inserted into the first slit hole 52C1 of the holder 52 from the lower side, and the other side in the second direction is inserted. The stopper portion 62B2 is inserted into the second slit hole 52C2 from below. Next, the shaft 62 is slid to one side in the second direction with respect to the holder 52. As a result, the stopper portion 62B2 is arranged above the accommodating portion 52B, and the shaft 62 is assembled to the holder 52. In the state of assembling the shaft 62 to the holder 52, the base portion 62B1 of the stopper piece 62B is separated from the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 52C of the holder 52, and the shaft 62 moves in the first direction and the second direction. It has an acceptable configuration.

Further, the shaft 62 has a substantially rectangular tubular shaft body 62C whose axial direction is the vertical direction. The shaft body 62C projects upward and downward from the central portion of the shaft base 62A, and is arranged coaxially with the axis AL. Further, the upper portion of the shaft body 62C is inserted through the insertion hole 52C of the holder 52 and the insertion hole 54B of the slider 54, and the upper end portion of the shaft body 62C is projected upward with respect to the slider 54.

The lower part of the shaft body 62C is the operating shaft 62D, and the pin accommodating portion 62E is formed in the central portion of the operating shaft 62D. The pin accommodating portion 62E is formed in a concave shape open to the lower side having a circular cross section. Further, the pin accommodating portion 62E has a first pin accommodating portion 62E1 constituting the lower portion of the pin accommodating portion 62E and a second pin accommodating portion 62E2 constituting the upper portion of the pin accommodating portion 62E. The diameter dimension of the pin accommodating portion 62E2 is set smaller than the diameter dimension of the first pin accommodating portion 62E1. That is, a step portion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the pin accommodating portion 62E in the vertical intermediate portion. On the other hand, a fixed recess 62F having a circular cross section is formed in the central portion of the upper portion of the shaft main body 62C, and the fixed recess 62F is opened upward.

<About pin 64>
The pin 64 is formed in a shaft shape with the vertical direction as the axial direction, and the diameter dimension of the pin 64 is set to be slightly smaller than the inner diameter dimension of the second pin accommodating portion 62E2. The pin 64 is housed in the pin accommodating portion 62E of the shaft 62 so as to be relatively movable. Specifically, the upper end side portion of the pin 64 is accommodated in the second pin accommodating portion 62E2.

A flange portion 64A projecting outward in the radial direction is integrally formed at a portion on the lower end side of the pin 64. The flange portion 64A is formed in a circular shape when viewed from the axial direction of the pin 64, and the diameter dimension of the flange portion 64A is set to be slightly smaller than the inner diameter dimension of the first pin accommodating portion 62E1. Then, the flange portion 64A is arranged in the lower end portion of the first pin accommodating portion 62E1 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). Further, in the state of being accommodated in the pin accommodating portion 62E, the lower end portion of the pin 64 is projected downward with respect to the operation shaft 62D and is supported by the support recess 22A of the lid 20. Further, the lower end portion of the pin 64 is formed in a substantially hemispherical shape corresponding to the support recess 22A.

<About the urging spring 66>
The urging spring 66 is configured as a compression coil spring. The urging spring 66 is attached to a portion of the pin 64 above the flange portion 64A, and is housed in the pin accommodating portion 62E together with the pin 64. Specifically, the upper end portion of the urging spring 66 is locked to the stepped portion of the pin accommodating portion 62E, and the lower end portion of the urging spring 66 is locked to the flange portion 64A of the pin 64. Further, in the state of accommodating the urging spring 66 in the pin accommodating portion 62E, the urging spring 66 is compression-deformed. Therefore, the pin 64 is urged downward by the urging force of the urging spring 66, and the lower end portion of the pin 64 is pressed against the support recess 22A.

<About Knob Base 68>
The knob base 68 is formed in a substantially bottomed cylindrical shape that is open upward as a whole. The knob base 68 is arranged coaxially with the axis AL of the operating device 10 and adjacent to the upper side of the shaft body 62C. A fixing hole 68A is formed through the central portion of the bottom wall portion of the knob base 68. Then, the screw SC2 is inserted into the fixing hole 68A, and the screw SC2 is screwed into the fixing recess 62F of the shaft 62, so that the knob base 68 is fixed to the shaft 62. As a result, the entire moving mechanism 61 is configured to be integrally movable.

Further, a guide piece 68B (see FIG. 4) projecting downward is integrally formed on the bottom wall of the knob base 68. The guide piece 68B is formed in a plate shape with the second direction as the plate thickness direction, and extends along the first reference line L1 in a plan view. Then, the guide piece 68B is slidably inserted in the guide groove 54F of the slider 54 described above in the first direction. As a result, the knob base 68 (moving mechanism 61) is configured to move in the first direction with respect to the slider 54 while being guided by the guide groove 54F of the slider 54. On the other hand, when the knob base 68 (moving mechanism 61) moves in the second direction, the guide piece 68B of the knob base 68 engages with the guide groove 54F of the slider 54, and the knob base 68 (moving mechanism 61) is moved together with the slider 54. , It is configured to move in the second direction with respect to the holder 52.

Further, four guide rails 68C are integrally formed on the outer peripheral edge portion of the knob base 68. The guide rail 68C is formed in a columnar shape protruding upward from the bottom wall portion of the knob base 68, and is arranged at intervals of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction of the knob base 68. Specifically, in a plan view, two guide rails 68C are arranged side by side along the first reference line L1, and the other two guide rails 68C are arranged along the second reference line L2. They are arranged side by side. Further, the guide rail 68C is formed in a substantially U-shape open to the outside in the radial direction of the knob base 68 in a plan view. As a result, a guide groove 68D that is open outward in the radial direction of the knob base 68 and extends in the vertical direction is formed in the central portion of the guide rail 68C in the width direction. The lower end of the guide groove 68D is closed by the bottom wall of the knob base 68.

Further, three engaging pieces 68E are integrally formed on the outer peripheral edge portion of the knob base 68, and the engaging pieces 68E are projected upward from the bottom wall portion of the knob base 68 and the circumference of the knob base 68. They are arranged at intervals of 120 degrees in the direction. The engaging piece 68E is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape with the radial direction of the knob base 68 as the plate thickness direction, and is curved along the circumferential direction of the knob base 68 in a plan view. Further, an engaging hole 68E1 is formed through the center of the engaging piece 68E in the width direction.

Further, a substrate 70 is arranged on the upper side of the knob base 68. The substrate 70 is formed in a substantially disk shape with the plate thickness direction in the vertical direction and is fixed to the knob base 68. A switch 72 is provided on the upper surface of the substrate 30 at a central portion, and the switch 72 is configured as a push switch. Further, the substrate 70 is connected to the substrate 30 by a connecting member 74 (flexible cable), and the switch 72 is electrically connected to the control unit 36.

(About slide knob 80)
The slide knob 80 is formed in a substantially disk shape with the vertical direction as the plate thickness direction, and is arranged coaxially with the axis line AL on the upper side of the knob base 68 and the rotary knob assembly 40. Specifically, the slide knob 80 is formed in a substantially bottomed cylindrical shape that is open downward, and the outer diameter of the slide knob 80 is set to be smaller than the outer diameter of the rotary knob assembly 40. As a result, the open end of the slide knob 80 is arranged above the soft body portion 42A of the rotary knob assembly 40.

On the lower surface of the slide knob 80, four guide portions 80A (see FIGS. 3 and 4) corresponding to the guide rail 68C of the knob base 68 are integrally formed, and the guide portion 80A is the lower side of the slide knob 80. It is projected into the guide rail 68C and is inserted into the guide rail 68C so as to be relatively movable in the vertical direction. As a result, the slide knob 80 is connected so as to be relatively movable in the vertical direction with respect to the knob base 68.

When the slide knob 80 is connected to the knob base 68, the knob base 68 is configured to move integrally with the slide knob 80 in the first direction and the second direction. That is, when the slide knob 80 is operated in the first direction and the second direction, the guide portion 80A of the slide knob 80 engages with the guide rail 68C of the knob base 68, and the knob base 68 (movement mechanism 61) moves the slide knob 80. It is configured to move integrally with the first direction and the second direction. Therefore, the entire slide operation mechanism 60 is configured to be slidable in the first direction and the second direction. In the state where the slide knob 80 is connected to the knob base 68, the guide portion 80A abuts on the bottom wall of the knob base 68, so that the slide knob 80 is restricted from moving downward.

Further, a boss 80B (see FIGS. 3 and 4) facing the switch 72 in the vertical direction is formed in the central portion of the slide knob 80. As a result, when the slide knob 80 is pushed downward, the boss 80B presses the switch 72, and the push operation of the slide knob 80 is detected by the switch 72.

The slide knob 80 is provided with three engaging claws (not shown) corresponding to the engaging piece 68E of the knob base 68, and the engaging claws are provided in the engaging holes 68E1 of the engaging piece 68E. It is inserted so that it can be moved relative to the vertical direction. As a result, the engaging claw engages with the upper edge of the engaging hole 68E1 to limit the upward movement of the slide knob 80.

Further, on the upper side of the slide knob 80, a touch pad 82 having a vertical direction as a thickness direction and formed in a substantially disk shape is placed. The touch pad 82 is fixed to the slide knob 80 by an adhesive member such as double-sided tape.

A substantially ring-shaped knob ring 84 is fixed to the outer peripheral portion of the slide knob 80, and the touch pad 82 is vertically sandwiched by the knob ring 84 and the slide knob 80. The knob ring 84 has a plurality of fixed pieces 84A (three places in the present embodiment), and the fixed pieces 84A are arranged at intervals of 120 degrees in the circumferential direction of the knob ring 84. Then, the fixing piece 84A engages with a fixing claw (not shown) of the slide knob 80, and the knob ring 84 is fixed to the slide knob 80.

Further, a recess 80C (see FIGS. 1, 3, and 4) opened downward is formed at the open end of the slide knob 80, and the recess 80C is formed on the entire circumference of the slide knob 80 in the circumferential direction. It is formed over. As a result, a flange portion 80D is formed at the open end of the slide knob 80 on the radial outer side of the recess 80C. The tip end portion (upper end portion) of the inner cylinder 42D of the rotary knob assembly 40 described above is arranged in the recess 80C. That is, the tip end portion (upper end portion) of the inner cylinder 42D is arranged so as to partition the internal space of the recess 80C in the radial direction of the slide knob 80. When the slide knob 80 is slid, the inner cylinder 42D abuts on the recess 80C. Further, in the neutral position of the slide operation mechanism 60, the inner cylinder 42D is arranged closer to the radial outer side (the flange portion 80D side) than the radial central portion of the recess 80C.

(About the detection mechanism 90)
As shown in FIGS. 3-5 and 7, the detection mechanism 90 includes a plate 92 and a reflector ring 100.

<About plate 92>
The plate 92 is made of a black resin material and is formed in a substantially inverted L-shaped plate shape with the vertical direction as the plate thickness direction in a plan view. Specifically, the plate 92 extends from the first plate portion 92A extending in the first direction and the base end portion (one end portion on one side in the first direction) of the first plate portion 92A to the other side in the second direction. It is configured to include an extended second plate portion 92B. A fitting hole 92C having a substantially rectangular shape is formed through the base end portion of the first plate portion 92A. The operation shaft 62D of the shaft 62 described above is fitted into the fitting hole 92C. As a result, the plate 92 is configured to be slidable in the first direction and the second direction integrally with the slide operation mechanism 60 on the upper side of the substrate 30. Since the rotary knob assembly 40 is supported by the holder 52 of the slide operation mechanism 60 so as to be relatively movable, the rotary knob assembly 40 is configured to be relatively movable with respect to the plate 92. That is, when the rotary knob assembly 40 is rotated, no rotational force is applied to the plate 92, and the position of the plate 92 is maintained.

Further, in the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the first plate portion 92A and the second plate portion 92B, stepped portions bent downward in a substantially crank shape are formed, respectively, and the first plate portion 92A and the second plate portion 92A and the second plate portion are formed. Each tip of the 92B is located below the proximal end of each of the first plate 92A and the second plate 92B. Specifically, the tip portion of the first plate portion 92A is arranged close to the upper side of one of the first detection portions 32A, and the tip portion of the second plate portion 92B is the other first detection portion 32B. It is located close to the upper side of.

As shown in FIG. 6, first reflectors 94A and 94B are provided on the lower surface of each of the tip portions of the first plate portion 92A and the second plate portion 92B. The first reflectors 94A and 94B are formed in a substantially L-shaped plate shape with the vertical direction as the plate thickness direction in a plan view, and the upper surface of the first reflector 94A is fixed to the lower surface of the first plate portion 92A. , The upper surface of the first reflector 94B is fixed to the lower surface of the second plate portion 92B.

The non-operating state of the slide operation mechanism 60 (the state shown in FIGS. 3A and 4A), hereinafter, this position in the slide operation mechanism 60 is referred to as a “neutral position”, and the plate 92. , This position is referred to as an "initial position"), the first reflector 94A is arranged adjacent to the other side in the first direction and one side in the second direction of one of the first detection units 32A in a plan view. .. That is, in the neutral position of the slide operation mechanism 60, the first reflector 94A is displaced with respect to the first detection unit 32A so that the first reflector 94A and the first detection unit 32A do not face each other in the vertical direction. It is arranged (see FIG. 7). When the slide operation mechanism 60 is slid to one side in the first direction or the other side in the second direction, the first reflector 94A and the first detection unit 32A are set to face each other in the vertical direction. .. As a result, the light emitted upward by the first detection unit 32A is reflected downward by the first reflector 94A, the first detection unit 32A receives the reflected light, and the control unit 36 receives an ON signal. Is configured to output.

Further, in the neutral position of the slide operation mechanism 60, the first reflector 94B is arranged adjacent to the other side in the first direction and the other side in the second direction of the other first detection unit 32B in a plan view. That is, in the neutral position of the slide operation mechanism 60, the first reflector 94B is displaced with respect to the first detection unit 32B so that the first reflector 94B and the first detection unit 32B do not face each other in the vertical direction. It is arranged (see FIG. 7). When the slide operation mechanism 60 is slid to one side in the first direction or one side in the second direction, the first reflector 94B and the first detection unit 32B are set to face each other in the vertical direction. .. As a result, the light emitted upward by the first detection unit 32B is reflected downward by the first reflector 94B, and the first detection unit 32B receives the reflected light and turns on the signal to the control unit 36. Is configured to output.

Further, a second reflector 96 is provided on the lower surface of the tip portion of the first plate portion 92A at a position on one side in the first direction with respect to the first reflector 94A. The second reflector 96 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape with the vertical direction as the plate thickness direction in a plan view, and the upper surface of the second reflector 96 is fixed to the lower surface of the first plate portion 92A.

Then, in the neutral position of the slide operation mechanism 60, the second reflector 96 is arranged so as to overlap the second detection unit 34 in a plan view. That is, in the neutral position of the slide operation mechanism 60, the second reflector 96 and the second detection unit 34 are arranged to face each other in the vertical direction (see FIGS. 6 and 7). As a result, at the neutral position of the slide operation mechanism 60, the light emitted upward by the second detection unit 34 is reflected downward by the second reflector 96, and the second detection unit 34 receives the reflected light. Then, the ON signal is output to the control unit 36. Then, when the slide operation mechanism 60 is slid in the first direction or the second direction, the facing arrangement state between the second reflector 96 and the second detection unit 34 is released in the vertical direction, and the second detection unit is released. 34 is set to face the first plate portion 92A. Therefore, in this case, the light radiated upward by the second detection unit 34 is not reflected by the first plate unit 92A, and the second detection unit 34 outputs an off signal to the control unit 36. ing.

Further, lenses 98A and 98B are provided at the tip portions of the first plate portion 92A and the second plate portion 92B, respectively. The lenses 98A and 98B are made of a transparent resin material having translucency and are integrally formed with the plate 92. Then, in the neutral position of the slide operation mechanism 60, the lens 98A of the first plate portion 92A is arranged so as to overlap the first detection unit 32A in a plan view, and the lens 98B of the second plate portion 92B is arranged with the first detection unit 32B. They are placed on top of each other. As a result, at the neutral position of the slide operation mechanism 60, the light emitted upward by the first detection unit 32A (32B) passes through the lens 98A (98B) and illuminates the upper side of the plate 92. (See the arrow pointing upward from the first detection unit 32A in FIG. 6).

<About reflector ring 100>
The reflector ring 100 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with the vertical direction as the axial direction, and is arranged coaxially with the axis AL. A plurality of fitting pieces 100A (four places in the present embodiment) are integrally formed on the upper end portion of the reflector ring 100. The fitting piece 100A is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape with the radial direction of the reflector ring 100 as the plate thickness direction, and protrudes upward from the reflector ring 100. Further, the fitting piece 100A is curved along the circumferential direction of the reflector ring 100, and is arranged every 90 degrees in the circumferential direction of the reflector ring 100. Then, the lower end portion of the rotary knob assembly 40 described above is fitted inside the fitting piece 100A, and the reflector ring 100 is integrally rotatably connected to the rotary knob assembly 40. Further, in a state where the reflector ring 100 is connected to the rotary knob assembly 40, the reflector ring 100 is arranged on the upper side of the plate 92 (the tip portions of the first plate portion 92A and the second plate portion 92B).

Further, an uneven portion 102 is formed at the lower end portion (the end portion on one side in the axial direction) of the reflector ring 100. The uneven portion 102 is configured to include five concave portions 102A opened downward and five convex portions 102B protruding downward with respect to the concave portion 102A, and includes the concave portion 102A and the convex portion. 102B and 102B are alternately arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the reflector ring 100. Specifically, the concave portion 102A and the convex portion 102B are arranged every 36 degrees in the circumferential direction of the reflector ring 100. Further, the uneven portion 102 is arranged directly above the lenses 98A and 98B of the plate 92. That is, in the neutral position of the slide operation mechanism 60, the uneven portion 102 is arranged so as to overlap the lenses 98A and 98B and the first detection portions 32A and 32B in a plan view (see FIGS. 6A and 6B). ).

Further, the reflector ring 100 is made of a white resin material. Further, as described above, the uneven portion 102 is composed of the concave portion 102A and the convex portion 102B. As a result, the reflector ring 100 rotates, so that the vertical distance between the uneven portion 102 and the first detection portions 32A and 32B changes. Then, the light irradiated by the first detection units 32A and 32B and transmitted through the lenses 98A and 98B is reflected downward by the convex portions 102B and reaches the first detection units 32A and 32B again. (See the arrow pointing downward from the convex portion 102B in FIG. 6A). Therefore, the first detection units 32A and 32B receive the light reflected by the convex portion 102B, and the first detection units 32A and 32B output an on signal. On the other hand, since the amount of light transmitted through the lenses 98A and 98B and reaching the recess 102A is reduced, the amount of light reflected by the recess 102A is also reduced. Therefore, when the first detection units 32A and 32B and the recesses 102A are arranged so as to face each other in the vertical direction, the first detection units 32A and 32B are configured to output an off signal. In addition, in order to increase the reflectance in the convex portion 102B, the convex portion 102B of the reflector ring 100 may be subjected to surface treatment such as plating.

(Action effect)
Next, the present embodiment will explain the operation detection of the slide knob 80 when the slide knob 80 is slid and the operation detection of the rotary knob assembly 40 when the rotary knob assembly 40 is rotated. The action and effect of

(About the non-operating state of the operating device 10)
In the non-operating state of the operating device 10, the slide operating mechanism 60 is arranged in the neutral position (see FIGS. 3A and 4A), and the plate 92 of the detecting mechanism 90 is arranged in the initial position. .. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the first reflector 94A and the first detection unit 32A are not arranged to face each other in the vertical direction, and the first reflector 94B and the first detection unit 32B are arranged to face each other. Not done. Further, in this state, the lens 98A of the plate 92 and the first detection unit 32A are arranged to face each other in the vertical direction, and the lens 98B and the first detection unit 32B are arranged to face each other. Therefore, the light emitted upward from the first detection units 32A and 32B passes through the lenses 98A and 98B and is reflected by the uneven portion 102 of the reflector ring 100. Then, the first detection units 32A and 32B receive the light reflected by the uneven portion 102. Therefore, the first detection units 32A and 32B output the output signal according to the vertical distance from the uneven portion 102 of the reflector ring 100 to the control unit 36.
On the other hand, at the initial position of the plate 92, the second reflector 96 and the second detection unit 34 are arranged to face each other in the vertical direction. Therefore, the second detection unit 34 outputs an on signal to the control unit 36.

(About the operation of the slide knob 80 in the first direction)
When the slide knob 80 is operated by the operator from the non-operating state of the operating device 10 to one side in the first direction (direction of arrow C in FIG. 4A), the knob base 68 (moving mechanism 61) is moved together with the slide knob 80. Move to one side in one direction. Specifically, the guide piece 68B of the knob base 68 moves in the guide groove 54F to one side in the first direction while being guided by the guide groove 54F of the slider 54. As a result, the knob base 68 (movement mechanism 61) moves relative to one side in the first direction with respect to the slider 54 (see FIG. 4B).

When the knob base 68 (moving mechanism 61) moves to one side in the first direction, the lower end of the pin 64 of the moving mechanism 61 slides on the support recess 22A of the lid 20 to one side in the first direction. As a result, the pin 64 escapes from the support recess 22A to one side in the first direction while being displaced upward in the axial direction of the operation shaft 62D against the urging force of the urging spring 66, and is placed on the inclined recess 22B. It slides to one side in one direction. Therefore, the operation shaft 62D is displaced to one side in the first direction with respect to the axis line AL (see FIG. 4B).

When the operation shaft 62D is displaced to one side in the first direction, the plate 92 of the detection mechanism 90 is displaced to one side in the first direction together with the operation shaft 62D. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 9A, the second reflector 96 is displaced relative to one side in the first direction with respect to the second detection unit 34. As a result, the facing arrangement state of the second reflector 96 and the second detection unit 34 in the vertical direction is released. As a result, the light emitted upward from the second detection unit 34 is not reflected by the plate 92. Therefore, the output signal from the second detection unit 34 switches from the on signal to the off signal. In FIG. 8, for convenience, the first detection units 32A and 32B and the second detection units 34 that output the on signal are shown in a filled manner.

Further, when the plate 92 is displaced to one side in the first direction, the lenses 98A and 98B of the plate 92 are displaced relative to one side in the first direction with respect to the first detection units 32A and 32B. As a result, the facing arrangement state of the lens 98A (98B) and the first detection unit 32A (32B) in the vertical direction is released. Further, at this time, in a plan view, the first reflector 94A overlaps with the first detection unit 32A, and the first reflector 94B overlaps with the first detection unit 32B. Therefore, the light emitted from the first detection unit 32A is reflected by the first reflector 94A, and the first detection unit 32A receives the reflected light. Further, the light emitted from the first detection unit 32B is reflected by the first reflector 94B, and the first detection unit 32B receives the reflected light. As a result, the output signals from the first detection unit 32A and the first detection unit 32B are both turned on signals.

Next, when the slide knob 80 is operated from the neutral position to the other side in the first direction by the operator, the operation shaft 62D of the moving mechanism 61 is displaced to the other side in the first direction with respect to the axis AL. Since the moving mechanism 61 operates in the same manner as described above, the description of the operation of the moving mechanism 61 will be omitted.

When the operating shaft 62D is displaced to the other side in the first direction with respect to the axis AL, the plate 92 of the detection mechanism 90 is displaced to the other side in the first direction together with the operating shaft 62D. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 8B and 9B, the second reflector 96 is displaced relative to the other side in the first direction with respect to the second detection unit 34. As a result, similarly to the above, the facing arrangement state of the second reflector 96 and the second detection unit 34 in the vertical direction is released. As a result, the output signal from the second detection unit 34 is switched from the on signal to the off signal.

Further, when the plate 92 is displaced to the other side in the first direction, the lenses 98A and 98B of the plate 92 are displaced relative to the other side in the first direction with respect to the first detection units 32A and 32B. As a result, similarly to the above, the facing arrangement state of the lens 98A (98B) and the first detection unit 32A (32B) in the vertical direction is released. Further, at this time, in a plan view, the first reflector 94A does not overlap with the first detection unit 32A, and the first reflector 94B does not overlap with the first detection unit 32B. Therefore, the output signals from the first detection unit 32A and the first detection unit 32B are both off signals.

(About the operation of the slide knob 80 in the second direction)
When the slide knob 80 is operated by the operator from the neutral position of the slide knob 80 to one side in the second direction (direction of arrow E in FIG. 3A), the knob base 68 (movement mechanism 61) is held together with the slide knob 80. It moves to one side in the second direction with respect to 52. Specifically, the guide piece 68B of the knob base 68 engages with the guide groove 54F in the guide rail 54E of the slider 54, and the slider 54 is pressed to one side in the second direction. Therefore, the guide recesses 54C and 54D of the slider 54 move relative to one side in the second direction with respect to the support pillar 52D and the support pillar 52E of the holder 52. As a result, the knob base 68 (movement mechanism 61) moves to one side in the second direction with respect to the holder 52 together with the slider 54 (see FIG. 3B).

When the knob base 68 (moving mechanism 61) moves to one side in the second direction, the lower end of the pin 64 of the moving mechanism 61 slides on the support recess 22A of the lid 20 to one side in the second direction. As a result, the pin 64 escapes from the support recess 22A to one side in the second direction while being displaced upward in the axial direction of the operation shaft 62D against the urging force of the urging spring 66, and is placed on the inclined recess 22B. It slides to one side in two directions. Therefore, the operation shaft 62D is displaced to one side in the second direction with respect to the axis line AL (see FIG. 3B).

When the operating shaft 62D is displaced to one side in the second direction, the plate 92 of the detection mechanism 90 is displaced to one side in the second direction together with the operating shaft 62D. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8C, the second reflector 96 is displaced relative to one side in the second direction with respect to the second detection unit 34. As a result, the facing arrangement state of the second reflector 96 and the second detection unit 34 in the vertical direction is released. As a result, the output signal from the second detection unit 34 is switched from the on signal to the off signal in the same manner as described above.

Further, when the plate 92 is displaced to one side in the second direction, the lenses 98A and 98B of the plate 92 are displaced relative to one side in the second direction with respect to the first detection units 32A and 32B. As a result, the facing arrangement state of the lens 98A (98B) and the first detection unit 32A (32B) in the vertical direction is released. Further, at this time, in a plan view, the first reflector 94A does not overlap with the first detection unit 32A, and the first reflector 94B overlaps with the first detection unit 32B. Therefore, the output signal of the first detection unit 32A becomes an off signal, and the output signal from the first detection unit 32B becomes an on signal.

Next, when the slide knob 80 is operated to the other side in the second direction by the operator, the operation shaft 62D of the moving mechanism 61 is displaced to the other side in the second direction with respect to the axis AL. Since the moving mechanism 61 operates in the same manner as described above, the description of the operation of the moving mechanism 61 will be omitted.

When the operating shaft 62D is displaced to the other side in the second direction, the plate 92 of the detection mechanism 90 is displaced to the other side in the second direction together with the operating shaft 62D. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8D, the second reflector 96 is displaced relative to the other side in the second direction with respect to the second detection unit 34. As a result, similarly to the above, the facing arrangement state of the second reflector 96 and the second detection unit 34 in the vertical direction is released. As a result, the output signal from the second detection unit 34 is switched from the on signal to the off signal in the same manner as described above.

Further, when the plate 92 is displaced to the other side in the second direction, the lenses 98A and 98B of the plate 92 are displaced relative to the other side in the second direction with respect to the first detection units 32A and 32B. As a result, the facing arrangement state of the lens 98A (98B) and the first detection unit 32A (32B) is released. Further, at this time, in a plan view, the first reflector 94A overlaps with the first detection unit 32A, and the first reflector 94B does not overlap with the first detection unit 32B. Therefore, the output signal of the first detection unit 32A becomes an on signal, and the output signal from the first detection unit 32B becomes an off signal.

After the operation of the slide knob 80 in the first direction (second direction) is completed, the pin 64 of the moving mechanism 61 moves on the inclined recess 22B of the lid 20 by the urging force of the urging spring 66 of the moving mechanism 61. It slides toward the initial position and is housed in the support recess 22A. Therefore, the slide knob 80 (slide operation mechanism 60) returns to the neutral position.

(About the rotation operation of the rotary knob assembly 40)
During the rotational operation of the rotary knob assembly 40, the slide knob 80 (that is, the slide operation mechanism 60) is maintained in the neutral position. Therefore, the plate 92 of the detection mechanism 90 is maintained in the initial position.
Therefore, as described above, the lens 98A (98B) of the plate 92 and the first detection unit 32A (32B) are arranged to face each other in the vertical direction. Therefore, the light emitted from the first detection unit 32A (32B) passes through the lens 98A (98B) and irradiates the uneven portion 102 of the reflector ring 100. Further, in the vertical direction, the second reflector 96 and the second detection unit 34 are arranged to face each other. Therefore, when the rotary knob assembly 40 is rotated, the second detection unit 34 always outputs an on signal to the control unit 36.

In the following description, the state 1 shown in FIG. 10A is defined as the non-operating state of the rotary knob assembly 40 (the state before the rotation operation), and the rotary knob assembly 40 is set to one side in the rotation direction from the state 1 (FIG. 10). The state of being rotated by 1 pitch (18 degrees) in the direction of the arrow G is defined as state 2 (see FIG. 10 (B)), and the state of being further rotated by 1 pitch from state 2 is defined as state 3 (see FIG. 10 (C)). ), And the state of being further rotated by one pitch from the state 3 will be described as the state 4 (see FIG. 10 (D)). In FIG. 10, for convenience, the convex portion 102B of the reflector ring 100 is hatched and shown. Further, the rotation pitch of the rotary knob assembly 40 is shown by dots.

As shown in FIG. 10A, in the state 1, in the vertical direction, the first detection unit 32A is arranged to face the convex portion 102B of the reflector ring 100, and the first detection unit 32B is the other convex portion 102B. It is arranged facing each other. Therefore, the output signals of the first detection unit 32A and the first detection unit 32B are both on signals.

When the rotary knob assembly 40 is rotated from the state 1 to the state 2, as shown in FIG. 10B, the uneven portion 102 arranged to face the first detection unit 32A in the vertical direction is changed from the convex portion 102B to the concave portion 102A. Switch to. On the other hand, in the state 2, the uneven portion 102 arranged to face the first detection unit 32B is maintained as the convex portion 102B. Therefore, the output signal of the first detection unit 32A is switched from the on signal to the off signal, and the output signal of the first detection unit 32B is not switched and remains the on signal.

When the rotary knob assembly 40 is rotated from the state 2 to the state 3, the uneven portion 102 arranged to face the first detection unit 32A is maintained as the concave portion 102A as shown in FIG. 10 (C). On the other hand, in the state 3, the uneven portion 102 arranged to face the first detection unit 32B in the vertical direction switches from the convex portion 102B to the concave portion 102A. Therefore, the output signal of the first detection unit 32A does not switch and remains an off signal, and the output signal of the first detection unit 32B switches from the on signal to the off signal.

When the rotary knob assembly 40 is rotated from the state 3 to the state 4, the uneven portion 102 arranged to face the first detection unit 32A switches from the concave portion 102A to the convex portion 102B as shown in FIG. 10 (D). .. On the other hand, in the state 4, the uneven portion 102 arranged to face the first detection portion 32B in the vertical direction is maintained as the concave portion 102A. Therefore, the output signal of the first detection unit 32A switches from the off signal to the on signal, and the output signal of the first detection unit 32B does not switch and remains an off signal.

Then, when the rotary knob assembly 40 is further rotated one pitch in the rotation direction from the state 4, the state returns to the state 1. Therefore, thereafter, the rotation operation from the state 1 to the state 4 is repeated.

On the other hand, when the rotary knob assembly 40 is rotated from the state 1 to the other side in the rotation direction (the arrow H direction side in FIG. 10A) for each pitch, the states of the rotary knob assembly 40 are changed to the state 1, the state 4, and the state. It switches in the order of 3 and state 2. As a result, even when the rotary knob assembly 40 is rotated to the other side in the rotation direction, the output signals of the first detection unit 32A and the first detection unit 32B are in the above output state.

The table shown in FIG. 11 shows the output signals of the first detection units 32A and 32B and the second detection unit 34 during the slide operation with respect to the slide knob 80 and the rotation operation with respect to the rotary knob assembly 40.
As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the output signal in the second detection unit 34 is always an off signal during the slide operation with respect to the slide knob 80, and the second is during the rotation operation with respect to the rotary knob assembly 40. The output signal in the detection unit 34 is always an on signal. Thereby, the second detection unit 34 can detect whether the operation on the operation device 10 is a slide operation or a rotation operation.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11A, when the slide operation is performed on the slide knob 80, the combinations of the output signals of the first detection units 32A and 32B are all different combinations. Therefore, the operation of the slide knob 80 in the first direction or the second direction can be detected by the first detection units 32A and 32B.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11B, when the rotary knob assembly 40 is rotated, the combinations of the output signals of the first detection units 32A and 32B in the states 1 to 4 are all different combinations. Therefore, the rotation position of the rotary knob assembly 40 can be detected by the first detection units 32A and 32B. Further, in the rotation of the rotary knob assembly 40 on one side and the other side in the rotation direction, the order of state changes of the rotary knob assembly 40 is different. Therefore, the rotation direction of the rotary knob assembly 40 can be detected by the first detection units 32A and 32B.

Further, in the operation device 10 of the present embodiment, the slide knob 80 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape open to the lower side, and the rotary knob assembly 40 is arranged under the slide knob 80. There is. Further, the rotary knob assembly 40 is integrally formed with an inner cylinder 42D protruding upward from the rotary knob assembly 40, and at the neutral position of the slide operation mechanism 60, the inner cylinder 42D of the rotary knob assembly is a slide knob. It is arranged in the radial middle portion of the recess 80C of the 80. That is, the inner cylinder 42D is arranged radially inside the flange portion 80D of the slide knob 80. Therefore, the inner cylinder 42D can prevent droplets and the like from entering the inside of the slide knob 80 from the open end portion (flange portion 80D) of the slide knob 80.

Here, the inner cylinder 42D is made of a soft material that can be elastically deformed. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 4B, the slide knob 80 is slid and operated to either one side in the first direction (second direction) or the other side in the first direction (second direction). When the inner cylinder 42D hits the flange portion 80D of the slide knob 80 or a portion inside the slide knob 80, the inner cylinder 42D is pressed by the slide knob 80 and elastically deformed. That is, even if the distance between the inner cylinder 42D and the flange portion 80D in the radial direction of the slide knob 80 is shorter than the stroke of the slide knob 80 during the slide operation, the operation of the slide knob 80 can be permitted. .. As a result, the distance between the inner cylinder 42D and the flange 80D is made longer than the stroke of the slide knob 80 so that the inner cylinder 42D and the flange 80D do not interfere with each other when the slide knob 80 is slid. Compared with the comparative example, the slide knob 80 can be miniaturized in the radial direction, and the operating device 10 can be miniaturized as a result. Therefore, it can contribute to the miniaturization of the operating device 10.

Further, even if the slide knob 80 hits the inner cylinder 42D when the slide knob 80 is slid, the inner cylinder 42D is made of a soft material, so that the collision noise between the slide knob 80 and the inner cylinder 42D is reduced. can do.

Further, as described above, in the present embodiment, the distance between the flange portion 80D of the slide knob 80 and the inner cylinder 42D of the rotary knob assembly 40 in the radial direction can be set short. In other words, the inner cylinder 42D can be arranged close to the flange portion 80D. As a result, the inner cylinder 42D can effectively prevent droplets and the like from entering the inside of the slide knob 80.

Further, the inner cylinder 42D is provided on the rotary knob assembly 40 configured to be rotatable. Therefore, it is possible to contribute to miniaturization in the composite type operating device 10 configured to be able to perform slide operation and rotation operation.

Further, the rotary knob assembly 40 has a grip portion 42B, and the grip portion 42B is made of the same material as the inner cylinder 42D (that is, a soft material). As a result, the rotary knob has a grip portion 42B for improving operability for the operator by utilizing a soft material, and an inner cylinder 42D for suppressing the intrusion of droplets into the slide knob 80. It can be provided on the assembly 40.

Further, in the rotary knob assembly 40, the soft portion 42 and the hard portion 44 are integrally formed. As a result, the assembling property can be improved as compared with the case where the soft portion 42 and the hard portion 44 are formed as separate bodies and both are assembled.

Further, in the rotary knob assembly 40, the soft portion 42 has a soundproof portion 42C. The soundproof portion 42C covers the outer peripheral portion of the knob main body portion 44A and is arranged radially outside the rotary knob assembly 40 with respect to the moderation mechanism 56. Therefore, the soundproofing portion 42C can absorb the abnormal noise after the moderation member 57 of the moderation mechanism 56 has passed over the moderation peak 44E of the rotary knob assembly 40. That is, the soundproof portion 42C (soft portion 42) can function as a sound absorbing material. As a result, it is possible to suppress the generation of abnormal noise when the moderation mechanism 56 is operated. Therefore, the soundproofing effect of the operating device 10 can be enhanced.

Further, in the soft portion 42 of the rotary knob assembly 40, the soundproof portion 42C is formed over the entire circumference of the knob main body portion 44A in the circumferential direction. As a result, the soundproofing effect of the operating device 10 can be further enhanced.

Further, in the soft portion 42 of the rotary knob assembly 40, the wall thickness of the inner cylinder 42D is set to be thinner than the wall thickness of the portion of the soft portion 42 other than the inner cylinder 42D. Therefore, when the slide knob 80 is slid, the pressing load for elastically deforming the inner cylinder 42D can be made relatively low. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the slide knob 80 (that is) the operation device 10 while suppressing the influence on the operation feeling at the time of slide operation.

In the present embodiment, the operating device 10 includes a slide knob 80 configured to be slidable and a rotary knob assembly 40 configured to be rotatable. That is, the operating device 10 has two operating members. Alternatively, the structure of the present invention may be applied to an operating device having one operating member.
For example, in the operation device 10 of the present embodiment, the rotary knob assembly 40 may be omitted. In this case, the inner cylinder 42D made of a soft material may be formed in the case 12. Thereby, in this case, the case 12 corresponds to the "second member" of the present invention.
Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, the structure of the present invention may be applied to an operating device 110 having one operating member (slide knob 80) and assembled to the panel P of the vehicle. In this case, the inner cylinder 42D is provided on the panel P of the vehicle, and the inner cylinder 42D is arranged inside the opening end of the slide knob 80 in the radial direction. Thereby, in this case, the operation device 110 is configured to include the panel P, and the panel P corresponds to the "second member" of the present invention.

Further, in the present embodiment, the operating device 10 is configured to be slidable, but the structure of the present invention may be applied to the operating device configured to be tiltable (tilt operation).
For example, in the operating device 10, instead of the slide knob 80, an operating knob as a first member that can be tilted with respect to the axis AL is provided, and a tilting mechanism that supports the operating knob so that it can be tilted is housed inside the case 12. The inner cylinder 42D may be provided on the rotary knob assembly 40. This can contribute to the miniaturization of the operating device configured to be tiltable.
Further, as described above, even in an operating device having one operating member, the operating member may be configured to be tilted (tilt operation), and the structure of the present invention may be applied to the operating device.

Further, in the present embodiment, the operating device 10 has a configuration in which the rotary knob assembly 40 is arranged under the slide knob 80, but the operating device is such that the vertical positions of the slide knob and the rotary knob assembly are reversed. , The structure of the present invention may be applied. In this case, for example, the rotary knob assembly is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape that is open downward, and the tubular slide knob is arranged below the rotary knob assembly. Then, the inner cylinder 42D is projected upward from the slide knob and arranged inside the rotary knob assembly in the radial direction. This can contribute to the miniaturization of the operating device even in the operating device in which the vertical positions of the slide knob and the rotary knob assembly are reversed. In this case, the rotary knob assembly configured to be rotatable corresponds to the "first member" of the present invention, and the slide knob configured to be slidable corresponds to the "second member" of the present invention. do.
Further, in this case, as described above, instead of the slide knob, an operating member that can be tilted with respect to the axis AL may be arranged under the rotary knob assembly.

10 Operating device 12 Case 20 Lid (support member)
20A Rib 20B Fixed boss 22 Raised part 22A Support concave part 22B Inclined concave part 30 Substrate 30A Hole part 32A First detection part 32B First detection part 34 Second detection part 36 Control part 40 Rotary knob assembly (second member)
42 Soft part 42A Soft main body part 42B Grip part 42C Soundproof part 42D Inner cylinder (inner wall)
44 Rigid part 44A Knob body part (main body part)
44B Base 44B1 Hole 44C Holding claw 44C1 Holding claw 44D Holding protrusion 44E Moderation mountain 50 Slide mechanism 52 Holder 52A Fixed collar 52B Accommodating portion 52C Insertion hole 52C1 First slit hole 52C2 Second slit hole 52D Support pillar 52D1 Accommodating recess 52E Support pillar 52F Notch 54 Slider 54A Guide 54B Insertion hole 54C Guide recess 54D Guide recess 54E Guide rail 54F Guide groove 56 Moderation mechanism 57 Moderation member 57A Moderation part 58 Bounce spring 60 Slide operation mechanism 61 Movement mechanism 62 Shaft 62A Shaft base 62B Stopper piece 62B1 Base 62B2 Stopper 62C Shaft body 62D Operation shaft 62E Pin accommodating part 62E1 1st pin accommodating part 62E2 2nd pin accommodating part 62F Fixing recess 64 Pin 64A Border 66 Bounce spring 68 Knob base 68A Fixing hole 68B Guide piece 68C Guide rail 68D Guide groove 68E Engagement piece 68E1 Engagement hole 70 Board 72 Switch 74 Connection member 80 Slide knob (first member)
80A Guide part 80B Boss 80C Recess 80D Flip part 82 Touch pad 84 Knob ring 84A Fixed piece 90 Detection mechanism 92 Plate 92A First plate part 92B Second plate part 92C Fitting hole 94A First reflector 94B First reflector 96 Second Reflector 98A Lens 98B Lens 100 Reflector ring 100A Fitting piece 102 Concavo-convex part 102A Concave part 102B Convex part 110 Operating device AL Axis line L1 First reference line L2 Second reference line SC1 Screw SC2 Screw P panel

Claims (6)

The first member that forms a cylinder and
A second member provided on one side in the axial direction of the first member and arranged so as to face one end in the axial direction of the first member.
It is provided on the second member, extends from the second member to the other side in the axial direction of the first member, and is arranged radially inside the first member with respect to one end portion in the axial direction of the first member. With a cylindrical inner wall
Equipped with
The first member is configured to be slidable in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the first member or tiltable to tilt in the axial direction of the axis.
The inner wall is made of a soft material that can be elastically deformed .
An operating device characterized in that the distance between the inner wall and the first member is shorter than the stroke of the first member during a slide operation . The first member that forms a cylinder and
A second member provided on one side in the axial direction of the first member and arranged so as to face one end in the axial direction of the first member.
It is provided on the second member, extends from the second member to the other side in the axial direction of the first member, and is arranged radially inside the first member with respect to one end portion in the axial direction of the first member. With a cylindrical inner wall
Equipped with
One of the first member and the second member is configured to be slidable in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the first member or tilt operation to be tilted in the axial direction of the axis.
The other of the first member and the second member is configured to be rotatable around the axis.
An operating device characterized in that the inner wall is made of a soft material that can be elastically deformed. The second member includes a cylindrical base portion having a diameter larger than that of the first member.
The second aspect of claim 2, wherein the base portion has a grip portion that protrudes radially outward from the base portion, and the grip portion and the inner wall are made of the same material. Operating device. The base portion is made of a hard material.
The operating device according to claim 3, wherein in the second member, a soft material and a hard material are integrally formed. The first member is configured to be slidable or tiltable, and the second member is configured to be rotatable.
The second member has a tubular main body portion arranged radially inside the base portion.
The radial inside of the main body portion includes a moderation member that is in contact with a moderation mountain formed on the inner peripheral surface of the main body portion and that gives the operator a sense of moderation during the rotation operation of the second member. The moderation mechanism is provided,
The third or fourth aspect of the present invention, wherein a soundproof portion made of the soft material is integrally formed on the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion on the radial outer side of the main body portion with respect to the moderation mechanism. Operation device. The operation device according to claim 5, wherein the soundproof portion is formed over the entire circumferential direction of the main body portion.

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