JP2001135942A - Device for operating electronic apparatus and method for operating the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve an operability of an electronic apparatus, in its operation. SOLUTION: The operating device includes an operating knob 161 disposed above a subplate 351 for being operably moved in a prescribed direction from a reference position along a mounting surface, fifth to eighth switches operated in response to the moving operation of the knob 161, and a return means 428 for automatically returning the knob 161 to the reference position, when the moving operation of the knob 161 is released.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device for operating electronic equipment suitable for operating electronic equipment such as a radio receiver, a television receiver, an air conditioner, and a navigator mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile. And operation methods.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, operating members such as push buttons and knobs for operating various electronic devices (electric devices) such as a radio receiver, a television receiver, an air conditioner, and a navigator mounted on an automobile are operated. It is installed around a monitor such as a television receiver or a navigator in order to enable the user to operate the vehicle while traveling. For example, as shown in FIG. 35, a CD is formed around a monitor 102 such as a television receiver or a navigator provided above a center cluster 101 provided in a driver's seat, and a CD is provided below the center cluster 101. Numerous operating members 105 such as push buttons and knobs for operating a plurality of electronic devices are provided around the insertion slot 103 and the MD insertion slot 104. In such a configuration, in the case of a right-hand drive vehicle, the driver operates the operating member 105 such as a push button or a knob with the left hand to operate a power supply, a tuning operation, a volume operation of various electronic devices,
Various operations such as a screen operation are performed.

[0003]

When the same operation member 105 has a plurality of functions, it is necessary to write the plurality of functions around the operation member 105. In the configuration, since the distance between the adjacent operation members 105 is small, the operation members 105 can be described only with small characters. Therefore, it is difficult to search for the necessary operation members 105 during traveling by relying on the description, and the operability is poor. There was a problem. Further, even when the operating member 105 has only a single function, it is not always easy to find the necessary operating member 105 from among the many operating members 105 around the monitor 102 during traveling. Furthermore, even if the necessary operation member 105 can be found, it is not easy to operate the predetermined operation member 105 so as not to touch the adjacent operation member 105 during traveling because the interval between the adjacent operation members 105 is narrow.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
Mouse 11 having a plurality of position sensors 11
Tablet 11 in which 3 are arranged vertically and horizontally
An operation in which the user slides along four surfaces and turns on a switch 115 provided on the mouse 112 at a position where the magnet 111 faces the predetermined position sensor 113 to operate the electronic device mounted on the automobile. An apparatus is known (JP-A-9-109802). However, in such an operation device, when the operation content of the electronic device increases, the number of arrayed position sensors 113 needs to be increased, so that the array pitch is narrowed, and the mouse 11
Since the position 2 is different for each operation and the position is unspecified, it is not suitable for the blind operation and the operability is inferior.

As shown in FIG. 37, a plurality of click buttons 122 are provided at predetermined positions on the outer surface of a box 121 large enough to be squeezed in the palm of the hand as a control knob for moving a display symbol such as a cursor of a desk-top computer. In this case, there has been proposed a device which is constructed by providing
It is not surprising that such an operation knob is applied to an electronic device mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile and operated by a driver. However, since such an operation knob has a structure in which the click button 122 is provided only at a predetermined position on the outer surface of the box 121, there are naturally limitations in performing various kinds of operations of the electronic device. The operability is not improved as compared with the one provided with the member 105.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an operating device and an operating method for an electronic device that can easily improve the operability when operating the electronic device. I do.

[0007]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an operating device for operating an electronic device, the operating device being provided on a mounting base and extending from a reference position along a mounting surface. Operating knob movable in a predetermined direction, first switch means operated in response to the moving operation of the operating knob, and actuated in response to a pressing operation of a pressed member provided in the operating knob And a holding means for holding the operation knob at the reference position when the operation knob is not operated.

According to this structure, the first switch is actuated by applying an operation force in a predetermined direction to the operation knob and moving the operation knob from the reference position along the mounting surface of the mounting base.
The second switch means is operated by pressing the pressed member provided on the operation knob. That is, since two types of switch means having different operation methods are provided,
Various types of operations of the electronic device can be easily performed by operating either one of the switch units and a combination operation of both the switch units.

In addition, the operability can be improved only by pressing the member to be pressed as in the prior art. However, in the present invention, the operation contents can be stored by combining the operation of moving the operation knob. It becomes easy and excellent in operability. In addition, since the operation knob can be held at the reference position when not operated, the operation can always be performed with the reference position at the center, so that it is more suitable for blind operation than a general mouse-type operation device, especially for automobiles and the like. It is suitable for the driver to operate.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the holding means automatically returns the operation knob to the reference position when the operation of moving the operation knob is released. It is characterized by consisting of.

According to this configuration, the operation knob is returned to the reference position only by releasing the operation force on the operation knob, so that a manual operation for returning to the reference position is not required, so that the operability is further improved. .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the device according to the second aspect, when the operation knob is moved from the reference position, the return force is applied to the operation knob in a direction to return the operation knob to the reference position. Characterized by an elastic member that imparts

According to this configuration, when the operation knob is moved in the predetermined direction from the reference position, the urging force is applied to the operation knob by the elastic member in the direction of returning to the reference position. As a result, the operation knob can be moved around the reference position, so that accurate operation can always be performed.

[0014] The invention of claim 4 is the first to third aspects of the present invention.
Wherein the operation knob is movable in a plurality of directions starting from the reference position, and the first switch means is operated in accordance with a movement direction of the operation knob. Is provided.

According to this configuration, since different switch means are operated in accordance with the moving direction of the operation knob, various kinds of operations of the electronic device can be performed.

Also, the invention of claim 5 provides the invention according to claims 1 to 4
In the device according to any one of the above, the second switch means may include a plurality of the pressed members disposed at different positions of the operation knob, and a plurality of the pressed members actuated in response to a pressing operation of each pressing member. A switch means is provided.

According to this configuration, different switch means are operated according to the pressed member to be pressed, so that various kinds of operations of the electronic apparatus can be performed.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with the fifth aspect, the plurality of switch means are disposed at least on the left and right sides of the operation knob.

According to this configuration, when the operation knob is gripped by hand, the pressed members of the switch means located on the left and right sides can be easily pressed at the same time, so that the operability is improved.

Further, the invention of claim 7 provides the invention according to claims 1 to 6
And a mounting means for mounting the operation knob on the mounting base so as to be movable in the front-rear direction of the reference position.

According to this configuration, the operation knob is mounted on the mounting base so as to be movable in the front-rear direction of the reference position by the mounting means, so that the operation knob can be reliably moved in the front-rear direction centering on the reference position. become.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with the seventh aspect, the mounting means can move the operation knob in the left-right direction of the reference position such that a rear end of the operation knob becomes a center of rotation. It is characterized in that it can be attached to.

According to this configuration, the operation knob can be moved not only in the front-rear direction but also in the left-right direction of the reference position with the rear end as the center of rotation.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with the seventh aspect, the mounting means includes a guide pin projecting from a rear end upper surface of the mounting base, and the guide pin being movable in the front-rear direction. It is characterized in that the operation knob is attached to a moving member fixedly provided.

According to this configuration, when an operation force in the front-rear direction is applied to the operation knob, the moving member is moved in the front-rear direction along the guide pin, whereby the operation knob is moved in the front-rear direction. Will be.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with the eighth aspect, the mounting means is provided with a guide pin protruding from a rear end upper surface of the mounting base, and is movable in the front-rear direction with the guide pin. And a movable member which is mounted so as to be movable in the left-right direction about the guide pin, and to which the operation knob is fixed.

According to this configuration, when the operation force in the front-rear direction is applied to the operation knob, the moving member is moved in the front-rear direction along the guide pin, so that the operation knob is moved in the front-rear direction. become. In addition, when a left-right operation force is applied to the operation knob, the moving member is moved right-left around the guide pin, and as a result, the operation knob is moved right-left.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the operation knob is provided on the mounting base such that a rear end thereof is a center of rotation, and the left and right sides of the reference position are located. And mounting means for movably mounting in a direction.

According to this structure, the operating knob is mounted on the mounting base by the mounting means so as to be movable in the left-right direction about the reference position with the rear end as the center of rotation. Direction.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the eleventh aspect, the mounting means includes a guide pin protruding from a top surface of a rear end of the mounting base, and a left and right direction centered on the guide pin. And a movable member fixedly provided with the operation knob.

According to this configuration, when a left-right operation force is applied to the operation knob, the moving member is moved left-right around the guide pin, whereby the operation knob is moved right-left. Will be.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, according to any one of the seventh to tenth aspects, a load is applied to the moving member while the moving member moves a predetermined distance in the front-rear direction. It is characterized by having an application means.

According to this configuration, when the first knob is operated by moving the operation knob in the front-rear direction, a click feeling is given to the hand holding the operation knob.
Thereby, the operator can confirm that the operation of the first switch means has been completed.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the thirteenth aspect, the load applying means includes a wavy portion formed on both right and left sides of the moving member, and A roller is attached to a position corresponding to each of the left and right sides of the moving member, and includes a roller elastically abutting on each corrugated portion.

According to this configuration, when the first switch means is operated by operating the operation knob in the front-rear direction, the roller is moved over the top of the corrugated portion of the moving member, thereby gripping the operation knob. Clicking is given to the hands that are present. Thereby, the operator can confirm that the operation of the first switch means has been completed.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, there is provided a display unit for displaying an operation content of the operation knob on the electronic device.

According to this configuration, the operation content of the electronic device determined by the operation of the first switch means, the second switch means, or both switch means is displayed on the display unit. Thus, the operator can perform an accurate operation by visually confirming the operation content.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, a support having a support portion for removably storing and supporting the mounting base is formed; And a mounting base movably mounted at a different position between when in use and when not in use.

According to this configuration, when the operation knob is used, the support base is moved from the mounting base and is fixed at a convenient position, while when the operation knob is not used, the support base is fixed at a position different from that at the time of use.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with the sixteenth aspect, a first engaging means is formed on each of a front end face and a rear end face of the mounting base, and the front end face of the support portion is provided. A second engaging means is formed on each of the rear end faces, and the mounting base is supported by the support base by the first and second engaging means being detachably engaged with each other. Features.

According to this configuration, when the first engaging means formed on the mounting base and the second engaging means formed on the support are engaged with each other, the mounting base is thereby formed. It is supported by a support base. Also, by releasing the engagement between the first engaging means and the second engaging means, the mounting base is detached from the support base.

The invention according to claim 18 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein at least one of the first switch means and the second switch means is provided.
And an operation control means for outputting a predetermined operation signal to the electronic device on condition that the switch means is operated.

According to this configuration, when at least one of the first switch means and the second switch means is operated, a predetermined operation signal is output, and the electronic device is selectively operated.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an operating device for selecting an electronic device to be operated from a plurality of electronic devices, and operating the selected electronic device, wherein the operating device is provided on a mounting base, An operation knob operable to move in a predetermined direction from a position along an arrangement surface, first switch means operated in accordance with the operation of moving the operation knob, and a pressed member arranged on the operation knob A second switch that is operated in response to a pressing operation, a holding unit that holds the operation knob at the reference position when the operation knob is not operated, and at least one of the first switch and the second switch. Operation control means for outputting a predetermined operation signal to the electronic device on condition that one of the switch means is operated.

According to this configuration, the first switch is actuated by applying an operation force in a predetermined direction to the operation knob and moving the operation knob from the reference position along the mounting surface of the mounting base. The second switch means is operated by pressing the disposed pressed member, and when at least one of the switch means is operated at the time of selecting operation of the electronic device, a predetermined operation signal is output and the electronic device is output. The device is selected.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with the nineteenth aspect, the operation knob can be moved in a plurality of directions from the reference position as a starting point, and the first switch means operates the operation knob. A plurality of switch means operated in accordance with a moving direction of the knob, wherein the second switch means includes a plurality of the pressed members arranged at different positions of the operation knob, and a pressing operation of each pressing member. And a plurality of switch means which are operated in response to the above.

According to this configuration, different switch means are operated in accordance with the moving direction of the operation knob, and different switch means are operated in accordance with the member to be pressed. Becomes possible.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the twentieth aspect, the operation control means includes a specific switch in the first switch and a specific switch in the second switch. Is characterized by outputting an operation signal for selecting a predetermined electronic device when are simultaneously operated.

According to this configuration, when the specific switch means of the first switch means and the specific switch means of the second switch means are simultaneously operated, an operation signal is output and a predetermined electronic device is selected. Is done. In other words, even when a specific electronic device has been operated, another electronic device is selected simply by simultaneously operating the specific switch means, and the operability is excellent.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in the twentieth aspect, the operation control means includes a specific switch in the first switch and a specific switch in the second switch. Are simultaneously operated, and an operation signal for preferentially selecting the electronic device selected at the time of the previous selection operation is output.

According to this configuration, when the specific switch means of the first switch means and the specific switch means of the second switch means are simultaneously operated, the electronic device selected at the time of the previous selection operation has priority. Is selected. As a result, the selection operation can be simplified and the operability is excellent.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating an electronic device for operating an electronic device by operating an operation knob, wherein the operation knob is moved in advance from a predetermined reference position along an arrangement surface thereof. The electronic device is operated by outputting a predetermined operation signal by a combination of a first operation for moving in a predetermined direction and a second operation for pressing a pressed member provided on the operation knob. It is characterized by:

According to this method, a predetermined operation signal is output by a combination of the first operation and the second operation,
The electronic device is operated. That is, since the electronic device is operated by a combination of two types of operations, various types of operations of the electronic device can be easily performed,
It becomes easy to memorize the operation contents, and the operability becomes excellent. Further, the first operation always moves the operation knob from the reference position, so that the operability is also excellent in this respect.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the operation method according to the twenty-third aspect, the first operation and the second operation are performed simultaneously.

According to this method, since the first operation and the second operation are performed simultaneously, the operation of the electronic device can be speeded up, and the operability is improved. Note that the term “simultaneous” here includes a mode in which the second operation is performed while the first operation is performed and a mode in which the first operation is performed while the second operation is performed.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the operating method according to the twenty-third or twenty-fourth aspect, the operation knob is returned to the reference position after the end of the first and second operations. And

According to this method, the operation knob can always be moved from the reference position by the second operation, so that the operability is excellent.

[0058]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an operating device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a state in which an operating member constituting the operating device is removed from a support base. FIG. In each of the drawings including FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the orthogonal coordinate axes are illustrated as necessary, the forward direction is indicated by “+ X”, the rear direction is indicated by “−X”,
The right direction is indicated by "+ Y", the left direction is indicated by "-Y", the upward direction is indicated by "+ Z", and the downward direction is "-Z".
Indicated by.

In these figures, the operating device 10 includes a driver seat S1 located on the right side and a passenger seat S2 located on the left side.
(In the case of a right-hand drive vehicle) A bracket 12 arranged side by side with a parking brake B in front of an armrest H between the armrests H, a longitudinal support 14 mounted on the upper surface of the bracket 12 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction, and a support An operation member 16 is provided so as to be detachably housed and supported on the upper surface of the driver 14 and operates while the driver holds the driver with his / her left hand.

The bracket 12 is made of a synthetic resin material, a metal material, or the like, is formed in a longitudinal shape in the front-rear direction, and has a slide hole 121 formed in the center of the upper surface thereof in the longitudinal direction. It is fixed to the floor by mounting means such as screwing.

The support base 14 is made of an insulating material such as a synthetic resin. A shaft 141 projecting downward from the bottom surface of the support base 14 is inserted into a slide hole 121 of the bracket 12 and moves along the bracket 12 in the front-rear direction. It has been mounted as possible. Further, a knob 142 is attached to the upper end of the shaft 141, and by rotating the knob 142 in one direction, the support base 14 is attached to the bracket 1.
2 can be fixed at a predetermined position, and the fixing of the support base 14 on the bracket 12 can be released by rotating in the other direction.

As a result, the support base 14 is
When the operating member 16 is not in use, it is fixed to the rearmost retracted position of the bracket 12, and when the operating member 16 is used, it is moved forward to be fixed at a position where the operation member 16 can be easily operated. When the support base 14 is moved to the evacuation position, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 2, the support base 14 is rotatable so that the front end faces the passenger seat S2. The structure for fixing and releasing the support 14 to and from the bracket 12 will be described later.

A storage recess 143 for storing and supporting the operation member 16 is formed in the upper portion of the support base 14, and a connector terminal 1 is provided on the bottom surface of the front end of the storage recess 143.
44, an engagement recess 1 is provided at a center position on the front end upright surface.
45 are formed. The operating member 1 is located at the rear end of the support base 14 and adjacent to the storage recess 143.
A support mechanism 18 for housing and supporting the housing 6 in the housing recess 143 is provided therein.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the support mechanism 18 comprises a fixed part 181 and a moving part 182 movably disposed with respect to the fixed part 181. The fixing part 181 is formed of a metal chassis and has a bottom plate 183.
And side plates 184 and 185 formed upright on both ends of the bottom plate 183 in the left-right direction. First slide grooves 186, 187 are formed along the front-rear direction at positions near the respective edges in the left-right direction of the bottom plate 183, and second slide portions are formed along the front-rear direction on the rear half portions of the side plates 184, 185. Slide grooves 188 and 189 are formed.
A projecting plate 190 extending upward is formed at the rear end of one of the side plates 184, and a horizontal plate 191 extending toward the other side plate 185 is attached to the upper end of the projecting plate 190. At the rear end of the bottom plate 183, at a position closer to the right than the center, the through hole 18 into which the shaft 141 is loosely fitted.
0 is formed.

The moving section 182 is constituted by a metal chassis 192, and has a bottom plate 193, and side plates 194, 195 formed upright at both ends in the left-right direction of the bottom plate 193, and a front end of each side plate 194, 195. Are formed with projecting plates 196 and 197 extending upward. Further, a pair of pin bodies 198, 1 is provided on one side plate 194 along the front-rear direction.
99, and a pair of pin bodies 200, 201 are protruded from the other side plate 195 along the front-rear direction, and the pin bodies 198, 199 are fitted in the second slide grooves 188 of the fixing portion 181. Sliding fit, pin body 20
Reference numerals 0 and 201 are slidably fitted in the second slide grooves 189 of the fixing portion 181.

The moving portion 182 is always urged forward with respect to the fixed portion 181 by urging force applying means such as a tension coil spring (not shown). Also,
A stopper 202 is attached to the front end of the bottom plate 183 of the fixed portion 181 at a central position, and the position of the moving portion 182 is regulated by the end face of the bottom plate 193 urged forward against the stopper 202. It is supposed to be.

A pin shaft 203 is attached to one of the protruding plates 196 so as to protrude rightward, and a horizontal slit 204 is provided below the pin shaft 203.
Are formed. The pin shaft 203 is wound such that one end of a linear spring material 206 having a locking portion 205 bent at an acute angle has an urging force so that the locking portion 205 projects forward. The other end of the spring member 206 is inserted into the horizontal slit 204 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction.

Further, a pin shaft 207 is attached to the other protruding plate 197 so as to protrude to the left similarly to the one protruding plate 196, and a horizontal slit 208 is formed below the pin shaft 207. One end of a linear spring material 210 having a locking portion 209 bent to have an acute angle is attached to this pin shaft 207 at the locking portion 2.
09 is wound so as to form an urging force for projecting the front portion 09 forward, and the other end of the spring member 210 is inserted into the horizontal slit 208 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction.

Further, the rear end of one side plate 194 is connected to the position shown in FIG.
As shown in (b), a triangular plate 212 having a shape having a downward slope on the front side is protruded upward, and an inclined plate 213 having a downward slope on the front side is provided at the upper end of the triangular plate 212.
It is formed so as to protrude toward the 95 side. A lower end inclined surface of a pressing rod 147 extending below a button 146 arranged in parallel with a knob 142 of the support base 14 is in contact with the inclined plate 213, and is pressed forward by pressing the button 146. The biased moving portion 182 can be moved rearward against the biasing force. Thereby, the operation member 16 becomes detachable from the support base 14.

The support base 14 is fixed and released from the blanket 12 by the structure shown in FIG. That is, the shaft 141 is inserted into the slide hole 121 of the blanket 12 in a state where the shaft 141 is inserted into the through hole 180 of the bottom plate 183 of the support mechanism portion 18,
The lower end of the shaft 141 is integrally attached to a disk 123 disposed on the back of the blanket 12. Also,
The shaft 141 is housed in an outer cylinder 148 provided between the blanket 12 and the knob 142, and the knob 142 is screwed to the upper end of the shaft 141 via a washer 149. As a result, when the knob 142 is rotated in one direction, the shaft 141 is pulled upward and the disk 123 is pressed against the back surface of the blanket 12, so that the support base 14 is fixed to the blanket 12 while the knob is rotated. When the 142 is rotated in the other direction, the pressing of the disk 123 is released. As a result, the fixing of the support base 14 is released, and the slide 14 can be slid on the blanket 12.

The operating member 16 includes an operating knob 161 having a computer mouse shape, and a moving mechanism 163 housed in a covering case 162 and capable of moving the operating knob 161. The detailed configurations of the operation knob 161 and the moving mechanism 163 will be described later. The cover case 162 is formed with an exposure hole 164 for exposing a display surface 355 of a display unit 354 composed of a liquid crystal display element or the like described later on the front end upper surface. An engagement protrusion 165 is formed to be engaged with the mating recess 145, and a connector terminal 166 connected to the connector terminal 144 is provided on the bottom surface at the front end thereof. A pair of engagement recesses 167 and 168 with which the locking portions 205 and 209 of the spring members 206 and 210 are engaged are formed on the left and right sides of the rear end surface of the covering case 162.

As a result, the operating member 16 (FIG. 2) detached from the support base 14 engages the engaging recesses 167 and 168 on the rear end face of the covering case 162 with the spring members 206 and 21.
When the spring members 206 and 210 are pressed rearward while being engaged with the locking portions 205 and 209, the spring members 206 and 210 are pressed rearward.
In this state, when the rear end is pressed from above, the engagement protrusion 165 is fitted into the engagement recess 145 of the support base 14.
As a result, the operation member 16 is stored and supported in the storage recess 143 of the support base 14 with the connector terminal 166 connected to the connector terminal 144. On the other hand, the operation member 16 (FIG. 1) stored and supported by the support base 14 is a button 1
When the 46 is pressed, the spring members 206, 210
The locking portions 205 and 209 are detached from the engaging recesses 167 and 168. As a result, the front end is lifted upward while being pressed rearward, and is removed from the storage recess 143 of the support base 14.

FIG. 5 shows a cover case 162 of the operation member 16.
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the operation knob 161 is located at an upper part of FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is a moving mechanism part located at a lower part of FIG. 5. 16
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing only 3. 8 is a perspective plan view of the operation member 16 with the operation knob 161 and the cover case 162 removed, and FIG. 9 is a side view of the operation member 16 with the operation knob case 300 described later removed.

In these figures, the operation knob 161 is
The operation knob case 300 includes an upper case 301 and a lower case 302, and an operation plate 303. The upper case 301 has an opening rim fitted into a fitting groove formed on the opening rim of the lower case 302 to be integrated with the lower case 302, and the operation plate 303 is housed in the lower case 302 as described later. It is housed in the section 310. The upper case 301 and the lower case 302 are usually made of a synthetic resin material, but may be made of another material such as a metal material. Also, the operation plate 303
Is usually made of a metal material, but may be made of another material such as a synthetic resin.

The upper case 301 has an opening 304 at the top of the front end.
The first switch 3 described later is formed in the opening 304.
30 and two button plates 305 and 30 that constitute push buttons for turning on / off the second switch 331
6 is attached. These two button boards 30
Reference numerals 5 and 306 are disposed at positions where the left index finger can be pressed.

The rear ends of these button plates 305 and 306 are integrally connected to a connecting plate 307.
7 is fixed to the upper case 301 by being locked by a locking member 308 formed on the inner bottom surface of the upper case 301.
That is, the connecting plate 307 has a hook member 307 at its rear end.
a is formed to protrude upward, and engagement recesses 307b and 307c are formed on both left and right sides thereof.
Positioning projections 308a for regulating the height position of the connecting plate 307, receiving members 308b for engaging the hook members 307a, and hook members 308c and 308d for engaging the engaging concave portions 307b and 307c are provided on the inner bottom surface of the connecting plate 307. Is formed.

Guide stoppers 305a and 306a are formed to project downward from the bottom surfaces of the button plates 305 and 306, respectively, while the openings 304 of the upper case 301 are located at positions corresponding to the guide stoppers 305a and 306a. A pair of claw members 304a and 304b are formed, and the guide stoppers 305a and 306a are
a, 304b to engage with the button plates 305, 30.
6 is prevented from jumping upward.

In the lower case 302, a storage portion 310 for storing the operation plate 303 is integrally formed, and an opening 311 is formed in the left peripheral edge of the front end. A third switch 335 described later is turned on in the opening 311. A button plate 312 constituting a push button for performing the / OFF operation is attached. This button plate 312 is disposed at a position where the button can be pressed with the middle finger of the left hand, and is integrally connected to a belt-shaped connecting plate 313 extending rearward, and this connecting plate 313 is formed inside the lower case 302. Locking member 314
And is fixed to the lower case 302.

That is, engaging projections 313a, 313b are formed on the connecting plate 313 on both rear surfaces thereof, while engaging projections 313a, 313 are formed inside the lower case 302.
The receiving members 314a and 314b for engaging the “b” are formed. In the present embodiment, the button plate 312 is formed so as to go around a part of the upper case 301, so that the notch 315 is formed on the periphery of the upper case 301.

An opening 317 is formed in the lower case 302 at the right peripheral edge, and a button plate 318 constituting a push button for turning on / off a fourth switch 338 described later is attached to the opening 317. I have. The button plate 318 is disposed at a position where it can be pressed with the thumb of the left hand, and is a strip-shaped connecting plate 31 extending rearward.
9 and is integrally connected to the lower case 30.
2 and is fixed to the lower case 302 by being locked by a locking member 320 formed inside. That is, the connecting plate 3
19 has a pair of engaging projections 319a, 319 at the rear end.
b is formed so as to protrude, and the receiving member 3 engages the pair of engagement protrusions 319a and 319b inside the lower case 302.
20a and 320b are formed.

Each of the button plates 305, 306, 31
2 and 318 are made of a synthetic resin material, and are formed in a thin plate shape so that elasticity is formed. Thus, when the button plates 305, 306, 312, and 318 are pressed with each fingertip, the corresponding switch 330, 33
When the button 1,335,338 is operated and the pressing operation is released, each of the button plates 305, 306, 312, 31
8 returns to a predetermined position by elasticity.

A switch 330 attached to a switch plate 328, which will be described later,
A through hole 322 that exposes 331 is formed, while a through hole 323 that exposes a third switch 335 described later is formed on the left side of the front end, and a fourth switch 338 described below is exposed on the right side near the front end. A through hole 324 is formed.

The operation plate 303 is housed in the housing 310 of the lower case 302 and is fixed to the lower case 302 by a plurality of screw members 325. This operation plate 3
03, a through hole 326 is formed at the front end thereof, and a switch plate 329 is fixed to step protrusions 327, 328 formed on both left and right sides of the through hole 326 by screwing. On this switch plate 329, the first
A switch 330 and a second switch 331 are mounted side by side in the left-right direction, and a button body 332, 3 located above the first and second switches 330, 331.
33 is exposed to the outside through the through hole 322 of the storage section 310, and the guide stoppers 305 of the button plates 305 and 306 are provided.
a, 306a.
Note that the button bodies 332 and 333 are
Together with 306, a push button of the first and second switches 330 and 331 is constituted.

A third switch 335 is fixed to the left bottom surface of the front end of the operation plate 303 by screwing with the button body 336 exposed on the side surface. The button 323 is exposed to the outside and is pressed by the button plate 312. Further, a fourth switch 338 is fixed to the right bottom surface at the front end of the operation plate 303 by screwing with the button body 339 exposed on the side surface.
39 is exposed to the outside through the through hole 324 of the storage section 310, and is pressed by the button plate 318. The button bodies 336 and 339 are
Third and fourth switches 335 and 338 together with 12, 318
Is constituted. 10 and FIG.
Each button plate 305, 306, 3 in the operation knob 161
10,316 and switches 330,331,335,3
38 shows a correspondence relationship with the number 38.

The moving mechanism section 163 includes the master plate 35
0, sub-plate 3 fixed to master plate 350
51 and a moving plate 352 movably attached to the sub-plate 351 along the mounting surface.
In the present embodiment, each of these members is made of a metal material. The master plate 350 and the sub plate 3
Reference numeral 51 denotes a mounting base for mounting the operation knob 161 together with the covering case 162.

The master plate 350 is formed by bending the periphery of a flat plate downward. A long hole 353 is formed in the front end along the left-right direction, and the long hole 353 has a display portion comprising a liquid crystal display element or the like. 354 is attached with its display surface 355 exposed upward. A first through hole 356 that allows a later-described mounting shaft 418 to move back and forth and right and left is formed substantially at the center of the master plate 350, and a mounting shaft 416 described later is formed in the rear half of the master plate 350. , 417, and 419 are formed to be movable back and forth and left and right.

The sub-plate 351 forms a mounting base for mounting the operation knob 161 by bending the peripheral edge of the flat plate downward. The sub-plate 351 is internally fitted at a position behind the through hole 353 of the master plate 350 and is screwed. It is fixed by a stop. A substantially cross-shaped first through hole 380 is formed at the front end of the sub plate 351, and a substantially cross-shaped second through hole 381 is formed at the center.
Further, a guide pin 382 that protrudes upward is fixedly provided at the rear end of the sub plate 351.

A fifth switch 383 is mounted at a substantially central position on the right end of the sub-plate 351 with the button body 384 constituting the push button thereof facing rearward, while the fifth switch 383 is located near the rear end on the left end of the sub-plate 351. At the position, a sixth switch 385 is attached with the button body 386 constituting the press button facing forward. The seventh switch 388 is attached to the left end of the sub plate 351 near the front end with the button body 389 constituting the press button thereof facing rightward, while the seventh switch 388 is attached to the right end of the sub plate 351 at the seventh end.
An eighth switch 390 is attached to a position facing the switch 388 with the button body 391 constituting the press button facing left.

A long plate spring 395 is disposed in the left end of the sub-plate 351 at a position inside the sixth switch 385 and the seventh switch 388 along the front-rear direction. While being fixed at the rear end position, a pinch roller 396 is attached to the other end with its side surface facing the sub plate 351 surface. A long plate spring 398 is disposed in the right end of the sub plate 351 at a position inside the fifth switch 383 and the eighth switch 390 along the front-rear direction, and one end thereof is located at the rear end position of the sub plate 351. At the other end, and a pinch roller 399 at the other end.
Are attached with their side surfaces facing the sub-plate 351 surface.

The moving plate 352 is formed in a long shape, and the first shaft 401 projects downward at the center of the front end thereof.
The first through hole 380 is movably fitted. In addition, a second shaft 402 projects downward substantially at the center of the moving plate 352 in the longitudinal direction.
Are movably fitted in the second through holes 381 of the sub-plate 350. A long hole 403 is formed in the center of the rear end of the moving plate 352 along the front-rear direction.
03 is movably fitted to the guide pin 382.

Thus, the movable plate 352 is
The shaft 401 and the second shaft 402 are in the first through hole 3
The first shaft 401 and the second shaft 402 can move in the front-rear direction around a reference position that is a center position between the first through-hole 380 and the second through-hole 381. When it is at the position, it can be moved (rotated) in the left-right direction about the guide pin 382 as the center of rotation.

On the left and right sides of the elongated hole 403, standing walls 404, 4 for preventing the movable plate 352 from tilting left and right.
A retaining ring 407 is fitted on the upper surfaces of the upright walls 404 and 405 via the O-ring 406 on the upper surfaces of the upright walls 404 and 405, so that the moving plate 352 does not come off from the guide pins 382.

A pressing spring mounting member 408 projecting rightward is formed at a position closer to the rear end than the center at the right end of the moving plate 352, and the fifth switch 38 is provided at the front end thereof.
A pressing spring 409 for pressing the third button body 384 is attached. The pressing spring mounting member 41 protruding leftward at a substantially central position at the left end of the moving plate 352.
0 is formed, and a pressing spring 411 that presses the button body 386 of the sixth switch 385 is attached to the end of the “0”. Also, at a position near the front end of the moving plate 352,
A pressing spring mounting member 412 cut and raised from the right end and integrally connected is formed so as to be located at the center in the left-right direction, and the button body 3 of the seventh switch 388 is provided at the left end thereof.
A pressing spring 413 for pressing the push button 89 is attached, and a pressing spring 414 for pressing the button body 391 of the eighth switch 390 is attached to the right end.

The pressing spring mounting members 408, 410,
412 and the master plate 3 at a position adjacent to the standing wall 404.
Mounting shafts 416 and 41 having a length protruding above 50
7, 418, and 419 are attached. The housing 310 of the operation knob 161 and the operation plate 303 are screwed to these mounting shafts 416, 417, 418, and 419, and the operation knob 161 moves integrally with the moving plate 352. It is supposed to.

A disk 422 is attached to the distal end of the first shaft 401 on the lower surface side of the sub-plate 351 in a state where the disk 422 is prevented from falling off by the retaining ring 423, thereby preventing the movable plate 352 from tilting.
The moving plate 352 is set to have a predetermined weight so that the operability of the operation knob 161 is improved. The sub-plate 35 is provided at the tip of the second shaft 402.
4, four tension coil springs 424, 425, 426, 4 disposed so as to cross each other in an oblique direction on the lower surface side
27 are locked, and the other ends of the tension coil springs 424, 425, 426, and 427 protrude from the lower surface of the sub-plate 351.
1, 432, 433.

That is, the second shaft 402 has a substantially cross-shaped second through hole 381 formed in the sub plate 351.
At the reference position which is the center position of the second shaft 4
02, each tension coil spring 424, 425, 4
An even tensile force is applied from 26 and 427. As a result, when the operation knob 161 is moved forward or backward from the reference position by applying the operation force in the front-rear direction to the operation knob 161, an urging force is applied to the operation knob 161 in a direction to always return to the reference position. On the other hand, an operation force in the left-right direction is applied to the operation knob 161 and the operation knob 16
When the user 1 moves (rotates) left or right from the reference position around the guide pin 382 as the rotation center, the operation knob 16
1 is always provided with an urging force in the direction of returning to the reference position. These tension coil springs 424, 4
Reference numerals 25, 426, and 427 constitute a return unit 428 that automatically returns the operation knob 161 to the reference position when the operation knob 161 is moved forward, backward, left, and right.

Further, on the left side of the moving plate 352,
A corrugated portion 443 having three continuous triangular concave portions 440, 441, and 442 is formed at a position closer to the front end than the center in the longitudinal direction and opposed to the pinch roller 396 on the sub plate 351. Further, three continuous triangular concave portions 444, 4 are provided on the right side of the moving plate 352 at positions opposed to the corrugated portions 443 and opposed to the pinch rollers 399 on the sub plate 351.
45, 446 (445 is not shown) corrugated portion 44
7 are formed.

The wave-shaped portion 443 includes the pinch roller 3
When the moving plate 352 is at the reference position, the pinch roller 396 is
1 and the moving plate 352 moves forward from the reference position, and when reaching the position where the fifth switch 383 is pressed, the pinch roller 396 gets over the top and fits into the concave portion 442 at the rear end. Moving plate 35
2 moves backward from the reference position and the sixth switch 385
When the pinch roller 396 reaches the position for pressing, the pinch roller 396 gets over the top and fits into the recess 440 at the front end.

Further, a pinch roller 399 is elastically abutted on the wave-shaped portion 447, and when the moving plate 352 is at the reference position, the pinch roller 399 is in the central concave portion 447.
45, the moving plate 352 moves forward from the reference position, and when the moving plate 352 reaches a position where the fifth switch 383 is pressed, the pinch roller 399 gets over the top and fits into the concave portion 446 at the rear end. Moving plate 3
52 moves backward from the reference position, and the sixth switch 38
5 is reached, the pinch roller 399
Over the top and fit into the recess 444 at the front end.

Thus, when the operation knob 161 is moved forward or backward (that is, in the front-back direction) from the reference position, an appropriate load is applied to the operation knob 161 and the operability is improved. The user's hand is given an appropriate click feeling. Note that the operator can confirm that the operation of the fifth switch 383 or the sixth switch 385 has been performed by obtaining a click feeling when the operation knob 161 is moved in the front-back direction. Here, the corrugated portion 443 and the pinch roller 396 and the corrugated portion 447 and the pinch roller 399 are connected to the operation knob 161.
A load applying means 448 for applying a predetermined load to the operation knob 161 (that is, the moving plate 352) while the (the moving plate 352) moves a predetermined distance in the front-rear direction is configured.

As shown in FIG. 12, the cover case 162 includes a long hole 162a corresponding to the long hole 353 of the master plate 350, a first through hole 162b corresponding to the first through hole 356, and a second through hole. 357, a container-shaped upper case 1 having a lower surface opening in which a second through-hole 162c corresponding to 357 is formed.
62d and a flat lower case 162e. The upper case 162d contains the master plate 350 in advance, and the upper case 162d is screwed in place on the master plate 350, and the lower case 162e is fixed in the final step. The operation member 16 is screwed to the upper case 162d.
Is completed.

The operating device 10 configured as described above is
When the operating member 16 is pulled out from the retracted position of the bracket 12 by rotating the knob 142 and fixed at the use position, the operating knob 161 at the reference position is gripped with the left hand to apply an operating force in a direction of moving the operating knob 161 forward. , Operation knob 16
Reference numeral 1 denotes a fifth switch 383 which is moved forward by the corrugated portions 443 and 447 of the moving plate 352 integrally connected to each other being expanded between the pinch rollers 396 and 399.
Is pressed by the pressing spring 409 to be turned ON. Next, when the operation force in the direction of moving the actuator forward is released, the operation knob 161 returns to the reference position by the tensile force of the tension coil springs 425 and 427, and the fifth switch 383 is turned off.
It will be F. When moving forward, the pinch roller 39 located in the central concave portions 441 and 445
6,399 fits in the rear concave portions 442,446, and when returning to the reference position, the rear concave portions 442,4.
As a result, the pinch rollers 396 and 399 in the position 46 are fitted in the concave portions 441 and 445 at the center, so that an appropriate click feeling is given to the operator's hand.

When the operating knob 161 at the reference position is gripped by the left hand and an operating force is applied in the direction of moving the operating knob 161 backward, the operating knob 161 is moved to the corrugated portion 44
The 3,447 is moved backward by expanding between the pinch rollers 396, 399, and the sixth switch 385 is pressed by the pressing spring 411 to be turned ON. Next, when the operation force in the direction of moving the rearward is released, the operation knob 161 is pulled by the tension force of the tension coil springs 424 and 426.
Returns to the reference position, and the sixth switch 385 is turned off. When moving backward, the pinch rollers 396 and 39 located in the central concave portions 441 and 445 are used.
9 fits into the front recesses 440, 444, and when returning to the reference position, the pinch rollers 396, 399, which were in the front recesses 440, 444, are also in the center recess 441, 441.
As a result of fitting into the 445, an appropriate click feeling is given to the operator's hand.

When the operating knob 161 at the reference position is gripped by the left hand and an operating force in the direction of moving (rotating) to the left is applied, the operating knob 161 is moved by the moving plate 352 pushing the pinch roller 396. Guide pin 38
The second switch 388 is moved (rotated) leftward about the center of rotation, and the seventh switch 388 is pressed by the pressing spring 414 to be turned ON. Next, when the operation force in the direction of turning to the left is released, the operation knob 161 returns to the reference position by the tensile force of the tension coil springs 424 and 427, and the seventh switch 3
88 will be turned off. In addition, the operation knob 161 at the reference position is gripped by the left hand and moved to the right (rotation).
When an operating force in the direction to be operated is applied, the operating knob 161 is moved (rotated) rightward about the guide pin 382 as the moving plate 352 pushes the pinch roller 399, and the eighth switch 390 is pressed by the pressing spring. It is pressed by 413 and turned on. Next, when the operation force in the direction of moving (rotating) rightward is released, the operation knob 161 returns to the reference position by the pulling force of the pulling coil springs 425 and 426, and the eighth switch 390 is turned off. Become.

The operation knob 161 is moved to operate the fifth knob.
Set any of the switches 383 to 390 to O
When the N / OFF operation is performed, the first or
Set any of the switches 330 to 338 to O
By performing the N / OFF operation, the same switch can have a plurality of functions.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the operation device 10. As shown in FIG. In this figure, the control unit 50 of the operating device 10 has a CPU (Central Processi
ng Unit) 501, a ROM (Read) storing a program for controlling the overall operation of the operation device 10 and predetermined data.
-Only Memory) 502, RA for temporarily storing data
M (Random Access Memory) 503 and an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Programmable Programmable Programmable Memory) which stores predetermined information and which can electrically rewrite the stored contents.
ble ROM).

The CPU 501 has a first switch 330, a second switch 331, and a third switch 33 on the input side.
5, fourth switch 338, fifth switch 383, sixth switch 385, seventh switch 388, and eighth switch 3
The display unit 354, the radio receiver 601, the television receiver 602, the navigator 603, the air conditioner 604, the player 605, and the defogger 606 are connected to the output side.

The CPU 501 includes a radio receiver 6
01 or the player 605 is selected, the first type of the selected electronic device is stored in the storage unit 504.
When the storage instruction unit 501a, the television receiver 602, or the navigator 603 is selected, the second storage instruction unit 501b, the radio receiver 601 or the player 605 for storing the type of the selected electronic device in the storage unit 504 is selected. Whether the radio receiver 601
Alternatively, when the player 605 is selected, the storage unit 504
The first determination means 501c for reading out the stored contents of the above and selecting which one has been selected at the time of the previous selection, and determining whether or not the television receiver 602 or the navigator 603 has been selected. Each function realizing means is provided as a second determining means 501d for reading out the stored contents of the storing means 504 when the 602 or the navigator 603 is selected, and for determining which of them was selected at the time of the previous selection.

Further, when one of the electronic devices is selected and another electronic device is operating, the CPU 501 stops the operation of the operating electronic device when a new electronic device is selected. It has a function realizing means as a stop instruction means 501e. That is, the operating device 10
By providing this function realizing means, the first to eighth switches 330, 331, 335, 338,
On the condition that a specific switch among 383, 385, 388, and 390 is operated, a new electronic device can be selected without separately performing an operation of stopping the electronic device that has been operating so far. Operation can be simplified. For example, in the present embodiment, the first to fourth switches
Specific switches among the switches 330, 331, 335, and 338, and the fifth to eighth switches 383, 383
By operating a specific switch among 385, 388, and 390 at the same time, a new electronic device can be selected without separately performing an operation of stopping the electronic device that has been operating so far. I have.

Further, when an operation of selecting the radio receiver 601 or the player 605 is performed, the CPU 501 further gives a first priority selection instruction means 501e for giving priority to the electronic device selected last time. And, when an operation of selecting the television receiver 602 or the navigator 603 is performed, each function realizing unit is provided as a second priority selecting instruction unit 501f that preferentially selects the electronic device selected last time among the electronic devices. ing. That is, the operating device 10
By providing each of these function realizing means, the first to eighth switches 330, 331, 335, 33
8, 383, 385, 388, 390, on condition that a particular switch has been activated.
The player 605, the television receiver 602, and the navigator 603 have the last one memory function in which the electronic device selected last time is preferentially selected. For example, in the present embodiment, a specific switch among the first to fourth switches 330, 331, 335, and 338, and a fifth to eighth switch 383, 3
When a specific switch among 85, 388, and 390 is simultaneously operated, the electronic device selected last time is preferentially selected.

The control unit 50 is disposed in the cover case 162 constituting the operation member 16 or the like. However, the control unit 50 may be disposed at an appropriate position on the support base 14 or may be disposed outside the operation device 10. You can also.

FIGS. 14 and 15 are diagrams for explaining an operation example of the operation member 16 for selecting an electronic device to be operated from among a plurality of electronic devices (selection of the top hierarchy). In this example, as shown in FIG. 14, in any operation, the third switch 33 on the left side with the middle finger CF of the left hand.
The operation knob 161 is gripped in a state where the fourth switch 338 on the right side is pressed and turned on with the thumb PF at the same time as the 5 is pressed to turn on. By turning on the third switch 335 and the fourth switch 338 at the same time, if there is an electronic device in the operating state, the operation is stopped. However, for the air conditioner 604 and the defogger 606, even if they are in operation,
When the fourth switches 335 and 338 are simultaneously turned on, the operation is not stopped.

As described above, the third and fourth switches 335, 3
When the operation knob 161 is moved forward as shown in FIG. 15A with the 38 turned on, the fifth switch 3
83 is turned ON. Thereby, the radio receiver 601
Alternatively, the player 605 is selected to be driven. The operation knob 161 that has been moved forward is automatically returned to the original reference position by releasing the forward operation force.

That is, when the radio receiver 601 is selected by the last operation by the last one memory function, the radio receiver 601 is preferentially selected, and when the player 605 is selected by the previous operation, the player 605 is selected. 605
Is preferentially selected. When the radio receiver 601 is selected by one forward movement, AM broadcast is selected first, and FM broadcast is selected by repeatedly performing forward movement (second forward movement). Then, the player 605 is selected by repeatedly performing the forward movement (third forward movement). When the player 605 is selected by the first forward movement, the AM broadcast is selected by the second forward movement, and the FM broadcast is selected by the third forward movement.

The third and fourth switches 335, 338
When the operation knob 161 is turned to the left as shown in FIG.
Is turned on, volume / sound quality adjustment of the radio receiver 601 and the television receiver 602 or reception of traffic information is selected. The operation knob 161 rotated to the left automatically returns to the original reference position by releasing the operation force to the left. In this operation, volume / sound quality adjustment is always selected by the first left rotation, and traffic information reception is selected by the second left rotation that is repeatedly performed. This is because the volume / sound quality adjustment has a higher selection frequency than the traffic information reception, so that the required selection can be preferentially performed with a small number of operations.

The third and fourth switches 335, 338
When the operation knob 161 is turned to the right as shown in FIG.
Is turned ON, the television receiver 602 or the navigator 603 is selected and driven. The operation knob 161 rotated rightward automatically returns to the original reference position by releasing the rightward operation force. In other words, the last one memory function allows the TV receiver 6
When 02 is selected, the television receiver 602 is preferentially selected, and when the navigator 603 is selected in the previous operation, the player 605 is preferentially selected.

The third and fourth switches 335, 338
When the operation knob 161 is moved backward as shown in FIG.
Is turned on, the air conditioner 604 is turned on.
Alternatively, the defogger 606 is selected to be driven.
The operation knob 161 moved rearward automatically returns to the original reference position by releasing the operation force in the rearward direction. In this operation, the air conditioner 604 is always selected by the first backward movement, and the defogger 606 is selected by the second backward movement. This is because the air conditioner 604 has a higher selection frequency than the defogger 606, so that the required selection can be preferentially performed with a small number of operations.

As described above, in the operating device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the operation knob 161 is gripped by the left hand, the switch touched by the middle finger and the switch touched by the thumb are simultaneously pressed and turned on. The operation of selecting an electronic device or the like to be operated by moving the knob 161 in the front-rear direction or rotating the knob 161 in the left-right direction can be easily performed. Then, when a predetermined electronic device or the like is selected,
As shown in FIG. 16, the selected content is displayed on the display surface 355 of the display unit 354.

That is, the display surface 355 of the display unit 354 has a front display area 355a and a rear display area 355.
b, left display area 355c and right display area 355
d, the selected content is displayed in the front display area 355a when the operation knob 161 is moved forward, and is selected in the rear display area 355b when the operation knob 161 is moved backward. The contents are displayed, and when turned to the left, the left display area 355c is displayed.
The selected content is displayed in the right display area 355d while the selected content is rotated to the right. Since these displays are provided for those who are unfamiliar with the operation, they are usually simply displayed in abbreviated characters or the like.

After the selection operation of the uppermost layer is completed as described above, for example, the first switch 330 and the second switch 331 pressed by the index finger mainly function as switches for selecting the lower layer. The third switch 335 pressed by the middle finger mainly functions as a switch for performing a return operation for restoring the selected content, and the fourth switch 338 pressed by the thumb is mainly used for confirming the lower layer selection operation. It is set to function as a switch.

FIGS. 17 and 18 are flowcharts for explaining an operation for selecting an electronic device to be operated (selection of the uppermost layer) by the operation member 16. First, it is determined whether or not the third and fourth switches 335 and 338 are turned on (step S1). If the determination is affirmative, it is determined whether or not the fifth switch 383 is turned on (step S3). ). If the determination is negative in step S1, the process waits until the determination is positive.

If the determination is affirmative in step S3, it is determined whether the previous selection was the radio receiver 601 (step S5). If the determination was positive, the radio receiver 6 was selected.
01 AM broadcast is selected (step S7). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the fifth switch 383 has been turned on again (the second ON) (step S9). If the determination is negative, the selection operation ends. If the determination is affirmative in step S9, the FM broadcast of the radio receiver 601 is selected (step S11).

Next, the fifth switch 383 is turned on three times.
(Third ON) is determined (step S13), and if a negative determination is made, the sorting operation ends. If a negative determination is made in step S5, it is determined whether the previous selection was the player 605 (step S1).
5). If the determination is affirmative, the player 605 is selected (step S17), and the selection operation ends. If the determination is negative in step S15 (that is, if no information is stored in the storage unit 504), the process proceeds to step S7, and the subsequent operations are repeatedly performed. If the determination is affirmative in step S13, the process proceeds to step S17 and the subsequent operations are executed.

If the determination is negative in step S3, the seventh
It is determined whether or not the switch 388 has been turned ON (step S19). If the determination is affirmative, the volume / sound quality adjustment is selected (step S21). And the seventh switch 3
It is determined whether or not 88 has been turned ON again (the second ON) (step S23). If the determination is negative, the selection operation ends. If the determination is affirmative in step S23, reception of traffic information is selected (step S25), and the selection operation ends.

If a negative determination is made in step S19, it is determined whether or not the eighth switch 390 has been turned on (step S27). If a positive determination has been made, whether or not the previous selection was for the television receiver 602 is made. Is determined (step S29). If the determination is affirmative in step S29, the television receiver 602 is selected (step S31). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the eighth switch 390 has been turned ON again (second ON) (step S33), and if the determination is negative, the selection operation ends.

If a negative determination is made in step S29, it is determined whether the previous selection was the navigator 603 (step S35). If the determination is affirmative in step S35, the navigator 603 is selected (step S3).
7), thereby ending the selection operation. Step S35
If the determination is negative in (that is, if no information is stored in the storage unit 504), the process shifts to step S31 to repeat the shift operation. Step S3
If the determination is affirmative in 3, the process proceeds to step S37 and the subsequent operations are executed.

If a negative determination is made in step S27, it is determined whether or not the sixth switch 385 has been turned on (step S39). If the determination is affirmative, the sixth switch 385 is set within a predetermined time.
It is determined whether the switch 385 has been turned ON again (second ON) (step S41). Step S
If the determination is negative in 41, the air conditioner 60
4 is selected (step S43), and the selection operation ends. If the determination is affirmative in step S41, the defogger 606 is selected (step S45),
This ends the selection operation.

FIGS. 19 to 33 are diagrams for explaining an example of the operation of the lower hierarchy by the operation member 16 after the selection operation of the uppermost hierarchy is completed.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the lower hierarchy when the AM broadcast is selected. That is, AM
When the first switch 330 is repeatedly turned ON by repeatedly pressing the button plate 305 with the index finger after selecting the broadcast, the frequency is sequentially switched from the higher frequency to the lower frequency each time the ON operation is performed. Is performed (manual DWN tuning). Further, when the second switch 331 is repeatedly turned ON by repeatedly pressing the button plate 306 with the index finger, the frequency is sequentially switched from a lower frequency to a higher frequency each time the ON operation is performed, thereby performing a channel selection operation. (Manual UP tuning). In this case, when performing the channel selection operation from the lower frequency to the higher frequency, for example, “SELUP” is displayed in the front display area 355a, and when performing the channel selection operation from the higher frequency to the lower frequency, For example, “SELDN” is displayed in the lower display area 355b.

By repeatedly moving the operation knob 161 forward, preset broadcast stations are sequentially selected from a lower frequency to a higher frequency (station switching up). Also, by repeatedly moving backward, preset broadcast stations are sequentially selected from a higher frequency to a lower frequency (station switching down). In this case, when a broadcast station is selected from a lower frequency to a higher frequency, for example, "SELUP" is displayed in the front display area 355a as before.
When a broadcast station is selected from a higher frequency to a lower frequency, for example, “SELDN” is displayed in the rear display area 355b as before.

Further, by turning the operation knob 161 to the left, automatic tuning is performed from the higher frequency to the lower frequency (search down long press scan). Further, by turning to the right, automatic tuning is performed from the lower frequency to the higher frequency (search-up long-press scan). In this case, when performing automatic tuning from a higher frequency to a lower frequency, for example, "AT / DN" is displayed in the left display area 355c, and when performing automatic tuning from a lower frequency to a higher frequency, a right display is performed. Area 355
For example, “AT UP” is displayed in d. The automatic tuning operation is performed when the rotation operation is continued for, for example, 3 seconds or more. When the fourth switch 338 is turned on within 5 seconds after the channel is selected and the channel selection is not determined, for example, the automatic tuning operation is performed. Operation resumes.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the lower hierarchy when the FM broadcast is selected. This operation is basically the same as that when the AM broadcast is selected, and the description of the operation is omitted. However, by pressing the button plate 312 with the middle finger in order to be able to receive teletext,
The switching operation of the FM multiplex mode is assigned to the third switch 335 operated by N (FM multiplex selection).

FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the lower hierarchy when receiving a text broadcast in the FM multiplex mode. The teletext is displayed on the monitors of the television receiver 602 and the navigator 603, and is displayed on the monitor by pressing the button plate 305 with the index finger and turning on the first switch 330. When the cursor is moved to the left (to the left), the button switch 306 is pressed to operate the second switch 33.
By operating 1, the cursor displayed on the monitor is moved rightward (moving to the right), whereby the operation item displayed on the monitor is selected. The operation knob 16
The cursor is moved up, down, left and right (cursor up, cursor down, cursor left, and cursor right) by rotating the cursor 1 in the front and rear direction and in the left and right direction, thereby selecting an operation item displayed on the monitor. It is also possible. The selected operation item is the fourth switch 33
It is determined by turning on 8.

In this case, when the cursor is moved upward, "UP" is displayed in the front display area 355a, and when the cursor is moved downward, "DOWN" is displayed in the rear display area 355b. When the cursor is moved to the left, "L" is displayed in the left display area 355c.
When the cursor is moved to the right while "EFT" is displayed, "RIGHT" is displayed in the right display area 355d.

FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the lower hierarchy when the player 605 is selected. By repeatedly moving the operation knob 161 forward, a CD player or an MD player is selected (CD / MD selection). By moving the operation knob 161 backward, a DVD player is selected (DVD selection). Further, by turning the operation knob 161 to the left, the CD autochanger is selected (autochanger CD selection), and by turning the control knob 161 to the right, the MD autochanger is selected (autochanger MD selection). In addition, the button board 3 with the index finger
When the first switch 330 is turned on by pressing the button 05, the cursor displayed on the monitor is moved downward (cursor down selection), and the button plate 3
When the second switch 331 is turned on by pressing the button 06, the cursor displayed on the monitor is moved upward (cursor up selection), whereby the disc number or title displayed on the monitor is selected. Is done. Then, by turning on the fourth switch 338, the selection is confirmed, and thereby the reproduction is started.

In this case, when the CD player or the MD player is selected, “SI” is displayed in the front display area 355a.
NGL "is displayed while" DVD / V "is displayed in the rear display area 355b when the DVD player is selected, and" AC / CD "is displayed in the left display area 355c when the CD autochanger is selected. Is displayed, when the MD autochanger is selected, "AC / MD" is displayed in the right display area 355d.

FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining the reproduction operation of the player. By pressing the button plate 305 with the index finger to turn on the first switch 330, the previous song is selected (previous song selection), and pressing the button plate 306 to turn on the second switch 331. The next song is selected (next song selection). By moving the operation knob 161 forward, the next song is scanned (next song scan), and by moving it backward, the previous song is scanned (previous song scan), and the operation knob 161 is turned to the left. The performance is repeated by moving it (repeated performance),
By rotating to the right, a cueing performance is performed (cueing performance). Further, the reproduction is stopped by pressing the button plate 312 with the middle finger to turn on the third switch 335 (pause), and the fourth switch 338 is turned on by pressing the button plate 318 with the thumb. By doing so, the selection is confirmed.

In this case, when the next song is scanned, the front display area 355a includes a “rightward arrowhead diagram”.
On the other hand, when the previous song is scanned, a “left-pointing arrowhead” is displayed in the rear display area 355b. When the performance is repeatedly performed, the left display area 3 is displayed.
While “REPT” is displayed in 55c, when a cueing performance is performed, “TO” is displayed in the right display area 355d.
P "is displayed.

FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the lower hierarchy when the volume / tone quality adjustment is selected. The volume is reduced by pressing the button plate 305 with the index finger to turn on the first switch 330 (volume DW).
N), pressing the button plate 306 to operate the second switch 33
1 is turned on to increase the volume (volume U
P). Also, while moving the operation knob 161 back and forth,
The sound image position is adjusted by turning left and right. That is, the front-back balance is adjusted by moving the operation knob 161 back and forth (before and after the fader), and the left-right balance is adjusted by moving the operation knob 161 left and right (balance left and balance right). The sound quality adjustment is selected by pressing the button plate 312 with the middle finger to turn on the third switch 335 (sound quality adjustment selection).

In this case, when the front balance is adjusted,
While “FRONT” is displayed in the front display area 355a, “REAR” is displayed in the rear display area 355b when the rear balance is adjusted, and when the left balance is adjusted, the left display area 355c is displayed. "LEF
T "is displayed while the right balance is adjusted,
“RIGHT” is displayed in the right display area 355d.

FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining the operation of sound quality adjustment. By moving the operation knob 161 forward, the bass characteristic displayed on the monitor is selected to adjust the low-frequency portion of the audio frequency (bus adjustment), while moving backward, the treble characteristic displayed on the monitor is adjusted. Is selected to adjust the high frequency part of the audio frequency (treble adjustment). Also,
By pressing the button plate 305 or the button plate 306 with the forefinger and repeatedly turning on the first switch 330 or the second switch 331, the levels of the low-frequency portion and the high-frequency portion are selected (bass train DSPDWN selection and bass train). D
SPUP selection). The DSP is selected by turning the operation knob 161 to the left (DSP selection), and the equalizer is selected by turning to the right (Equalizer selection). When the equalizer is selected, the first switch 33
By operating 0 or the second switch 331, the mode of the equalizer is selected.

In this case, when the bus is adjusted, “BASS” is displayed in the front display area 355a,
When the treble is adjusted, “TREBL” is displayed in the rear display area 355b and “DSP” is displayed in the left display area 355c, while when the equalizer is selected, “Equal” is displayed in the right display area 355d.

FIG. 26 shows that when the equalizer is selected,
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an operation of selecting various equalizer display patterns. When eight types of patterns are recorded, each pattern is selected by repeatedly moving the operation knob 161 back and forth and left and right (Pattern 1.5, Pattern 3.7, Pattern 2.6 and Pattern 4.8). .
For example, by moving the operation knob 161 forward, the first
A pattern is selected, and the second pattern is selected by turning to the left. Further, the third pattern is selected by moving the operation knob 161 backward, and the fourth pattern is selected by rotating the operation knob 161 rightward. Further, the fifth pattern is selected by repeatedly moving the operation knob 161 forward, and the sixth pattern is selected by rotating the operation knob 161 to the left. The seventh pattern is selected by repeatedly moving the operation knob 161 backward, and the eighth pattern is selected by rotating the operation knob 161 rightward.

In this case, when the first and fifth patterns are selected, “TYP01 (or TYP05)” is displayed in the front display area 355a, and when the third and seventh patterns are selected. "TYP03 (or TYP07)" is displayed in the rear display area 355b, and when the second and sixth patterns are selected, the left display area 3
While “TYP02 (or TYP06)” is displayed in 55c, when the fourth and eighth patterns are selected, “TYP04 (or TYP06)” is displayed in the right display area 355d.
08) "is displayed.

FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining the operation when the reception of traffic information is selected. In this case, there is no lower-level operation, and the third switch 335 is turned on by pressing the button plate 312 with the middle finger to return to the initial settings (return). In this case, each display area 3
“NON” is displayed in 55a to 355d.

FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the lower hierarchy when the television receiver 602 is selected. This operation is basically the same as when AM broadcast is selected, and a description thereof will be omitted. However, the third switch 335, which is turned on by pressing the button plate 312 with the middle finger, is assigned with the switching operation of the audio multiplexing and image quality adjustment modes, which are the special functions when the television receiver 602 is selected. (Adjustment mode selection).

FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the lower hierarchy when the audio multiplexing and image quality adjustment mode is selected. By moving the operation knob 161 forward, the audio multiplex switching mode is selected (audio switching), and by moving it backward, the color adjustment mode is selected (color adjustment). Turning the operation knob 161 to the left lowers the brightness of the screen (darker), and turning it to the right increases the brightness of the screen (brighter). Further, by pressing the button plate 305 or the button plate 306 with the index finger and turning on the first switch 330 or the second switch 331, the adjustment is performed when the audio multiplex switching mode or the color adjustment mode is selected. (DWN selection of voice / color and voice /
The color UP is selected, and the thumb is pressed on the button plate 318 to turn on the fourth switch 338, whereby the determination is made.

In this case, when the audio multiplex switching mode is selected, “SOUND” is displayed in the front display area 355a, and when the color adjustment mode is selected, “COLOR” is displayed in the rear display area 355b. When the screen brightness is reduced, “DARK” is displayed in the left display area 355c, and when the screen brightness is increased, “BRIGH” is displayed in the right display area 355d.
Is displayed.

FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the lower hierarchy when the navigator 603 is selected. That is, the first switch 330 or the second switch 331 is operated by pressing the button plate 305 or the button plate 306 with the index finger.
Is turned on, the map displayed on the monitor is reduced or enlarged (map reduction switching and map enlargement switching).
In addition, the map displayed on the monitor is scrolled by moving the operation knob 161 in the front-rear direction while the fourth switch 338 is turned on by pressing the button plate 318 with the thumb (scroll). Also, the fourth switch 338
By moving the operation knob 161 forward without turning ON, a menu screen is displayed on the monitor (menu selection), and by moving it backward, a map centering on the current location is displayed (current location selection). By turning the operation knob 161 to the left, a mode for switching the screen display is set (screen display switching), and by turning to the right, the mode is set to the route guidance mode (guidance mode switching).

In this case, when the menu screen is displayed on the monitor, “MENU” is displayed in the front display area 355a, and when a map centering on the current location is displayed, “LOCAT” is displayed in the rear display area 355b. Is displayed in the left display area 355c when "DISP" is displayed in the mode for switching the screen display, and "GUIDE" is displayed in the right display area 355d when the mode is set in the route guidance mode. Is displayed.

FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining the operation when the menu screen is displayed on the monitor of the navigator 603. By moving the operation knob 161 forward, the mode is switched to a mode for setting a destination (destination setting mode), and by moving it backward, a data search or search operation mode is set (search / search mode). Turning the operation knob 161 to the left sets the traffic information display mode for VICS broadcasting or the like (traffic information mode), and turning the control knob 161 to the right sets the data input or editing work mode. (Data management mode). Subsequent individual lower operations are performed by operating the first switch 330 or the second switch 331 (down selection and up selection),
It is determined by operating the fourth switch 338.

In this case, when the mode is switched to the mode for setting the destination, "DES" is displayed in the front display area 355a.
While “TN” is displayed, when the data search or search operation mode is set, “DE” is displayed in the rear display area 355b.
TCT "is displayed, and when set to the traffic information display mode," TRAFF "is displayed in the left display area 355c. On the other hand, when set to the mode of data input or editing work, the right display area 355d. Is displayed as "DATA".

FIG. 32 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the lower hierarchy when the air conditioner 604 is selected. By pressing the button plate 305 or the button plate 306 with the index finger, the first switch 330 or the second switch 33 is pressed.
The temperature setting is changed by turning on 1 (room temperature down and room temperature up). The air volume mode is set by moving the operation knob 161 forward (air volume mode), and the direction of the air outlet is changed by moving the operation knob 161 backward (air blow selection mode). In a state where the air volume mode is set, the first switch 330 or the second switch 331 is operated by pressing the button plate 305 or the button plate 306 with the forefinger.
Is turned on to increase or decrease the air volume (air volume down and air volume up). The air conditioner 604 is turned on / off by repeatedly turning the operation knob 161 to the left (air conditioner ON / OFF), and repeatedly turned to the right to turn the air conditioner 6 on.
04 automatic / manual switching is performed (automatic / manual). When the air conditioner 604 is in the ON state, the first switch 330 or the second switch 331 is operated by pressing the button plate 305 or the button plate 306 with the forefinger to perform indoor / outdoor switching (indoor / outdoor switching). mode).

In this case, when the air volume mode is set,
While “VOLUM” is displayed in the front display area 355a, when the direction of the outlet is changed, “DEFLE” is displayed in the rear display area 355b, and ON / OFF is displayed.
When the OFF operation is performed, “CHENG” is displayed in the left display area 355c, and when automatic / manual switching is performed, “AT / AT” is displayed in the right display area 355d.
MU "is displayed.

FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining the ON / OFF operation of the rear glass hot wire constituting the defogger 606. By pressing the button plate 318 with the thumb to turn on the fourth switch 338, the rear glass hot wire is turned on, and is automatically turned off after a certain period of time (ON / OFF). In this case, each display area 355
“NON” is displayed in a to 355d.

The operation device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention
As described above, the first to fourth switches 330, 331, 3 operated by the fingertip of the hand holding the operation knob 161
35, 338, and fifth to eighth switches 383, 385, 388, 390 that are operated by moving the operation knob 161 in the front-rear direction and rotating in the left-right direction. Since the operation method (operating method) is different from that of the fifth to eighth switches, even when one function is selected by a combination of a plurality of switches, the operation contents can be easily stored, but the pressing operation is performed as in the related art. Since there is no need to search for operating members by eye or to operate them so as not to touch adjacent operating members as in the past, operability can be easily improved, and excellent operability can be achieved. It will be. Further, since the operation knob 161 is configured to be held at the reference position when it is not operated, the operation knob 161 can always be operated centering on the reference position when moving the operation knob 161 forward, backward, left, and right. Therefore, the operability can be improved, and the operability becomes excellent.

The operating device 10 of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but may employ various modifications as described below.

(1) In the above embodiment, the master plate 350 is used, but a configuration in which the master plate 350 is removed may be adopted. That is, the master plate 350 is used for attaching the sub-plate 351 and the display unit 354 in the above embodiment, but is removed when the display unit 354 is not used or when the display unit 354 is attached to the sub-plate 351. can do. That is, when the master plate 350 is not used, a mounting base for mounting the operation knob 161 is constituted by the sub-plate 351 and the covering case 162.

(2) In the above embodiment, the sub-plate 3
51 is the cover case 1
Although the configuration is aesthetically superior by being covered by the cover 62, the cover case 162 is not necessarily required. When the covering case 162 is not used, the engaging projection 16 for supporting the operation member 16 on the support base 14 is provided.
5 and the engagement recesses 167 and 168
0 (the sub-plate 351 when the master plate 350 is not used). That is, when the covering case 162 is not used, the mounting base for mounting the operation knob 161 is constituted by the master plate 350 and the sub plate 351. When the master plate 350 is not used, the mounting base for mounting the operation knob 161 is constituted only by the sub-plate 351.

(3) In the above-described embodiment, the support base 14 for accommodating and supporting the operation member 16 is slidable on the bracket 12 so that it can be moved to different positions when used and not used. This movement is not limited to the sliding structure on the bracket 12, but may be performed by adopting a telescopic structure that is extendable and contractible or another appropriate structure.

(4) In the above embodiment, the return means 4 for automatically returning the operated knob 161 to the reference position.
28 is composed of tension coil springs 424 to 427, but may be composed of another elastic member such as a compression coil spring or rubber instead of the tension coil spring.

(5) In the above embodiment, the return means 428 having the function of automatically returning the operated knob 161 to the reference position and the function of holding the operation knob 161 at the reference position when it is not operated are provided. However, instead of the return means 428, a holding means having only a function of holding the operation knob 161 at the reference position when the operation knob 161 is not operated may be provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 34, a core rod 434 is provided around the second shaft 402 at the reference position.
The holding means 438 may be configured by arranging four elastic members 434, 435, 436, and 437, such as rubber, having a, 435a, 436a, and 437a on diagonal lines that intersect each other and pressing them against each other.

In the holding means 438 thus configured,
The operation knob 161 is held at the reference position when not operated. However, when an operation force for moving the operation knob 161 forward is applied, the two elastic members 434 and 435 are elastically deformed by the pressing force of the second shaft 402, and the second shaft 402 is surrounded by the four elastic members. As a result of escaping from the reference position, the operation knob 161 moves forward. Operation knob 16 moved forward
When an operating force toward the reference position is given to the first shaft 4, the second shaft 4
With the pressing force of 02, the two elastic members 434 and 435 are elastically deformed again, and the second shaft 402 returns to the reference position surrounded by the four elastic members, and is held at that position.

When an operation force for moving the operation knob 161 backward is applied, the two elastic members 436 and 437 are elastically deformed and operated in the same manner, and an operation force for rotating the operation knob 161 to the left is applied. And two elastic members 434
When the operation knob 436 is elastically deformed and gives an operation force to rotate the operation knob 161 to the right, the two elastic members 435 and 437
Are elastically deformed and operated in the same manner. In addition, when the operation knob 161 separates from the reference position or returns to the reference position, it can be determined based on the pressing force when climbing over each elastic member.

As described above, even when the holding means 438 is provided instead of the return means 428, the operation knob 16
Although it is necessary to return 1 to the reference position by manual operation, since it can always be moved back and forth and right and left around the reference position, the operability is excellent. Note that the holding means 438 may use a roller configured to be able to move forward and backward as the elastic members 434, 435, 436, and 437, which are constituent members thereof.

(6) In the above embodiment, the operation knob 161
Fifth to eighth switches 38 for detecting the front, rear, left and right movement of
3, 385, 388, and 390 employ push-button switches. For example, a rotating ball such as that used in a computer mouse, and a Y-direction rotary for detecting the vertical movement of the rotating ball. An encoder and an X-direction rotary encoder that detects the horizontal movement of the rotating ball may be configured to output an ON signal when a certain amount of movement is reached.

(7) In the above embodiment, the operating member 16 and the operating device 10 according to the present invention include the radio receiver 601, the television receiver 602, the navigator 603, the air conditioner 604, and the like mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile. Although described as being applied to the operation of the player 605 and the defogger 606, the applicable range is not limited to these electronic devices, and can be applied to other various electronic devices. For example, the present invention can be applied to computers and various measuring devices. Further, it is needless to say that the present invention is not applicable when operating a plurality of electronic devices, but is also applicable when operating one electronic device.

(8) In the above embodiment, the operating member 16
Is configured to include eight switches, a control unit 50, and the like inside.
An infrared transmitter including a modulator for modulating a signal output in response to an OFF operation, a driver for driving an infrared light emitting diode based on a signal from the modulator, and the like are installed together with a battery, while an electronic device side In addition, an infrared receiver including a detection unit, an amplification unit, and the like may be installed. In such a case, not only can the electronic device be remotely controlled by infrared communication, but also the operation member 16 can be removed from the support base 14 and operated.
When the operation member 16 can be detached from the support base 14 and operated as described above, the electronic device can be operated even by a passenger sitting in the passenger seat or the like.

(9) In the above embodiment, the operation knob 161
Is configured to be movable in four directions of front, rear, left and right. For example, it is configured to be movable only in two directions of front and rear,
It can also be configured to be movable only in two directions, that is, left and right. Further, it may be configured to be movable in predetermined one to three directions among four directions of front, rear, left and right. In addition, first to fourth switches 330 and 3 which are pressed by a finger.
31, 335 and 338 can also be increased or decreased within a range that can be operated by a finger. In short, it is only necessary to provide a switch that is operated by a moving operation of the operation knob 161 and a switch that operates differently from a switch that is operated by the operation of a finger. It may be set appropriately according to the operation content of each electronic device.

(10) In the above embodiment, the load applying means 448 is provided with the corrugated portions 443, 447 formed on the left and right sides of the moving plate 352 and the pinch rollers 396, 39.
9, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, the same rollers as the pinch rollers 396 and 399 are attached to the left and right sides of the moving plate 352, while the corrugated portions 44 are provided on the left and right sides of the moving plate 352.
It is possible to adopt an appropriate configuration such as disposing a member having a corrugated portion similar to that of 3,447.

(11) In the above embodiment, the operation knob 16
1 has a computer mouse shape,
If this operation knob 161 can be gripped with one hand,
Various shapes such as a circle, an ellipse, and a rectangle can be adopted.

[0172]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, an operation knob is provided on a mounting base and is movable from a reference position in a predetermined direction along a mounting surface, and an operation knob. A first switch which is operated in accordance with the operation of moving the knob, a second switch which is operated in accordance with the pressing operation of the pressed member provided in the operation knob, and Since the electronic device is provided with the holding unit that holds the electronic device at the reference position, operability can be easily improved when operating the electronic device.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the holding means is constituted by the return means for automatically returning the operation knob to the reference position when the operation of moving the operation knob is released, the operation of the operation knob can be prevented. By simply releasing the force, the operation knob is returned to the reference position, and a manual operation for returning to the reference position is not required, so that operability can be further improved.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the return means is made of an elastic member which applies a biasing force to the operation knob in the direction of returning to the reference position when the operation knob moves from the reference position. Therefore, the operation knob can always be moved around the reference position.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the operation knob can be moved in a plurality of directions starting from the reference position.
Since the first switch means includes a plurality of switch means which are operated according to the moving direction of the operation knob, it is possible to perform various kinds of operations of the electronic device.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the second switch means has a plurality of pressed members disposed at different positions of the operation knob, and is operated in response to the pressing operation of each pressing member. Since a plurality of switch means are provided, various types of operations of the electronic device can be performed.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of switch means are disposed at least on the left and right sides of the operation knob. As a result, it is easy to simultaneously press the pressed members of the located switch means, so that operability can be improved.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the mounting means for mounting the operation knob on the mounting base so as to be movable in the front-rear direction of the reference position is provided, it is ensured in the front-rear direction about the reference position. Can be moved.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the mounting means mounts the operation knob movably in the left-right direction of the reference position with the rear end being the center of rotation. In addition to being able to move in the direction, the electronic device can be moved in the left-right direction of the reference position with the rear end as the center of rotation, so that various operations of the electronic device can be performed.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the mounting means is a guide pin projecting from the upper surface of the rear end of the mounting base, and is mounted on the guide pin so as to be movable in the front-rear direction, and the operation knob is fixed. Since the operation knob is formed by the moving member, the operation knob can be reliably moved in the front-rear direction.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the mounting means includes a guide pin protruding from the upper surface of the rear end of the mounting base, the guide pin being movable in the front-rear direction, and the right-left direction about the guide pin. Movably attached to the control knob and the moving member fixedly provided with the operation knob,
The operation knob can be reliably moved in the front-rear direction, and also can be reliably moved in the left-right direction.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mounting means for mounting the operation knob on the mounting base movably in the left-right direction of the reference position with the rear end being the center of rotation. The operation knob can be reliably moved in the left-right direction about the reference position.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the mounting means is mounted on a guide pin protruding from the upper surface of the rear end of the mounting base so as to be movable left and right around the guide pin, and the operation knob is fixed. Since the moving knob is provided, the operation knob can be reliably moved in the left-right direction.

According to the thirteenth aspect, a load is applied to the moving member when the moving member moves in the front-rear direction, and is released when the moving member moves by a predetermined distance. With the provision means, when operating the operation knob in the front-rear direction, it is possible to give a click feeling to the hand holding the operation knob, whereby the operator can complete the movement operation in the front-rear direction. You can check.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the load applying means is attached to the corrugated portions formed on the left and right sides of the moving member, the mounting base, and elastically abuts each corrugated portion. When operating the operation knob in the front-rear direction, the roller can get over the top of the corrugated portion of the moving member, so that a click feeling can be obtained. The completion of the moving operation can be confirmed.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, since the display unit for displaying the operation contents of the operation knob with respect to the electronic device is provided, the operator performs an accurate operation by visually confirming the operation contents. be able to.

Further, according to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the support base on which the support portion for removably storing and supporting the mounting base is formed, and the support base can be moved to different positions when used and not used. Since it has a mounting base to be attached to, when using the operation knob, move the support base along the mounting base,
As a result of being able to be fixed at a convenient position, the operability can be further improved.

Further, according to the seventeenth aspect, the first engaging means is formed on each of the front end face and the rear end face of the mounting base, and the second engaging means is respectively formed on the front end face and the rear end face of the support portion. Since the joining means is formed and the mounting base is supported by the support base by the first and second engaging means being detachably engaged with each other, it is possible to reliably support the mounting base on the support base. In addition to the above, the mounting base can be detached from the support base as required, which is excellent in usability.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, a predetermined operation signal for an electronic device is output on condition that at least one of the first switch means and the second switch means is operated. Since the electronic device is provided with an operation control unit that performs the operation, the electronic device can be reliably operated.

According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, an operation knob is provided on a mounting base and can be moved from a reference position along a mounting surface in a predetermined direction. A first switch means actuated in response to a pressing operation of a pressed member disposed on the operation knob.
Electronic device, on the condition that at least one of the first switch means and the second switch means is operated, and a holding means for holding the operation knob at the reference position when the operation knob is not operated. And operation control means for outputting a predetermined operation signal to the electronic apparatus, so that the operability can be easily improved in selecting and operating an electronic device.

According to the twentieth aspect, the operation knob can be moved in a plurality of directions starting from the reference position, and the first switch means is operated according to the movement direction of the operation knob. A plurality of switch means are provided, and the second switch means includes a plurality of pressed members disposed at different positions of the operation knob, and a plurality of switch means operated in response to a pressing operation of each pressing member. Therefore, it is possible to easily perform various kinds of selection operations of the electronic device.

According to the twenty-first aspect of the present invention, the operation control means determines whether or not a predetermined switch means in the first switch means and a specific switch means in the second switch means are simultaneously operated. Since an operation signal for selecting an electronic device is output, even if a specific electronic device has been operated, another electronic device can be selected simply by simultaneously operating the specific switch means. Thus, since there is no need to separately perform an operation such as stopping the operation of the electronic device which has been operating, the operability is excellent.

[0193] According to the invention of claim 22, when the specific switch means in the first switch means and the specific switch means in the second switch means are simultaneously operated, the operation control means is provided. Since an operation signal for preferentially selecting the electronic device selected at the time of the selection operation is output, the selection operation can be simplified and the operability is excellent.

According to the twenty-third aspect of the present invention, the first operation for moving the operation knob from a predetermined reference position in a predetermined direction along the surface on which the operation knob is provided, and the operation knob is provided on the operation knob. Since the electronic device is operated by outputting a predetermined operation signal in combination with the second operation of pressing the pressed member, the operability can be easily improved.

According to the twenty-fourth aspect, the first operation and the second operation are performed simultaneously.
The operation of the electronic device can be speeded up, and the operability is excellent.

According to the twenty-fifth aspect, the operation knob is returned to the reference position after the first and second operations are completed. Therefore, the operation knob is always moved from the reference position by the first operation. It can be moved, and is excellent in operability.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an operating device to which an operating member according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which an operation member of the operation device shown in FIG. 1 is removed from a support base.

3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating a configuration of a support mechanism of the operation device illustrated in FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 3A is a perspective view illustrating an entire configuration of a fixed unit and a moving unit, and FIG. FIG.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view for explaining a structure for fixing an operation member to a support base in the operation device shown in FIG. 1;

5 is an exploded perspective view of the operation device shown in FIG. 1 in a state where a cover case of an operation member is removed.

6 is an exploded perspective view showing only the operation knob of the operation member shown in FIG.

7 is an exploded perspective view showing only a moving mechanism of the operation member shown in FIG. 5;

8 is a perspective plan view of the operation member shown in FIG. 5 with an operation knob and a cover case removed;

9 is a side view of the operation member shown in FIG. 5 with an operation knob case removed.

FIG. 10 is a view showing a correspondence relationship between each button plate and each switch in the operation knob of the operation member shown in FIG. 5;

11 is a diagram showing a correspondence between each button plate and each switch in the operation knob of the operation member shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view for explaining a configuration of a cover case of the operation member shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the operation member shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view for explaining how to use the operation member shown in FIG. 5;

15A and 15B are perspective views for explaining how to use the operation member shown in FIG. 5; FIG. 15A is a diagram illustrating a case where a radio receiver or a player is selected; FIG. 15B is a diagram illustrating volume / sound quality adjustment or traffic information; (C) shows a case of selecting a television receiver or a navigator, and (d) shows a case of selecting an air conditioner or a defogger.

FIG. 16 is a plan view for describing a configuration of a display surface of a display unit provided on the operation member shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining an operation for selecting an electronic device to be operated by the operation member shown in FIG. 5;

18 is a flowchart for explaining an operation for selecting an electronic device to be operated by the operation member shown in FIG. 5;

19 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of a lower hierarchy of the electronic device selected by the operation member shown in FIG. 5;

20 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of a lower hierarchy of the electronic device selected by the operation member shown in FIG. 5;

21 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of a lower hierarchy of the electronic device selected by the operation member shown in FIG. 5;

22 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of a lower hierarchy of the electronic device selected by the operation member shown in FIG. 5;

23 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of a lower hierarchy of the electronic device selected by the operation member shown in FIG. 5;

24 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of a lower hierarchy of the electronic device selected by the operation member shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of a lower hierarchy of the electronic device selected by the operation member shown in FIG. 5;

26 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of a lower hierarchy of the electronic device selected by the operation member shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 27 is a diagram for describing an operation example of a lower hierarchy of the electronic device selected by the operation member shown in FIG. 5;

28 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of a lower hierarchy of the electronic device selected by the operation member shown in FIG. 5;

29 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of a lower hierarchy of the electronic device selected by the operation member shown in FIG. 5;

30 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of a lower hierarchy of the electronic device selected by the operation member shown in FIG. 5;

31 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of a lower hierarchy of the electronic device selected by the operation member shown in FIG. 5;

32 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of a lower hierarchy of the electronic device selected by the operation member shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of a lower hierarchy of the electronic device selected by the operation member shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 34 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a holding unit that holds the operation knob at a reference position.

FIG. 35 is a view for explaining an example of the arrangement configuration of a conventional operation member.

FIG. 36 is a view for explaining a configuration of a conventional operating device.

FIG. 37 is a view for explaining the configuration of another operation device of the conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Operating device 12 Bracket (mounting base) 14 Support base 16 Operating member 50 Control part (operation control means) 161 Operating knob 162 Covering case (mounting base) 163 Moving mechanism part 305, 306, 312, 318 Button board (pressed member) ) 330 first switch (second switch means) 331 second switch (second switch means) 335 third switch (second switch means) 338 fourth switch (second switch means) 350 master plate (attachment) (Base) 351 sub-plate (mounting base) 383 fifth switch (first switch) 385 sixth switch (first switch) 388 seventh switch (first switch) 390 eighth switch (first) Switch means) 352 Moving plate (moving member) 354 Display unit 382 Guide pin 4 2 second shaft 428 return means 434,435,436,437 elastic member 438 retaining means 443,447 wave shape portions 396,399 pinch roller (roller)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Motomasa Yoshida 1-7-10 Kikuzumi, Minami-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture Inside Harness Research Institute, Inc. (72) Inventor Motonori Kido, Kikuzumi, Minami-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi 1-7-10 Harness Research Institute, Inc. (72) Inventor Ryo Tanaka 1-7-10 Kikuzumi, Minami-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture Harness Research Institute, Inc. (72) Inventor Nobutaka Hamani Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture 1-7-10 Kikuzumi, Minami-ku, Tokyo F-term in Harness Research Institute, Inc. (reference) 4E360 AA04 AB04 AB13 AB23 BA02 BC05 BD03 EA03 EA13 EC13 ED02 ED03 ED16 ED17 ED23 ED28 ED29 FA08 GA03 GA08 GA46 GB02 GB12 GB22

Claims (25)

[Claims] An operating device for operating an electronic device, comprising:
An operation knob provided on the mounting base and movable from a reference position in a predetermined direction along the arrangement surface, first switch means operated in accordance with the operation of moving the operation knob; A second switch that is operated in response to a pressing operation of a pressed member provided on the knob; and a holding unit that holds the operation knob at the reference position when the knob is not operated. Operating device for electronic equipment. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said holding means includes a return means for automatically returning the operation knob to the reference position when the operation of moving the operation knob is released.
The operating device of the electronic device according to the above. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the return means comprises an elastic member that applies a biasing force to the operation knob in a direction of returning to the reference position when the operation knob moves from the reference position. 3. The operating device for an electronic device according to 2. 4. The operation knob is movable in a plurality of directions starting from the reference position, and the first switch means is a plurality of switch means operated in accordance with a movement direction of the operation knob. The operating device for an electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: 5. The second switch means includes a plurality of pressed members disposed at different positions on the operation knob, and a plurality of switch means operated in response to a pressing operation of each pressing member. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
An operation device for an electronic device according to any one of the above. 6. The operating device for an electronic device according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of switch means are disposed at least on both left and right sides of the operation knob. 7. The operation of an electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising mounting means for mounting the operation knob on the mounting base so as to be movable in a front-rear direction of the reference position. apparatus. 8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said attaching means attaches said operation knob so as to be movable in the left-right direction of said reference position, with a rear end further serving as a center of rotation. Operating device for electronic equipment. 9. The mounting means comprises: a guide pin protruding from a rear end upper surface of the mounting base; and a moving member fixed to the guide pin so as to be movable in the front-rear direction and to which the operation knob is fixed. The operating device for an electronic device according to claim 7, wherein: 10. The mounting means includes a guide pin protruding from a rear end upper surface of the mounting base, the guide pin being movable in the front-rear direction, and being movable in the left-right direction about the guide pin. 9. A moving member which is attached and has the operation knob fixed thereto.
The operating device of the electronic device according to the above. 11. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: mounting means for mounting the operation knob on the mounting base so that a rear end thereof becomes a center of rotation so as to be movable in the left-right direction of the reference position. 7. The operation device for an electronic device according to any one of 6. 12. The mounting means includes a guide pin protruding from a rear end upper surface of the mounting base, and is mounted movably in the left-right direction about the guide pin, and the operation knob is fixedly provided. The operating device for an electronic device according to claim 11, comprising a moving member. 13. The apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a load applying means for applying a load to the moving member while the moving member moves a predetermined distance in the front-rear direction. Electronic equipment operating device. 14. The load applying means is attached to a wave-shaped portion formed on both left and right sides of the moving member, and at a position on the mounting base corresponding to both left and right sides of the moving member. 14. The operating device for an electronic device according to claim 13, comprising a roller elastically abutting on the shape portion. 15. The operating device for an electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays a content of operation of the operating knob on the electronic device. 16. A support base on which a support portion for removably storing and supporting the mounting base is formed, and a mount base for movably mounting the support base to different positions when used and not used. The operating device for an electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: 17. A first engaging means is formed on a front end face and a rear end face of the mounting base, and a second engaging means is formed on a front end face and a rear end face of the support, respectively. 17. The operating device for an electronic device according to claim 16, wherein the mounting base is supported by the support base by the first and second engaging means being detachably engaged. 18. An electronic apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising operation control means for outputting a predetermined operation signal to said electronic device on condition that at least one of said first switch means and said second switch means is operated. The operating device for an electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: 19. An operating device for selecting an electronic device to be operated from among a plurality of electronic devices and operating the selected electronic device, the operating device being provided on a mounting base, and extending along a mounting surface from a reference position. An operation knob that can be moved in a predetermined direction
A first switch means operated in response to a movement operation of the operation knob; a second switch means operated in response to a pressing operation of a pressed member disposed on the operation knob; and the operation knob. A predetermined operation signal for the electronic device on condition that at least one of the first switch means and the second switch means is operated, and a holding means for holding the reference position at the time of non-operation. An operation device for an electronic device, comprising: an operation control unit that outputs a signal. 20. The operation knob can be moved in a plurality of directions starting from the reference position, and the first switch means is a plurality of switch means operated in accordance with the movement direction of the operation knob. The second switch means includes a plurality of the pressed members provided at different positions of the operation knob, and a plurality of switch means operated in response to a pressing operation of each pressing member. 20. The operating device for an electronic device according to claim 19, wherein: 21. An operation for selecting a predetermined electronic device when a specific switch in the first switch and a specific switch in the second switch are simultaneously operated. The operating device for an electronic device according to claim 20, wherein the operating device outputs a signal. 22. The operation control means, which is selected at the time of a previous selection operation when a specific switch means of the first switch means and a specific switch means of the second switch means are simultaneously operated. 21. The operation device for an electronic device according to claim 20, wherein an operation signal for preferentially selecting the electronic device is output. 23. A method of operating an electronic device by operating an operation knob by operating the electronic device, wherein the operation knob is moved from a predetermined reference position in a predetermined direction along an arrangement surface thereof. An electronic device, wherein the electronic device is operated by outputting a predetermined operation signal by a combination of a first operation and a second operation for pressing a pressed member provided on the operation knob. Operation method. 24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the first operation and the second operation are performed simultaneously. 25. The method according to claim 23, wherein the operation knob is returned to the reference position after the first and second operations are completed.