Operating pinch device

Abstract

The operation grip device (10) includes: bases (20, 25); a transmission member (36) having conductivity; an operation member (30) that brings the transmission member (36) closer to and separates it from the display panel (1); and a stabilizer (55) disposed between the bases (20, 25) and the operation member (30). The stabilizer (55) has a main body (55a), a pair of arm portions (55b) respectively connected to both ends of the main body (55a), and a pair of base portions (55c), (55d) respectively connected to the arm portions (55b). One of the bases (20, 25) and the operation member (30) has a holding portion (30g) that holds the main body (55a) rotatably, and the other has a pair of holding grooves (25m) that hold the base portions (55c, 55d) slidably and rotatably respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating grip device. Background Art

[0002] In in-vehicle products such as a navigation device or a center display, a display panel having a touch detection function using a capacitive method is mounted. When operating an in-vehicle product, it is necessary to touch a predetermined operation area of the display panel having no unevenness with a finger, and thus a user needs to visually confirm the position of the operation area.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, an operating grip device disposed on the surface of a display panel is disclosed. The operating grip device includes a base fixed to the display panel, a push-button, and a rotary knob. The capacitance of the display panel changes according to the approach of a transmission member in the button, and thus the display panel can detect the pressing operation of the button. By moving the position where the capacitance changes by using the transmission member in the knob, the display panel can detect the rotation operation of the knob. Since the operating grip device protrudes from the display panel, a user can operate the in-vehicle product without looking at the display panel.

[0004] Prior Art Documents

[0005] Patent Documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2015 / 174092 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] In the operating grip device of Patent Document 1, no consideration is given to the stability of the posture of the operating member. Therefore, when a user presses a position on the outer periphery of the button, the button tilts with respect to the base. In this case, since the transmission member does not come into surface contact with the display panel, the operability is poor, and the display panel may not be able to detect the pressing operation of the button.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide an operating grip device capable of improving the posture stability of an operating member and thereby improving the transmission of an operation to a display panel.

[0010] Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an operating knob device, comprising: a base having a first surface opposed to a display panel and a second surface located on a side opposite to the display panel relative to the first surface; a transmission member disposed on the first surface side of the base and having conductivity; an operating member disposed on the second surface side in a manner allowing relative movement relative to the base in a direction intersecting the first surface and allowing the transmission member to approach and separate from the display panel; and a stabilizer disposed between the base and the operating member, the stabilizer having: a main body; a pair of arm portions, which are respectively connected to both ends of the main body and protrude from the main body in the same direction; and a pair of base portions, which are respectively connected to the arm portions and protrude from the arm portions in directions away from each other, one of the base and the operating member having a holding portion for holding the main body rotatably, and the other of the base and the operating member having a pair of holding grooves, the pair of holding grooves respectively holding the base portions slidably and rotatably along the second surface.

[0012] In this scheme, since a stabilizer is arranged between the base and the operating member, the inclination of the operating member relative to the base during the pressing operation can be suppressed, and the posture stability of the operating member can be improved. Therefore, the user's operating feeling of the operating member can be improved. In addition, the transmission member that moves in conjunction with the movement of the operating member can be brought into contact with the display panel surface. Therefore, the operation of the operating member can be reliably transmitted to the display panel, thereby improving the detectability of the display panel.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] In the operation knob device of the present invention, the posture stability of the operation member can be improved, thereby improving the transmission of the operation to the display panel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing that the operation knob device according to the embodiment of the present invention is arranged on the display panel.

[0016] Figure 2A yes Figure 1 Cross-section view of the operating knob.

[0017] Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of the operating knob device after a pressing operation is performed.

[0018] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the operating knob.

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the retaining frame, ring component and membrane.

[0020] Figure 5 Is Figure 3 exploded perspective view of the rotor, transmission member, and knob.

[0021] Figure 6 Is the exploded perspective view of the rotor, biasing member, and stabilizer.

[0022] Figure 7 Is the exploded perspective view of the rotor, first transmission member, and second transmission member as viewed from the display panel side.

[0023] Figure 8A Is the front view showing the arrangement of the stabilizer relative to the knob.

[0024] Figure 8B Is the front view showing the arrangement of the stabilizer relative to the rotor.

[0025] Figure 9 Is the cross-sectional view showing the configuration structure of the second transmission member.

[0026] Figure 10A Is Figure 7 exploded perspective view of the first transmission member, second transmission member, and holding member of

[0027] Figure 10B Is Figure 7 exploded perspective view of the first transmission member, second transmission member, and holding member of

[0028] Figure 11 Is the perspective view of the rotor.

[0029] Figure 12A Is the perspective view showing the process of assembling the stabilizer to the rotor.

[0030] Figure 12B Is the perspective view showing another process of assembling the stabilizer to the rotor.

[0031] Figure 12C Is the perspective view showing another process of assembling the stabilizer to the rotor.

[0032] Figure 12D Is the perspective view showing another process of assembling the stabilizer to the rotor.

[0033] Figure 13 Is the front view showing a modified example of the rotor.

[0034] Figure 14 Is the cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the operating grip device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 as well as Figure 2A The display panel 1 provided with the operation knob 10 has a touch detection function for detecting a user's operation based on a change in electrostatic capacitance, and is mounted on a car-mounted product such as a navigation device or a center display.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the operating knob 10 is arranged in a predetermined operating area of ​​the display panel 1 and protrudes from the display panel 1 toward the vehicle interior. The operating knob 10 is generally annular in shape and is arranged such that the axis A extends in a direction perpendicular to the display panel 1 arranged to extend in the vertical direction. The operating knob 10 includes a knob (operating member) 30, and a pressing operation and a rotating operation of the knob 30 are transmitted to the display panel 1.

[0038] like Figure 2A as well as Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the operating knob device 10 includes a holder 20, a rotor 25, a knob 30, a biasing member 33, a transmission member 35, a ring member 45, and a film 50. The holder 20 and the rotor 25 are a base that serves as a foundation for the operating knob device 10. The operating knob device 10 is fixed to the surface of the display panel 1 by the film 50 having an adhesive layer 52a. The transmission member 35 of this embodiment includes a first transmission member 36 that transmits a pressing operation of the knob 30 and a second transmission member 37 that transmits a rotating operation of the knob 30.

[0039] The holder 20 and the ring member 45 are fixed to the film 50 in a manner adjacent to the display panel 1. The rotor 25 is arranged on the holder 20 in a manner allowing rotation around the axis A. The knob 30 is mounted on the rotor 25 in a manner allowing linear motion in the direction of the axis A, and the rotor 25 rotates integrally around the axis A. The force member 33 is arranged between the rotor 25 and the knob 30, and applies force to the knob 30 in a direction away from the display panel 1. The first transmission member 36 is mounted on the knob 30, and moves along the axis A in conjunction with the linear motion of the knob 30. The second transmission member 37 is mounted on the rotor 25, and rotates integrally with the rotor 25.

[0040] like Figure 2BAs shown, when the operation grip 30 is pressed toward the display panel 1, the first transmission member 36 moves linearly integrally toward the film 50. The display panel 1 changes the electrostatic capacitance according to the approach of the conductive first transmission member 36, thereby being able to detect the pressing operation of the knob 30. When the hand leaves the knob 30, the knob 30 and the first transmission member 36 move (separate) away from the display panel 1 by the biasing member 33. The display panel 1 can detect the release of the pressing operation by eliminating the change in the electrostatic capacitance caused by the first transmission member 36. During the pressing operation of the knob 30, the second transmission member 37 maintains the state of approaching the display panel 1, and the area where the electrostatic capacitance changes due to the second transmission member 37 in the display panel 1 does not change (does not move).

[0041] When a rotation operation is performed on the knob 30 in the Figure 2A state, the rotor 25 and the second transmission member 37 rotate integrally in the same direction as the knob 30. The display panel 1 moves (rotates) the position where the electrostatic capacitance changes due to the rotation of the conductive second transmission member 37, thereby being able to detect the rotation operation of the knob 30. When the rotation operation stops, the rotation of the rotor 25 and the second transmission member 37 also stops. The display panel 1 can detect the stop of the rotation operation by the stop of the position where the electrostatic capacitance changes. The display panel 1 can detect the execution, stop, or adjustment amount of the function desired by the user by detecting the stop position of the change in the electrostatic capacitance. During the rotation operation of the knob 30, the first transmission member 36 rotates integrally, but since it maintains the state of having left the display panel 1, the electrostatic capacitance of the display panel 1 does not change due to the first transmission member 36.

[0042] In such an operation grip device 10, in the present embodiment, a plurality (four in the present embodiment) of stabilizers 55 are arranged between the rotor 25 and the knob 30 to suppress the inclination of the knob 30 with respect to the rotor 25. That is, by using the stabilizers 55 to improve the posture stability of the knob 30, the transmissibility of the operation to the display panel 1, that is, the detectability of the display panel 1, is improved.

[0043] Next, the constituent members of the operation grip device 10 will be specifically described. It should be noted that in the following description, the side of the film 50 closest to the display panel 1 is sometimes referred to as the vehicle outside, and the side of the end wall portion 30c of the knob 30 farthest from the display panel 1 is sometimes referred to as the vehicle inside.

[0044] As Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the cage 20 is fixed to the outer peripheral portion of the film 50 and holds other components with respect to the display panel 1. The cage 20 is formed of a resin (such as ABS) having insulation (i.e., no conductivity). The cage 20 includes a cylindrical main body 20a that defines an opening (internal space) 21 through which a part of the display panel 1 is exposed. The cage 20 is disposed on the display panel 1 such that the axis A of the main body 20a extends in a direction orthogonal to the display panel 1.

[0045] Referring to Figure 2A and Figure 3 , on the inner peripheral surface side of the main body 20a, holding portions 20b and 20c for holding the rotor 25 are provided. The first holding portion 20b is provided on the vehicle outer side in the main body 20a, and the second holding portion 20c is provided near the end on the vehicle inner side in the main body 20a. The first holding portion 20b projects radially inward from the main body 20a in an annular shape, holds the outer peripheral portion of the rotor 25 so as to be rotatable, and restricts the rotor 25 from moving outward along the axis A. The second holding portion 20c is formed by a part of the inner peripheral surface of the main body 20a, holds a sliding contact portion 25c (to be described later) of the rotor 25 so as to be rotatable, and restricts the radial movement of the rotor 25.

[0046] In the inner peripheral portion of the cage 20, a plurality of prism-shaped protrusions 20d projecting radially inward are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction so as to be located between the first holding portion 20b and the second holding portion 20c. Engagement grooves 20e for engaging an engagement member 28 (to be described later) are formed between the adjacent protrusions 20d in the circumferential direction. The end on the vehicle inner side of the protrusion 20d is located on the vehicle outer side of the end on the vehicle inner side of the cage 20, and an abutting portion 20f is formed by them.

[0047] As Figure 3 and Figure 5 shown, the rotor 25 includes an opening (internal space) 26 that communicates with the opening 21. The rotor 25 is an annular plate body arranged (embedded) inside the cage 20 with the axis A as the center, and is formed of a resin (such as PBT) having insulation. Referring to Figure 2A , the rotor 25 includes: a first surface 25a that is disposed on the vehicle outer side and faces the film 50 (display panel 1); and a second surface 25b that is disposed on the vehicle inner side and is located on the side opposite to the film 50. By disposing the rotor 25 in the cage 20, the first surface 25a abuts against the first holding portion 20b, and the second surface 25b is located at a position flush with the end on the vehicle inner side of the cage 20. Referring to Figure 3 , a locking piece 25p that is locked to the vehicle outer side surface of the first holding portion 20b is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the rotor 25.

[0048] The outer diameter of the rotor 25 is larger than the inner diameter of the first holding portion 20b and smaller than the diameter of an imaginary circle (not shown) connecting the tips of the plurality of protrusions 20d. At the end portion on the second surface 25b side of the rotor 25, a sliding contact portion 25c that protrudes radially outward and is disposed in contact with the contact portion 20f of the cage 20 and that slidably contacts the second holding portion 20c is provided. The sliding contact portion 25c is composed of a plurality of arc-shaped protrusions protruding at intervals in the circumferential direction, and the diameter of an imaginary circle (not shown) connecting their outer ends is larger than the diameter of the imaginary circle connecting the tips of the plurality of protrusions 20d and smaller than the inner diameter of the second holding portion 20c. Thus, the rotor 25 can rotate about the axis A inside the cage 20.

[0049] As Figure 3 shown, on the outer periphery of the rotor 25, a mounting hole 25d formed of a space having a circular cross-section that is recessed radially inward is provided. A spring 27 and a spherical engaging member 28 are disposed in the mounting hole 25d. The diameter of the engaging member 28 is smaller than the diameter of the mounting hole 25d and larger than the radial groove depth of the engaging groove 20e. When the rotor 25 rotates relative to the cage 20, the engaging member 28 moves into the mounting hole 25d under the action of the inclined surface of the protrusion 20d, causing the spring 27 to contract. The engaging member 28 biased outward by the spring 27 engages with the engaging groove 20e, whereby the rotor 25 is held at a specified rotational angular position relative to the cage 20.

[0050] Referring Figure 2A , an insertion through-hole 25e for allowing the knob 30 to move along the axis A is provided in the rotor 25. Referring Figure 6 , on the second surface 25b side of the rotor 25, a disposition portion 25f for disposing a biasing member 33 and a recess 25l for disposing a stabilizer 55 (to be described later) are provided. Referring Figure 7 , on the first surface 25a side of the rotor 25, a guide rib 25h for supporting a holding member 42 and a mounting portion 25i for mounting the holding member 42 (second transmission member 37) are provided. These will be described in detail later.

[0051] As Figure 3 and Figure 5 shown, the knob 30 is an annular body having an opening 31 that communicates with the opening 21 and through which a part of the display panel 1 can be visually confirmed. The knob 30 is an annular cover centered on the axis A and is formed of an insulating resin (e.g., PC / ABS). The knob 30 is disposed on the second surface 25b side of the rotor 25 so as to allow relative movement in the direction along the axis A, i.e., in a direction orthogonal to the first surface 25a, with respect to the rotor 25 and to restrict relative movement in the circumferential direction centered on the axis A with respect to the rotor 25.

[0052] Specifically, as Figure 2A andFigure 5 As shown in Figure 5 , the knob 30 has an inner wall portion 30a in the shape of a conical cylinder that defines the opening 31, and an outer wall portion 30b in the shape of a conical cylinder that surrounds the outside of the inner wall portion 30a. The inner wall portion 30a is arranged inside the ring member 45 in the innermost position. The outer wall portion 30b is arranged outside the cage 20 in the outermost position. They are concentric cylindrical shapes centered on the axis A. An anti-slip portion 30i for achieving anti-slip during rotation operation is provided on the outer surface of the outer wall portion 30b. The anti-slip portion 30i is composed of a plurality of irregularities formed by surface processing.

[0053] The inner ends on the vehicle inner side of the inner wall portion 30a and the outer wall portion 30b are blocked by end wall portions 30c connected to them. The outer ends on the vehicle outer side of the inner wall portion 30a and the outer wall portion 30b are open portions 30d. That is, an opening 31 through which a part of the display panel 1 can be visually confirmed through the opening 21 is formed in the end wall portion 30c connected to the outer wall portion 30b, and the inner wall portion 30a is provided connected to the edge of the opening 31. In the present embodiment, an annular decorative plate 32 is arranged on the outer surface side of the end wall portion 30c.

[0054] The inner wall portion 30a and the outer wall portion 30b are inclined so as to move away from each other as they go from the end wall portion 30c toward the open portion 30d. The diameter of the outer end of the inner wall portion 30a on the open portion 30d side is smaller than the inner diameter of the ring member 45, and the outer end of the inner wall portion 30a protrudes outward on the vehicle outer side more than the rotor 25. The diameter of the outer end of the outer wall portion 30b on the open portion 30d side is larger than the outer diameter of the cage 20, and the outer end of the outer wall portion 30b protrudes outward on the vehicle outer side more than the rotor 25. Most of the cage 20 and the rotor 25 are housed inside the inner wall portion 30a, the outer wall portion 30b, and the end wall portion 30c.

[0055] Next, referring to Figure 2A and Figure 5 , a cylindrical boss (connecting portion) 30e that penetrates the rotor 25 and protrudes toward the open portion 30d side (vehicle outer side) is provided on the end wall portion 30c. A plurality of (three in the present embodiment) bosses 30e are provided on the end wall portion 30c at intervals in the circumferential direction. The overall length of the boss 30e from the end on the end wall portion 30c side to the end on the open portion 30d side is longer than the thickness of the rotor 25 from the second surface 25b to the first surface 25a, and shorter than the overall length of the inner wall portion 30a.

[0056] As Figure 2A and Figure 7 shown, insertion holes 25e corresponding to the plurality of bosses 30e are provided in the rotor 25. Referring to Figure 6, the inner side of the vehicle of the insertion through-hole 25e communicates spatially with the recess 25l in which the stabilizer 55 is disposed. The insertion through-hole 25e is larger than the outer diameter of the protrusion 30e, allows the protrusion 30e to be inserted therethrough, and allows the protrusion 30e to move in the direction along the axis A. Thus, in the direction along the axis A, relative movement of the knob 30 with respect to the rotor 25 is allowed.

[0057] Refer to Figure 5 and Figure 8A , a restricting portion 30h having a function of both guiding the movement of the knob 30 in the direction along the axis A with respect to the rotor 25 and restricting the movement of the knob 30 in the circumferential direction centered on the axis A with respect to the rotor 25 is further provided on the knob 30. The restricting portions 30h are provided at four locations at 90-degree intervals, and a pair of them are provided respectively. Each pair of restricting portions 30h is constituted by substantially triangular prism-shaped ribs protruding in opposite directions, and a block 25o having the Figure 6 shown configuration portion 25f is sandwiched therebetween.

[0058] As Figure 2A and Figure 2B shown, a biasing member 33 is disposed between the rotor 25 and the knob 30, and biases the knob 30 in the direction away from the rotor 25 along the axis A. The biasing member 33 is made of elastic rubber (e.g., silicone rubber) and is formed in a substantially conical tube shape. However, the biasing member 33 may be a coil spring or a leaf spring, or a resin spring having a cutout structure provided on the rotor 25.

[0059] Specifically, as Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, a plurality of (four in the present embodiment) biasing members 33 are circumferentially and equally spaced on the second surface 25b side of the rotor 25. Each biasing member 33 includes an annular base portion 33a, a protruding portion 33b protruding from the base portion 33a in a conical tube shape, and a cylindrical head portion 33c provided at the front end of the protruding portion 33b.

[0060] A configuration portion 25f for disposing the biasing member 33 is provided on the second surface 25b of the rotor 25. The configuration portion 25f is constituted by a recess having a circular cross-sectional shape capable of accommodating the base portion 33a, and is provided at an angular position different from that of the insertion through-hole 25e. The depth of the configuration portion 25f in the direction in which the axis A extends is shallower than the total height of the biasing member 33, and the head portion 33c of the biasing member 33 protrudes from the second surface 25b toward the knob 30 side. A through-hole 25g penetrating through to the first surface 25a is provided at the bottom of the configuration portion 25f. The through-hole 25g allows the flow of air accompanying the Figure 2A and Figure 2B shown elastic deformation of the biasing member 33. Refer to Figure 5A holding portion 30 f which is formed of a circular recess and holds the head portion 33 c of the urging member 33 is provided on the inner surface of the end wall portion 30 c of the knob 30 .

[0061] like Figure 5 as well as Figure 7 As shown, the first transmission member (first conductive portion) 36 and the second transmission member (second conductive portion) 37 constituting the transmission member 35 are connected in a conductive manner by a flexible and conductive connection portion 38. They are arranged between the holder 20 and the ring member 45 and between the first surface 25a of the rotor 25 and the membrane 50.

[0062] The first transmission member 36 is attached to the knob 30, and the second transmission member 37 is attached to the rotor 25. By pressing the knob 30, the first transmission member 36 moves along the axis A in conjunction with the movement of the knob 30, but the second transmission member 37 does not move. By rotating the knob 30, the first transmission member 36 rotates integrally, and the second transmission member 37 rotates integrally with the rotor 25. That is, the first transmission member 36 moves relative to the second transmission member 37 along the axis A, but does not move relative to the circumferential direction centered on the axis A.

[0063] The first transmission member 36 is a C-shaped plate formed of conductive rubber, and is formed of a soft material that is more flexible than the retaining frame 20, the rotor 25, and the knob 30. However, the first transmission member 36 may be made of metal (e.g., brass) or resin as long as it is a conductive material. The circumferential angle from the first end 36a to the second end 36b of the first transmission member 36 is approximately 270 degrees. The radial width of the first transmission member 36 is narrower than the radial width of the mounting member 40 described later. In order to increase the electrostatic capacitance, the thickness of the first transmission member 36 is preferably increased as much as possible. In this embodiment, considering productivity, the width is set to 5 mm and the thickness is set to 1 mm.

[0064] The first transmission member 36 is mounted on the knob 30 via a mounting member 40 formed of an insulating resin (e.g., nylon). A positioning protrusion 36c is provided on the inner circumference of the first transmission member 36, protruding radially inward and arranged at a fixed position of the mounting member 40. The mounting member 40 will be described in detail later.

[0065] like Figure 7 as well as Figure 9 As shown, the second transmission member 37 is formed separately from the first transmission member 36 and is integrated with the first transmission member 36 via the connection portion 38. The second transmission member 37 is a substantially fan-shaped plate formed of a conductive metal (e.g., brass). However, the second transmission member 37 may be made of rubber or resin as long as it is a conductive material.

[0066] The second transmission member 37 is disposed between the two ends 36a and 36b so as to be located on a concentric circle with the first transmission member 36, and is connected to the connection portion 38 via the holding member 42. In order to be disposed on the holding member 42, the second transmission member 37 is provided with a cutout portion 37a cut out in a rectangular shape and a through portion 37b through which the screw 44 passes. It should be noted that the holding member 42 will be described in detail later.

[0067] Next, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 9 The connection portion 38 is integrally provided with the first transmission member 36 and protrudes from the first end 36a and the second end 36b. The connection portion 38 and the second transmission member 37 are arranged on the holding member 42 in an overlapping state, so that the first transmission member 36 and the second transmission member 37 can be connected to each other in a conductive manner. However, the connection portion 38 can be integrally provided with the second transmission member 37 composed of conductive rubber, or can be provided separately from the first transmission member 36 and the second transmission member 37 by a material that can be electrically conductive.

[0068] The connection portion 38 is formed in an arc shape with a curvature extending on a concentric circle with the first transmission member 36. The width of the connection portion 38 in the radial direction is narrower than the width of the first transmission member 36 in the radial direction. Thus, elastic deformation of the first transmission member 36 is suppressed, while elastic deformation of the connection portion 38 connected to the first transmission member 36 is allowed. In the present embodiment, the thickness of the connection portion 38 in the direction along the axis A is the same as the thickness of the first transmission member 36, but in order to promote elastic deformation of the connection portion 38, it may be thinner than the thickness of the first transmission member 36.

[0069] A connection end 38a for conducting connection with the second transmission member 37 is provided at the front end of the pair of connection parts 38. The connection end 38a is circular when viewed from the direction extending from the axis A, and its diameter is larger than the width of the connection part 38. A through hole 38b is provided at the center of the connection end 38a so as to penetrate in the thickness direction.

[0070] The length from the ends 36a, 36b of the first transmission member 36 to the connection end 38a is dimensioned to ensure a surplus (allowance) between the first transmission member 36 and the second transmission member 37 when the knob 30 is not in operation. The connection portion 38 allows the first transmission member 36 to move relative to the second transmission member 37 through the surplus.

[0071] like Figure 2A as well as Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the mounting member 40 is a plate body having a size capable of covering the first transmission member 36 . The radial width of the mounting member 40 is narrower than the radial width of the rotor 25 .

[0072] On the surface of the mounting member 40 facing the display panel 1, a groove 40a for arranging the first transmission member 36 is provided. The groove 40a is delimited by an outer side wall 40b, an inner side wall 40c, and a pair of end walls 40d. The outer side wall 40b is in a C shape slightly larger than the first transmission member 36, and a positioning groove 40e is provided at a portion corresponding to the positioning protrusion 36c of the first transmission member 36. The inner side wall 40c is a continuous closed (endless) ring. Insertion grooves 40f for inserting the connecting portion 38 are respectively provided in the pair of end walls 40d.

[0073] The depth of the groove 40a is shallower than the thickness of the first transmission member 36 in the direction in which the axis A extends, and the first transmission member 36 protrudes from the front ends of the walls 40b to 40d. In the mounting mechanism for mounting the first transmission member 36 in the groove 40a, a method based on an adhesive member such as double-sided tape and an adhesive, or a method based on a mechanical structure such as press-fitting and a fixing piece can be used.

[0074] As Figure 2A and Figure 5 shown, a through-hole 40g for a screw (connecting member) 41 to penetrate is provided in the mounting member 40. A positioning convex portion 40h is provided in the mounting member 40, and the positioning convex portion 40h protrudes toward the rotor 25 and is arranged between the restricting portions 30h of the through-hole 25n, restricting the relative movement (including rotation) of the mounting member 40 in the circumferential direction with respect to the knob 30. An abutting portion 40i protruding radially outward is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the mounting member 40, and the abutting portion 40i abuts against the first holding portion 20b in the non-operating state of the knob 30. By the abutting of the abutting portion 40i against the first holding portion 20b, the further movement of the knob 30 toward the vehicle interior and the movement of the mounting member 40 including the first transmission member 36 are restricted.

[0075] As Figure 2A shown, by fastening the screw 41 passing through the through-hole 40g to the boss 30e, the first transmission member 36 is connected to the knob 30 via the mounting member 40, maintaining their mounted states with respect to the rotor 25. In the non-operating state of the knob 30, the abutting portion 40i abuts against the first holding portion 20b by the biasing force of the biasing member 33, so that the first transmission member 36 retracts to a position close to the first surface 25a of the rotor 25. As Figure 2B shown, by the pressing operation of the knob 30, the first transmission member 36 enters a position in contact with the film 50 along the axis A.

[0076] Referring to Figure 7 and Figure 9 , the holding member 42 is a fan-shaped plate corresponding to the shape of the second transmission member 37. The holding member 42 is arranged on the first surface 25a of the rotor 25 and is biased outward by the spring 43.

[0077] Reference Figure 10A and Figure 10B , on the vehicle-outside surface of the holding member 42, a pair of recesses 42a are provided which respectively arrange the front ends of a pair of connecting portions 38. The recess 42a has a circular-shaped portion for arranging the connection end 38a and a rectangular-shaped portion extending from the circular-shaped portion to both side surfaces of the holding member 42. The depth of the recess 42a is configured to be shallower than the thickness of the connecting portion 38 and allows the connecting portion 38 to protrude from the holding member 42. A cylindrical protrusion 42b through which the through-hole 38b penetrates is provided in the circular-shaped portion of the recess 42a. The protruding dimension of the protrusion 42b is smaller than the depth of the recess 42a.

[0078] On the vehicle-outside of the holding member 42, positioning protrusions 42c located at the cutout portion 37a are also respectively provided. The protruding dimension of the positioning protrusion 42c is smaller than the thickness of the second transmission member 37, and the second transmission member 37 protrudes from the holding member 42. A threaded hole 42d for screwing and fixing the second transmission member 37 is provided at the center of the holding member 42.

[0079] After arranging the connection end 38a in the recess 42a, the second transmission member 37 is arranged on its vehicle-outside, and a screw 44 passing through the through-hole 37b is fastened to the threaded hole 42d. Thus, by clamping the connecting portion 38 in a press-contact state between the second transmission member 37 and the holding member 42, conduction between the connecting portion 38 (the first transmission member 36) and the second transmission member 37 is ensured.

[0080] On the vehicle-inside of the holding member 42, a cylindrical protrusion 42e for arranging one end of the spring 43 is provided. The protrusion 42e is arranged coaxially with the axis of the threaded hole 42d. At both circumferential ends of the holding member 42, a pair of locking pieces 42f protruding toward the rotor 25 are provided. The locking piece 42f has a claw portion 42g for locking to the rotor 25 to prevent detachment from the rotor 25.

[0081] Reference Figure 7 , on the first surface 25a of the rotor 25, guide ribs 25h for respectively restricting both circumferential ends of the holding member 42 are provided. The pair of guide ribs 25h are respectively arranged to extend in the circumferential direction. An installation portion 25i for installing the holding member 42 is provided between the pair of guide ribs 25h.

[0082] The installation portion 25i is provided adjacent to one of the plurality of arrangement portions 25f on the vehicle-outside. Reference Figure 9, the mounting portion 25i has a pair of through holes 25j through which the locking piece 42f passes and a recess 25k for arranging the spring 43. The vehicle inner side of the through hole 25j communicates spatially with the recess 25l for arranging the stabilizer 55. The recess 25k is arranged between the pair of through holes 25j so as to be recessed from the vehicle outer side toward the vehicle inner side. A clearance allowing the holding member 42 to move relative to the rotor 25 in the direction along the axis A is ensured between the edge of the through hole 25j on the second surface 25b side and the claw portion 42g.

[0083] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the ring member 45 is a circular cylindrical body arranged adjacent to the outer side of the inner wall portion 30a and centered on the axis A. The ring member 45 is made of an insulating resin (such as ABS).

[0084] The ring member 45 has a base portion 45a fixed to the inner peripheral portion of the film 50 and a protruding portion 45b protruding from the outer peripheral portion of the base portion 45a into the knob 30. The dimension of the ring member 45 in the axial direction is smaller than the dimension of the cage 20 in the axial direction. In the non-operating state of the knob 30, the front end of the ring member 45 is located on the side opposite to the display panel 1 with respect to the edge of the inner wall portion 30a constituting the opening portion 30d. That is, in Figure 2A the non-operating state of the knob 30 shown, the front end of the protruding portion 45b on the vehicle inner side is located at a position closer to the end wall portion 30c than the opening portion 30d of the knob 30.

[0085] Next, referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the film 50 is a circular ring-shaped member having an opening portion 51 for exposing a part of the display panel 1 and centered on the axis A. The film 50 is formed of a resin (such as PET) having excellent insulation, water resistance, and heat resistance. The film 50 has a thickness thinner than the minimum thickness of the wall of a resin molded product that can be manufactured by injection molding. Specifically, the thickness of the film 50 is preferably 0.05 mm or more and 0.2 mm or less, and is 0.1 mm in this embodiment. The film 50 is fixed to the vehicle outer side end surfaces of the cage 20 and the ring member 45, and covers the display panel 1 side of the first transmission member 36 and the second transmission member 37.

[0086] The outer diameter of the film 50 is the same as the outer diameter of the largest part of the cage 20, and the inner diameter of the film 50 is the same as the inner diameter of the smallest part of the ring member 45. In this embodiment, the base portion 45a of the ring member 45 protrudes radially inward from the protruding portion 45b to ensure the bonding area, so the inner diameter of the film 50 is set to the same size as the inner diameter of the base portion 45a.

[0087] Referring to Figure 2A, an adhesive layer 52a is provided on the vehicle-outside surface of the film 50 facing the display panel 1. On the vehicle-inside surface of the film 50, an adhesive layer 52b for fixing the holding frame 20 is provided at the outer peripheral portion, and an adhesive layer 52c for fixing the ring member 45 is provided at the inner peripheral portion.

[0088] As Figure 6 , Figure 8A and Figure 8B shown, the operation grip device 10 includes a stabilizer 55 that suppresses the inclination of the knob 30 relative to the rotor 25 during a pressing operation. A plurality of stabilizers 55 are arranged between the second surface 25b of the rotor 25 and the end wall portion 30c of the knob 30. In the present embodiment, four stabilizers 55 are arranged at 90-degree intervals in the circumferential direction around the axis A so as to extend parallel to the second surface 25b.

[0089] Each stabilizer 55 is formed of a wire material and includes a straight rod-shaped main body 55a, a pair of arm portions 55b connected to both ends of the main body 55a, and base portions 55c, 55d respectively connected to the respective arm portions 55b.

[0090] The main body 55a is arranged adjacent to the radially outer side of the inner wall portion 30a of the knob 30. The main bodies 55a of the stabilizers 55 opposed to each other in the radial direction of the rotor 25 and the knob 30 extend in parallel, and the main bodies 55a of the adjacent stabilizers 55 extend in the orthogonal direction.

[0091] The pair of arm portions 55b are each bent relative to the main body 55a so as to protrude from the outer end of the main body 55a in the same direction. The arm portions 55b are continuous with the main body 55a via curved portions having a predetermined curvature. In the present embodiment, the angle formed by the main body 55a and the arm portions 55b is 90 degrees, and the arm portions 55b extend in the orthogonal direction relative to the main body 55a.

[0092] The base portions 55c, 55d are each bent relative to the arm portions 55b so as to protrude in directions away from each other. The base portions 55c, 55d are continuous with the arm portions 55b via curved portions having a predetermined curvature. In the present embodiment, the angles formed by the arm portions 55b and the base portions 55c, and the arm portions 55b and the base portions 55d are each 90 degrees, and the base portions 55c, 55d are arranged parallel to the main body 55a respectively. However, as long as the base portions 55c, 55d are arranged parallel to the main body 55a respectively, the angles formed by the main body 55a and the arm portions 55b, and the arm portions 55b and the base portions 55c, 55d may be other than 90 degrees respectively.

[0093] In the two bases 55c and 55d, the overall length of the first base 55c is shorter than that of the second base 55d. That is, the dimension from the arm portion 55b to the front end of the first base 55c is smaller than the dimension from the arm portion 55b to the front end of the first base 55d. The second base 55d is arranged to cross the main body 55a of the adjacent stabilizer 55.

[0094] Hereinafter, the mounting structure of each stabilizer 55 will be described more specifically.

[0095] Referring to Figure 8A , the main body 55a is held by the holding portion 30g of the knob 30 so as to be rotatable. Referring to Figure 8B , the bases 55c and 55d are held by the holding grooves 25m of the rotor 25 so as to be slidable and rotatable. Thereby, the arm portion 55b is inclined with respect to the rotor 25, and due to this inclination, the adjacent stabilizers 55 are three-dimensionally arranged without interference (refer to Figure 5 ). However, it may also be that the main body 55a is held by the rotor 25 so as to be rotatable, and the bases 55c and 55d are held by the knob 30 so as to be slidable and rotatable.

[0096] In the following description, sometimes one of the four stabilizers 55 that is located on the left side in Figure 8A and on the right side in Figure 8B is referred to as a stabilizer (first stabilizer) 55A, one that is located on the right side in Figure 8A and on the left side in Figure 8B is referred to as a stabilizer (second stabilizer) 55B, one that is located on the lower side in Figure 8A and Figure 8B is referred to as a stabilizer (third stabilizer) 55C, and one that is located on the upper side in Figure 8A and Figure 8B is referred to as a stabilizer (fourth stabilizer) 55D. All of these stabilizers 55A to 55D have the same shape.

[0097] As shown in Figure 6 , Figure 8A and Figure 8B , the main bodies 55a of the stabilizers 55A and 55B each extend in the X direction (first direction) parallel to the second surface 25b of the rotor 25 and the end wall portion 30c of the knob 30 with respect to the knob 30, and are arranged at intervals in the Y direction (second direction) orthogonal to the X direction. The main bodies 55a of the stabilizers 55C and 55D each extend in the Y direction with respect to the knob 30 and are arranged at intervals in the X direction.

[0098] The stabilizers 55A and 55B are arranged offset in the X direction. Specifically, the main body 55a of the stabilizer 55A has a first end 55a1 located on the lower side (one side) in the X direction and a second end 55a2 located on the upper side (the other side) in the X direction. The main body 55a of the stabilizer 55B has a first end 55a1 located on the upper side in the X direction and a second end 55a2 located on the lower side in the X direction. The first end 55a1 of the stabilizer 55B is located at a position above the first end 55a1 and the second end 55a2 of the stabilizer 55A in the X direction. The second end 55a2 of the stabilizer 55B is located between the first end 55a1 and the second end 55a2 of the stabilizer 55A in the X direction.

[0099] The stabilizers 55C and 55D are arranged offset in the Y direction. Specifically, the main body 55a of the stabilizer 55C has: a first end 55a1, which is located on the side of the stabilizer 55B, that is Figure 8A on the right side (one side) in the Y direction; and a second end 55a2, which is located on the side of the stabilizer 55A, that is Figure 8A on the left side (the other side) in the Y direction. The main body 55a of the stabilizer 55D has: a first end 55a1, which is located on the side of the stabilizer 55A, that is Figure 8A on the left side in the Y direction; and a second end 55a2, which is located on the side of the stabilizer 55B, that is Figure 8A on the right side in the Y direction. The first end 55a1 of the stabilizer 55D is located at a position closer to the stabilizer 55A side, that is Figure 8A on the left side in the Y direction, than the first end 55a1 and the second end 55a2 of the stabilizer 55C. The second end 55a2 of the stabilizer 55D is located between the first end 55a1 and the second end 55a2 of the stabilizer 55C in the Y direction.

[0100] As Figure 5 and Figure 8A shown, the holding portion 30g of the knob 30 includes a first holding portion 30g1 for holding the main body 55a of the stabilizer 55A, a second holding portion 30g2 for holding the main body 55a of the stabilizer 55B, a third holding portion 30g3 for holding the main body 55a of the stabilizer 55C, and a fourth holding portion 30g4 for holding the main body 55a of the stabilizer 55D.

[0101] The first holding part 30g1 includes a first portion 30g1-1 that holds the vicinity of the first end 55a1 in the stabilizer 55A and a second portion 30g1-2 that holds the vicinity of the second end 55a2 in the stabilizer 55A. The second holding part 30g2 includes a first portion 30g2-1 that holds the vicinity of the first end 55a1 in the stabilizer 55B and a second portion 30g2-2 that holds the vicinity of the second end 55a2 in the stabilizer 55B. The third holding part 30g3 includes a first portion 30g3-1 that holds the vicinity of the first end 55a1 in the stabilizer 55C and a second portion 30g3-2 that holds the vicinity of the second end 55a2 in the stabilizer 55C. The fourth holding part 30g4 includes a first portion 30g4-1 that holds the vicinity of the first end 55a1 in the stabilizer 55D and a second portion 30g4-2 that holds the vicinity of the second end 55a2 in the stabilizer 55D.

[0102] Each of the first portions 30g1-1 to 30g4-1 and each of the second portions 30g1-2 to 30g4-2 have the same structure. They include a pair of protrusions that protrude from the end wall portion 30c of the knob 30 toward the opening portion 30d, and claw portions that protrude from these protrusions in a direction approaching each other.

[0103] In each of the holding parts 30g1 to 30g4, the distances from the first portions 30g1-1 to 30g4-1 to the second portions 30g1-2 to 30g4-2 are all the same. The distance D1 in the X direction from the outer end of the first portion 30g1-1 of the first holding part 30g1 to the outer end of the first portion 30g2-1 of the second holding part 30g2 is longer than the distance L1 in the X direction from the outer end of the first portion 30g1-1 of the first holding part 30g1 to the outer end of the second portion 30g2-2 of the first holding part 30g1. The distance D2 in the Y direction from the outer end of the first portion 30g3-1 of the third holding part 30g3 to the outer end of the first portion 30g4-1 of the fourth holding part 30g4 is longer than the distance L2 in the X direction from the outer end of the first portion 30g4-1 of the fourth holding part 30g4 to the outer end of the second portion 30g4-2 of the fourth holding part 30g4. The distances D1 and D2 (D1 = D2) are set to be less than 130% (1 < D / L < 1.3) with respect to the distances L1 and L2 (L1 = L2).

[0104] With respect to the knob 30, the stabilizers 55A to 55D are arranged such that the first end 55a1 of one stabilizer 55 is adjacent to the second end 55a2 of an adjacent other stabilizer 55 in the X direction or the Y direction, and the main body 55a is overall in a square shape. Specifically, the first end 55a1 of the stabilizer 55A is adjacent to the second end 55a2 of the stabilizer 55C with a gap in the Y direction. The first end 55a1 of the stabilizer 55C is adjacent to the second end 55a2 of the stabilizer 55B with a gap in the X direction. The first end 55a1 of the stabilizer 55B is adjacent to the second end 55a2 of the stabilizer 55D with a gap in the Y direction. The first end 55a1 of the stabilizer 55D is adjacent to the second end 55a2 of the stabilizer 55A with a gap in the X direction. The second base portion 55d of each stabilizer 55 intersects with the main body 55a of an adjacent stabilizer 55.

[0105] As Figure 6 and Figure 8B shown, the base portions 55c, 55d are arranged in the recesses 25l formed in the second surface 25b of the rotor 25 and are held in the holding grooves 25m formed in the outer peripheral portion of the rotor 25.

[0106] Referring to Figure 11 , the recesses 25l are provided at four angular positions different from the insertion through holes 25e and the arrangement portions 25f. The recesses 25l are recessed from the vehicle inner side toward the vehicle outer side and have a bottom surface that allows the movement of the base portions 55c, 55d. Guide members 25q that support the arm portions 55b continuous with the respective base portions 55c, 55d are protrudingly provided in these recesses 25l. The formation regions of the recesses 25l, the formation regions of the insertion through holes 25e, and the formation regions of the through holes 25j communicate with each other spatially.

[0107] Specifically, in the Figure 8B the recess 25l1 located at the lower right is provided with the first base portion 55c of the stabilizer 55A and the second base portion 55d of the stabilizer 55C. In the Figure 8B the recess 25l2 located at the lower left is provided with the first base portion 55c of the stabilizer 55C and the second base portion 55d of the stabilizer 55B. In the Figure 8B the recess 25l3 located at the upper left is provided with the first base portion 55c of the stabilizer 55B and the second base portion 55d of the stabilizer 55D. In the Figure 8B the recess 25l4 located at the upper right is provided with the first base portion 55c of the stabilizer 55D and the second base portion 55d of the stabilizer 55A.

[0108] The holding groove 25m is in spatial communication with the inner part of the recess 25l and is formed by a long hole that penetrates from the recess 25l to the outer peripheral surface of the rotor 25. There are 2 holding grooves 25m provided at 1 recess 25l, and a total of 8 are provided. A pair of holding grooves 25m formed in the recesses 25l1 to 25l4 extend in the orthogonal direction, and the base parts 55c and 55d of different stabilizers 55 are respectively arranged. By arranging the front ends of the base parts 55c and 55d in the holding groove 25m, the movement of the base parts 55c and 55d along the second surface 25b is allowed.

[0109] Specifically, in the recess 25l1, a holding groove 25m for arranging the first base part 55c of the stabilizer 55A is provided so as to penetrate in the X direction, and a holding groove 25m for arranging the second base part 55d of the stabilizer 55C is provided so as to penetrate in the Y direction. In the recess 25l2, a holding groove 25m for arranging the first base part 55c of the stabilizer 55C is provided so as to penetrate in the Y direction, and a holding groove 25m for arranging the second base part 55d of the stabilizer 55B is provided so as to penetrate in the X direction. In the recess 25l3, a holding groove 25m for arranging the first base part 55c of the stabilizer 55B is provided so as to penetrate in the X direction, and a holding groove 25m for arranging the second base part 55d of the stabilizer 55D is provided so as to penetrate in the Y direction. In the recess 25l4, a holding groove 25m for arranging the first base part 55c of the stabilizer 55D is provided so as to penetrate in the Y direction, and a holding groove 25m for arranging the second base part 55d of the stabilizer 55A is provided so as to penetrate in the X direction.

[0110] In the holding groove 25m for arranging the first base part 55c of the stabilizer 55D among the plurality of holding grooves 25m, a communication groove 25r for communicating the inside of the holding groove 25m with the outside is provided. The communication groove 25r is provided at the front end of the holding groove 25m that is the insertion position when assembling the first base part 55c of the stabilizer 55D. The communication groove 25r penetrates from the bottom surface of the recess 25l4 to the second surface 25b, and penetrates from the recess 25l4 in the Y direction to the outer peripheral surface of the rotor 25.

[0111] Next, the assembly operation of the stabilizer 55 will be described.

[0112] When the plurality of stabilizers 55 are not assembled to the knob 30, they are assembled to the rotor 25 in the order of the stabilizer 55A, the stabilizer 55C, the stabilizer 55B, and the stabilizer 55D.

[0113] First, as Figure 12A shown, the stabilizer 55A is positioned on the second surface 25b side of the rotor 25, the first base part 55c is arranged in the recess 25l1, and the second base part 55d is arranged in the recess 25l4. After that, by moving the stabilizer 55A radially outward of the rotor 25 (in Figure 12ASlide to the right in the Y direction), so that the bases 55c and 55d are respectively inserted through the holding grooves 25m.

[0114] Next, as Figure 12B shown, rotate the stabilizer 55A and tilt it outward in the radial direction of the rotor 25. Next, place the stabilizer 55C on the second surface 25b side of the rotor 25, arrange the first base 55c in the recess 25l2, and arrange the second base 55d in the recess 25l1. At this time, the second base 55d of the stabilizer 55C is inserted between the main body 55a of the previously arranged stabilizer 55A and the bottom surface of the recess 25l1. After that, by sliding the stabilizer 55C outward in the radial direction of the rotor 25 (in Figure 12B it is the downward X direction), so that the bases 55c and 55d are respectively inserted through the holding grooves 25m.

[0115] Next, as Figure 12C shown, rotate the stabilizer 55C and tilt it outward in the radial direction of the rotor 25. Next, place the stabilizer 55B on the second surface 25b side of the rotor 25, arrange the first base 55c in the recess 25l3, and arrange the second base 55d in the recess 25l2. At this time, the second base 55d of the stabilizer 55B is inserted between the main body 55a of the previously arranged stabilizer 55C and the bottom surface of the recess 25l2. After that, by sliding the stabilizer 55B outward in the radial direction of the rotor 25 (in Figure 12C it is the left Y direction), so that the bases 55c and 55d are respectively inserted through the holding grooves 25m.

[0116] Next, as Figure 12D shown, rotate the stabilizer 55B and tilt it outward in the radial direction of the rotor 25. Next, place the stabilizer 55D on the second surface 25b side of the rotor 25, arrange the first base 55c in the recess 25l4, and arrange the second base 55d in the recess 25l3. At this time, the second base 55d of the stabilizer 55D is inserted between the main body 55a of the previously arranged stabilizer 55B and the bottom surface of the recess 25l3. In addition, different from the previously assembled stabilizers 55A, 55B, and 55C, since the main body 55a of the previously assembled stabilizer 55A exists in the recess 25l4, the first base 55c of the stabilizer 55D cannot be arranged in the recess 25l4 from the direction of the axis A. However, since the communication groove 25r is provided in the holding groove 25m for arranging the first base 55c, the stabilizer 55D can arrange the first base 55c in the recess 25l4 and can arrange the second base 55d in the recess 25l3 by moving in the Y direction. And after the arrangement, as Figure 8B shown, rotate the stabilizer 55D and tilt it outward in the radial direction of the rotor 25.

[0117] If the installation of the stabilizers 55A to 55D on the rotor 25 is all completed, after disposing the biasing member 33 with respect to the rotor 25, the main body 55a of each stabilizer 55 is inserted into the holding portion 30g of the knob 30 and held. Thus, the installation of the knob 30 on the rotor 25 is completed by means of the stabilizer 55.

[0118] Next, the operation of the operation grip device 10 will be described.

[0119] As Figure 2A shown, in the non-operating state of the knob 30, by the biasing of the biasing member 33, the knob 30 is held at a position separated from the rotor 25. Thus, the first transmission member 36 connected to the boss 30e is located at a position away from the film 50. In addition, the second transmission member 37 is held at a position in contact with the film 50 by the biasing of the spring 43.

[0120] In this non-operating state, the capacitance of the portion of the display panel 1 opposed to the first transmission member 36 does not change, and only the capacitance of the portion opposed to the second transmission member 37 changes. However, the position where the capacitance changes due to the second transmission member 37 is maintained at a specified position. Therefore, the display panel 1 can detect that the knob 30 is not operated.

[0121] When the knob 30 is pressed, the knob 30 approaches the rotor 25 against the force of the biasing member 33. At this time, if the user operates an offset position on the outer periphery of the knob 30 formed of an annular body, the knob 30 tilts with respect to the rotor 25 in the case where the stabilizer 55 is not employed. However, in the present embodiment, since the stabilizer 55 is employed, the main body 55a of the stabilizer 55 is pressed by the operation of the knob 30, and the base portions 55c, 55d move along the bottom surface of the recess 25l and the holding groove 25m. Thereby, the tilt of the knob 30 with respect to the rotor 25 is suppressed. In addition, by the linear movement of the knob 30, the first transmission member 36 approaches or comes into surface contact with the film 50 in parallel with the projection 30e.

[0122] By the pressing operation, in addition to the portion opposed to the second transmission member 37, the capacitance of the display panel 1 also changes in the portion opposed to the first transmission member 36. Therefore, the region where the capacitance of the display panel 1 changes is larger than in the non-operating state. Due to the increase in the capacitance change region, the display panel 1 can detect the pressing operation of the knob 30.

[0123] When the pressing operation stops, the knob 30 and the first transmission member 36 move toward the vehicle interior relative to the rotor 25 under the force of the urging member 33. As a result, the change in the electrostatic capacitance of the portion of the display panel 1 facing the first transmission member 36 disappears, and the area where the electrostatic capacitance changes becomes local compared to the pressing operation state. By reducing the change area of ​​the electrostatic capacitance, the display panel 1 can detect the release of the pressing operation of the knob 30.

[0124] When the knob 30 is rotated, the second transmission member 37 rotates together with the rotor 25. At this time, the knob 30 is kept away from the rotor 25 by the urging member 33, so the first transmission member 36 is also kept away from the film 50.

[0125] By the rotation operation, in the display panel 1, the electrostatic capacitance of the portion facing the first transmission member 36 does not change, and only the electrostatic capacitance of the portion facing the second transmission member 37 changes, but the position of the change rotates around the axis A. Therefore, the display panel 1 can detect the rotation operation of the knob 30 including the rotation direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) of the knob 30.

[0126] When the rotation operation stops, the rotation of the rotor 25 and the second transmission member 37 also stops. As a result, the movement of the position where the electrostatic capacitance changes in the display panel 1 stops. Therefore, the display panel 1 can detect the stop of the rotation operation of the knob 30.

[0127] The operating knob device 10 configured as described above has the following features.

[0128] Since the stabilizer 55 is disposed between the rotor (base) 25 and the knob (operating member) 30, the inclination of the knob 30 relative to the rotor 25 during the pressing operation can be suppressed, and the posture stability of the knob 30 can be improved. Therefore, the user's operating feeling of the knob 30 can be improved. In addition, the first transmission member 36 that moves in conjunction with the movement of the knob 30 can be brought into surface contact with the display panel 1. Therefore, the operation of the knob 30 can be reliably transmitted to the display panel 1, so the detectability of the display panel 1 can be improved.

[0129] Furthermore, since the first transmission member 36 of the present embodiment is formed of a soft material, when the knob 30 is strongly pressed and the knob 30 moves excessively, the first transmission member 36 can be elastically deformed. Therefore, the first transmission member 36 can be brought into surface contact with the display panel 1 by the synergistic effect of the posture stabilization of the knob 30 by the stabilizer 55 and the elastic deformation of the first transmission member 36. Therefore, the operation transmission performance of the operation knob device 10 can be reliably improved, thereby reliably improving the detectability of the display panel 1.

[0130] The stabilizer 55 includes a first stabilizer 55A and a second stabilizer 55B whose main bodies 55a extend in the X direction (the first direction), and the first ends 55a1 thereof are arranged offset in the X direction away from each other. Therefore, the first end 55a1 of the first stabilizer 55A and the first end 55a1 of the second stabilizer 55B can be respectively arranged near the outer peripheral portion of the knob 30. Thereby, compared with the case where the ends of the pair of stabilizers 55 are arranged aligned, the distance for supporting the knob 30 by the pair of stabilizers 55A and 55B becomes longer. As a result, the inclination of the knob 30 relative to the rotor 25 can be suppressed within a large range.

[0131] The holding portion 30g includes a first holding portion 30g1 that holds both ends of the first stabilizer 55A and a second holding portion 30g2 that holds both ends of the second stabilizer 55B, and the distance D1 between these first portions 30g1-1 and 30g2-1 is longer than the distance L1 between the first portion 30g1-1 and the second portion 30g1-2. Therefore, the portions that support the stabilizers 55A and 55B can be respectively arranged near the outer peripheral portion of the knob 30. Thereby, compared with the case where the holding portion 30g is arranged aligned, the distance for holding the pair of stabilizers 55A and 55B becomes longer. As a result, the inclination of the knob 30 relative to the rotor 25 can be suppressed within a large range.

[0132] The stabilizer 55 includes a third stabilizer 55C and a fourth stabilizer 55D whose main bodies 55a extend in the Y direction (the second direction), and the first ends 55a1 thereof are arranged offset in the Y direction away from each other. Therefore, the first ends 55a1 of the stabilizers 55C and 55D can be respectively arranged near the outer peripheral portion of the knob 30. As a result, the inclination of the knob 30 relative to the rotor 25 can be more reliably suppressed.

[0133] The holding portion 30g includes a third holding portion 30g3 that holds both ends of the third stabilizer 55C and a fourth holding portion 30g4 that holds both ends of the fourth stabilizer 55D, and the distance D2 between these first portions 30g3-1 and 30g4-1 is longer than the distance L2 between the first portion 30g4-1 and the second portion 30g4-2. Therefore, the portions that support the stabilizers 55C and 55D can be respectively arranged near the outer peripheral portion of the knob 30. As a result, the inclination of the knob 30 relative to the rotor 25 can be suppressed within a large range.

[0134] Among the stabilizers 55A to 55D, the first end 55a1 of one stabilizer 55 and the second end 55a2 of the adjacent other stabilizer 55 are adjacent (offset) in the X direction or the Y direction. Therefore, the first end 55a1 of each stabilizer 55 can be reliably arranged near the outer peripheral portion of the knob 30, and thus the inclination of the knob 30 relative to the rotor 25 can be effectively suppressed.

[0135] All of the stabilizers 55A to 55D have the same shape. Therefore, there is no concern about misinstallation, so the assembly workability can be improved, and the posture stability of the knob 30 can be reliably improved.

[0136] The rotor 25 is an annular body having an opening 26, and the knob 30 is an annular body having an inner wall portion 30a located inside the opening 26 and an outer wall portion 30b surrounding the rotor 25. Therefore, a part of the display panel 1 can be visually confirmed through the internal spaces of the rotor 25 and the knob 30, so that the display area of the display panel 1 can be ensured.

[0137] The base has: a rotor 25 having a first surface 25a and a second surface 25b; and an annular cage 20 that holds the rotor 25 so as to be rotatable, and the base has a second transmission member 37 on the first surface 25a of the rotor 25. Therefore, not only the pressing operation of the knob 30 but also the rotation operation of the knob 30 can be transmitted to the display panel 1, and the display panel 1 can detect this rotation operation, so the convenience can be improved.

[0138] Since the first transmission member 36 and the second transmission member 37 are centrally arranged between the inner wall portion 30a and the outer wall portion 30b of the knob 30, the operation grip device 10 can be miniaturized.

[0139] It should be noted that the operation grip device 10 of the present invention is not limited to the structure of the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made.

[0140] For example, as Figure 13 shown, communication grooves 25r may be provided in all the holding grooves 25m where the first base portions 55c are arranged on the rotor 25. In this way, all of the stabilizers 55A to 55D can be arranged by sliding movement, and there is no restriction on the assembly order of the stabilizers 55A to 55D, so the assembly workability can be improved.

[0141] As Figure 14 shown, the cage 20 may be arranged on the inner circumference of the rotor 25, and the ring member 45 may be arranged on the outer circumference of the rotor 25. In this case, compared with the case where the rotor 25 is arranged inside the cage 20, the liquid that accidentally enters the inside can be easily discharged to the outside. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid from accumulating inside and prevent the conductivity of the transmission members 36 and 37 from being damaged.

[0142] Specifically, since the cage 20 holds the rotor 25 on which the knob 30, the first transmission member 36, and the second transmission member 37 are mounted, an increase in the axial dimension is inevitable. In the case where such a cage is located on the outer peripheral portion, the cage becomes an obstacle and hinders the liquid from flowing out to the outside due to its own weight. In contrast, inFigure 14 In a modified example, since the cage 20 is located in the inner peripheral portion, the cage 20 does not obstruct the outflow of the liquid to the outside due to its own weight. Therefore, the drainage property of the liquid can be improved. Moreover, by providing the through hole 60 so as to be located at the lower end of the ring member 45, the drainage property of the liquid can be further improved.

[0143] Moreover, since the rotor 25 is arranged outside the cage 20, the degree of freedom in design is increased, and the radial dimension of the rotor 25 can be formed relatively large. In this case, it is also possible to increase the stabilizer 55 and the biasing member 33 for ensuring operability, and the stabilizer 55 can be arranged as far outside as possible. Therefore, the inclination of the knob 30 in the plane direction can be further suppressed during the pressing operation. Therefore, the operability and the operation stability of the knob 30 can be improved.

[0144] The number of the stabilizers 55 is not limited to four, and may be only two opposed ones, and in particular, may be constituted by only one, and can be changed as needed.

[0145] The operation grip device 10 is not limited to a circular shape, and may be a circular shape without an opening portion when viewed from the direction in which the axis A extends. In addition, the outer shape of the operation grip device 10 may also be a polygonal shape.

[0146] As long as the operation grip device 10 of the present invention is a product equipped with a display panel 1 having a touch detection function, it can also be used for products other than in-vehicle products.

[0147] Explanation of reference numerals

[0148] 1 Display panel

[0149] 10 Operation grip device

[0150] 20 Cage (base)

[0151] 20a Main body

[0152] 20b First holding portion

[0153] 20c Second holding portion

[0154] 20d Protrusion

[0155] 20e Engagement groove

[0156] 20f Contact portion

[0157] 21 Opening portion

[0158] 25 Rotor (base)

[0159] 25a First surface

[0160] 25b Second surface

[0161] 25c sliding contact part

[0162] 25d mounting hole

[0163] 25e insertion through-hole

[0164] 25f arrangement part

[0165] 25g through-hole

[0166] 25h guide rib

[0167] 25i mounting part

[0168] 25j through-hole

[0169] 25k recess

[0170] 25l, 25l1 to 25l4 recesses

[0171] 25m holding groove

[0172] 25n through-hole

[0173] 25o block

[0174] 25p locking piece

[0175] 25q guide member

[0176] 25r communication groove

[0177] 26 opening part

[0178] 27 spring

[0179] 28 engaging member

[0180] 30 knob (operating member)

[0181] 30a inner wall part

[0182] 30b outer wall part

[0183] 30c end wall part

[0184] 30d open part

[0185] 30e boss

[0186] 30f holding part

[0187] 30g holding part

[0188] 30g1 first holding part

[0189] 30g1-1 first part

[0190] 30g1-2 Second part

[0191] 30g2 Second holding part

[0192] 30g2-1 First part

[0193] 30g2-2 Second part

[0194] 30g3 Third holding part

[0195] 30g3-1 First part

[0196] 30g3-2 Second part

[0197] 30g4 Fourth holding part

[0198] 30g4-1 First part

[0199] 30g4-2 Second part

[0200] 30h Restricting part

[0201] 30i Anti-slip part

[0202] 31 Opening part

[0203] 32 Decorative panel

[0204] 33 Biasing member

[0205] 33a Base part

[0206] 33b Protruding part

[0207] 33c Head part

[0208] 35 Transmission member

[0209] 36 First transmission member

[0210] 36a First end

[0211] 36b Second end

[0212] 36c Positioning protrusion

[0213] 37 Second transmission member

[0214] 37a Cutout part

[0215] 37b Through part

[0216] 38 Connecting part

[0217] 38a Connecting end

[0218] 38b Through hole

[0219] 40 Mounting member

[0220] 40a groove

[0221] 40b outer wall

[0222] 40c inner wall

[0223] 40d end wall

[0224] 40e positioning groove

[0225] 40f insertion slot

[0226] 40g through portion

[0227] 40h positioning protrusion

[0228] 40i abutting portion

[0229] 41 screw

[0230] 42 retaining member

[0231] 42a depression

[0232] 42b protrusion

[0233] 42c positioning protrusion

[0234] 42d threaded hole

[0235] 42e protrusion

[0236] 42f locking piece

[0237] 42g claw

[0238] 43 spring

[0239] 44 screw

[0240] 45 ring member

[0241] 45a base

[0242] 45b protrusion

[0243] 50 film

[0244] 51 opening

[0245] 52a - 52c adhesive layer

[0246] 55 stabilizer

[0247] 55A first stabilizer

[0248] 55B second stabilizer

[0249] 55C third stabilizer

[0250] 55D Fourth stabilizer

[0251] 55a Body

[0252] 55a1 First end

[0253] 55a2 Second end

[0254] 55b Arm

[0255] 55c First base

[0256] 55d Second base

[0257] 60 Through-hole

[0258] Axis A

[0259] X First direction

[0260] Y Second direction.

Claims

1. An operating grip device, wherein, the operating grip device includes: a base having a first surface facing the display panel and a second surface located on the side opposite to the display panel with respect to the first surface; a transmission member disposed on the first surface side of the base and having conductivity; an operating member disposed on the second surface side so as to allow relative movement in a direction crossing the first surface with respect to the base, and approaching and separating the transmission member from the display panel; and a stabilizer disposed between the base and the operating member, the stabilizer having: a main body; a pair of arm portions respectively connected to both ends of the main body and protruding from the main body in the same direction; and a pair of base portions respectively connected to the arm portions and protruding from the arm portions in directions away from each other, one of the base and the operating member has a holding portion for holding the main body rotatably, the other of the base and the operating member has a pair of holding grooves for holding the base portions respectively so as to be slidable and rotatable along the second surface.

2. The operating grip device according to claim 1, wherein, the stabilizer includes a first stabilizer and a second stabilizer in which the main body extends along the second surface in a first direction and is disposed at intervals in a second direction crossing the first direction, the main body of the first stabilizer has a first end on one side in the first direction and a second end on the other side in the first direction, the main body of the second stabilizer has: a first end located at a position on the other side in the first direction than the second end of the first stabilizer; and a second end located between the first end and the second end of the first stabilizer.

3. The operating grip device according to claim 2, wherein, the holding portion includes a first holding portion for holding the first stabilizer and a second holding portion for holding the second stabilizer, the first holding portion has a first part for holding the first end side of the first stabilizer and a second part for holding the second end side of the first stabilizer, the second holding portion has a first part for holding the first end side of the second stabilizer and a second part for holding the second end side of the second stabilizer, the distance in the first direction from the first part of the first holding portion to the first part of the second holding portion is longer than the distance from the first part of the first holding portion to the second part, and the distance from the first part of the second holding portion to the second part.

4. The operating grip device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, the stabilizer includes a third stabilizer and a fourth stabilizer in which the main body extends in the second direction and is disposed at intervals in the first direction, the main body of the third stabilizer has a first end on the second stabilizer side and a second end on the first stabilizer side, The body of the fourth stabilizer has: a first end located on the side of the first stabilizer with respect to the second end of the third stabilizer; and a second end located between the first end and the second end of the third stabilizer.

5. The operating grip device according to claim 4, wherein, the holding portion includes a third holding portion for holding the third stabilizer and a fourth holding portion for holding the fourth stabilizer, the third holding portion has a first portion for holding the first end side of the third stabilizer and a second portion for holding the second end side of the third stabilizer, the fourth holding portion has a first portion for holding the first end side of the fourth stabilizer and a second portion for holding the second end side of the fourth stabilizer, the distance in the second direction from the first portion of the third holding portion to the first portion of the fourth holding portion is longer than the distance from the first portion of the third holding portion to the second portion and the distance from the first portion of the fourth holding portion to the second portion.

6. The operating grip device according to claim 4, wherein, the third stabilizer is disposed on one side in the first direction, and the fourth stabilizer is disposed on the other side in the first direction, the first end of the first stabilizer and the second end of the third stabilizer are adjacent to each other with a gap therebetween in the second direction, the first end of the third stabilizer and the second end of the second stabilizer are adjacent to each other with a gap therebetween in the first direction, the first end of the second stabilizer and the second end of the fourth stabilizer are adjacent to each other with a gap therebetween in the second direction, the first end of the fourth stabilizer and the second end of the first stabilizer are adjacent to each other with a gap therebetween in the first direction.

7. The operating grip device according to claim 4, wherein, the first stabilizer, the second stabilizer, the third stabilizer, and the fourth stabilizer are all of the same shape.

8. The operating grip device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, the base is an annular body having an opening, the operating member is an annular body having a cylindrical inner wall portion located inside the opening and a cylindrical outer wall portion surrounding the outer periphery of the base.

9. The operating grip device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, the base has: a rotor having the first surface and the second surface; and an annular cage for rotatably holding the rotor, on the first surface of the rotor, a transmission member different from the transmission member is provided so as to rotate integrally with the rotor.

Images