OPERATING DEVICE

Abstract

Operating device (1) comprising: a scroll wheel (4) from which a section of an opening (55a) protrudes, which is formed on an operator surface (3), wherein the scroll wheel (4) is configured to be rotated by an operator, and the scroll wheel (4) includes a ring element (37) formed by a translucent element configured to transmit light; a light source (53) configured to produce light for nighttime illumination; and a wheel lighting light guide element (57) configured to guide the light emitted by the light source (53) to the scroll wheel (4); characterized by a metal film (62) formed on an inner circumferential surface of the ring element (37).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED REGISTRATION TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an operating device that includes a scroll wheel. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] There is a well-known control device that includes a scroll wheel which can be manually rotated. This scroll wheel is made of a transparent element, and a metallic film is vapor-deposited onto one of its outer surfaces to act as a semi-mirror. Therefore, during the day, the attractive appearance of the metallic film enhances the scroll wheel's design. Furthermore, at night, light from a light source is directed to the scroll wheel and transmitted through the metallic film, illuminating the scroll wheel and thus improving its nighttime appearance.

[0003] However, with the above configuration, if the appearance of the deposited metal film forming the semi-mirror is improved—that is, if the daytime design of the scroll wheel is improved—the light transmittance of the metal film is reduced, thereby decreasing the luminance, thus worsening the nighttime design. Conversely, if the light transmittance of the metal film is increased to increase the luminance—that is, if the nighttime design is improved—the appearance of the metal film is worsened, thus worsening the daytime design.

[0004] Regarding the above point, it is conceivable to provide a structure in which light is emitted from a gap between the scroll wheel and an opening in the control panel to illuminate the gap, thereby improving both the daytime and nighttime appearance of the scroll wheel. However, a disadvantage of this structure is that the appearance, such as the brightness of the light, changes depending on the user's viewing angle, and / or it is difficult to ensure that the scroll wheel appears uniform on both its top and bottom surfaces.

[0005] The prior art is known from JP 2007 - 165 213 A. Reference is also made to DE 35 00 747 A1, from which an operating device with the features of the preamble of claim 1 is known. OVERVIEW OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is an objective of the present disclosure to provide an operating device that can improve a day design and a night design of a scroll wheel, while the operating device has a structure that illuminates the scroll wheel of the operating device.

[0007] The problem is solved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are found in the dependent claims. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an operating device is provided comprising: a scroll wheel, a section of which projects from an opening formed on an operating surface, the scroll wheel being configured to be rotated by an operator, and the scroll wheel comprising a ring element formed by a translucent element configured to transmit light; a light source configured to generate light for night illumination; a wheel illumination light guide element configured to direct the light emitted by the light source to the scroll wheel; and a metal film formed on an inner circumferential surface of the ring element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The present disclosure, together with additional tasks, features and advantages, will become more apparent from the following description in conjunction with the drawings. Fig. Figure 1 is a front view of an operating device according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view along a line II-II of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view along a line III-III of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view along a line IV-IV of Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective exploded view of a first holder, a second holder and a wheel lighting light guide element. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a scroll wheel, rotation direction lighting light guide elements, the wheel lighting light guide elements, the second holder, and a circuit board. Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the operating device in a state where a housing has been removed. Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a cross-section of a structure along a plane parallel to a user interface at a location near the top point of a second gear. Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the second wheel. Fig. Figure 10 is a diagram that schematically shows a cross-section of the second wheel. Fig. Figure 11 is a diagram to explain how light passes through the interior of the second wheel. Fig. Figure 12 is a perspective view showing an aperture and a rotation direction indicator. Fig. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the aperture and the rotation direction indicator. Fig. 14 a partial cross-sectional view showing the aperture and the direction of rotation indicator in the middle of a manufacturing process. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view along a line XV-XV of Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 16 is a perspective view of the wheel lighting light guide element. Fig. Figure 17 is a perspective view of the rotation direction lighting light guide element. DESCRIPTION OF EXECUTION FORMS

[0009] One embodiment is described according to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 15, Fig. 16 to Fig. 17. An operating device 1 of the present embodiment is a device configured to change (or input) a specified value of a predetermined control parameter, for example, in a vehicle's air conditioning system, and is installed on a center console of the vehicle. The operating device 1 is configured, for example, to change the temperature setting of the air conditioning system, which serves as the predetermined control parameter.

[0010] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a scroll wheel 4, a direction indicator 5 and a switching device 6 are placed on a user interface 3 of the housing 2 of the operating device 1. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view along line II-II of Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line III-III of Fig. 1.

[0011] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the housing 2 is shaped in a box form and accommodates various constituent elements of the operating device 1. A first holder 7, a second holder 8, the scroll wheel 4, a direction indicator 5, an indicator 9, a first gear 10, a second gear 11, a third gear 12, a shaft 13, a circuit board 14, a lighting device 15 and a rotation measuring mechanism 16 are accommodated within the housing 2.

[0012] The operating surface 3 of the housing 2 is a surface of the housing 2 facing the operator side (hereinafter referred to as the occupant), and the operating surface 3 forms an air conditioning control panel. The operating surface 3 is generally coated, for example, with a light-blocking paint and serves as a light-blocking section. However, a region of the operating surface 3 corresponding to the indicator 9 is designed as a section where the light-blocking coating is not applied, and this section serves as a light-transmitting section. An opening 17 of the housing 2 is a hole for a section of the scroll wheel 4 to protrude towards the occupant side and expose the direction indicator 5 to the occupant side.

[0013] The first holder 7 comprises support walls 21, 22, a locking wall 23, and a support section 24. The wall surfaces of the support walls 21, 22 extend in a direction perpendicular to the operating surface 3. The support walls 21, 22 are wall sections that rotatably support a shaft 25 of the second gear 11 and the shaft 13 of the third gear 12. The locking wall 23 is a wall section located adjacent to the support wall 21 and has a locking hole 23a through which locking claws 26 of the shaft 25 are inserted. The support section 24 is an element for securely supporting the indicator 9 at a location on one side of the scroll wheel 4 in the axial direction of the scroll wheel 4 and on the rear side of the operating surface 3.

[0014] On the inside of the housing 2, the scroll wheel 4 is rotatably mounted in a direction that runs along the operating surface 3. The scroll wheel 4 serves as an input switching device for setting the temperature of the air conditioning air in response to a rotation of the scroll wheel 4 by the occupant. For example, when an operating point of the scroll wheel 4 is moved towards the top in Fig. When 1 is turned, the air conditioning air is set to increase. In contrast, when the control point of the scroll wheel 4 is turned towards the bottom, Fig. When 1 is turned, the air conditioning air is set to be reduced. The scroll wheel 4 includes a main body 31, a rotating shaft 32, a stationary shaft 33, a click pin 34, and a spring 35.

[0015] The main body 31 is a section that is rotated by the occupant and is shaped in a ring form. The main body 31 is designed as an arrangement of several elements, including a first wheel 36, a second wheel 37, and a third wheel 38.

[0016] The first wheel 36 is a ring-shaped element and forms an axial side of the main body 31, located axially on the side of the rotatable shaft 32. The first wheel 36 is arranged on the side of the rotatable shaft 32 of a resin-made tube section 39, and the first wheel 36 is integrally formed with the tube section 39 as a single piece. That is, the first wheel 36 and the tube section 39 are formed as a single, integrally molded component made of resin. A predetermined number of locking claws 41 are arranged one after the other circumferentially at an axial intermediate location on an outer circumferential surface of the tube section 39, and each predetermined number of locking claws 41 engages with a predetermined number of locking holes 40 of the third wheel 38, which will be described later. A coating of a predetermined color is applied to a surface of the first wheel 36.The coating can be a glossy coating or a matte coating.

[0017] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the second wheel 37 is an element (i.e., a ring element) that has a ring shape and forms an axial intermediate region of the main body 31. The second wheel 37 is formed by a light-transmitting element, such as a transparent element, a translucent element, or a light-diffusing element, configured to transmit light. In the present embodiment, the second wheel 37 is, for example, made of acrylic resin or polycarbonate resin (PC resin). Several coating films and a metal vapor deposition film are formed on surfaces of the second wheel 37, that is, an inner circumferential surface, an outer circumferential surface, and end surfaces of the second wheel 37. Detailed configurations of the coating films and the vapor deposition film of the second wheel 37 are described later.

[0018] The third wheel 38 is a ring-shaped element forming another axial side of the main body 31, which is located on the side of the stationary shaft 33 in the axial direction. A coating of a predetermined color is applied to the surface of the third wheel 38. The coating can be glossy or matte. The side facing the second wheel 37 of the third wheel 38 is hollow, and the inner circumference of the ring of the third wheel 38 is formed by a tubular section 42. The predetermined number of locking holes 40, with which the locking claws 41 engage, are arranged one after the other in the circumferential direction on the side of the first wheel 36 of the tubular section 42.

[0019] The first to third wheels 36 to 38 and the stationary shaft 33 are assembled as follows. In particular, the stationary shaft 33, to which the click pin 34 is attached, is inserted into the first wheel 36.

[0020] Furthermore, the second wheel 37 is inserted from the side of the stationary shaft 33 along the radially outer side of the pipe section 39 such that the second wheel 37 contacts the first wheel 36. Then, the third wheel 38 is attached to the pipe section 39 from the side of the stationary shaft 33. The second wheel 37 is securely clamped between the first wheel 36 and the third wheel 38. Furthermore, an inner circumferential surface of the pipe section 42 of the third wheel 38 is inserted over the outer circumferential surface of the pipe section 39 such that the inner circumferential surface of the pipe section 42 contacts the outer circumferential surface of the pipe section 39 and the locking jaws 41 are each engaged with the locking holes 40. This fixes the third wheel 38 to the pipe section 39 of the first wheel 36.

[0021] The rotatable shaft 32 is a shaft that supports the main body 31 along the inside of the housing 2 in a direction extending along the operating surface 3. The rotatable shaft 32 is configured to rotate integrally with the main body 31. A flange 43, having a round plate shape, is formed at an axial intermediate location on the rotatable shaft 32. The flange 43 is configured to restrict the movement of a foreign object that penetrates through a gap around the main body 31 toward the first gear 10.

[0022] A section of the first wheel 36, located on the side of the rotatable shaft 32, forms an end surface of the scroll wheel 4. This axial end surface forms a sliding surface 44. Furthermore, a surface of the flange 43, opposite the sliding surface 44, forms a sliding surface 45. The size of the gap between the sliding surface 44 and the sliding surface 45 is specified to be slightly larger than the thickness of the support wall 22. The support wall 22 is held between the sliding surface 44 and the sliding surface 45. Thus, the axial position of the rotatable shaft 32, that is, of the scroll wheel 4, relative to the support wall 22 is limited by the sliding surface 44 and the sliding surface 45.

[0023] A shaft section 46, forming a click mechanism, is formed on an inner circumferential surface of the tube section 39 of the rotatable shaft 32. The shaft section 46 forms a series of projections and recesses arranged alternately in succession along the circumferential direction of the tube section 39, like the internal teeth of an internal gear.

[0024] The stationary shaft 33 is a shaft that rotatably supports the main body 31 and the rotatable shaft 32. One end of the stationary shaft 33 is fixed to a support wall 47 of the first holder 7, and the other end of the stationary shaft 33 is inserted into an inner section 39 of the rotatable shaft 32. The section of the stationary shaft 33 inserted into the inner section 39 has a hole 48 that is recessed inwards in a direction intersecting the axial direction at a predetermined circumferential region of an outer circumferential surface of the stationary shaft 33 section, corresponding to the shaft section 46.

[0025] The click pin 34 is an element that forms the click mechanism in cooperation with the shaft section 46. For example, one distal end of the click pin 34 is shaped with a spherical surface, and the other end of the click pin 34 is shaped like a tube. The click pin 34 is inserted into the hole 48 such that its distal end contacts the shaft section 46. The spring 35 is an elastic element that forms the click mechanism in cooperation with the shaft section 46 and the click pin 34. The spring 35 is positioned between the click pin 34 and the bottom of the hole 48 and is configured to exert a compressive force against the click pin 34 towards the shaft section 46.

[0026] The indicator 9 indicates an input state corresponding to the rotation of the scroll wheel 4. The indicator 9 is located on one axial side of the scroll wheel 4 and on the rear of the user interface 3 in a position adjacent to the user interface 3. The indicator 9 is configured to indicate, for example, the temperature of the air conditioning system, the setting of which is being changed. In the present embodiment, the indicator 9 is a planar light-emitting display, such as an organic EL display. The display content indicated by the indicator 9, that is, a display image, is visible to the occupant through the light transmission section of the user interface 3.

[0027] The first gear 10 is a spur gear fixed to the side of the rotatable shaft 32 of the scroll wheel 4, opposite the indicator 9. The first gear 10 is configured to rotate integrally with the rotatable shaft 32. The first gear 10 serves as a reference gear for the second gear 11 and the third gear 12. The number of teeth of the first gear 10 is, for example, set to 24.

[0028] The second gear 11 is positioned on the side of the first gear 10 that faces away from the user interface 3. The second gear 11 is a spur gear meshing with the first gear 10 and is configured to rotate at a reduced speed relative to the rotational speed of the first gear 10. For example, the number of teeth of the second gear 11 is set to 48, while the diameter of the second gear 11 is twice the diameter of the first gear 10.

[0029] The shaft 25, which rotates integrally with the second gear 11, is fixed to the second gear 11. The shaft 25 extends from the second gear 11 towards the side of the indicator 9. Two elastic sections 27, each with a thin wall and elastically deformable in the radial direction, are formed at the distal end of the shaft 25. A locking claw 26, projecting radially outwards, is formed at the leading edge of each of the elastic sections 27.

[0030] The elastic sections 27 and the locking claws 26 are inserted into the locking hole 23a of the locking wall 23 such that the locking claws 26 engage with a circumference of the locking hole 23a, thereby limiting axial removal of the shaft 25. Furthermore, the shaft 25 is rotatably supported by the support walls 21, 22 at two axial locations on the shaft 25, which are distinct from the elastic sections 27 and the locking claws 26.

[0031] The third gear 12 is positioned on the side of the second gear 11 facing away from the operator interface 3. The third gear 12 is a spur gear meshing with the second gear 11 and is configured to rotate at a higher speed relative to the rotational speed of the first gear 10. The number of teeth on the third gear 12 is fixed, for example, to be 12, while the diameter of the third gear 12 is half the diameter of the first gear 10. The shaft 13 is fixed to the third gear 12 and is configured to rotate integrally with it. The shaft 13 extends from the third gear 12 toward the side of the indicator 9. The shaft 13 is rotatably supported by the bearing surfaces 21 and 22 at two axial locations along the shaft 13.

[0032] The rotation measuring mechanism 16 is a mechanism that measures the rotational state of the scroll wheel 4 when the scroll wheel 4 is rotated. The rotation measuring mechanism 16 includes a rotating plate 51, which is fixed to an end part of the shaft 13 located on the side of the indicator 9, and a photoelectric sensor 52, which is fixed to the circuit board 14, which is mounted in Fig. Figure 6 shows that the rotary plate 51 is configured to be rotated by the first to third gears 10 to 12 and the shaft 13 in response to the rotation of the scroll wheel 4.

[0033] Several light-shielding teeth are arranged one after the other at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction along an outer circumferential section of the rotary plate 51, thus forming the rotary plate 51 like a spur gear. Each of the light-shielding teeth of the rotary plate 51 is rectangular in shape and serves as a light-shielding section that blocks light in the axial direction of the rotary plate 51. The photointerrupter 52 is a sensor device that measures the rotational state of the rotary plate 51 and thereby measures the rotational state (a direction of rotation, the amount of rotation) of the scroll wheel 4.In the case of the above structure, if a circumferential size of the respective light-shielding sections of the rotating plate 51 and a circumferential size of the respective slots of the rotating plate 51 are appropriately determined relative to the light emitter and the light receiver of the photointerrupter 52, the direction of rotation and the amount of rotation can be precisely obtained with the photointerrupter 52.

[0034] The printed circuit board 14 is a circuit board element on which the control circuitry is mounted. The printed circuit board 14 is installed on the second holder 8 such that it is parallel to the operating surface 3. A received light signal is output by the photointerrupter 52 to the printed circuit board 14, which measures the direction and magnitude of rotation of the rotary plate 51, i.e., the scroll wheel 4, based on a generated pattern of the received light signal. The printed circuit board 14 controls a change in the display content, i.e., a temperature display of the air conditioning system on the indicator 9, according to the measured direction and magnitude of rotation.

[0035] Furthermore, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, there are two indication markers 5a and 5b, which have a triangular shape and indicate the direction of rotation of the scroll wheel 4, i.e., the top and bottom sides. Fig. 1 on the direction indicator 5. In the direction indicator 5, the indication markings 5a, 5b are light transmission sections on which the light-blocking coating is not applied. For example, when a night light switch is turned on, the indication markings 5a, 5b are illuminated by light sources 53, 53 and direction-of-rotation illumination light guide elements 54, 54, which are located in Fig. 3 are shown and will be described later.

[0036] As in Fig. 7 and Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the direction-of-rotation indicator 5 comprises: an indicator main body 5d; mounting sections 5e, 5e, each provided on the upper and lower sides of the indicator main body 5d, respectively; and coupling sections 5c, 5c, each extending from the mounting sections 5e, 5e towards the left side in Fig. 12 protrude. Upper end parts of the light guiding elements 54, 54, which are in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, they are installed, for example, by engaging a lower surface of the indicator main body 5d and the mounting sections 5e, 5e. As shown in Figure 3. Fig. As shown in Figure 17, each of the light guide elements 54 is formed in an elongated rod shape, and the end part of the light guide element 54, which is adjacent to the operating surface 3, is bent along the outer circumference of the first gear 10, as shown in Figure 17. Fig. Figure 3 shows that each of the light guiding elements 54 is made, for example, of a transparent resin.

[0037] An aperture 55, from which a section of the scroll wheel 4 protrudes, is clamped, for example, by the aperture 55 engaging between the coupling sections 5c, 5c of the direction indicator 5, so that the direction indicator 5 and the aperture 55 are integrated together. The integrated structure of the aperture 55 and the direction indicator 5 is securely fitted into the opening 17 of the housing 2 from the inside of the housing 2.

[0038] The aperture 55, for example, is coated with a light-blocking paint and is thus designed as a light-blocking section. The aperture 55 has an opening 55a, which is shaped in a rectangular form, and the opening 55a is a hole through which the section of the scroll wheel 4 protrudes towards the occupant. As in Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, a gap 55b between the opening 55a and the scroll wheel 4 is formed such that the gap 55b extends around the entire circumference of the opening 55a. As shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 13, a nonwoven fabric 56 is attached to an inner side of the aperture 55 and to the outer side of the aperture 55, that is, to the outer side of the coupling section 5c, with double-sided adhesive tape 157, 157, in order to restrict the emission of illumination light through the upper gap 55b, as described later. Details of the nonwoven fabric 56 will be described later. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view along a line IV-IV of Fig. 1.

[0039] Furthermore, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the light sources 53, 53 of the lighting device 15 are installed on the circuit board 14. Each of the light sources 53, 53 is formed by a light-emitting element such as an LED. The light sources 53, 53 are positioned to correspond to the light guide elements 54, 54, which each illuminate the indicator markings 5a, 5b of the direction indicator 5. The circuit board 14 is installed on a lower surface of the second holder 8, which is also shown in Figure 3. Fig. Figure 5 shows the second holder 8. It has openings 8a, 8a at locations corresponding to the light sources 53, 53, and transparent lenses 8b, 8b, which transmit the light, are installed at the openings 8a, 8a. The second holder 8 is, for example, made of black resin, and the lenses 8a, 8b are, for example, made of transparent resin. Furthermore, the second holder 8 and the lenses 8b, 8b are, for example, formed using a two-color molding technique.

[0040] In the above structure, as indicated by arrows in Fig. 3 and Fig. As indicated in 6, the light emitted from each of the light sources 53, 53 is emitted from a distal end surface of the corresponding light guiding elements 54, 54 to the corresponding indication markings 5a, 5b of the direction indicator 5 after passing through the corresponding lenses 8b, 8b and the corresponding light guiding elements 54, 54. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the scroll wheel 4, the light guide elements 54, 54, the second holder 8 and the circuit board 14 in a state where the housing 2, the aperture 55, the rotation direction indicator 5 and the first holder 7 are removed.

[0041] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the light guide elements 57, 57 are positioned on the left side of the direction-of-rotation light guide elements 54, 54. As shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. As shown in Figure 16, each of the light guiding elements 57, 57 is formed in a plate form and is made, for example, of transparent resin. As in Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the light guiding elements 57, 57 are each received in receiving sections 58, 58 of the first holder 7 and the second holder 8, on which the circuit board 14 is installed, is received in and fixed to the first holder 7 which receives the light guiding elements 57, 57.

[0042] A projection 57a ​​extends from an end part of each light guiding element 57, which is far from the operating surface 3, and the projection 57a ​​is positioned adjacent to a corresponding lens 8b of the second holder 8, as shown in Fig. 6 is shown. In this way, as indicated by arrows in Fig. 4 and Fig. As indicated in Figure 6, the light emitted by each of the light sources 53, 53 is emitted from a distal end portion of the corresponding wheel illumination light guide elements 57, 57 to the second wheel 37 of the scroll wheel 4 after passing through the corresponding lenses 8b, 8b and the corresponding wheel illumination light guide elements 57, 57. The light entering the second wheel 37 is then transmitted within the second wheel 37 and directed to the section of the second wheel 37 that protrudes from the aperture 55a of the diaphragm 55, in order to illuminate that section of the second wheel 37.

[0043] Detailed structures of the coating films and vapor deposition films of the second wheel 37 are described below with reference to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. For example, the main ring body of the second wheel 37 is made of transparent acrylic resin. A primer film 60, an intermediate coating film 61, a vapor deposition film 62, and a topcoat film 63 are layered in that order, starting from an inner circumferential surface of the main ring body. A texture coating film 64 is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the second wheel 37. A printed film 65 with a gray color is formed on an end surface 37a of the second wheel 37, where a sprue remains, which is a trace of a sprue from a resin mold used to form the second wheel 37.

[0044] The primer film 60 is a protective film formed by coating it with, for example, a transparent paint. The thickness of the primer film 60 is specified, for example, at 7 µm. The intermediate coating film 61 is also a protective film formed by coating it with, for example, a transparent paint. The thickness of the intermediate coating film 61 is specified, for example, at 8 µm. It should be noted that only one of the primer film 60 and the intermediate coating film 61 can be applied as required.

[0045] The vapor deposition film 62 is formed by vapor deposition of metal such as indium. The film thickness of the vapor deposition film 62 is, for example, set to approximately 200 Å. The vapor deposition film 62 is formed as indicated by an arrow in Fig. As specified in Figure 11, the light entering the second wheel 37 is reflected by a surface of the vapor deposition film 62 located on the inner circumferential surface of the vapor deposition film 62 and is repeatedly reflected within the second wheel 37. Furthermore, since the surface of the vapor deposition film 62 has a beautiful metallic luster, a high degree of design of the second wheel 37, and consequently a high degree of design of the scroll wheel 4, is achieved. It should be noted that the vapor deposition film 62 can be formed using Sn (tin) or Al (aluminum) instead of In (indium). Furthermore, it is desirable to form a discontinuous vapor deposition film (a non-conductive vacuum metallization film) as the vapor deposition film 62.

[0046] The topcoat film 63 is a protective film formed by coating it with, for example, a transparent paint. The film thickness of the topcoat film 63 is specified as approximately 12 µm. It should be noted that the topcoat film 63 can consist of two layers of the protective film, depending on the requirements.

[0047] The textured coating film 64 is a light-diffusing and protective film formed by texture coating with, for example, a transparent color. The film thickness of the textured coating film 64 is specified as approximately 6 µm. It should be noted that the textured coating film 64 does not necessarily have to be applied. Furthermore, if the second wheel 37 is formed with the mold, the outer circumferential surface of the second wheel 37 can be textured with the mold instead of using the textured coating film 64.

[0048] The printed film 65 is a film for masking the sprue formed on the end surface 37a of the second wheel 37, and the printed film 65 is formed by printing the color, such as the gray color, which scatters light. The thickness of the printed film 65 is specified, for example, as approximately 8 µm. It should be noted that the printed film 65 does not need to be formed as required.

[0049] With regard to the second wheel 37, which is constructed in the manner described above, when each of the light sources 53, 53 of the lighting device 15 emits light in response to the activation of the night light switch, the light emitted by each light source 53 passes through the corresponding lens 8b and the corresponding wheel lighting light guide element 57 and is emitted from the distal end part of the corresponding wheel lighting light guide element 57 to the second wheel 37 of the scroll wheel 4, as shown in Fig. 4, Fig. 6 and Fig. 8 is shown. Then the light entering the interior of the second wheel 37 is reflected by the vapor deposition film 62 and repeatedly reflected within the second wheel 37, as shown in Fig. 11 is shown, and the light is directed to the section of the second wheel 37 that protrudes from the opening 55a of the aperture 55 in order to illuminate this section of the second wheel 37. Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a cross-section of a structure along a plane parallel to a user interface at a position near the top point of the second gear 11 of Fig. Figure 7 shows the direction-of-rotation lighting guide elements 54, 54 removed.

[0050] Since in the present embodiment the surface of the vapor deposition film 62 of the second wheel 37 has a beautiful metallic luster, a high degree of design of the second wheel 37 and thereby a high degree of design of the entire scroll wheel 4 is achieved during the day, that is, at the time when the light sources 53, 53 of the lighting device 15 are switched off.

[0051] Furthermore, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the gap 55b is formed between the opening 55a of the aperture 55 and the scroll wheel 4. In this structure, as shown in Figure 1, the gap 55b is formed between the opening 55a of the aperture 55 and the scroll wheel 4. Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the light that is directed into the interior of the scroll wheel 4 may possibly be coming from the gap 55b on the upper side (the right side in Figure 4). Fig. 4) and from gap 55b of the lower side (the left side in Fig. 4) exit at aperture 55 at the time the night illumination is provided. When such a loss of light occurs, the upper side gap 55b and the lower side gap 55b of aperture 55 appear brighter than the second wheel 37 of scroll wheel 4, making it difficult for the occupant to understand that scroll wheel 4 is the control device. Of the light exits from the upper gap 55b and the lower gap 55b, the light exit from the lower gap 55b does not enter the occupant's eyes, since a viewing angle from an occupant's eye point is an angle of an arrow P in Fig. 4. However, the light exiting from the gap 55b on the upper side can easily be seen by the occupant and can enter the occupant's eyes, which is why countermeasures are necessary.

[0052] In the present embodiment, as in Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the nonwoven fabric 56 is bonded to the inside and outside of the bezel 55 using double-sided adhesive tapes 157, 157. In this case, the nonwoven fabric 56 is bonded in such a way that it sags and always makes contact with the outer circumferential surface of the scroll wheel 4. This restricts the emission of illumination light from the gap 55b on the upper side of the nonwoven fabric 56. Furthermore, in the case of the above structure, because there is room for the nonwoven fabric 56 to sag, it does not strongly abut the scroll wheel 4. Therefore, when the scroll wheel 4 is rotated, it does not rub against the nonwoven fabric 56. It is preferred to use a nonwoven fabric made of polyester, polyurethane, or the like, such as Escaine (registered trademark) from Toray Industries, Inc., for the nonwoven fabric 56.

[0053] Here, at the time of bonding, the nonwoven fabric 56 is in the state in which the nonwoven fabric 56 sags, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 14, a pin 66 is placed on the inside of the panel 55, and the nonwoven fabric 56 is wrapped around the pin 66. The pin 66 is removed after the nonwoven fabric 56 has been glued in place. Thus, sufficient space for the nonwoven fabric 56 to sag can be reliably provided.

[0054] Furthermore, the night illumination light may possibly escape from the gap 55b on the left side and the gap 55b on the right side of the aperture 55. In particular, Fig. 15 a cross-sectional view along a line XV-XV of Fig. 1. As in Fig. As indicated in Figure 15, the light emitted by the light source 53 would be reflected by a side surface 54b of the direction-of-rotation lighting guide element 54 and the side surface 57b of the wheel lighting guide element 57, which are opposite each other. Thus, this reflected light would be transmitted along a path indicated by an arrow in Figure 15. Fig. 15 is specified, so that the reflected light would exit from the gap 55b on the left side and the gap 55b on the right side of the aperture 55.

[0055] In the present embodiment, in order to limit this light emission, as in Fig. 16 and Fig. As shown in Figure 17, for example, a black ink is printed on the side surface 54b of each direction-of-rotation lighting light guide element 54 and the side surface 57b of the corresponding wheel lighting light guide element 57, which are opposite each other. The black ink printed on the side surfaces 54b and 57b prevents the light emitted by the light source 53 from being reflected by the opposing side surfaces 54b and 57b. This makes it possible to restrict the emission of light through the gaps 55b on the left and right sides of the aperture 55.

[0056] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 1, the switching device 6, located adjacent to the direction indicator 5 on the user interface 3, is a switch for changing a defined value of another control parameter of the air conditioning system, i.e., a defined condition. For example, the switching device 6 is configured as an automatic switch (AUTO) for setting the operating state of the air conditioning system to an automatic control state. The switching device 6 is configured to output an input signal, generated by the occupant at the time the switching device 6 is operated, to the circuit board 14.

[0057] Furthermore, the circuit board 14 issues a command to the air conditioning system such that the control content assigned to the switching device 6 is implemented by the air conditioning system according to the input state of the switching device 6. Specifically, when the switching device 6 is pressed, the circuit board 14 issues a command to the air conditioning system to execute the automatic control. When the switching device 6 is pressed again, the circuit board 14 issues a command to the air conditioning system to deactivate the automatic control.

[0058] In the present embodiment, constructed as described above, the scroll wheel 4 includes the second wheel 37, which is formed by the translucent element configured to transmit light, and the wheel illumination light guide elements 57, 57 are provided, each of which guides the light emitted by the corresponding light source 53, 53 to the second wheel 37 for night illumination. Furthermore, the metal film 62 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the second wheel 37. With the configuration described above, during the period when night illumination is provided, the light emitted by each light source 53 passes through the corresponding lens 8b and the corresponding wheel illumination light guide element 57 and is emitted from the distal end portion of the wheel illumination light guide element 57 to the second wheel 37 of the scroll wheel 4.The light entering the interior of the second wheel 37 is then reflected by the surface of the metal film 62 formed on the inner circumferential surface of the second wheel 37 and is repeatedly reflected off the inside of the second wheel 37, thus directing the light to the section of the second wheel 37 projecting from the opening 55a of the aperture 55, illuminating that section. Furthermore, since the surface of the vapor deposition film 62 of the second wheel 37 has a beautiful metallic sheen, the high level of performance of the second wheel 37, and consequently the high level of performance of the entire scroll wheel 4, is achieved during the day, that is, when the light sources 53, 54 are switched off. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even though the scroll wheel 4 is illuminated at night, the high level of performance of both the daytime and nighttime scroll wheels 4 can be achieved.

[0059] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the nonwoven fabric 56 is attached to the adjacent section that is adjacent to the opening 55a of the aperture 55 on the inside of the operating surface 3, such that the nonwoven fabric 56 contacts the scroll wheel 4, and at this time the nonwoven fabric 56 is in a sagging position. With this structure, the emission of illumination light from the gap 55b on the upper side of the aperture 55 by the nonwoven fabric 56 can be restricted. Furthermore, in the case of the above structure, since there is space for the nonwoven fabric 56 to sag, the nonwoven fabric 56 does not strongly abut the scroll wheel 4. Therefore, when the scroll wheel 4 is turned, it does not rub against the nonwoven fabric 56.

[0060] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the direction indicator 5 is positioned adjacent to the scroll wheel 4, and direction-illumination light guide elements 54, 54 are provided, each of which directs the light emitted by the respective light sources 53, 53 to the direction indicator 5. With this structure, the scroll wheel 4 and the direction indicator 5 can be illuminated simultaneously by the common light sources 53, 53, thus reducing the number of light sources.

[0061] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the second wheel 37 is made of resin, and the light-scattering color is printed onto the section (i.e., the end surface 37a) of the second wheel 37 where the sprue from the resin mold remains. This improves the appearance of the second wheel 37.

[0062] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, black ink is printed on the opposing side surfaces 57b of each wheel lighting light guide element 57 and 54b of the corresponding direction-of-rotation lighting light guide element 54. With this structure, the light emitted by each light source 53 is not reflected by the opposing side surfaces 57b of the corresponding wheel lighting light guide element 57 and 54b of the corresponding direction-of-rotation lighting light guide element 54. Therefore, it is possible to restrict the emission of light from the gap 55b on the left side and the gap 55b on the right side of the aperture 55.

[0063] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the main body 31 of the scroll wheel 4 is designed as an arrangement of several elements, that is, the first to third wheels 36 to 38. With this structure, the color, gloss, and the like can be specified differently among the three wheels, thus enabling the creation of a scroll wheel 4 with a rich design.

[0064] In the embodiment described above, the scroll wheel 4 is configured as the arrangement of three wheels 36, 37, 38. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the scroll wheel 4 can be made from a single ring element, two ring elements, or four or more ring elements.

[0065] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the metal vapor deposition film 62 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the second wheel 37. Alternatively, a metal plating film can be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the second wheel 37. In this configuration, the remaining protective films, other than the film 62, can each be constructed in a manner similar to that described above, or the number of layers of the protective film, the thickness of the respective protective films, and / or the absence or presence of the respective protective films can be appropriately modified.

[0066] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the scroll wheel 4 is used to change the preset temperature of the air conditioning air at the air conditioner. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the scroll wheel 4 can be used for other applications or other devices. For example, the scroll wheel 4 can be used to change the exhaust air flow rate or to change the volume of an audio device.

[0067] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiment, it is evident that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment and the structures described therein. The present disclosure covers various modifications and equivalents within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, different combinations and configurations, including those with only one element, more elements, or fewer elements, are likewise within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

[1] Operating device (1) comprising: a scroll wheel (4) from which a section of an opening (55a) protrudes, which is formed on an operator surface (3), wherein the scroll wheel (4) is configured to be rotated by an operator, and the scroll wheel (4) includes a ring element (37) formed by a translucent element configured to transmit light; a light source (53) configured to produce light for nighttime illumination; and a wheel lighting light guide element (57) configured to guide the light emitted by the light source (53) to the scroll wheel (4); characterized by a metal film (62) formed on an inner circumferential surface of the ring element (37). [2] Operating device (1) according to claim 1, furthermore characterized bya nonwoven fabric (56) installed on an adjacent section adjacent to the opening (55a) and arranged on an inside of the user interface (3), while the nonwoven fabric (56) is configured to contact the scroll wheel (4), wherein: the nonwoven fabric (56) is installed in a state in which the nonwoven fabric (56) sags. [3] Operating device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, furthermore characterized by : a rotation direction indicator (5) located adjacent to the scroll wheel (4); and a rotation direction lighting light guide element (54) configured to guide the light emitted by the light source (53) to the rotation direction indicator (5). [4] Operating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that: the ring element (37) is made of resin; and a color that scatters the light is printed on a section of the ring element (37) which has a sprue, which is a sprue of a resin mold tool used to form the ring element (37). [5] Operating device (1) according to claim 3, characterized by , that a black color is printed on a side surface of the wheel lighting light guide element (57) and a side surface of the direction of rotation lighting light guide element (54) which are opposite each other.

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