JP2009078755A - Operating device of vehicle air-conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operating device of a vehicle air-conditioner, which is of simplified structure so that the device becomes easy to manufacture at low cost, which is also easy to alter its design, and further which is capable of allowing operators to keep good feel of clicking or handling of an operative button. <P>SOLUTION: The operating device 1 of a vehicle air-conditioner is equipped with operative buttons 10 for operating the air-conditioner, and display portions 13A, 13B, installed on the operative buttons 10, that indicate their operative functions of the respective buttons. The operative buttons 10 are constituted of protrusive sections 11 formed on an embossed sheet, while the embossed sheet 12 is pasted onto operation panels 4, 40, whereas, switch operation levers 14 are integrally formed by incisions 15 having similarity protrusive portions 18 similar to the form of the protrusive sections 11 at the parts corresponding to the protrusive sections 11 of the operation panels 4, 40, and projections 19 that are engaged with switches 6. The switch 6 is operated by the operative button 10 through the switch operation lever 14 to be elastically deformed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an operation device for a vehicle air conditioner that is installed on an instrument panel in a vehicle compartment and operates a vehicle air conditioner mounted on the vehicle.

  An operation device for a vehicle air conditioner has a substrate installed inside a control box, and a plurality of rotary operation knobs disposed on an operation panel on the surface of the control box, with various switches provided on the substrate. The air conditioner is operated by operating and operating a push button type operation button, and the operation status is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit of the operation panel and can be confirmed. In addition, the operation knob and operation button are provided with a display portion for displaying the operation function, such as letters and pictures, and this is illuminated by backlights such as LEDs and lamps provided in the control box. Regardless of whether it is easy to view, the operability is improved.

  The push button type operation button used in the operation device as described above generally has a cylindrical knob or slider that is integrated with the pressing operation unit, and this enters and exits the opening provided in the operation panel. It can be operated in a dark place by applying a light-shielding paint to the top surface of the operation button, excluding a predetermined illumination area, and transmitting light emitted from a backlight such as an LED through the illumination area. The top surface of the button can be easily seen and operated reliably. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-281210 A

  However, as described above, when the knob or slider is configured to enter and exit the opening, the structure has a sliding portion. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent the operability from being deteriorated by the sliding resistance. There is a problem that it takes time to create a gap between the slider and the opening. Furthermore, since the knob or slider has a cylindrical part, the part shape becomes complicated, and if it is attempted to illuminate with a small number of backlights, light must be guided by a prism or the like, resulting in an increase in the number of parts and low cost. However, it has a problem that it cannot be manufactured.

  In order to display the function on the operation buttons (switches) by illumination from the backlight at night, etc., usually a white or other display color is undercoated on a transparent member such as acrylic or polycarbonate (PC) After coating the outer surface coating such as black on the surface, it is necessary to peel off the outer surface coating by laser cutting or the like to form characters or patterns to be displayed, which takes a lot of man-hours. This not only causes an increase in cost, but also includes a problem that design changes and color changes cannot be easily made.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and it is easy to make by simplifying the configuration and can be made inexpensively, and the design can be easily changed, and the click feeling and operation feeling of the operation buttons are good. It is an object of the present invention to provide an operating device for a vehicle air conditioner that can be maintained at the same time.

In order to solve the above problems, the operating device for a vehicle air conditioner of the present invention employs the following means.
That is, the operation device for a vehicle air conditioner according to the present invention is provided with an operation button on the operation panel of the control box, and operates the switch on the substrate installed in the control box by operating the operation button to operate the air conditioner. In the operation device for a vehicle air conditioner provided with a display unit for operating and displaying the operation function on the operation button, the operation button is configured by a convex portion formed on an embossed sheet, and the embossed sheet is formed on the operation panel. A switch operating lever that has a similar convex portion along the shape of the convex portion and a projection that engages with the switch is integrally formed by cutting at a portion corresponding to the convex portion of the operation panel. The switch is operated via the switch operation lever that is elastically deformed by the operation of the operation button. It is characterized in.

  According to the present invention, an air conditioner is operated by pressing an operation button formed by a convex portion formed on the embossed sheet, operating a switch that elastically deforms a switch operation lever and engages the projection. can do. For this reason, the configuration of the operation buttons is simple and does not have a sliding portion, so that the manufacturing can be facilitated, and the cost can be reduced by reducing the number of components. In addition, since the external appearance design can be formed by molding or printing on an embossed sheet, the design can be easily changed by changing the molding shape, printing contents, or different color printing. Furthermore, since the switch operation lever is provided with a similar convex portion along the convex portion of the operation button, there is no response delay due to the depression of the emboss, and the click feeling and operation feeling of the operation button can be kept good. .

  Further, the vehicle air conditioner operating device according to the present invention is configured such that, in the vehicle air conditioner operating device described above, at least the switch operating lever portion of the operation panel is configured to allow light from a backlight to pass therethrough, and The display unit is printed in a color that allows light from a backlight to pass through the operation button portion.

  According to the present invention, the switch operating lever configured to transmit light and the display unit printed with a color capable of transmitting light to the backlight unit provided in the control box are allowed to transmit the display unit. The characters and designs can be illuminated and the functions of the operation buttons can be visually recognized. For this reason, the function confirmation of the operation button can be facilitated, and it is not necessary to guide the light from the backlight by the prism or the like, so that the illumination structure can be simplified.

  Furthermore, the vehicle air conditioner operating device according to the present invention is the above-described vehicle air conditioner operating device, wherein the control box including the operation panel other than the switch operating lever is painted, two-color molded, separately It is characterized in that the light of the backlight cannot be transmitted by a combination of members.

  According to the present invention, parts other than the switch operation lever of the control box including the operation panel are configured so as not to transmit light by painting, two-color molding, a combination of different members, etc., so that the operation function of the operation button is displayed. Light leakage from other than the display portion can be prevented. For this reason, the visibility fall of the display part by light leaking from the operation button periphery can be suppressed, and the visibility of a display part can be improved.

  Further, in the vehicle air conditioner operating device according to the present invention, the root portion of the protrusion of the switch operating lever is made thicker than the tip portion engaged with the switch in any of the vehicle air conditioner operating devices described above. It is characterized by.

  According to the present invention, since the base portion of the protrusion is thicker than the tip portion engaged with the switch, the protrusion may be deformed or broken even if the operation button is pressed with a slightly excessive force. Can be prevented. Therefore, reliable operability can be ensured and the operational feeling can be maintained well.

  Furthermore, the vehicle air conditioner operating device according to the present invention is characterized in that, in any of the vehicle air conditioner operating devices described above, the thickness of the base end portion of the switch operating lever is made thinner than the thickness of the other portions. And

  According to the present invention, since the thickness of the base end portion of the switch operation lever is made thinner than the thickness of the other portions, the operation force when operating the switch by elastically deforming the switch operation lever with the operation button is reduced. Can be reduced. As a result, the operation touch can be reduced and the operational feeling can be improved.

  Furthermore, the operating device for a vehicle air conditioner according to the present invention is characterized in that, in any of the operating devices for a vehicle air conditioner described above, an inner surface of the similar convex portion of the switch operating lever is a concave curved surface.

  According to the present invention, since the inner side surface of the similar convex portion of the switch operating lever is a concave curved surface, the light from the backlight can be diffused by the concave curved surface. For this reason, the visibility from the distant position with respect to the display part provided in the operation button can be improved. In general, the control box is often arranged at the center of the instrument panel, and the visibility from both the driver seat and the passenger seat can be improved.

  Furthermore, the operating device for a vehicle air conditioner according to the present invention is characterized in that, in any of the above-described operating devices for a vehicle air conditioner, an outer surface of the similar convex portion of the switch operating lever is a convex curved surface.

  According to the present invention, since the outer surface of the similar convex portion of the switch operation lever is a convex curved surface, the light from the backlight can be diffused by this convex curved surface. For this reason, the visibility from the distant position with respect to the display part provided in the operation button can be improved. In general, the control box is often arranged at the center of the instrument panel, and the visibility from both the driver seat and the passenger seat can be improved.

  Furthermore, the operating device for a vehicle air conditioner according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the operating device for a vehicle air conditioner, an EL sheet for backlight is provided between the embossed sheet and the operation panel.

  According to the present invention, since the backlight EL (electroluminescence) sheet is provided between the embossed sheet and the operation panel, the backlight LED or lamp can be dispensed with. In particular, the EL sheet has the feature of emitting light uniformly, so there is no need for countermeasures for unevenness of brightness and adjustment of the optical axis, and there are no restrictions on the color, so it is easy to use as a backlight and high in design. A feeling can be given.

  Furthermore, the vehicle air conditioner operating device according to the present invention is the vehicle air conditioner operating device described above, wherein the display unit is printed in a color that allows backlight light to pass through the operation button portion of the embossed sheet. In addition, a color that is the same color as or similar to that of the display unit and incapable of transmitting backlight light is printed around the display unit, and the display unit can appear only when the backlight is turned on. To do.

  According to the present invention, since the display unit provided on the operation button can be displayed only when the backlight is lit, for example, the backlight is turned on by operating the ignition key in conjunction with the operation of the ignition key. Only when this is done, the display can appear. As a result, the design of the operation panel can be characterized and a high-class feeling can be achieved.

  Furthermore, the operating device for a vehicle air conditioner according to the present invention includes a plurality of operation units for operating the air conditioner on the surface of the operation panel, and a liquid crystal display unit for displaying the operation state. In the vehicle air conditioner operating device, at least one of the operation units is a rotary operation knob, and a plurality of push button operation buttons arranged on the circumference around the rotary operation knob; And a plurality of convex portions formed on an embossed sheet affixed on the operation panel, and the plurality of convex portions constituting the operation buttons of the operation panel. A switch operating lever having a similar convex portion that follows the shape of the convex portion and a protrusion that engages with a switch provided on the substrate is integrally formed by cutting. , Characterized in that for operating the switch through the switch operating lever is elastically deformed by the operation of the operation button.

  According to the present invention, since the operation unit can be configured by at least one rotary operation knob and a plurality of push button operation buttons arranged at equal distances around the rotary operation knob, It is easy to see and operate from any direction, and operability can be improved. The plurality of operation buttons are composed of a plurality of convex portions formed on the embossed sheet, and the switch is operated by pressing the operation button and elastically deforming the switch operation lever to engage the projection. By doing so, the air conditioner can be operated. Therefore, the configuration of each operation button is simple and does not have a sliding portion, so that it is easy to make and the cost can be reduced by reducing the number of components. In addition, since the external appearance design can be formed by molding or printing on an embossed sheet, the design can be easily changed by changing the molding shape, printing contents, or different color printing. Furthermore, because the switch operation lever is provided with a similar convex portion along the convex portion of the operation button, there is no response delay due to the depression of the emboss, and it is possible to maintain a good click feeling and operation feeling of each operation button. it can.

  Furthermore, the vehicle air conditioner operating device of the present invention is the above-described vehicle air conditioner operating device, wherein the switch operating lever has a leg portion connected to the similar convex portion, and the leg portion rotates. It is extended | stretched along the tangential direction on the circumference around a type | formula operation knob.

  According to the present invention, the leg portions of the switch operation levers are similarly extended along the tangential direction on the circumference around the rotary operation knob, so that each switch operation lever is elastically operated by operating each operation button. The operational force and operational feeling when deforming can be made substantially uniform. Therefore, there is no variation in the click feeling and the operation feeling, and the operability can be improved.

  Furthermore, the vehicle air conditioner operating device of the present invention is characterized in that, in the vehicle air conditioner operating device, a plurality of the leg portions are provided in parallel.

  According to the present invention, since the plurality of leg portions of the switch operation lever are provided in parallel, even if the operation position of the operation button is slightly deviated, the operation force and the operation feeling do not vary. Therefore, a stable operational feeling can be obtained.

  Furthermore, the operating device for a vehicle air conditioner according to the present invention is characterized in that, in any of the above-described operating devices for a vehicle air conditioner, the protrusion is provided at a position farthest from a base end portion of the leg portion. To do.

  According to the present invention, since the protrusion that engages with the switch is provided at a position farthest from the base end portion of the leg portion of the switch operation lever, the switch operation lever is elastically deformed by the operation button to operate the switch. The operating force and the amount of deformation at the time can be reduced as much as possible. Thereby, an operation touch can be lightened and an operation feeling can be improved.

  Further, in the vehicle air conditioner operating device according to the present invention, in any one of the vehicle air conditioner operating devices described above, the operation panel is extended from the substantially straight side and both ends of the straight side at right angles. It has an outer shape consisting of a rectangular part consisting of left and right sides and a semicircular part connecting the left and right sides, and the rotary operation knob is arranged at the center of the semicircular part and along the circumference The plurality of operation buttons are arranged at substantially equal intervals on the circumference, and the liquid crystal display unit is arranged above the operation buttons.

  According to the present invention, the outer shape of the operation panel is configured by combining a square portion and a semicircular portion, and the liquid crystal display unit, the rotary operation knob, and the plurality of operation buttons are balanced in each area. It can be a characteristic design. Therefore, the design of the operation panel for the air conditioner can be given novelty and a high-class feeling can be obtained.

  According to the present invention, since the configuration of the operation button is simple and does not have a sliding portion, it is possible to facilitate the manufacturing and reduce the number of components and reduce the cost. . In addition, since the appearance design can be formed by molding or printing on an embossed sheet, the design can be easily changed by changing the molding shape, printing contents, or different color printing. Furthermore, since the switch operation lever is provided with a similar convex portion along the convex portion of the operation button, there is no response delay due to the depression of the emboss, and the click feeling and operation feeling of the operation button can be kept good. .

Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
In the following, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1 (partly from FIG. 2).
In FIG. 1, the top view (A) of the operation button of the operating device 1 for vehicle air conditioners concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention and the longitudinal cross-sectional view (B) of the principal part along the aa arrow are shown. 2B to 2D show an example of an overall external perspective view of the vehicle air conditioner operating device 1.
As shown in FIGS. 2 (B) to 2 (D), the vehicle air conditioner operating device 1 has a rectangular control box 2, and the operation panel 4 on the surface side has an air conditioner operation. A liquid crystal display 3 (displaying an opening for installation) for displaying the state of the liquid crystal is provided.

As shown in FIG. 1 (B), a substrate 5 in which a circuit for operating an air conditioner is incorporated is installed inside the control box 2, and a plurality of substrates 5 for switching operation states are provided on the substrate 5. Switch 6 and a plurality of LEDs 7 for backlight.
Further, an embossed sheet 12 in which a required number of convex portions 11 constituting the push button type operation button 10 are formed in a predetermined arrangement is attached to the surface of the operation panel 4 of the control box 2. .

  As shown in FIG. 1 (A), on the top surface of the convex portion 11 constituting the operation button 10 of the embossed sheet 12, characters, patterns, etc., for displaying the operation function of the operation button 10 are displayed. The portions 13A and 13B are printed in a color that can transmit light from the LED 7 for backlight. Further, a switch operating lever 14 for operating the switch 6 is formed integrally with the operation panel 4 by a notch 15 at a portion on the operation panel 3 side corresponding to the convex portion 11 formed on the embossed sheet 12 side. Has been.

  The switch operation lever 14 is cut so that the base end portion 16 side is a leg portion 17 that is integrally connected to the operation panel 4 and the other end side is a free end that can be elastically deformed. On the free end side of the switch operating lever 14, a similar convex portion 18 having a shape along the convex portion 11 constituting the operation button 10 is formed, and at the tip thereof, the switch 6 is engaged with it. The protrusion 19 to be operated is integrally formed. The switch operating lever 14 is formed of a transparent member so that light from the LED 7 can be transmitted.

With the configuration described above, according to the present embodiment, the following operational effects can be obtained.
When the air conditioner is operated, the backlight LED 6 is turned on, the switch operation lever 14 formed by a transparent member, and the display portions 13A and 13B of the operation button 10 printed with a color capable of transmitting light. Since the light is transmitted, the display units 13A and 13B are illuminated with a predetermined luminance. Thereby, the operator can confirm the function of each operation button 10 by visually recognizing the illuminated display unit regardless of the brightness of the surroundings, and select the desired operation button 10 to change the operation content. be able to.

  For example, when switching the air intake to the air conditioner from the outside air introduction state to the inside air introduction state, the operator selects the operation button 10 on which the pattern 13A of the inside air circulation is displayed, and the operation button 10 molded on the embossed sheet 12. Is pressed. The pressing force by this operation is transmitted as it is to the similar convex portion 18 of the switch operation lever 14, and the switch operation lever 14 is elastically deformed downward in the direction of the arrow with the base end portion 16 as a fulcrum. Thereby, the projection 19 of the switch operating lever 14 engaged with the switch 6 operates the switch 6, and the inside / outside air switching damper (not shown) can be operated to switch to the inside air introduction state. Thus, by operating the operation button 10 having a predetermined function, the corresponding switch 6 can be operated to operate the air conditioner.

  Accordingly, the configuration of the operation button 10 is simple and does not have a sliding portion such as a knob or a slider, so that it can be easily made and the cost can be reduced by reducing the number of components. it can. In addition, since the appearance design can be formed by molding or printing on the embossed sheet 12, the design can be easily changed by changing the molding shape, printing contents, color printing, or the like. In addition, since the switch operation lever 14 is provided with the similar convex portion 18 along the convex portion 11 of the operation button 10, there is no response delay due to the depression of the emboss, and the click feeling and operation feeling of the operation button 10 are good. Can be held in.

  Further, since the display portions 13A and 13B printed on the switch operation lever 14 of the operation panel 4 and the operation button 10 of the embossed sheet 12 are configured so that light from the LED 7 can be transmitted through the respective portions, the LED 7 By transmitting the light, it is possible to illuminate the characters and designs of the display portions 13A and 13B and to make the function of the operation button 10 visible. Therefore, the function confirmation of the operation button 10 can be facilitated, and it is not necessary to guide the light from the LED 7 by a prism or the like, and the illumination structure can be simplified.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
This embodiment is different from the first embodiment described above in that light leakage from other than the display units 13A and 13B is prevented and the visibility is improved. Since other points are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.
In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A, a backlight LED 7 that illuminates the display portions 13 </ b> A and 13 </ b> B of the operation button 10 is provided inside the control box 2. . The following configuration is adopted so that the light from the LED 7 does not leak to the outside from a portion other than the switch operation lever 14 of the operation panel 4.

(1) As shown in FIG. 2B, the part other than the switch operation lever 14 of the control box 2, that is, the part other than the switch operation lever 14 of the operation panel 4, the side panel and its end face, and the liquid crystal display unit 3 A colored paint 20 that does not transmit light is applied to the end face of the opening to be installed.
(2) As shown in FIG. 2 (C), the switch operating lever 14 is molded in two colors with the transparent material 21 and the other portions with the colored material 22.
(3) As shown in FIG. 2 (D), the switch operating lever 14 is configured as a member 23 capable of transmitting light, and the other portion is configured as a non-transmittable member 24 as separate members. Combine and integrate.

  As described above, the portion other than the switch operation lever 14 of the control box 2 including the operation panel 4 is painted 20, the two-color moldings 21 and 22, the combination of the separate members 23 and 24, etc. cannot transmit the light of the backlight LED 7 With this configuration, it is possible to prevent light leakage from other than the display units 13A and 13B that display the operation function of the operation button 10. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the visibility of the display units 13A and 13B due to light leaking from the periphery of the operation button 13, and to improve the visibility of the display units 13A and 13B.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the switch operation lever 14. Since other points are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the configuration of the protrusion 19 provided on the switch operation lever 14 is such that the root portion 19 </ b> A is thicker than the tip portion 19 </ b> B that engages with the switch 6. Further, the switch operating lever 14 itself has a configuration in which the plate thickness of the leg portion 17 serving as the base end portion 16 of the lever is made thinner than the plate thickness of the other portions.

  As described above, by making the base portion 19B of the projection 19 thicker than the tip portion 19A engaged with the switch 6, even if the operation button 10 is pressed with a slightly excessive force, the projection 19 is deformed or broken. Can be prevented. Therefore, reliable operability can be ensured and the operational feeling can be maintained well. Further, by making the plate thickness of the leg portion 17 which is the base end portion 16 of the switch operation lever 14 thinner than the plate thickness of other portions, the switch operation lever 14 is elastically deformed by the operation button 10 to operate the switch 6. The operating force at the time can be reduced. As a result, the operation touch can be reduced and the operational feeling can be improved.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the switch operation lever 14. Since other points are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 (B), the configuration of the similar convex portion 18 formed on the switch operating lever 14 has a concave curved surface 18A (similar convex portion 18 on the left side in the drawing) on its inner surface. Or a shape in which the outer surface is a convex curved surface 18B (similar convex portion 18 on the left side in the drawing).

  As described above, by setting the inner surface of the similar convex portion 18 to the concave curved surface 18A or the outer surface to the convex curved surface 18B, the light from the backlight LED 7 can be diffused by the concave curved surface 18A or the convex curved surface 18B. . For this reason, the visibility from the distant position with respect to display part 13A, 13B provided in the operation button 10 can be improved. In general, the control box 2 is often arranged at the center of the instrument panel in front of the passenger compartment, and the visibility from both the driver's seat and the passenger seat can be improved.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the backlight. Since other points are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.
In the present embodiment, an EL (electroluminescence) sheet 30 is provided between the operation panel 4 and the embossed sheet 12 in place of the LED 7 described above as a backlight.

  As described above, by providing the backlight EL (electroluminescence) sheet 30 between the operation panel 4 and the embossed sheet 12, the backlight LED 7 and the lamp can be dispensed with. In particular, since the EL sheet 30 can emit light uniformly, it is not necessary to take measures against the unevenness of brightness and the adjustment of the optical axis, and the lighting structure can be easily built. Further, when the backlight is illuminated from the inside of the operation panel 4, it is necessary to allow at least a part of the operation panel 4 to transmit light. However, in the present embodiment, the operation panel 4 does not need to transmit light. , No restrictions on color. For this reason, it is easy to use as a backlight, and a high-class feeling can be given also in design.

[Sixth Embodiment]
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
This embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in the configuration of the display units 13A and 13B provided on the operation button 10. Since other points are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.
In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the display portions 13A and 13B are printed in the color 35 that allows the light from the backlight (LED 7) to pass through the operation buttons 10 of the embossed sheet 12. ing. Further, the display portions 13A and 13B are printed with a color 36 that is the same color as or similar to that of the display portions 13A and 13B and cannot transmit backlight light.

  As described above, the display portions 13A and 13B of the operation button 10 are printed with the color 35 that can transmit light, and the periphery thereof is printed with the color 36 that is the same color or similar color and cannot transmit light. The display portions 13A and 13B can be displayed only when the backlight (LED 7) is turned on. Therefore, for example, the display panel 13A, 13B can be displayed only when the backlight (LED 7) is turned on by operating the ignition key in conjunction with the operation of the ignition key. A special feature can be given to give a sense of quality.

[Seventh Embodiment]
Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in the shape of the operation panel 40 and the arrangement configuration of the liquid crystal display unit 3, the operation buttons 10, and the rotary operation knob 50 disposed on the operation panel 40. . Since other points are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.
In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the operation panel 40 includes a substantially straight side 41 and left and right side sides 42 and 43 extending at right angles from both ends of the straight side 41. And a semicircular portion 45 that connects the left and right sides 42 and 43.

  An opening 3A for the liquid crystal display unit 3 is provided at the upper left portion of the rectangular portion 44 of the operation panel 40 having the above-described outer shape, and temperature adjustment and automatic operation on / off is provided at the center of the semicircular portion 45. An opening 50A for installing the rotary operation knob 50 for switching is provided. The semicircular portion 45 is provided with a plurality (seven in this embodiment) of switch operation levers 14 at equal intervals along the circumference of the opening 50A. The switch operation lever 14 is formed integrally with the operation panel 40 by a notch 15 (shown by a hatched portion in FIG. 8), as in the first embodiment.

  As described above, the plurality of switch operation levers 14 are similar convex portions having a shape along the convex portion 11 of the operation button 10 provided on the leg portion 17 integrally connected to the operation panel 40 and the free end thereof. 18. Further, a projection 19 that engages with and operates the switch 6 extending downward is integrally formed at the tip of the similar convex portion 18. Further, in the present embodiment, the leg portion 17 of the switch operation lever 14 is constituted by a plurality (two) of leg portions 17 parallel to each other, and each of the plurality of switch operation levers 14 is disposed on the circumference. It is extended by the same length along the tangential direction. Further, the protrusion 19 is provided at the distal end portion of the similar convex portion 18 which is the position where the leg portion 17 is farthest from the base end portion connected to the operation panel 40.

  Further, on the surface of the operation panel 40 having the above-described outer shape, the embossed sheet 12 is formed by a required number (seven) of convex portions 11 constituting the push button type operation button 10 in a predetermined arrangement. Is pasted. Display portions 13 </ b> A to 13 </ b> G for displaying the operation function of the operation button 10 are printed on the top surface of the convex portion 11 constituting the operation button 10 of the embossed sheet 12. In addition, the liquid crystal display unit 3 is provided in the opening 3A of the operation panel 40, and the rotary operation knob 50 for temperature adjustment and automatic operation on / off switching is provided in the opening 50A. A display unit 51 is also provided on the top surface of the rotary operation knob 50 as is well known.

Therefore, according to the above-described configuration, the following operational effects can be obtained according to the present embodiment.
The configuration of the operation button 10 provided on the embossed sheet 12, the convex portion 11, the display portions 13A to 13G, and the configuration of the switch operation lever 14 provided on the operation panel 40 are the same as those in the first embodiment. As in the first embodiment, it is possible to obtain effects such as simplification of the configuration, ease of making, reduction of the number of components, easy design change, a feeling of clicking each operation button 10, and improvement of the feeling of operation. it can. In addition, in the present embodiment, the operation unit disposed on the operation panel 40 includes a single rotary operation knob 50 and a plurality of push button operation buttons disposed at equal intervals around the rotation operation knob 50. 10, the operation knob 50 and the operation button 10 can be easily seen and operated from any direction of the driver seat or the passenger seat. Therefore, the effect that the operability can be further improved is obtained.

  In addition, a plurality of leg portions 17 of the plurality of switch operating levers 14 are provided in parallel, and are extended with the same length along the tangential direction on the circumference around the rotary operation knob 50. It is possible to make the operation force and the operation feeling when the operation buttons 10 are operated to elastically deform the switch operation levers 14 substantially uniform. Therefore, there is no variation in the click feeling and the operation feeling, and the operability can be improved. Further, even if the operation position of the operation button 10 is slightly deviated, there is no variation in the operation force or operation feeling, so that a stable operation feeling can be obtained.

In addition, since the projection 19 that engages with the switch 6 is provided at the position farthest from the leg portion 17 of the switch operation lever 14, the switch operation lever 14 is elastically deformed by the operation button 10 to operate the switch 6. The operating force and deformation amount can be reduced as much as possible. For this reason, an operation touch can be lightened and an operation feeling can be improved.
Furthermore, the outer shape of the operation panel 40 is configured by combining the square portion 44 and the semicircular portion 45, and the liquid crystal display unit 3, the rotary operation knob 50, and the plurality of operation buttons 10 are balanced in each area. With the arrangement, the operation panel 40 can have a characteristic design. Therefore, the design of the operation panel 40 can be provided with novelty and a high-class feeling can be obtained.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the invention concerning the said embodiment, In the range which does not deviate from the summary, it can change suitably. For example, the number of rotary operation knobs and push button operation buttons is not limited to the number in the above embodiment. Also, the shape of the operation button and the design of the display unit for displaying the operation function can be variously changed, and it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

It is the top view (A) of the operation button of the operating device for vehicle air conditioners concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention, and the longitudinal cross-sectional view (B) of the principal part which follows the aa arrow. It is the longitudinal cross-sectional view (A) of the principal part of the operating device for vehicle air conditioners concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and the external appearance perspective view (B) thru | or (D). It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the principal part of the operating device for vehicle air conditioners concerning 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is the top view (A) of the operation button of the operating device for vehicle air conditioners concerning 4th Embodiment of this invention, and the longitudinal cross-section (B) of the principal part which follows the bb arrow. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the principal part of the operating device for vehicle air conditioners concerning 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is the top view (A) of the operation button of the operating device for vehicle air conditioners concerning 6th Embodiment of this invention, and the longitudinal cross-section (B) of the principal part which follows the cc arrow. It is a top view of the operating device for vehicle air conditioners concerning 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the operation panel of the operating device for vehicle air conditioners shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vehicle air conditioner operating device 2 Control box 3 Liquid crystal display part 4 Operation panel 5 Board | substrate 6 Switch 7 LED (backlight)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Operation button 11 Convex part 12 Embossed sheet 13A-13G Operation function display part 14 Switch operation lever 15 Notch 16 Base end part 17 Leg part 18 Similar convex part 18A Concave surface 18B Convex surface 19 Projection 19A Root part 19B End part 20 Coating 21 Transparent material 22 Colored material 23 Light transmissive member 24 Light transmissive member 30 EL sheet 40 Operation panel 35 Light transmissive color 36 Light transmissive color 41 Linear one side 42, 43 Side 44 Square part 45 Semicircular part 50 Rotary operation knob

Claims (14)

An operation button is provided on the operation panel of the control box, and the air conditioner is operated by operating a switch on the board installed in the control box by operating the operation button, and the operation function is displayed on the operation button. In an operating device for a vehicle air conditioner provided with a display unit,
The operation button is composed of a convex portion formed on an embossed sheet, and the embossed sheet is pasted on the operation panel,
A switch operating lever having a similar convex portion along the convex portion shape at a portion corresponding to the convex portion of the operation panel and a protrusion engaging with the switch is integrally formed by cutting,
An operating device for a vehicle air conditioner, wherein the switch is operated through the switch operating lever that is elastically deformed by the operation of the operating button.   At least the switch operation lever portion of the operation panel is configured to allow backlight light to pass therethrough, and the display unit is printed in a color that allows backlight light to pass through the operation button portion of the embossed sheet. The operating device for a vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1.   The portion other than the switch operation lever of the control box including the operation panel is configured so that light from the backlight cannot be transmitted by painting, two-color molding, a combination of different members, or the like. The operation apparatus for vehicle air conditioners of description.   The operating device for a vehicle air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a base portion of the protrusion of the switch operating lever is made thicker than a tip portion engaged with the switch.   The vehicle air conditioner operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a thickness of a base end portion of the switch operating lever is made thinner than that of other portions.   The operation device for a vehicle air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an inner side surface of the similar convex portion of the switch operation lever is a concave curved surface.   The operation device for a vehicle air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an outer side surface of the similar convex portion of the switch operation lever is a convex curved surface.   The vehicle air conditioner operating device according to claim 1, wherein an EL sheet for backlight is provided between the embossed sheet and the operation panel.   The display unit is printed in a color that allows backlight light to pass through the operation button portion of the embossed sheet, and the display unit has the same or similar color as the display unit and the backlight light cannot pass therethrough. The operation device for a vehicle air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the display unit can be displayed only when a color is printed and the backlight is turned on. In the operation device for a vehicle air conditioner configured by arranging a plurality of operation units for operating the air conditioner on the surface of the operation panel and arranging a liquid crystal display unit for displaying the operation state thereof,
The operation unit is composed of at least one rotary operation knob and a plurality of push button type operation buttons arranged on the circumference around the rotary operation knob,
The plurality of operation buttons are constituted by a plurality of convex portions formed on an emboss sheet pasted on the operation panel, and
Similar convex portions along the shape of the convex portions at portions corresponding to the plurality of convex portions constituting the operation buttons of the operation panel, and protrusions that engage with switches provided on the substrate, respectively. The switch operating lever with
An operating device for a vehicle air conditioner, wherein the switch is operated through the switch operating lever that is elastically deformed by the operation of the operating button.   The switch operation lever includes a leg portion connected to the similar convex portion, and the leg portion is extended along a tangential direction on a circumference around a rotary operation knob. The operating device for a vehicle air conditioner according to claim 10.   The vehicle air conditioner operating device according to claim 11, wherein a plurality of the leg portions are provided in parallel.   The vehicle air conditioner operating device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the protrusion is provided at a position farthest from a base end portion of the leg portion. The operation panel has an outer shape composed of a substantially linear side and a rectangular part consisting of right and left sides extending perpendicularly from both ends of the linear side and a semicircular part connecting the left and right sides. The rotary operation knob is disposed at the center of the semicircular portion, the plurality of operation buttons are disposed on the circumference along the circumference thereof, and the liquid crystal display is disposed at an upper portion thereof. The operating device for a vehicle air conditioner according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein a portion is provided.

Images