Patent ID: 7965282
Filing Date: 2011-06-21
Classification: B60K,B60R,G05G,G06F,H01H,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An operation device for a vehicle comprising: a monitor for displaying information related to in-vehicle equipment installed in the vehicle, and an operating knob for outputting an operation command signal to the in-vehicle equipment based on information displayed on the monitor, wherein the operating knob is formed to have different operating loads at different operating positions, and switching over of a plurality of operation menu display screens and switching over of a plurality of function display screens for the in-vehicle equipment displayed on the monitor are carried out by tilting of the operating knob in a plurality of directions, pivoting of the operating knob around an axis thereof in a predetermined angle range, and operation of a main switch provided on a front part of the operating knob, wherein the operating knob comprises a first variable load mechanism for giving a restraining feel to operation by changing an operating load according to a tilt angle of the operating knob, the first variable load mechanism having a sliding member having an end which engages with multiple guide grooves formed on an inner surface of a hemispherical-shaped recess of a base member, the sliding member for guiding the operating knob in a proper tilt direction, and wherein said first variable load mechanism is configured to make said operating load, which is produced in tilting the operating knob, variable in response to a change in relative position of the sliding member with respect to the guide grooves.