Abstract:
A control knob capable of operating multiple systems has a first rotational body and a second rotational body coaxially arranged, and a shaft connected to the second rotational body. Opposite the shaft, a movable body is moved axially in response to rotation of the first rotational body. Engaging units have concaves or convexes, for example, similar to teeth. The engaging units are provided on the shaft or the movable body. An engaged unit is elastically biased toward one of the engaging units, and engages the concaves or convexes. In use, the control knob may be configured to permit selection of a function by rotation of the first rotational body, and to permit adjustment of the function by rotation of the second rotational body.

Description:
This application is the national phase under 35 U.S.C. §371 of PCT International Application No. PCT/JP2008/57291 which has an International filing date of Apr. 14, 2008 and designated the United States of America. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present invention relates to an operating device and an operating system, which can be used to operate various apparatuses (a vehicle navigation apparatus, an audio apparatus, an air conditioner, a television apparatus or a back camera or the like) that are installed in, for example, a vehicle, and do not require a large space for a placement. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     In recent years, various apparatuses are installed in a vehicle. An operating device that has switches or buttons or the like for operating those apparatuses is placed in the vicinity of a driver seat, for example, in an instrument panel and the like. However, in association with the increase in the apparatuses installed in the vehicle and the increase in the functions of the apparatus, the larger number of the switches and the buttons and the like are required to operate the many functions. Thus, there is a problem of a lack of placement space. Hence, the operating device is requested in which the many functions can be operated by using the small number of the switches. 
     On the other hand, the operating device, namely, a so-called dial switch is widely used in which the function can be operated when a user rotationally operates, for example, a rotating body of a disc type. The dial switch can be used, for example, to adjust the sound volume of the audio apparatus or adjust the temperature of the air conditioner. Also, the dial switch is designed such that, when the user carries out the rotational operation, click feeling is generated in association with the rotation of the rotating body, in many cases. This design leads to a merit that the user can intuitively know the rotation amount of the rotating body. 
     In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-260949, a rotating type switch is proposed which can generate the click feeling and can be easily assembled. This rotating type switch comprises a moving member that is rotatably attached to a fixing member and rotated by an external operation, and an annular receiver in which a plurality of clicking concaves are formed opposite to the fixing member at a predetermined pitch is provided in this moving member. Also, in the fixing member, a holding member having a ball engaged with the clicking concave is provided in the portion opposite to the annular receiver of the moving member so that it is pushed against the clicking concave by a spring. Thus, the click feeling can be generated by the engagement between the clicking concave and the ball ball. 
     In order to solve the problem of the lack of the placement space as mentioned above, the operating device with which the user can use one dial switch and operate a plurality of functions begins to be considered and actually used. For example, the operating device for operating the air conditioner can be configured such that this comprises a switching switch for switching the respective modes of “a temperature adjustment”, “a wind quantity adjustment” or “a wind direction adjustment” or the like together with the dial switch, and the user, when operating the switching switch and switching to any of the modes and then rotationally operating the dial switch, can adjust the function corresponding to each of the modes. 
     However, in such an operating device, conventionally, the click feeling associated with the rotational operation of the dial switch was constant, and even if the switching switch was used to switch the mode, the click feeling could not be changed. Thus, there was a problem that the good operability could not be obtained, because the click feeling generated when the user carried out the rotational operation was equal between the case when the adjustment such as the temperature adjustment and the wind amount adjustment was carried out at the many stages of 10 or more stages and the case when the adjustment such as the wind direction was carried out at several stages. 
     In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-222003, an operating unit is provided which can select and operate a desirable equipment from a plurality of electronic equipments and also change the click feeling correspondingly to the selected equipment. This operating unit is configured such that, when a push button is pressed and operated, one end side of a spring body rotatably supported on a center is pushed down to push up the other end side, and an upper spherical portion of a ball arranged on the other end side of the spring body is brought into contact with the bottom surface of a disc member on which click grooves are formed. The disc member is arranged coaxially with an operational knob for the rotational operation. Then, when the ball of the spring body and the click groove of the disc member are brought into contact, the click feeling is generated in association with the rotational operation of the operational knob. Moreover, this comprises: a plurality of push buttons correlated to the selections of the respective equipments; a plurality of spring bodies that are pushed down to the push buttons, respectively; and a plurality of disc members to which the balls provided on the respective spring bodies are brought into contact, respective, and this is configured such that the numbers or shapes of the click grooves on the respective disc members are different. Thus, the click feeling generated when the operational knob is rotationally operated can be changed for each equipment targeted for the operation. 
     SUMMARY 
     In the operating unit noted in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-222003, the click feeling can be changed for each equipment targeted for the operation. However, the plurality of push buttons to select the equipment targeted for the operation are required to be placed around the operational knob. Thus, the size of the operating unit becomes large, which requires the large place space. Thus, the placement in the limited space such as the instrument panel and the like of the vehicle is not easy. Hence, it is impossible to solve the problem of the lack of the placement space as mentioned above. 
     The present invention is proposed in view of the above-mentioned circumstances. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an operating device which has a small size and many functions and in which by the operation for a first rotation operation body, click feeling generated when a second rotation operation body is operated can be changed, and for example, by the operation for a first rotating operation, a plurality of functions can be switched, and by the operation for a second rotating operation, the adjustment operation of the function in the different click feeling can be carried out, while enabling an easy placement in a small space. 
     An operating device according to the present invention is an operating device characterized by comprising: a first rotation operation body that is rotated and moved to a plurality of positions; a second rotation operation body that is provided coaxially with the first rotation operation body; a shaft that is coaxially connected with the second rotation operation body; a moving body that is provided opposite to the shaft, and is moved in an axial direction in response to rotation of said first rotation operation body; an engaging unit that is provided on one of said shaft and said moving body, and has a plurality of concaves or convexes which are aligned at a predetermined interval in a rotation direction of said shaft; and an engaged unit that is provided on the other of said shaft and said moving body, elastically biased towards said engaging unit, and engaged with said concaves or convexes, wherein on said one, a plurality of the engaging units that have the different number of the concaves or convexes respectively are aligned in said axial direction, and in response to the movement of said moving body, the engaging unit by which said engaged unit is elastically biased is changed. 
     The present invention is configured such that a first rotation operation body, which is rotated and moved to a plurality of positions, is used to select a plurality of functions in response to the moved position, and a second rotation operation body which is placed coaxially with the first rotation operation body is used to adjust or set the selected function by means of the rotational operation. 
     Also, by the rotational operation for the first rotating body, the click feeling generated when the second rotation operation body is operated is changed. For this reason, a shaft is coaxially connected with the second rotation operation body, and a moving body that is moved in the axial direction in response to the rotation of the first rotation operation body is placed opposite to the shaft. On one of the shaft and the moving body, a plurality of engaging units that have a plurality of concaves or convexes which are aligned at a predetermined interval in the rotation direction are aligned in the axial direction. On the other of the shaft or the moving body, an engaged unit that is elastically biased towards the engaging unit is provided. 
     Thus, by the engagement between the engaged unit and the engaging unit, the click feeling can be generated in association with the rotation of the second rotation operation body. Also, when the first rotation operation body is rotated, the moving body is moved in the axial direction, and the engaged unit is engaged with one of the plurality of engaging units that are aligned in the axial direction. Since the different numbers of the concaves or convexes are provided on the plurality of engaging units, respectively, the click feeling can be changed. 
     An operating device according to the present invention is characterized in that said moving body is cylindrical and said shaft is inserted through the moving body; said plurality of engaging units are aligned on an inner circumferential surface of said moving body, in the axial direction of said moving body; and said engaged unit is provided on an outer circumferential surface of said shaft. 
     In the present invention, the moving body that is moved in the axial direction in response to the rotation of the first rotation operation body is cylindrical, and the shaft connected to the second rotation operation body is inserted through the cylindrical moving body. On the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical moving body, the plurality of engaging units are aligned in the axial direction, and the engaged unit that is elastically biased towards the outer circumferential surface of the opposite shaft is provided. Consequently, the engaged unit provided on the shaft can be surely engaged with the concaves or convexes of the engaging unit provided in the moving body, and the click feeling can be generated. Also, the cylindrical moving body can be moved in the axial direction, and the engaging unit with which the engaged unit is engaged can be changed. Thus, since the click feeling can be changed surely and easily, it is possible to surely improve the operability of the rotational operation for the second rotation operation body. 
     An operating device according to the present invention is characterized in that said plurality of engaging units are aligned on an outer circumferential surface of said shaft, in an axial direction of said shaft; and said engaged unit is provided on said moving body. 
     In the present invention, on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft connected to the second rotation operation body, the plurality of engaging units are aligned in the axial direction, and the engaged unit is provided on the opposite moving body. Thus, the engaged unit provided on the moving body can be surely engaged with the concaves or convexes of the engaging unit provided on the shaft, and the click feeling can be generated. Also, the engaging unit with which the engaged unit is engaged when the moving body is moved in the axial direction can be changed. Hence, since the click feeling can be changed surely and easily, the operability of the rotational operation for the second rotation operation body can be surely improved. 
     An operating device according to the present invention is characterized in that said moving body is cylindrical and said shaft is inserted through the moving body; and said engaged unit is provided on an inner circumferential surface of said moving body. 
     In the present invention, the moving body is cylindrical, and the engaged unit is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the moving body. Since the moving body is cylindrical, the shaft can be moved in the axial direction stably and smoothly. Thus, the click feeling can be surely changed, and the operability of the rotational operation for the second rotation operation body can be surely improved. 
     An operating device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a cylinder that is coaxially connected with said first rotation operation body; a guide groove that is provided on the cylinder, has a long shape in a circumferential direction of said cylinder, and is gradually displaced in an axial direction of said cylinder; and a bar-shaped inserted unit that is protrusively provided on said moving body, and is inserted into said guide groove, wherein in accordance with the rotation of said cylinder, an insertion position into said guide groove of said inserted unit is changed, and said moving body is moved in the axial direction. 
     In the present invention, a cylinder is coaxially connected with the first rotation operation body, and a groove which has a long shape in the circumferential direction of the cylinder and is gradually displaced in the axial direction of the cylinder is formed on the cylinder. A bar-shaped inserted portion that is inserted into the groove of the cylinder is provided on the moving body. In association with the rotation of the first rotation operation body, the cylinder is moved. At this time, the moving body in which the inserted portion is inserted into the groove is moved in the axial direction along the groove. Thus, in response to the rotation of the first rotation operation body, the moving body can be moved in the axial direction surely and easily. Hence, the operability of the rotational operation for the second rotation operation body can be surely improved. 
     An operating device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising protrusions which are provided on boundaries between said plurality of engaging units, respectively. 
     In the present invention, a protrusion is provided on the boundary between the plurality of engaging units. When the first rotation operation body is rotationally operated, the moving body is moved in the axial direction. However, at this time, the engaged unit elastically biased towards the engaging unit is engaged with the protrusion on the boundary between the engaging units. Thus, the click feeling can be generated. Thus, not only for the second rotation operation body but also for the first rotation operation body, the click feeling can be generated in association with the rotational operation. Hence, the operability of the operating device can be improved. 
     An operating device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising rotation detecting means that is provided coaxially with said shaft and detects rotation of said second rotation operation body. 
     In the present invention, rotation detecting means for detecting the rotation of the second rotation operation body, for example, a rotary encoder or the like is placed coaxially with the shaft connected to the second rotation operation body. In the operating device, such rotation detecting means is required to be provided. However, in a case of a configuration for transmitting the rotation of the second rotation operation body to the rotation detecting means by using a screw mechanism and the like, the rotation detecting means is required to be placed around the second rotation operation body or the shaft. Thus, there is a fear that the size of the operating device is increased, thereby requiring the wide placement space. So, this problem can be avoided by placing the rotation detecting means coaxially with the second rotation operation body. Thus, since the operating device can be miniaturized, the operating device can be surely placed even in the small space. 
     An operating device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a plurality of light shielding detection means which are aligned in said rotation direction at a predetermined interval, have a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit respectively, and detect light shielding in accordance with the presence or absence of the light, which is emitted by the light emitting unit and received by said light receiving unit; and a plurality of light shielding units which are provided on said shaft at an interval different from said predetermined interval, and optically shield light emitted by said light emitting units in turn in association with the rotation of said shaft, wherein said rotation detecting means detects rotation of said second rotation operation body, in response to a timing of light shielding detected by said plurality of light shielding detection means. 
     In the present invention, in order to detect the rotation of the second rotation operation body, on the substrate that rotatably holds the shaft or the like, a plurality of light shielding detection means each having a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit are provided at a predetermined interval in the rotation direction. Also, on the shaft, a plurality of light shielding units for optically shielding in turn the lights emitted by the light emitting units in association with the rotation are provided at a predetermined interval different from the interval between the plurality of light shielding detection means. Thus, by the plurality of light shielding units on the shaft, the plurality of light shielding detection means are optically shielded at the different timings. Thus, whether the rotation direction of the shaft is clockwise or counterclockwise can be judged in accordance with the order of detecting the light shielding. Also, in accordance with the timing when the light shielding detection means detects the light shielding, the number or time of the light shielding actions can be examined, thereby judging the rotation amount or rotation speed or the like. The light shielding detection means can be attained by using, for example, a photo interrupter and the like. However, this element is cheaper and smaller than the element for detecting the rotation of the rotary encoder and the like. Thus, the reduction in the size and the drop in the cost of the operating device can be easily attained. Also, the detection can be optically executed without any contact. Hence, the abrasion of the contact and the like are not generated, which can improve the reliability of the mechanism for detecting. 
     An operating device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a cylinder that is coaxially connected with said first rotation operation body; and rotation position detecting means for detecting a position of rotation of said cylinder. 
     In the present invention, the cylinder is coaxially connected with the first rotation operation body, and rotation position detecting means for detecting the rotation position of the cylinder is provided. The first rotation operation body is rotated to the plurality of positions, and the click feeling of the second rotation operation body is changed in response to this position. However, in the case of the configuration in which the operating device receives, for example, the selection of the function set by the first rotation operation body and then the setting of the received function is received by the second rotation operation body, the operating device can switch the function for receiving the setting, in accordance with the detection result of the rotation position detecting means. Thus, it is possible to detect the rotation position of the first rotation operation body, and it is possible to surely attain the reception of the operation in which the two rotation operation bodies are used. 
     An operating device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising a switching detection element that has an operated unit which is swingingly operated on said cylinder in association with rotation of said cylinder, and detects switching between contacts which is caused by swinging of the operated unit, wherein said rotation position detecting means detects a rotation position of said first rotation operation body in accordance with the detection result of said switching detection element. 
     The present invention is configured such that a switching detection element having an operated unit which is swingingly operated is provided and the cylinder swings the operated unit in association with the rotation. Thus, the operating device can judge the rotation position of the cylinder from the detection result of the switching detection element. If there are about two or three rotation positions, the rotation position can be easily judged by using one switching detection element that has about two or three contacts. Hence, when the number of the rotation positions of the first rotation operation body is relatively small, the rotation position can be easily detected, which can attain the miniaturization of the operating device, the drop in the cost and the like. 
     An operating device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a plurality of light shielding detection means which are aligned in said rotation direction at a predetermined interval, have a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit respectively, and detect light shielding in accordance with the presence or absence of light, which is emitted by the light emitting unit and received by said light receiving unit; and a plurality of light shielding units which are provided on said cylinder, and optically shield light emitted by said light emitting unit, wherein said rotation position detecting means detects a rotation position of said first rotation operation body, in response to a combination of light shielding detected by said plurality of light shielding detection means. 
     In the present invention, the plurality of light shielding detection means each having the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are provided at the predetermined interval in the rotation direction, and on the cylinder, the plurality of light shielding units are provided at the predetermined interval. The interval between the plurality of light shielding detection means and the interval between the plurality of light shielding units may be equal or different. Thus, in response to the rotation position of the cylinder, the several light shielding units optically shield the several light shielding detection means. Thus, the rotation position of the cylinder can be judged in accordance with the combination of the light shielding detectors among the plurality of light shielding detectors by which the light shielding are detected. In the case of this configuration, increasing the number of the light shielding detection means can easily increase the number of the detectable rotation positions. Thus, even if there are the many rotation positions of the first rotation operation body, it is possible to detect the rotation position without increasing the size of the operating device, and it is possible to easily attain the increase in the number of the functions of the operating device. Also, since the rotation position can be optically detected without any contact, the reliability of the mechanism for detecting can be improved. 
     An operating device according to the present invention is characterized in that said shaft is cylindrical and said operating device comprising: pressing detection means for detecting pressing; a press operation body that is moved in said axial direction in accordance with a pressing operation; and a pressing member that is linked to the press operation body, and presses said pressing detection means through said shaft in association with said pressing operation. 
     In the present invention, a press operation body for receiving a pressing operation is provided. Consequently, since the operating device can further receive the pressing operation, the user can carry out the more operations or more complex operations by using this operating device. Also, the shaft connected to the second rotation operation body is cylindrical, and a pressing member inserted through the shaft is linked to the press operation body, and pressing detection means that is provided on the substrate for rotatably holding the shaft is pressed by the pressing member. Thus, the pressing operation against the press operation body provided in the second rotation operation body can be detected by the pressing detection means provided on the substrate. Hence, without increasing the size of the operating device, the operating device can receive the pressing operation. Hence, the increase in the number of the functions of the operating device can be attained, which can improve the operability. 
     An operating device according to the present invention is characterized in that said second rotation operation body and said shaft are cylindrical and said operating device comprising: a light emitting body; a light guide member that is provided so as to be inserted through said shaft, and guides light emitted by said light emitting body into said second rotation operation body; and a light-transmitting unit for transmitting light guided by the light guide member to outside. 
     In the present invention, a light emitting body is provided inside the operating device, and the light of the light emitting body is emitted from a light-transmitting unit to the outside. Consequently, the visual effect optically emitted by a part of the operating device can be given to the user. Also, the second rotation operation body and the shaft are cylindrical, and the light emitting body is provided on the substrate for rotatably holding the shaft, and a light guide member inserted through the shaft is used to guide the light from the light emitting body into the second rotation operation body. Consequently, even if the second rotation operation body and the light emitting body are separated, the light of the light emitting body can be surely guided into the second rotation operation body. Since the light-transmitting unit is provided in the second rotation operation body or in the vicinity thereof, the light obtained through the light guide member can be emitted to the outside. Moreover, the light-transmitting unit is provided in the first rotation operation body, and the light is guided from the light-transmitting unit of the second rotation operation body to the first rotation operation body. Thus, the light can be emitted from the light-transmitting unit of the first rotation operation body to the outside. Hence, since the visual effect optically emitted by the operating device can be given to the user, the appearance of the operating device can be improved, and the operability of the operating device at night can be improved. 
     An operating device according to the present invention is characterized in that said first rotation operation body is swingably supported, and said operating device comprising swinging detection means for detecting swinging of said first rotation operation body. 
     In the present invention, the first rotation operation body is swingably supported. Means for detecting the swinging of the first rotation operation body is provided in the operating device, and the swinging operation for the first rotation operation body is received. Thus, the user can execute not only the rotational operation of the first rotation operation body but also the swinging operation. Thus, the plurality of kinds of operations can be received by one operation body. Hence, it is possible to increase the number of the functions of the operating device and improve the operability, convenience and the like of the operating device. 
     An operating device according to the present invention is characterized in that said second rotation operation body or said shaft is hollow, the operating device comprising: a fixed shaft which is interiorly provided coaxially with hollow said second rotation operation body or said shaft, and fixed in a manner that the fixed shaft cannot be rotated; and a wave-shaped annular body which is sandwiched between said second rotation operation body or said shaft and said fixed shaft, wherein an operational load is applied to said second rotation operation body by said annular body. 
     In the present invention, the second rotation operation body or the shaft is hollow, and the fixed shaft that is fixed in the manner that it cannot be rotated is placed therein. Also, a wave-shaped annular body is sandwiched between the second rotation operation body or the shaft and the fixed shaft. Since the wave-shaped annular body is sandwiched, the second rotation operation body or the shaft is biased in the direction separated from the fixed shaft. Thus, the operational load can be given. When the height of the wave of the annular body is suitably set, the moderate operational load can be given to the user who operates the second rotation operation body. Hence, the operational feeling of the operating device can be improved. 
     An operating device according to the present invention is an operating device characterized by comprising: a first rotation operation body that is rotated and moved to a plurality of positions; a second rotation operation body that is provided coaxially with the first rotation operation body; two opposite units that are provided in said second rotation operation body, so as to be opposite in an axial direction of a rotation shaft of the second rotation operation body; an annular moving body, which is inserted through the rotation shaft of said second rotation operation body, and is moved in the axial direction of said rotation shaft between said two opposite units so that the moving body comes close to one of said two opposite units and moves away from the other in response to rotation of said first rotation operation body; engaging units, which are provided on said two opposite units, respectively, and have a plurality of concaves or convexes aligned at a predetermined interval in a rotation direction of said second rotation operation body; and engaged units, which are provided on one side and the other side in said axial direction of said moving body, respectively, and when said moving body approaches said opposite unit, said engaged units being elastically biased towards the approached engaging unit in said opposite unit and being engaged with said concaves or convexes, wherein in the engaging units provided in said two opposite units, respectively, the numbers of aligned said concaves or convexes differ from each other. 
     The present invention is configured such that the function targeted for the operation is selected in accordance with the rotation position of the first rotation operation body, and by the second rotation operation body that is coaxially provided, the selected function is adjusted or set through the rotational operation. Since the two rotation operation bodies are comprised, the number of the functions of the operating device can be increased. Since the two rotation operation bodies are coaxially provided, the operating device is miniaturized. 
     Also, by the rotational operation for the first rotation operation body, the click feeling is changed which is generated when the second rotation operation body is operated. For this reason, two opposite units opposite to each other in the axial direction of the rotation shaft are provided in the second rotation operation body. An annular moving body inserted through the rotation shaft is provided between the two opposite units. Then, the moving body is moved in response to the rotation of the first rotation operation body so that the moving body comes close to one of the two opposite units and moves away from the other. Also, the engaging units that have the plurality of concaves or convexes are provided on the two opposite units, respectively, and the engaged units that are elastically biased are provided on one side and the other side in the axial direction of the moving body, respectively. Then, in association with the movement of the moving body, one engaged unit is engaged with the engaging unit provided on one opposite unit. By the engagement between the plurality of concaves or convexes of the engaging unit and the engaged unit that is elastically biased, the click feeling can be generated in association with the rotation of the second rotation operation body. In this case, in association with the rotation of the first rotation operation body, the engaging unit and the engaged unit that are engaged with each other is changed. Thus, by providing the engaging units having the different number of the concaves or convexes are provided on the two opposite units, respectively, the click feeling can be changed. 
     Thus, the operating device having the many functions can be placed in the small space such as the instrument panel and the like in the vehicle, and the operability of the rotational operation for the second rotation operation body can be improved, and the convenience of the operating device can be improved. 
     An operating device according to the present invention is an operating device characterized by comprising: a first rotation operation body that is rotated and moved to a plurality of positions; a second rotation operation body that is provided coaxially with the first rotation operation body; two opposite units that are provided in said second rotation operation body, so as to be opposite in an axial direction of a rotation shaft of the second rotation operation body; an annular moving body that is inserted through the rotation shaft of said second rotation operation body, and is moved in the axial direction of said rotation shaft between said two opposite units so that the moving body comes close to one of said two opposite units and moves away from the other in response to rotation of said first rotation operation body; engaging units that are provided on one side and the other side in said axial direction of said moving body, respectively, and have a plurality of concaves or convexes aligned at a predetermined interval in a rotation direction of said second rotation operation body; and engaged units, which are provided on said two opposite units, respectively, and when said moving body approaches said opposite units, said engaged units being elastically biased towards the approached engaging unit in said moving body and being engaged with said concaves or convexes, wherein in the engaging units provided on one side and the other side of said moving body, respectively, the numbers of aligned said concaves or convexes differ from each other. 
     The present invention is configured similarly to the above-mentioned configuration, in which the first rotation operation body and the second rotation operation body are coaxially placed and by the rotational operation for the first rotation operation body, the click feeling generated when the second rotation operation body is operated is changed. For this reason, in the second rotation operation body, the shaft is coaxially provided, and the two opposite units opposite in the axial direction are provided. Between the two opposite units, the annular moving body inserted through the shaft is provided. Then, in such a way that the moving body comes close to one of the two opposite units and moves away from the other, the moving body is moved in response to the rotation of the first rotation operation body. Also, the engaging units having the plurality of concaves or convexes are provided on one side and the other side in the axial direction of the moving body, respectively, and the engaged units that are elastically biased are provided on the two opposite units, respectively. Then, in association with the movement of the moving body, one engaging unit is engaged with the engaged unit provided on one of the opposite units. By the engagement between the plurality of concaves or convexes of the engaging unit and the engaged unit that is elastically biased, the click feeling can be generated in association with the rotation of the second rotation operation body. In this case, in association with the rotation of the first rotation operation body, the engaging unit and the engaged unit that are engaged with each other are changed. Thus, the engaging units having the different numbers of the concaves or convexes are provided on one side and the other side of the moving body, respectively. Hence, the click feeling can be changed. 
     Thus, the operating device having the many functions can be placed in the small space such as the instrument panel and the like of the vehicle, and the operability of the rotational operation for the second rotation operation body can be improved, and the convenience of the operating device can be improved. 
     An operating device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a cylinder that is coaxially connected with said first rotation operation body; a guide groove that is provided on the cylinder, has a long shape in a circumferential direction of said cylinder, and is gradually displaced in an axial direction of said cylinder; and an inserted unit that is provided in said moving body, and is inserted into said guide groove, wherein in response to rotation of said cylinder, an insertion position into said guide groove of said inserted unit is changed, and said moving body is moved in the axial direction. 
     In the present invention, the cylinder that is rotated together with the first rotation operation body is coaxially provided, and the guide groove that has the long shape in the circumferential direction of the cylinder and is gradually displaced in the axial direction of the cylinder is formed on the cylinder. The inserted unit inserted into the guide groove of the cylinder is provided in the moving body. In association with the rotation of the first rotation operation body, the cylinder is rotated, and the moving body in which the inserted unit is inserted into the guide groove is moved in the axial direction along the guide groove. Thus, in response to the rotation of the first rotation operation body, the moving body can be moved in the axial direction surely and easily. 
     Thus, it is possible to change the click feeling in association with the rotation of the second rotation operation body, surely and easily. Also, it is possible to improve the operability of the rotational operation for the second rotation operation body surely and easily. 
     An operating device according to the present invention is characterized in that said first rotation operation body is swingably supported by said cylinder, and comprising swinging detection means for detecting swinging of said first rotation operation body. 
     The present invention is configured such that the cylinder swingably supports the first rotation operation body. Thus, the user can perform not only the rotational operation but also the swinging operation on the first rotation operation body. The swinging of the first rotation operation body is detected by using a plurality of switches that are pushed down, for example, by the swinging, as the detecting means. Thus, since the operating device can receive the swinging operation of the user, the increase in the number of the functions of the operating device can be attained. Hence, the convenience of the operating device can be further improved. 
     An operating device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising rotation detecting means that is provided coaxially with the rotation shaft of said second rotation operation body, and detects rotation of said second rotation operation body. 
     In the present invention, the detecting means for detecting the rotation of the second rotation operation body, for example, the rotary encoder or the like is placed coaxially with the shaft provided in the second rotation operation body. In the operating device for receiving the rotational operation, such detecting means is required to be provided. However, in the case of the configuration for transmitting the rotation of the second rotation operation body to the detecting means by using a gear mechanism and the like, the detecting means is required to be placed around the second rotation operation body or the shaft. Thus, there is the fear that the size of the operating device is increased, thereby requiring the wide placement space. So, this problem can be avoided by placing the detecting means coaxially with the second rotation operation body. Hence, since the operating device can be miniaturized, the operating device which has many functions can be surely placed in the small space such as the instrument panel and the like of the vehicle. 
     An operating system according to the present invention is an operating system characterized by comprising a plurality of the above-mentioned operating devices, wherein different operation loads are given to said second rotation operation bodies in the respective operating devices. 
     In the present invention, the plurality of operating devices are comprised to carry out the more functions. Also, the different operational loads are given to the second rotation operation bodies in the respective operating devices. Thus, even when the plurality of second rotation operation bodies are aligned, the user can easily judge the second rotation operation body that is operated among the plurality of second rotation operation bodies, on the basis of the operational load. Thus, the user can operate the desirable second rotation operation body without visually checking the plurality of second rotation operation bodies. Hence, it is possible to increase the operability and convenience of the operating system comprising the plurality of operating devices. 
     An operating system according to the present invention is characterized in that said second rotation operation body or said shaft is hollow, each of said operating devices has: a fixed shaft, which is interiorly provided coaxially with hollow said second rotation operation body or said shaft, and is fixed in a manner that the fixed shaft cannot be rotated; and a wave-shaped annular body which is sandwiched between said second rotation operation body or said shaft and said fixed shaft, and gives said operation load, and said annular bodies in the respective operating devices have wave shapes whose heights differ from each other. 
     In the present invention, the second rotation operation body or the shaft is hollow, and the fixed shaft that is placed in the manner that it cannot be rotated is placed therein. Also, the wave-shaped annular body is sandwiched between the second rotation operation body or the shaft and the fixed shaft. Since the wave-shaped annular body is sandwiched, the second rotation operation body or the shaft is biased in the direction separated from the fixed shaft. Thus, the operational load can be given. Also, the respective annular bodies comprised in the respective operating devices are wave-shaped in which the heights are different. Hence, under the easy and cheap configuration, the different operational loads can be given to the second rotation operation bodies in the respective operating devices. 
     An operating system according to the present invention is an operating system characterized by comprising a plurality of the above-mentioned operating devices, wherein the engaged units in the respective operating devices are biased by biasing forces which differ from each other. 
     In the present invention, the plurality of operating devices are comprised to carry out more functions. The loads of the rotational operations for the second rotation operation bodies in the respective operating devices are changed on the basis of the magnitude of the biasing force of the engaged unit that is elastically biased towards the engaging unit. Thus, when the engaged units in the respective operating devices are biased by the different biasing forces, the different operation loads can be given to the second rotation operation bodies in the respective operating devices. Consequently, even if the plurality of second rotation operation bodies are aligned, the user can easily judge the second rotation operation body that is operated among the plurality of second rotation operation bodies, on the basis of the operational load. Thus, the user can operate the desirable second rotation operation body without visually checking the plurality of second rotation operation bodies. Hence, the operability and convenience of the operating system that comprises the plurality of operating devices can be improved. 
     According to the present invention, by comprising the first rotation operation body and the second rotation operation body that are coaxially provided, since the operating device can be miniaturized, the operating device can be placed in the small space such as the instrument panel and the like in the vehicle. Also, in association with the rotational operation for the first rotation operation body, the click feeling generated when the second rotation operation body is operated can be changed, thereby improving the operability of the rotational operation for the second rotation operation body. Hence, the convenience of the operating device can be improved. 
     The above and further objects and features will more fully be apparent from the following detailed description with accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1A to 1C  are trihedral views showing a configuration of an operating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a sectional view showing an inner configuration of the operating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  are side views showing the configuration of the operating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are side views showing the configuration of the operating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a diagrammatic perspective view showing a configuration of a click number change member of the operating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  are diagrammatic views describing a change in a click number in the operating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a sectional view showing an inner configuration of an operating device according to a second embodiment describing a change of a click number in the operating device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  are diagrammatic views describing a change of a click number in the operating device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a sectional view showing an inner configuration of an operating device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  are diagrammatic views describing a change of a click number in the operating device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view showing a configuration of a linkage unit and an engaged member in the operating device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a side view showing the configuration of the linkage unit of the operating device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a plan view showing a configuration of an operating system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a sectional view showing an inner configuration of an operating device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 15A to 15C  are diagrammatic views showing a configuration example of a wave washer of the operating device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view showing a configuration of an operating device according to a fifth embodiment. 
         FIGS. 17A to 17C  are trihedral views showing the configuration of the operating device according to the fifth embodiment. 
         FIGS. 18A to 18C  are trihedral views showing an inner configuration of the operating device according to the fifth embodiment. 
         FIGS. 19A to 19C  are trihedral views showing the inner configuration of the operating device according to the fifth embodiment. 
         FIG. 20  is a sectional view along an A-A line in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 21  is a sectional view along a B-B line in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 22  is an exploded perspective view of the operating device according to the fifth embodiment. 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of an operating device in which an illustration of an enclosure is omitted. 
         FIGS. 24A to 24E  are diagrammatic views describing a method of detecting a rotation position of a mode switching switch. 
         FIG. 25  is a diagrammatic view describing the method of detecting the rotation position of the mode switching switch. 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view showing the operating device in which the illustrations of the enclosure, the mode switching switch, a base cylinder and the engaged member and the like are omitted. 
         FIGS. 27A to 27E  are diagrammatic views describing a method of detecting a rotation of a dial switch. 
         FIGS. 28A to 28E  are the diagrammatic views describing the method of detecting the rotation of the dial switch. 
         FIGS. 29A and 29B  are the diagrammatic views describing the method of detecting the rotation of the dial switch. 
         FIG. 30  is a diagrammatic plan view showing a configuration of an operating system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 31  is a perspective view showing a configuration of an operating device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 32  is an exploded perspective view showing configurations of respective parts of the operating device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 33  is a trihedral view showing the configuration of the operating device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 34  is a trihedral view showing the configuration of the operating device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 35  is a sectional view of the operating device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 36  is a sectional view of the operating device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 37  is an inner configuration view of the operating device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 38A and 38B  are diagrammatic views describing a biasing force caused by a plate spring of a click number change member in an operating system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 39  is a diagrammatic side view showing a configuration of a operating device according to a variation example 1 of the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 40A and 40B  are diagrammatic side views showing a configuration of a click number change member in an operating device according to a variation example 2 of the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 41  is a diagrammatic side view showing a configuration of a click number change member in an operating device according to a variation example 3 of the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     First Embodiment 
     The present invention will be specifically described below on the basis of the drawings showing its embodiments.  FIGS. 1A to 1C  are the trihedral views showing the configuration of the operating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1A  shows the plan view,  FIG. 1B  shows the side view, and  FIG. 1C  shows the rear view.  FIG. 2  is the sectional view showing the inner configuration of the operating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention and shows the inner configuration in which a part of the left half is broken on the rear view equal to  FIG. 1C .  FIGS. 3A and 3B  and  FIGS. 4A and 4B  are the side views showing the configuration of the operating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention and shows the situation in which the parts configuring the operating device on the side view equal to  FIG. 1B  are removed in the order from  FIG. 3A TO 4B . The operating device according to this embodiment is arranged on, for example, the instrument panel near the driver seat in the vehicle, and operates the air conditioner or the audio apparatus or the like. 
     On the drawings, 1 is the outer portion of the instrument panel in the vehicle, and the operating device according to this embodiment has the appearance in which a mode switching switch  10  and a dial switch  20  are stacked on the outer portion  1 . The mode switching switch  10  has the shape of a substantially oval plate on the plan view, and this is placed on the outer portion  1  and can be rotationally operated within a range of about 60° by a user. The dial switch  20  is cylindrical and placed on the upper side of the mode switching switch  10 . The user can rotationally operate it in a range of 360° or more, clockwise and counter-clockwise around the fixed shaft  30 , which is fixed so as not to be rotated. By the way, the rotation axis of the dial switch  20  and the rotation axis of the mode switching switch  10  coincide with each other, and the rotation axis coincides with the central axis of the fixed shaft  30 . 
     On the outer portion  1 , the three mode marks  2  to  4  are drawn, and the mode can be switched by rotationally operating the mode switching switch  10  so that a tapered tip portion  10   a  of the mode switching switch  10  indicates one of the three mode marks  2  to  4 . For example, when the operating device is the apparatus for operating the air conditioner, a character string “Wind Direction” is assigned as the mode mark  2 , a character string “Wind Quantity” is assigned as the mode mark  3 , and a character string “Temperature” is assigned as the mode mark  4 . When the tip portion  10   a  of the mode switching switch  10  is rotated to indicate “Wind Direction”, the operating device becomes in a wind direction adjustment mode. Then, the user, when rotationally operating the dial switch  20 , can adjust the wind direction of the air conditioner. The other modes are similar. 
     The mode switching switch  10 , the dial switch  20 , the fixed shaft  30  and the other parts in the operating device according to this embodiment are assembled and placed on a substrate  50 . A rotary encoder  51  (rotation detecting means) for detecting the rotation of the dial switch  20  and a switching detection element  52  (position detecting means) for detecting the switching between the modes, which results from the rotation of the mode switching switch  10 , are placed together with the other electric parts (not shown) on the substrate  50 . The substrate  50  is designed such that the rotary encoder  51 , the switching detection element  52  and the other electric parts configure an electric circuit, the operation of the user given to the operating device is converted into an electric signal, and various processes can be carried out. 
     The rotary encoder  51  is cylindrical and fixedly connected to the substrate  50  through screws, soldering and the like, mechanically and electrically. The fixed shaft  30  is designed such that a disc unit  31  whose diameter is great and a cylinder unit  32  whose diameter is small are coaxially linked. One end on the side of the disc unit  31  is externally exposed, and the other end on the side of the cylinder unit  32  is fixed through the cylinder of the rotary encoder  51  to the substrate  50 . However, although the rotary encoder  51  has a cylindrical rotator  51   a  for detecting the rotation, the cylinder unit  32  of the fixed shaft  30  is configured not to be brought into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the rotator  51   a , and the cylinder unit  32  does not interfere the rotation of the rotator  51   a.    
     The dial switch  20  comprises: an operating unit  21  (second rotation operating body) that is externally exposed in order for the user to touch and operate it; a linkage unit  22  (shaft) for linking the operating unit  21  to the rotator  51   a  of the rotary encoder  51 . The operating unit  21  and the linkage unit  22  are manufactured as the different parts, and after assembled, they function as one dial switch  20 . The operating unit  21  has a great diametric portion  21   a  and a small diametric portion  21   b . The great diametric portion  21   a  is defined as an inner diameter that is slightly greater than the diameter of the disc unit  31  of the fixed shaft  30 . The small diametric portion  21   b  is defined as an inner diameter that is slightly greater than the diameter of the cylinder unit  32  of the fixed shaft  30 . Also, the length of the small diametric portion  21   b  of the operating unit  21  is shorter than the length of the cylinder unit  32  of the fixed shaft  30 . Thus, in the situation that the disc unit  31  of the fixed shaft  30  is accommodated in the great diametric portion  21   a  of the operating unit  21 , the cylinder unit  32  of the fixed shaft  30  can be inserted through the small diametric portion  21   b  of the operating unit  21 . 
     The linkage unit  22  is the cylinder having an inner diameter that is slightly greater than the diameter of the cylinder unit  32  of the fixed shaft  30 , and one end of the linkage unit  22  can be interiorly engaged with and fixed to the small diametric portion  21   b  of the operating unit  21 . For this reason, an engaging nail  22   a  is provided on the outer circumferential surface on one end side of the linkage unit  22 , and a concave engaged with the engaging nail  22   a  is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the small diametric portion  21   b  of the operating unit  21 . Also, the other end of the linkage unit  22  is shaped to be able to be externally engaged with and fixed to the rotator  51   a  of the rotary encoder  51 . Thus, in the situation that the operating unit  21  is fixed to one end of the linkage unit  22  and then the rotator  51   a  of the rotary encoder  51  is fixed to the other end thereof, the rotator  51   a  is rotated in association with the rotational operation of the operating unit  21  by the user, and the rotary encoder  51  can detect the rotation of the operating unit  21 . Also, the fixed shaft  30  is inserted through the operating unit  21  and the linkage unit  22  in the dial switch  20  and inserted through the rotary encoder  51  and fixed to the substrate  50 . 
     Also, an annular metallic spring member  40  is externally engaged with and fixed to the linkage unit  22  of the dial switch  20 . With respect to the axial direction of the linkage unit  22 , the length of the spring member  40  is sufficiently shorter than the length of the linkage unit  22 . The fixed position of the spring member  40  in the linkage unit  22  is located between one end portion interiorly engaged with the operating unit  21  of the dial switch  20  and the other end portion externally engaged with the rotary encoder  51 . The spring member  40  has: an annular unit  41  externally engaged with the linkage unit; and a plate spring  42  (engaged unit) formed to protrude from the outer circumference of the annular unit  41  to a radial direction. By the way, only one plate spring  42  is shown on the drawings. However, actually, the spring member  40  has the two plate springs  42 . The two plate springs  42  are formed at the opposite positions with respect to the center of the annular unit  41 , respectively. The plate spring  42  is designed such that a part of the metallic annular unit  41  is protruded to the exterior by a metallic process and this is biased to outside the annular unit  41 . 
     Also, the operating device according to the first embodiment comprises a click number change member  60  (moving body) that is cylindrical, which enables the insertion of the linkage unit  22  of the dial switch  20 .  FIG. 5  is the diagrammatic perspective view showing the configuration of the click number change member  60  in the operating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The click number change member  60  has a cylinder unit  61  and two support shafts  64  (inserted unit), which are provided so as to protrude in the radial direction from the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder unit  61 . On the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder unit  61 , a first click surface  62  (engaging unit) is formed on one side with the substantial center of the axial direction as a boundary, and a second click surface  63  (engaging unit) is formed on the other side. 
     The first click surface  62  and the second click surface  63  are designed such that a plurality of concaves  62   a ,  63   a  or convexes are formed at predetermined intervals in the circumferential directions of the inner circumference of the cylinder unit  61 , and these concaves or convexes are shaped to be engaged with the plate spring  42  formed on the spring member  40 . For example, 36 concaves or convexes are formed on the first click surface  62 , and 18 concaves or convexes are formed on the second click surface  63 . Also, with regard to the axial direction of the cylinder unit  61 , the lengths of the first click surface  62  and the second click surface  63  are set to be sufficiently longer than the length of the plate spring  42  of the spring member  40 , and the plate spring  42  can be engaged with only one of the first click surface  62  and the second click surface  63 . 
     Also, the inner diameter of the cylinder unit  61  in the click number change member  60  is set to be slightly thicker than the diameter of the linkage unit  22  in the dial switch  20 . When the linkage unit  22  to which the spring member  40  is fixed is inserted into the cylinder unit  61 , the two plate springs  42  formed on both sides of the spring member  40  are engaged with the first click surface  62  or second click surface  63  of the cylinder unit  61 . In this state, the click number change member  60  is fixed so as not to be able to be rotated. Thus, when the dial switch  20  is rotationally operated to rotate the linkage unit  22 , the plate springs  42  of the spring member  40  fixed to the linkage unit  22  are sequentially engaged with the plurality of concaves or convexes on the first click surface  62  or second click surface  63 , which are arranged in the circumferential direction of the click number change member  60 , in association with the rotation, and the click feeling can be generated. By the way, the click feeling includes the clicking noise [click-clack] generated in association with the engagement between the plate spring  42  and the concave or convex of the click surface, and the vibration generated at this time, and the like. 
     Moreover, the number of the concaves or convexes of the first click surface  62  and the number of the concaves or convexes of the second click surface  63  are configured to be different. Thus, by changing the click surface to engage the plate spring  42  of the spring member  40 , it is possible to change the generation frequency of the click feelings when the dial switch  20  is rotationally operated. It is possible to change the click surface to engage the plate spring  42  of the spring member  40 , by axially moving the click number change member  60  into which the linkage unit  22  of the dial switch  20  is inserted, because the first click surface  62  and the second click surface  63  are aligned in the axial direction on the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder unit  61 . 
     Two support shafts  64 , which are round-bar-shaped and protrude in the directions opposite to each other with the axis of the cylinder unit  61  as a center, are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder unit  61  in the click number change member  60 . Also, the operating device according to this embodiment comprises a base cylinder  70  for supporting the click number change member  60 , the mode switching switch  10  and the like. The base cylinder  70  is cylindrical and has the size and the shape, which enable the linkage unit  22  in the dial switch  20 , the cylinder unit  61  in the click number change member  60 , the rotary encoder  51  and the like to be accommodated therein which enable the linkage unit  22  in the dial switch  20 , the cylinder unit  61  in the click number change member  60 , the rotary encoder  51  and the like to be accommodated therein. 
     In the base cylinder  70 , on one end side, two notches  71  (however, only one is shown on the drawing) that are long in the axial direction are formed and immovably fixed to the substrate  50  on the other end side. The two notches  71  on the one end side are formed on the sides opposite to each other, with the axial center of the base cylinder  70  therebetween. The width of each of the notches  71  is set to be approximately equal to or slightly wider than the diameter of the support shaft  64  of the click number change member  60 , and the support shaft  64  can be inserted into the notch  71 , and the support shaft  64  can be moved through the notch  71  in the axial direction of the base cylinder  70 . 
     Also, the inner diameter on one end side of the base cylinder  70  is slightly thicker than the outer diameter of the click number change member  60 , and the outer diameter is sufficiently smaller than the distance between the center of the click number change member  60  and the protrusion end of the support shaft  64 . Since the two support shafts  64  of the click number change member  60  inserted into the linkage unit  22  of the dial switch  20  are inserted into the two notches  71  of the base cylinder  70 , the click number change member  60  can be moved in the axial direction along the notch  71  and supported by the base cylinder  70  in the manner that it cannot be rotated. In this state, the two support shafts  64  of the click number change member  60  are in the state that they are inserted through the notch  71  and protruded to outside the base cylinder  70 . 
     Also, one notch  72  is formed on the other end side fixed to the substrate  50  of the base cylinder  70 . The switching detection element  52  fixed to the substrate  50  through the screws and the soldering and the like is placed so as to be accommodated in the notch  72  of the base cylinder  70  fixed to the substrate  50 . The switching detection element  52  has a detection shaft  52   a  (operated unit) that is bar-shaped and swingably supported on the main body that has the shape of an approximately rectangular plate. The switching detection element  52  carries out the detection of the switching, by detecting the position where the detection shaft  52   a  is located, from the three positions of: the standard position to which the detection shaft  52   a  is biased by the member, such as the spring and the like, which is built in the main body; and the endmost positions on both sides when the detection shaft  52   a  is swung with this standard position as a center. 
     The mode switching switch  10  has: an operating unit  11  (first rotation operating body), which has the shape of an approximately oval plate and is configured in order for the user to touch it and carry out the operation; and a cylinder unit  12  (cylinder) that is connected on the lower surface of this operating unit  11 . In the operating unit  11 , an approximately circular penetration hole is formed, and the penetration hole has a size such that the small diametric portion  21   b  of the operating unit  21  in the dial switch  20  can be inserted and the center thereof substantially coincides with the rotation axis of the mode switching switch  10 . Also, the cylinder unit  12  is connected to the operating unit  11  so that the axial center substantially coincides with the center of the penetration hole of the operating unit  11 , and the inner diameter is approximately equal to the outer diameter of one end side of the base cylinder  70 , and the cylinder unit  11  of the mode switching switch  10  is externally engaged with the base cylinder  70 . 
     The approximately rectangular notch  13  is formed in the end of the cylinder unit  12  in the mode switching switch  10 . When the cylinder unit  12  is externally engaged with the base cylinder  70  fixed to the substrate  50 , the detection shaft  52   a  of the switching detection element  52  provided on the substrate  50  is accommodated inside the notch  13  of the cylinder unit  12 . Consequently, when the operating unit  11  of the mode switching switch  10  is rotationally operated by the user, the cylinder unit  12  is rotated together with the operating unit  11 , and the cylinder unit  12  is brought into contact with the detection shaft  52   a  of the switching detection element  52  and swung. Then, the switching detection element  52  detects the switching between the modes that is executed by the mode switching switch  10 . 
     The notch  14  that is long in the axial direction of the cylinder unit  12  is formed at the end of the cylinder unit  12  in the mode switching switch  10 , and a guide groove  15 , which is connected to the notch  14  and long in the circumferential direction of the cylinder unit  12  and has the shape of a long hole, is formed on the substantial center in the axial direction of the cylinder unit  12 . However, the guide groove  15  having the shape of the long hole is formed such that, although the portion between one end  15   a  and a center  15   b  is formed along the circumferential direction of the cylinder unit  12 , the portion of the substantial center is slightly bent, and the portion between the center  15   b  and the other end  15   c  is gradually displaced in the axial direction to the side of the operating unit  11 . Also, the notch  14  and the guide groove  15  are formed on both sides, respectively, with the axial center of the cylinder unit  12  therebetween, and the two guide grooves  15  are approximately equal in shape. The widths of the notch  14  and the guide grooves  15  are equal to or slightly greater than the diameter of the support shaft  64  provided in the click number change member  60 . 
     As mentioned above, in the situation that the two support shafts  64  of the click number change member  60  are supported by the two notches  71  of the base cylinder  70 , the two support shafts  64  are inserted through the notches  71  of the base cylinder  70  and externally protruded. When in this state, the cylinder unit  12  of the mode switching switch  10  is externally engaged with the base cylinder  70 , the cylinder unit  12  can be externally engaged by guiding the two support shafts  64 , which protrude from the base cylinder  70 , to the guide groove  15  along the two notches  14  formed on the cylinder unit  12 . 
     Also, as mentioned above, the click number change member  60  supported by the base cylinder  70  can be moved in the axial direction of the base cylinder  70 , along the notch  71  of the base cylinder  70 . When the user rotationally operates the mode switching switch  10  in which the cylinder unit  12  is externally engaged with the base cylinder  70 , only the mode switching switch  10  is rotated because the base cylinder  70  and the click number change member  60  are fixed in the manner that they cannot be rotated. At this time, the support shaft  64  of the click number change member  60  is inserted inside the guide groove  15  formed on the cylinder unit  12  in the mode switching switch  10 , and the insertion position into the guide groove  15  is changed in association with the rotation of the cylinder unit  12 . Thus, the support shaft  64  is moved in the axial direction of the base cylinder  70  in association with the rotation of the cylinder unit  12 . Hence, with the rotation of the mode switching switch  10 , the click number change member  60  can be moved in the axial direction, and the click surface of the click number change member  60  with which the plate spring  42  of the spring member  40  fixed to the dial switch  20  is engaged can be changed, thereby changing the click feeling (click number) corresponding to the mode. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  are the diagrammatic views describing the change in the click number of the operating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. For example, in the configuration of the illustrated operating device, at first, when the mode switching switch  10  is positioned at the mode mark  3  (namely, the central position), the support shaft  64  of the click number change member  60  is located at the center  15   b  of the guide groove  15  provided in the cylinder unit  12  of the mode switching switch  10 . At this time, the click number change member  60  is located on the lower side of the movement range in the axial direction (the side of the substrate  50  in the axial direction is defined as the lower side, and the side of the operating unit  21  of the dial switch  20  is defined as the upper side). Then, the plate spring  42  of the spring member  40  fixed to the linkage unit  22  of the dial switch  20  is engaged with the first click surface  62  on the lower side, among the two click surfaces formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder unit  61  in the click number change member  60 . On the first click surface  62 , the 36 concaves or convexes are formed at the equal interval in the circumferential direction of the cylinder unit  61 . Thus, when the user rotationally operates the dial switch  20 , the 36 click feelings per circumference are generated (refer to  FIG. 6A ). Thus, when the user rotationally operates the dial switch  20 , the 36 click feelings per circumference are generated (refer to  FIG. 6(   a )). 
     When the mode switching switch  10  is counterclockwise rotationally operated to the position of the mode mark  4 , the cylinder unit  12  provided in the mode switching switch  10  is rotated to the position where the support shaft  64  of the click number change member  60  is inserted into one end  15   a  of the guide groove  15 . The one end  15   a  and center  15   b  of the guide groove  15  are provided at the same position with regard to the axial direction of the cylinder unit  12 . Thus, the click number change member  60  is not moved, and the plate spring  42  of the spring member  40  is engaged with the first click surface  62 . 
     When the mode switching switch  10  is clockwise rotationally operated to the position of the mode mark  2 , the cylinder unit  12  provided in the mode switching switch  10  is rotated to the position where the support shaft  64  of the click number change member  60  is inserted into the other end  15   c  of the guide groove  15 . The guide groove  15  is shaped to be gradually displaced in the axial direction so that it is bent at the center  15   b , and the other end  15   c  is located on the upper side. The other end  15   c  of the guide groove  15  is located on the upper side than the one end  15   a  and the center  15   b  with respect to the axial direction. In association with the rotation of the cylinder unit  12 , the support shaft  64  is moved to the upper side until the other end  15   c  of the guide groove  15 . Thus, the click number change member  60  is moved to the upper side along the notch  71  of the base cylinder  70 , and the plate spring  42  of the spring member  40  is engaged with the second click surface  63  formed on the upper side of the inner circumferential surface of the click number change member  60 . On the second click surface  63 , the 18 concaves or convexes are formed at the equal interval in the circumferential direction of the cylinder unit  61 . Hence, when the user rotationally operates the dial switch  20 , the 18 click feelings per circumference are generated (refer to  FIG. 6B ). 
     The operating device having the foregoing configuration is configured such that the mode switching switch  10  and the dial switch  20  are coaxially stacked. Thus, since the operating device can be miniaturized, this can be easily placed in the limited space such as the instrument panel of the vehicle. Also, this is configured such that the mode is switched by the mode switching switch  10 , and the operation such as the setting or adjustment or the like of each mode is carried out in the dial switch  20 . Thus, one operating device can operate the plurality of functions. Also, the engagement between the spring member  40  provided in the dial switch  20  and the click surface formed on the inner circumferential surface of the click number change member  60  generates the click feeling, and the plurality of click surfaces are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the click number change member  60 , and in association with the rotation of the mode switching switch  10 , the click number change member  60  is moved in the axial direction. Thus, since the click surface with which the spring member  40  is engaged can be changed by the rotation of the mode switching switch  10 , the click feeling that is different for each mode can be generated easily and surely, in association with the rotation of the dial switch  20 . Also, the rotary encoder  51  for detecting the rotation of the dial switch  20  is configured to be placed on the substrate  50  coaxially with the dial switch  20 . Hence, the operating device can be miniaturized. 
     By the way, this embodiment is configured such that the change between the three modes can be carried out by the mode switching switch  10 . However, this is not limited thereto. The change between the two modes or the four or more modes may be carried out. Also, this is configured such that at the two modes among the three modes, the 36 click feelings are generated for each rotation of the dial switch  20 , and at the one mode, the 18 click feelings are generated for each rotation. However, this is not limited thereto. The generation number (click number) of the click feelings may be arbitrary for each rotation of the dial switch  20 , and the click number can be easily set only by changing the shape (the number of the concaves or concaves) of the click surface provided on the inner circumference of the cylinder unit  61  in the click number change member  60 . Also, when the click number is changed to the three stages or more, the three or more click surfaces may be aligned in the axial direction on the cylinder unit  61  in the click number change member  60 , and the shape of the guide groove  15  in the mode switching switch  10  may be properly changed. 
     Second Embodiment 
     The operating device according to the first embodiment is configured such that a plurality of click surfaces are provided on the click number change member  60  which is moved in the axial direction in association with the rotation of the mode switching switch  10 , and the spring member  40  which is engaged with this is provided in the dial switch  20 . On the contrary, the operating device according to the second embodiment is configured such that a plurality of click surfaces are provided on the dial switch  20 , and the elastic engaged unit engaged with this is moved in the axial direction in association with the rotation of the mode switching switch  10 .  FIG. 7  is the sectional view showing the inner configuration of the operating device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Also,  FIGS. 8A and 8B  are the diagrammatic views describing the change in the click number of the operating device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
     The operating device according to the second embodiment comprises a cylindrical click number change member  260  that is externally engaged with the linkage unit  22  of the dial switch  20 . The click number change member  260  is fixed to the linkage unit  22  and rotated in association with the rotation of the dial switch  20 . Also, on the outer circumferential surface of the click number change member  260 , with the substantial center in the axial direction as a boundary, a first click surface  261  (engaging unit) is formed on one side, and a second click surface  262  (engaging unit) is formed on the other side. The first click surface  261  and the second click surface  262  are configured such that a plurality of concaves and convexes are formed at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction. On the boundary between the first click surface  261  and the second click surface  262 , a protrusion  263  is formed over one circumference of the click number change member  260 . 
     Also, on the base cylinder  70 , a cylindrical engaged member  240  (moving body) is held so as to be able to move in the axial direction of the base cylinder  70  inside the notch  71 . The engaged member  240  has: a cylinder unit  241  (inserted unit) constituting a main body portion; and a sphere  242  (engaged unit) that protrudes from one end surface of this cylinder unit  241  and is biased towards and engaged with the click surface of the click number change member  260  by the elastic member such as a spring and the like. The sphere  242  is accommodated in an accommodation hole (not shown) formed on one end surface of the cylinder unit  241  so as to move in and out and biased towards the outside of the accommodation hole by the elastic material provided inside the accommodation hole. Also, the other end of the cylinder unit  241  protrudes to the outside of the base cylinder  70  and is inserted into the guide groove  15  formed on the cylinder unit  12  in the mode switching switch  10 . Consequently, as for the engaged member  240 , the insertion position into the guide groove  15  is changed in association with the rotation of the mode switching switch  10 , and this is moved in the axial direction of the base cylinder  70  along the notch  71  of the base cylinder  70 . 
     For example, in the configuration of the illustrated operating device, at first, when the mode switching switch  10  is located at the position of the mode mark  3  (namely, the central position), the cylinder unit  241  of the engaged member  240  is located at the center  15   b  of the guide groove  15  provided on the cylinder unit  12  in the mode switching switch  10 . At this time, the engaged member  240  is located on the lower side of the movement range in the axial direction and engaged with the first click surface  261  of the click number change member  260  fixed to the linkage unit  22  of the dial switch  20 . The 36 concaves or convexes are formed in the first click surface  261 , and when the user rotationally operates the dial switch  20 , the 36 click feelings are generated for each rotation (refer to  FIG. 8B ). 
     Next, when the mode switching switch  10  is counterclockwise rotationally operated to the position of the mode mark  4 , the cylinder unit  12  provided in the mode switching switch  10  is rotated to the position where the cylinder unit  241  of the engaged member  240  is inserted into the one end  15   a  of the guide groove  15 . The one end  15   a  and the center  15   b  of the guide groove  15  are provided at the same position with respect to the axial direction of the cylinder unit  12 . Thus, the engaged member  240  is not moved, and is engaged with the first click surface  261 . 
     Moreover, when the mode switching switch  10  is clockwise rotationally operated to the position of the mode mark  2 , the cylinder unit  12  provided in the mode switching switch  10  is rotated to the position where the cylinder unit  241  of the engaged member  240  is inserted into the other end  15   c  of the guide groove  15 . The guide groove  15  is shaped to be gradually displaced in the axial direction so that it is bent at the center  15   b , and the other end  15   c  is located on the upper side. Thus, in association with the rotation of the cylinder unit  12 , the cylinder unit  241  of the engaged member  240  is moved along the guide groove  15  in the axial direction of the base cylinder  70 . At this time, the sphere  242  of the engaged member  240  is brought into contact with and engaged with the protrusion  263  of the click number change member  260 . Thus, the click feeling is generated. After that, the sphere  242  of the engaged member  240  is engaged with the second click surface  262 . The 18 concaves or convexes are formed on the second click surface  262 . Then, when the user rotationally operates the dial switch  20 , the 18 click feelings per rotation are generated (refer to  FIG. 8A ). 
     The operating device according to the second embodiment having the foregoing configuration has the actions and effects similar to the operating device according to the first embodiment. When the mode switching switch  10  is rotationally operated to switch the mode, it is possible to change the click feeling generated by the rotational operation of the dial switch  20 . Also, since the protrusion  263  is configured to be provided on the boundary portion between the first click surface  261  and the second click surface  262  in the click number change member  260 , the click feeling can be generated even when the mode switching switch  10  is rotationally operated. 
     By the way, the second embodiment is configured such that the change between the three modes can be carried out by the mode switching switch  10 . However, this is not limited thereto. The change between the two modes or the four or more modes may be carried out. Also, the generation number (click number) of the click feelings may be arbitrary for each rotation of the dial switch  20 , and the click number can be easily set only by changing the shape (the number of the concaves or concaves) of the click surface provided on the outer circumference of the click number change member  260 . Also, when the click number is changed to the three stages or more, the three or more click surfaces may be aligned in the axial direction, on the outer circumferential surface of the click number change member  260 , and the shape of the guide groove  15  in the mode switching switch  10  may be properly changed. Also, the protrusion  263  is configured to be provided between the first click surface  261  and the second click surface  262 . However, when there is no need of generating the click feeling in association with the rotational operation of the mode switching switch  10 , the protrusion  263  may not be provided. 
     By the way, the other configurations of the operating device according to the second embodiment are similar to the configurations of the operating device according to the first embodiment. Thus, the same symbols are assigned to the similar portions, and their detailed explanations are omitted. 
     Third Embodiment 
       FIG. 9  is the sectional view showing the inner configuration of the operating device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Also,  FIGS. 10A and 10B  are the diagrammatic views describing the change in the click number of the operating device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Although the operating device according to the second embodiment is configured to fix the click number change member  260  of the different member to the linkage unit  22  in the dial switch  20 , the operating device according to the third embodiment is configured such that a first click surface  461  (engaging unit) and a second click surface  462  (engaging unit) are formed on the outer circumferential surface of a linkage unit  422  (shaft) in the dial switch  20 . Also, although the operating device according to the second embodiment is configured to comprise the cylindrical engaged member  240  that is engaged with the first click surface  261  or second click surface  262 , the operating device according to the third embodiment is configured to comprise a cylindrical (or annular) engaged member  440  (moving body).  FIG. 11  is the perspective view showing the configurations of the linkage unit  422  and the engaged member  440  in the operating device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Also,  FIG. 12  is the side view showing the configuration of the linkage unit  422  in the operating device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 
     On the outer circumferential surface of the linkage unit  422  in the dial switch  20  that is comprised by the operating device according to the third embodiment, the first click surface  461  and the second click surface  462  are formed, in each of which a plurality of concaves or convexes are placed at a predetermined interval over one circumference. The number of the concaves or convexes of the first click surface  461  is greater than the number of the concaves or convexes of the second click surface  462 . The first click surface  461  and the second click surface  462  are aligned in the axial direction of the linkage unit  422 . The linkage unit  422 , and the first click surface  461  and the second click surface  462  are integrally formed through the integrated molding using synthesis resin.  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 11  show the configuration in which the first click surface  461  is placed on the upper side, and the second click surface  462  is placed on the lower side. 
     Also, the engaged member  440  of the operating device according to the third embodiment has: a cylinder unit  441 ; and two support shafts  442  (inserted unit) provided so as to protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder unit  441  in the radial direction. The two support shafts  442  are provided at the positions opposite to each other, on the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder unit  441 . The outer diameter of the cylinder unit  441  in the engaged member  440  is slightly thinner than the inner diameter of the base cylinder  70 . The support shaft  442  of the engaged member  440  has the size and the shape, which enable the insertion into the notch  71  formed in the base cylinder  70 . Thus, by inserting the cylinder unit  441  of the engaged member  440  into the base cylinder  70  and inserting the support shaft  442  into the notch  71 , the engaged member  440  can be movably accommodated in the base cylinder  70  along the notch  71 . 
     Also, the support shafts  442  of the engaged member  440  can be inserted into the notch  14  and the guide groove  15 , which are formed on the cylinder unit  12  in the mode switching switch  10 . As for the support shaft  442  inserted into the guide groove  15 , the insertion position is displaced by the rotation of the mode switching switch  10 , and this involves the displacement in the axial direction inside the notch  71  of the base cylinder  70 . Thus, in association with the rotation of the mode switching switch  10 , the engaged member  440  is moved in the axial direction. 
     Also, on the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder unit  441  in the engaged member  440 , an accommodation hole  443  that has a bottom and can accommodate the cylindrical member is formed. The accommodation hole  443  accommodates: a cylindrical engaged unit  444  whose one end side is closed; and a coil spring  445  interposed between the bottom surface of the accommodation hole  443  and the engaged unit  444 . As for the engaged unit  444 , one end surface is conically protruded. Then, in such a way that this end surface approaches the center of the cylinder unit  441 , the coil spring  445  accommodated in the accommodation hole  443  biases the engaged unit  444 . 
     The inner diameter of the cylinder unit  441  in the engaged member  440  is slightly thicker than the outer diameter of the portion where the first click surface  461  and second click surface  462  in the linkage unit  422  are formed. When the linkage unit  422  is inserted into the cylinder unit  441 , the engaged unit  444  biased by the coil spring  445  is engaged with the first click surface  461  or second click surface  462 . As mentioned above, the engaged member  440  is moved in the axial direction in association with the rotation of the mode switching switch  10 . In association with this movement, the engaged unit  444  is engaged with one of the first click surface  461  and the second click surface  462 . 
     For example, when the mode switching switch  10  is located at the position of the mode mark  3  (namely, the central position), the support shaft  442  of the engaged member  440  is located at the center  15   b  of the guide groove  15 . At this time, the engaged member  440  is located on the lower side of the movement range in the axial direction, and the engaged unit  444  of the engaged member  440  is engaged with the second click surface  462  formed on the linkage unit  422  in the dial switch  20 . The 18 concaves or convexes are formed on the second click surface  462 . When the user rotationally operates the dial switch  20 , the 18 click feelings are generated for each rotation (refer to  FIG. 10B ). 
     When the mode switching switch  10  is clockwise rotationally operated to the position of the mode mark  2 , the cylinder unit  12  in the mode switching switch  10  is rotated to the position where the support shaft  442  of the engaged member  440  is inserted into the other end  15   c  of the guide groove  15 . The guide groove  15  is shaped to be gradually displaced in the axial direction so that it is bent at the center  15   b , and the other end  15   c  is located on the upper side. Thus, in association with the rotation of the cylinder unit  12 , along the guide groove  15 , the support shaft  442  of the engaged member  440  is moved in the axial direction of the base cylinder  70 . Consequently, the engaged member  440  is moved to the upper side in the axial direction, and the engaged unit  444  is engaged with the first click surface  461 . The 36 concaves or convexes are formed on the first click surface  461 . Then, when the user rotationally operates the dial switch  20 , the 36 click feelings per rotation are generated (refer to  FIG. 10A ). 
     The operating device according to the third embodiment having the foregoing configuration has the actions and effects similar to the operating device according to the second embodiment. When the mode switching switch  10  is rotationally operated to switch the mode, it is possible to change the click feeling generated by the rotational operation of the dial switch  20 . Also, since the first click surface  461  and the second click surface  462  are formed integrally with the linkage unit  422  in the dial switch  20 , the number of the parts in the operating device can be reduced, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost, the assembling cost and the like of the operating device. Also, the engaged member  440  is configured to be cylindrical, and the two support shafts  442  are configured to be inserted into the notches  71  of the base cylinder  70 . Thus, the engaged member  440  can be stably supported, and the engaged member  440  can be smoothly moved. 
     By the way, the other configurations of the operating device according to the third embodiment are similar to the configurations of the operating device according to the second embodiment. Thus, the same symbols are assigned to the similar portions, and their detailed explanations are omitted. 
     Fourth Embodiment 
       FIG. 13  is the plan view showing the configuration of the operating system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Also, the  FIG. 14  is the sectional view showing the inner configuration of the operating device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The operating system according to the fourth embodiment is configured to comprise three operating devices  300 . The three operating devices  300  are configured similarly to the operating device according to the first embodiment. However, they differ from it in that there are the operational load for the rotational operation of the dial switch  20 . Also, the operational loads whose values are different from each other are given to the three operating devices  300 . 
     The operating device  300  according to the fourth embodiment is configured such that a fixed shaft  330  which is immovably fixed to the center of the rotations of the mode switching switch  10  and the dial switch  20  is fixed by screwing a disc unit  331  and a cylinder unit  332  which are manufactured as different parts. For this reason, a female screw unit is formed on the disc unit  331 , and a male screw unit is formed on the cylinder unit  332 . 
     Also, the operating device  300  comprises a wave washer  380  (annular body) that is sandwiched between the fixed shaft  330  and the dial switch  20 .  FIGS. 15A to 15C  are the diagrammatic views showing the configuration example of the wave washer  380  in the operating device  300  according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 15A  shows the perspective view, and  FIG. 15B  and  FIG. 15C  show the side sectional views of the different configuration examples of the wave washer  380 , respectively. The wave washer  380  is the annular metallic plate, and a penetration hole  381  through which the cylinder unit  332  of the fixed shaft  330  can be inserted is formed in the center. Also, the wave washer  380  is bent wavily. Also, the three operating devices  300  comprise the wave washers  380  in which the bending degrees differ from each other, namely, the heights of the waves differ from each other. 
     The wave washer  380  is sandwiched between the surface on which the female screw unit of the disc unit  331  in the fixed shaft  330  is provided and the surface opposite to the operating unit  21  in the dial switch  20 . Consequently, the wave washer  380  is pressed and deformed to generate the restoring force. By the restoring force of the wave washer  380 , the fixed shaft  330  and the dial switch  20  are biased in the direction in which they are separated, and this biasing action serves as the operational load given to the rotational operation of the user. 
     With the foregoing configurations, in each operating device  300 , the operational load can be easily given for the rotational operation of the dial switch  20  by the wave washer  380 . Also, the three operating devices  300  in the operating system are configured to comprise the wave washers  380  whose heights differ from each other. Thus, the operational loads whose magnitudes differ from each other can be easily given to the respective operating devices  300 . Hence, a user can recognize one of the three operating devices  300  that are rotationally operated, on the basis of the operational load, without any visual observation of the operating system. 
     By the way, the operating system according to the fourth embodiment is configured to comprise the plurality of operating devices  300  that are configured similarly to the operating device according to the first embodiment. However, this is not limited thereto. It may be configured to comprise the plurality of operating devices that are configured similarly to the operating device according to the second embodiment. Also, the configure in which the operating device according to the first embodiment and the operating device according to the second embodiment are mixed may be adopted. 
     Also, the other configurations of the operating device according to the fourth embodiment are similar to the configuration of the operating device according to the first embodiment. Thus, the same symbols are assigned to the similar portions, and their detailed descriptions are omitted. 
     Fifth Embodiment 
     The operating device according to the fifth embodiment is an operating device such that the following changes or additions are performed on the configuration of the operating device according to the first to fourth embodiments. 
     (1) The detection of the rotation position of the mode switching switch (the switching between the modes) is changed from the method of using the switching detection element  52  to a method of using a photo interrupter. Also, the switching between the modes that is carried out by the mode switching switch is changed from the three stages to five stages. 
     (2) The detection of the rotation of the dial switch is changed from the method of using the rotary encoder  51  to the method of using the photo interrupter. 
     (3) A switch of a press (push) type is added. 
     (4) A mechanism for giving off a visible light from a switch is added. 
     (5) A mechanism that can swing the mode switching switch is added. 
       FIG. 16  is the perspective view showing the configuration of an operating device  500  according to the fifth embodiment.  FIGS. 17A to 17C  are the trihedral views showing the configuration of the operating device  500  according to the fifth embodiment.  FIG. 17A  shows the top view,  FIG. 17B  shows the front view, and  FIG. 17C  shows the right side view.  FIGS. 18A to 18C  are the trihedral views showing the inner configuration of the operating device  500  according to the fifth embodiment. As for the operating device  500  in the state that en enclosure is removed,  FIG. 18A  shows the top view,  FIG. 18B  shows the front view, and  FIG. 18C  shows the right side view.  FIGS. 19A to 19C  are the trihedral views showing the inner configuration of the operating device  500  according to the fifth embodiment. As for the operating device  500  in the state that the enclosure is removed,  FIG. 19A  shows the top view,  FIG. 19B  shows the rear view, and  FIG. 19C  shows the left side view.  FIG. 20  is the sectional view along the A-A line of  FIG. 17A , and  FIG. 21  is the sectional view along the B-B line of  FIG. 17A .  FIG. 22  is the exploded perspective view of the operating device  500  according to the fifth embodiment. 
     The operating device  500  according to the fifth embodiment has an approximately cuboidal enclosure  501 , which accommodates a mechanism for generating the click feeling and a substrate  550  where an electric circuit is configured, and the like, and this has the outer appearance that a mode switching switch  510  and a dial switch  520  are stacked on a top surface  501   a  of the enclosure  501 . The mode switching switch  510  has the shape of an approximately oval plate on a plan view, and this is arranged on the top surface  501   a  of the enclosure  501 . Also, the mode switching switch  510  can be rotationally operated within the range of about 40° on the right and left sides, respectively (the total of about 80°), and the rotation can be stopped at a total of five positions (rotation positions) for each about 20°. However, the rotational operation range and rotation position of the mode switching switch  510  are indicated as one example, and they are not limited thereto. 
     The dial switch  520  is cylindrical, and a plurality of concaves and convexes for stopping the sliding are formed on the outer circumferential surface thereof, and the dial switch  520  is placed on the upper side of the mode switching switch  510  and can be rotationally operated within a range of 360° or more, clockwise and counterclockwise, around a fixed shaft  530  which is fixed to the substrate  550  so as not to be rotated. The top surface of the fixed shaft  530  is approximately circular, and an approximately circular push switch  580  (press operation body) for receiving the pressing (pushing) operation of the user is provided on the substantial center thereof. By the way, the central axis of the rotation of the mode switching switch  510  and the central axis of the rotation of the dial switch  520  coincide with each other, and the central axis of the rotation and the centers of the fixed shaft  530  and the push switch  580  coincide with each other. 
     The fixed shaft  530  is provided with: a substantially discal cover unit  531  in which a penetration hole  531   a  to provide the push switch  580  is formed on the center; an upper shaft  532  in which a disc portion  532   a  having the substantially same size as the top surface of the cover unit  531  and a cylindrical portion  532   b  having a diameter smaller than it are coaxially linked; and a lower shaft  533  in which a cylindrical portion  533   a  whose diameter is approximately equal to the cylindrical portion  532   b  of the upper shaft  532  and a cylindrical base portion  533   b  whose diameter is greater than it are coaxially linked. 
     The base portion  533   b  of the lower shaft  533  is immovably fixed to the substrate  550  by a screw and the like, and the cylindrical portion  532   b  of the upper shaft  532  is immovably fixed to the cylindrical portion  533   a  of the lower shaft  533  by the engagement through an engaging nail and the like, and the cover unit  531  is immovably fixed to the disc portion  532   a  of the upper shaft  532  by the engagement through the engaging nail and the like. Consequently, the fixed shaft  530  is assembled and immovably fixed to the substrate  550 . 
     Also, in the assembled fixed shaft  530 , the penetration hole  531   a  of the cover unit  531  and the inside of the cylindrical portion  532   b  of the upper shaft  532  and the inside of the lower shaft  533  are continuously linked. That is, the fixed shaft  530  is cylindrical, and the penetration hole is provided from the cover unit  531  located on the highest portion to the substrate  550  located on the lowest portion. However, the inner diameter of the penetration hole  531   a  of the cover unit  531  and the inner diameter of the base portion  533   b  of the lower shaft  533  are thicker than the inner diameters of the cylindrical portion  532   b  of the upper shaft  532  and the cylinder unit  533   a  of the lower shaft  533 . 
     Also, a light-transmitting unit  531   b , which is made of transparent synthesis resin and the like and can transmit light interiorly and exteriorly, is provided on the upper surface of the cover unit  531  of the fixed shaft  530 . Also, a gap  531   c  for transmitting the light from the lower surface to the light-transmitting unit  531   b  is formed in the cover unit  531 , and the light from the lower side of the cover unit  531  can be emitted through the gap  531   c  and the light-transmitting unit  531   b  to outside. 
     Two LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes)  551  (light emitting body) are installed on the substrate  550 . The operating device  500  comprises a light guide member  585  for guiding the light emitted by the LED  551  of the substrate  550  through the fixed shaft  530  to the lower side of the cover unit  531 . The light guide member  585  is made of transparent synthesis resin and the like. 
     The light guide member  585  is divided into the two units of an upper light guide unit  586  and a lower light guide unit  587 . The upper light guide unit  586  is configured such that a disc portion  586   a  slightly smaller than the disc portion  532   a  of the upper shaft  532  of the fixed shaft  530  and a cylindrical portion  586   b  interiorly engaged with the cylindrical portion  532   b  of the upper shaft  532  are coaxially linked. The lower light guide unit  587  is configured such that a cylindrical portion  587   a  interiorly engaged with the cylindrical portion  533   a  of the lower shaft  533  in the fixed shaft  530  and a cylindrical base portion  587   b  having the size such that the base portion  587   b  can be accommodated in the base portion  533   b  of the lower shaft  533  are coaxially linked. 
     On the lower light guide unit  587  of the light guide member  585 , two notches are formed on the lower end of the base portion  587   b . In such a way that the notch portions cover the upper sides of the two LEDs  551  of the substrate  550 , the lower light guide unit  587  is attached to the substrate  550 . By the way, the lower light guide unit  587  is not required to be fixed to the substrate  550  by the screw and the like. Then, since the lower shaft  533  of the fixed shaft  530  externally engaged with the cylindrical portion  587   a  of the lower light guide unit  587  is fixed to the substrate  550 , the lower light guide unit  587  is immovably fixed to the substrate  550 . The upper light guide unit  586  of the light guide member  585  is fixed such that the disc portion  586   a  is sandwiched between the cover unit  531  of the fixed shaft  530  and the upper shaft  532 . 
     When the upper shaft  532  and lower shaft  533  of the fixed shaft  530  are linked and fixed, the lower surface of the cylindrical portion  586   b  of the upper light guide unit  586  interiorly engaged with the cylindrical portion  532   b  of the upper shaft  532  and the upper surface of the cylindrical portion of the lower light guide unit  587  interiorly engaged with the cylindrical portion  533   a  of the lower shaft  533  are brought into contact with each other or are opposite to each other at the interval of a micro distance. Consequently, the light emitted by the LED  551  is guided from the lower light guide unit  587  of the light guide member  585  to the upper light guide unit  586 , and further guided to the lower side of the cover unit  531  of the fixed shaft  530  and then emitted from the light-transmitting unit  531   b  through the gap  531   c  of the cover unit  531  to the outside. 
     The push switch  580  provided in the fixed shaft  530  is provided with: a cylindrical cover unit  581  having an upper surface; a cylindrical base unit  582  that has a lower surface and is interiorly engaged with the cover unit  581 ; and a pressing bar unit  583  fpressing member) that is fixed to the substantial center of the lower surface of the base unit  582 . The cover unit  581  of the push switch  580  is immovably fixed to the base unit  582  in the state externally engaged with the base unit  582 , by an engaging nail and the like. 
     The cover unit  581  of the push switch  580  has the size such that the cover unit  581  is interiorly engaged with the penetration hole  531   a  formed in the cover unit  531  of the fixed shaft  530 . A plurality of slits that are long in the axial direction are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cover unit  581  in the push switch  580 . A plurality of protrusions accommodated in those slits are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the penetration hole  531   a  of the cover unit  531  in the fixed shaft  530 . With the engagement between the slits and the protrusions, the push switch  580  interiorly engaged with the penetration hole  531   a  of the cover unit  531  in the fixed shaft  530  can be moved in the axial direction (the upper and lower direction) along the slits. By the way, this may be configured such that the plurality of protrusions are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cover unit  581  in the push switch  580 , and the plurality of slits which are long in the axial direction where the plurality of protrusions are accommodated are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the penetration hole  531   a  provided in the cover unit  531  in the fixed shaft  530 , and the push switch  580  can be moved in the axial direction (the upper and lower direction) along the slits. 
     The pressing bar unit  583  in the push switch  580  is the round bar having the thickness that enables the insertion through the interiors of the cylinder unit  586   b  of the upper light guide unit  586  and the cylinder unit  587   a  of the lower light guide unit  587  in the light guide member  585 . In the substrate  550 , a press detecting switch  552  (pressing detection means) for detecting the pressing is provided between the two LEDs  551 . When the upper surface of the cover unit  581  is pressed and the push switch  580  is downwardly moved, the lower end of the pressing bar unit  583  inserted into the light guide member  585  can press the upper portion of the press detecting switch  552 . The press detecting switch  552  is the electronic part for detecting the pressing against the operating portion (not shown) provided on the upper portion. This operating portion is biased in the direction against the pressing. Thus, if there is no pressing operation, the push switch  580  is upwardly moved by the biasing force of the press detecting switch  552 . 
     The dial switch  520  is provided with: an operating unit  521  (second rotation operation body) that is exposed to the outside in order for the user to touch it and carry out the operation; and a rotation shaft  522  (shaft) externally engaged with the upper shaft  532  and lower shaft  533  in the fixed shaft  530 . The operating unit  521  is configured such that a large diameter cylindrical portion  521   a  having a large diameter in which a plurality of concaves and convexes for stopping the sliding are formed on the outer circumferential surface and a small diameter cylindrical portion  521   b  having a diameter smaller than this are coaxially linked. The cover unit  531  of the fixed shaft  530  is accommodated in the large diameter cylindrical portion  521   a  in the operating unit  521 . 
     Also, the rotation shaft  522  in the dial switch  520  is configured such that a small diameter cylindrical portion  522   a , which is externally engaged with the cylindrical portion  532   b  of the upper shaft  532  in the fixed shaft  530  and the cylindrical portion  533   a  of the lower shaft  533 , and a large diameter cylindrical portion  522   b  having a size whose diameter is thicker than the small diameter cylindrical portion  522   a  and which enables the base unit  533   b  of the lower shaft  533  in the fixed shaft  530  to be accommodated therein are coaxially linked. The rotation shaft  522  is externally engaged with the lower shaft  533  of the fixed shaft  530  fixed to the substrate  550  and rotatably held. The lower end of the operating unit  521  and the upper end of the rotation shaft  522  are fixed by the engagement through an engaging nail and the like, and the operating unit  521  and the rotation shaft  522  are integrally rotated. That is, the cylindrical dial switch  520  is rotatably held in the manner that it is externally engaged with the fixed shaft  530  fixed to the substrate  550 . 
     On the small diameter cylindrical portion  522   a  of the rotation shaft  522  in the dial switch  520 , a first click surface  561  (engaging unit) and a second click surface  562  (engaging unit) are formed in each of which a plurality of concaves or convexes are placed at a predetermined interval over one circumference of the outer circumferential surface. The number of the concaves or convexes of the first click surface  561  is greater than the number of the concaves or convexes of the second click surface  562 , and the first click surface  561  and the second click surface  562  are aligned in the axial direction of the rotation shaft  522 . The rotation shaft  522  and the first click surface  561  and the second click surface  562  are integrally formed through the integral molding using synthesis resin. 
     On the large diameter cylindrical portion  522   b  of the rotation shaft  522  in the dial switch  520 , a plurality of light shielding units  565  (first light shielding unit) are formed over one circumference of the lower end portion. Each light shielding unit  565  is approximately rectangular and provided extendedly from the lower end of the rotation shaft  522 . Also, all of the plurality of light shielding units  565  are substantially equal in shape and aligned on the lower end of the rotation shaft  522  at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The plurality of light shielding units  565  are used while combined with two photo interrupters  553  (first light shielding detection means, rotation detecting means) provided on the substrate  550 . Consequently, the rotation of the dial switch  520  is detected. The detail of the rotation detected by the light shielding unit  565  and the photo interrupter  553  will be described later. 
     Also, the operating device  500  comprises a cylindrical (or annular) engaged unit  540  (moving body) through which the small diameter cylindrical portion  522   a  of the rotation shaft  522  in the dial switch  520  can be inserted. The engaged unit  540  has a cylinder unit  541  and two support shafts  542  (inserted unity protruding in the radial direction from the outer circumferential surface of this cylinder unit  541 . The two support shafts  542  are provided at the opposite positions on the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder unit  541 , respectively. 
     Also, on the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder unit  541  of the engaged unit  540 , an accommodation hole  543  is formed which can accommodate a cylindrical member. The accommodation hole  543  accommodates a cylindrical engaged unit  544  whose one end side is closed, and a coil spring  545  for biasing this engaged unit  544 . As for the engaged unit  544 , one end is conically protruded. Then, in such a way that this end approaches the center of the cylinder unit  541 , the coil spring  545  accommodated in the accommodation hole  543  biases the engaged unit  544 . 
     The inner diameter of the cylinder unit  541  in the engaged member  540  is slightly thicker than the outer diameter of the small diameter cylindrical portion  522   a  of the rotation shaft  522  in the dial switch  520 . When the small diameter cylinder unit  522   a  is inserted into the cylinder unit  541 , the engaged member  544  biased by the coil spring  545  is engaged with the first click surface  561  or second click surface  562 . The engaged member  540  is moved in the axial direction in association with the rotation of the mode switching switch  510 . In association with this movement, the end of the engaged unit  544  is engaged with one of the first click surface  561  and the second click surface  562 . 
     Also, the operating device  500  comprises a base cylinder  570  for supporting the engaged member  540  and the mode switching switch  510  and the like. The base cylinder  570  is cylindrical and has the size and the shape that enable the rotation shaft  522  in the dial switch  520 , the fixed shaft  530  and the engaged member  540  and the like to be accommodated therein. 
     On the base cylinder  570 , two notches  571  that are long in the axial direction are formed on one end side, and on the other end side, the base cylinder  570  is immovably fixed to the substrate  550  by screwing and the like. The two notches  571  on the one end side are formed on the sides opposite to each other, with the axial center of the base cylinder  570  therebetween. The width of each of the notches  571  is set to be approximately equal to or slightly wider than the diameter of the support shaft  542  in the engaged member  540 , and the support shaft  542  can be inserted into the notch  571 , and the support shaft  542  can be moved through the notch  571  in the axial direction of the base cylinder  570 . 
     Also, the inner diameter of the one end side of the base cylinder  570  is slightly thicker than the outer diameter of the cylinder unit  541  of the engaged member  540 , and the outer diameter is sufficiently smaller than the distance between the center of the engaged member  540  and the protrusion end of the support shaft  542 . Since the two support shafts  542  of the engaged member  540  inserted into the rotation shaft  522  in the dial switch  520  are inserted into the two notches  571  of the base cylinder  570 , the engaged member  540  can be axially moved along the notch  571  and supported to the base cylinder  570  in the manner that it cannot be rotated. In this state, the two support shafts  542  of the engaged member  540  are in the state that it is inserted through the notch  571  and protruded to outside the base cylinder  570 . 
     The mode switching switch  510  comprises: an operating unit  511  (first rotation operation body) which has a shape of a substantially oval plate and is configured in order for the user to touch it and carry out the operation; a cylinder unit  512  (cylinder) and a cover unit  513  which are rotated integrally with this operating unit  511  and swingably supports the operating unit  511 . The cylinder unit  512  of the mode switching switch  510  is cylindrical, and has the size such that the cylinder unit  512  is externally engaged with the base cylinder  570 . The cylinder unit  512  is rotatably supported over the outer circumferential surface of the base cylinder  570 , on a flange  572  provided along one circumference on the outer circumferential surface of the base cylinder  570 . 
     An accommodating unit  512   a  that can accommodate the cylindrical member is formed in the cylinder unit  512 . The accommodating unit  512   a  accommodates: a cylindrical engaged unit  514  whose one end side is closed; and a coil spring  515  for biasing this engaged unit  514 . One end side of the engaged unit  514  is conically protruded, and in such a way that this end approaches the center of the cylinder unit  512 , the coil spring  515  accommodated in the accommodating unit  512   a  biases the engaged unit  514 . On the outer circumferential surface of the base cylinder  570 , a click surface  573  constituted by a plurality of concaves or convexes formed in the circumferential direction is provided, and the engaged unit  514  of the cylinder unit  512  in the mode switching switch  510  that is externally engaged with the base cylinder  570  is engaged with the click surface  573  biased by the coil spring  515 . Thus, the click feeling can be generated in association with the rotation of the mode switching switch  510 . 
     A circular penetration hole  511   a  slightly greater than the outer diameter of the cylinder unit  512  is formed in the operating unit  511  in the mode switching switch  510 . On the inner circumference of the penetration hole  511   a , two swinging shafts  511   b  are protruded towards the center, at the positions opposite to each other. At one end (top end) of the cylinder unit  512  in the mode switching switch  510 , two holders  512   b  for accommodating the swinging shafts  511   b  of the operating unit  511  and swingably holding the operating unit  511  are formed at the positions opposite to each other. The mode switching switch  510  is configured by fixing the cover unit  513  to one end of the cylinder unit  512  in the state that the swinging shafts  511   b  of the operating unit  511  are held by the holder  512   b  in the cylinder unit  512 . Then, the user can perform the rotating operation and the swinging operation on the operating unit  511  in the mode switching switch  510 . 
     The cover unit  513  of the mode switching switch  510  has the shape of a circular plate whose outer diameter is approximately equal to the cylinder unit  512 , and an approximately circular penetration hole  513   b  having a size, which enables the insertion of the smaller diameter cylindrical portion  521   b  of the operating unit  521  in the dial switch  520 , is formed. The cover unit  513  is fixed to one end of the cylinder unit  512  by the engagement of an engaging nail and the like. Consequently, the operating unit  511  in the mode switching switch  510  is held without being removed from the holder  512   b  in the cylinder unit  512 . 
     Also, at the other end (bottom end) of the cylinder unit  512  in the mode switching switch  510 , three light shielding units  516  (second light shielding unit) are provided in a part of the circumferential direction. The three light shielding units  516  are approximately rectangular and provided extendedly from a part of the bottom end of the cylinder unit  512 . Also, the three light shielding units  516  are aligned at substantially equal intervals, in the circumferential direction of the cylinder unit  512 . The three light shielding units  516  are used while combined with three photo interrupters  554  (second light shielding detection means position detecting means) provided on the substrate  550 . Consequently, the rotation position of the mode switching switch  510  is detected. The detail of the rotation position of the mode switching switch  510  detected by the light shielding unit  516  and the photo interrupter  554  will be described later. 
     Also, a guide groove  517  having a shape of a long hole that is long in the circumferential direction is formed on the cylinder unit  512  in the mode switching switch  510 . The guide groove  517  has the shape that is long along the circumferential direction of the cylinder unit  512  between one end and the other end. Also, the guide groove  517  is slightly bent in the middle thereof, and has a portion that is gradually displaced from one end side to the other end side. Also, the guide grooves  517  are formed on both sides with the axial center of the cylinder unit  512  therebetween. The two guide grooves  517  are approximately equal in shape. The width of each of the guide grooves  517  has the size that enables the support shaft  542  provided on the engaged member  540  to be accommodated, and is equal to or slightly greater than the diameter of the support shaft  542 . 
     In the state that the two support shafts  542  of the engaged member  540  are supported by the two notches  571  of the base cylinder  570 , the two support shafts  542  are inserted through the notches  571  of the base cylinder  570  and protruded to the outside. The protrusion portion of this support shaft  542  is inserted into the guide groove  517  formed on the cylinder unit  512  in the mode switching switch  510 . 
     As mentioned above, the engaged member  540  supported by the base cylinder  570  can be moved in the axial direction along the notch  571  of the base cylinder  570 . When the mode switching switch  510  in which the cylinder unit  512  is externally engaged with the base cylinder  570  is rotationally operated, only the mode switching switch  510  is rotated because the base cylinder  570  and the engaged member  540  are fixed in the manner that they cannot be rotated. At this time, the support shaft  542  of the engaged member  540  is inserted into the guide groove  517  formed on the cylinder unit  512  in the mode switching switch  510 . Then, since in association with the rotation of the cylinder unit  512 , the insertion position into the guide groove  517  is changed, the support shaft  542  moves in the axial direction of the base cylinder  570  along the displacement portion of the guide groove  517 . Thus, the rotation of the mode switching switch  510  enables the engaged member  540  to be moved in the axial direction. Hence, the click surface formed on the rotation shaft  522  of the dial switch  520  with which the engaged unit  544  of the engaged member  540  is engaged is changed, and it is possible to change the click feeling correspondingly to the rotation position of the mode switching switch  510 . 
     When the operating device  500  is assembled, at first, the lower shaft  533  of the fixed shaft  530  that accommodates the lower light guide unit  587  of the light guide member  585  is fixed to the substrate  550 , and the rotation shaft  522  of the dial switch  520  is externally engaged with the lower shaft  533  of the fixed shaft  530 . Next, the base cylinder  570  is fixed to the substrate  550 , and the support shaft  542  of the engaged member  540  is inserted into the notch  571  of the base cylinder  570 . Consequently, the engaged member  540  is held outside the rotation shaft  522  of the dial switch  520  and inside the base cylinder  570 . Moreover, after the cylinder unit  512  of the mode switching switch  510  is externally engaged with the base cylinder  570 , they are accommodated inside the enclosure  501 . In this state, a penetration hole  502  having the substantially same size as the penetration hole  511   a  formed in the operating unit  511  of the mode switching switch  510  is formed in the upper surface  501   a  of the enclosure  501 , and one end of the cylinder unit  512  of the mode switching switch  510  protrudes from the penetration hole  502  of the enclosure  501 . 
     Next, the swinging shaft  511   b  of the operating unit  511  is held by the holder  512   b  provided at one end of the cylinder unit  512  in the mode switching switch  510  protruding from the penetration hole  502  of the enclosure  501 , and the cover unit  513  is fixed to the cylinder unit  512 . Next, the operating unit  521  of the dial switch  520  is fixed to the rotation shaft  522 , by inserting the small diameter cylindrical portion  521   b  through the mode switching switch  510 . Also, the upper shaft  532  of the fixed shaft  530  is fixed to the lower shaft  533 , by inserting the cylindrical portion  532  through the dial switch  520 . 
     Next, the cylindrical portion  586   b  of the upper light guide unit  586  in the light guide member  585  is inserted through the fixed shaft  530 , and the pressing bar unit  583  of the push switch  580  is inserted through the light guide member  585 , and the cover unit  581  of the push switch  580  is fixed to the base unit  582 . By the way, at this time, after the cover unit  581  of the push switch  580  is fixed to the base unit  582  in advance, the pressing bar unit  583  of the push switch  580  may be inserted through the light guide member  585 . After that, the cover unit  531  of the fixed shaft  530  is fixed to the upper shaft  532 , and the operating device  500  is configured. 
     Also, in the operating device  500 , two press detecting switches  555  (swinging detection means) for detecting the swinging of the operating unit  511  in the mode switching switch  510  are provided on the substrate  550 . The press detecting switch  555  is similar to the press detecting switch  552 , and this is the electronic part for detecting the pressing against the operation portion (not shown) provided on the upper portion, and this operation portion is biased in the direction against the pressing. The operating device  500  comprises two pressing bars  556  for pressing the two press detecting switches  555 , respectively. Two holders  574  for holding the pressing bars  556  are provided in the flange  572  of the base cylinder  570 . 
     Each of the holders  574  is the penetration hole formed in the flange  572 . When the pressing bar  556  is inserted through this penetration hole, the pressing bar  556  is held movably in the axial direction (the upper and lower direction). The two holders  574  are provided at the positions opposite to each other, with the axial center of the base cylinder  570  therebetween, and provided at the positions opposite to the press detecting switch  555  on the substrate  550 , respectively, when the base cylinder  570  is fixed to the substrate  550 . Thus, by the movement of the pressing bar  556  held in the holder  574 , the press detecting switch  555  on the substrate  550  can be pressed, and the pressing bar  556  is biased in the direction that is separated from the substrate  550  by the biasing force of the press detecting switch  555 . 
     Also, two penetration holes  503  with a penetration hole  502  therebetween are formed in the upper surface  501   a  of the enclosure  501 . The penetration hole  503  of the enclosure  501  has the size that enables the insertion of the pressing bar  556 . Then, one end portion of the pressing bar  556  held by the holder  574  of the base cylinder  570  and biased by the press detecting switch  555  is protruded from the penetration hole  503 . Consequently, when the operating unit  511  of the mode switching switch  510  is swingingly operated, the swinging causes the pressing bar  556  to press the press detecting switch  555 . Thus, the operating device  500  can detect the pressing operation against the mode switching switch  510 . 
     The method of detecting the rotation position of the mode switching switch  510  and detecting the rotation of the dial switch  520  will be described below. By the way, in the following description, the configuration that can rotate the mode switching switch  510  at the five stages (namely, stepwise five rotation positions) is explained. However, it is not limited thereto. Even if the number of the rotation positions is 4 or less or 6 or more, the similar method can be used to detect the rotation position. 
       FIG. 23  is the perspective view of the operating device  500  in which the illustration of the enclosure  501  is omitted. The three photo interrupters  554  mounted on the substrate  550  are aligned at an equal interval along the outer circumferential surface of the base cylinder  570  fixed to the substrate  550 . The photo interrupter  554  is substantially U-shaped in the manner that the rectangular plate is bent at two positions, and a light emitting unit  554   e  and a light receiving unit  554   r  are provided on the inner two opposite surfaces, respectively. On the basis of whether or not the light emitted by the light emitting unit  554   e  on one surface side can be received by the light receiving unit  554   r  on the other surface side, the photo interrupter  554  can detect light shielding. 
     The three light shielding units  516  of the mode switching switch  510  are provided at an equal interval along the circumferential direction of the cylinder unit  512 , so that they further downwardly extend from the bottom end of the cylinder unit  512 . The light shielding unit  516  of the cylinder unit  512  is passed and rotated between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit of the photo interrupter  554  provided on the substrate  550 , in association with the rotation of the mode switching switch  510 . 
     Also, the interval between the light shielding units  516  adjacent to each other in the mode switching switch  510  is narrower than the interval between the photo interrupters  554  adjacent to each other on the substrate  550 . In detail, the interval between the two photo interrupters  554  adjacent to each other and the interval between the two light shielding units  516  located at both ends among the three photo interrupters  554  are approximately equal (in other words, the distance between the centers of the light shielding units  516  adjacent to each other is half the distance between the centers of the photo interrupters  554  adjacent to each other). 
       FIGS. 24A  to  FIG. 24E  and  FIG. 25  are the diagrammatic views describing the method of detecting the rotation position of the mode switching switch  510 .  FIG. 24A  to  FIG. 24E  diagrammatically show the states of the light shielding unit  516  and the photo interrupter  554  at the five rotation positions of the mode switching switch  510 . Also,  FIG. 25  collectively shows the output values of the respective photo interrupters  554  at the rotation positions in  FIG. 24A  to  FIG. 24E , on the table. By the way,  FIG. 24A  to  FIG. 24E  and  FIG. 25 , the three light shielding units  516  are classified into  516   a  to  516   c , respectively. Similarly, the three photo interrupters  554  are classified into  554   a  to  554   c . Also, each photo interrupter  554  is assumed to output a “H (high)” signal when the light from the light emitting unit is shielded, and output a “L (low)” signal when the light from the light emitting unit is received by the light receiving unit. 
     When the mode switching switch  510  is rotated to the leftmost position on the plan view (refer to  FIG. 24A ), the central light shielding unit  516   b  optically shields the right photo interrupter  554   c . Thus, the photo interrupters  554   a  and  554   b  output “L”, and only the photo interrupter  554   c  outputs “H”. 
     When the mode switching switch  510  is rotated to the second position from the left side on the plan view (refer to  FIG. 24B ), the light shielding unit  516   a  optically shields the central photo interrupter  554   b , and the light shielding unit  516   c  optically shields the photo interrupter  554   c . Thus, only the photo interrupter  554   a  outputs “L”, and the photo interrupters  554   a  and  554   b  output “H”. 
     When the mode switching switch  510  is rotated to the central position on the plan view (refer to  FIG. 24C ), the central light shielding unit  516   b  optically shields the central photo interrupter  554   b . Thus, the photo interrupters  554   a  and  554   c  output “L”, and only the photo interrupter  554   b  outputs “H”. 
     When the mode switching switch  510  is rotated to the second position from the right side on the plan view (refer to  FIG. 24D ), the light shielding unit  516   a  optically shields the photo interrupter  554   a , and the light shielding unit  516   c  optically shields the central photo interrupter  554   b . Thus, the photo interrupters  554   a  and  554   b  output “H”, and only the photo interrupter  554   c  outputs “L”. 
     When the mode switching switch  510  is rotated to the rightmost position on the plan view (refer to  FIG. 24E ), the central light shielding unit  516   b  optically shields the photo interrupter  554   a . Thus, only the photo interrupter  554   a  outputs “H”, and the photo interrupters  554   b  and  554   c  output “L”. 
     As mentioned above, at the five rotation positions of the mode switching switch  510 , the combinations of the signals “H” or “L” outputted by the three photo interrupters  554  are all different. Thus, by examining the combination of the output signals, the rotation position can be detected. The combination of the output signals is judged by using a control circuit installed on the substrate  550  and the like. 
     By the way, in the operating device  500  according to this embodiment, the distance between the centers of the light shielding units  516   a  to  516   c  adjacent to each other is assumed to be half the distance between the centers of the photo interrupters  554   a  to  554   c  adjacent to each other. However, it is not limited thereto. For example, the interval between the light shielding units  516   a  to  516   c  adjacent to each other and the interval between the photo interrupters  554   a  to  554   c  adjacent to each other may be configured to be equal. In this configuration, when the mode switching switch  510  is rotated to the central position (corresponding to  FIG. 24C ), the three light shielding units  516   a  to  516   c  are configured to optically shield the three photo interrupters  554   a  to  554   c , respectively. Also, when the mode switching switch  510  is rotated to the rightmost position (corresponding to  FIG. 24E ), one light shielding unit  516   a  is configured to optically shield one photo interrupter  554   c . Consequently, the five rotation positions of the mode switching switch  510  can be detected on the basis of the combination of the output signals of the three photo interrupters  554   a  to  554   c.    
       FIG. 26  is the perspective view showing the operating device  500  in which the illustrations of the enclosure  501 , the mode switching switch  510 , the base cylinder  570 , the engaged member  540  and the like are omitted. The two photo interrupters  553  mounted on the substrate  550  are aligned at an equal interval in the circumferential direction, around the lower shaft  533  of the fixed shaft  530  fixed to the substrate  550  and inside the base cylinder  570  fixed to the substrate  550 . The photo interrupter  553  is configured similarly to the photo interrupter  554  and the photo interrupter  553  can detect light shielding on the basis of whether or not the light receiving unit  553   r  can receive the light from the light emitting unit  553   e , and then outputs the “H” signal if the light is shielded, and outputs the “L” signal if the light is not shielded. 
     The plurality of light shielding units  565  of the dial switch  520  are placed so as to further downwardly extend from the bottom end of the large diameter cylindrical portion  522   b  of the rotation shaft  522 , at the equal interval along the circumferential direction of the large diameter cylindrical portion  522   b . The plurality of light shielding units  565  are passed and rotated between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit of the photo interrupter  553  placed on the substrate  550 , in association with the rotation of the dial switch  520 . 
     Also, the interval between the light shielding units  565  adjacent to each other in the dial switch  520  is narrower than the interval between the two photo interrupters  553  on the substrate  550 . For example, the interval between the light shielding units  565  can be set to be about ¾ of the interval between the photo interrupters  553 . 
       FIGS. 27A to 27E ,  FIGS. 28A to 28E , and  FIGS. 29A and 29B  are the diagrammatic views describing the method of detecting the rotation of the dial switch  520 .  FIGS. 27A to 27E  show the states of the light shielding unit  565  and the photo interrupter  553  when the dial switch  520  is clockwise rotated in time series in the order of  FIG. 27A  to  FIG. 27E .  FIGS. 28A to 28E  show the states of the light shielding unit  565  and the photo interrupter  553  when the dial switch  520  is counterclockwise rotated in time series in the order of  FIG. 28A  to  FIG. 28E . Also,  FIGS. 29A and 29B  show the output signals of the two photo interrupters  553 .  FIG. 29A  shows the case when the dial switch  520  is clockwise rotated, and  FIG. 29B  shows the case when the dial switch  520  is counterclockwise rotated. By the way,  FIGS. 27A to 27E ,  FIGS. 28A to 28E , and  FIGS. 29A and 29B , the two photo interrupters  553  are classified as  553   a  and  553   b , respectively. 
     When the dial switch  520  is clockwise rotated from the state in which both of the two photo interrupters  553   a ,  553   b  are not optically shielded, at first, the photo interrupter  553   b  is optically shielded, and after that, the photo interrupter  553   a  is optically shielded (refer to  FIG. 27A  to  FIG. 27E ). 
     On the contrary, when the dial switch  520  is counterclockwise rotated from the state in which both of the two photo interrupters  553   a ,  553   b  are not optically shielded, at first, the photo interrupter  553   a  is optically shielded, and after that, the photo interrupter  553   b  is optically shielded (refer to  FIG. 28A  to  FIG. 28E ). 
     Thus, in a case of comparing the signals outputted by the two photo interrupters  553   a ,  553   b , when the dial switch  520  is clockwise rotated (refer to  FIG. 29A ), at first, the signal outputted by the photo interrupter  553   b  is changed to “H”, and after that, the signal outputted by the photo interrupter  553   a  is changed to “H”. On the contrary, when the dial switch  520  is counterclockwise rotated (refer to  FIG. 29B ), at first, the signal outputted by the photo interrupter  553   a  is changed to “H”, and after that, the signal outputted by the photo interrupter  553   b  is changed to “H”. 
     From the foregoing descriptions, by examining the timing when the signals outputted by the two photo interrupters  553  are changed from “L” to “H” (or from “H” to “L”), it is possible to detect the rotation direction of the dial switch  520 . Also, by examining the interval between the changes in the signals outputted by the photo interrupters  553 , it is also possible to detect the rotation speed of the dial switch  520 . The timings of the changes, the interval between the changes and the like in the output signals from the two photo interrupters  553  are judged by using the control circuit installed on the substrate  550  and the like. 
     The operating device  500  according to the fifth embodiment having the foregoing configuration is configured such that the light shielding by the plurality of light shielding units  565 , which are placed over the one circumference at the bottom end of the rotation shaft  522  in the dial switch  520 , are detected by the two photo interrupters  553 , and the rotation direction and rotation amount of the dial switch  520  are detected on the basis of the timings of the light shielding detected by the two photo interrupters  553 . Thus, the means for detecting the rotation can be attained in the small size and the low cost, as compared with the case in which the rotation is detected by using the rotary encoder  51  such as the operating device according to the first embodiment. Hence, it is possible to attain the smaller size and the lower cost of the operating device  500 , and it is also possible to reserve the space for installing the press detecting switch  552  for the push switch  580  and the LED  551  for the light emission and the like on the substrate  550 . 
     Also, the operating device  500  is configured such that the light shielding by the three light shielding units  516  that are placed at the bottom end of the cylinder unit  512  in the mode switching switch  510  are detected by the three photo interrupters  554 , and the rotation position of the mode switching switch  510  is detected on the basis of the combination of the detection results of the light shielding by the three photo interrupters. Thus, even if there are the many rotation positions rotated by the mode switching switch  510 , the rotation position can be easily detected without any increase in the size of the operating device  500 . Thus, it is possible to easily attain the further increase in the number of the functions of the operating device  500 . Also, the photo interrupters  553 ,  554  can detect without any contact with the moving part. Hence, there is no fear of the occurrence of the trouble caused by abrasion and the like, and it is possible to improve the reliability of the mechanism for detecting. 
     Also, the operating device  500  is configured such that the push switch  580  for receiving the pressing operation is comprised, and the pressing bar  583  of the push switch  580  is inserted through the fixed shaft  530  (namely, the dial switch  520 ) and presses the press detecting switch  552  of the substrate  550 . Thus, without any increase in the size of the operating device  500 , the pressing operation by the user can be received by the operating device  500 . Hence, the increase in the number of the functions of the operating device  500  can be attained, thereby improving the operability. 
     Also, the operating device  500  is configured such that the light emitted by the LED  551  placed on the substrate  550  is guided through the light guide member  585 , which is placed inside the fixed shaft  530 , into the cover unit  531  of the fixed shaft  530  provided inside the operating unit  521  in the dial switch  520 , and the light is emitted from the light-transmitting unit  531   b  provided in the cover unit  531  to the outside. Thus, the visual effect of the light emitted by the operating device  500  can be given, thereby increasing the fine sight of the operating device  500  and also increasing the operability of the operating device  500  at night and the like. 
     By the way, the fifth embodiment is configured such that the operating device  500  comprises the enclosure  501 . However, this is not limited thereto. This may be configured such that the enclosure  501  is not comprised, and for example, the instrument panel of the vehicle is used as the enclosure. Also, this is configured such that the light emitted by the LED  551  is radiated from the light-transmitting unit  531   b , which is placed in the cover unit  531  of the fixed shaft  530 , to the outside. However, this is not limited thereto. This may be configured such that the light is further guided from the cover unit  531  of the fixed shaft  530  to the dial switch  520  or push switch  580  or the like, and the light-transmitting unit is placed thereon, and the light is emitted. Also, this is configured such that the mode switching switch  510  can be swung. However, this is not limited thereto. This may be configured such that the mode switching switch  510  cannot be swung and only the rotational operation is received. 
     By the way, the first to fifth embodiments are configured such that the click feeling is changed in accordance with the change in the click number in association with the rotational operation. However, they are not limited thereto. The click feeling may be changed, for example, in accordance with the change in the hardness of the click (the force required to make the engaged unit get over one concave and convex by the rotation of the dial switch and move it to the next concave and convex). In this case, the numbers of the concaves and convexes of the respective click surface may be equal, and the shape (height and the like) of the concave and convex of each click surface may be changed. Also, this may be configured such that the click interval is varied in the same mode, and by changing the variation degree of the click interval between the different modes, the click feeling between the modes may be changed. In this case, for example, as for the first click surface, the interval between the concave and the convex is set such that the click interval is gradually wide when the dial switch is rotated in the right direction, and as for the second click surface, the interval between the concave and the convex is set such that the click interval is gradually wide when the dial switch is rotated in the left direction. Consequently, even if the numbers of the concaves and the convexes are equal, by setting the interval between the concave and the convex suitable, the click feeling can be changed in association with the mode change. In this way, the fact that the click feeling can be changed by suitably changing the shapes of the concave and the convex as well as the numbers of the concaves and the convexes for the plurality click surfaces is evident from the disclosure of the present invention. 
     Sixth Embodiment 
       FIG. 30  is the diagrammatic plan view showing the configuration of the operating system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 30 ,  601  indicates (a part of) an outer portion of the instrument panel of the vehicle. The operating system according to this embodiment comprises plural (two) operating devices  610  that are aligned on the outer portion  601 . The operating device  610  has the outer appearance in which a mode switching switch  620  (first rotation operation body) and a dial switch  630  (second rotation operation body) are stacked on the outer portion  601 . The mode switching switch  620  has the shape of an approximately oval plate on the plan view, and is placed on the outer portion  601 . The mode switching switch  620  is configured so that the user can carry out the rotational operation in a range of about 60°. The dial switch  630  is disc-shaped and placed on the upper side of the mode switching switch  620 . The dial switch  630  is configured so that the user can carry out the rotational operation in a range of 360° or more, clockwise or counterclockwise. By the way, the dial switch  630  and the mode switching switch  620  are coaxially placed. That is, the rotation axis of the dial switch  630  and the rotation axis of the mode switching switch  620  coincide with each other. 
     On the outer portion  601 , four operational marks  602  to  605  are drawn around each operating device  610 . The operational marks  602  to  604  indicate the respective modes switched by the mode switching switch  620 . Then, the switching between the modes can be executed when the mode switching switch  620  is rotationally operated so that a tapered tip portion  620   a  of the mode switching switch  620  indicates one of the three operational marks  602  to  604 . The operational mark  602  is drawn at one end position of the rotation range of the mode switching switch  620 , the operational mark  604  is drawn on the other end position of the rotation range, and the operational mark  603  is drawn at the position between the operational mark  602  and the operational mark  604 . 
     For example, when the operating device  610  is intended to operate the air conditioner of the vehicle, the character string of “Wind Direction” is assigned as the operational mark  602 , and a character string of “Wind Quantity” is assigned as the operational mark  603 , and a character string of “Temperature” is assigned as the operational mark  604 . When the rotational operation is executed such that the tip portion  620   a  of the mode switching switch  620  indicates “Wind Direction”, the operating device  610  enters the mode of adjusting the wind direction of the air conditioner. Then, the user can adjust the wind direction of the air conditioner by rotationally operating the dial switch  630 . The other modes are similar. 
     Also, although the detail will be described later, the mode switching switch  620  of the operating device  610  can be swung between the side of the tip portion  620   a  and the side opposite to the tip portion  620   a . The operational marks  603  and  605  indicate the swinging position of the mode switching switch  620 , and they are drawn on the sides opposite to each other, with the mode switching switch  620  therebetween. The operating device  610  is configured such that, when the tip portion  620   a  of the mode switching switch  620  is located at the position of indicating the operational mark  603 , the mode switching switch  620  can be swung to the side of the operational mark  603  or the side of the operational mark  605 . For example, it is possible to receive the operation, such as the selection of the menu represented on a display inside the vehicle and the like. 
       FIG. 31  is the perspective view showing the configuration of the operating device  610  according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 32  is the exploded perspective view showing the configurations of the respective parts in the operating device  610  according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 33  and  FIG. 34  are the trihedral views showing the configuration of the operating device  610  according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 33  shows the front view, top view and right side view of the operating device  610 .  FIG. 34  shows the left side view, top view and rear view of the operating device  610 .  FIG. 35  and  FIG. 36  are the sectional views of the operating device  610  according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 35  shows the left section of the operating device  610 , and  FIG. 36  shows the rear section.  FIG. 37  is the inner configuration view of the operating device  610  according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention and shows the configurations of the inner parts when the outer parts of the operating device  610  are removed and then shows the front view, rear view, left side view and right side view of the operating device  610 . By the way,  FIG. 31  to  FIG. 37  show the configuration of only one operating device  610  comprised by the operating system. Since the other operating devices  610  are similarly configured, their illustrations are omitted. Also, the illustration of the outer portion  601  of the instrument panel is omitted. Also, in the following descriptions, the upper and lower direction is defined as the rotation axis directions of the mode switching switch  620  and the dial switch  630 . Then, the side of the dial switch  630  is defined as the upper side, and the side of the mode switching switch  620  is defined as the lower side. The front and rear direction is defined as the swinging direction of the mode switching switch  620 , namely, the direction in which the operational marks  603  and  605  shown in  FIG. 30  are aligned. Then, the side of the operational mark  603  is defined as the front side, and the side of the operational mark  605  is defined as the rear side. The right and left direction is defined as the direction orthogonal to the upper and lower direction and the front and rear direction as mentioned above. Then, the side of the operational mark  602  is defined as the left direction, and the side of the operational mark  604  is defined as the right direction. 
     The many parts such as the dial switch  630 , the mode switching switch  620  and the like, which configure the operating device  610  according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, are assembled and placed on a substrate  690 . On the substrate  690 , a rotary encoder  680  (rotation detecting means) for detecting the rotation of the dial switch  630 , a switching switch  691  for detecting the switching between the modes through the rotation of the mode switching switch  620 , and two tact switches  692  (swinging detection means) for detecting the swinging of the mode switching switch  620  are placed together with the other electric parts (not shown). The rotary encoder  680  is placed coaxially with the dial switch  630 , and the switching switch  691  is placed on the right side of the operating device  610 , and the tact switches  692  are placed on the front and rear sides of the operating device  610 . On the substrate  690 , the electric circuit is provided with the rotary encoder  680 , the switching switch  691 , the tact switches  692  and the other electric parts. Then, the operation of the user given to the operating device  610  is converted into an electric signal so that the various processes can be carried out. 
     The rotary encoder  680  is cylindrical and fixedly connected to the substrate  690  by screwing, soldering and the like, mechanically and electrically. The rotary encoder  680  has: a fixed unit  681  fixed to the substrate  690 ; and a rotator  682  for detecting the rotation. The rotator  682  whose outer diameter is small is placed on the upper side of the fixed unit  681  whose outer diameter is great. The rotary encoder  680  outputs a pulse signal corresponding to the rotation of the rotator  682 . 
     Also, a cylindrical dial shaft  640  (rotation shaft), which is linked to the dial switch  630 , is externally engaged with and fixed to the rotator  682  of the rotary encoder  680 . The dial shaft  640  is configured such that a small cylindrical portion  641  whose outer diameter is small and a large cylindrical portion  642  whose outer diameter is large are concentrically linked, and the large cylindrical portion  642  of the dial shaft  640  is externally engaged with the rotator  682  of the rotary encoder  680 . Also, a linking portion  643  (one of two parts) for linking the small cylindrical portion  641  and the large cylindrical portion  642  of the dial shaft  640  has an annular flat shape that is substantially vertical to the axial center of the dial shaft  640 . A first click surface  644  (engaging unit) in which concaves  644   a  or convexes are formed at a predetermined interval over one circumference is provided on the linking portion  643 . A plurality of fixing nails  645  for fixing the dial shaft  640  to the dial switch  630  are extendedly placed at the end of the small cylindrical portion  641  in the dial shaft  640 . Then, the dial switch  630  and the dial shaft  640  are integrally rotated by engaging the fixing nails  645  with the dial switch  630  and fixing it. 
     The dial switch  630  is provided with a cylindrical outer cylinder  631  and a circular cylindrical cap  632  that is accommodated in and fixed to this outer cylinder  631 . The outer cylinder  631  of the dial switch  630  is configured such that a large cylindrical portion  633  whose outer diameter is great and a small cylindrical portion  634  whose outer diameter is small are concentrically linked, and the cap  632  is accommodated in and fixed to the large cylindrical portion  633  of the outer cylinder  631 . The large cylindrical portion  633  and the cap  632  are the portions exposed to the outside, in order for the user to touch them and carry out the operation. In order to make the execution of the rotational operation easy, the many concaves and convexes are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the large cylindrical portion  633 , and the concaves and the convexes are intended to stop the sliding. 
     An annular flat end surface portion  635  (one of two parts) is provided at the end of the small cylindrical portion  634  of the dial switch  630 , and the fixing nail  645  of the dial shaft  640  is inserted into the approximately circular opening formed on the center of the end surface portion  635 . Then, the dial switch  630  and the dial shaft  640  are linked and fixed. For this reason, a nail receiver  636  that is engaged with the fixing nail  645  is provided on the inner edge of the opening of the end surface portion  635 . With the engagement between the fixing nail  645  and the nail receiver  636 , the dial switch  630  and the dial shaft  640  are immovably fixed. Thus, since the dial switch  630 , the dial shaft  640  and the rotator  682  of the rotary encoder  680  are connected and fixed, the rotational operation which is performed on the dial switch  630  by the user can be detected through the dial shaft  640  by the rotary encoder  680 . That is, the dial shaft  640  functions as the rotation shaft of the dial switch  630 . 
     A second click surface  637  (engaging unit) in which the concaves  637   a  or convexes are formed at a predetermined interval over one circumference is provided on the outer side of the end surface portion  635  provided on the small cylindrical portion  634  in the dial switch  630 . When the dial switch  630  and the dial shaft  640  are linked and fixed, the end surface portion  635  of the dial switch  630  and the linking portion  643  of the dial shaft  640  are opposite to each other, and the second click surface  637  of the end surface portion  635  and the first click surface  644  of the linking portion  643  are opposite to each other. On the first click surface  644  and the second click surface  637 , the plurality of concaves or convexes are formed at the predetermined interval over the one circumference. However, the number of the concaves or convexes formed on the first click surface  644  and the number of the concaves or convexes formed on the second click surface  637  are different. For example, on the first click surface  644 , 60 concaves or convexes are formed over the one circumference, and on the second click surface  637 , 30 concaves or convexes are formed over the one circumference. 
     Also, the operating device  610  comprises a click number change member  670  (moving body) that is an annular plate material and has an approximately circular opening through which the small cylindrical portion  641  of the dial shaft  640  can be inserted. The click number change member  670  is inserted through the small cylindrical portion  641  of the dial shaft  640 , before the dial switch  630  and the dial shaft  640  are linked, when the operating device  610  is assembled. The click number change member  670  is sufficiently shorter than the length of the small cylindrical portion  641  of the dial shaft  640  with respect to the axial direction, and the click number change member  670  can be slid and moved in the axial direction between the end surface portion  635  of the dial switch  630  and the linking portion  643  of the dial shaft  640 , in the state that it is inserted through the small cylindrical portion  641 . 
     On the outer surface of the click number change member  670 , two round-bar-shaped support shafts  671  (inserted unit) are placed on the positions opposite to each other on the outer surface so that they protrude from the outer surface in the radial direction. The click number change member  670  is configured not to be rotated in the circumferential direction although it can be supported by the support shafts  671  and moved in the axial direction. 
     Also, on the click number change member  670 , plate springs  672  are placed on the end surface of one side in the axial direction and the end surface of the other side, respectively. The plate spring  672  is the metallic plate member that is arc-shaped (the arc is about half the end surface of the click number change member  670 ). Both end portions are fixed to the end surfaces of the click number change member  670 , respectively, and a wedge-shaped nail  673  (engaged unit) is fixed to the central portion, and the nail  673  is biased in the direction that is separated from the end surface. The biasing forces of the plate spring  672  on the one side and the plate spring  672  on the other side are substantially equal. However, as shown in  FIG. 30 , when the operating system has the two operating devices  610 , the different biasing forces are applied to the plate springs  672  of the respective operating devices  610 , respectively. 
       FIGS. 38A and 38B  are the diagrammatic views describing the biasing force applied by the plate spring  672  of the click number change member  670  in the operating system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The diagrammatic sides of the two kinds of the click number change members  670  having the different biasing forces are shown in  FIG. 38A  and  FIG. 38B , respectively. Also, in the click number change member  670  shown in  FIG. 38A , the biasing force of the nail  673  applied by the plate spring  672  is weak, and in the click number change member  670  shown in  FIG. 38B  the biasing force of the nail  673  applied by the plate spring  672  is strong. As shown in  FIGS. 38A and 38B  a difference is set for the separation amounts from the end surfaces of the click number change members  670  of the plate springs  672  in the state that the outer force is not applied. Thus, it is possible to adjust the biashing force by which the nail  673  is biased to the first click surface  644  and the second click surface  637 . 
     When the click number change member  670  moves in the axial direction and comes close to the end surface portion  635  of the dial switch  630 , the nail  673  of the plate spring  672  provided on the end surface of one side is engaged with the concaves or convexes formed on the second click surface  637  of the end surface portion  635 . When the dial switch  630  is rotationally operated in this state, the nail  673  and the second click surface  637  are engaged with each other in turn so that the click feeling can be generated. Also, when the click number change member  670  moves in the opposite direction and comes close to the linking portion  643  of the dial shaft  640 , the nail  673  of the plate spring  672  provided on the end surface of the other side is engaged with the concaves or convexes formed on the first click surface  644  of the linking portion  643 . When the dial shaft  630  is rotationally operated in this state, the nail  673  and the first click surface  644  are engaged with each other in turn so that the click feeling can be generated. By the way, the click feeling includes the clicking noise [click-clack] generated in association with the engagement between the nail  673  and the concaves or convexes on the first click surface  644  or second click surface  637 , and the vibration generated at this time, and the like. Also, the operating device  610  is configured such that both of the nails  673  on one side and the other side of the click number change member  670  is not engaged with the concaves or convexes of the first click surface  644  and second click surface  637 . 
     The operating device  610  is configured such that the number of the concaves or convexes on the first click surface  644  and the number of the concaves or convexes on the second click surface  637  is different. Thus, by changing the click surface with which the nail  673  of the click number change member  670  is engaged, it is possible to change the generation frequency of the click feeling, namely, the click number when the dial switch  630  is rotationally operated. The click surface with which the nail  673  is engaged can be changed by sliding the click number change member  670  in the axial direction and making it come close to one of the first click surface  644  and the second click surface  637 . 
     The operating device  610  comprises a base cylinder  660  for supporting the click number change member  670  so that the click number change member  670  can be slid in the axial direction and cannot be rotated in the circumferential direction. The base cylinder  660  is cylindrical and has the size and the shape that enable the rotary encoder  680 , the dial shaft  640 , the small cylindrical portion  634  of the dial switch  630 , the click number change member  670  (except the support shaft  671 ) and the like to be accommodated therein. One end side (bottom end side) of the base cylinder  660  is immovably fixed to the substrate  690  in the state that they are accommodated inside the base cylinder  660 . 
     On the other end side (top end side) of the base cylinder  660 , two notches  661  that are long in the axial direction are formed. The two notches  661  are formed on the sides opposite to each other, with the axial center of the base cylinder  660  therebetween. The width of each of the notches  661  is set to be approximately equal to or slightly wider than the diameter of the support shaft  671  in the click number change member  670 . Thus, the support shaft  671  can be inserted into the notch  661 , and the support shaft  671  can be moved through the notch  661  in the axial direction of the base cylinder  660 . Also, the inner diameter of the base cylinder  660  is slightly thicker than the outer diameter of the click number change member  670 , and the outer diameter of the base cylinder  660  is sufficiently smaller than the distance between the axial center of the click number change member  670  and the protrusion end of the support shaft  671 . 
     Thus, since the two support shafts  671  of the click number change member  670  inserted through the small cylindrical portion  641  of the dial shaft  640  are inserted into the two notches  661  of the base cylinder  660 , respectively, the click number change member  670  is supported by the base cylinder  660  so that it can be slid in the axial direction along the notch  661  and cannot be rotated in the circumferential direction. In this state, the two support shafts  671  of the click number change member  670  are in the states that they are inserted through the notches  661  and protruded to outside the base cylinder  660 . 
     On the outer circumferential surface of the base cylinder  660 , a flange  662  is circumferentially placed at the position between the notch  661  and the bottom end. On the flange  662 , cylindrical holders  663  are placed at the positions opposite to each other (the two locations of the front and rear portions) with the axial center of the base cylinder  660  therebetween, respectively. The holders  663  hold an operating bar  693  for operating the tact switch  692  mounted on the substrate  690 . Each of the holders  663  is placed on the flange  662  so that its axial center is approximately parallel to the axial center of the base cylinder, and when the base cylinder  660  is fixed to the substrate  690 , each of the holders  663  covers the top surface of the tact switch  692 . The inner diameter of the holder  663  is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the operating bar  693 . Then, since the operating bar  693  is slid in the axial direction (the upper and lower direction) inside the holder  663 , the operating bar  693  can push down the tact switch  692 . 
     On the flange  662  of the base cylinder  660 , a notch  664  is formed on a part (right side) thereof. The switching switch  691  fixed to the substrate  690  is placed so as to be accommodated in the notch  664  of the flange  662  in the base cylinder  660  fixed to the substrate  690 . The switching switch  691  has a bar-shaped detecting shaft  691   a  that is swingably supported by the main body having the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The switching switch  691  detects the switching, by detecting the position of the detecting shaft  691   a , from the three positions of the standard position where the detecting shaft  691   a  is biased by the member such as the spring built in the main body or the like; and the endmost positions on both sides when the detecting shaft  691   a  is swung with this standard position as a center. 
     Also, the operating device  610  comprises a rotating cylinder  650  (cylinder) that supports the mode switching switch  620  rotatably and swingably and also moves the click number change member  670  in the axial direction in association with the rotation of the mode switching switch  620 . The rotating cylinder  650  is cylindrical and externally engaged with the base cylinder  660 , and the mode switching switch  620  is swingably supported on the one end side (top end side). Also, the rotating cylinder  650  is supported on the flange  662  of the base cylinder  660  and can be rotated around the base cylinder  660 , because the other end side (bottom end side) thereof is externally engaged from the side (upper side) on which the notch  661  of the base cylinder  660  is provided. As mentioned above, the tip portion of the support shaft  671  of the click number change member  670  protrudes from the notch  661  of the base cylinder  660 . Thus, when the rotating cylinder  650  is externally engaged with the base cylinder  660 , a groove  651  through which the tip portion of the support shaft  671  is passed is formed thereon. The groove  651  is formed from the other end (bottom end) of the rotating cylinder  650  to the position of the substantial center in the axial direction. On the rotating cylinder  650 , an arch-shaped reinforcement  652  is provided towards the outer circumferential side so that the groove  651  is covered. 
     A guide groove  653 , which is continuously connected to the above-mentioned groove  651  and long in the circumferential direction of the rotating cylinder  650  and has the shape of a long hole, is formed on the substantial center in the axial direction of the rotating cylinder  650 . The guide groove  653  having the shape of the long hole is formed such that, although the portion between one end  653   a  and a center  653   b  is formed along the circumferential direction of the rotating cylinder  650 , the guide groove  653  is slightly bent at the center  653   b , and the portion between the center  653   b  and the other end  653   c  is gradually displaced towards the upper side in the axial direction. The groove  651  and the guide groove  653  are formed on both of the sides (the front side and the rear side) with the axial center of the rotating cylinder  650  therebetween, respectively, and the two guide grooves  653  are substantially equal in shape. The widths of the groove  651  and the guide groove  653  are substantially equal or slightly greater than the diameter of the support shaft  671  of the click number change member  670 . When the rotating cylinder  650  is externally engaged with the base cylinder  660 , the support shaft  671  of the click number change member  670 , which protrudes from the notch  661  of the base cylinder  660 , is guided to the guide groove  653  along the groove  651  formed on the rotating cylinder  650 . 
     The mode switching switch  620  has the shape of the substantially oval plate on the plan view. The various concaves and convexes are formed on the surface of one side (top side) and the circumferential surface, in order for the user to easily execute the operation. On the mode switching switch  620 , a penetration hole  621  having the size which enables the insertion of the rotating cylinder  650  is formed on the opposite side to the tip portion  620   a . The penetration hole  621  has the shape of a substantial circle whose center coincides with the rotation axis of the mode switching switch  620 . Round-bar-shaped swinging shafts  622 , which protrude towards the center of the penetration hole  621 , are formed on the two positions opposite to each other, respectively, on the right and left sides of the inner circumferential surfaces. 
     On the right and left sides of the one end (top end) of the rotating cylinder  650 , bearing units  654  for receiving the swinging shafts  622  of the mode switching switch  620  are formed at the positions opposite to each other. Each of the bearing unit  654  is the notch having the shape of an ellipse that is formed in the axial direction from the one end of the rotating cylinder  650 , in which the axial length is approximately equal to or slightly greater than the diameter of the swinging shaft  622 , and the width is approximately equal to the diameter of the swinging shaft  622 . Since the swinging shaft  622  is supported by the bearing unit  654  of the rotating cylinder  650  inserted through the penetration hole  621  of the mode switching switch  620 , the mode switching switch  620  can be swung with the swinging shaft  622  as a center. 
     Also, the operating device  610  comprises a cylindrical fixing member  625  that is equal in diameter to the rotating cylinder  650 . By the fixing member  625 , the mode switching switch  620  is fixed to the rotating cylinder  650  in the situation that it cannot be detached. The fixing member  625  is immovably fixed to the one end (top end) of the rotating cylinder  650  by means of screwing, adhering, engaging and the like. Thus, the bearing unit  654  of the rotating cylinder  650  is closed, and the mode switching switch  620  is fixed to the rotating cylinder  650  with the swinging shaft  622  as a center, in the situation that it cannot be detached although it can be swung. In this state, when the user rotationally operates the mode switching switch  620 , the mode switching switch  620  and the rotating cylinder  650  are integrally rotated. 
     The rotation of the mode switching switch  620  is detected by the switching switch  691  as mentioned above. The rotating cylinder  650  in the operating device  610  has two switching bars  655  that are placed so as to protrude in the radial direction from the outer circumferential surface near the location where the switching switch  691  is placed. The protrusion amount of the switching bar  655  is similar to the protrusion amount with regard to the radial direction of the flange  662  provided on the base cylinder  660 , and the positions in the axial directions of the two switching bars  655  are approximately equal, and the two switching bars  655  are separated by the distance similar to the width of the notch  664  of the flange  662  in the circumferential direction. When the rotating cylinder  650  is externally engaged with the base cylinder  660 , the detecting shaft  691   a  of the switching switch  691 , which is placed on the substrate  690  so as to be accommodated in the notch  664  of the base cylinder  660 , is placed between the two switching bars  655  of the rotating cylinder  650 . When the rotating cylinder  650  is rotated in association with the rotation of the mode switching switch  620 , the switching bar  655  of the rotating cylinder  650  is brought into contact with the detecting shaft  691   a  of the switching switch  691  and swung. Consequently, the switching switch  691  can detect the rotation of the mode switching switch  620 . 
     Also, two protrusions  623  that cylindrically protrude are provided on the bottom surface of the mode switching switch  620 . The protrusions  623  are provided opposite to each other, forwardly and backwardly, with the center of the penetration hole  621  of the mode switching switch  620  therebetween. The diameter of the protrusion  623  is approximately equal to the diameter of the operating bar  693  to operate the tact switch  692 . The protrusion amount of the protrusion  623  from the bottom surface of the mode switching switch  620  is approximately equal to the distance between the outer portion  601  of the instrument panel and the mode switching switch  620 . Thus, the protrusion  623  never disturbs the rotation of the mode switching switch  620 . 
     The end (top end) of the operating bar  693  held by the holder  663  of the base cylinder  660  is inserted into the penetration hole (not shown) formed in the outer portion  601  of the instrument panel, and only the end surface is exposed to the outer portion  601 . The end surface of the protrusion  623  is brought into contact with the end surface of the operating bar  693  inserted into the penetration hole of the outer portion  601 , when the tip portion  620   a  of the mode switching switch  620  is located at the rotation position indicative of the operational mark  603 , after the operating device  610  is assembled, and when the mode switching switch  620  is swung, any one of the two operating bars  693  is pushed down to operate the tact switch  692 . 
     When the operating device  610  is assembled, at first, the rotary encoder  681 , the switching switch  691  and the tact switch  692  are mounted on the substrate  690 , and the large cylindrical portion  642  of the dial switch  640  is externally engaged with and fixed to the rotator  682  of the rotary encoder  681 . Next, the base cylinder  660  is fixed to the substrate  690  by the screwing, the adhering and the like. Then, the click number change member  670  is attached to the dial shaft  640 . At this time, the dial shaft  640  is inserted through the opening of the click number change member  670 , and the two support shafts  671  of the click number change member  670  are inserted into the two notches  661  of the base cylinder  660 . 
     Next, the rotating cylinder  650  is externally engaged with and attached to the base cylinder  660 . At this time, the support shaft  671  of the click number change member  670 , which protrudes from the notch  661  of the base cylinder  660 , is inserted through the groove  651  of the rotating cylinder  650  and guided to the guide groove  653 . Then, the rotating cylinder  650  is externally engaged with the base cylinder  660 . Next, after the operating bars  693  are held by the two holders  663  of the base cylinder  660 , respectively, the swinging shaft  622  of the mode switching switch  620  is accommodated in the bearing unit  654  of the rotating cylinder  650 , and the fixing member  625  is fixed to the rotating cylinder  650 . Consequently, the mode switching switch  620  is attached. After that, the nail receiver  636  of the dial switch  630  in which the cap  632  is mounted on the outer cylinder  631  and the fixing nail  645  provided on the top end of the dial shaft  640  are engaged with each other. Consequently, the dial switch  630  is fixed to the dial shaft  640 , and the assembling of the operating device  610  is completed. 
     In the operating device  610  assembled as mentioned above, when the mode switching switch  620  is moved to the central position of the rotation, namely, the position where the tip portion  620   a  indicates the operational mark  603 , the support shaft  671  of the click number change member  670  is located at the center  653   b  of the guide groove  653  in the rotating cylinder  650 , and the support shaft  671  is located at the bottom end of the notch  661  of the base cylinder  660 . In this state, the nail  673  provided on the lower side of the click number change member  670  is biased by the plate spring  672  and engaged with the first click surface  644  of the dial shaft  640 . On the first click surface  644 , for example, 60 concaves or convexes are formed at the equal interval over the one circumference. Thus, when the user rotationally operates the dial switch  630 , 60 click feelings per circumference are generated. 
     Also, in the situation that the tip portion  620   a  of the mode switching switch  620  indicates the operational mark  603 , the mode switching switch  620  can be swung in the direction (the front and rear direction) of the operational mark  603  or operational mark  605 . For example, when a menu is displayed on a display installed inside the vehicle, the user can select the menu by swinging the mode switching switch  620 . 
     When the mode switching switch  620  is counterclockwise rotationally operated to the position of the operational mark  602 , in association with the rotation of the mode switching switch  620 , the rotating cylinder  650  is counterclockwise rotated. At this time, the insertion position of the support shaft  671  of the click number change member  670  is changed from the center  653   b  of the guide groove  653  in the rotating cylinder  650  to the one end  653   a . The center  653   b  and one end  653   a  of the guide groove  653  are formed at the equal position with respect to the axial direction of the rotating cylinder  650 . Thus, the click number change member  670  is not moved to the axial direction. Hence, the nail  673  provided on the bottom side of the click number change member  670  is biased by the plate spring  672  and engaged with the first click surface  644  of the dial shaft  640 . Then, when the user rotationally operates the dial switch  630 ,  60  click feelings per circumference is generated. 
     When the mode switching switch  620  is clockwise rotationally operated to the position of the operational mark  604 , in association with the rotation of the mode switching switch  620 , the rotating cylinder  650  is clockwise rotated. The guide groove  653  is shaped so as to be bent at the center  653   b  and gradually displaced in the axial direction so that the other end  653   c  is located on the upper side. The other end  653   c  of the guide groove  653  is located on the upper side than the one end  653   a  and the center  653   b . Then, in association with the rotation of the rotating cylinder  650 , the insertion position of the support shaft  671  of the click number change member  670  is changed from the one end  653   a  to the other end  653   c  of the guide groove  653  in the rotating cylinder  650 . Thus, the click number change member  670  is moved to the upper side in the axial direction along the notch  661  of the base cylinder  660 . The nail  673  provided on the top side of the click number change member  670  is biased by the plate spring  672  and engaged with the first click surface  637  of the dial switch  630 . On the second click surface  637 , for example, 30 concaves or convexes are formed at the equal interval over the one circumference. Hence, when the user rotationally operates the dial switch  630 , 30 click feelings per circumference is generated. 
     The operating device  610  having the foregoing configuration is configured such that the mode switching switch  620  and the dial switch  630  are coaxially stacked. Thus, since the operating device  610  can be miniaturized, the operating device  610  can be easily placed in the limited space such as the instrument panel in the vehicle and the like. Also, the operating device  610  is configured such that the mode switching switch  620  is used to switch the mode, and the setting or adjustment or the like at each mode is carried out by the dial switch  630 . Hence, the plurality of functions can be operated by the one operating device  610 . Also, since the operating device  610  is configured such that the mode switching switch  620  can receive the swinging operation as well as the rotational operation, the number of the functions of the operating device  610  can be further increased. 
     Also, the nails  673  placed on both of the sides in the axial direction of the click number change member  670  and the first click surface  644  of the dial shaft  640  or the second click surface  637  of the dial switch  630  are engaged with each other to generate the click feeling, and in association with the rotation of the mode switching switch  620 , the click number change member  670  are moved upwardly and downwardly in the axial direction, and the click surface with which the nail  673  is engaged is changed. Thus, by the mode switching switch  620 , the click feeling which is different for each mode can be generated easily and surely in association with the rotational operation of the dial switch  630 . Also, the rotary encoder  680  for detecting the rotation of the dial switch  630  is configured to be placed on the substrate  690  coaxially with the dial switch  630 . Hence, the operating device  610  can be further miniaturized. 
     Also, in the operating system comprising the two operating devices  610 , the respective biasing forces of the nails  673  applied by the plate springs  672  in the respective operating devices  610  are made different, thereby applying the different operation loads to the dial switches  630  in the respective operating devices  610 . Thus, the user can recognize one of the two operating devices  610  that is rotationally operated, on the basis of the operational load, without any visual check of the operating system. 
     By the way, this embodiment is configured such that the operating device  610  can be changed to the three modes by the mode switching switch  620 . However, this is not limited thereto. This may be configured to be changed to the two mode or four or more modes. Also, at the two modes among the three modes, the 60 click feelings are generated for each rotation of the dial switch  630 , and at the one mode, the 30 click feelings are generated for each rotation of the dial switch  630 . However, this is not limited thereto. The generation number (crick number) of the click feelings for each rotation of the dial switch  630  may be arbitrary. Then, only by changing the shapes (the number of the concaves or convexes) of the first click surface  644  of the dial shaft  640  and the second click surface  637  of the dial switch  630 , it is possible to easily set the click number. Also, one of the nails  673  provided on both of the sides of the click number change member  670 , respectively, is configured to be engaged with one of the first click surface  644  and the second click surface  637 . However, this is not limited thereto. The operating device  610  may be configured to change the click number at the three stages, including the state in which the nail  673  of the click number change member  670  is not engaged with any of the click surfaces, namely, the state in which the click feeling is not generated even if the dial switch  630  is rotationally operated. 
     Also, the operating device  610  is configured such that the mode switching switch  620  can be swung in the front and rear direction. However, this is not limited thereto. This may be configured such that the mode switching switch  620  cannot be swung and only the rotational operation is received. Also, the operating system is configured to comprise the two operating devices  610 . However, this is not limited thereto. This may be configured to comprise only one operating device  610  or comprise the three or more operating devices  610 . Also, the operating system is configured such that, when the operating system comprises the plurality of operating devices  610 , the pushing forces of the nails  673  applied by the plate springs  672  of the click number change members  670  in the respective operating devices  610  are made different, thereby setting the difference between the operational loads. However, this is not limited thereto. The operating system may be configured such that the operational loads of all of the operating devices  610  are equal. 
     Variation Example 1 
     The above-mentioned operating device  610  is configured such that the nails  673  and the plate springs  672  are placed in the click number change member  670 , and the click surfaces are placed on the dial shaft  640  and the dial switch  630 . However, this is not limited thereto. The placement position relation between the nail  673  and the plate spring  672  and the click surface may be opposite.  FIG. 39  is the diagrammatic side view showing the configuration of an operating device  710  according to the variation example 1 in the sixth embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 39  only shows a dial switch  730  (second rotation operation body), a dial shaft  740  (shaft), a click number change member  770  (moving body), the rotary switch  680  and the substrate  690 . The illustrations of the mode switching switch  620 , the rotating cylinder  650 , the base cylinder  660  and the like are omitted. 
     In the operating device  710  according to the variation example 1, a first click surface  778  (engaging unit) having 60 concaves or convexes is formed on one surface (bottom surface) in the axial direction of the click number change member  770 , and a second click surface  779  (engaging unit) having 30 concaves or convexes are formed on the opposite surface (top surface). A plate spring  738  is provided on the lower end surface portion of the dial switch  730 , and a nail  739  (engaged unit) is biased downwardly by the plate spring  738 . Similarly, a plate spring  748  is placed on the linking portion of the dial shaft  740  opposite to the end surface portion of the dial switch  730 . Then, a nail  749  (engaged unit) is upwardly biased by the plate spring  748 . 
     When the click number change member  770  is downwardly moved in association with the rotation of the mode switching switch  620 , the nail  749  placed on the dial shaft  740  is biased to the first click surface  778  provided on the bottom surface of the click number change member  770  by the plate spring  748 , and with the engagement between the nail  749  and the first click surface  778 , the click feeling can be generated by the rotational operation of the dial switch  730 . Also, when the click number change member  770  is upwardly moved, the nail  739  placed on the dial switch  730  is biased to the second click surface  779  provided on the top surface of the click number change member  770  by the plate spring  738 , and with the engagement between the nail  739  and the second click surface  779 , the click feeling can be generated. 
     The operating device  710  according to the variation example 1 having the foregoing configuration can obtain the effect similar to the operating device  610  shown in  FIG. 30  to  FIGS. 38A and 38B . 
     Variation Example 2 
     The above-mentioned operating device  610  is configured such that by the plate spring  672  placed on the click number change member  670 , the nail  673  is biased to and engaged with the click surface, and the click feeling is generated. However, this is not limited thereto. The biasing to and engaging with the click surface may be attained under the different configuration.  FIGS. 40A and 40B  are the diagrammatic sectional views showing the configuration of a click number change member  870  (moving body) of the operating device according to the variation example 2 in the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
     In the click number change member  870  in the variation example 2, accommodation holes  872  each having the shape that can accommodate a cylindrical member are formed at the positions opposite to each other, on both surfaces of a top surface and a bottom surface and with the axial center therebetween. The click number change member  870  has: a cylindrical housing  877  having a bottom that is accommodated in the accommodation hole  872 ; a ball member  875  (engaged unit) that is accommodated in this housing  877 ; and a coil spring  876  that is accommodated in the housing  877  and biases the ball member  875  towards the opening of the housing  877 . 
     Although the inner diameter of the housing  877  is slightly thicker than the diameter of the ball member  875 , the opening of the housing  877  is smaller than the diameter of the ball member  875 . Thus, although the ball member  875  is biased towards the opening by the coil spring  876 , it cannot be moved outside the opening. Then, a part of the ball member  875  is only exposed from the opening. By the way, the housing  877  is made of synthesis resin and has a slight flexibility. Hence, at the step of assembling the click number change member  870 , the application of a certain pressing force enables the ball member  875  to be pushed from the opening of the housing  877  to the inside. 
     Also, the housing  877  in which the ball member  875  and the coil spring  876  are accommodated is fixed to the accommodation hole  872  of the click number change member  870  by press-fitting, adhering and the like. The click number change member  870  in which the ball member  875 , the coil spring  876  and the housing  877  are mounted on both surfaces of the top surface and the bottom surface, respectively, is moved in the axial direction in the situation that the click number change member  870  is inserted through the dial shaft  640 . Then, a part of the ball member  875  that is exposed from the opening of the housing  877  is engaged with the concaves or convexes of the first click surface  644  or second click surface  637 . When the dial switch  630  is rotationally operated in this state, the ball member  875  of the click number change member  870  is engaged with the concaves or convexes on the click surface in turn, while the moving in and out the opening of the housing  877  is repeated, and the click feeling can be generated. 
     By the way, the variation example 2 is configured such that the ball member  875 , the coil spring  876  and the housing  877  are provided in the click number change member  870 . However, this is not limited thereto. When the first click surface and the second click surface are provided on the click number change member as indicated in the variation example 1, the ball member  875 , the coil spring  876  and the housing  877  may be configured to be provided in the dial switch  630  and the dial shaft  640  and the like. 
     Variation Example 3 
       FIG. 41  is the diagrammatic sectional view showing the configuration of a click number change member  970  (moving body) of the operating device according to the variation example 3 in the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In the click number change member  970  in the variation example 3, accommodation holes  972  each having the shape which can accommodate a cylindrical member are formed at the positions opposite to each other with the axial center therebetween, on both surfaces of a top surface and a bottom surface, respectively. 
     The accommodation hole  972  accommodates: a cylindrical engaged member  975  (engaged unit) having a bottom in which the outer surface of a bottom portion is hemi-sphere; and a coil spring  977 . Also, the engaged member  975  is accommodated in an accommodation hole  972  so that the bottom portion is externally exposed, and is biased to be externally protruded by the coil spring  977  accommodated in the accommodation hole  972 . 
     Also, a concave  973  is formed on a part of the inner circumferential surface of the accommodation hole  972 . An engaging nail  976  that protrudes in the radial direction is formed on a part of the outer circumferential surface of the engaged member  975 . When the engaged member  975  is accommodated in the accommodation hole  972 , the engaging nail  976  of the engaged member  975  is accommodated inside the concave  973  of the accommodation hole  972  so that the engaged member  975  biased by the coil spring  977  is prevented from being jumped out of the accommodation hole  972 . By the way, the engaged member  975  is made of synthesis resin and has a slight flexibility. Thus, at the step of assembling the click number change member  970 , since the outer circumferential surface of the click number change member  970  is interiorly bent, the engaged member  975  can be pushed into the accommodation hole  972 . 
     The click number change member  970  in which the engaged members  975  are mounted on both surfaces of the top surface and the bottom surface, respectively, is moved in the axial center direction in the state that the click number change member  970  is inserted through the dial shaft  640 , and a part of the engaged member  975  that protrudes from the accommodation hole  972  is engaged with the concaves or convexes of the first click surface  644  or second click surface  637 . When the dial switch  630  is rotationally operated in this state, the engaged member  975  of the click number change member  970  is engaged with the concaves or convexes on the click surface in turn, while the moving in and out the accommodation hole  972  is repeated, and the click feeling can be generated. 
     By the way, the variation example 3 is configured such that the engaged member  975  is placed on the click number change member  970 . However, this is not limited thereto. As described in the variation example 1, when the first click surface and the second click surface are provided on the click number change member, the engaged member  975  may be configured to be provided on the dial switch  630  and the dial shaft  640  and the like.