Patent Description:
In general, various switch apparatuses are installed in an interior of an automobile, and the switches are classified in various ways according to an operation method of a knob provided in a switch signal input unit. That is, the switches are classified into a push switch apparatus in which a knob is linearly moved by pushing of a user to generate different switch signals according to a linear movement amount of the knob, a seesaw switch apparatus in which the knob is rotated in one direction about a horizontally disposed rotating shaft to generate a first switch signal and the knob is rotated in the other direction to generate a second switch signal, and a rotary switch apparatus in which the knob is rotated about a rotating shaft to generate different switch signals according to a rotation angle of the knob.

Further, the rotary switch apparatus is classified into a dial switch apparatus, a joystick switch apparatus, and a scroll switch apparatus according to a shape of the knob.

In addition, in the above switch apparatuses, an operation method for inputting a switch signal was a mechanical input method in which a user applies a predetermined force, but recently, a touch type switch apparatus which is operated according to a touch input of a user has been developed actively.

The touch type switch apparatus includes a capacitive touch pad which is a component in which a user touches with a finger, and the capacitive touch pad is touched by the user so that a touch signal is input.

Meanwhile, recently, the switch apparatuses are installed in a single main body to form a multifunctional integrated switch apparatus. However, in the multifunctional integrated switch apparatus, since a plurality of switch apparatuses are installed in one body, it is necessary to maximize space utilization to reduce a size.

<CIT> relates to a multi-switch assembly linked to an audio, video and navigation (AVN) system of a vehicle. The multi-switch assembly comprises: a body unit having an internal space; a knob holder unit which is fixed on an upper surface of the body unit to be shielded from the internal space, and has a circular installation unit formed on a center thereof to be dented downwards; a dial knob rotatably arranged on an inner rim of the installation unit, and formed in a ring shape whose center is vertically opened; and a multi-push knob arranged on the opened center portion of the dial knob to be pushed, and arranged to be pushed directly downwards at one circular center location and pushed eccentrically downwards at four locations of rim portions separated by <NUM> degrees in a circumferential direction with respect to the one center location.

<CIT> presents a technique of preventing permeation of liquid and dust to electronic parts within a housing of an input device for an in-vehicle device. An input device of an in-vehicle device comprises a housing that stores a substrate and an operating member that passes through the housing from a side of the substrate and is exposed to outside. A first drain hole is formed in the housing at a position corresponding to a gap between the housing and the operating member. The first drain hole is coupled with a drainpipe, which passes through the substrate to the back side of the substrate.

A problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide a switch apparatus for an automobile with a reduced size by installing a touch type switch apparatus inside a dial switch apparatus.

In the related art, the switch apparatus is not formed in an annular shape. Accordingly, there is no inner space, and thus, a space for installing the touch type switch apparatus is not secured. An object of the present disclosure is to solve the problems.

An object of the present disclosure is not limited to the object mentioned above, and other objects which are not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the following description.

In order to achieve the object, according to the present disclosure, there is provided a switch apparatus for an automobile, as defined in independent claim <NUM>.

Details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

In the switch apparatus for an automobile according to the present disclosure, the wheel knob of the dial switch apparatus is formed in an annular shape, and the capacitive touch pad of the touch type switch apparatus is disposed in the inner space of the wheel knob. Accordingly, the touch type switch apparatus is installed inside the dial switch apparatus, and thus, a size thereof can be reduced.

Moreover, the first drain rib is formed in the main body, the through hole is formed in the main PCB, and the second drain rib is formed in the cover body. The first drain rib passes through the through hole and is inserted into the second drain rib. The first drain hole extending downward from the bottom surface of the input unit insertion groove is formed inside the first drain rib, and the second drain hole into which the first drain rib is inserted is formed inside the second drain rib. Accordingly, when moisture is introduced into the input unit insertion groove through the dial switch apparatus and the touch type switch apparatus, the introduced moisture is discharged to the lower side of the cover body through the first drain hole and the second drain hole. Therefore, there is no need to provide a drainage structure outside the periphery of the main PCB in the main body, and thus, a size of the main body can be reduced.

The ring insertion groove into which the lower end of the mood ring is inserted is formed in the main body, and the transparent portion through which light generated by the light source passes and which is formed of a transparent material is formed on the bottom surface of the ring insertion groove. Accordingly, the mood ring can be illuminated by the light, and it is possible to prevent external moisture from directly flowing into the main PCT through the mood ring.

Moreover, the case of the touch type switch apparatus is illuminated, and thus, a user can recognize a position of the capacitive touch pad through subtle light emitted from the case and emotions of the user can be improved.

Effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

Advantages and features of the present disclosure, and a method of achieving the advantages and features will become apparent with reference to embodiments described below in detail with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in a variety of different forms. The embodiments are provided to ensure that the disclosure of the present disclosure is complete, and to fully inform the scope of the invention to those with ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs, and the present disclosure is only defined by the scope of the claims. The same reference numerals refer to the same components throughout the specification.

Hereinafter, a switch apparatus for an automobile according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is a combined perspective view illustrating a switch apparatus for an automobile according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, <FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating the switch apparatus for an automobile according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, <FIG> is a side cross-sectional view of a portion in which a touch type switch apparatus and a dial switch apparatus are installed, excluding a case body in <FIG>, <FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating a capacitive touch pad, a wheel knob, an outer wheel, and a wheel base illustrated in <FIG>, and <FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating a main body, a main PCB, and a cover body illustrated in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the switch apparatus for an automobile according to the present disclosure includes a main body <NUM>, a cover body <NUM>, a case body <NUM>, a touch type switch apparatus <NUM>, a dial switch apparatus <NUM>, a scroll switch apparatus <NUM>, and a push switch apparatus <NUM>.

Each of the main body <NUM>, the cover body <NUM>, and the case body <NUM> is formed in a rectangular shape.

The main body <NUM> has an open lower side, and the cover body <NUM> is inserted into the open lower side of the main body <NUM> to be coupled to the main body <NUM>. When the cover body <NUM> is inserted into the open lower side of the main body <NUM>, the open lower side of the main body <NUM> may be covered by the cover body <NUM>.

After a main PCB (printed circuit board) <NUM> is coupled to the cover body <NUM>, the cover body <NUM> may be inserted into the open lower side of the main body <NUM>. Accordingly, when the cover body <NUM> is inserted into the open lower side of the main body <NUM>, the main PCB <NUM> may be disposed in the main body <NUM>. Switch signals from the touch type switch apparatus <NUM>, the dial switch apparatus <NUM>, the scroll switch apparatus <NUM>, and the push switch apparatus <NUM> may be input to the main PCB <NUM>.

The touch type switch apparatus <NUM>, the dial switch apparatus <NUM>, the scroll switch apparatus <NUM>, and the push switch apparatus <NUM> are installed on the main body <NUM>, respectively.

The touch type switch apparatus <NUM> may have a capacitive touch pad <NUM> which is touched by a user and pressed in an up-down direction.

The dial switch apparatus <NUM> may have an annular wheel knob <NUM> capable of rotating with a virtual rotation axis disposed in a vertical direction as a rotation center. As the wheel knob <NUM> is formed in an annular shape, the capacitive touch pad <NUM> is disposed inside the wheel knob <NUM>. Accordingly, in the switch apparatus for an automobile according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the touch type switch apparatus <NUM> is installed in an inner space of the dial switch apparatus <NUM>, and thus, a size thereof can be reduced. The wheel knob <NUM> is disposed to surround an outer periphery of the capacitive touch pad <NUM> and can be rotated in a circumferential direction by an operation of a user.

The scroll switch apparatus <NUM> may have a scroll switch knob <NUM> capable of rotating with a rotating shaft 627A disposed in a horizontal direction as a rotation center.

A plurality of scroll switch apparatuses <NUM> may be installed in the main body <NUM>, and in the present embodiment, two scroll switch apparatuses <NUM> are installed in the main body <NUM>.

The push switch apparatus <NUM> may have a push button <NUM> which is pressed in the up-down direction by the user. The push switch apparatus <NUM> may include a plurality of push buttons <NUM> and a plurality of button holders <NUM> to which the plurality of push buttons <NUM> are respectively coupled. In the present embodiment, three push buttons <NUM> are provided, and three button holders <NUM> are provided, and thus, one push button <NUM> may be installed per button holder <NUM>. A lower portion of the push button <NUM> may be inserted into the button holder <NUM> from above the button holder <NUM> to be coupled to the button holder <NUM>.

The button holder <NUM> may be inserted into an installation portion protruding upwardly on an upper surface of the main body <NUM> and installed so as to be movable up and down, and when the upper surface of the push button <NUM> is pressed downward by the user, the button holder <NUM> may be moved downward to contact a switch provided in the main PCB <NUM>. Accordingly, when the switch is contacted, the main PCB <NUM> may generate a switch signal. The push switch apparatus <NUM> included in the switch apparatus for an automobile according to the embodiment of the present disclosure has already been disclosed, and thus, detailed description thereof will be omitted below.

The case body <NUM> may cover the upper side of the main body <NUM> to be coupled to the main body <NUM>. A hole <NUM> through which the wheel knob <NUM> and the capacitive touch pad <NUM> are exposed, a hole <NUM> through which the scroll switch knob <NUM> is exposed, and a hole <NUM> through which the push button <NUM> is exposed may be formed on the upper side of the case body <NUM>.

A surface of the case body <NUM> may be formed of a metal material. In the present embodiment, the metal material is chromium. That is, the surface of the case body <NUM> is plated with chromium, and thus, may have an approximately silvery color. A surface of the wheel knob <NUM> may be formed of the same metal material as that of the surface of the case body <NUM>. That is, the surface of the wheel knob <NUM> is plated with chrome, and thus, may have an approximately silvery color. A surface of the scroll switch knob <NUM> may be formed of the same metal material as that of the surface of the case body <NUM>. That is, the surface of the scroll switch knob <NUM> is plated with chrome, and thus, may have an approximately silvery color.

Meanwhile, in the main body <NUM>, a drainage structure is formed in a portion where the touch type switch apparatus <NUM> and the dial switch apparatus <NUM> are installed. The drainage structure will be described below.

A first installation rib <NUM> and a second installation rib <NUM> are respectively formed on an upper surface of the main body <NUM> to protrude upward. Each of the first installation rib <NUM> and the second installation rib <NUM> may be formed in an annular shape, and at least one side thereof may be open. The second installation rib <NUM> has a larger diameter than that of the first installation rib <NUM> and may surround the first installation rib <NUM>.

The first installation rib <NUM> forms an input unit insertion groove <NUM> therein. A lower portion of the dial switch apparatus <NUM> and a lower portion of the touch type switch apparatus <NUM> are inserted into the input unit insertion groove <NUM> and installed in the main body <NUM>. The main PCB <NUM> may receive a switch signal from the dial switch apparatus <NUM> and the touch type switch apparatus <NUM>.

In the main body <NUM>, a first drain rib <NUM> is formed to protrude downward. The first drain rib <NUM> forms a first drain hole <NUM> extending downward from a bottom surface of the input unit insertion groove <NUM> therein. Further, a through hole <NUM> through which the first drain rib <NUM> passes is formed in the main PCB <NUM>. In addition, a second drain rib is formed in the cover body <NUM> so as to protrude upward. The second drain rib <NUM> forms a second drain hole <NUM> into which the first drain rib <NUM> is inserted therein. Each of the first drain rib <NUM>, the through hole <NUM>, and the second drain rib <NUM> is formed in a rectangular shape. Moisture introduced into the input unit insertion groove <NUM> through the upper sides of the dial switch apparatus <NUM> and the touch type switch apparatus <NUM> may pass through the first drain hole <NUM> formed on the bottom surface of the input unit insertion groove <NUM> and the second drain hole <NUM> formed in the cover body <NUM> and may be discharged to the outside of the cover body <NUM> through the lower side of the cover body <NUM>. In this way, the moisture may not enter the main PCB <NUM> through the drainage structure.

The second drain rib <NUM> may support the lower surface of the main PCB <NUM>. An upper end of the second drain rib <NUM> may be in contact with the lower surface of the main PCB <NUM>.

The dial switch apparatus <NUM> may further include an inner wheel <NUM>, an outer wheel <NUM>, a bearing <NUM>, and a wheel base <NUM>.

Each of the inner wheel <NUM>, the outer wheel <NUM>, the bearing <NUM>, and the wheel base <NUM> may be formed in an annular shape. Each of the wheel knob <NUM>, the inner wheel <NUM>, the outer wheel <NUM>, and the wheel base <NUM> is formed in an annular shape, sand thus, the touch type switch apparatus <NUM> may be disposed inside the dial switch apparatus <NUM>.

The outer wheel <NUM> surrounds an outer periphery of the inner wheel <NUM> and is disposed to be rotated in the circumferential direction with respect to the inner wheel <NUM>. The outer wheel <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the outer periphery of the inner wheel <NUM> through the bearing <NUM> in the circumferential direction. The bearing <NUM> rotatably couples the outer wheel <NUM> to the inner wheel <NUM> in the circumferential direction. An inner ring of the bearing <NUM> is coupled to the inner wheel <NUM>, an outer ring of the bearing <NUM> is coupled to the outer wheel <NUM>, and thus, the bearing <NUM> can rotatably couple the outer wheel <NUM> to the inner wheel <NUM> in the circumferential direction.

The wheel base <NUM> may be disposed below the inner wheel <NUM> and the outer wheel <NUM>. The wheel base <NUM> may be inserted into the input unit insertion groove <NUM> and installed in the main body <NUM>. The inner wheel <NUM> may be fixedly installed in the wheel base <NUM> or may be installed in the wheel base <NUM> to be movable up and down.

A magnet <NUM> may be installed below the outer wheel <NUM>, and a Hall sensor <NUM> which detects the magnet <NUM> when the wheel knob <NUM> rotates may be installed in the main body <NUM>. The Hall sensor <NUM> may detect a rotation angle of the wheel knob <NUM> by detecting the magnet <NUM> when the wheel knob <NUM> rotates. The main PCB <NUM> may generate different switch signals according to the rotation angle of the wheel knob <NUM>. A Hall sensor cover <NUM> which covers the Hall sensor <NUM> may be coupled to an upper surface of the main body <NUM>. The Hall sensor cover <NUM> may cover the Hall sensor <NUM> to prevent the moisture from entering the Hall sensor <NUM>.

The touch type switch apparatus <NUM> may further include a PCB <NUM>, a case <NUM>, a cover <NUM>, and a base <NUM>.

The PCB <NUM> may be adhered to a lower surface of the capacitive touch pad <NUM>. An upper surface of the capacitive touch pad <NUM> may be formed to be concave and the lower surface thereof may be formed to be flat in the horizontal direction. The capacitive touch pad <NUM> may include a plurality of sensing cells in a grid shape. By detecting that a finger of the user passes through the plurality of sensing cells while touching the upper surface of the capacitive touch pad <NUM>, a movement direction and a touch length of the finger of the user can be known, and a touch signal generated by the finger of the user touching the upper surface of the capacitive touch pad <NUM> may be input to the PCB <NUM>.

Upper and lower surfaces of the case <NUM> may be open, respectively. The PCB <NUM> may be inserted into the case <NUM> through the opened upper surface of the case <NUM> and accommodated in the case <NUM>. When the PCB <NUM> is accommodated inside the case <NUM>, the PCB <NUM> is seated on the protrusion formed on the inner circumferential surface of the case <NUM>, and the capacitive touch pad <NUM> may cover the opened upper surface of the case <NUM> and seated on an upper end of the case <NUM>.

The cover <NUM> may cover the opened lower surface of the case <NUM> and may be coupled to the case <NUM>. An upper portion of the cover <NUM> may be inserted into the case <NUM>. An actuator <NUM> may be installed inside the cover <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> may be vibrated during operation. The cover <NUM> may be vibrated together with the actuator <NUM> by the vibrations of the actuator <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> may be provided to vibrate horizontally or may be provided to vibrate in a vertical direction.

The base <NUM> may be disposed below the cover <NUM> and installed in the input unit insertion groove <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may be coupled to the base <NUM> so as to be shaken by the vibration. The cover <NUM> is coupled to the base <NUM> through a leaf spring (not illustrated), and thus, the cover can be shaken by the vibration.

A hinge shaft <NUM> may be formed in the base <NUM>. The hinge shaft <NUM> may be disposed horizontally outside the dial switch apparatus <NUM> in a radial direction. When the user presses the upper surface of the capacitive touch pad <NUM> downward, the base <NUM> may be rotated about the hinge shaft <NUM>, and a pusher portion (not illustrated) provided to protrude toward the lower surface of the base <NUM> contact the switch provided in the main PCB <NUM>, the actuator <NUM> is operated to generate the vibrations, and thus, the user can feel feedback by the generated vibrations.

The hinge shaft <NUM> may be formed at an end of a bridge <NUM> protruding from the base <NUM> in the radial direction. The hinge shaft <NUM> may be elongated in a direction orthogonal to a length direction of the bridge <NUM>. The hinge shaft <NUM> may be formed to be long in the horizontal direction. A plurality of bridges <NUM> may be formed, and in the present embodiment, two bridges <NUM> are formed. The bridge <NUM> may connect the base <NUM> and the hinge shaft <NUM> to each other. A through hole <NUM> through which the bridge <NUM> passes in the radial direction may be formed in the wheel base <NUM> of the dial switch apparatus <NUM>, and the hinge shaft <NUM> may be disposed outside the wheel base <NUM>.

Meanwhile, a ring insertion groove <NUM> may be formed inside the second installation rib <NUM>. A mood ring <NUM> may be installed on the upper surface of the main body <NUM>. A lower portion of the mood ring <NUM> may be inserted into the ring insertion groove <NUM> formed on the upper surface of the main body <NUM>, and an upper portion of the mood ring <NUM> protrudes upward from the ring insertion groove <NUM> to surround the outer periphery of the dial switch apparatus <NUM>. The upper portion of the mood ring <NUM> may be disposed to surround the outer periphery of the wheel knob <NUM>. The mood ring <NUM> may be illuminated by light generated by a light source provided on the upper surface of the main PCB <NUM>. The mood ring <NUM> is illuminated with a soft light, allows the user to recognize the position of the wheel knob <NUM>, and makes the switch apparatus beautiful.

A mood ring cover <NUM> may be coupled to the main body <NUM>. The mood ring cover <NUM> may surround an outer periphery of the mood ring <NUM>. An outer peripheral surface of the mood ring <NUM> may be stepped in the up-down direction, and the mood ring cover <NUM> may be stepped in the up-down direction to surround the outer periphery of the stepped mood ring <NUM>. An upper end of the mood ring <NUM> is disposed to protrude higher than am upper end of the mood ring cover <NUM> and the periphery of the mood ring <NUM> may be surrounded by the case body <NUM>.

As described above, in the switch apparatus for an automobile according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first drain rib <NUM> is formed in the main body <NUM>, the through hole <NUM> is formed in the main PCB <NUM>, and the second drain rib <NUM> is formed in the cover body <NUM>. The first drain rib <NUM> passes through the through hole <NUM> and is inserted into the second drain rib <NUM>. The first drain hole <NUM> extending downward from the bottom surface of the input unit insertion groove <NUM> is formed inside the first drain rib <NUM>, and the second drain hole <NUM> into which the first drain rib <NUM> is inserted is formed inside the second drain rib <NUM>. Therefore, when moisture is introduced into the input unit insertion groove <NUM> through the dial switch apparatus <NUM> and the touch type switch apparatus <NUM>, the introduced moisture is discharged to the lower side of the cover body <NUM> through the first drain hole <NUM> and the second drain hole <NUM>. Accordingly, there is no need to provide a drainage structure outside the periphery of the main PCB <NUM> in the main body <NUM>, and thus, a size of the main body <NUM> can be reduced.

In addition, the wheel knob <NUM> of the dial switch apparatus <NUM> is formed in an annular shape, and surrounds the outer periphery of the capacitive touch pad <NUM> of the touch type switch apparatus <NUM>. Therefore, the touch type switch apparatus <NUM> is installed inside the dial switch apparatus <NUM>, and thus, a space in the main body <NUM> for installing the touch type switch apparatus <NUM> and the dial switch apparatus <NUM> can be reduced, and the size of the main body <NUM> can be reduced.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating a switch apparatus for an automobile according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, <FIG> is a one-side cross-sectional view of a combined state of the switch apparatus for an automobile illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an insert illustrated in <FIG>, and <FIG> is a plan view illustrating a state in which the main body and the insert are double-injection molded in a mold in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, a switch apparatus for an automobile according to an embodiment of the present disclosure further includes an insert <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates that the insert <NUM> is separated from the main body <NUM> for understanding of the description. However, in practice, when the main body <NUM> is molded in a mold, the insert <NUM> is a structure which is inserted into the mold to form a transparent portion <NUM> described later and is formed of a transparent material which is double-injection molded with the main body <NUM>, and after the molding of the main body <NUM> is completed, the insert <NUM> is integrally formed with the main body <NUM> and is not separated from the main body <NUM>.

The first installation rib <NUM> and the second installation rib <NUM> spaced apart from each other are formed on the upper surface of the main body <NUM> to protrude upward. Each of the first installation rib <NUM> and the second installation rib <NUM> may be formed in an annular shape, and a hole or groove may be formed on at least one side of each rib. The input unit insertion groove <NUM> is formed inside the first installation rib <NUM>, and the ring insertion groove <NUM> is formed between the first installation rib <NUM> and the second installation rib <NUM>. That is, the input unit insertion groove <NUM> is formed inside the first installation rib <NUM>, and the ring insertion groove <NUM> is formed between and the first installation rib <NUM> and the second installation rib <NUM>.

The wheel knob <NUM> of the dial switch apparatus <NUM> is formed in an annular shape. The capacitive touch pad <NUM> of the touch type switch apparatus <NUM> is formed in a circular shape and is disposed inside the wheel knob <NUM> of the dial switch apparatus <NUM>. The upper surface of the capacitive touch pad <NUM> of the touch type switch apparatus <NUM> may formed to be concave. The upper surface of the wheel knob <NUM> is formed to be inclined so that an outer end thereof is high and an inner end thereof is low, and thus, the upper surface may match the concave upper surface of the capacitive touch pad <NUM>. A touch signal of the finger of the user is input to the capacitive touch pad <NUM>. The user can write on the capacitive touch pad <NUM>, and a touch signal which has been handwritten may be input to the main PCB <NUM>. The dial switch apparatus <NUM> surrounds the outer periphery of the touch type switch apparatus <NUM>. A rotation signal rotated in the circumferential direction and a push signal pushed in an axial direction are input to the dial switch apparatus <NUM>. When the user holds and rotates the wheel knob <NUM> of the dial switch apparatus <NUM>, different rotation signals may be input to the main PCB <NUM> according to the rotation angle of the wheel knob <NUM>. In addition, when the user pushes the wheel knob <NUM> of the dial switch apparatus <NUM> downward, the push signal may be input to the main PCB <NUM>. The pushable positions of the wheel knob <NUM> are disposed at intervals of <NUM>° in the circumferential direction of the wheel knob <NUM>, and thus, the wheel knob <NUM> can be pushed by the user at four positions in the circumferential direction.

The lower portion of each of the touch type switch apparatus <NUM> and the dial switch apparatus <NUM> is inserted into the input unit insertion groove <NUM>, and the upper portion of each apparatus protrudes to the outside of the input unit insertion groove <NUM>. The upper portions of the touch type switch apparatus <NUM> and the dial switch apparatus <NUM> protrude to the outside of the input unit insertion groove <NUM> and are disposed above the main body <NUM>, and the upper portions of the touch type switch apparatus <NUM> and the dial switch apparatus <NUM> disposed above the main body <NUM> are exposed through the hole <NUM> formed in the case body <NUM> covering the upper side of the main body <NUM>. That is, the capacitive touch pad <NUM> and the wheel knob <NUM> are exposed to the outside of the case body <NUM> through the hole <NUM> formed in the case body <NUM>, and the user may operate the exposed capacitive touch pad <NUM> and wheel knob <NUM>.

The main PCB <NUM> is disposed below the input unit insertion groove <NUM> and the ring insertion groove <NUM> in the main body <NUM>. The lower side of the main body <NUM> is open, and the main PCB <NUM> may be inserted into the main body <NUM> through the open lower side of the main body <NUM> and disposed below the input unit insertion groove <NUM> and the ring insertion groove <NUM>. The switch signal from the switch signal input unit <NUM> may be input to the main PCB. At least one light source <NUM> is installed in a portion of the main PCB <NUM> corresponding to the ring insertion groove <NUM>. The light source <NUM> may generate light and irradiate the ring insertion groove <NUM> with the light.

The mood ring <NUM> may be formed in an annular shape. The mood ring <NUM> may be formed in a cylindrical shape having open upper and lower sides. The lower end of the mood ring <NUM> is inserted into the ring insertion groove <NUM>, and the upper end thereof protrudes to the outside of the ring insertion groove <NUM> and is disposed along the periphery of the dial switch apparatus <NUM>.

The mood ring <NUM> includes a lower end portion <NUM>, an intermediate portion <NUM> which extends upward from an upper end of the lower end portion <NUM>, and an upper end portion <NUM> which extends upward from an upper end of the intermediate portion <NUM>. The lower end portion <NUM> is inserted into the ring insertion groove <NUM>, and the intermediate portion <NUM> and the upper end portion <NUM> are disposed to protrude to the outside of the ring insertion groove <NUM>. The intermediate portion <NUM> has an outer diameter smaller than that of the lower end portion <NUM>, and the upper end portion <NUM> has an outer diameter smaller than that of the intermediate portion <NUM>.

The mood ring cover <NUM> is seated on a stair <NUM> between the lower end portion <NUM> and the intermediate portion <NUM> to surround the peripheries of the intermediate portion <NUM> and the second installation rib <NUM>. The mood ring cover <NUM> includes a lower end portion <NUM> and an upper end portion <NUM> which extends upward from an upper end of the lower end portion <NUM>. The upper end portion <NUM> has an outer diameter smaller than that of the lower end portion <NUM>. The mood ring cover <NUM> is coupled to the main body <NUM>. A coupling protrusion <NUM> which is coupled to the main body <NUM> is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lower end <NUM>. The coupling protrusion <NUM> may be fastened to the main body <NUM> through a screw to be coupled to the main body <NUM>, and the mood ring cover <NUM> may be coupled to the main body <NUM> by the coupling protrusion <NUM> being coupled to the main body <NUM>. The main body <NUM> may be seated on a stair <NUM> between the lower end <NUM> and the upper end <NUM>.

The case body <NUM> is seated on a stair <NUM> between the middle portion <NUM> and the upper end portion <NUM> to surround the upper end portion <NUM>.

The mood ring <NUM> may be illuminated by light generated by the light source <NUM>.

However, a bottom surface <NUM> of the ring insertion groove <NUM> blocks a portion between the lower end of the mood ring <NUM> and the upper side of the light source <NUM>. Accordingly, if the bottom surface <NUM> of the ring insertion groove <NUM> is formed of an opaque material, the mood ring <NUM> having the lower end inserted in the ring insertion groove <NUM> cannot be illuminated by the light generated by the light source <NUM>. In order to allow the mood ring <NUM> having the lower end inserted in the ring insertion groove <NUM> to be illuminated with light, the bottom surface <NUM> of the ring insertion groove <NUM> includes the transparent portion <NUM> formed of a transparent material through which light generated by the mood ring <NUM> passes.

The transparent portion <NUM> may form the entire bottom surface <NUM> of the ring insertion groove <NUM>, or may form a portion of the bottom surface <NUM> of the ring insertion groove <NUM>. The transparent portion <NUM> blocks the portion between the lower portion of the mood ring <NUM> and the upper side of the light source <NUM>, and thus, it is possible to prevent moisture from flowing through the mood ring <NUM> from the outside of the switch apparatus and flowing directly into the main PCB <NUM>. In addition, the light generated by the light source <NUM> passes through the transparent portion <NUM> so that the mood ring <NUM> is illuminated with light.

The bottom surface <NUM> of the ring insertion groove <NUM> may further include a non-transparent portion <NUM> which is formed of an opaque material through which light generated by the light source <NUM> does not pass. Each of the transparent portion <NUM> and the non-transparent portion <NUM> may be formed in plural. The transparent portion <NUM> and the non-transparent portion <NUM> may be alternately formed along the circumferential direction of the ring insertion groove <NUM>. In the present embodiment, eight transparent portions <NUM> and eight non-transparent portions <NUM> are formed.

The transparent portion <NUM> can be double-injection molded with the main body <NUM>. The insert <NUM> formed of a transparent material may be inserted into the mold when the main body <NUM> is molded in the mold to form the transparent portion <NUM>. The insert <NUM> may include an annular ring portion <NUM> and a transparent portion generating protrusion <NUM> protruding from a lower surface of the ring portion <NUM>. The ring portion <NUM> may have a shape corresponding to the bottom surface <NUM> of the ring insertion groove <NUM>. A plurality of transparent portion generating protrusions <NUM> may be formed, eight transparent portion generating protrusions <NUM> may be formed so that the number of transparent portion generating protrusions <NUM> is equal to the number of transparent portions <NUM>. The transparent portion <NUM> may be a portion of the ring portion <NUM> in which the transparent portion generating protrusion <NUM> is formed. That is, in the mold, the ring portion <NUM> forms the entire bottom surface <NUM> of the ring insertion groove <NUM>, portions between the plurality of transparent portion generating protrusions <NUM> on the lower surface of the ring portion <NUM> are filled with a molten resin forming the main body <NUM>, the portion of the ring portion <NUM> where the transparent portion generating protrusion <NUM> is formed becomes the plurality of transparent portions <NUM>, and the portion of the ring portion <NUM> corresponding to the portion filled with the molten resin becomes the plurality of non-transparent portions <NUM>.

In <FIG>, in order to distinguish the transparent portion <NUM> and the non-transparent portion <NUM>, the non-transparent portion <NUM> is illustrated by black. However, in practice, the non-transparent portion <NUM> has the same color as that of the main body <NUM>.

A groove <NUM> is formed on the lower surface of the transparent portion generating protrusion <NUM>. The groove <NUM> is formed at a center of the transparent portion generating protrusion <NUM> in the circumferential direction. The groove <NUM> may be a groove where two inclined surfaces meet. A portion of the upper end of the mood ring <NUM> corresponding to the groove <NUM> may be illuminated with weaker light compared to the rest of the upper end. The groove <NUM> allows the portion corresponding to the switch signal generation position of the wheel knob <NUM> of the dial switch apparatus <NUM> to be illuminated with weak light so that the user can recognize a stopping position when operating when the user rotates the wheel knob <NUM> of the dial switch apparatus <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the eight transparent portions <NUM> are provided, and thus, eight grooves <NUM> are also formed. Moreover, the wheel knob <NUM> of the dial switch apparatus <NUM> generates different switch signals every <NUM>° rotation, and thus, generates a total of eight switch signals. The mood ring <NUM> is weakly illuminated at each of the eight switch signal generation positions, and thus, the user can see the position of the mood ring which is weakly generated when rotating the wheel knob <NUM> and recognize the position at which the wheel knob <NUM> stops.

As described above, in the switch apparatus for an automobile according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the ring insertion groove <NUM> into which the lower end of the mood ring <NUM> is inserted is formed in the main body <NUM>, and the transparent portion <NUM> is formed of a transparent material in which the light generated by the light source <NUM> passes through the bottom surface <NUM> of the ring insertion groove <NUM>. Accordingly, the mood ring <NUM> can be illuminated with the light, and it is possible to prevent external moisture from flowing directly into the main PCB <NUM> through the mood ring <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the touch type switch apparatus <NUM>, the dial switch apparatus <NUM>, and the scroll switch apparatus <NUM> will be described in detail.

First, the touch type switch apparatus <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG> as follows.

<FIG> is a side view illustrating the touch type switch apparatus illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, <FIG> is a combined perspective view in which the main PCB is excluded in <FIG>, <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of <FIG>, <FIG> is a side cross-sectional view of <FIG>, and <FIG> is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a detailed configuration of the capacitive touch pad illustrated in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the touch type switch apparatus <NUM> includes the capacitive touch pad <NUM>, the printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM>, the case <NUM>, the cover <NUM>, the base <NUM>, and the main PCB <NUM>. The capacitive touch pad <NUM>, the printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM>, the case <NUM>, the cover <NUM>, the base <NUM>, and the main PCB <NUM> are mounted on the upper side of main body <NUM> and are disposed in the case body <NUM>. The upper surface of the capacitive touch pad <NUM> is exposed to the outside of the case body <NUM>. In addition, the hinge shaft <NUM> to be described later may be rotatably coupled to the main body <NUM>.

In the capacitive touch pad <NUM>, the upper surface is touched by the user, and the plurality of cells sensing the touch of the user may be arranged in a grid form. The capacitive touch pad <NUM> may detect that the finger of the user passes through the plurality of cells arranged in the grid form, and thus detect a touch pattern of the finger of the user. The capacitive touch pad <NUM> may detect the touch direction and the touch shape of the finger of the user.

The capacitive touch pad <NUM> may have a circular cross-sectional shape.

The capacitive touch pad <NUM> may have the upper surface formed in a concave curved surface and the lower surface formed in a horizontal plane. In the capacitive touch pad <NUM>, a vertical thickness of a center may be thinnest and gradually increase outward in the radial direction, and thus, the vertical thickness of an outer edge may be thickest.

In the related art, after glass is molded, the molded glass is sequentially subjected to polishing, reinforcing heat treatment, and anti-fingerprint coating, and thus, the capacitive touch pad is formed. However, in the present embodiment, after an acrylic resin is molded, the molded acrylic resin is sequentially subjected to anti-reflective coating, anti-fingerprint coating, and reinforcing heat treatment, and thus, the capacitive touch pad is formed. That is, referring to <FIG>, the capacitive touch pad <NUM> of the present embodiment includes a plastic portion <NUM> formed of an acrylic (PMMA) resin, an anti-glare portion <NUM> coated on an upper surface of the plastic portion <NUM>, and an anti-fingerprint portion <NUM> coated on an upper surface of the anti-glare portion <NUM>.

The plastic portion <NUM> may be formed by injection molding the acrylic resin in a mold. Accordingly, the capacitive touch pad of the related art, after the glass is molded, the molded glass is subjected to cumbersome polishing. However, in the capacitive touch pad <NUM> of the present embodiment, it is not necessary to perform the polishing of the related art. In addition, after the anti-glare portion <NUM> is coated on the upper surface of the molded plastic portion <NUM> and the anti-fingerprint portion <NUM> is coated on the upper surface of the anti-glare portion <NUM>, the reinforcement heat treatment is performed. Accordingly, hardness equivalent to that of the glass of the related art can be secured.

The upper surface of the PCB <NUM> may be adhered to the lower surface of the capacitive touch pad <NUM>. The upper surface of the PCB <NUM> is adhered to the lower surface of the capacitive touch pad <NUM> through an adhesive, and thus, a touch-type switch having a simple structure can be configured. A touch signal generated by the user touching the capacitive touch pad <NUM> may be input to the PCB <NUM>. After the lower surface of the capacitive touch pad <NUM> is shielded and painted to prevent light leakage, the upper surface of the PCB <NUM> may be vacuum-adhered to the lower surface of the capacitive touch pad <NUM> through the adhesive. It is preferable that the vacuum adhesion is performed so that bubbles do not exist on the lower surface of the capacitive touch pad <NUM> and the upper surface of the PCB <NUM>.

The PCB <NUM> may have a circular cross-sectional shape.

The PCB <NUM> may be inserted into the case <NUM> and coupled to the case <NUM>. The PCB <NUM> has a diameter slightly larger than an inner diameter of the case <NUM>, and thus, may be pressure-fitted into the case <NUM> and coupled thereto.

The case <NUM> may be formed in an annular shape. The case <NUM> may have upper and lower sides respectively open. The open upper side is covered with the capacitive touch pad <NUM> so that the case <NUM> is shielded. The open lower side is covered with the cover <NUM> so that case <NUM> is shielded. The PCB <NUM> may be inserted into the case <NUM>.

The capacitive touch pad <NUM> and the case <NUM> may have the same outer diameter as each other. The capacitive touch pad <NUM> may be seated on the upper end of the case <NUM>.

A first stair portion <NUM> may be formed inside the case <NUM>.

The first stair portion <NUM> may be formed to protrude in the radial direction. The first stair portion <NUM> is formed to protrude from an inner circumferential surface of the case <NUM> in the radial direction, and may be continuously formed in the circumferential direction. The first stair portion <NUM> may be formed in an annular shape. The first stair portion <NUM> may have a horizontal upper surface. The PCB <NUM> may be mounted on the upper surface of the first stair portion <NUM>.

The cover <NUM> may be inserted into the open lower side of the case <NUM> to cover the open lower side of the case <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may be coupled to the case <NUM>.

The cover <NUM> may have an edge rib <NUM> protruding upward along an upper edge. The rim rib <NUM> may be continuously formed in the circumferential direction. When the cover <NUM> is inserted into the open lower side of the case <NUM>, the edge rib <NUM> may come into contact with the lower surface of the first stair portion <NUM>.

A hook hole <NUM> may be formed on the peripheral surface of the case <NUM>. A hook protrusion <NUM> inserted into and coupled to the hook hole <NUM> may be formed on the peripheral surface of the cover <NUM>. When the cover <NUM> is inserted into the open lower side of the case <NUM>, the hook protrusion <NUM> is inserted into the hook hole <NUM>, and thus, the case <NUM> and the cover <NUM> may be coupled to each other.

The actuator <NUM> may be installed inside the case <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> may include a motor and a vibration generating unit which generates vibrations by an operation of the motor. The actuator <NUM> may be vibrated in the horizontal direction when the motor is operated.

The base <NUM> may be disposed below the cover and coupled to the cover <NUM>. The base <NUM> may include the hinge shaft <NUM> disposed in the horizontal direction. The hinge shaft <NUM> may be disposed radially outside the capacitive touch pad <NUM> and the case <NUM>. The base <NUM> may rotate up and down with the hinge shaft <NUM> as a rotation center. Accordingly, when the user presses the upper surface of the capacitive touch pad <NUM> downward, the base <NUM> may be rotated downward with the hinge shaft <NUM> as a rotation center. In addition, when the actuator <NUM> is operated and vibrated in the horizontal direction, the base <NUM> can give a feedback with respect to the pressing of the capacitive touch pad <NUM> to the user while being rotated up and down with the hinge shaft <NUM> as the rotation center by the vibrations. A pusher portion <NUM> may protrude from the lower surface of the base <NUM>.

The main PCB <NUM> may be disposed below the base. A switch <NUM> may be provided on the upper surface of the main PCB <NUM>. The switch <NUM> may be contacted by the pusher portion <NUM> when the base <NUM> is rotated downward with the hinge shaft <NUM> as a rotation center. The switch <NUM> may include a force switch and may be switched on when the pusher unit <NUM> is pressed. The switch <NUM> may be contacted by the pusher portion <NUM> to operate the actuator <NUM>.

The cover <NUM> and the base <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other. The cover <NUM> and the base <NUM> spaced apart from each other may be coupled to each other through an elastic member <NUM>. When the base <NUM> is vibrated in the horizontal direction by the operation of the actuator <NUM>, the elastic member <NUM> provides an elastic force to the base <NUM> in the horizontal direction so that the base <NUM> moves to an original position thereof. A plurality of elastic members <NUM> may be provided, and in the present embodiment, four elastic members <NUM> may be provided. The four elastic members <NUM> are disposed at intervals of <NUM>° on a plane.

A mounting protrusion <NUM> may protrude from the lower surface of the cover <NUM>. The mounting protrusion <NUM> may extend to a side surface of the base <NUM>. A plurality of mounting protrusions <NUM> may be provided, and in the present embodiment, four mounting protrusions <NUM> are provided, and the number of the mounting protrusions <NUM> corresponds to the number of elastic members <NUM>. The four mounting protrusions <NUM> are disposed at intervals of <NUM>° on a horizontal plane.

The elastic member <NUM> may be formed of a plate spring in which an upper end and a lower end thereof are bent, and thus, the upper end is coupled to the upper surface of the base <NUM> and the lower end may be coupled to the lower surface of the mounting protrusion <NUM>. The upper end of the elastic member <NUM> may be coupled to the upper surface of the base <NUM> through a first screw <NUM>, and the lower end of the elastic member <NUM> may be coupled to the lower surface of the mounting protrusion <NUM> through the second screw <NUM>. It is preferable that a fastening hole to which the first screw <NUM> is fastened is formed on the upper surface of the base <NUM>, and a fastening hole to which the second screw <NUM> is fastened is formed on the lower surface of the mounting protrusion <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM> is formed vertically, and thus, when the base <NUM> is vibrated in the horizontal direction by the horizontal vibrations of the actuator <NUM>, an elastic force in the horizontal direction may be generated.

An accommodation protrusion <NUM> may protrude from the lower surface of the cover <NUM>. The accommodation protrusion <NUM> may have a rectangular hollow structure, and thus, an accommodation hole <NUM> may be formed therein. The actuator <NUM> may be accommodated in the accommodation hole <NUM>. An insertion hole <NUM> into which the accommodation protrusion <NUM> formed in the cover <NUM> is inserted may be formed in the base <NUM>.

As described above, in the touch type switch apparatus <NUM>, the base <NUM> has the hinge shaft <NUM> which is disposed in the horizontal direction and is configured to be rotated with the hinge shaft <NUM> as the rotation center, and the actuator <NUM> is configured to be vibrated in the horizontal direction. Therefore, when the user presses the upper surface of the capacitive touch pad <NUM> downward, the base <NUM> is rotated downward with the hinge shaft <NUM> as the rotation center, and accordingly, the pusher portion <NUM> protruding from the lower surface of the base <NUM> contacts the switch <NUM>, and thus, the actuator <NUM> is operated and vibrated in the horizontal direction. In this case, the base <NUM> is rotated up and down with the hinge shaft <NUM> as the rotation center by the vibrations, and thus, the user can feel the feedback pressing the upper surface of the capacitive touch pad <NUM> downward.

Meanwhile, the horizontal direction described above may mean a direction orthogonal to a pressing direction of the capacitive touch pad <NUM>, and the up-down direction may mean a direction parallel to the pressing direction of the capacitive touch pad <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an upper configuration of the touch type switch apparatus illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of <FIG>, and <FIG> is a side cross-sectional view of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, a light source <NUM> may be installed on the lower surface of the PCB <NUM>. A plurality of light sources <NUM> may be provided on the lower surface of the PCB <NUM> to be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction. The light source <NUM> may generate light. The light source <NUM> may include a light emitting diode (LED). The light source <NUM> may have a light emitting surface disposed downward. The light source <NUM> may emit the generated light downward.

A coupling groove <NUM> may be formed on an outer peripheral surface of the PCB <NUM>, and a coupling protrusion <NUM> inserted into the coupling groove <NUM> may be formed on an inner peripheral surface of the case <NUM>.

The case <NUM> may be illuminated by light generated by the light source <NUM> disposed on the PCB <NUM>.

The first stair portion <NUM> and a second stair portion <NUM> may be formed inside the case <NUM>.

Each of the first stair portion <NUM> and the second stair portion <NUM> may be formed to protrude in a radial direction. Each of the first stair portion <NUM> and the second stair portion <NUM> may be continuously formed in the circumferential direction while being formed to protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the case <NUM> in the radial direction. Each of the first stair portion <NUM> and the second stair portion <NUM> may be formed in an annular shape. Each of the first stair portion <NUM> and the second stair portion <NUM> may have an upper surface formed in a horizontal plane. The PCB <NUM> may be seated on the upper surface of the first stair portion <NUM>. The second stair portion <NUM> may protrude from a lower portion of the first stair portion <NUM> in the radial direction to extend downward of the light source <NUM>. The second stair portion <NUM> may protrude radially from the inner peripheral surface of the first stair portion <NUM>. The light source <NUM> generates light and emits the light downward, and the second stair portion <NUM> may guide the light to the first stair portion <NUM> and the outside of the case <NUM> to illuminate the case <NUM> while being illuminated by the light emitted by the light source <NUM>.

A surface connecting the upper surface of the first stair portion <NUM> and the upper surface of the second stair portion <NUM> to each other may include a first inclined surface <NUM>, a vertical surface <NUM>, and a second inclined surface <NUM>. The first inclined surface <NUM> may extend upward from an upper end of the vertical surface <NUM>, and the second inclined surface <NUM> may extend downward from a lower end of the vertical surface <NUM>. The vertical surface <NUM> may connect between the first inclined surface <NUM> and the second inclined surface <NUM>. Each of the first inclined surface <NUM> and the second inclined surface <NUM> may be disposed closer to the center of the case <NUM> downward. Each of the first inclined surface <NUM>, the vertical surface <NUM>, and the second inclined surface <NUM> may be formed continuously in the circumferential direction of the case <NUM>.

An insertion groove <NUM> into which the edge rib <NUM> is inserted may be formed on the lower surface of the first stair portion <NUM>. When the cover <NUM> is inserted into the open lower side of the case <NUM>, the edge rib <NUM> may be inserted into the insertion groove <NUM>.

As described above, in the switch apparatus for an automobile according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the case <NUM> is illuminated. Accordingly, the user can recognize the position of the capacitive touch pad <NUM> through subtle light emitted from the case <NUM> and emotions of the user can be improved.

Secondly, the dial switch apparatus <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG> as follows.

<FIG> is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the dial switch apparatus illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, <FIG> is a combined perspective view in which the main PCB is excluded in <FIG>, <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a wheel base illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG> is a bottom perspective view in which the wheel base is excluded in <FIG>, <FIG> is a side view of <FIG> and a view illustrating a side cross-sectional view of the wheel base, and <FIG> is a plan view illustrating an inner wheel and an outer wheel illustrated in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, most of the dial switch apparatus <NUM> is formed in an annular shape. The dial switch apparatus <NUM> includes the inner wheel <NUM>, the outer wheel <NUM>, the wheel knob <NUM>, the wheel base <NUM>, and the main PCB (printed circuit board) <NUM>. The inner wheel <NUM>, the outer wheel <NUM>, the wheel knob <NUM>, and the wheel base <NUM> are mounted above the main body <NUM> and disposed in the case body <NUM>, and the upper side of the wheel knob <NUM> may be disposed to be exposed to the upper side of the case body <NUM>. The user can rotate the wheel knob <NUM> in the circumferential direction by placing a hand on the upper side of the wheel knob <NUM> exposed to the upper side of the case body <NUM>.

A surface of the wheel knob <NUM> may be formed of the same metal material as that of the surface of the case body <NUM>. That is, the surface of the wheel knob <NUM> is plated with chrome, and thus, the wheel knob <NUM> may have an approximately silvery color.

Each of the inner wheel <NUM>, the outer wheel <NUM>, the wheel knob <NUM>, and the wheel base <NUM> may be formed in an annular shape to form a space therein, and the touch type switch apparatus <NUM> is installed in the inner space.

The inner wheel <NUM> and the outer wheel <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other in the radial direction. That is, an outer peripheral surface of the inner wheel <NUM> and an inner peripheral surface of the outer wheel <NUM> are spaced apart from each other, and thus, an empty space may be formed between the outer peripheral surface of the inner wheel <NUM> and the inner peripheral surface of the outer wheel <NUM>. The inner wheel <NUM> may be disposed in the inner space of the outer wheel <NUM>.

The outer wheel <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the inner wheel <NUM> in the circumferential direction. In the present embodiment, the outer wheel <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the inner wheel <NUM> through the bearing <NUM> in the circumferential direction. The bearing <NUM> is disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the inner wheel <NUM> and the inner circumferential surface of the outer wheel <NUM> so as to rotatably couple the outer wheel <NUM> to the inner wheel <NUM>. That is, the inner ring of the bearing <NUM> is coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the inner wheel <NUM>, the outer ring of the bearing <NUM> is coupled to the inner peripheral surface of the outer wheel <NUM>, and thus, the outer wheel <NUM> can be rotatably coupled to the inner wheel <NUM>.

The wheel knob <NUM> is a portion that the user directly rotates in a circumferential direction with a finger, and a plurality of protrusions may be formed on the upper surface of the wheel knob <NUM>. The plurality of protrusions may prevent the finger from sliding on the wheel knob <NUM> when the user rotates the wheel knob <NUM> in the circumferential direction.

The wheel knob <NUM> may cover the upper sides of the inner wheel <NUM> and the outer wheel <NUM> and may be coupled to the outer wheel <NUM>. An upper end portion of the outer wheel <NUM> may be inserted into the lower surface of the wheel knob <NUM>. An annular groove into which the upper end portion of the outer wheel <NUM> is inserted may be formed on the lower surface of the wheel knob <NUM>. A coupling protrusion <NUM> may be formed on a peripheral surface of the outer wheel <NUM>, and a coupling hole <NUM> into which the coupling protrusion <NUM> is inserted may be formed on a peripheral surface of the wheel knob <NUM>. When the upper end portion of the outer wheel <NUM> is inserted into the lower surface of the wheel knob <NUM>, the coupling protrusion <NUM> is inserted into the coupling hole <NUM>, and thus, the outer wheel <NUM> and the wheel knob <NUM> can be coupled to each other. A plurality of coupling protrusions <NUM> may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the upper end portion of the outer wheel <NUM> along the circumferential direction, and a plurality of coupling holes <NUM> may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the wheel knob <NUM> along the circumferential direction so as to correspond to the number of coupling protrusions <NUM>.

The lower end portion of the outer wheel <NUM> may not be inserted into the lower surface of the wheel knob <NUM> and may be disposed to protrude toward the lower side of the wheel knob <NUM>. The magnet <NUM> may be inserted into and disposed below the lower end portion of the outer wheel <NUM>. It is preferable that an insertion groove into which the magnet <NUM> is inserted is formed on the lower end portion of the outer wheel <NUM>.

A Hall sensor <NUM> which detects the rotation angles of the wheel knob <NUM> and the outer wheel <NUM> in response to the magnet <NUM> may be disposed on the upper surface of the wheel base <NUM>. The Hall sensor <NUM> may detect the rotation angles of the wheel knob <NUM> and the outer wheel <NUM> and transmit the rotation angles to the main PCB <NUM>, and the main PCB <NUM> may generate different switch signals according to the rotation angles of the wheel knob <NUM> and the outer wheel <NUM> input from the Hall sensor <NUM> and input the switch signals to a controller. A plurality of Hall sensors <NUM> may be provided to be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the wheel base <NUM>.

The wheel base <NUM> may be disposed below the inner wheel <NUM> and the outer wheel <NUM>. The inner wheel <NUM> may be coupled to the wheel base <NUM> so as to be movable up and down. A hook hole <NUM> communicating vertically is formed on the upper surface of the wheel base <NUM>, and a hook portion <NUM> inserted into the hook hole <NUM> may be formed to protrude downward from the inner wheel <NUM>. The hook portion <NUM> is installed to be movable up and down in the hook hole <NUM> and couples the inner wheel <NUM> to the wheel base <NUM> so as to be movable up and down.

A pusher portion <NUM> may be formed to protrude from the lower surface of the wheel base <NUM>.

When the wheel knob <NUM> is pressed downward by the user, the inner wheel <NUM> move downward while being rotated in the up-down direction with the hook portion <NUM> as a rotation center, a lower surface of a portion where the hook portion <NUM> is formed may come into contact with the upper surface of the wheel base <NUM>, and after the lower surface of the inner wheel <NUM> comes into contact with the upper surface of the wheel base <NUM>, the wheel base <NUM> may move downward together with the inner wheel <NUM>. When the wheel base <NUM> is moved downward, the pusher portion <NUM> may contact a switch <NUM> to be described later.

When the wheel knob <NUM> is pressed downward by the user, in the inner wheel <NUM>, the lower surface of the portion where the hook portion <NUM> is formed may come into contact with the upper surface of the wheel base <NUM>, and thus, the hook hole <NUM> and the pusher portion <NUM> are formed at corresponding positions vertically, and, the pusher portion <NUM> can contact the switch <NUM> by a downward pressing force of the user.

Four hook holes <NUM> are disposed on the upper surface of the wheel base <NUM> at intervals of <NUM>° along the circumferential direction, and four hook portions <NUM> may be provided to be inserted into the four hook holes <NUM>, respectively. Accordingly, the dial switch apparatus <NUM> enables the user to perform the push operation at four points corresponding to the four hook portions <NUM> on the upper surface of the wheel knob <NUM>, respectively.

The main PCB <NUM> is disposed below the wheel base. The switch <NUM> is provided on the upper surface of the main PCB <NUM>. The switch <NUM> is contacted by the pusher portion <NUM> when the wheel knob <NUM> is pressed downward by the user, and the main PCB <NUM> may generate a switch signal when the switch <NUM> is contacted and input the switch signal to the controller unit.

An accommodation groove <NUM> may be formed on the upper surface of the wheel base <NUM>. An elastic member <NUM> and a support member <NUM> may be accommodated in the accommodation groove <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM> may be disposed below the support member <NUM> to elastically support the support member <NUM>. The support member <NUM> may be elastically supported by the elastic member <NUM> and may be disposed so as to be movable up and down in the accommodation groove <NUM>. An upper end of the support member <NUM> protrudes upward from the wheel base <NUM> through the accommodation groove <NUM> to come into contact with the lower surface <NUM>, and thus, the support member <NUM> can support the inner wheel <NUM>. A lower end portion of the support member <NUM> protrudes in the radial direction and is engaged in the accommodation groove <NUM>, and thus, the support member <NUM> may not escape to the upper side of the wheel base <NUM> through the accommodation groove <NUM>.

The support member <NUM> moves downward together with the inner wheel <NUM> which is moved downward when the upper surface of the wheel knob <NUM> is pressed downward by the user, and accordingly, the elastic member <NUM> may be compressed to generate an elastic force which pushes the support member <NUM> upward. Therefore, when the pressing force of the user pressing the upper surface of the wheel knob <NUM> is released, the inner wheel <NUM> can be moved to the upper side which is the original position by the elastic force of the elastic member <NUM> and the support member <NUM>.

A plurality of support member <NUM> and a plurality of elastic members <NUM> are provided in the wheel base <NUM>. In the present embodiment, four support members <NUM> and four elastic members <NUM> are provided. The support member <NUM> is disposed between two hook holes <NUM>. The hook hole <NUM> is disposed between two support members <NUM>.

Meanwhile, protrusions <NUM> and grooves <NUM> may be alternately formed on the inner circumferential surface of the outer wheel <NUM> along the circumferential direction, and detents <NUM> and detent elastic member <NUM> elastically supporting the detents <NUM> may be provided in the inner wheel <NUM>. The detent <NUM> may be disposed in contact with at least one of the protrusion <NUM> and the groove <NUM> by an elastic force of the detent elastic member <NUM>. Accordingly, the detent <NUM> may generate vibrations generated while riding the protrusion <NUM> and the groove <NUM> when the outer wheel <NUM> rotates in the circumferential direction. The user can feel an operating feeling of rotating the wheel knob <NUM> by the vibrations.

As described above, the entire shape of the dial switch apparatus <NUM> is formed in an annular shape, and thus, the touch type switch apparatus <NUM> can be installed in the inner space of the dial switch apparatus <NUM>.

Thirdly, the scroll switch apparatus <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG> as follows.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the scroll switch apparatus illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a path through which moisture flows in <FIG>, <FIG> is a view in which the main body and a knob holder are removed in <FIG>, and <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a configuration illustrated in <FIG> and the main PCB disposed inside the main body.

Referring to <FIG>, the scroll switch apparatus <NUM> includes a switch body <NUM> and the scroll switch knob <NUM> which is rotatably coupled to the switch body <NUM>.

At least an outer peripheral surface of the scroll switch knob <NUM> may be formed of the same metal material as that of the surface of the case body <NUM>. That is, the surface of the scroll switch knob <NUM> is plated with chrome, and thus, may have an approximately silvery color.

The main PCB (Printed Circuit Board) <NUM> may be provided inside the switch body <NUM>, and a sensor <NUM> for detecting a rotation angle of the scroll switch knob <NUM> may be mounted on the main PCB <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> may be a photosensor. When the photosensor detects the rotation angle of the scroll switch knob <NUM>, the main PCB <NUM> may generate different switch signals according to the detected rotation angle of the scroll switch knob <NUM> and input the switch signals to the controller.

The switch body <NUM> may include the main body <NUM> and a knob holder <NUM>. An installation portion 100A having an open upper end may be formed to protrude from an upper surface of the main body <NUM>. The open upper end of the installation portion 100A may communicate with the main PCB <NUM>. The knob holder <NUM> shields the open upper end of the installation portion 100Afrom the outside of the installation portion 100A, and may be installed in the installation portion 100A to be linearly movable up and down. The knob holder <NUM> may cover the open upper end of the installation portion 100A and a portion of a side surface of the installation portion 100A. The knob holder <NUM> shields the open upper end of the installation portion 100A, and thus, prevents external moisture from entering the main PCB <NUM> through the scroll switch knob <NUM>.

The knob holder <NUM> includes an upper surface portion 612A which covers an upper end of the installation portion 100A, a side surface portion 612B which extends downward from an edge of the upper surface portion 612A to cover a portion of a side surface of the installation portion 100A, and a pusher portion 612C which is spaced apart from the inside of the side portion 612B, extends downward from a lower surface of the upper surface portion 612A, and is inserted into the inside of the installation portion 100A. The upper end of the installation portion 100A may be inserted and disposed between the side surface portion 612B and the pusher portion 612C.

The knob holder <NUM> may be installed in the main body <NUM> to be linearly moved up and down. One of guide protrusion and the guide groove for guiding the vertical movement of the knob holder <NUM> may be formed to be elongated vertically on an outer surface of the pusher portion 612C, and the other thereof may be formed to be elongated vertically on an inner surface of the installation portion 100A. The guide protrusion may be inserted into the guide groove to guide the vertical movement of the knob holder <NUM>.

The user rotates the scroll switch knob <NUM> to move a cursor on a monitor to a desired menu or display the desired menu on the monitor. The user can press the scroll switch knob <NUM> downward when the cursor on the monitor is located on the desired menu or when the desired menu is displayed on the monitor, and the knob holder <NUM> can be moved downward with respect to the main body <NUM> by the force of the user pressing the scroll switch knob <NUM> downward. In this way, when the knob holder <NUM> is moved downward, the pusher portion 612C of the knob holder <NUM> can be operated by pressing the switch <NUM> provided in the main PCB <NUM>. When the switch <NUM> is pressed by the pusher portion 612C, the main PCB <NUM> can generate the switch signal and input the switch signal to the controller, and the controller controls the menu to be executed when the switch signal is input.

A first insertion rib 612F and a second insertion rib <NUM> are formed to protrude from an upper surface of the knob holder <NUM>. The first insertion rib 612F and the second insertion rib <NUM> may be formed to protrude from an upper surface of the upper surface portion 612A and may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in an axial direction. The scroll switch knob <NUM> is formed to be elongated in the axial direction, and may be inserted and disposed between the first insertion rib 612F and the second insertion rib <NUM>.

A portion of the scroll switch knob <NUM> in the radial direction may be disposed to protrude toward one side of each of the first insertion rib 612F and the second insertion rib <NUM>. That is, in the drawing, an upper portion of the scroll switch knob <NUM> may be disposed to protrude upward from the first insertion rib 612F and the second insertion rib <NUM>. Each of the first insertion rib 612F and the second insertion rib <NUM> may be formed in a rectangular shape having an open side in the axial direction. The one side of the first insertion rib 621F which is open in the axial direction and the one side of the second insertion rib <NUM> which is open in the axial direction may be disposed to face each other. Moisture flowing downward along the outer surface of the scroll switch knob <NUM> flows to the upper surface of the upper surface portion 612A corresponding to the outer sides of the first insertion rib 612F and the second insertion rib 612B through a portion between the first insertion rib 612F and the second insertion rib <NUM>, and thereafter, the moisture may flow downward of the main body <NUM> through the outer surfaces of the side surface portion 612B and the installation portion 100A.

A first coupling rib 612D may be formed to protrude from an upper end of the first insertion rib 612F, and a second coupling rib 612E may be formed to protrude from an upper end of the second insertion rib <NUM>.

The scroll switch knob <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the knob holder <NUM>. A rotating shaft 627A may be formed to protrude from the scroll switch knob <NUM> in the axial direction. The rotating shaft 627A may be formed to axially protrude from at least one surface of the scroll switch knob <NUM> in the axial direction.

The rotating shaft 627A of the scroll switch knob <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to at least one of the first coupling rib 612D and the second coupling rib 612E in the circumferential direction. A hole having an open upper side is formed in each of the first coupling rib 612D and the second coupling rib 612E, and the rotating shaft 627A is inserted into the open hole on the upper side of each of the first coupling rib 612D and the second coupling rib 612E and may be rotatably coupled. The scroll switch knob <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the second coupling rib 612E through the rotating shaft 627A in the circumferential direction, and may be rotatably provided on the switch body <NUM> in a circumferential direction. The scroll switch knob <NUM> may be rotated with the rotating shaft 627A as a rotation center.

A knob gear <NUM> may be installed on the rotating shaft 627A. A sensor shaft <NUM> may be rotatably installed in the pusher portion 612C of the knob holder <NUM>. The rotating shaft 627A and the sensor shaft <NUM> may be disposed parallel to each other. The sensor shaft <NUM> may be rotated by a rotational force of the scroll switch knob <NUM>. A third coupling rib612L and a fourth coupling rib612M may be formed to be spaced apart in the axial direction inside the pusher portion 612C. The sensor shaft <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the third coupling rib612L and the fourth coupling rib <NUM>. A hole having an open lower side is formed in each of the third coupling rib <NUM> and the fourth coupling rib <NUM>, the sensor shaft <NUM> is inserted into the open lower side on the lower side of each of the third coupling rib <NUM> and the fourth coupling ribs <NUM>, and may be rotatably coupled.

A hole (not illustrated) through which the sensor shaft <NUM> passes is formed in the installation portion 100A, a portion of the sensor shaft <NUM> may be disposed inside the installation portion 100A, and the rest thereof may be disposed outside the installation portion 100A. When the knob holder <NUM> is linearly moved up and down, preferably, the hole formed in the installation portion 100A through which the sensor shaft <NUM> passes is formed to be elongated vertically so that the sensor shaft <NUM> can be linearly moved up and down together with the knob holder <NUM>.

A detection unit <NUM> detected by the photosensor may be formed in an inner insertion portion of the sensor shaft <NUM> which is inserted into the installation portion 100A. In the detection unit <NUM>, a plurality of holes <NUM> may be formed along the circumferential direction, and as the sensor shaft <NUM> is rotated in the circumferential direction, the sensor <NUM> may detect the rotation angle of the detection unit <NUM> by sequentially detecting the hole <NUM> formed in the detection unit <NUM> and a portion other than the hole <NUM>, and eventually, detect the rotation angel of the scroll switch knob <NUM>. That is, the sensor <NUM> may detect the rotation angle in the circumferential direction of the detection unit <NUM> when the sensor shaft <NUM> is rotated in the circumferential direction, and the switch <NUM> may be pressed by the pusher portion 612C when the knob holder <NUM> linearly moves.

A first gear <NUM> may be formed on a protrusion of the sensor shaft <NUM> which is disposed to protrude to the outside of the installation portion 100A. The first gear <NUM> may be disposed outside the knob holder <NUM>. The first gear <NUM> may be rotated by the rotational force of the knob gear <NUM>.

A second gear <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to an outer surface of the knob holder <NUM>. A shaft portion <NUM> may protrude from a center of one surface of the second gear <NUM>. A hole <NUM> into which the shaft portion <NUM> is inserted and is rotatably disposed may be formed in the side surface portion 612B and the pusher portion 612C of the knob holder <NUM>, and a coupling rib (not illustrated) to which the shaft portion <NUM> is rotatably coupled may be formed inside the pusher portion 612C. Here, the coupling rib may have the same structure as those of the first to fourth coupling ribs 612D, 612E, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The shaft portion <NUM> is inserted into the hole <NUM> and is rotatably coupled to the knob holder <NUM> through the coupling rib, and thus, the second gear <NUM> may be rotatably disposed outside the knob holder <NUM>.

The second gear <NUM> may be disposed between the knob gear <NUM> and the first gear <NUM> and may be engaged with the knob gear <NUM> and the first gear <NUM>, respectively. Therefore, when the scroll switch knob <NUM> is rotated, the sensor shaft <NUM> may be rotated. A diameter of the second gear <NUM> may be larger than a diameter of the knob gear <NUM> and a diameter of the first gear <NUM>. The diameter of the second gear <NUM> is formed to be larger than the diameter of the knob gear <NUM> and the diameter of the first gear <NUM>, and thus, the sensor shaft <NUM> is rotated only when the scroll switch knob <NUM> is rotated with a large rotation angle, and a precise control to generate the switch signal can be performed.

As described above, the scroll switch apparatus <NUM> includes the sensor <NUM> and the switch <NUM> on one main PCB <NUM>, and when the user rotates the scroll switch knob <NUM>, the sensor <NUM> detects that the detection unit <NUM> of the sensor shaft <NUM> is rotated to detect the rotation angle of the scroll switch knob <NUM>, and when the user presses the scroll switch knob <NUM>, the knob holder Since <NUM> is linearly moved to contact the switch <NUM>, and thus, it is possible to detect that the scroll switch knob <NUM> is pressed.

In addition, the knob holder <NUM> shields the open upper end of the installation portion 100A. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the external moisture from flowing into the main PCB <NUM> through a gap between the main body <NUM> and the knob holder <NUM> after flowing down through the scroll switch knob <NUM>.

<FIG> is a front exploded perspective view of the scroll switch knob illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG> is a view illustrating a combined state of an elastic member, a detent, and a cam member in <FIG>, and <FIG> is a rear exploded perspective view of the scroll switch knob illustrated in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the scroll switch knob <NUM> includes a detent holder <NUM>, a scroll knob body <NUM>, elastic members <NUM> and <NUM>, detents <NUM> and <NUM>, and a cam member27.

The detent holder <NUM> is formed to be elongated in the axial direction, and has a circular shape when cut in the radial direction.

The finger of the user comes into direct contact with the scroll knob body <NUM>, and the scroll knob body <NUM> is rotated by the finger of the user and may have a plurality of protrusions 22A formed on an outer peripheral surface of thereof. The plurality of protrusions 22A can prevent the finger of the user from slipping when the user rotates the scroll knob body <NUM>. The scroll knob body <NUM> is formed to be elongated in the axial direction. An axial length of the scroll knob body <NUM> is longer than an axial length of the detent holder <NUM>. The scroll knob body <NUM> is formed to have a hollow inner portion, and the detent holder <NUM> is inserted into the scroll knob body <NUM> to be elongated in the axial direction.

As described above, the detent holder <NUM> is coupled to the knob holder <NUM> of the switch body <NUM> so as not to rotate in the circumferential direction through a rotation prevention protrusion 21A. The scroll knob body <NUM> is rotatably provided with respect to the detent holder <NUM> in a circumferential direction.

The elastic members <NUM> and <NUM> are inserted into the scroll knob body <NUM> and installed in the detent holder <NUM>. Each of the elastic members <NUM> and <NUM> includes a coil spring, can be compressed or tensioned in the axial direction, and can generate an elastic force in the axial direction. A plurality of elastic members <NUM> and <NUM> may be provided, and in the present embodiment, two elastic members are provided and include a first elastic member <NUM> and a second elastic member <NUM>.

The detents <NUM> and <NUM> are inserted into the scroll knob main body <NUM> and are mounted on the detent holder <NUM> so that the detents <NUM> and <NUM> are elastically supported by the elastic members <NUM> and <NUM> so as to be movable in the axial direction. Each of the detents <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed to have a diameter larger than that of each of the elastic members <NUM> and <NUM>. Support protrusions 25A and 26A inserted into the elastic members <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed in the detents <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. The detents <NUM> and <NUM> may be elastically supported by the elastic members <NUM> and <NUM> through the support protrusions 25A and 26A. A plurality of detents <NUM> and <NUM> may be provided to have the number corresponding to the number of the elastic members <NUM> and <NUM>, and in the present embodiment, two detents <NUM> and <NUM> are provided, and the first detent <NUM> and the second detent <NUM> are provided.

The cam member <NUM> is coupled to the scroll knob body <NUM> and may be rotated together with the scroll knob body <NUM>. In the cam member <NUM>, vibration generating protrusions 27B and vibration generating grooves 27C are alternately formed along the circumferential direction on one surface facing the detent holder <NUM>. When the scroll knob main body <NUM> rotates, the detents <NUM> and <NUM> ride over the vibration generating protrusions 27B and the vibration generating groove 27Cs. Vibration generated in the case are transmitted to the finger of the user, and thus, the user can feel the operation of rotating the scroll switch knob <NUM> with the touch of the finger.

A rotating shaft 27A rotatably coupled to the knob holder <NUM> of the switch body <NUM> is formed to protrude from the other surface of the cam member <NUM>, and the scroll knob body <NUM> may be rotatably provided with the rotating shaft 27A as a rotation center. The rotating shaft 27A may be rotatably coupled to the second coupling rib 12E of the knob holder <NUM> of the switch body <NUM> in a circumferential direction. The rotating shaft 27A may be the rotating shaft 27A of the scroll switch knob <NUM>.

A through hole 22B is formed on one surface of the scroll knob body <NUM> which is a surface opposite to the rotating shaft 27A, and the rotation prevention protrusion 21A which passes through the through hole 22B and is coupled to the switch body <NUM> so as not to be rotated in the circumferential direction may be formed on one surface of the detent holder <NUM>. The rotation preventing protrusion 21A may be coupled to the first coupling rib 12D of the knob holder <NUM> of the switch body <NUM> so as not to rotate in the circumferential direction.

Insertion grooves 21B and 21C into which the elastic members <NUM> and <NUM> and the detents <NUM> and <NUM> are inserted may be formed on the other surface of the detent holder <NUM>. The elastic members <NUM> and <NUM> and the detents <NUM> and <NUM> may be inserted into the insertion grooves 21B and 21C to be installed in the detent holder <NUM>. Distal ends of the detents <NUM> and <NUM> protrude from the insertion grooves 21B and 21C and may come into contact with at least one of the vibration generating protrusion 27B and the vibration generating groove 27C formed on one surface of the cam member <NUM>. A plurality of insertion grooves 21B and 21C may be formed to have a number corresponding to each of the number of the elastic members <NUM> and <NUM> and the number of the detents <NUM> and <NUM>, and in the present embodiment, the first insertion groove 21B and the second insertion groove 21C are provided. The first insertion groove 21B and the second insertion groove 21C may be disposed at intervals of <NUM>° in the circumferential direction.

A center groove 21D is formed at a center of the other surface of the detent holder <NUM>, and a center shaft 27D which is inserted into the center groove 21D and is rotatably disposed is formed to protrude from a center of one surface of the cam member <NUM>. The scroll knob body <NUM> and the cam member <NUM> are coupled to each other and rotated integrally. Accordingly, when the scroll knob body <NUM> and the cam member <NUM> are rotated integrally with each other, the center shaft 27D guides the rotations of the scroll knob body <NUM> and the cam member <NUM> while being rotated in the center groove 21D.

The other surface of the scroll knob body <NUM> may be open, and the detent holder <NUM>, the elastic members <NUM> and <NUM>, the detent <NUM> and <NUM>, and the cam member <NUM> may be inserted into the scroll knob body <NUM> through the open other surface of the scroll knob body <NUM>. The cam member <NUM> may shield the open other surface of the scroll knob body <NUM>.

A coupling groove 22C may be formed in any one of the inner peripheral surface of the scroll knob body <NUM> and the outer peripheral surface of the cam member <NUM>, and a coupling protrusion 27E which is inserted into the coupling groove 22C so as to be coupled may be formed in the other thereof. In the present embodiment, the coupling groove 22C is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the scroll knob body <NUM>, and the coupling protrusion 27E may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cam member <NUM>. A plurality of coupling grooves 22C and a plurality of coupling protrusions 27E may be each formed to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

Claim 1:
A switch apparatus for an automobile, comprising:
a main body (<NUM>) which has an open lower side;
a cover body (<NUM>) which is inserted into the open lower side of the main body (<NUM>) and is coupled to the main body (<NUM>);
a dial switch apparatus (<NUM>) which is installed on the main body (<NUM>) and has an annular wheel knob (<NUM>) rotatable with a virtual rotation axis disposed in a vertical direction as a rotation center;
a touch type switch apparatus (<NUM>) which is installed on the main body (<NUM>) and has a capacitive touch pad (<NUM>) configured to be touched by a user and pressed in an up-down direction, wherein the capacitive touch pad (<NUM>) is disposed inside the wheel knob (<NUM>);
a main PCB (<NUM>) which is coupled to the cover body (<NUM>) to be disposed in the main body (<NUM>) and into which a switch signal is input from the dial switch apparatus (<NUM>) and the touch type switch apparatus (<NUM>); and
a case body (<NUM>) which is coupled to the main body (<NUM>) and has a hole (<NUM>), through which the wheel knob (<NUM>) and the capacitive touch pad (<NUM>) are exposed, on an upper side;
characterized in that a first installation rib (<NUM>) is formed to protrude from an upper surface of the main body (<NUM>), and
an input unit insertion groove (<NUM>) into which a lower portion of the dial switch apparatus (<NUM>) and a lower portion of the touch type switch apparatus (<NUM>) are inserted is formed inside the first installation rib (<NUM>),
a first drain rib (<NUM>) is formed to protrude downward from the main body (<NUM>), and a first drain hole (<NUM>) extending downward from a bottom surface of the input unit insertion groove (<NUM>) is formed inside the first drain rib (<NUM>),
the main PCB (<NUM>) includes a through hole (<NUM>) through which the first drain rib (<NUM>) passes, and
a second drain rib (<NUM>) is formed to protrude upward from the cover body (<NUM>), and a second drain hole (<NUM>) into which the first drain rib (<NUM>) is inserted is formed inside the second drain rib (<NUM>); and
wherein the second drain rib (<NUM>) supports a lower surface of the main PCB (<NUM>).