Rotary operating device

Abstract

The rotary operating device comprises: a shell having an annular hollow portion with an upper opening; an annular rotating shaft component, which is arranged to be rotatable relative to the shell to block the hollow portion; an operating component, which has an annular shape covering the lower opening of the hollow portion, and is arranged to engage with the rotating shaft component and rotate together with the rotating shaft component; and a sensor, which is arranged in the hollow portion and detects the rotation of the rotating shaft component, the shell having an annular inner circumferential wall portion, the operating component having an annular inner cylinder portion, the annular circumferential wall portion of the rotating shaft component arranged along the outer circumferential surface of the inner circumferential wall portion is suspended, and the first gap portion between the inner circumferential wall portion of the shell and the circumferential wall portion of the rotating shaft component is narrower than the second gap portion between the inner circumferential surface of the rotating shaft component and the inner cylinder portion of the operating component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a rotary operating device. Background Art

[0002] In the following patent document 1, regarding the installation structure of an operating switch for a washing machine, the following technology is disclosed: by engaging a rib formed on the back of an operating box with a rib formed on the upper surface of a mounting plate, water entering from the periphery of an operating button is cut off and the water is caused to flow out from a drain hole, thereby preventing the terminal from getting wet.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 60-12544 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] However, there is a known rotary operating device that includes an operating member that is rotatable relative to a housing and a sensor that is disposed inside the housing. In addition, in the past, when such a rotary operating device is provided with a waterproof structure to prevent the sensor from being soaked in water, it is necessary to provide a sealing member such as an O-ring between the operating member and the housing. However, when the rotary operating device is provided with a sealing member, not only the number of components increases, but also the rotation load of the operating member increases, so it is difficult to present a light rotary operation feeling to the operator.

[0008] Means for solving problems

[0009] A rotary operating device in one embodiment comprises: a shell having an annular hollow portion with an upper opening; an annular rotating shaft component, which is configured to be rotatable relative to the shell to block the hollow portion; an operating component, which has an annular shape covering the lower opening of the hollow portion, and is configured to engage with the rotating shaft component and rotate together with the rotating shaft component; and a sensor, which is arranged in the hollow portion and detects the rotation of the rotating shaft component, the shell having an annular inner circumferential wall portion, the operating component having an annular inner cylinder portion, the annular circumferential wall portion of the rotating shaft component arranged along the outer circumferential surface of the inner circumferential wall portion is suspended, and the first gap portion between the inner circumferential wall portion of the shell and the circumferential wall portion of the rotating shaft component is narrower than the second gap portion between the inner circumferential surface of the rotating shaft component and the inner cylinder portion of the operating component.

[0010] Effects of the Invention

[0011] According to the rotary operating device of one embodiment, no sealing member is provided, and the sensor inside can be prevented from being exposed to water. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1This is a perspective view of the appearance of a rotary operating device (with a knob attached) according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the appearance of the rotary operating device (with the knob removed) according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective view of a rotary operating device according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a rotary operating device according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A partial enlarged view of the rotary operating device shown.

[0017] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing a flow path of a liquid in a rotary operating device according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 Another enlarged view of a part of the rotary operating device shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Hereinafter, one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] (Overview of Rotational Operation Device 100)

[0021] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a rotary operation device 100 (with a knob attached) according to one embodiment. Figure 2 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a rotary operating device 100 (with the knob removed) according to an embodiment. In the following description, for convenience, the thickness direction of the rotary operating device 100 is set as the up-down direction (Z-axis direction), and the radial direction of the rotary operating device 100 is set as the front-back direction (X-axis direction) and the left-right direction (Y-axis direction).

[0022] Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The rotary operation device 100 shown is mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile and is used to operate an onboard device (for example, an air conditioner) provided in the vehicle. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the rotary operation device 100 has a relatively thin cylindrical shape. The rotary operation device 100 is installed in a position (for example, a center console) in the interior of the vehicle where the operator can operate it.

[0023] The rotary operation device 100 includes a housing 110 , a rotary shaft member 120 , and a knob 130 . The housing 110 is a member fixed to a predetermined installation surface at its bottom surface portion. The rotary shaft member 120 is provided to be rotatable relative to the housing 110 .

[0024] The knob 130 is an example of an "operating member". The knob 130 has a ring shape with an opening at the bottom, covering the inner side, the upper side, and the outer side of the housing 110. The knob 130 is rotated together with the rotating shaft member 120 by the operator. The knob 130 can be rotated in both the clockwise direction (the direction of the arrow A in the figure) and the counterclockwise direction (the direction of the arrow B in the figure).

[0025] The rotary operation device 100 is provided with a FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits) 140 extending downward from the housing 110. The rotary operation device 100 can be operated by two photo interrupters 141 and 142 (see FIG. 1 ) provided on the FPC 140 in the housing 110. Figure 3 ) detects the rotation operation of the knob 130 and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the rotation operation to the outside via the FPC 140.

[0026] (Configuration of Rotational Operation Device 100)

[0027] Figure 3 1 is an exploded perspective view of a rotary operation device 100 according to one embodiment. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a rotary operating device 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 4 , the rotary operation device 100 is shown in a state where it is installed on the installation surface 10 which is inclined downward and backward.

[0028] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the rotary operation device 100 includes a housing 110 , a rotary shaft member 120 , a knob 130 , an FPC 140 , a leaf spring 150 , and a cover 160 .

[0029] The housing 110 is a resin annular member that functions as a base of the rotary operation device 100. The housing 110 includes a bottom wall 111, an inner peripheral wall 112, and an outer peripheral wall 113, and thus has an annular cavity 110A opened at the top.

[0030] FPC140 is an example of a "flexible substrate" and is a flexible strip-shaped and film-shaped wiring component. FPC140 is led downward from the cutout portion 113B of the outer peripheral wall portion 113 of the housing 110. One end portion 140A of FPC140 is horizontally arranged relative to the upper surface of the bottom wall portion 111 of the housing 110. Two photo interrupters 141 and 142 are provided at one end portion 140A of FPC140. Photo interrupters 141 and 142 are an example of a "sensor" that detects the rotation of the rotating shaft component 120 and outputs a rotation detection signal. Photo interrupters 141 and 142 are configured to have a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and will be able to identify whether the light emitted from the light emitting element is received by the light receiving element (that is, whether it is received by the light shielding portion 122 (refer to Figure 4 ) is blocked) as a rotation detection signal. The FPC 140 is at the other end 140B (refer to Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 ) is connected to the outside. Thus, FPC140 can transmit the rotation detection signal output from the two photo interrupters 141, 142 to the outside. The external device determines the light shielding order of the two photo interrupters 141, 142 based on the rotation detection signal output from the two photo interrupters 141, 142, thereby being able to determine the rotation direction of the rotating shaft component 120. FPC140 is composed, for example, of covering both surfaces of a strip-shaped conductor wiring (for example, copper foil, etc.) with a thin film-like material having flexibility and insulation (for example, polyimide resin, polyethylene terephthalate (PET: Polyethyleneterephthalate), etc.).

[0031] The rotating shaft member 120 is an annular member rotatably provided to close the hollow portion 110A of the housing 110. A cam surface 121 is formed on the surface of the outer peripheral portion of the rotating shaft member 120. The cam surface 121 has a structure in which a plurality of cam ridges are continuously provided in the circumferential direction.

[0032] The leaf spring 150 is a metal, annular elastic member. The leaf spring 150 is overlapped and arranged on the cam surface 121 of the rotating shaft member 120. The leaf spring 150 has a pair of protrusions 151 arranged at intervals of 180 degrees. The protrusion 151 is a convex portion that is bent and protrudes downward. The leaf spring 150 is forced downward by the cover 160, so that the protrusion 151 is pressed against the cam surface 121 of the rotating shaft member 120. The protrusion 151 slides on the cam surface 121 as the rotating shaft member 120 rotates. As a result, the protrusion 151 can provide a click feeling at every specified rotation angle relative to the rotation action of the rotating shaft member 120 (that is, relative to the rotation operation of the knob 130).

[0033] The cover 160 is a metal component having a flat plate shape and an annular shape. The cover 160 is mounted on the housing 110, thereby blocking the upper part of the hollow portion 110A when the rotating shaft component 120 and the leaf spring 150 are assembled in the hollow portion 110A of the housing 110. Thus, the cover 160 restricts the upward movement of the rotating shaft component 120 and the leaf spring 150. Four hooks 161 arranged at intervals of 90° are suspended from the outer peripheral edge of the cover 160. The cover 160 is fixed to the housing 110 by the four hooks 161 respectively engaging with the four protrusions 114 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 110 at intervals of 90°. In addition, in the outer peripheral edge of the cover 160, a pressing portion 162 is suspended at a position corresponding to the lead-out position of the FPC 140. On the other hand, a guide portion 115 is provided hanging down from the lead-out position of the FPC 140 in the outer peripheral edge portion of the housing 110 (the lower side of the cutout portion 113B of the outer peripheral wall portion 113). The pressing portion 162 presses the FPC 140 (the portion guided by the guide portion 115) led downward from the cutout portion 113B of the outer peripheral wall portion 113 of the housing 110 against the guide portion 115 of the housing 110. Thus, the pressing portion 162 can suppress the FPC 140 from floating from the guide portion 115. In addition, the pressing portion 162 contacts the ground wiring (not shown) exposed on the surface of the FPC 140. Thus, the pressing portion 162 can release the static electricity generated in the rotary operating device 100 to the ground wiring via the cover 160 and the pressing portion 162.

[0034] (Water Stopping Structure of Rotary Operation Device 100)

[0035] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a partial enlarged view of the rotary operating device 100 shown in FIG. Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a flow path of a liquid in a rotary operation device 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 In the figure, arrow G indicates the direction of gravity.

[0036] like Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the housing 110 has an annular inner peripheral wall portion 112 vertically erected from the inner peripheral edge portion of the annular bottom wall portion 111. Figure 5 As shown, in the rotating shaft member 120, an annular peripheral wall portion 123 is provided along the outer peripheral surface of the inner peripheral wall portion 112 of the housing 110. A very small first gap D1 is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the inner peripheral wall portion 112 and the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 123.

[0037] In addition, if Figure 5 as well as Figure 6As shown, the knob 130 has an annular inner cylinder portion 131 at the innermost side (rotation center side). The inner cylinder portion 131 is arranged at a position closer to the inner side (rotation center side) than the inner peripheral wall portion 112 of the housing 110. A second gap portion D2 is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder portion 131 and the inner peripheral surface of the rotating shaft member 120.

[0038] Here, if Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the first gap D1 between the outer peripheral surface of the inner peripheral wall portion 112 of the housing 110 and the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 123 of the rotating shaft member 120 is narrower than the second gap D2 between the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder portion 131 of the knob 130 and the inner peripheral surface of the rotating shaft member 120 .

[0039] Therefore, if Figure 6 As shown by the thick arrow in the middle, in a rotary operating device 100 of one embodiment, liquid such as water that enters between the inner cylinder portion 131 of the knob 130 and the inner peripheral wall portion 112 of the shell 110 from the lower side of the inner cylinder portion 131 of the knob 130 is transferred along the inner surface of the knob 130 through the second gap portion D2 that is wider than the first gap portion D1, and is discharged to the outside of the rotary operating device 100 from between the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder portion 132 of the knob 130 and the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall portion 113 of the shell 110.

[0040] That is, in the rotary operating device 100 of one embodiment, the first gap D1 narrower than the second gap D2 can prevent liquid such as water that enters between the inner cylinder 131 of the knob 130 and the inner peripheral wall 112 of the housing 110 from entering the cavity 110A of the housing 110. As a result, in the rotary operating device 100 of one embodiment, the photo interrupters 141 and 142 provided in the cavity 110A can be prevented from being soaked in water.

[0041] In addition, if Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the pressing portion 162 provided downwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the cover 160 is provided at a position on the lower side in the gravity direction when the rotary operating device 100 is placed on the installation surface 10. Thus, the rotary operating device 100 of one embodiment can discharge the liquid transferred between the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder portion 132 of the knob 130 and the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall portion 113 of the housing 110 along the pressing portion 162 to the outside of the rotary operating device 100.

[0042] In addition, the outer wall 113 of the housing 110 has a cutout 113B for leading out the FPC 140. Therefore, in the rotary operating device 100 of one embodiment, even if liquid intrudes into the hollow portion 110A of the housing 110, the liquid can be discharged from the cutout 113B formed on the lower side in the gravity direction.

[0043] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 Another partially enlarged view of the rotary operation device 100 is shown.

[0044] like Figure 7 As shown, the rotating shaft member 120 is in contact with the upper surface of the step portion 112A provided on the outer peripheral surface of the inner peripheral wall portion 112 of the housing 110 via the lower end surface 120C of the peripheral wall portion 123 on the radially inner side.

[0045] In addition, if Figure 7 As shown, the rotating shaft member 120 contacts the upper surface of the step portion 113A provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall portion 113 of the housing 110 through the lower surface 120B on the outer peripheral edge portion side on the radial outer side. This contact portion is also formed in an annular shape and is continuously provided except for the vicinity of the cutout portion 113B of the outer peripheral wall portion 113 of the housing 110. Therefore, when the rotary operation device 100 is provided in such a manner that the cutout portion 113B is located at the lower side in the gravity direction, the upper portion of the housing 110 in the gravity direction can be closed in an annular shape, thereby improving the waterproof effect of the housing 110.

[0046] In addition, if Figure 7 As shown, the upper surface 120A on the inner peripheral edge side of the rotating shaft member 120 abuts against the top surface 130A on the inner cylinder portion 131 side of the knob 130 , on the inner side in the radial direction.

[0047] Therefore, in one embodiment of the rotary operation device 100, as Figure 7 As shown by the thick arrow, the upper surface 120A of the rotating shaft member 120 receives the pressure applied to the knob 130 from above, and the pressure can be dispersed to the inner peripheral wall portion 112 of the housing 110 and the outer peripheral wall portion 113 of the housing 110 .

[0048] Thus, in the rotary operating device 100 of one embodiment, when the bottom surface portion of the housing 110 is bonded to the installation surface 10 by the double-sided tape 20 (an example of the "bonding means"), the pressure applied to the knob 130 from above can be dispersed to the portion on the inner peripheral wall portion 112 side and the portion on the outer peripheral wall portion 113 side of the bottom surface portion of the housing 110. Thus, in the rotary operating device 100 of one embodiment, the deviation of the bonding of the double-sided tape 20 can be suppressed, and thus the bonding strength of the double-sided tape 20 can be further improved.

[0049] Grease is applied between the lower surface 120B of the rotating shaft member 120 and the upper surface of the step portion 113A of the housing 110 (the portion indicated by arrow C in the figure), thereby suppressing sliding resistance when the rotating shaft member 120 rotates.

[0050] As mentioned above, although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications or changes can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.

[0051] The present international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-058465 filed on March 27, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0052] Explanation of symbols

[0053] 10: Setting surface; 20: Double-sided tape (adhesive unit); 100: Rotating operating device; 110: Shell; 110A: Hollow portion; 111: Bottom wall portion; 112: Inner wall portion; 113: Outer wall portion; 113B: Cut-out portion; 114: Protrusion portion; 115: Guide portion; 120: Rotating shaft portion; 121: Cam surface; 130: Knob (operating portion); 140: FPC (flexible substrate); 140A: One end portion; 140B: The other end portion; 141, 142: Photo interrupter; 150: Leaf spring; 151: Protrusion portion; 160: Cover; 161: Hook; 162: Pressing portion; D1: First gap portion; D2: Second gap portion.

Claims

1. A rotary operating device, characterized in that: have: The shell has an annular hollow portion with an upper opening; An annular rotating shaft member is arranged to be rotatable relative to the housing to block the hollow portion; an operating member having a ring shape covering the hollow portion and having an opening at the bottom, and arranged to engage with the rotating shaft member and rotate together with the rotating shaft member; and A sensor is disposed in the hollow portion to detect the rotation of the rotating shaft member. The housing has an annular inner wall portion. The operating member has an annular inner cylinder. The annular peripheral wall portion of the rotating shaft member is arranged along the outer peripheral surface of the inner peripheral wall portion and is suspended. A first gap portion between the inner peripheral wall portion of the housing and the peripheral wall portion of the rotating shaft member is narrower than a second gap portion between the inner peripheral surface of the rotating shaft member and the inner cylinder portion of the operating member.

2. The rotary operation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing has an annular outer wall portion. The above-mentioned rotating shaft component is, The lower end surface of the peripheral wall portion abuts against the upper surface of the step portion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the inner peripheral wall portion of the housing. The lower surface of the outer peripheral edge portion of the rotating shaft member abuts against the upper surface of the step portion provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall portion of the housing.

3. The rotary operation device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bottom surface of the housing is bonded to the installation surface by bonding means.

4. The rotary operation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The housing has a cutout portion for leading out the flexible substrate at a position located on the lower side in the gravity direction when the housing is installed on the inclined installation surface.

5. The rotary operation device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The rotary operation device further includes an annular cover mounted on the housing to restrict the upward movement of the rotary shaft member. The cover has a pressing portion which is provided downwardly at an outer peripheral edge portion of the cover at a position on a lower side in a gravity direction and presses a surface of the flexible substrate drawn out from the cutout portion.

6. The rotary operation device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The housing has a step portion which is continuously provided in an annular shape on the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall portion except in the vicinity of the cutout portion. The lower surface of the outer peripheral edge portion of the rotating shaft member abuts against the upper surface of the step portion.

7. The rotary operation device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The housing has a step portion which is continuously provided in an annular shape on the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall portion except in the vicinity of the cutout portion. The lower surface of the outer peripheral edge portion of the rotating shaft member abuts against the upper surface of the step portion.

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