Operating device and acoustic device

Abstract

The present invention comprises: a rotary member (31); a sleeve member (32) having at least one of a protuberant portion protruding in the direction away from the axis of rotation of the rotary member in a first direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation or a dimpled portion having a dimple in the direction approaching the axis of rotation in the first direction, the sleeve member accepting insertion of the rotary member thereinto and engaging with the rotary member; a latch member (33) having at least one latch portion which is disposed on the outer circumferential side of the sleeve member with respect to the axis of rotation and which is disposed at a position facing at least one of the protuberant portion or the dimpled portion; and an abutting portion (36) that presses the latch member against the sleeve member.

Description

Control and sound devices

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating device and an audio device.

[0002] Conventionally, operating devices with rotating members have been used in various devices. For example, Non-Patent Document 1 describes an amplifier with an operating knob that can adjust multiple factors by itself for the purpose of saving space, etc.

[0003] THR (Yamaha Corporation) product introduction website (https: / / jp.yamaha.com / products / musical_instruments / guitars_basses / amps_accessories / thr / index.html)

[0004] There are various requirements for operating devices equipped with rotating members depending on the application. For example, for operating devices used in audio equipment, users such as DJs often have high requirements for operational feel and operability. The present invention aims to provide an operating device that has a favorable operational feel and high operability depending on the purpose of operation, and an audio device equipped with the operating device.

[0005] [1] An operating device comprising: a rotating member; a sleeve member having at least one of a convex portion protruding away from the rotating shaft in a first direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotating member and a concave portion having a recess in the first direction approaching the rotation axis, the sleeve member allowing the rotating member to pass therethrough and engaging with the rotating member; a latch member arranged on the outer circumferential side of the sleeve member with respect to the rotation axis and having at least one latch portion arranged in a position facing at least one of the convex portion and the concave portion; and an abutment portion that presses the latch member against the sleeve member. [2] The operating device according to [1], wherein the abutment portion is made of an elastic member. [3] The operating device according to [1] or [2], wherein the sleeve member rotates integrally with the rotating member. [4] The operating device according to any of [1] to [3], wherein the sleeve member has a plurality of convex portions and concave portions on a side surface in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis. [5] The operating device according to any one of [1] to [4], further comprising an operating knob that is fitted over the rotating member, and at least one of the convex portion and the concave portion is positioned in a position corresponding to the adjustment content achieved by operating the operating knob. [6] The operating device according to any one of [1] to [5], further comprising a switching unit that switches between a first state in which the sleeve member and the latch member can contact each other, and a second state in which the sleeve member and the latch member do not contact each other. [7] The operating device according to [6], wherein the adjustment content includes stepwise adjustment, and the sleeve member has at least one concave portion at a position corresponding to the step of adjustment. [8] The operating device according to [6], wherein the adjustment content includes adjustment related to a plurality of factors, and the sleeve member has at least one convex portion at a position corresponding to the boundary between the plurality of factors. [9] An acoustic device comprising the operating device according to any one of [1] to [8].

[0006] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the external configuration of an operating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the structure of the operating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the relative positional relationship between a sleeve member and a latch member; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the shapes of the sleeve member and the latch member; FIG. 5 is another schematic diagram illustrating the sleeve member and the latch member; FIG. 6 is another schematic diagram illustrating the sleeve member and the latch member; FIG. 7 is another schematic diagram illustrating the sleeve member and the latch member; FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an operating device according to a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 9 is another schematic diagram showing the structure of an operating device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0007] First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. [Configuration of Operating Device] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the external configuration of an operating device 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the operating device 1 includes a housing 2 and an operating unit 3 provided in the housing 2. The operating device 1 accepts user operations on the operating unit 3. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the structure of the operating device 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the operating unit 3 includes a shaft 31 which is a rotating member, a sleeve member 32 which engages with the shaft 31 and rotates integrally therewith, a latch member 33 which is disposed on the outer periphery of the sleeve member 32, a case 34 which covers the sleeve member 32 and the latch member 33, an operating knob 35 which is fitted over the shaft 31, and an abutment portion 36 which presses the latch member 33 against the sleeve member 32.

[0008] In the following description, the three mutually orthogonal directions are referred to as the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction. Of these, the Z direction is a direction along the rotation axis Rx of the shaft 31. The X direction and the Y direction are also orthogonal to each other and to the rotation axis Rx of the shaft 31.

[0009] The sleeve member 32 allows the shaft 31 to pass through and engages with the shaft 31. Furthermore, the sleeve member 32 has at least one of a convex portion and a concave portion on its side surface. The sleeve member 32 will be described in detail later.

[0010] The latch member 33 is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the sleeve member 32 with respect to the shaft 31, and has at least one latch portion disposed at a position facing at least one of the convex portion and the concave portion of the sleeve member 32. The latch member 33 will be described in detail later.

[0011] The case 34 is fixed to the housing 2 with screws 34A, with the sleeve member 32 and latch member 33 covered therein. The abutment portion 36 is formed of an elastic member such as a spring, and presses the latch member 33 against the sleeve member 32.

[0012] [Configuration of Sleeve Member and Latch Member] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the relative positional relationship between the sleeve member 32 and the latch member 33. As shown in Figure 3, the latch member 33 has a latch portion 33A that is disposed in a position facing at least one of the convex portion and the concave portion of the sleeve member 32. Furthermore, the latch member 33 is pressed against the sleeve member 32 in the direction of arrow A by a contact portion 36. Note that a fixing portion (not shown) that fixes an end of an elastic member such as a spring may be provided on the case 34 or on the housing 2.

[0013] 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the shapes of the sleeve member 32 and the latch member 33. As shown in Fig. 4, the sleeve member 32 has a plurality of recesses 32A to 32E on its side surface. These recesses 32A to 32E have a concave shape that is recessed in a direction approaching the rotation axis Rx of the shaft 31, that is, toward the center of the sleeve member 32, in a first direction perpendicular to the rotation axis Rx of the shaft 31, more specifically, in a direction from the side surface of the sleeve member 32 toward the rotation axis Rx of the shaft 31.

[0014] When the user operates the operation knob 35 of the operation unit 3, the shaft 31 and the sleeve member 32 rotate integrally. At this time, the latch member 33 is pressed against the sleeve member 32 as described above, so when the latch portion 33A of the latch member 33 faces one of the recesses 32A to 32E of the sleeve member 32, the latch portion 33A engages with the facing recess. In the example of Figure 4, the latch portion 33A faces the recess 32D of the sleeve member 32, and the latch portion 33A engages with the facing recess 32D.

[0015] When the latch portion 33A of the latch member 33 engages with any of the recesses 32A to 32E of the sleeve member 32, the user operating the operation knob 35 is given a so-called clicking sensation.

[0016] 5A and 5B are other schematic diagrams illustrating the sleeve member 32 and the latch member 33. In the example of Figures 5A and 5B, the sleeve member 32 has a plurality of protrusions 32F to 32K on its circumferential side surface. These protrusions 32F to 32K protrude in a first direction perpendicular to the rotation axis Rx of the shaft 31, more specifically, in a direction away from the rotation axis Rx of the shaft 31 from the side surface of the sleeve member 32, that is, in the outer circumferential direction of the sleeve member 32.

[0017] When the user operates the operation knob 35 of the operation unit 3 and the latch portion 33A of the latch member 33 faces one of the protrusions 32F to 32K of the sleeve member 32, the latch portion 33A moves so as to climb over the opposing protrusion.

[0018] When the latch portion 33A of the latch member 33 moves over any of the convex portions 32F to 32K of the sleeve member 32, the user operating the operation knob 35 feels a resistance as opposed to a clicking sensation.

[0019] 6A and 6B are other schematic diagrams illustrating the sleeve member 32 and the latch member 33. In the example of Figures 6A and 6B, the sleeve member 32 has a plurality of recesses 32L to 32O and a plurality of protrusions 32P to 32S on its side surface.

[0020] When the user operates the operation knob 35 of the operation unit 3 and the latch portion 33A of the latch member 33 faces one of the recesses 32L to 32O of the sleeve member 32, the latch portion 33A engages with the facing recess. In the example of Figures 6A and 6B, the latch portion 33A faces the recess 32M of the sleeve member 32, and the latch portion 33A engages with the facing recess 32M. On the other hand, when the latch portion 33A of the latch member 33 faces one of the protrusions 32P to 32S of the sleeve member 32, the latch portion 33A moves to climb over the facing protrusion.

[0021] As a result, when the latch portion 33A of the latch member 33 engages with any of the recesses 32L to 32O of the sleeve member 32, the user operating the operating knob 35 feels a clicking sensation, and when the latch portion 33A of the latch member 33 moves over any of the protrusions 32P to 32S of the sleeve member 32, the user operating the operating knob 35 feels a resistance.

[0022] As described above, the convex portion and concave portion provided on the side surface of the sleeve member 32 can control the operational feel when the user operates the operation knob 35. Therefore, at least one of the convex portion and the concave portion is disposed on the sleeve member 32 at a position according to the adjustment content realized by the user's operation of the operation knob 35.

[0023] As a first example, consider a case where the adjustment made by the operation knob 35 includes stepwise adjustment. In such a case, it is preferable to provide at least one recess on the side surface of the sleeve member 32 at a position corresponding to the adjustment step. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 , if the sleeve member 32 has multiple recesses 32A to 32E, the positions of the multiple recesses 32A to 32E can be aligned with the adjustment steps made by the operation knob 35 to encourage the user to operate the operation knob 35 to that position. Therefore, by providing a recess on the sleeve member 32 at a desired or recommended position where the operation knob 35 is to be operated, an operation device 1 suitable for the adjustment made by the operation knob 35 can be realized.

[0024] As a second example, consider a case where adjustments made using the operation knob 35 include adjustments for multiple factors. In such a case, it is preferable to provide protrusions on the side surface of the sleeve member 32 at positions corresponding to the boundaries between the multiple factors. For example, as illustrated in Figures 5A and 5B, if the sleeve member 32 has multiple protrusions 32F to 32K, adjustment of the first factor can be allocated between protrusions 32F to 32G. Similarly, adjustment of the second factor can be allocated between protrusions 32G to 32H, adjustment of the third factor can be allocated between protrusions 32H to 32I, adjustment of the fourth factor can be allocated between protrusions 32I to 32J, adjustment of the fifth factor can be allocated between protrusions 32J to 32K, and adjustment of the sixth factor can be allocated between protrusions 32K to 32F. This can improve the operability of adjusting each factor.

[0025] Without the above-described plurality of protrusions 32F to 32K, a user making adjustments using the operation knob 35 would need to visually determine the boundaries of each factor by visually checking the relative position of the operation knob 35 and the indicator lines printed or otherwise indicated on the surface of the housing 2. This could result in an erroneous operation, resulting in an erroneous operation. On the other hand, with protrusions located at positions corresponding to the boundaries of multiple factors, a user making adjustments using the operation knob 35 would intuitively understand the boundaries of each factor by feeling resistance at the boundaries of each factor. Therefore, by providing protrusions on the sleeve member 32 at positions where the operation knob 35 should not be operated or where it is not desired for the user to easily pass through those positions, a physical boundary or avoidance structure can be established, thereby realizing an operation device 1 suitable for the adjustments made by the operation knob 35.

[0026] Effects of the First Embodiment The operating device 1 according to the present embodiment described above can achieve the following effects. The operating device 1 includes a shaft 31, which is a rotating member; a sleeve member 32 having at least one of a convex portion protruding away from the shaft 31 in a first direction perpendicular to the rotation axis Rx of the shaft 31 and a concave portion recessed toward the rotation axis Rx in the first direction, through which the shaft 31 is inserted and which engages with the shaft 31; a latch member 33 disposed on the outer periphery of the sleeve member 32 relative to the rotation axis Rx and having at least one latch portion 33A disposed opposite at least one of the convex portion and the concave portion; and a contact portion 36 that presses the latch member 33 against the sleeve member 32. This configuration can achieve a favorable operating feel and high operability depending on the operation purpose. In particular, by using a sleeve member 32 that takes into account the number and positions of the convex portions and the concave portions depending on the adjustment content using the operating knob 35, various patterns of operation content and operability can be easily achieved. Therefore, simply by replacing the sleeve member 32, it is possible to change the detection and operability of various patterns, thereby improving the degree of freedom in designing the operating device.

[0027] Furthermore, the convex and concave portions of the sleeve member 32 are disposed at positions corresponding to the adjustment achieved by operating the operation knob 35. With this configuration, it is possible to realize an operation device 1 that is suitable for the adjustment of the operation knob 35.

[0028] Furthermore, adjustments made by the operation knob 35 include stepwise adjustments, and the sleeve member 32 has at least one recess at a position corresponding to the adjustment step. With this configuration, by providing a recess at a desired or recommended position for operating the operation knob 35, it is possible to encourage or assist the user in operating the operation knob 35 to a specific position.

[0029] Furthermore, adjustments made by the operation knob 35 include adjustments related to a plurality of factors, and the sleeve member 32 has at least one convex portion at a position corresponding to the boundary between the plurality of factors. With this configuration, a physical boundary or avoidance structure can be realized by providing a convex portion at a position where it is not desired to operate the operation knob 35 or where it is not desired to easily pass through that position.

[0030] Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the second embodiment, components having substantially the same functional configuration as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0031] 7A and 7B are schematic diagrams showing an operation device 4 according to a second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 7A and 7B, the operation device 4 according to this embodiment includes an operation device 5 similar to the operation device 1 according to the first embodiment, a selection knob 6 for selecting the adjustment content by the operation device 5, and a switching unit 7.

[0032] The operating device 5 according to this embodiment has the same configuration and function as the operating device 1 according to the first embodiment, except that it is provided with a latch member 53 having a latch portion 53A similar to the latch portion 33A instead of the latch member 33 described in the first embodiment. The selection knob 6 is an operating device provided with a rotating member for selecting the adjustment content by the operating device 5.

[0033] The switching unit 7 is a link mechanism that physically connects the operating device 5 and the selection knob 6. The switching unit 7 includes an on / off cam 71 that rotates integrally with the selection knob 6, a follower member 72 that moves in conjunction with the on / off cam 71, and a link 73 that connects the follower member 72 and the latch member 53.

[0034] When the selection knob 6 is operated by the user, the on-off cam 71 rotates according to the rotational position of the selection knob 6, and the follower member 72 moves the link 73 in the +X direction or the −X direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A , when the link 73 moves in the −X direction, the latch member 53 connected to the link 73 also moves in the −X direction. As a result, the latch portion 53A of the latch member 53 enters a state (first state) in which it can come into contact with the sleeve member 32.

[0035] 7B , when the link 73 is moved in the +X direction, the latch member 53 connected to the link 73 is also moved in the +X direction, resulting in a state (second state) in which the latch portion 53A of the latch member 53 and the sleeve member 32 are not in contact with each other.

[0036] As described above, the switching unit 7 switches between a first state in which the sleeve member 32 and the latch member 53 can come into contact with each other, and a second state in which the sleeve member 32 and the latch member 53 do not come into contact with each other, depending on the adjustment made by the operating device 5 selected by the selection knob 6. Therefore, by configuring the on / off cam 71 to appropriately switch between a state in which the sleeve member 32 and the latch member 53 can come into contact with each other, thereby producing a clicking sensation or a feeling of resistance in the operation of the operating device 5, and a state in which the sleeve member 32 and the latch member 53 do not come into contact with each other, thereby producing no clicking sensation or a feeling of resistance in the operation of the operating device 5, it is possible to further improve operability.

[0037] For example, if the selection knob 6 is an effect selector that selects an effect in an audio device, switching can be performed according to the type of effect selected by the selection knob 6. For factors that are desired to be set in stages using the operation device 5 based on the tempo of the music, such as delay, echo, and roll, by switching to the first state, a clicking sensation or resistance can be generated in the operation feel of the operation device 5. On the other hand, for factors that are desired to be adjusted continuously, by switching to the second state, the problem of the clicking sensation or resistance interfering with and reducing operability can be avoided.

[0038] Effect of Second Embodiment The operating device according to this embodiment described above can achieve the same effect as the operating device 1 according to the first embodiment, and can also achieve the following effect. The operating device includes a switching unit 7 that switches between a first state in which the sleeve member 32 and the latch member 53 can come into contact with each other, and a second state in which the sleeve member 32 and the latch member 53 do not come into contact with each other. This configuration makes it possible to easily switch between a preferred operating feel depending on the purpose or application, thereby improving operability.

[0039] [Modifications of the Embodiments] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and modifications, improvements, etc., within the scope of achieving the object of the present invention are included in the present invention. The configuration of the protrusions and recesses in the sleeve member 32 described in the above embodiments is not limited to each example. Only protrusions or recesses may be provided, or both may be provided. Furthermore, the number and arrangement of the protrusions and recesses are not limited to each example. For example, in the example shown in Figures 6A and 6B, protrusions 32P and 32Q are arranged adjacent to both sides of recess 32L, and protrusion 32S is arranged adjacent to one side of recess 32N, while the other protrusions and recesses are arranged individually. The protrusions and recesses in the sleeve member 32 may be arranged adjacent to each other, or may be arranged discretely.

[0040] The shapes of the protrusions and recesses in the sleeve member 32 described in the above embodiments are not limited to those examples. For example, although the examples have been shown in which the protrusions or recesses are symmetrical about the diameter of the sleeve member 32, they may be asymmetrical. Furthermore, although the examples have been shown in which the cross sections of the protrusions and recesses are V-shaped or U-shaped, the cross sections may be rectangular, circular, or elliptical.

[0041] The switching unit 7 described in the second embodiment is merely an example, and is not limited to this example. For example, a configuration in which multiple selection knobs are connected to one operating device may be used. Furthermore, a configuration in which connection and switching are realized by electronic control may be used.

[0042] The operation device described in each of the above embodiments may be applied to any device. For example, the operation device of the present invention can be similarly applied to audio equipment, such as DJ equipment equipped with a rotating member, such as a mixer or a DJ controller. The operation device of the present invention can also be similarly applied to various devices other than DJ equipment, such as various controllers and toys. Furthermore, each of the above embodiments has been described using an example of an operation device equipped with a rotating member that rotates around a vertical rotation axis. However, the present invention can also be similarly applied to an operation device equipped with a rotating member that rotates around a horizontal rotation axis, and an operation device equipped with a rotating member that rotates around a rotation axis in another direction.

[0043] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can conceive of various modifications and alterations within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0044] 1, 4, 5...operation device, 2...casing, 3...operation section, 6...selection knob, 7...switching section, 31...shaft, 32...sleeve member, 33, 53...latch member, 33A, 53A...latch section, 34...case, 35...operation knob, 36...contact section.

Claims

1. A first operator for setting a first adjustment content; a second operator for setting a second adjustment content different from the first adjustment content; an operating device comprising: a switching unit connected to the first operating element and the second operating element, and configured to switch the operating feel of the first operating element in conjunction with the second operating element.

2. In the operating device described in claim 1, The first operator is A rotating member that accepts an operation; a sleeve member having an engagement portion including at least one of a convex portion that protrudes in a direction away from the first rotation axis in a first direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis and a concave portion that is recessed in a direction approaching the first rotation axis in the first direction, and which rotates around the first rotation axis in response to rotation of the rotating member; a latch member having a latch portion engageable with the engagement portion and disposed on the outside of the sleeve member; The switching unit switches between a first state in which the latch member is brought close to the sleeve member so that the engagement portion and the latch portion can come into contact with each other, and a second state in which the latch member is moved away from the sleeve member so that the engagement portion and the latch portion do not come into contact with each other.

3. In the operating device according to claim 2, the second operator is a rotary operator that rotates around a second rotation axis, The switching unit is a first connecting portion that moves in conjunction with the second operating element; a second connecting portion connected to the latch member; a third connecting portion that moves the second connecting portion in accordance with movement of the first connecting portion, thereby moving the latch member closer to or away from the sleeve member.

4. In the operating device according to claim 3, The operating device, wherein the first connecting portion is a cam member that rotates integrally with the second operating element.

5. In the operating device according to claim 4, an operating device, wherein the third connecting portion is a follower member that moves the latch member connected to the second connecting portion toward or away from the sleeve member when the first connecting portion is rotated;

6. In the operating device according to claim 4 or claim 5, The cam member is provided around the second operator and rotates integrally with the second operator around the second rotation axis.

7. In the operating device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, The second connecting portion is a link connected to the latch member.

8. In the operating device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, The rotating member is inserted through the sleeve member, The latch member is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the sleeve member relative to the first rotation shaft.

9. The operating device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, a contact portion that presses the latch member against the sleeve member; The operating device, wherein the contact portion is made of an elastic member.

10. The operating device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, The engagement portion includes the protrusion and the recess provided on a side surface of the sleeve member along the circumferential direction of the first rotation shaft.

11. The operating device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, Further provided is an operation knob that is fitted over the rotary member, The engagement portion is disposed at a position corresponding to the first adjustment content realized by operating the operation knob.

12. The operating device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, the engagement portion includes the recess, the first adjustment content includes stepwise adjustment, The recess is provided at a position corresponding to the adjustment stage.

13. The operating device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, the engaging portion includes the protruding portion, the first adjustment includes adjustments for a plurality of factors; The convex portion is provided at a position corresponding to a boundary between the plurality of factors.

14. In the operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the second adjustment content is a selection of an effect to be applied to the music piece; An operating device, wherein the first adjustment content is an adjustment of a factor related to the effect selected by the second operator.

15. An acoustic device comprising the operation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.