Acoustic device

Abstract

An acoustic device (1) comprises a plurality of buttons (4) that are disposed adjacent to each other in a first direction and that can be pressed in a second direction that intersects the first direction. The plurality of buttons include a first button (41), and a second button (42) that is adjacent to the first button in the first direction. Each of the first button and the second button intersects the second direction, and has: a first surface (511) that is exposed to the outside; a second surface (512) that faces in the opposite direction to the first direction; and a first inclined surface (517) that connects an end part of the first surface, which is in the opposite direction to the first direction, and an end part of the second surface, which is in the opposite direction to the second direction, and that is positioned more in the opposite direction to the second direction toward the first direction. When the first button moves in the second direction, an extended plane (EP) of the first surface of the first button intersects either the first inclined surface of the second button or the end part of the second surface of the second button, the end part being in the opposite direction to the second direction.

Description

sound equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to an acoustic device.

[0002] Conventionally, operating devices equipped with linked keys have been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The linked key described in Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which multiple keys are integrally formed from a rubber sheet. A portion of the top surface of the rubber sheet is disposed between the multiple keys. In such a linked key, when one key is pressed, the key rotates around one end restrained by a restraining means as a fulcrum, and the other end that is not restrained moves up and down to activate a switch element. Note that when a key without a restraining means is pressed, the entire key moves up and down to activate a switch element.

[0003] JP 2008-98047 A

[0004] The operating device described in Patent Document 1 is not designed to allow sequential input along the arrangement of multiple keys. Therefore, when attempting to input multiple keys consecutively, portions of the rubber sheets provided between the multiple keys impede finger movement. Furthermore, the finger touches the corners of adjacent keys, making it difficult to align the finger with the adjacent key. On the other hand, adopting a touchpad instead of multiple connected keys could make it easier to align the finger with the area of ​​the touchpad corresponding to each of the multiple keys. However, this configuration not only lacks the tactile sensation of pressing a key, but also makes it difficult to know where the finger is positioned. For this reason, there has been a demand for a configuration that allows multiple buttons to be pressed independently and also makes it easier to align the finger with the buttons when moving along them.

[0005] An audio device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of buttons arranged adjacent to each other in a first direction and depressible in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the plurality of buttons including a first button and a second button adjacent to the first button in the first direction, each of the first button and the second button having a first surface intersecting the second direction and exposed to the outside, a second surface facing in the opposite direction to the first direction, and a first inclined surface connecting an end of the first surface facing in the opposite direction to the first direction and an end of the second surface facing in the opposite direction to the second direction, the first inclined surface being positioned in the opposite direction to the second direction as it approaches the first direction, and when the first button is moved in the second direction, the extension surface of the first surface of the first button intersects with either the first inclined surface of the second button or the end of the second surface of the second button facing in the opposite direction to the second direction.

[0006] 1 is a perspective view showing an acoustic device according to an embodiment. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a control according to an embodiment. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a control according to an embodiment. 4 is a perspective view showing a control and a frame according to an embodiment. 5 is a plan view showing a control and a frame according to an embodiment. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a control according to an embodiment. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a control and a frame according to an embodiment. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a control when a button according to an embodiment is pressed down. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of a control when a button according to an embodiment is pressed down. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a frame and a button according to an embodiment. 11 is a view showing deformation of a button according to an embodiment. 12 is a view showing deformation of a button according to an embodiment.

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. [Overall Configuration of Audio Device] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an audio device 1 according to this embodiment. The audio device 1 according to this embodiment is an audio device known as a DJ effector, and is a DJ device that can apply sound effects to audio signals and output sampled audio. As shown in Fig. 1, the audio device 1 includes a housing 2 and a plurality of controls 3 provided on the housing 2.

[0008] [Configuration of the Housing] The housing 2 has a top surface 21, a bottom surface 22, an upper side surface 23, a lower side surface 24, a right side surface 25, and a left side surface 26, and is configured in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The top surface 21 and the bottom surface 22 are surfaces opposite each other. The upper side surface 23 and the lower side surface 24 are surfaces opposite each other. The right side surface 25 and the left side surface 26 are surfaces opposite each other. The top surface 21 intersects with each of the upper side surface 23, the lower side surface 24, the right side surface 25, and the left side surface 26. Similarly, the bottom surface 22 intersects with each of the upper side surface 23, the lower side surface 24, the right side surface 25, and the left side surface 26.

[0009] The top surface 21 is provided with a plurality of rotary operators 211, a plurality of buttons 212 arranged adjacent to one another in a circular shape along the circumferential direction around a center position C, a plurality of push buttons 213, a plurality of levers 214, and the operators 3. The top surface 21 has an arrangement section 215 in which the operators 3 are arranged, and a frame section 216 surrounding the arrangement section 215. The frame section 216 will be described in detail later. In the following description, three mutually orthogonal directions are referred to as the +X direction, the +Y direction, and the +Z direction. In this embodiment, the +X direction is the direction from the left side surface 26 to the right side surface 25, the +Y direction is the direction from the lower side surface 24 to the upper side surface 23, and the +Z direction is the direction from the bottom surface 22 to the top surface 21. Although not shown in the drawings, the direction opposite the +X direction is referred to as the -X direction, the direction opposite the +Y direction is referred to as the -Y direction, and the direction opposite the +Z direction is referred to as the -Z direction. Also, the axis along the +X direction is the X axis, the axis along the +Y direction is the Y axis, and the axis along the +Z direction is the Z axis.

[0010] In this embodiment, the upper surface 23 and the lower surface 24 are substantially parallel to each other, and the right side surface 25 and the left side surface 26 are substantially parallel to each other. On the other hand, the top surface 21 and the bottom surface 22 are not parallel to each other, and the bottom surface 22 is inclined so that it approaches the top surface 21 as it moves in the -Y direction. Therefore, when the housing 2 is placed so that the bottom surface 22 faces the installation surface, the extension of the top surface 21 becomes an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the installation surface. However, this is not a limitation, and the top surface 21 and the bottom surface 22 may be substantially parallel to each other.

[0011] [Configuration of the Operator] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the operator 3 as viewed from the +Z direction, and Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the operator 3 as viewed from the -Z direction. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the operator 3 has a plurality of buttons 4 arranged on an arrangement portion 215, a support substrate 6, and a plurality of detection portions 7.

[0012] [Button Configuration] The multiple buttons 4 are arranged adjacent to one another along the +X direction, which is the first direction, and are operable to be pressed by the user. Each of the multiple buttons 4 is provided so as to be movable along the Z axis. Specifically, each button 4 is configured to be operable to be pressed by the user in the -Z direction, and when pressed in the -Z direction by the user, it is displaced in the -Z direction, and when the user's pressing operation is released, it is displaced in the +Z direction due to the restoring force of each of the multiple detection units 7. There is only clearance between each of the multiple buttons 4 that allows input from each button 4 individually, and no components are interposed between the buttons 4.

[0013] The multiple buttons 4 are buttons that output sampled audio signals. More specifically, each of the multiple buttons 4 has a parameter value set based on a predetermined rule, and when each of the multiple buttons 4 is pressed, the audio device 1 outputs an audio signal based on the parameter corresponding to the pressed button 4. For example, by sequentially pressing each of the multiple buttons 4 along the +X direction in which the multiple buttons 4 are arranged, it is possible to switch the parameter value discretely and in stages. In this embodiment, four buttons 4 are provided, and the four buttons 4 include button 4A, button 4B, button 4C, and button 4D, which are arranged from the -X direction portion of the arrangement unit 215 toward the +X direction.

[0014] That is, button 4A is located furthest in the -X direction, button 4B is located in the +X direction relative to button 4A, button 4C is located in the +X direction relative to button 4B, and button 4D is located in the +X direction relative to button 4C. Hereinafter, of the four buttons 4, the button 4 located in the -X direction between two adjacent buttons 4 may be referred to as the first button 41, and the button 4 located in the +X direction relative to the first button 41 may be referred to as the second button 42. For example, if button 4A is the first button 41, then button 4B located in the +X direction relative to button 4A is the second button 42. Also, if button 4B is the first button 41, then button 4C located in the +X direction relative to button 4B is the second button 42.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , each of the buttons 4 has a button head 51, a rotation shaft 52, and a pressing portion 53. The button head 51 is exposed within the arrangement portion 215 and is the portion of the button 4 exposed in the +Z direction. The configuration of the button head 51 will be described in detail later. The rotation shaft 52 is a portion that protrudes from the button head 51 in the +Y direction and is integrally formed with the button head 51. The tip of the rotation shaft 52 in the +Y direction protrudes in the +X direction and the −X direction, and is formed into a substantially T-shape when viewed from the +Z direction or the −Z direction. The rotation shaft 52 is sandwiched between the frame portion 216 and the support substrate 6 on the Z axis. Therefore, when the button head 51 is pressed in the −Z direction, each button 4 is displaced in the −Z direction around the rotation shaft 52. On the other hand, when the user's pressure on the button head 51 is released, the button 4 is displaced in the +Z direction around the rotation shaft 52 due to the restoring force of the detection unit 7, which will be described later.

[0016] The pressing portion 53 is a cylindrical portion that protrudes from the button head 51 in the −Z direction. The pressing portion 53 is inserted in the −Z direction through a through-hole 63 (described later) of the support substrate 6. The −Z-direction end of the pressing portion 53 comes into contact with the detection portion 7. When the button head 51 is displaced in the −Z direction, the pressing portion 53 presses the detection portion 7.

[0017] [Configuration of Support Substrate] The support substrate 6, together with the frame portion 216, supports each button 4. The support substrate 6 has four support portions 61 corresponding to the number of buttons 4. The four support portions 61 include a support portion 61A that supports button 4A, a support portion 61B that supports button 4B, a support portion 61C that supports button 4C, and a support portion 61D that supports button 4D. Each support portion 61 has a rotation support portion 62, a through hole 63, and a pair of guide portions 64.

[0018] The rotation support portion 62, together with the frame portion 216, sandwiches the rotation shaft portion 52 of the button head 51 along the Z axis. This supports the button head 51 so that it can rotate around the rotation shaft portion 52. The through-hole 63 is provided in the -Y direction relative to the rotation support portion 62 and penetrates the support substrate 6 along the Z axis. The pressing portion 53 of a corresponding button 4 among the multiple buttons 4 is inserted into the through-hole 63 from the +Z direction. A pair of guide portions 64 protrude in the +Z direction from positions on the surface 6A of the support substrate 6 facing the +Z direction that sandwich the through-hole 63 along the X axis. The pair of guide portions 64 sandwich the pressing portion 53 that passes through the through-hole 63 along the X axis, thereby guiding the movement of the pressing portion 53 along the Z axis. In other words, the pair of guide portions 64 guide the movement of the pressing portion 53 in the -Z direction when the button 4 is pressed.

[0019] [Configuration of the Detector] The detector 7 is provided in the −Z direction relative to the support substrate 6 and detects the pressing of the button 4. In this embodiment, four detectors 7 are provided, corresponding to the number of buttons 4. The four detectors 7 include a detector 7A that detects the pressing of button 4A, a detector 7B that detects the pressing of button 4B, a detector 7C that detects the pressing of button 4C, and a detector 7D that detects the pressing of button 4D. The detector 7 has electrical contacts. While the detector 7 is pressed in the −Z direction by the pressing portion 53 of the corresponding button 4, the electrical contacts are conductive and the detector 7 outputs an ON signal. On the other hand, the detector 7 has a restoring force that pushes back the pressing portion 53 in the +Z direction when the pressure from the pressing portion 53 is released. When the restoring force causes the button 4 to return to its position before being pressed, the detector 7 outputs an OFF signal.

[0020] [Detailed Configuration of Button Head] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the operator 3 and frame portion 216 as viewed from the +Z direction. Fig. 5 is a plan view showing the operator 3 and frame portion 216 as viewed from the +Z direction. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the button head 51 is formed in a substantially square shape as viewed from the +Z direction. The button head 51 has a first surface 511, a second surface 512, a third surface 513, a fourth surface 514, a fifth surface 515, and a sixth surface 516 (not shown in Figs. 4 and 5), as well as a first inclined surface 517 and a second inclined surface 518.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a cross section of the operator 3 along the XZ plane. More specifically, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a cross section of the operator 3 taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the first surface 511 is a surface that intersects with the second direction, the -Z direction, and is exposed to the outside. That is, the first surface 511 is a surface of the button head 51 that faces the +Z direction and is a pressable surface that receives pressing operations by the user. The second surface 512 is a surface of the button head 51 that faces the -X direction. If the button 4 having the second surface 512 is the second button 42, the second surface 512 of the second button 42 faces the first button 41 adjacent to it in the -X direction. For example, the second surface 512 of button 4B faces button 4A. Note that, as shown in FIG. 6, the end of the second surface 512 in the +Z direction is located in the -Z direction relative to the extension plane of the first surface 511. As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the third surface 513 is the surface of the button head 51 facing the +X direction. If the button 4 having the third surface 513 is the first button 41, the third surface 513 of the first button 41 is the surface facing the second button 42 adjacent to it in the +X direction. For example, the third surface 513 of button 4B is the surface facing button 4C. Note that, as shown in Figure 6, the end of the third surface 513 in the +Z direction is located in the -Z direction from the extension plane of the first surface 511.

[0022] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the fourth surface 514 is the surface of the button head 51 facing the +Y direction, and the fifth surface 515 is the surface of the button head 51 facing the -Y direction. In each button head 51, the fourth surface 514 and the fifth surface 515 do not face the button head 51 of the adjacent button 4, but face a second surface 2162 (described later) of the frame portion 216. The second surface 2162 and an inclined surface 2163 (described later) form the inner edge of the arrangement portion 215. As shown in Figure 6, the sixth surface 516 is the surface of the button head 51 facing the -Z direction. The pressing portion 53 described above protrudes in the -Z direction from approximately the center of the sixth surface 516 when viewed from the -Z direction.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a cross section of the manipulator 3 and the frame portion 216 along the XZ plane. More specifically, FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of the cross section of the manipulator 3 taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5 . The first inclined surface 517 is an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to each of the first surface 511 and the second surface 512. That is, the first inclined surface 517 connects the −X direction end of the first surface 511 with the +Z direction end of the second surface 512, and is an inclined surface that is positioned in the +Z direction as it approaches the +X direction. As shown in FIG. 7 , the first inclined surface 517 has a first flat surface 5171 and a first convex curved surface 5172. The first flat surface 5171 is provided in the −X direction portion of the first inclined surface 517. The first flat surface 5171 intersects with the second surface 512. In this embodiment, the −X direction end of the first flat surface 5171 is connected to the +Z direction end of the second surface 512. The first convex curved surface 5172 is provided on a portion of the first inclined surface 517 in the +X direction. The first convex curved surface 5172 is continuous with both the first flat surface 5171 and the first surface 511. More specifically, the first convex curved surface 5172 is connected to an end of the first flat surface 5171 in the +X direction and an end of the first surface 511 in the −X direction. The center of curvature of the first convex curved surface 5172 is located in the −Z direction relative to the first surface 511. In other words, the portion of the first convex curved surface 5172 located furthest in the +Z direction is connected to the end of the first surface 511 in the −X direction.

[0024] The second inclined surface 518 is an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to each of the first surface 511 and the third surface 513. That is, the second inclined surface 518 connects the +X direction end of the first surface 511 and the +Z direction end of the third surface 513, and is an inclined surface that is positioned in the +Z direction as it approaches the -X direction. The second inclined surface 518 has a second flat surface 5181 and a second convex curved surface 5182. The second flat surface 5181 is provided on a portion of the second inclined surface 518 in the +X direction. The second flat surface 5181 intersects with the third surface 513. In this embodiment, the +X direction end of the second flat surface 5181 is connected to the +Z direction end of the third surface 513. The second convex curved surface 5182 is provided on a portion of the second inclined surface 518 in the -X direction. The second convex curved surface 5182 is continuous with both the second flat surface 5181 and the first surface 511. More specifically, the second convex curved surface 5182 is connected to the −X direction end of the second plane 5181 and the +X direction end of the first surface 511. The center of curvature of the second convex curved surface 5182 is located in the −Z direction relative to the first surface 511. In other words, the portion of the second convex curved surface 5182 located furthest in the +Z direction is connected to the +X direction end of the first surface 511.

[0025] [Button Pressed State] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a cross section of the control 3 along the XZ plane when button 4B, one of the four buttons 4, is pressed. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an enlarged portion of the cross section of the control 3 along the XZ plane when button 4B is pressed. When the button head 51 of button 4B is pressed in the −Z direction by a user's finger F, for example, button 4B is displaced in the −Z direction, as shown in FIG. 8 . In this state, the detector 7B is pressed in the −Z direction, and the internal contacts become conductive. Therefore, the detector 7B outputs an ON signal indicating that button 4B has been pressed. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9 , when button 4B is pressed and the amount of displacement of button 4B in the −Z direction reaches its maximum, the extension plane EP of the first surface 511 of button 4B as the first button 41 intersects with the first inclined surface 517 of button 4C, which corresponds to the second button 42 and is not pressed. The intersection angle α between first inclined surface 517 of button 4C and the extension plane EP of first surface 511 of button 4B is 45° or less. That is, the intersection angle α between first inclined surface 517 of second button 42 and the extension plane EP of first surface 511 of first button 41 is 45° or less.

[0026] Therefore, when finger F is moved in the +X direction from the state shown in FIG. 8 , finger F presses button 4B and then rides onto the first inclined surface 517 of button 4C, which is adjacent to button 4B in the +X direction. This allows finger F to move smoothly from button 4B to button 4C. In this case, the first inclined surface 517 has the first flat surface 5171 and the first convex curved surface 5172 described above. Therefore, finger F that has come into contact with the first inclined surface 517 of button 4C can be smoothly guided to the first surface 511 of button 4C. Note that when button 4B moves in the -Z direction, the extension plane EP of the first surface 511 of button 4B may intersect with the end of the second surface 512 of button 4C in the +Z direction. In other words, when the first button 41 moves in the -Z direction, the extension plane EP of the first surface 511 of the first button 41 must intersect with either the first inclined surface 517 of the second button 42 or the end of the second surface 512 of the second button 42 in the +Z direction.

[0027] Although not shown, when button 4C is pressed and its displacement in the -Z direction reaches its maximum, an extension of first surface 511 of button 4C as second button 42 corresponds to first button 41 with respect to button 4C and intersects with second inclined surface 518 of button 4B in an unpressed state. The intersection angle between second inclined surface 518 of button 4B and the extension of first surface 511 of button 4C is 45° or less. In other words, the intersection angle between second inclined surface 518 of first button 41 and the extension of first surface 511 of second button 42 is 45° or less.

[0028] Therefore, when the finger F pressing down on the button 4C moves in the -X direction, the finger F, while pressing down the button 4C, rides up onto the second inclined surface 518 of the button 4B adjacent to the button 4C in the -X direction. This allows the finger F to move smoothly from the button 4C to the button 4B. In this case, the second inclined surface 518 has the second flat surface 5181 and the second convex curved surface 5182 described above. Therefore, the finger F that has come into contact with the second inclined surface 518 of the button 4B can be smoothly guided onto the first surface 511 of the button 4B. Note that when the button 4C moves in the -Z direction, the extension plane of the first surface 511 of the button 4C may intersect with the end of the third surface 513 of the button 4B in the +Z direction. In other words, when the second button 42 moves in the -Z direction, the extension surface of the first surface 511 of the second button 42 simply intersects with either the second inclined surface 518 of the first button 41 or the end of the third surface 513 of the first button 41 in the +Z direction.

[0029] [Configuration of the Frame] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the frame 216 surrounds the arrangement section 215, in which the button heads 51 of the buttons 4 constituting the control 3 are arranged, when viewed from the +Z direction. That is, the housing 2 has the frame 216 surrounding the multiple buttons 4 when viewed from the +Z direction. The frame 216 has a first surface 2161, a second surface 2162, and an inclined surface 2163. The first surface 2161 is the surface of the frame 216 facing the +Z direction and corresponds to the frame-side first surface. As shown in FIG. 6 , the first surface 2161 is located in the +Z direction relative to the first surfaces 511 of the first button 41 and the second button 42. The second surface 2162 corresponds to the frame-side second surface. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 , the second surface 2162 is the inner surface of the frame 216 that, together with the inclined surface 2163, forms the inner edge of the arrangement section 215 and faces the multiple buttons 4. More specifically, the second surface 2162 faces the second surface 512 of the button 4A, the third surface 513 of the button 4D, and the fourth and fifth surfaces 514 and 515 of each of the buttons 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D.

[0030] The inclined surface 2163 corresponds to a frame-side inclined surface. The inclined surface 2163 is connected to each of the first surface 2161 and the second surface 2162 and is positioned in the -Z direction as it approaches the multiple buttons 4. That is, the inclined surface 2163 is a surface that inclines in a direction approaching the buttons 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D as it moves from the end of the first surface 2161 on the button 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D side toward the buttons 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D. As shown in FIG. 5 , the inclined surface 2163 includes a first inclined surface 2164, a second inclined surface 2165, a third inclined surface 2166, and a fourth inclined surface 2167. The first inclined surface 2164 is positioned in the -X direction and faces the +X direction and the +Z direction. The second inclined surface 2165 is positioned in the +X direction and faces the -X direction and the +Z direction. The third inclined surface 2166 is provided in the +Y direction and faces the −Y and +Z directions, and the fourth inclined surface 2167 is provided in the −Y direction and faces the +Y and +Z directions.

[0031] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a cross section of the frame portion 216 and the button 4 taken along the XZ plane. In other words, FIG. 10 is a cross section illustrating the inclination of the first inclined surface 2164. As shown in FIG. 10 , the first inclined surface 2164 is inclined so as to be positioned in the −Z direction as it approaches the +X direction. That is, the first inclined surface 2164 is inclined in a direction approaching the first surface 511 of the button 4A as it approaches the button 4A, so as to guide the finger F to the first surface 511 of the button 4A, which is positioned in the −Z direction relative to the first surface 2161. In this embodiment, a virtual plane VP that passes through an intersection P1 between the first inclined surface 2164 and the second surface 2162 and is perpendicular to the −Z direction, which is the second direction, is located on the Z axis within a range between an intersection P2 between the second surface 512 and the first inclined surface 517 of the button 4A in an unpressed state and an intersection P3 between the first inclined surface 517 and the first surface 511 of the button 4A in an unpressed state. This range includes the intersection points P2 and P3. That is, the virtual plane VP intersects with either the intersection point P2 or the first inclined surface 517 of the button 4A in the unpressed state, or coincides with the extended plane EP of the first surface 511 of the button 4A in the unpressed state. In other words, the extended plane EP of the first surface 511 of the button 4 in the unpressed state is located between the virtual plane VP and the first surface 2161 on the Z axis. This range includes the virtual plane VP and the first surface 2161 of the frame portion 216. Note that the extended planes of the first surfaces 511 of the buttons 4 in the unpressed state substantially coincide with each other.

[0032] This makes it easier to guide the finger F along the first inclined surface 2164 to the first inclined surface 517 and the first surface 511 of the button 4A. Furthermore, when the finger F that has touched the button 4A is moved in the −X direction toward the first inclined surface 2164, the finger F is more likely to come into contact with the first inclined surface 2164, and the first inclined surface 2164 can be used as a stopper for the finger F. This makes it easier to keep the finger F within the arrangement portion 215, improving the operability of the manipulator 3 that has multiple buttons 4. Furthermore, by positioning the first surface 511 of each button 4 in the −Z direction relative to the first surface 2161 of the frame portion 216, it is possible to make it easier for the user to recognize that the buttons 4 can be pressed individually, and also to make it easier for the user to recognize that each button 4 can be pressed by sliding the finger F.

[0033] The virtual plane VP may be located in the +Z direction relative to the first surface 511 of the button 4A in an unpressed state. That is, the extension plane EP of the first surface 511 of the button 4A in an unpressed state may be located in the -Z direction relative to the virtual plane VP. Even in this case, the extension plane EP of the first surface 511 of the button 4A in an unpressed state is located in the -Z direction relative to the first surface 2161 of the frame 216. With this configuration, although the distance from the first surface 2161 of the frame 216 to the first surface 511 of each button 4 is increased, it is possible to easily guide the finger F from the first inclined surface 2164 to the first inclined surface 517 and the first surface 511 of the button 4A. Furthermore, when the finger F in contact with the button 4A is moved toward the first inclined surface 2164, at least one of the first inclined surface 2164 and the second surface 2162 can be used as a stopper for the finger F.

[0034] Furthermore, the virtual plane VP may be located in the −Z direction relative to the intersection point P2 of the button 4A in an unpressed state, and may intersect with the second surface 512. Even in this case, the first surface 511 of the button 4A is positioned in the −Z direction relative to the first surface 2161 of the frame 216. With this configuration, the distance from the first surface 2161 of the frame 216 to the first surface 511 of each button 4 can be reduced, making each button 4 easier to press.

[0035] 6 , the second inclined surface 2165 is inclined so as to be positioned in the −Z direction as it moves toward the −X direction. That is, the second inclined surface 2165 is inclined in a direction approaching the first surface 511 of the button 4D as it moves toward the button 4D, so as to guide the finger F to the first surface 511 of the button 4D, which is positioned in the −Z direction relative to the first surface 2161. Although not shown in the figure, a virtual plane that passes through the intersection of the second inclined surface 2165 and the second surface 2162 and is perpendicular to the −Z direction is located in the range on the Z axis between the intersection of the third surface 513 and the second inclined surface 518 of the button 4D in an unpressed state and the intersection of the second inclined surface 518 and the first surface 511 of the button 4D in an unpressed state. The range includes the intersection of third surface 513 and second inclined surface 518 of button 4D in an unpressed state, and the intersection of second inclined surface 518 and first surface 511 of button 4D in an unpressed state. In other words, the imaginary plane intersects with either the end of third surface 513 in the +Z direction of button 4D in an unpressed state or second inclined surface 518, or coincides with an extension plane EP of first surface 511 of button 4D.

[0036] This makes it easier to guide the finger F along the second inclined surface 2165 to the second inclined surface 518 and the first surface 511 of the button 4D. In addition, when the finger F that has touched the button 4D is moved toward the second inclined surface 2165, the second inclined surface 2165 can be used as a stopper for the finger F, making it easier to keep the finger F within the arrangement portion 215. However, without being limited to this, a virtual plane that passes through the intersection of the second inclined surface 2165 and the second surface 2162 and is orthogonal to the −Z direction may be located in the +Z direction relative to the first surface 511 of the button 4D in an unpressed state, and may intersect with the second surface 512 of the button 4A in an unpressed state.

[0037] Effects of the Embodiment The audio device 1 according to the embodiment described above provides the following effects. The audio device 1 includes a plurality of buttons 4 that are arranged adjacent to each other in the +X direction and that can be pressed in the -Z direction that intersects with the +X direction. The +X direction corresponds to the first direction, and the -Z direction corresponds to the second direction. The plurality of buttons 4 include a first button 41 and a second button 42 that is adjacent to the first button 41 in the +X direction. Specifically, if button 4A is the first button 41, then button 4B is the second button 42 relative to button 4A. Similarly, if button 4B is the first button 41, then button 4C is the second button 42 relative to button 4B. Each of the first button 41 and the second button 42 has a first surface 511, a second surface 512, and a first inclined surface 517. The first surface 511 intersects with the -Z direction and is exposed to the outside. The second surface 512 faces the -X direction. First inclined surface 517 connects the −X direction end of first surface 511 and the +Z direction end of second surface 512, and is positioned in the +Z direction as it moves in the +X direction. When first button 41 moves in the −Z direction, extension plane EP of first surface 511 of first button 41 intersects with either first inclined surface 517 of second button 42 or the +Z direction end of second surface 512 of second button 42.

[0038] With this configuration, each of the multiple buttons 4 can be pressed independently in the −Z direction. This not only gives the user the sensation of pressing a button 4, but also makes it easier to grasp where the finger F pressing the button 4 is located. Furthermore, when the finger F in contact with the first surface 511 of the first button 41 presses the first button 41 in the −Z direction and then moves the finger F in the +X direction, the first inclined surface 517 of the second button 42 can guide the finger F to the first surface 511 of the second button 42. This makes it easier for the finger F, which is placed along the first surface 511 of the first button 41 while pressing the first button 41, to also move along the first surface 511 of the second button 42.

[0039] In the audio device 1, the first inclined surface 517 has a first flat surface 5171 and a first convex surface 5172. The first flat surface 5171 is provided in a portion of the first inclined surface 517 in the −X direction and intersects with the second surface 512. The first convex surface 5172 is provided in a portion of the first inclined surface 517 in the +X direction and is continuous with both the first flat surface 5171 and the first surface 511. The center of curvature of the first convex surface 5172 is located in the −Z direction relative to the first surface 511. This configuration can prevent a corner from being formed between the first surface 511 and the first inclined surface 517. Therefore, when the finger F pressing the first button 41 is moved in the +X direction, the finger can be easily guided to the first surface 511 of the second button 42. This makes it easier for the finger F pressing the first button 41 to align along the first surface 511 of the second button 42.

[0040] In the audio device 1, the intersection angle α between the first inclined surface 517 of the second button 42 and the extension plane EP of the first surface 511 of the first button 41 is 45° or less. With this configuration, the intersection angle α is small, so when the finger F pressing down on the first button 41 is moved in the +X direction, the first inclined surface 517 of the second button 42 makes it easier for the finger to align with the first surface 511 of the second button 42.

[0041] In the audio device 1, the first button 41 and the second button 42 each have a third surface 513 and a second inclined surface 518. The third surface 513 faces the +X direction. The second inclined surface 518 connects the +X direction end of the first surface 511 with the +Z direction end of the third surface 513, and is positioned in the +Z direction as it moves in the −X direction. When the second button 42 moves in the −Z direction, the extension plane of the first surface 511 of the second button 42 intersects with either the second inclined surface 518 of the first button 41 or the +Z direction end of the third surface 513 of the first button 41. With this configuration, when a finger F in contact with the first surface 511 of the second button 42 presses the second button 42 in the −Z direction and then moves the finger F in the −X direction, the second inclined surface 518 of the first button 41 can guide the finger F to the first surface 511 of the first button 41. Therefore, while pressing the second button 42 , the finger F along the first surface 511 of the second button 42 can be easily moved along the first surface 511 of the first button 41 .

[0042] In the acoustic device 1, the second inclined surface 518 has a second flat surface 5181 and a second convex surface 5182. The second flat surface 5181 is provided on a portion of the second inclined surface 518 in the +X direction and intersects with the third surface 513. The second convex surface 5182 is provided on a portion of the second inclined surface 518 in the −X direction and is continuous with both the second flat surface 5181 and the first surface 511. The center of curvature of the second convex surface 5182 is located in the −Z direction relative to the first surface 511. This configuration can prevent a corner from being formed between the first surface 511 and the second inclined surface 518. Therefore, when the finger F pressing the second button 42 is moved in the −X direction, it is possible to easily guide the finger F to the first surface 511 of the first button 41. This makes it easier for the finger F pressing the second button 42 to align along the first surface 511 of the first button 41.

[0043] In the audio device 1, the intersection angle between the second inclined surface 518 of the first button 41 and the extension plane of the first surface 511 of the second button 42 is 45° or less. With this configuration, because the intersection angle is small, when the finger F pressing the second button 42 is moved in the −X direction, the second inclined surface 518 of the first button 41 makes it easier for the finger F to align with the first surface 511 of the first button 41.

[0044] The audio device 1 includes a housing 2 on which multiple buttons 4 are provided. The housing 2 has a frame 216 that surrounds the multiple buttons 4 when viewed from the +Z direction. The frame 216 has a first surface 2161, a second surface 2162, and an inclined surface 2163. The first surface 2161 corresponds to the frame-side first surface and faces the +Z direction. The first surface 2161 is located in the +Z direction relative to the first surfaces 511 of each button 4. In other words, the first surface 2161 is located in the +Z direction relative to the first surfaces 511 of the first button 41 and the second button 42. The second surface 2162 corresponds to the frame-side second surface and faces the multiple buttons 4. The inclined surface 2163 corresponds to the frame-side inclined surface. The inclined surface 2163 is connected to each of the first surface 2161 and the second surface 2162 and is located in the -Z direction as it approaches the multiple buttons 4. More specifically, the inclined surface 2163 approaches the first surface 511 of each button 4 as it approaches the plurality of buttons 4 .

[0045] With this configuration, the first surface 2161 of the frame portion 216 provided on the housing 2 is positioned in the +Z direction relative to the first surfaces 511 of the first button 41 and the second button 42, making it easier for the user to recognize the multiple buttons 4. Furthermore, the inclined surface 2163 makes it possible to guide the finger F from the frame portion 216 to one of the multiple buttons 4. This improves the operability of the audio device 1.

[0046] In the audio device 1, a virtual plane VP that passes through the intersection P1 between the second surface 2162 of the frame 216 and the first inclined surface 2164 and is perpendicular to the -Z direction intersects with the first inclined surface 517 of the button 4. Note that the second surface 2162 corresponds to the frame-side second surface, and the first inclined surface 2164 is one of the inclined surfaces 2163, which are frame-side inclined surfaces. This configuration makes it easier to guide a finger F along the first inclined surface 2164 to the first inclined surface 517 and the first surface 511 of the button 4A. Furthermore, when a finger F that has touched the button 4A is moved toward the first inclined surface 2164, the first inclined surface 2164 can be used as a stopper for the finger F, making it easier to keep the finger F within the arrangement portion 215. This improves the operability of the multiple buttons 4. In addition, by arranging the first surface 511 of each button 4 in the -Z direction relative to the first surface 2161 of the frame portion 216, it is possible to make it easier for the user to recognize that each of the multiple buttons 4 is not only a button that can be pressed individually, but also a button that can be pressed by sliding a finger. Although not shown in the figure, as described above, a virtual plane that passes through the intersection of the second surface 2162 of the frame portion 216 and the second inclined surface 2165 and is perpendicular to the -Z direction intersects with the second inclined surface 518 of the button 4. This can achieve the same effect as described above.

[0047] [First Modification of Embodiment] In the above-described acoustic device 1, each of the plurality of buttons 4 arranged adjacent to each other in the +X direction has a first inclined surface 517 that connects an end of the first surface 511 in the −X direction with an end of the second surface 512 in the +Z direction and that is positioned in the +Z direction as it moves toward the +X direction, and a second inclined surface 518 that connects an end of the first surface 511 in the +X direction with an end of the third surface 513 in the +Z direction and that is positioned in the +Z direction as it moves toward the −X direction. Furthermore, when a first button 41 of the plurality of buttons 4 located in the −X direction moves in the −Z direction, an extension plane EP of the first surface 511 of the first button 41 intersects with either the first inclined surface 517 of the second button 42 that is adjacent to the first button 41 in the +X direction or the end of the second surface 512 of the second button 42 in the +Z direction. Similarly, when second button 42 moves in the −Z direction, extension plane EP of first surface 511 of second button 42 intersects with either second inclined surface 518 of first button 41 or the +Z-direction end of third surface 513 of first button 41. This configuration may be applied to multiple buttons arranged adjacent to each other in a predetermined direction.

[0048] For example, a configuration similar to the above-described buttons 4 may be applied to a plurality of buttons 212 arranged adjacent to one another in a circular shape along the circumferential direction centered on center position C as viewed from the +Z direction. In this case, the first direction in the present invention is a direction along an arc centered on center position C as viewed from the +Z direction, which is the opposite direction to the second direction. With this configuration, the user can operate the plurality of buttons 212 while rotating their finger F around their wrist. Since each button 212 has a configuration similar to the above-described button 4, while pressing a button 212, it is easy to move their finger along the surface of the button 212 adjacent to the button 212 in the first direction or the opposite direction to the first direction, facing the +Z direction. This improves the operability of the plurality of buttons 212. Thus, the first direction in the present invention does not have to be a linear direction, but may be an arc or other curved shape.

[0049] [Second Modification of the Embodiment] Fig. 11 is a plan view of multiple buttons 4, viewed from the +Z direction, in which an example of processing has been performed on the first surface 511 to make it easier for the finger F to slide over them. Note that in Fig. 11, for ease of viewing, only some of the multiple grooves 511A are labeled with reference numerals. In the above-described acoustic device 1, the first surface 511 of each button 4 is illustrated as being flat. However, this is not a limitation, and the first surface 511 of each button 4 may be processed to make it easier for the finger F to slide over it.

[0050] For example, as shown in FIG. 11 , multiple grooves 511A extending along the +X direction on the first surface 511 may be arranged along the +Y direction perpendicular to the +X direction. That is, among the multiple buttons 4, the first button 41 and the second button 42 may each have multiple grooves 511A provided on the first surface 511 and extending along the +X direction. In this case, each of the multiple grooves 511A may be arranged in the +Y direction on the first surface 511, which intersects with both the +X direction and the −Z direction. The +Y direction corresponds to the third direction. With this configuration, the multiple grooves 511A provided on the first surface 511 of each button 41, 42 can reduce the sliding resistance of a finger F placed along the first surface 511. Therefore, it is possible to easily move a finger F in contact with the first surface 511 along the +X direction. Note that grooves similar to the multiple grooves 511A may also be provided on the multiple buttons 212. Also, instead of the plurality of grooves 511A, for example, a plurality of circular recesses when viewed from the +Z direction may be provided. In other words, other processing may be used as long as it makes it easier for the finger F to slide.

[0051] [Third Modification of the Embodiment] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a cross section of multiple buttons 4 along the XZ plane, the first surfaces 511 of which are covered with a material that facilitates sliding of the finger F. In the acoustic device 1 described above, the first surfaces 511 of each button 4 are illustrated as flat. However, this is not limited to this, and a member for facilitating sliding of the finger F may be attached to the first surfaces 511 of each button 4. For example, as shown in FIG. 12 , the first surfaces 511 of each button 4 may be provided with a member MB with low surface friction, such as a fluororesin sheet. That is, the first surfaces 511 of each button 4 may be provided with a member having slipperiness. With this configuration, the member MB provided on the first surfaces 511 can reduce the sliding resistance of the finger F along the first surfaces 511. Therefore, the finger F in contact with the first surfaces 511 can be easily moved along the +X direction. Note that the member MB may also be provided on the multiple buttons 212 described above. Moreover, instead of or in addition to the member MB, a member other than the fluororesin sheet may be provided.

[0052] [Other Modifications] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications and improvements within the scope of achieving the object of the present invention are included in the present invention. In the above-described embodiment, each button 4 has a first inclined surface 517 and a second inclined surface 518. However, this is not limited to this, and each button 4 may have one of the first inclined surface 517 and the second inclined surface 518 and not the other inclined surface. For example, if the direction in which the finger F moves when operating the control 3 is limited to the +X direction, each button 4 may not have the second inclined surface 518. Furthermore, among the multiple buttons 4, the button 4D located furthest in the +X direction may not have the second inclined surface 518, and the button 4A located furthest in the −X direction may not have the first inclined surface 517.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the first inclined surface 517 has a first flat surface 5171 and a first convex curved surface 5172, and the second inclined surface 518 has a second flat surface 5181 and a second convex curved surface 5182. However, this is not limited thereto, and the first inclined surface 517 may be a single continuous flat surface or a single continuous convex curved surface. Furthermore, the first inclined surface 517 may include other surface elements in addition to the first flat surface 5171 and the first convex curved surface 5172. Similarly, the second inclined surface 518 may be a single continuous flat surface or a single continuous convex curved surface. Furthermore, the second inclined surface 518 may include other surface elements in addition to the second flat surface 5181 and the second convex curved surface 5182.

[0054] In the above embodiment, the intersection angle α between the first inclined surface 517 of the second button 42 and the extension of the first surface 511 of the first button 41 is set to 45° or less. However, this is not a limitation, and the intersection angle α may be greater than 45°. Similarly, the intersection angle between the second inclined surface 518 of the first button 41 and the extension of the first surface 511 of the second button 42 is set to 45° or less. However, this is not a limitation, and the intersection angle may be greater than 45°.

[0055] In the above embodiment, the housing 2 has the frame portion 216 surrounding the multiple buttons 4. However, this is not limiting, and the frame portion 216 may be omitted. Also, the frame portion 216 has the inclined surface 2163. However, the inclined surface 2163 may be omitted.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the button head 51 of the button 4 is provided so as to be displaceable about the rotation shaft 52, and when pressed in the -Z direction by the finger F, it rotates about the rotation shaft 52 and displaces in the -Z direction, and when the pressing by the finger F is released, it displaces in the +Z direction due to the restoring force of the detection unit 7. However, this is not limited to this, and the button 4 does not have to have the rotation shaft 52. In this case, for example, a member such as the housing 2 or the support substrate 6 may have a holding structure that holds the button 4 so that it can be displaced in the ±Z directions. Furthermore, for example, the guide portion 64 of the support substrate 6 may have this holding structure.

[0057] [Summary of the Invention] The summary of the invention is as follows: [1] An audio device comprising a plurality of buttons arranged adjacent to each other in a first direction and pressable in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the plurality of buttons including: a first button; and a second button adjacent to the first button in the first direction, each of the first button and the second button having: a first surface intersecting the second direction and exposed to the outside, a second surface facing the opposite direction to the first direction, and a first inclined surface connecting an end of the first surface facing the opposite direction to the first direction and an end of the second surface facing the opposite direction to the second direction, the first inclined surface extending in the first direction, the first inclined surface intersecting either the first inclined surface of the second button or the end of the second surface of the second button facing the opposite direction to the second direction.

[0058] With this configuration, each of the multiple buttons can be pressed independently in the second direction. This not only provides the user with the sensation of pressing a button, but also makes it easier to grasp where the finger pressing the button is positioned. Furthermore, when a finger in contact with the first surface of the first button presses the first button in the second direction and then moves the finger in the first direction, the first inclined surface of the second button can guide the finger to the first surface of the second button. This makes it easier to move a finger that has been placed along the first surface of the first button while pressing the first button along the first surface of the second button.

[0059] [2] In the acoustic device described in [1], the first inclined surface has: a first plane provided in a portion of the first inclined surface opposite to the first direction and intersecting with the second surface; and a first convex curved surface provided in a portion of the first inclined surface in the first direction and continuous with both the first plane and the first surface, and the center of curvature of the first convex curved surface is located in the second direction relative to the first surface.

[0060] This configuration can prevent a corner from being formed between the first surface and the first inclined surface. Therefore, when a finger pressing the first button is moved in the first direction, the finger can be easily guided to the first surface of the second button. Therefore, the finger pressing the first button can be easily guided along the first surface of the second button.

[0061] [3] The audio device according to [1] or [2], wherein the intersection angle between the first inclined surface of the second button and an extension of the first surface of the first button is 45° or less. With this configuration, since the intersection angle is small, when a finger pressing the first button is moved in a first direction, the first inclined surface of the second button makes it easier for the finger to align with the first surface of the second button.

[0062] [4] In the audio device described in any one of [1] to [3], each of the first button and the second button has a third surface facing the first direction, and a second inclined surface that connects an end of the first surface in the first direction to an end of the third surface in the opposite direction to the second direction, and is positioned in the opposite direction to the second direction as it moves in the direction opposite to the first direction, and when the second button moves in the second direction, an extension surface of the first surface of the second button intersects with either the second inclined surface of the first button or the end of the third surface of the first button in the opposite direction to the second direction.

[0063] With this configuration, when a finger in contact with the first surface of the second button is moved in the opposite direction to the first direction while pressing the second button in the second direction, the second inclined surface of the first button can guide the finger to the first surface of the first button. This makes it easier to move the finger along the first surface of the first button while pressing the second button.

[0064] [5] In the acoustic device described in [4], the second inclined surface has: a second plane provided in a portion of the second inclined surface in the first direction and intersecting with the third surface; and a second convex curved surface provided in a portion of the second inclined surface in the direction opposite to the first direction and continuous with both the second plane and the first surface, and the center of curvature of the second convex curved surface is located in the second direction relative to the first surface.

[0065] This configuration can prevent corners from being formed between the first surface and the second inclined surface. Therefore, when a finger pressing the second button is moved in the opposite direction to the first direction, the finger can be easily guided to the first surface of the first button. Therefore, the finger pressing the second button can be easily guided along the first surface of the first button.

[0066] [6] The audio device according to [4] or [5], wherein the intersection angle between the second inclined surface of the first button and an extension of the first surface of the second button is 45° or less. With this configuration, since the intersection angle is small, when a finger pressing the second button is moved in the direction opposite to the first direction, the second inclined surface of the first button makes it easier for the finger to align with the first surface of the first button.

[0067] [7] The acoustic device according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the first button and the second button each have a plurality of grooves provided on the first surface and extending along the first direction, and each of the plurality of grooves is arranged on the first surface in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction. With this configuration, the plurality of grooves provided on the first surface can reduce the sliding resistance of a finger placed along the first surface. Therefore, it is possible to easily move a finger in contact with the first surface along the first direction.

[0068] [8] The acoustic device according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the first surface is provided with a member having slipperiness. With this configuration, the member provided on the first surface can reduce the sliding resistance of a finger placed along the first surface. Therefore, it is possible to easily move a finger in contact with the first surface along the first direction.

[0069] [9] An acoustic device according to any one of [1] to [8], comprising a housing on which the plurality of buttons are provided, the housing having a frame portion surrounding the plurality of buttons when viewed from the direction opposite to the second direction, the frame portion having: a frame-side first surface facing the direction opposite to the second direction and positioned in the opposite direction to the second direction than the first surfaces of the first button and the second button, a frame-side second surface facing the plurality of buttons, and frame-side inclined surfaces connected to each of the frame-side first surface and the frame-side second surface and positioned in the second direction as they approach the plurality of buttons.

[0070] With this configuration, the first frame-side surface of the frame provided on the housing is positioned in the opposite direction from the second direction relative to the first surfaces of the first and second buttons, making it easier for the user to recognize the multiple buttons. Furthermore, the frame-side inclined surface allows the user to guide a finger from the frame to one of the multiple buttons. This improves the operability of the audio device.

[0071]

[10] The audio device described in [9], characterized in that a virtual plane passing through the intersection of the frame-side second surface and the frame-side inclined surface and perpendicular to the second direction intersects with the first inclined surface. This configuration makes it easier to guide a finger along the frame-side inclined surface to the first inclined surface and the first surface of the button. Furthermore, when a finger touching a button is moved toward the frame-side inclined surface, the frame-side inclined surface can be used as a stopper for the finger, making it easier to keep the finger within the area where the multiple buttons are arranged. This improves the operability of the multiple buttons. Furthermore, by arranging the first surface of each button in the second direction relative to the frame-side first surface, it becomes easier for the user to recognize that each of the multiple buttons is not only a button that can be pressed individually, but also a button that can be pressed by sliding a finger.

[0072]

[11] The audio device according to any one of [1] to

[10] , wherein the first direction is a direction along an arc centered on a predetermined central position when viewed from the opposite direction to the second direction. With this configuration, multiple buttons can be operated by rotating the fingers around the wrist. This improves the operability of the multiple buttons.

[0073] 1...acoustic device, 2...housing, 216...frame, 2161...first surface (first surface on the frame side), 2162...second surface (second surface on the frame side), 2163...inclined surface (inclined surface on the frame side), 2164...first inclined surface, 2165...second inclined surface, 2166...third inclined surface, 2167...fourth inclined surface, 3...operator, 4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D...button, 41...first button, 42... Second button, 51...button head, 511...first surface, 512...second surface, 513...third surface, 514...fourth surface, 515...fifth surface, 516...sixth surface, 517...first inclined surface, 5171...first flat surface, 5172...first convex curved surface, 518...second inclined surface, 5181...second flat surface, 5182...second convex curved surface, 6...support substrate, 7, 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D...detection unit.

Claims

1. An audio device comprising a plurality of buttons arranged adjacent to each other in a first direction and pressable in a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein the plurality of buttons include a first button and a second button adjacent to the first button in the first direction, wherein each of the first button and the second button has: a first surface that intersects the second direction and is exposed to the outside; a second surface that faces the opposite direction to the first direction; and a first inclined surface that connects an end of the first surface that faces the opposite direction to the first direction with an end of the second surface that faces the opposite direction to the second direction, and that is positioned in the opposite direction to the second direction as it approaches the first direction, wherein when the first button is moved in the second direction, an extension of the first surface of the first button intersects with either the first inclined surface of the second button or the end of the second surface of the second button that faces the opposite direction to the second direction.

2. An acoustic device as described in claim 1, wherein the first inclined surface has: a first plane provided on a portion of the first inclined surface in the direction opposite to the first direction and intersecting with the second surface; and a first convex surface provided on a portion of the first inclined surface in the first direction and continuous with both the first plane and the first surface, and the center of curvature of the first convex surface is located in the second direction relative to the first surface.

3. An audio device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the intersection angle between the first inclined surface of the second button and the extension of the first surface of the first button is 45° or less.

4. An audio device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the first button and the second button has a third surface facing the first direction, and a second inclined surface that connects an end of the first surface in the first direction with an end of the third surface in the opposite direction to the second direction, and that is positioned in the opposite direction to the second direction as it moves in the opposite direction to the first direction, and wherein when the second button moves in the second direction, the extension surface of the first surface of the second button intersects with either the second inclined surface of the first button or the end of the third surface of the first button in the opposite direction to the second direction.

5. An acoustic device as described in claim 4, wherein the second inclined surface has: a second plane provided on a portion of the second inclined surface in the first direction and intersecting with the third surface; and a second convex curved surface provided on a portion of the second inclined surface in the opposite direction to the first direction and continuous with both the second plane and the first surface; and the center of curvature of the second convex curved surface is located further in the second direction than the first surface.

6. An acoustic device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the intersection angle between the second inclined surface of the first button and an extension of the first surface of the second button is 45° or less.

7. An acoustic device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each of the first button and the second button is provided on the first surface and has a plurality of grooves extending along the first direction, and each of the plurality of grooves is arranged on the first surface in a third direction that intersects with each of the first direction and the second direction.

8. An acoustic device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first surface is provided with a member having slipperiness.

9. An audio device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a housing on which the plurality of buttons are provided, the housing having a frame surrounding the plurality of buttons when viewed from the direction opposite to the second direction, the frame having: a frame-side first surface facing the opposite direction to the second direction and positioned in the opposite direction to the second direction than the first surfaces of the first button and the second button, a frame-side second surface facing the plurality of buttons, and frame-side inclined surfaces connected to each of the frame-side first surface and the frame-side second surface and positioned in the second direction as they approach the plurality of buttons.

10. An acoustic device according to claim 9, characterized in that an imaginary plane that passes through the intersection of the frame-side second surface and the frame-side inclined surface and is perpendicular to the second direction intersects with the first inclined surface.

11. An acoustic device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first direction is a direction along an arc having a predetermined center position as its center when viewed from the opposite direction to the second direction.

Images