Acoustic device

Abstract

This acoustic device (1) comprises: a rotary operator (4) having a first cylinder (45) that can rotate around a first rotation axis (Rx1); and a first adjustment unit (6) having a pressing mechanism (61) that is in contact with the first cylinder (45) and adjusts the rotational resistance of the first cylinder (45), the first adjustment unit (6) adjusting the rotational force of the rotary operator (4).

Description

sound equipment

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

[0002] Conventionally, audio devices having adjustment knobs have been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the audio device described in Patent Document 1, the adjustment knob includes an adjustment knob body, a knob base, a rotation shaft, and a rotary resistor. The adjustment knob body is the part operated by an operator. The knob base is provided at the bottom of the adjustment knob body and rotates in response to rotation of the adjustment knob body. A rotation shaft is provided at the rotation center of the knob base, and the tip of the rotation shaft is connected to a rotary resistor provided on a circuit board.

[0003] International Publication No. 2019 / 239486

[0004] In recent years, there has been a demand for high operability for rotary controls used in audio devices. However, in the adjustment knob described in Patent Document 1, the rotation resistance of the adjustment knob body is approximately constant, so the adjustment knob body may rotate too much or may be difficult to rotate more than the user expects. For this reason, there has been a demand for a configuration that can improve the operability of the rotary control.

[0005] An acoustic device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a rotary operator having a first cylinder rotatable around a first rotation axis, and a first adjustment unit having a pressing mechanism that contacts the first cylinder to adjust the rotational resistance of the first cylinder, and that adjusts the rotational force of the rotary operator.

[0006] 1 is a perspective view showing an acoustic device according to a first embodiment; a perspective view showing an operator according to the first embodiment; a perspective view showing an operator according to the first embodiment; a plan view showing an operator according to the first embodiment; a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a clutch mechanism and a drive device according to the first embodiment; a plan view showing an operator according to the first embodiment; a plan view showing an operator according to the first embodiment; a block diagram showing another configuration of the acoustic device according to the first embodiment; a flowchart showing control processing according to the first embodiment; a plan view showing an operator provided in an acoustic device according to a second embodiment; a cross-sectional view showing a clutch mechanism and a drive device provided in the operator according to the second embodiment; a plan view showing an operator provided in an acoustic device according to a third embodiment; a plan view showing an operator provided in an acoustic device according to a fourth embodiment.

[0007] [First Embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. [General 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 a DJ device such as a DJ controller or a DJ mixer, and is an audio device having controls that enable DJ operations. As shown in FIG. 1, the audio device 1 includes an exterior housing 11 and a plurality of controls 2 provided on a top surface 11A of the exterior housing 11. The audio device 1 transmits operation information corresponding to user operations on the plurality of controls 2 to an information processing device (not shown) connected to the audio device 1. Such an information processing device plays, for example, a preselected song in accordance with the operation information received from the audio device 1.

[0008] Each of the multiple operators 2 is operated by a user and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation by the user to a control unit 84 (described later). The multiple operators 2 include two jog dials 21L, 21R, a crossfader 22, two channel faders 23L, 23R, two performance pads 24L, 24R, an effect adjustment knob 25, an effect activation button 26, multiple rotary volumes 27, and the operators 3.

[0009] In the audio device 1, the jog dial 21L, channel fader 23L, and performance pads 24L are arranged in a left region 11L on the top surface 11A, while the jog dial 21R, channel fader 23R, and performance pads 24R are arranged in a right region 11R on the top surface 11A. The left region 11L corresponds to Deck A, and the right region 11R corresponds to Deck B. The crossfader 22, effect adjustment knob 25, effect activation button 26, multiple rotary volumes 27, and controls 3 are arranged in a central region 11C on the top surface 11A, sandwiched between the left region 11L and the right region 11R. Although not shown, the multiple rotary volumes 27 include three rotary volumes for adjusting the volume levels of the high-, mid-, and low-frequency bands of the music loaded on Deck A, and three rotary volumes for adjusting the volume levels of the high-, mid-, and low-frequency bands of the music loaded on Deck B.

[0010] [Configuration of Operator] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the operator 3 arranged on the exterior housing 11. The operator 3 is provided in the central region 11C on the top surface 11B side of the exterior housing 11. The operator 3 has a knob 42 that is rotatable around a rotation axis perpendicular to the top surface 11A, and outputs an operation signal in response to a user's rotation operation of the knob 42. The audio device 1 transmits operation information in response to the operation signal input from the operator 3 to the information processing device, and the information processing device performs, for example, song selection based on the received operation information. As shown in Fig. 2, the operator 3 includes a rotary operator 4, a detection unit 5, a first adjustment unit 6, and a housing 7.

[0011] In the following description, the three mutually orthogonal directions are referred to as the +X direction, the +Y direction, and the +Z direction. In this embodiment, the +Z direction is the direction along the rotation axis Rx1 of the operating shaft 41 (described later) of the rotary operator 4, in which the rotary operator 4 protrudes from the top surface 11A. 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. Furthermore, the axis along the +X direction is referred to as the X axis, the axis along the +Y direction is referred to as the Y axis, and the axis along the +Z direction is referred to as the Z axis.

[0012] [Configuration of the Housing] The housing 7 is a component for attaching the operator 3 to the exterior housing 11. The housing 7 includes a first housing 71 and a second housing 72. The first housing 71 is attached to the exterior housing 11 in a state in which it supports the rotary operator 4 and the detection unit 5. In addition, the first housing 71 rotatably supports the lever 62 that constitutes the first adjustment unit 6. The second housing 72 is attached to the exterior housing 11 in a state in which it supports a drive device 68 (described later) of the first adjustment unit 6. The second housing 72 has a rotation stopper 721 that stops the pressing rotor 64 of the first adjustment unit 6 from rotating more than necessary.

[0013] [Configuration of Rotary Operator] Figures 3 and 4 are perspective views showing the operator 3 with the housing 7 removed. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the operator 3 as viewed from the +Z direction, and Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the operator 3 as viewed from the -Z direction. The rotary operator 4 is rotated by the user, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the rotation operation to a control unit 84, which will be described later. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the rotary operator 4 has an operating shaft 41, a pivot support 44, a first cylinder 45, a first detection disk 46, and a second detection disk 47.

[0014] The operating shaft 41 is a portion that is rotated by the user and is rotatable around a rotation axis Rx1 that is parallel to the Z axis. The operating shaft 41 has a knob portion 42 and a shaft portion 43. The rotation axis Rx1 corresponds to the first rotation axis. The knob portion 42 is a portion that is gripped by the user's fingers. The knob portion 42 is provided at the end of the operating shaft 41 in the +Z direction and is exposed from the top surface 11A in the +Z direction. The knob portion 42 is rotated around the rotation axis Rx1 by the user. The shaft portion 43 is a cylindrical member located in the -Z direction relative to the knob portion 42 and is connected to the knob portion 42. When the user rotates the knob portion 42, the shaft portion 43 rotates coaxially with the knob portion 42. The pivot support portion 44 is a bearing provided in the first housing 71 and supports the shaft portion 43 of the operating shaft 41 so that it is rotatable around the rotation axis Rx1.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the operator 3 viewed from the +Z direction, with the housing 7, first detection board 46, and second detection board 47 not shown. The first cylinder 45 is a disk-shaped member disposed on the outside of the shaft portion 43 when viewed from the +Z direction. The first cylinder 45 rotates integrally with the shaft portion 43 around the rotation axis Rx1. That is, the first cylinder 45 is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion 43, which is centered on the rotation axis Rx1. As shown in FIG. 5 , the outer circumferential surface of the first cylinder 45 has an engagement portion 451 formed of concaves and convexes arranged in a circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis Rx1. More specifically, the engagement portion 451 has a plurality of recesses 452 arranged in a circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis Rx1. The engagement portion 451 engages with a lever 62 of the first adjustment unit 6, which will be described later.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the first detection disk 46 is a disk-shaped member attached to the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion 43 in the +Z direction relative to the first cylinder 45. Although not shown, the first detection disk 46 has multiple slits along the circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis Rx1. The multiple slits are used by a speed detection unit 51 (described later) of the detection unit 5 to detect the rotation speed of the shaft portion 43. The second detection disk 47 is a disk-shaped member attached to the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion 43 in the +Z direction relative to the first detection disk 46. The second detection disk 47 has multiple protrusions 471 protruding from the periphery of the second detection disk 47 in the +Z direction, and the multiple protrusions 471 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis Rx1. The multiple protrusions 471 are used by a timing detection unit 52 (described later) of the detection unit 5 to detect the timing at which a click occurs. Similar to the first cylinder 45, the first detection board 46 and the second detection board 47 rotate integrally with the shaft portion 43 around the rotation axis Rx1.

[0017] [Configuration of the Detector] The detector 5 is provided in the first housing 71 and detects user operations on the rotary operator 4. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the detector 5 includes a speed detector 51 and a timing detector 52. In addition, the detector 5 includes a contact detector 53, which is not shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0018] The speed detection unit 51 detects the rotation speed of the first detection disk 46 and, therefore, the rotation speed of the shaft 43. More specifically, the speed detection unit 51 is attached to the first housing 71 and detects the rotation speed of the operating shaft 41, including the shaft 43, by detecting multiple slits provided in the first detection disk 46. That is, the speed detection unit 51 detects the rotation speed of the first cylinder 45. An example of the configuration of such a speed detection unit 51 is a configuration including a photointerrupter that irradiates light onto the slits and detects light reflected by or transmitted through the slits. The timing detection unit 52 detects the timing at which a click sensation is generated. The click sensation is generated when the protrusion 6241 provided on the lever 62 of the first adjustment unit 6 engages with the recess 452 that constitutes the engagement portion 451 of the first cylinder 45, imparting a click sensation to the user operating the rotary operator 4. An example of the configuration of the timing detection unit 52 is a configuration including a photointerrupter that emits light to the convex portions 471 and detects the light reflected by the convex portions 471 or the light that passes between the convex portions 471.

[0019] The contact detection unit 53 detects contact of the user with the rotary operator 4. More specifically, the contact detection unit 53 is electrically connected to the shaft support unit 44, and detects contact of the user with the knob portion 42 of the operating shaft 41. In this embodiment, the contact detection unit 53 is an electrostatic touch sensor, and detects contact of the user with the outer circumferential surface of the knob portion 42.

[0020] [Configuration of First Adjustment Unit] The first adjustment unit 6 adjusts the pressing force on the first cylinder 45 provided on the shaft portion 43 of the rotary operator 4 to adjust the rotational resistance of the operating shaft 41 including the first cylinder 45, and therefore the rotational resistance of the rotary operator 4. In other words, the first adjustment unit 6 adjusts the pressing force on the first cylinder 45 by the pressing mechanism 61 to adjust the rotational resistance of the shaft portion 43 generated by the rotation of the first cylinder 45 when the engagement portion 451 and the pressing mechanism 61 are engaged, thereby adjusting the click force generated when the operating shaft 41 is rotated. Note that the click feeling is an operating feeling that indicates that the operating shaft 41 has been rotated by the predetermined angle when the operating shaft 41 is rotated in one direction, where the rotational resistance of the operating shaft 41 increases at a predetermined rotation angle, and then decreases when the operating shaft 41 is rotated beyond the predetermined rotation angle. This is the operating feeling imparted to the user operating the operating shaft 41. The click force is the magnitude of the operating feeling.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 5 , the first adjustment unit 6 has a pressing mechanism 61, a clutch mechanism 65, and a drive unit 68. The pressing mechanism 61 is operated by power transmitted from the drive unit 68 via the clutch mechanism 65, and contacts the first cylinder 45 to adjust the rotational resistance of the first cylinder 45, thereby adjusting the rotational force (rotational torque) of the rotary operator 4. That is, the first adjustment unit 6 has a pressing mechanism 61 that contacts the first cylinder 45 to adjust the rotational resistance of the first cylinder 45, thereby adjusting the rotational force of the rotary operator 4. Because the pressing mechanism 61 contacts the first cylinder 45 to adjust the rotational resistance and rotational force, it can also be referred to as a contact mechanism that can contact the first cylinder 45. The rotational force of the rotary operator 4 is the rotational force required to rotate the operating shaft 41 of the rotary operator 4, and can be rephrased as the rotational torque of the operating shaft 41, which includes the knob portion 42, the shaft portion 43, and the first cylinder 45 in the rotary operator 4. The pressing mechanism 61 includes a lever 62, a biasing member 63, and a pressing rotor 64. The pressing rotor 64 will be described in detail later.

[0022] The lever 62 is rotated by the drive unit 68 around a rotation axis Rx2 along the Z axis to engage with the engagement portion 451 of the first cylinder 45, generating a clicking sensation when the operating shaft 41 is rotated. The lever 62 has a first extending portion 621 and a second extending portion 625. The first extending portion 621 extends along the X axis. The first extending portion 621 has a supported portion 622, a pressed portion 623, and a contact portion 624. The supported portion 622 is provided at the end of the first extending portion 621 in the +X direction. The supported portion 622 is a portion of the lever 62 that is supported by the first housing 71 and is rotatable around a rotation axis Rx2 parallel to the rotation axis Rx1. That is, the lever 62 is rotatable around the rotation axis Rx2 along the Z axis at the supported portion 622. The rotation axis Rx2 corresponds to the third rotation axis.

[0023] The pressed portion 623 is provided at the end of the first extending portion 621 opposite to the supported portion 622. That is, the pressed portion 623 is provided at the end of the first extending portion 621 in the −X direction. The pressed portion 623 is pressed in the +Y direction by the pressing rotor 64, which is rotated by the driving device 68. This causes the lever 62 to rotate clockwise about the rotation axis Rx2 when viewed from the +Z direction. That is, when the pressed portion 623 is pressed, the lever 62 rotates about the supported portion 622.

[0024] The contact portion 624 is located between the supported portion 622 and the pressed portion 623 in the first extending portion 621. The contact portion 624 is a portion that comes into contact with the first cylinder 45 of the rotary operator 4. More specifically, the contact portion 624 is a convex portion that protrudes from the surface of the first extending portion 621 that faces the first cylinder 45. When the lever 62 rotates clockwise around the rotation axis Rx2 as viewed from the +Z direction, the contact portion 624 is inserted into the recessed portion 452 that constitutes the engaging portion 451 of the first cylinder 45.

[0025] The second extending portion 625 extends in the −Y direction intersecting with the first extending portion 621. More specifically, the second extending portion 625 extends in the −Y direction from the supported portion 622. The second extending portion 625 has a biased portion 626 located on a surface of the second extending portion 625 facing the −X direction. The biased portion 626 is in contact with the biasing member 63 and is a portion on which the biasing force of the biasing member 63 acts. One end of the biasing member 63 is engaged with the first housing 71, and the other end contacts the biased portion 626, applying a biasing force in the +X direction to the biased portion 626. That is, the biasing member 63 biases the lever 62 in the counterclockwise direction about the rotation axis Rx2 when viewed from the +Z direction. In other words, the biasing member 63 biases the lever 62 in a direction in which the contact portion 624 moves away from the first cylinder 45. Such a biasing member 63 can be configured, for example, by a compression coil spring. In the following description, the clockwise direction about the rotation axis Rx2 as viewed from the +Z direction is defined as the +D2 direction, and the counterclockwise direction is defined as the -D2 direction. In other words, the direction in which the biasing member 63 biases the lever 62 is the -D2 direction.

[0026] [Configuration of the drive device] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the clutch mechanism 65 and the drive device 68. More specifically, Fig. 6 is a view showing a cross section of the clutch mechanism 65 and the drive device 68 along the XZ plane. Here, the drive device 68 will be described first. The drive device 68 is a drive unit that generates power to operate the pressing mechanism 61. As shown in Figs. 2 to 4 and 6, the drive device 68 has a drive device main body 681 and a rotation shaft portion 682.

[0027] The rotating shaft portion 682 is rotated around a rotation axis Rx3 along the Z axis by the driving device main body 681. The rotating shaft portion 682 is connected to the clutch mechanism 65 and transmits the power for operating the pressing mechanism 61 to the clutch mechanism 65. The driving device 68 can be configured, for example, by a motor. In this case, the driving device main body 681 is the motor main body, and the rotating shaft portion 682 is a rotor. In the following description, as shown in FIG. 5, the clockwise direction around the rotation axis Rx3 as viewed from the +Z direction is defined as the +D3 direction, and the counterclockwise direction is defined as the -D3 direction. The rotation axis Rx3 corresponds to the second rotation axis.

[0028] 2 to 4 and 6 , the clutch mechanism 65 is disposed in the +Z direction relative to the drive device 68, is coupled to the rotating shaft 682 and the pressing rotor 64 of the pressing mechanism 61, and transmits the power of the drive device 68 to the pressing mechanism 61. More specifically, the clutch mechanism 65 rotates the pressing rotor 64 by rotation of the rotating shaft 682, thereby rotating the lever 62 in the +D2 direction and bringing the contact portion 624 of the lever 62 into contact with the engaging portion 451 of the first cylinder 45. In addition, the clutch mechanism 65 rotates the lever 62 in the −D2 direction by rotation of the rotating shaft 682, thereby separating the contact portion 624 of the lever 62 from the engaging portion 451 of the first cylinder 45. In this embodiment, the clutch mechanism 65 is a friction clutch and includes a drive rotor 66 and a biasing mechanism 67.

[0029] [Configuration of the Drive Rotor] As shown in FIG. 6 , the drive rotor 66 is coupled to a rotation shaft 682 and rotates integrally with the rotation shaft 682 around the rotation axis Rx3. The drive rotor 66 rotates the pressing rotor 64, which is pressed against the drive rotor 66 by a biasing mechanism 67. The drive rotor 66 is a tubular member whose end in the −Z direction has an expanded diameter, and the rotation shaft 682 is inserted into the drive rotor 66. Specifically, the drive rotor 66 has a tubular portion 661 and a flange portion 662. The tubular portion 661 is a cylindrical portion extending along the Z axis. The rotation shaft 682 is fitted into and coupled to the tubular portion 661 from the −Z direction. The flange portion 662 is provided in a portion of the tubular portion 661 in the −Z direction and is a portion whose diameter expands radially outward from the outer periphery of the tubular portion 661. Although not shown in the figure, the flange portion 662 is formed in a substantially circular shape when viewed from the −Z direction.

[0030] [Configuration of the Urging Mechanism] As shown in FIG. 6 , the urging mechanism 67 urges the pressing rotor 64 toward the driving rotor 66. The urging mechanism 67 has a support member 671, a fixing member 672, a urging member 673, a pressing member 674, and a friction material 675. The support member 671 is fixed to the end of the cylindrical portion 661 in the +Z direction by a fixing member 672 such as a screw, and supports the urging member 673, the pressing member 674, and the friction material 675, which are arranged between the support member 671 and the pressing rotor 64. The urging member 673 applies a urging force to the pressing member 674 to urge the pressing rotor 64 toward the driving rotor 66. The end of the urging member 673 in the +Z direction is engaged with the support member 671, and the end of the urging member 673 in the −Z direction is in contact with the pressing member 674. In this embodiment, the biasing member 673 is configured by a compression coil spring having an opening through which the cylindrical portion 661 is inserted, but may be configured by an elastic member such as rubber.

[0031] The pressing member 674 is a ring-shaped member through which the cylindrical portion 661 is inserted, and is disposed between the pressing rotor 64 and the biasing member 673. The pressing member 674 is biased in the −Z direction by the biasing member 673, and presses the pressing rotor 64 toward the drive rotor 66. The friction material 675 adjusts the rotational load of the pressing rotor 64 with respect to the pressing member 674. The friction material 675 is provided on a surface of the pressing member 674 facing the −Z direction, and is disposed between the pressing member 674 and the pressing rotor 64. Such friction material 675 can be formed, for example, from felt.

[0032] [Configuration of the Pressing Rotor] The pressing rotor 64 corresponds to the first rotor constituting the pressing mechanism 61 as described above. The pressing rotor 64 is configured in a ring shape and is connected to the driving rotor 66 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis Rx3. That is, the pressing rotor 64 is coaxial with the driving rotor 66 and can rotate integrally with the driving rotor 66. Specifically, the pressing rotor 64 is connected to the +Z direction surface of the flange portion 662. The pressing rotor 64 has a pressing portion 641 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, as well as a restricting portion 642 shown in FIG. 5 and a through hole 643 shown in FIG. 6. The through hole 643 is a hole portion that penetrates the pressing rotor 64 along the Z axis. The cylindrical portion 661 is inserted into the through hole 643 in the +Z direction.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 5 , the pressing portion 641 is provided on the outer periphery of the pressing rotor 64 and contacts the lever 62. When the pressing rotor 64 rotates in the −D3 direction, the pressing portion 641 presses the lever 62 in the +Y direction, causing the lever 62 to rotate in the +D2 direction. This causes the contact portion 624 of the lever 62 to engage with the engagement portion 451 of the first cylinder 45. Note that when the pressing rotor 64 rotates in the +D3 direction, the lever 62 rotates in the −D2 direction due to the biasing force of the biasing member 63, and the contact portion 624 moves away from the engagement portion 451. The restricting portion 642 protrudes radially outward from the outer periphery of the pressing rotor 64, centered on the rotation axis Rx3. When the pressing rotor 64 rotates in the −D3 direction more than necessary, the restricting portion 642 comes into contact with the rotation stopper 721 of the second housing 72 shown in FIG. 2 . This prevents the pressing rotor 64 from rotating in the −D3 direction more than necessary.

[0034] [Operation of the Operator] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the state of the operator 3 when the pressing rotor 64 rotates in the −D3 direction and the lever 62 rotates in the +D2 direction. Note that FIG. 7 does not illustrate the knob 42, the first detection board 46, the second detection board 47, and the housing 7. In the clutch mechanism 65, the biasing mechanism 67 biases the pressing rotor 64 toward the driving rotor 66, so the pressing rotor 64 rotates in the same direction as the driving rotor 66, which is rotated by the driving device 68. Therefore, when the driving rotor 66 rotates in the −D3 direction by the driving device 68, as shown in FIG. 7, the pressing rotor 64 rotates together with the driving rotor 66 in the −D3 direction, and the pressing portion 641 presses the lever 62 in the +Y direction. As a result, the lever 62 rotates in the +D2 direction, and the contact portion 624 of the lever 62 engages with the engagement portion 451 of the first cylinder 45. When the user rotates the knob 42 around the rotation axis Rx1 with the contact portion 624, which is a convex portion, in contact with the engagement portion 451, the contact portion 624 is inserted into one of the recesses 452 each time the first cylinder 45 is rotated by a predetermined rotation angle. This gives the user operating the operating shaft 41 the above-mentioned clicking sensation.

[0035] When the drive rotor 66 is further rotated in the -D3 direction by the drive device 68, the lever 62 further rotates in the +D2 direction. In this case, the contact portion 624 is inserted deeper into the recess 452, and the pressing force of the lever 62 against the first cylinder 45 increases. This increases the rotational resistance of the first cylinder 45, and ultimately the rotational resistance of the operating shaft 41, and increases the rotational force and clicking force when rotating the operating shaft 41. This makes it easier to rotate the operating shaft 41 by a predetermined angle when rotating the operating shaft 41 at a low speed, for example, and improves the operability of the controller 3.

[0036] Here, if the user rotates the operating shaft 41 at high speed while the lever 62 and the first cylinder 45 are in contact, the lever 62 is repelled off the outside of the first cylinder 45 and rotates in the -D2 direction, causing the contact portion 624 to separate from the engagement portion 451. In other words, if the user rotates the operating shaft 41 at high speed, it may be difficult to provide the user with a continuous clicking sensation. In contrast, even if the lever 62 attempts to move away from the first cylinder 45, the drive unit 68 rotates the drive rotor 66 in the -D3 direction, so the contact state between the contact portion 624 and the engagement portion 451 is maintained. Therefore, even when the operating shaft 41 is rotated at high speed, the user can be provided with a continuous clicking sensation.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the state of the operator 3 when the lever 62 rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the +Z direction. Note that the knob portion 42, the first detection board 46, the second detection board 47, and the housing 7 are not shown in FIG. As will be described in detail later, when the control unit 84 determines, based on the detection result by the contact detection unit 53, that the user's contact with the knob portion 42 has been released, the drive unit 68 rotates the drive rotor 66 in the +D3 direction, as shown in FIG. 8, thereby rotating the pressing rotor 64 in the +D3 direction. In this case, the lever 62 rotates in the −D2 direction due to the biasing force of the biasing member 63. As a result, the engagement between the contact portion 624 and the engagement portion 451 is released. The drive unit 68 is then stopped.

[0038] [Other Configurations of the Audio Device] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing other configurations of the audio device 1. In addition to the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 9 , the audio device 1 includes an input unit 81, an output unit 82, a communication unit 83, and a control unit 84. The input unit 81, the output unit 82, the communication unit 83, and the control unit 84 are electrically connected to each other by a bus line BL and are disposed within the exterior housing 11. The input unit 81 receives the detection result from the detection unit 5, and outputs the received detection result to the control unit 84. The output unit 82 outputs the control signal output from the control unit 84 to the electronic component to which the control signal is output. For example, the output unit 82 outputs the control signal output from the control unit 84 to the drive device main body 681 of the drive device 68. The communication unit 83 communicates with external devices such as the information processing device described above.

[0039] The control unit 84 controls the audio device 1. The control unit 84 has a memory 85 and a processor 86. The memory 85 stores programs and data necessary for controlling the audio device 1. For example, the memory 85 stores a control program that is read and executed by the processor 86.

[0040] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the control process performed by the processor 86. At least one processor 86 is provided in the audio device 1 and primarily controls the audio device 1. That is, the audio device 1 includes at least one processor 86. The processor 86 loads and executes a control program stored in the memory 85, thereby performing the control process for the operator 3 shown in FIG. 10. In the control process shown in FIG. 10, the processor 86 first determines whether the user has touched the knob portion 42 of the operating shaft 41 based on the detection result from the contact detection unit 53 (step S1). If the determination process in step S1 determines that the user has not touched the knob portion 42 (step S1: NO), the processor 86 returns the process to step S1. That is, the processor 86 repeatedly executes step S1 until it determines that the user has touched the knob portion 42.

[0041] If the determination process of step S1 determines that the user has touched the knob portion 42 (step S1: YES), the processor 86 outputs a control signal to the drive device main body 681 to rotate the rotation shaft portion 682 in the -D3 direction, thereby operating the drive device main body 681 so as to increase the pressing force of the lever 62 on the first cylinder 45 (step S2). The processor 86 also determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the determination process of step S1 determined that the user has touched the knob portion 42 (step S3). The predetermined time can be set to a value within a range of, for example, 0.1 seconds to 0.5 seconds, and preferably 0.3 seconds. However, the predetermined time is not limited to this and can be changed as appropriate.

[0042] If it is determined in the determination process of step S3 that the elapsed time has not exceeded the predetermined time (step S3: NO), the processor 86 returns the process to step S2. As a result, the pressing force applied to the first cylinder 45 by the lever 62 gradually increases until the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined time. If it is determined in the determination process of step S3 that the elapsed time has exceeded the predetermined time (step S3: YES), the processor 86 acquires the rotational speed of the operating shaft 41 detected by the speed detection unit 51 (step S4).

[0043] The processor 86 then outputs a control signal to the drive device main body 681 to control the rotational force of the rotation shaft 682 in the -D3 direction so that the pressing force corresponds to the rotation speed of the operating shaft 41 (step S5). In this embodiment, the processor 86 controls the drive device main body 681 so that the pressing force of the lever 62 on the first cylinder 45 is increased when the rotation speed of the operating shaft 41 is less than a predetermined threshold. On the other hand, the processor 86 controls the drive device main body 681 so that the pressing force of the lever 62 is decreased when the rotation speed of the operating shaft 41 is equal to or greater than the threshold. That is, the processor 86 of the control unit 84 reduces the pressing force on the first cylinder 45 when the rotation speed of the operating shaft 41 detected by the speed detection unit 51 is equal to or greater than the threshold, compared to the pressing force on the first cylinder 45 when the rotation speed of the operating shaft 41 is less than the threshold.

[0044] After step S5, the processor 86 returns the process to step S4. Thus, the processor 86 repeatedly executes steps S2 to S5 described above while the user is touching the knob 42. Although not shown in FIG. 10 , the processor 86 determines whether the user's touch on the knob 42 has been released based on the detection results from the contact detection unit 53. When it is determined that the user's touch has been released, the processor 86 outputs a control signal to the drive device main body 681 to rotate the drive rotor 66 and the pressing rotor 64 in the +D3 direction and separate the lever 62 from the first cylinder 45. This reduces the rotational resistance of the operating shaft 41, allowing the operating shaft 41 to rotate, for example, by inertial force. When the lever 62 separates from the first cylinder 45, the processor 86 stops the drive device main body 681.

[0045] Effects of First Embodiment The audio device 1 according to the present embodiment described above provides the following effects. The audio device 1 includes an operator 3 that is operated by a user, and the operator 3 includes a rotary operator 4 and a first adjustment unit 6. The rotary operator 4 has a first cylinder 45. The first cylinder 45 is rotatable about a rotation axis Rx1. The first adjustment unit 6 adjusts the rotational force (rotational torque) of the rotary operator 4. The first adjustment unit 6 includes a pressing mechanism 61. The pressing mechanism 61 comes into contact with the first cylinder 45 to adjust the rotational resistance of the first cylinder 45.

[0046] With this configuration, the first adjustment unit 6 can adjust the rotational resistance of the first cylinder 45, and thus the rotational force (rotational torque) of the rotary operator 4, improving the operability of the rotary operator 4. This can therefore improve the convenience of the audio device 1.

[0047] In the audio device 1, the first adjustment unit 6 includes a drive unit 68 that generates power to operate the pressing mechanism 61. The drive unit 68 corresponds to a drive unit. The audio device 1 includes a control unit 84 that controls the drive unit 68. With this configuration, the drive unit 68 operates the pressing mechanism 61, making it easier to adjust the rotational load on the first cylinder 45 caused by the pressing mechanism 61. Additionally, by operating the pressing mechanism 61 in the opposite direction, the pressing mechanism 61 can be separated from the first cylinder 45. This makes it easy to adjust the contact state of the pressing mechanism 61 with the first cylinder 45. Furthermore, because the control unit 84 controls the drive unit 68, it is possible to automatically adjust, for example, the rotational resistance of the first cylinder 45, and ultimately the rotational force (rotational torque) of the rotary operator 4. This improves the convenience of the audio device 1.

[0048] In the acoustic device 1, the first adjustment unit 6 includes a clutch mechanism 65. The clutch mechanism 65 transmits power from a drive unit 68 serving as a drive unit to operate the pressing mechanism 61. If the rotary operator 4 is operated to rotate the first cylinder 45 while the engagement portion 451 of the first cylinder 45 and the contact portion 624 of the lever 62 constituting the pressing mechanism 61 are in contact with each other, the lever 62 may be repelled by the first cylinder 45, causing the lever 62 to rotate in a direction separating the contact portion 624 from the engagement portion 451. In this case, if the rotation shaft portion 682 of the drive unit 68 rotates in the +D3 direction, it takes a relatively long time for the rotation shaft portion 682 to rotate in the -D3 direction, and therefore the state in which the contact portion 624 and the engagement portion 451 are separated from each other continues for a relatively long time. At this time, even if knob portion 42 is gripped and rotary operator 4 is rotated, contact portion 624 and engagement portion 451 are separated from each other, so no clicking sensation occurs, and there is a risk of impairing the operability of operator 3. Note that contact portion 624 corresponds to the pressing mechanism contact portion, and the +D3 direction is the opposite direction to the −D3 direction, which is the rotation direction when the lever is rotated in the direction in which contact portion 624 comes into contact with engagement portion 451.

[0049] In contrast, because the first adjustment unit 6 includes the clutch mechanism 65, the rotation shaft 682 of the drive unit 68, which is connected to the drive rotor 66, can be maintained rotated in the -D3 direction. This allows the drive unit 68 to continue operating in the -D3 direction when the lever 62 of the pressing mechanism 61 is rotated in the +D2 direction, in which the contact portion 624 contacts the engagement portion 451, even if the lever 62 is repelled by the first cylinder 45. In other words, the pressing rotor 64, which serves as the first rotor, can be continuously rotated by the drive rotor 66. This prevents the contact portion 624 from separating from the engagement portion 451, maintaining the adjusted rotational load of the rotary operator 4, thereby maintaining a state in which a clicking sensation occurs in response to the rotation of the rotary operator 4. This improves the operability of the rotary operator 4.

[0050] In the audio device 1, the pressing mechanism 61 includes a pressing rotor 64. The pressing rotor 64 corresponds to the first rotor. The clutch mechanism 65 has a driving rotor 66 and a biasing mechanism 67. The driving rotor 66 is rotated around a rotation axis Rx3 by a driving device 68. The rotation axis Rx3 corresponds to the second rotation axis. The biasing mechanism 67 has a biasing member 673, which biases the pressing rotor 64 toward the driving rotor 66 along the rotation axis Rx3, thereby transmitting the rotation of the driving rotor 66 to the pressing rotor 64. This configuration makes it easier for the pressing rotor 64, which presses and rotates the lever 62, to rotate integrally with the driving rotor 66. As a result, even when a rotational force in the opposite direction to the rotational direction of the driving rotor 66 acts on the pressing rotor 64, it is easier for the pressing rotor 64 to rotate in the same direction as the driving rotor 66. This prevents the contact portion 624 of the pressing mechanism 61 from separating from the engagement portion 451 of the first cylinder 45, maintaining a state in which a clicking sensation occurs in response to the rotation of the rotary operator 4. In addition, since the adjusted rotation load can be maintained, the operability of the rotary operator 4 can be improved.

[0051] The audio device 1 includes a contact detection unit 53 that detects a user's contact with the rotary operator 4. When the contact detection unit 53 detects a user's contact with the rotary operator 4, the processor 86 of the control unit 84 operates the pressing mechanism 61 via the drive device 68 to adjust the rotational force (rotational torque) of the rotary operator 4. Specifically, when the processor 86 detects a user's contact with the knob portion 42, it rotates the lever 62 of the pressing mechanism 61 in the +D2 direction, in which the contact portion 624 contacts the engagement portion 451, thereby adjusting the rotational force (rotational torque) of the rotary operator 4. With this configuration, when a user's contact with the knob portion 42 of the rotary operator 4 is detected, the drive device 68 rotates the lever 62 in the +D2 direction. This eliminates the need for the drive device 68 to operate continuously. This reduces heat generation from the drive device 68 and contributes to power savings.

[0052] In the audio device 1, when the contact detection unit 53 detects that the user has touched the knob portion 42 of the rotary operator 4, the processor 86 of the control unit 84 increases the pressing force on the first cylinder 45 using the lever 62 of the pressing mechanism 61 for a predetermined period of time, thereby increasing the rotational force (rotational torque) of the rotary operator 4. With this configuration, the rotational force and click force of the rotary operator 4 gradually increase for a predetermined period of time after the user's contact is detected. As a result, when the user performs continuous rotation operations on the knob portion 42 of the rotary operator 4, the user can start rotation with a weak force on the knob portion 42 and can perform the rotation while feeling an appropriate click sensation. This improves the operability of the rotary operator 4.

[0053] In the audio device 1, when the contact detection unit 53 no longer detects that the user is contacting the knob portion 42 of the rotary operator 4, the processor 86 of the control unit 84 causes the drive device 68 to rotate the lever 62 in the −D2 direction so that the contact portion 624 moves away from the engagement portion 451, and the pressing mechanism 61 reduces the rotational force of the rotary operator 4. With this configuration, for example, the operating shaft 41 of the rotary operator 4 can be rotated by inertial force. This improves the operability of the rotary operator 4 and increases the convenience of the audio device 1.

[0054] The audio device 1 includes a speed detection unit 51 that detects the rotational speed of the operating shaft 41 of the rotary operator 4. The processor 86 of the control unit 84 reduces the pressing force on the first cylinder 45 when the rotational speed of the operating shaft 41 detected by the speed detection unit 51 is equal to or greater than a threshold value compared to the pressing force on the first cylinder 45 when the rotational speed of the shaft 43 is less than the threshold value. That is, the processor 86 reduces the rotational force of the rotary operator 4 when the rotational speed of the operating shaft 41 detected by the speed detection unit 51 is equal to or greater than a threshold value compared to the rotational force of the rotary operator 4 when the rotational speed of the operating shaft 41 is less than the threshold value. With this configuration, when the operating shaft 41 of the rotary operator 4 is rotated at a low speed, the rotational force of the rotary operator 4 is large, allowing the user to easily fine-tune the rotary operator 4 while feeling a clicking sensation. On the other hand, when the operating shaft 41 is rotated at a high speed, the rotational force of the rotary operator 4 is small, making it easier to rotate the operating shaft 41 by a large amount. This improves the operability of the rotary operator 4 and enhances the convenience of the audio device 1.

[0055] In the acoustic device 1, the first cylinder 45 has an engagement portion 451 with which the lever 62 of the pressing mechanism 61 engages. The engagement portion 451 has a plurality of convex portions or concave portions provided along the circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis Rx1. In this embodiment, the engagement portion 451 has a plurality of concave portions 452. The rotation axis Rx1 corresponds to the first rotation axis. The lever 62 has a contact portion 624 that comes into contact with the engagement portion 451. The contact portion 624 is the other of the convex portion or the concave portion, and is a convex portion in this embodiment. The contact portion 624 corresponds to the pressing mechanism side contact portion.

[0056] According to this configuration, a clicking sensation can be generated by rotating the operating shaft 41 of the rotary operator 4 while the engagement portion 451 and the contact portion 624 are in contact with each other. That is, a clicking sensation can be imparted to the user operating the knob portion 42 of the operating shaft 41. The first adjustment portion 6 adjusts the pressing force of the contact portion 624 on the engaging portion 451, thereby adjusting the rotational resistance of the operating shaft 41 including the first cylinder 45. That is, by adjusting the pressing force on the engagement portion 451, the magnitude of the clicking sensation, i.e., the click force, generated by rotating the operating shaft 41 of the rotary operator 4 while the engagement portion 451 and the contact portion 624 are in contact with each other can be adjusted. This makes it easier for the user to realize that a rotational operation has been performed on the rotary operator 4, thereby improving the operability of the rotary operator 4.

[0057] In the acoustic device 1, the engagement portion 451 is provided with a plurality of recesses 452. The contact portion 624 is a convex portion that can be inserted into one of the plurality of recesses 452. With this configuration, the engagement portion 451 of the first cylinder 45 is provided with a plurality of recesses 452, and the contact portion 624 of the lever 62 is a convex portion, so that the above-mentioned clicking sensation can be effectively generated.

[0058] In the acoustic device 1, the pressing mechanism 61 includes a lever 62 that is rotatable about a rotation axis Rx2 different from the rotation axis Rx1 and that comes into contact with and can press the first cylinder 45. With this configuration, by rotating the lever 62 in the +D2 direction using the pressing rotor 64, a pressing force is applied to the first cylinder 45, making it possible to adjust the rotational load of the first cylinder 45 and, in turn, the rotational force (rotational torque) of the rotary operator 4. Furthermore, by rotating the lever 62 in the -D2 direction, the lever 62 can be moved away from the first cylinder 45, thereby reducing the rotational force (rotational torque) of the rotary operator 4. Furthermore, the pressing rotor 64, which receives power from the drive unit 68 via the clutch mechanism 65 and rotates in the -D3 direction, presses the lever 62 in the +Y direction on the pressed portion 623 of the lever 62, which is on the opposite side of the supported portion 622 with respect to the contact portion 624, causing the lever 62 to rotate in the +D2 direction in which the contact portion 624 approaches the first cylinder 45. This makes it possible to easily rotate the lever 62 with a small force using the pressing rotor 64. Therefore, a small motor with a small rotational force can be used as the drive unit 68, allowing the size of the operator 3 to be reduced.

[0059] In the acoustic device 1, the rotary operator 4 has an operating shaft 41. The operating shaft 41 has a knob portion 42 and a shaft portion 43. The shaft portion 43 is provided integrally with the knob portion 42 and rotates together with the knob portion 42 about the rotation axis Rx1. The first cylinder 45 is disposed outside the shaft portion 43 when viewed along the rotation axis Rx1. The first cylinder 45 is coaxial with the shaft portion 43 and rotates integrally with the shaft portion 43. With this configuration, the rotary operator 4 has the knob portion 42, which makes it easier to perform a rotation operation on the rotary operator 4. Furthermore, because the first cylinder 45 is disposed outside the shaft portion 43 which is provided integrally with the knob portion 42, it is easier to engage the lever 62 of the pressing mechanism 61 with the first cylinder 45.

[0060] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The acoustic device according to this embodiment has a similar configuration to the acoustic device 1 according to the first embodiment, but differs in the clutch mechanism that constitutes the rotary operator. In the following description, parts that are the same or substantially the same as parts already described will be assigned the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

[0061] [General Configuration of Acoustic Device and Operator] FIG. 11 is a plan view of an operator 3A included in the acoustic device according to this embodiment, viewed from the +Z direction. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a first adjustment unit 6A included in the operator 3A. Note that FIG. 11 does not illustrate the knob portion 42, the first detection board 46, the second detection board 47, and the housing 7. The acoustic device according to this embodiment has the same configuration and functions as the acoustic device 1 according to the first embodiment, except for the operator 3A shown in FIG. 11 instead of the operator 3. The operator 3A according to this embodiment has the same configuration and functions as the operator 3 according to the first embodiment, except for the pressing mechanism 61A and clutch mechanism 69 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 instead of the pressing mechanism 61 and clutch mechanism 65. That is, the first adjustment unit 6A included in the operator 3A includes the pressing mechanism 61A, a drive device 68, and a clutch mechanism 69. As will be described in detail later, the pressing mechanism 61A has the same configuration and function as the pressing mechanism 61 according to the first embodiment, except that it has a pressing rotor 64A instead of the pressing rotor 64. That is, the pressing mechanism 61A includes a lever 62, a biasing member 63, and a pressing rotor 64A.

[0062] [Configuration of Clutch Mechanism] While the clutch mechanism 65 according to the first embodiment is a friction clutch, the clutch mechanism 69 according to this embodiment is a fluid clutch. As shown in FIG. 12 , the clutch mechanism 69 is disposed in the +Z direction with respect to the drive device 68 serving as a drive unit, and is coupled to a rotating shaft 682. The clutch mechanism 69 transmits the power of the rotating shaft 682 to the pressing rotor 64A. In this embodiment, the clutch mechanism 69 has a driving rotor 691 and a viscous fluid 692.

[0063] The driving rotor 691 is an inner shaft that is coupled to the rotating shaft 682 of the driving device 68 and rotates coaxially with the rotating shaft 682. The driving rotor 691 has a configuration similar to that of the driving rotor 66 according to the first embodiment. That is, the driving rotor 691 has a cylindrical portion 6911 similar to the cylindrical portion 661 and a flange portion 6912 similar to the flange portion 662. The viscous fluid 692 is disposed around the cylindrical portion 6911 and between the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 6911 and the inner peripheral surface of the pressing rotor 64A. The viscous fluid 692 transmits the rotational force of the driving rotor 691 to the pressing rotor 64A, causing the pressing rotor 64A to rotate coaxially with the driving rotor 691 and in the same direction as the driving rotor 691.

[0064] [Configuration of the Pressing Rotor] The pressing rotor 64A is an outer shaft that is disposed outside the cylindrical portion 6911 when viewed from the +Z direction, with the viscous fluid 692 interposed between the pressing rotor 64A and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 6911. That is, when viewed along the rotation axis Rx3, the pressing rotor 64A is disposed outside the cylindrical portion 6911 of the driving rotor 691 and surrounds the cylindrical portion 6911. The rotational force of the driving rotor 691 is transmitted to the pressing rotor 64A via the viscous fluid 692, causing the pressing rotor 64A to rotate in the same direction as the driving rotor 691. At this time, the pressing rotor 64A rotates at a rotational speed that corresponds to the rotational speed of the driving rotor 691. For example, when the driving rotor 691 rotates at a relatively low speed, the pressing rotor 64A also rotates at a relatively low speed. Furthermore, for example, when the driving rotor 691 rotates at a relatively high speed, the pressing rotor 64A also rotates at a relatively high speed. It should be noted that the rotation speed of the driving rotor 691 and the rotation speed of the pressing rotor 64A do not necessarily coincide.

[0065] The pressing rotor 64A has a pressing portion 641 that presses the lever 62 and a restricting portion (not shown). The restricting portion has a configuration similar to that of the restricting portion 642. The pressing portion 641 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the pressing rotor 64A and protrudes from the outer peripheral surface in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis Rx3. As the pressing rotor 64A rotates, the pressing portion 641 contacts the lever 62 and rotates the lever 62 in the ±D2 direction. More specifically, when the pressing rotor 64A rotates in the −D3 direction, the pressing portion 641 presses the pressed portion 623 in the +Y direction, rotating the lever 62 in the +D2 direction. This causes the contact portion 624 to contact the engaging portion 451 of the first cylinder 45. Note that when the pressing rotor 64A rotates in the +D3 direction, the lever 62 is allowed to rotate in the −D2 direction due to the biasing force of the biasing member 63. As a result, the contact portion 624 moves away from the engagement portion 451 of the first cylinder 45 .

[0066] [Function of Clutch Mechanism] As described above, when the operating shaft 41 is rotated about the rotation axis Rx1, the lever 62 of the pressing mechanism 61A, which engages with the engaging portion 451 of the first cylinder 45, swings about the rotation axis Rx2. That is, the lever 62 attempts to move away from the first cylinder 45. In response to this, a rotational force is transmitted from the driving rotor 691 via the viscous fluid 692 to the pressing rotor 64A, which rotates the lever 62 in the +D2 direction.

[0067] Therefore, by continuing to rotate the drive rotor 691 in the -D3 direction, the drive device 68 can bias the lever 62 in the +D2 direction, preventing the lever 62 from separating from the first cylinder 45. At this time, even if the pressing rotor 64A is stopped, the drive rotor 691, with the viscous fluid 692 disposed between it and the pressing rotor 64A, can continue to rotate. This prevents the drive device 68 from locking, thereby reducing heat generation in the drive device 68. The pressing force applied by the lever 62 to the first cylinder 45 can be adjusted by adjusting the rotational speed of the rotation shaft 682. In other words, by increasing the rotational speed of the rotation shaft 682 and the drive rotor 691 in the -D3 direction, the pressing force can be increased, thereby increasing the click force. Furthermore, when the rotating shaft portion 682 and the driving rotor 691 are rotated in the +D3 direction, the pressing rotor 64A rotates in the same direction, and therefore, the biasing force of the biasing member 63 can rotate the lever 62 in the -D2 direction in which the contact portion 624 moves away from the engagement portion 451.

[0068] [Effects of the Second Embodiment] The audio device according to the present embodiment described above provides the same effects as the audio device 1 according to the first embodiment, as well as the following effects. The audio device according to the present embodiment includes an operator 3A, which includes a pressing mechanism 61A, a drive device 68 as a drive unit, and a clutch mechanism 69. The pressing mechanism 61A includes a pressing rotor 64A as a first rotor. The clutch mechanism 69 has a drive rotor 691 that is rotated about a rotation axis Rx3 by the drive device 68 and transmits power to the pressing rotor 64A via a viscous fluid 692. With this configuration, when the rotation of the pressing rotor 64A is stopped and when a rotational force acts on the pressing rotor 64A in the opposite direction to that of the drive rotor 691, the drive rotor 691 can continue to rotate independently of the pressing rotor 64A, and therefore the drive device 68 can continue to be driven. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier to rotate the pressing rotor 64A in the same direction as the driving rotor 691, thereby preventing the contact portion 624 and the engagement portion 451 from separating, maintaining the adjusted rotational load on the rotary operator 4, and maintaining a state in which a clicking sensation occurs in response to the rotation of the operating shaft 41 of the rotary operator 4, thereby improving the operability of the rotary operator 4.

[0069] [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The audio device according to this embodiment has a configuration similar to that of the audio device 1 according to the first embodiment, but the configuration of the operator is different. Specifically, the operator according to this embodiment differs from the operator 3 according to the first embodiment in that it further includes a second adjustment unit that adjusts the rotational load of the operating shaft 41. In the following description, parts that are the same or approximately the same as parts already described will be assigned the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

[0070] [Schematic Configuration of Acoustic Device and Operator] Fig. 13 is a plan view of an operator 3B included in an acoustic device according to this embodiment, as viewed from the +Z direction. Note that Fig. 13 does not illustrate the knob portion 42, the first detection board 46, the second detection board 47, and the housing 7. The acoustic device according to this embodiment has the same configuration and functions as the acoustic device 1 according to the first embodiment, except that it includes the operator 3B shown in Fig. 13 instead of the operator 3. The operator 3B according to this embodiment has the same configuration and functions as the operator 3 according to the first embodiment, except that it includes a rotary operator 4B and a second adjustment unit 9 instead of the rotary operator 4. That is, the operator 3B includes the rotary operator 4B, a detection unit 5, a first adjustment unit 6, a housing 7, and a second adjustment unit 9.

[0071] [Configuration of Rotary Operator] The rotary operator 4B is a rotary operator that is rotated by the user, similar to the rotary operators 4 according to the first and second embodiments. The rotary operator 4B has the same configuration as the rotary operator 4, except that it further includes a second cylinder 48. The second cylinder 48 is provided on the shaft portion 43 of the operating shaft 41 and is coaxial with the shaft portion 43, rotating integrally therewith. The second cylinder 48 is configured in a ring shape having a hole 481 into which the shaft portion 43 is inserted. The outer peripheral surface of the second cylinder 48 is pressed by a lever 92 of a pressing mechanism 91 that constitutes the second adjustment unit 9, thereby adjusting the rotational load of the second cylinder 48, and therefore the rotational load of the rotary operator 4B.

[0072] [Configuration of Second Adjustment Unit] The second adjustment unit 9 adjusts the pressing force on the second cylinder 48 to adjust the rotational load of the operating shaft 41 of the rotary operator 4B. The second adjustment unit 9 is disposed on the opposite side of the first adjustment unit 6 with respect to the rotary operator 4B. In this embodiment, the first adjustment unit 6 is disposed in the -Y direction with respect to the rotary operator 4B, while the second adjustment unit 9 is disposed in the +Y direction with respect to the rotary operator 4B. The second adjustment unit 9 includes a pressing mechanism 91, a clutch mechanism 95, and a drive unit 98 that intersect with the rotation axis Rx1 and are arranged line-symmetrically with the pressing mechanism 61, clutch mechanism 65, and drive unit 68 of the first adjustment unit 6 with respect to an imaginary line VL along the X-axis. The pressing mechanism 91, clutch mechanism 95, and drive unit 98 are configured line-symmetrically with the pressing mechanism 61, clutch mechanism 65, and drive unit 68 of the first adjustment unit 6 with respect to the imaginary line VL. That is, the clutch mechanism 95 has a driving rotor 96 similar to the driving rotor 66 and a biasing mechanism 97 similar to the biasing mechanism 67 .

[0073] Similar to the pressing mechanism 61, the pressing mechanism 91 is operated by power from a drive device 98 transmitted via a clutch mechanism 95, and contacts the second cylinder 48 to adjust the pressing force on the second cylinder 48, thereby adjusting the rotational load on the second cylinder 48 and thereby adjusting the rotational force (rotational torque) of the rotary operator 4B. In other words, the pressing mechanism 91 can also be referred to as a contact mechanism that can contact the second cylinder 48. The pressing mechanism 91 includes a lever 92, a biasing member 93, and a pressing rotor 94.

[0074] The lever 92 is supported by the first housing 71 so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis Rx4 along the Z axis. The lever 92 has a first extension portion 921 and a second extension portion 925 similar to the first extension portion 621 and the second extension portion 625. If the lever 62 is the first lever, the lever 92 corresponds to the second lever. The first extension portion 921 extends along the X axis. The first extension portion 921 has a supported portion 922, a pressed portion 923, and a contact portion 924.

[0075] The supported portion 922 is provided at the end of the first extending portion 921 in the +X direction. The supported portion 922 is supported by the first housing 71 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis Rx4 along the Z axis. That is, the lever 92 is rotatable about the rotation axis Rx4 at the supported portion 922. The pressed portion 923 is provided at the end of the first extending portion 921 opposite the supported portion 922. The pressed portion 923 is pressed by the pressing rotor 94. The contact portion 924 is provided between the supported portion 922 and the pressed portion 923 on a surface of the first extending portion 921 facing the second cylinder 48. A brake pad BP is provided on the contact portion 924, and when the lever 92 moves in a direction approaching the second cylinder 48, the contact portion 924 comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the second cylinder 48 via the brake pad BP. This adjusts the rotation load of the second cylinder 48, and therefore the rotation load of the rotary operator 4B.

[0076] The second extending portion 925 extends in the +Y direction intersecting with the first extending portion 921. The second extending portion 925 has a biased portion 926 located on a surface of the second extending portion 925 facing the -X direction. The biased portion 926 contacts the biasing member 93 and is a portion on which the biasing force of the biasing member 93 in the +X direction acts. The biasing member 93 biases the lever 92 clockwise when viewed from the +Z direction. That is, the biasing member 93 biases the lever 92 in a direction in which the contact portion 924 moves away from the second cylinder 48. The biasing member 93 can be formed, for example, by a compression coil spring. In the following description, the clockwise direction about the rotation axis Rx4 when viewed from the +Z direction is defined as the +D4 direction, and the counterclockwise direction is defined as the -D4 direction.

[0077] The pressing rotor 94 has a structure that is symmetrical to the pressing rotor 64 about the virtual line VL, and has the same configuration as the pressing rotor 64. That is, the pressing rotor 94 has a pressing portion 941 that presses the pressed portion 923 of the lever 92 in the −Y direction, a restricting portion 942 similar to the restricting portion 642, and a through hole similar to the through hole 643. In the following description, the clockwise direction around the rotation axis Rx5 as viewed from the +Z direction is defined as the +D5 direction, and the counterclockwise direction is defined as the −D5 direction.

[0078] The drive device 98 applies power to the pressing rotor 94 via the clutch mechanism 95 to operate the pressing mechanism 91. That is, the drive device 98 generates power to operate the pressing mechanism 91. The drive device 98 has a configuration similar to that of the drive device 68 of the first adjustment unit 6. The clutch mechanism 95 is a fluid clutch that has a configuration and function similar to that of the clutch mechanism 69 according to the second embodiment. The clutch mechanism 95 transmits the power of the drive device 98 to the pressing rotor 94.

[0079] [Function of Second Adjustment Unit] When the driving device 98 rotates the pressing rotor 94 in the +D5 direction, the lever 92 of the pressing mechanism 91, which is pressed in the -Y direction by the pressing rotor 94, rotates in the -D4 direction around the rotation axis Rx4, and the brake pad BP provided on the contact portion 924 comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the second cylinder 48. This increases the rotational load on the second cylinder 48 and, in turn, the rotational load on the rotary operator 4B. When the driving device 98 further rotates the pressing rotor 94 in the +D5 direction, the lever 92 further rotates in the -D4 direction, increasing the pressing force of the brake pad BP on the second cylinder 48. This further increases the rotational load on the rotary operator 4B.

[0080] On the other hand, when the driving device 98 rotates the pressing rotor 94 in the -D5 direction, the lever 92 rotates in the +D4 direction around the rotation axis Rx4. That is, the lever 92 rotates in a direction that moves the brake pad BP away from the second cylinder 48. This minimizes the rotational load on the second cylinder 48, and therefore the rotational load on the rotary operator 4B.

[0081] The drive device 98 is controlled by the processor 86 of the control unit 84. That is, the processor 86 of the control unit 84 according to the present embodiment controls the drive device 98 based on the rotational speed of the operating shaft 41 detected by the speed detection unit 51. For example, the processor 86 controls the drive device 98 to reduce the pressing force that the lever 92 applies to the second cylinder 48 when the detected rotational speed of the operating shaft 41 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, compared to the pressing force that the lever 92 applies to the second cylinder 48 when the rotational speed of the operating shaft 41 is less than the threshold value. That is, the processor 86 reduces the rotational load of the rotary operator 4B when the detected rotational speed of the operating shaft 41 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, compared to the rotational load of the rotary operator 4B when the rotational speed of the operating shaft 41 is less than the threshold value. As described above, the second cylinder 48 is provided on the shaft portion 43 of the operating shaft 41 and rotates integrally with the operating shaft 41, so the rotational speed of the operating shaft 41 is the same as the rotational speed of the second cylinder 48.

[0082] The clutch mechanism 95 may be a friction clutch having the same configuration and function as the clutch mechanism 65 according to the first embodiment. In this case, the pressing rotor 94 connected to the clutch mechanism 95 may be configured symmetrically with the pressing rotor 64 about the virtual line VL. On the other hand, if the clutch mechanism 95 is a fluid clutch similar to the clutch mechanism 69, a pressing force corresponding to the rotational speed of the drive rotor 691 of the clutch mechanism 95 can be continuously applied to the second cylinder 48. This not only allows the rotational load of the operating shaft 41 to be maintained at a desired level, but also allows for a wider adjustment range of the rotational load of the operating shaft 41 compared to when the clutch mechanism 95 has the same configuration as the clutch mechanism 65. Furthermore, because the drive rotor 691 of the clutch mechanism 95 and the rotating shaft of the drive device 98 can be continuously rotated, it is possible to prevent the drive device body, which may be, for example, a motor, from locking and generating heat.

[0083] [Effects of the Third Embodiment] The acoustic device according to the present embodiment described above provides the same effects as the acoustic device 1 according to the first embodiment, as well as the following effects. The acoustic device according to the present embodiment includes an operator 3B, which includes a rotary operator 4B, a detection unit 5, a first adjustment unit 6, and a second adjustment unit 9. The rotary operator 4B has the same configuration as the rotary operator 4, except that it further includes a second cylinder 48. The second cylinder 48 is disposed outside the shaft portion 43 when viewed along the rotation axis Rx1 of the operating shaft 41. The second cylinder 48 rotates integrally with the shaft portion 43 on which the first cylinder 45 is provided, around the rotation axis Rx1. In other words, the second cylinder 48 rotates integrally with the first cylinder 45. The rotation axis Rx1 corresponds to the first rotation axis. The second adjustment unit 9 comes into contact with the second cylinder 48 to adjust the rotational load of the second cylinder 48, and therefore the rotational load of the operating shaft 41. With this configuration, for example, the first adjustment unit 6 can provide the user with a weak clicking sensation, while the second adjustment unit 9 can adjust the rotational load of the rotary operator 4B. This improves the convenience of the audio device. Note that if the first adjustment unit 6 adjusts the rotational force of the rotary operator 4B in the same way as the second adjustment unit 9, the adjustment range of the rotational force of the rotary operator 4B can be expanded.

[0084] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The audio device according to this embodiment has a configuration similar to that of the audio device 1 according to the first embodiment, but differs in the configuration of the pressing mechanism. Specifically, the operator according to this embodiment differs from the operator 3 according to the first embodiment in that the pressing rotor constituting the pressing mechanism comes into contact with the first cylinder 45 to adjust the rotational resistance of the first cylinder 45, thereby adjusting the rotational force (rotational torque) of the rotary operator. In the following description, parts that are the same or approximately the same as parts already described will be assigned the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

[0085] [Schematic configuration of acoustic device and operator] Fig. 14 is a plan view of an operator 3C included in an acoustic device according to this embodiment, as viewed from the +Z direction. Note that Fig. 14 does not illustrate the knob portion 42, the first detection board 46, the second detection board 47, and the housing 7. The acoustic device according to this embodiment has the same configuration and functions as the acoustic device 1 according to the first embodiment, except that it includes the operator 3C shown in Fig. 14 instead of the operator 3. The operator 3C according to this embodiment has the same configuration and functions as the operator 3 according to the first embodiment, except that it includes a first adjustment unit 6C instead of the first adjustment unit 6. That is, the operator 3C includes a rotary operator 4, a detection unit 5, a first adjustment unit 6C, and a housing 7.

[0086] Similar to the first adjustment units 6 and 6A described above, the first adjustment unit 6C comes into contact with the first cylinder 45 provided on the operating shaft 41 to adjust the rotational resistance of the first cylinder 45, and thereby adjusts the rotational force (rotational torque) of the rotary operator 4. The first adjustment unit 6C has the same configuration and function as the first adjustment units 6 and 6A, except that it includes a pressing mechanism 61C instead of the pressing mechanism 61. In this embodiment, the first adjustment unit 6C has the pressing mechanism 61C, a clutch mechanism 65, and a drive device 68.

[0087] The pressing mechanism 61C does not include the lever 62 and the biasing member 63, and has a pressing rotor 64C instead of the pressing rotor 64, and functions similarly to the pressing mechanism 61. The pressing rotor 64C corresponds to the first rotor, and rotates about the rotation axis Rx3 by the power of the drive device 68 transmitted by the clutch mechanism 65, comes into contact with the first cylinder 45, and presses the engagement portion 451 of the first cylinder 45. Therefore, the pressing mechanism 61C including the pressing rotor 64C can also be said to be a contact mechanism that can come into contact with the first cylinder 45. The pressing rotor 64C has the same configuration and function as the pressing rotor 64, except that it has an extension portion 64C1 and a contact portion 64C2 instead of the pressing portion 641. The extension portion 64C1 extends from the outer periphery of the pressing rotor 64C in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis Rx3.

[0088] The contact portion 64C2 is provided on the extension portion 64C1 and corresponds to the pressing mechanism-side contact portion. Similar to the contact portion 624 of the lever 62, the contact portion 64C2 is a portion that comes into contact with the first cylinder 45 of the rotary operator 4. More specifically, the contact portion 64C2 is provided on the surface of the extension portion 64C1 that faces the first cylinder 45. The contact portion 64C2 has a protrusion 64C3 that protrudes toward the first cylinder 45. When the pressing rotor 64C rotates in the −D3 direction by power transmitted from the drive device 68 via the clutch mechanism 65, the contact portion 64C2 comes into contact with the engaging portion 451 of the first cylinder 45. The protrusion 64C3 is inserted into the recess 452 that constitutes the engaging portion 451 of the first cylinder 45, producing a clicking sensation when the operating shaft 41 is rotated. When the pressing rotor 64C further rotates in the -D3 direction, the pressing force of the contact portion 64C2 on the engagement portion 451 increases. This increases the rotational resistance of the first cylinder 45, increasing the click force and also increasing the rotational force (rotational torque) of the rotary operator 4. On the other hand, when the pressing rotor 64C rotates in the +D3 direction, the contact portion 64C2 moves away from the engagement portion 451 of the first cylinder 45. This reduces the rotational force (rotational torque) of the rotary operator 4. The audio device according to this embodiment described above achieves the same effects as the audio device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0089] [Modifications of the Embodiments] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, 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 embodiments, the first cylinder 45 provided on the shaft portion 43 of the operating shaft 41 includes an engagement portion 451 having a plurality of recesses 452 arranged in a circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis Rx1. The contact portions 624, 64C2 serving as a lever-side contact portion and a pressing mechanism-side contact portion that contact the engagement portion 451 include protrusions 6241, 64C3 that can be inserted into one of the plurality of recesses 452. However, this is not limited thereto. The engagement portion 451 may have a plurality of protrusions arranged in a circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis Rx1, and the contact portions 624, 64C2 may have a recess into which one of the plurality of protrusions can be inserted. Furthermore, the engagement portion 451 and the contact portions 624, 64C2 may not each include a recess or a protrusion. That is, the lever 62 of the first adjustment unit 6, 6A only needs to press the first cylinder 45 and adjust the pressing force on the first cylinder 45 to adjust the rotational resistance of the shaft 43, and does not necessarily need to generate a clicking sensation in response to the rotation of the operating shaft 41. The same applies to the pressing rotor 64C.

[0090] In the above-described embodiments, the knob portion 42 and the shaft portion 43 rotate about the same rotation axis Rx1. However, this is not limiting, and the knob portion 42 and the shaft portion 43 do not have to rotate coaxially. In other words, the rotation axis of the knob portion 42 and the rotation axis of the shaft portion 43 may be spaced apart from each other.

[0091] In the first to third embodiments, the lever 62 has the supported portion 622 located at one end, the pressed portion 623 located at the other end, and the contact portion 624 located between the supported portion 622 and the pressed portion 623. However, the respective positions of the supported portion 622, the pressed portion 623, and the contact portion 624 on the lever 62 can be changed as appropriate. For example, on the lever 62, the contact portion 624 may be located at one end, the pressed portion 623 may be located at the other end, and the supported portion 622 may be located between the contact portion 624 and the pressed portion 623.

[0092] In the above embodiments, the operating elements 3, 3A, 3B, and 3C are each provided with a drive unit 68 having a drive unit main body 681 and a rotation shaft 682. However, this is not limiting, and the drive unit 68 and the control unit 84 that controls the drive unit 68 may not be provided. In this case, the user may rotate the lever 62 or the pressing rotor 64, 64C by, for example, rotating a dial. The same applies to the second adjustment unit 9 having the lever 92 and the pressing rotor 94.

[0093] In the above embodiments, the operating element 3, 3A, 3B, 3C is provided with either the clutch mechanism 65 having the drive rotor 66 and the biasing mechanism 67, or the clutch mechanism 69 having the drive rotor 691 and the viscous fluid 692. However, this is not limiting, and the operating elements 3, 3A, 3B, 3C do not have to include the clutch mechanisms 65, 69. Furthermore, the configuration of the clutch mechanism provided in the operating element is not limited to the above. The same applies to the second adjustment unit 9 of the operating element 3B.

[0094] In each of the above embodiments, the acoustic device includes a speed detection unit 51, a timing detection unit 52, and a contact detection unit 53, and the processor 86 of the control unit 84 controls the drive device 68 based on the detection results of the speed detection unit 51 and the contact detection unit 53. However, this is not limiting, and at least one of the speed detection unit 51, the timing detection unit 52, and the contact detection unit 53 may be omitted. Alternatively, the acoustic device may include one of the speed detection unit 51 and the contact detection unit 53, and the processor 86 may control the drive device 68 based on the detection result of that one detection unit.

[0095] In each of the above embodiments, the processor 86 of the control unit 84 gradually increases the pressing force on the first cylinder 45 for a predetermined time after the contact detection unit 53 detects that the user has contacted the knob portion 42 of the rotary operator 4, 4B. Then, after the predetermined time has elapsed, the processor 86 adjusts the pressing force on the first cylinder 45 in accordance with the rotational speed of the operating shaft 41 detected by the speed detection unit 51. However, this is not limiting. When the contact detection unit 53 detects that the user has contacted the rotary operator 4, 4B, the processor 86 may adjust the pressing force on the first cylinder 45 in accordance with the rotational speed of the operating shaft 41 detected by the speed detection unit 51 without waiting for the predetermined time to elapse, thereby adjusting the rotational resistance of the operating shaft 41 and, ultimately, the rotational force (rotational torque) of the rotary operator 4, 4B.

[0096] In the first to third embodiments, the pressing mechanisms 61, 61A include the lever 62, the biasing member 63, and the pressing rotors 64, 64A. In the fourth embodiment, the pressing mechanism 61C includes the pressing rotor 64C. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The pressing mechanism that is configured to be able to contact the first cylinder 45 and adjusts the rotational resistance of the first cylinder 45 by contacting the first cylinder 45, thereby adjusting the rotational force (rotational torque) of the rotary operator 4, is not limited to the above. For example, the pressing mechanism may include a lever operated by a drive device that rotates or moves linearly. Furthermore, the pressing mechanism may include at least one link operated by a drive device that rotates or moves linearly. The same applies to the pressing mechanism 91 according to the third embodiment.

[0097] In the above embodiments, the audio device equipped with the controls 3, 3A, 3B, and 3C is a DJ device such as a DJ controller or a DJ mixer. However, the audio device of the present invention is not limited to this, and may be other DJ devices such as a sampler, a sound reproduction device such as a stereo, or an audio device such as an amplifier.

[0098] [Summary of the Invention] The summary of the invention is provided below. [1] An audio device comprising: a rotary operator having a first cylinder rotatable around a first rotation axis; and a first adjustment unit having a pressing mechanism that contacts the first cylinder to adjust the rotational resistance of the first cylinder and adjusts the rotational force of the rotary operator. With this configuration, the first adjustment unit can adjust the rotational resistance of the first cylinder, and therefore the rotational force (rotational torque) of the rotary operator, improving the operability of the rotary operator. Therefore, the convenience of the audio device can be improved.

[0099] [2] The audio device described in [1] includes a control unit, wherein the first adjustment unit has a drive unit that generates power to operate the pressing mechanism, and the control unit controls the drive unit. With this configuration, the drive unit operates the pressing mechanism, making it easier to adjust the rotational resistance of the first cylinder caused by the pressing mechanism. Additionally, by operating the pressing mechanism in the opposite direction, it is also possible to separate the pressing mechanism from the first cylinder. Therefore, the contact state of the pressing mechanism with the first cylinder can be easily adjusted. Furthermore, since the control unit controls the drive unit, it is possible to automatically adjust, for example, the rotational resistance of the first cylinder, and ultimately the rotational force of the rotary operator. This improves the convenience of the audio device.

[0100] [3] The acoustic device according to [2], wherein the first adjustment unit includes a clutch mechanism that transmits power from the drive unit to operate the pressing mechanism.

[0101] Here, when the rotary operator is operated to rotate the first cylinder while the first cylinder and the pressing mechanism are in contact, the pressing mechanism may be repelled by the first cylinder, causing the pressing mechanism to move in a direction that separates the pressing mechanism from the first cylinder. In this case, if the rotating shaft of a drive unit, such as a motor, rotates in the opposite direction to the rotation direction used to operate the pressing mechanism in the direction that contacts the first cylinder, it takes a relatively long time for the rotating shaft to rotate in that direction, resulting in the pressing mechanism and the first cylinder remaining separated for a relatively long time. Even if the rotary operator is operated to rotate the first cylinder in this situation, the pressing mechanism and the first cylinder are separated, which may change the rotational load of the rotary operator and impair the operability of the operator. In response to this, the first adjustment unit includes a clutch mechanism, which allows the drive unit to maintain its rotation in the rotation direction that operates the pressing mechanism in the direction that contacts the first cylinder. This allows the drive unit to continue operating in the rotational direction when operating the pressing mechanism in a direction that brings it into contact with the first cylinder, even if the pressing mechanism is repelled by the first cylinder. This prevents the pressing mechanism and the first cylinder from separating, and allows the adjusted rotational load to be maintained, improving the operability of the rotary operator.

[0102] [4] The acoustic device described in [3], wherein the pressing mechanism includes a first rotor, and the clutch mechanism includes a drive rotor rotated around a second rotation axis by the drive unit, and a biasing member that biases the first rotor toward the drive rotor along the second rotation axis to transmit the rotation of the drive rotor to the first rotor. This configuration makes it easier to rotate the first rotor integrally with the drive rotor. This makes it easier to transmit the power of the drive rotor to the first rotor even when a rotational force acts on the first rotor in the direction opposite to the rotation of the drive rotor. Therefore, the pressing mechanism and the first cylinder can be prevented from separating, and the adjusted rotational load can be maintained, improving the operability of the rotary operator.

[0103] [5] The acoustic device described in [3], wherein the pressing mechanism includes a first rotor, and the clutch mechanism has a drive rotor that is rotated around the second rotation axis by the drive unit and transmits power to the first rotor via a viscous fluid. With this configuration, when the first rotor is locked or when a rotational force acts on the first rotor in the opposite direction to the drive rotor, the drive rotor can continue to rotate independently of the first rotor, thereby allowing the drive unit to continue to be driven. Therefore, since it is easier to rotate the first rotor in the same direction as the drive rotor, it is possible to prevent the pressing mechanism and the first cylinder from separating, and it is possible to maintain an adjusted rotational load, thereby improving the operability of the rotary operator.

[0104] [6] The acoustic device according to any one of [2] to [5], further comprising a contact detection unit that detects a user's contact with the rotary operator, and the control unit, when the contact detection unit detects the user's contact with the rotary operator, operates the pressing mechanism by the drive unit to adjust the rotational force of the rotary operator. With this configuration, the pressing mechanism is operated by the drive unit when the user's contact with the rotary operator is detected, eliminating the need for the drive unit to operate constantly. This reduces heat generation from the drive unit and also contributes to power savings.

[0105] [7] The audio device according to [6], wherein the control unit increases the rotational force of the rotary operator by the pressing mechanism for a predetermined period of time when the contact detection unit detects the user's contact with the rotary operator. With this configuration, the rotational force (rotational torque) of the rotary operator gradually increases for a predetermined period of time after the user's contact is detected. This allows the user to start rotating the rotary operator with a weak force and perform the rotation with an appropriate rotational force when performing continuous rotation operations on the rotary operator. This improves the operability of the rotary operator.

[0106] [8] The acoustic device according to [7], wherein the control unit reduces the rotational force of the rotary operator by the pressing mechanism when the contact detection unit no longer detects the user's contact with the rotary operator. This configuration allows the rotary operator to rotate by inertial force. This improves the operability of the rotary operator and enhances the convenience of the acoustic device.

[0107] [9] The audio device according to any one of [2] to [8], further comprising: a speed detection unit that detects the rotation speed of the rotary operator; and the control unit that reduces the rotation force of the rotary operator when the rotation speed detected by the speed detection unit is equal to or greater than a threshold value compared to when the rotation speed is less than the threshold value. With this configuration, when the rotary operator is rotated at a low speed, the rotation force (rotational torque) of the rotary operator is increased, making it easier to fine-tune the rotary operator. On the other hand, when the rotary operator is rotated at a high speed, the rotation force (rotational torque) of the rotary operator is decreased, making it easier to rotate the rotary operator by a large amount. This improves the operability of the rotary operator and enhances the convenience of the audio device.

[0108]

[10] The audio device according to any one of [1] to [9], further comprising a second adjustment unit, wherein the rotary operator has a second cylinder that rotates integrally with the first cylinder around the first rotation axis, and the second adjustment unit adjusts the rotational load of the second cylinder. With this configuration, for example, the first adjustment unit and the second adjustment unit can expand the range of adjustment of the rotational force of the rotary operator. Furthermore, for example, the first adjustment unit can provide a clicking sensation to the user, while the second adjustment unit can adjust the rotational load of the rotary operator. Therefore, the convenience of the audio device can be improved.

[0109]

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

[10] , wherein the first cylinder has an engagement portion with which the pressing mechanism engages, the engagement portion being one of a protrusion and a recess provided in a plurality of positions along a circumferential direction centered on the first rotation axis, and the pressing mechanism has a pressing mechanism contact portion that is the other of the protrusion and the recess and that contacts the engagement portion. With this configuration, a clicking sensation can be generated by rotating the rotary operator while the engagement portion of the first cylinder and the pressing mechanism contact portion are in contact. In other words, a clicking sensation can be imparted to the user operating the rotary operator. The first adjustment portion adjusts the pressing force of the pressing mechanism contact portion on the engagement portion of the first cylinder, thereby adjusting the rotational resistance of the first cylinder and the rotational force of the rotary operator. In other words, by adjusting the pressing force, the magnitude of the clicking sensation, i.e., the clicking force, generated by rotating the rotary operator while the engagement portion and the pressing mechanism contact portion are in contact can be adjusted. Therefore, it is possible to make the user more aware that a rotation operation has been performed on the rotary operator, and the operability of the rotary operator can be improved.

[0110]

[12] The acoustic device according to

[11] , wherein the engaging portion is provided with a plurality of recesses, and the pressing mechanism side contact portion is the protrusion that can be inserted into one of the plurality of recesses. With this configuration, the engaging portion of the first cylinder is provided with a plurality of recesses, and the pressing mechanism side contact portion is the protrusion, so that the clicking sensation can be effectively generated.

[0111]

[13] In the acoustic device described in any one of [1] to

[12] , the pressing mechanism includes a lever that is rotatable about a rotation axis different from the first rotation axis and that contacts the first cylinder to press the first cylinder. With this configuration, by rotating the lever in one direction, a pressing force is applied to the first cylinder, thereby adjusting the rotation load of the first cylinder and, in turn, the rotational force (rotational torque) of the rotary operator. Furthermore, by rotating the lever in the other direction, the lever can be moved away from the first cylinder, thereby reducing the rotational force (rotational torque) of the rotary operator.

[0112]

[14] In the acoustic device described in any one of [1] to

[13] , the rotary operator has a knob portion and a shaft portion that is integral with the knob portion and rotates together with the knob portion around the first rotation axis, and the first cylinder is disposed on the outside of the shaft portion when viewed along the first rotation axis. With this configuration, the rotary operator has the knob portion, which makes it easier to perform a rotation operation on the rotary operator. Furthermore, since the first cylinder is disposed on the outside of the shaft portion that is integral with the knob portion, it is easier to engage a pressing mechanism with the first cylinder.

[0113] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1...acoustic device, 11...exterior housing, 2...operator, 3, 3A, 3B, 3C...operator, 4, 4B...rotary operator, 41...operation shaft, 42...knob portion, 43...shaft portion, 44...axial support portion, 45...first cylinder, 451...engagement portion, 452...recess, 46...first detection board, 47...second detection board, 48...second cylinder, 5...detection portion, 51...speed detection portion, 52...timing detection portion, 53...contact detection portion, 6, 6A... First adjustment portion, 61, 61A, 61C...pressing mechanism, 62...lever, 621...first extension portion, 622...supported portion, 623...pressed portion, 624...contact portion (pressing mechanism side contact portion, lever side contact portion), 625...second extension portion, 626...urged portion, 63...urge member, 64, 64C...pressing rotor (first rotor), 641...pressing portion, 64C1...extension portion, 64C2...contact portion (pressing mechanism side contact portion), 65...clutch Clutch mechanism, 66... ​​driving rotor, 661... cylindrical portion, 662... flange portion, 67... biasing mechanism, 671... support member, 672... fixing member, 673... biasing member, 674... pressing member, 675... friction material, 68... driving device, 681... driving device main body, 682... rotating shaft portion, 69... clutch mechanism, 691... driving rotor, 692... viscous fluid, 7... housing, 71... first housing, 72... second housing, 721... rotation stop portion , 84...control unit, 85...memory, 86...processor, 9...second adjustment unit, 91...pressing mechanism, 92...lever, 921...first extension portion, 922...supported portion, 923...pressed portion, 924...contact portion, 925...second extension portion, 926...urged portion, 93...urge member, 94...pressing rotor, 941...pressing portion, 942...regulating portion, 95...clutch mechanism, 96...driving rotor, 97...urge mechanism, 98...driving device.

Claims

1. An acoustic device comprising: a rotary operator having a first cylinder that can rotate around a first rotation axis; and a first adjustment unit that has a pressing mechanism that contacts the first cylinder to adjust the rotational resistance of the first cylinder and adjusts the rotational force of the rotary operator.

2. An acoustic device according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit, wherein the first adjustment unit has a drive unit that generates power to operate the pressing mechanism, and the control unit controls the drive unit.

3. An acoustic device according to claim 2, wherein the first adjustment unit is provided with a clutch mechanism that transmits power from the drive unit to operate the pressing mechanism.

4. An acoustic device as described in claim 3, characterized in that the pressing mechanism includes a first rotating body, and the clutch mechanism has a driving rotating body that is rotated around a second rotation axis by the driving unit, and a biasing member that biases the first rotating body toward the driving rotating body along the second rotation axis, thereby transmitting the rotation of the driving rotating body to the first rotating body.

5. An acoustic device according to claim 3, wherein the pressing mechanism includes a first rotating body, and the clutch mechanism has a driving rotating body that is rotated around a second rotation axis by the driving unit and transmits power to the first rotating body via a viscous fluid.

6. An acoustic device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, further comprising a contact detection unit that detects contact of the user with the rotary operator, and wherein when the contact detection unit detects that the user has contacted the rotary operator, the control unit operates the pressing mechanism using the drive unit to adjust the rotational force of the rotary operator.

7. An acoustic device according to claim 6, wherein the control unit increases the rotational force of the rotary operator by the pressing mechanism for a predetermined period of time when the contact detection unit detects that the user has contacted the rotary operator.

8. An acoustic device according to claim 7, wherein the control unit reduces the rotational force of the rotary operator by the pressing mechanism when the contact detection unit no longer detects the user's contact with the rotary operator.

9. An acoustic device according to any one of claims 2 to 8, further comprising a speed detection unit that detects the rotation speed of the rotary operator, and wherein the control unit reduces the rotation force of the rotary operator when the rotation speed detected by the speed detection unit is equal to or greater than a threshold value compared to the rotation force of the rotary operator when the rotation speed is less than the threshold value.

10. An acoustic device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a second adjustment unit, wherein the rotary operator has a second cylinder that rotates integrally with the first cylinder around the first rotation axis, and the second adjustment unit adjusts the rotational load of the second cylinder.

11. An acoustic device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first cylinder has an engaging portion with which the pressing mechanism engages, with one of a plurality of convex portions and a plurality of concave portions provided along a circumferential direction centered on the first rotation axis, and the pressing mechanism is the other of the convex portions and the concave portions, and has a pressing mechanism side contact portion that comes into contact with the engaging portion.

12. An acoustic device according to claim 11, wherein the engaging portion is provided with a plurality of recesses, and the pressing mechanism side contact portion is a protrusion that can be inserted into one of the plurality of recesses.

13. An acoustic device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the pressing mechanism includes a lever that is rotatable about a rotation axis different from the first rotation axis and that comes into contact with the first cylinder and can press the first cylinder.

14. An acoustic device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the rotary operator has a knob portion and a shaft portion that is integral with the knob portion and rotates together with the knob portion around the first rotation axis, and the first cylinder is arranged outside the shaft portion when viewed along the first rotation axis.

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