Acoustic device

Abstract

This acoustic device (1) comprising a pressable rotary operator (4) comprises: an operation detection unit (7) that detects an operation performed on the rotary operator (4); an adjustment unit (6) that adjusts the rotation load of the rotary operator (4); and a control unit (8) that automatically adjusts the rotation load by controlling the operation of the adjustment unit (6) in accordance with the operation detected by the operation detection unit (7).

Description

sound equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to an acoustic device, and more particularly to an acoustic device having a depressible rotary operator.

[0002] Conventionally, information processing devices equipped with a switch device having a rotating body portion are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The information processing device described in Patent Document 1 is a playback device for DJs. The information processing device includes a rotating body portion having a jog table portion and a jog ring portion, a rotational operation portion that rotatably supports the jog table portion, a load setting means that sets the magnitude of the rotational load of the rotating body portion, and a load changing means that changes the magnitude of the rotational load set by the load setting means. When a user operates an operation knob portion of the load changing means, the load setting means that engages with the load changing means operates, thereby changing the rotational load of the rotating body portion.

[0003] WO 2006 / 103904

[0004] Generally, when operating a jog dial provided on a DJ device, the preferred rotational load of the jog dial varies depending on the operation status of the jog dial. For example, when rotating the jog dial at a high speed, a small rotational load is preferable, while when rotating the jog dial at a low speed, a large rotational load is preferable. However, in the information processing device described in Patent Document 1, the user changes the rotational load of the rotating body by operating the operation knob, making it difficult to change the rotational load in accordance with the operation of the rotating body. Specifically, when changing the rotational load in accordance with the user's operation of the rotating body, the configuration described in Patent Document 1 requires the user to change the rotational load of the rotating body while rotating the rotating body. As such, there is a problem that adjusting the rotational load is cumbersome for the user, and therefore there has been a demand for an audio device configuration that can improve the operability of the rotary operator.

[0005] An acoustic device according to one aspect of the present invention is an acoustic device equipped with a depressible rotary operator, and is equipped with an operation detection unit that detects operations performed on the rotary operator, an adjustment unit that adjusts the rotational load of the rotary operator, and a control unit that controls the operation of the adjustment unit in accordance with the operation detected by the operation detection unit to automatically adjust the rotational load.

[0006] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of an audio device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a jog dial and a support base according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a jog dial and a support base according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a jog dial and a support base according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an engagement state between a rotational load adjustment unit and a rotation detection unit, and a dial main body, according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an audio device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing functional units of a processor according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the contents of a rotational load adjustment process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing an engagement state between a jog dial and a rotational load adjustment unit according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing an engagement state between a jog dial and a rotational load adjustment unit according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing an engagement state between a jog dial and a rotational load adjustment unit according to a third modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing an engagement state between a jog dial and a rotational load adjustment unit according to a fourth modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing an engagement state between a jog dial and a rotational load adjustment unit according to a fifth modified example of the first embodiment. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an engagement state between a jog dial and a rotational load adjustment unit according to a sixth modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a rotational load adjustment unit provided in an audio device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a rotational load adjustment unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an engagement state between a jog dial and a rotational load adjustment unit according to a first modified example of the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an engagement state between a jog dial and a rotational load adjustment unit according to a second modified example of the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a side view showing a jog dial and a rotational load adjustment unit provided in an audio device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a jog dial and a rotational load adjustment unit according to the third embodiment. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a rotational load adjustment unit according to the third embodiment. FIG. 18 is a side view showing a jog dial and a rotational load adjustment unit according to the third embodiment. FIG. 19 is a side view showing a jog dial and a rotational load adjustment unit according to the third embodiment. FIG. 19 is a side view showing a jog dial and a rotational load adjustment unit according to a first modified example of the third embodiment. FIG. 19 is a side view showing a jog dial and a rotational load adjustment unit according to a second modified example of the third embodiment.

[0007] [First Embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. [Configuration of Audio Device] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the exterior of an audio device 1 according to this embodiment. The audio device 1 according to this embodiment is a DJ device such as a DJ player, and outputs an operation signal for controlling the playback state of music to a connected music playback device such as a PC (Personal Computer). As shown in Fig. 1, the audio device 1 includes an exterior housing 2 that forms the exterior of the audio device 1, and a plurality of controls 3. The configuration of the audio device 1 will now be described in detail.

[0008] [Configuration of the Exterior Housing] The exterior housing 2 is configured in the shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box. The exterior housing 2 has a top surface 21, a bottom surface 22, a front surface 23, a back surface 24, a left side surface 25, and a right side surface 26. The top surface 21 and the bottom surface 22 are opposite surfaces. The front surface 23 and the back surface 24 are opposite surfaces. The left side surface 25 and the right side surface 26 are opposite surfaces. The top surface 21 and the bottom surface 22 intersect with the front surface 23, the back surface 24, the left side surface 25, and the right side surface 26, respectively. Although not shown, a support base 5 that supports the jog dial 4, which will be described later, is provided inside the exterior housing 2. In the following description, three mutually orthogonal directions are referred to as the +X direction, the +Y direction, and the +Z direction. Of these, the +X direction is the direction from the left side surface 25 to the right side surface 26, the +Y direction is the direction from the front surface 23 to the back surface 24, and the +Z direction is the direction from the bottom surface 22 to the top surface 21. In this embodiment, the +Z direction is the upward direction. Although not shown in the figure, the direction opposite the +X direction is the -X direction, the direction opposite the +Y direction is the -Y direction, and the direction opposite the +Z direction is the -Z direction. Also, although not shown in the figure, the axis along the +X direction is the X axis, the axis along the +Y direction is the Y axis, and the axis along the +Z direction is the Z axis.

[0009] [Configuration of Multiple Operators] Each of the multiple operators 3 accepts operation by the user. The multiple operators 3 include a push button device 31, an equalizer adjustment device 35, and a jog dial 4. The push button device 31 accepts pressing operation by the user. The push button device 31 presses a switch (not shown) in response to pressing operation by the user. The push button device 31 is provided in a corner of the top surface 21 in the -X direction and the -Y direction. As shown in FIG. 14 , the push button device 31 has two operation buttons 32 and 33.

[0010] The equalizer adjustment device 35 includes three rotary volumes 36, 37, and 38. Each of the rotary volumes 36 to 38 is a type of rotary operator and receives a rotary operation to adjust the output level of a predetermined frequency band of music. The three rotary volumes 36 to 38 include a first rotary volume 36, a second rotary volume 37, and a third rotary volume 38. The first rotary volume 36 is a high-frequency band adjustment unit that adjusts the volume level of the high-frequency band of music. The high-frequency band is, for example, a frequency band of 4649 Hz or higher. The second rotary volume 37 is a mid-frequency band adjustment unit that adjusts the volume level of the mid-frequency band of music. The mid-frequency band is, for example, a frequency band greater than 284 Hz and less than 4649 Hz. The third rotary volume 38 is a low-frequency band adjustment unit that adjusts the maximum volume level of the low-frequency band of music. The low-frequency band is, for example, a frequency band of 284 Hz or lower. The equalizer adjustment device 35 outputs a signal indicating the position of each of the rotary volumes 36 to 38 to the control unit 8 based on the output voltage value from each of the rotary volumes 36 to 38 .

[0011] [General Configuration of Jog Dial] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the jog dial 4 and the support base 5, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the jog dial 4 and the support base 5 as viewed from the +Z direction. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the jog dial 4 and the support base 5 as viewed from the −Z direction. The jog dial 4 is a rotary operator that adjusts the playback direction and playback speed of music, and is a rotary operator that can perform rotational operations with and without pressing. In other words, the jog dial 4 is a depressible rotary operator. The jog dial 4 is disposed approximately in the center of the top surface 21 and is rotatably supported by the exterior housing 2. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 , the jog dial 4 includes a jog ring 41 and a dial main body 42, which are assembled together. When a rotational operation is performed on either the jog ring 41 or the dial main body 42, the jog ring 41 and the dial main body 42 rotate integrally about the rotation axis Rx.

[0012] The jog ring 41 is a ring-shaped member formed in a truncated cone shape. The jog ring 41 is disposed on the outer side of the dial body 42 when viewed from the +Z direction. The user can perform a pitch bend operation to adjust the pitch of a song by rotating the jog dial 4 while touching the jog ring 41.

[0013] The dial main body 42 is formed in a disk shape and is disposed inside the jog ring 41. When combined with the jog ring 41, the dial main body 42 has a circular top plate 43 that is exposed in the +Z direction. The top plate 43 is the portion of the dial main body 42 that comes into contact with the user. The user can perform a scratch operation to change the playback direction of a song by rotating the jog dial 4 while touching the top plate 43. When a pressing operation is performed on the top plate 43 in the -Z direction, the dial main body 42 moves in the -Z direction independently of the jog ring 41. The pressing operation on the dial main body 42 is detected by a pressing detection unit 71 of the operation detection unit 7, which will be described later. In this embodiment, when the dial main body 42 is pressed and moved in the -Z direction, the dial main body 42 presses a pressing detection unit 71 provided on the support base 5, which will be described later, in the -Z direction, thereby detecting the pressing operation on the dial main body 42 by the pressing detection unit 71. The top panel 43 has a light-transmitting area 431 in the center, and the display content on a display panel (not shown) can be observed through the light-transmitting area 431.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 4 , the dial body 42 has an opening 44 and an annular portion 45. The opening 44 is an opening that opens in the −Z direction in the dial body 42. The opening 44 is formed in a circular shape when viewed from the −Z direction. The annular portion 45 is provided within the opening 44. The annular portion 45 protrudes in the −Z direction from a surface of the top plate 43 facing the −Z direction. The annular portion 45 is composed of a first annular portion 46 and a second annular portion 47. The first annular portion 46 and the second annular portion 47 are formed in a ring shape centered on the rotation axis Rx when viewed from the −Z direction, and the first annular portion 46 is provided inside the second annular portion 47. In other words, the inner diameter of the first annular portion 46 is smaller than the inner diameter of the second annular portion 47. A roller 515 (described later) is disposed between the first annular portion 46 and the second annular portion 47. The first annular portion 46 is an internal gear, and the inner edge of the first annular portion 46 is provided with a plurality of teeth arranged in a circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis Rx. The inner edge of the first annular portion 46 is in contact with a rotation load adjustment unit 6 and a rotation detection unit 72 of the operation detection unit 7, which will be described later. As will be described in detail later, the rotation load adjustment unit 6 is in contact with the first annular portion 46 to adjust the rotation load of the jog dial 4. The rotation detection unit 72 is in contact with the first annular portion 46 to detect the rotation speed and rotation direction of the jog dial 4.

[0015] 2 to 4, the audio device 1 is provided with a support base 5 that is disposed within the exterior housing 2 and rotatably supports the jog dial 4, and also includes a rotation load adjustment unit 6 and an operation detection unit 7 that are disposed on the support base 5, as shown in Fig. 3. As will be described in detail later, the audio device 1 further includes a control unit 8 that controls the audio device 1, and also includes a power supply unit (not shown) that supplies power to the electronic components that make up the audio device 1.

[0016] [Configuration of Support Base] As shown in FIG. 3 , the support base 5 has a base main body 51, a first rotation support portion 52, and a second rotation support portion 53. The first rotation support portion 52 is a ring-shaped member centered on the rotation axis Rx and is supported by the base main body 51. The first rotation support portion 52 has a plurality of rollers 521 that support the dial main body 42 rotatably about the rotation axis Rx. The first rotation support portion 52 is supported by a support portion 518 (described later) so as to be movable in the +Z direction and the −Z direction. The second rotation support portion 53 is composed of a plurality of rollers 531 arranged in a placement portion 519 (described later) of the support base 5. The plurality of rollers 531 support the jog ring 41 rotatably about the rotation axis Rx. The jog dial 4 is supported rotatably about the rotation axis Rx by the first rotation support portion 52 and the second rotation support portion 53.

[0017] The base body 51 is formed in a circular shape that is approximately the same size as the jog dial 4 when viewed from the +Z direction. The base body 51 has a convex portion 511 and a peripheral portion 516. The convex portion 511 is located at the center of the base body 51 when viewed from the +Z direction, and protrudes in an approximately circular shape in the +Z direction. In other words, the convex portion 511 protrudes in the +Z direction beyond the peripheral portion 516. When the jog dial 4 is placed on the support base 5, the convex portion 511 is placed within the opening 44 of the dial body 42 and guides the rotation of the dial body 42, and therefore the rotation of the jog dial 4. The convex portion 511 has a panel placement portion 512, a first placement portion 513, a second placement portion 514, and two rollers 515.

[0018] The panel mounting portion 512 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape at the center of the convex portion 511 when viewed from the +Z direction. The panel mounting portion 512 is a portion where a display panel (not shown) is mounted. The first mounting portion 513 and the second mounting portion 514 are provided on opposite sides of the panel mounting portion 512 when viewed from the +Z direction. The rotation load adjustment unit 6 is disposed in the first mounting portion 513, and the rotation detection unit 72 is disposed in the second mounting portion 514. The two rollers 515 are provided to be rotatable in the circumferential direction about a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis Rx. As shown in FIG. 4 , each roller 515 is disposed between the first annular portion 46 and the second annular portion 47 of the dial main body 42 and stabilizes the rotation of the jog dial 4 about the rotation axis Rx.

[0019] The peripheral edge portion 516 is the outer portion of the convex portion 511 when viewed from the +Z direction, and is formed in a circular shape. The first rotation support portion 52 and the second rotation support portion 53 are arranged on the peripheral edge portion 516. The peripheral edge portion 516 has an annular recess 517, a support portion 518, and an arrangement portion 519. The annular recess 517 is formed in a ring shape around the rotation axis Rx on the outer side of the convex portion 511 in the circumferential direction, and is recessed in the -Z direction. The pressure detection portion 71 of the operation detection unit 7 is arranged within the annular recess 517. The support portion 518 is a portion that supports the first rotation support portion 52, which is arranged to cover the annular recess 517 in the +Z direction. More specifically, the support portion 518 supports the first rotation support portion 52 so that it can move along the Z axis. Therefore, when the dial main body 42 is pressed in the -Z direction, the first rotation support portion 52 presses in the -Z direction the pressure detection portion 71 arranged in the annular recess 517. A plurality of arrangement portions 519 are provided at approximately equal intervals along the circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis Rx on the outside of the annular recess 517 when viewed from the +Z direction. The roller 531 described above is arranged in each of the plurality of arrangement portions 519.

[0020] [Configuration of Rotational Load Adjustment Unit] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the engagement state of the rotational load adjustment unit 6 and the rotation detection unit 72 with the dial main body 42. The rotational load adjustment unit 6 corresponds to the adjustment unit and adjusts the rotational load of the jog dial 4. As shown in FIG. 3, the rotational load adjustment unit 6 is arranged in the first arrangement unit 513. As shown in FIG. 5, the rotational load adjustment unit 6 comes into contact with the first annular portion 46 of the jog dial 4 and adjusts the rotational load of the jog dial 4 under the control of the control unit 8. Specifically, the rotational load adjustment unit 6 applies a braking force to the dial main body 42 in accordance with a control signal input from the control unit 8, thereby adjusting the rotational load of the jog dial 4. In this embodiment, the rotational load adjustment unit 6 is configured by a magnetic braking device.

[0021] The rotational load adjustment unit 6 adjusts the rotational load acting on the jog dial 4 based on the voltage level of a control signal input from the control unit 8. Specifically, the rotational load adjustment unit 6, which is formed by a magnetic braking device, has a cylindrical rotating unit 61 whose rotational force changes depending on the level of an applied voltage, and the rotating unit 61 is provided with an engaging unit 62 that engages with the first annular unit 46, which is an internal gear of the jog dial 4. In this embodiment, the engaging unit 62 is an external gear that meshes with the first annular unit 46. The rotational load adjustment unit 6 changes the rotational force of the rotating unit 61 depending on the applied voltage level, thereby adjusting the rotational load of the jog dial 4, which has the first annular unit 46 that engages with the engaging unit 62 provided on the rotating unit 61. For example, when the voltage level of the control signal input to the rotational load adjustment unit 6 is low, the rotational load applied to the jog dial 4 by the rotational load adjustment unit 6 is small. Furthermore, for example, when the voltage level of the control signal input to the rotational load adjustment unit 6 is high, the rotational load of the jog dial 4 applied by the rotational load adjustment unit 6 is large. Note that in the audio device 1, the rotational load adjustment unit 6 is disposed so that the rotational axis of the engagement portion 62 is parallel to the rotational axis Rx.

[0022] [Configuration of Operation Detection Unit] The operation detection unit 7 detects user operations performed on the jog dial 4. As shown in FIG. 3 , the operation detection unit 7 has a pressure detection unit 71 and a rotation detection unit 72. The pressure detection unit 71 is disposed in the annular recess 517 and detects touch operations on the jog dial 4. More specifically, the pressure detection unit 71 detects a user's touch operation on the top plate 43 of the dial main body 42. Specifically, the operation detection unit 7 is disposed in a position where it is pressed by the first rotation support unit 52 that supports the dial main body 42 when the dial main body 42 is pressed in the −Z direction by a user's touch operation. When pressed by the first rotation support unit 52, the pressure detection unit 71 outputs a control signal to the control unit 8 indicating that a pressing operation has been performed on the dial main body 42. Examples of such pressure detection unit 71 include a touch sensor and a sheet switch. The pressure detection unit 71 may have a biasing force that biases the dial main body 42 in the +Z direction, or a biasing member provided separately from the pressure detection unit 71 may bias the dial main body 42 in the +Z direction. This allows the dial main body 42, which is no longer being touched, to be pushed up in the +Z direction.

[0023] [Configuration of the Rotation Detector] The rotation detector 72 is disposed in the second disposition portion 514 as shown in Fig. 3, and contacts the first annular portion 46 of the jog dial 4 as shown in Fig. 5. The rotation detector 72 detects the rotation state of the jog dial 4 and outputs the detected rotation state to the control unit 8. In this embodiment, the rotation detector 72 detects the rotation direction and rotation speed of the jog dial 4. Examples of such a rotation detector 72 include a rotary encoder and a photointerrupter-type rotation detector.

[0024] [Configuration of Control Unit] Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the audio device 1. As shown in Fig. 6, the audio device 1 includes a control unit 8 that is disposed in the exterior housing 2 and controls the audio device 1. For example, the control unit 8 outputs operation signals corresponding to user operations on the multiple operators 3 to the music playback device. Furthermore, for example, the control unit 8 performs a rotation load adjustment process, which will be described later, and controls the operation of the rotation load adjustment unit 6 in accordance with the operation detected by the operation detection unit 7 to automatically adjust the rotation load of the jog dial 4. The control unit 8 includes a memory 81 and a processor 82.

[0025] [Memory Configuration] The memory 81 stores programs and data necessary for the operation of the acoustic device 1. For example, the memory 81 stores a rotation load adjustment program that causes the processor 82 to perform a rotation load adjustment process, which will be described later.

[0026] [Processor Configuration] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the functional units of the processor 82. The processor 82 is configured with an arithmetic processing circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and at least one processor 82 is provided in the audio device 1. That is, the audio device 1 includes at least one processor 82. The processor 82 reads a program stored in the memory 81 and controls the operation of the audio device 1. For example, the processor 82 reads and executes a rotation load adjustment program stored in the memory 81, and performs a rotation load adjustment process that adjusts the rotation load of the jog dial 4 using the rotation load adjustment unit 6. As shown in FIG. 7 , the processor 82 includes a pressure determination unit 821, a rotation determination unit 822, a rotation speed determination unit 823, a rotation direction determination unit 824, a signal setting unit 825, and a signal output unit 826.

[0027] The pressing determination unit 821 determines whether the dial body 42 of the jog dial 4 is pressed by the user based on the detection result by the pressing detection unit 71. In other words, the pressing determination unit 821 determines whether the user is touching the top plate 43 of the dial body 42 that is exposed to the outside of the jog dial 4. The rotation determination unit 822 determines whether the jog dial 4 is rotated by the user based on the detection result by the rotation detection unit 72.

[0028] The rotation speed determination unit 823 determines whether the rotation speed of the jog dial 4 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value based on the detection result by the rotation detection unit 72. The rotation direction determination unit 824 determines the rotation direction of the jog dial 4 based on the detection result by the rotation detection unit 72. In this embodiment, the rotation direction determination unit 824 determines whether the rotation direction of the jog dial 4 is clockwise when viewed from the +Z direction.

[0029] The signal setting unit 825 sets a control signal to be input to the rotational load adjustment unit 6 based on the determination results of the determination units 821 to 824. In this embodiment, the rotational load adjustment unit 6 adjusts the rotational load of the jog dial 4 based on the voltage level of the input control signal, and therefore the signal setting unit 825 sets the voltage level of the control signal to be input to the rotational load adjustment unit 6. Specifically, the signal setting unit 825 sets the voltage level of the control signal to one of a first level, a second level, a third level, a fourth level, a fifth level, and a sixth level. Of the first to sixth levels, the first level is the lowest voltage level and the sixth level is the highest voltage level. When a control signal having a voltage level of the first level is input to the rotational load adjustment unit 6, the rotational load adjustment unit 6 minimizes the rotational load of the jog dial 4. When a control signal having a voltage level of the sixth level is input to the rotational load adjustment unit 6, the rotational load adjustment unit 6 maximizes the rotational load of the jog dial 4.

[0030] When the operation of the rotational load adjustment unit 6 is controlled by pulse width modulation, the signal setting unit 825 sets the duty ratio of the control signal to be input to the rotational load adjustment unit 6. Even in this case, the signal setting unit 825 sets the duty ratio of the control signal to one of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth levels. For example, when a control signal of the first level, which has the smallest duty ratio, is input to the rotational load adjustment unit 6, the rotational load adjustment unit 6 minimizes the rotational load of the jog dial 4. When a control signal of the sixth level, which has the largest duty ratio, is input to the rotational load adjustment unit 6, the rotational load adjustment unit 6 maximizes the rotational load of the jog dial 4.

[0031] The signal output unit 826 outputs a control signal of the voltage level set by the signal setting unit 825 to the rotational load adjustment unit 6. As a result, the rotational load adjustment unit 6 adjusts the rotational load of the jog dial 4 according to the state of operation of the jog dial 4 by the user.

[0032] [Rotational Load Adjustment Process] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the contents of the rotational load adjustment process. As described above, at least one processor 82 reads and executes a rotational load adjustment program from the memory 81 to perform the rotational load adjustment process. In the rotational load adjustment process, as shown in Figure 8, first, the pressure determination unit 821 determines whether the dial body 42 of the jog dial 4 is being touched by the user based on the detection result by the pressure detection unit 71 (step S01).

[0033] If it is determined in the determination process of step S01 that the dial body 42 is being touched by the user (step S01: YES), the rotation determination unit 822 determines whether the jog dial 4 is being rotated (step S02) based on the detection result by the rotation detection unit 72. If it is determined in the determination process of step S02 that the jog dial 4 is not being rotated (step S02: NO), the processor 82 returns the process to step S01. If it is determined in the determination process of step S02 that the jog dial 4 is being rotated (step S02: YES), the pressure determination unit 821 determines whether the user's touch operation on the dial body 42 of the jog dial 4 has been released (step S03) based on the detection result by the pressure detection unit 71.

[0034] If it is determined in step S03 that the user's touch operation has not been released (step S03: NO), the rotation direction determination unit 824 determines whether the rotation direction of the jog dial 4 is clockwise (step S04). If it is determined in step S04 that the rotation direction of the jog dial 4 is clockwise (step S04: YES), the signal setting unit 825 sets the voltage level of the control signal to a second level (step S05). Here, a state in which the jog dial 4 is rotated while the user's touch continues corresponds to, for example, a state in which a scratch operation is being performed on the jog dial 4. In this state, when the jog dial 4 is rotating clockwise as viewed from the front of the jog dial 4, the voltage level of the control signal is set to the second level, thereby reducing the rotation load of the jog dial 4. This gives the user the feeling of scratching a record being rotated on a turntable in the direction of rotation of the record.

[0035] If it is determined in step S04 that the rotation direction of the jog dial 4 is not clockwise (step S04: NO), the signal setting unit 825 sets the voltage level of the control signal to the fourth level (step S06). That is, if the rotation direction of the jog dial 4 is counterclockwise, the voltage level of the control signal is set to the fourth level. As described above, for example, when a scratch operation is being performed on the jog dial 4 and the jog dial 4 is rotating counterclockwise as viewed from the front of the jog dial 4, the voltage level of the control signal is set to the fourth level, thereby increasing the rotation load of the jog dial 4 compared to when the jog dial 4 is rotating clockwise. This gives the user the feeling of scratching a record being rotated on a turntable in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the record. That is, the control unit 8 increases the rotation load when the jog dial 4 is rotating counterclockwise compared to when the jog dial 4 is rotating clockwise. After step S05 or step S06, the processor 82 proceeds to step S12.

[0036] If it is determined in step S03 that the user's touch operation has been released (step S03: YES), the rotation speed determination unit 823 determines whether the rotation speed of the jog dial 4 is equal to or greater than the threshold (step S07). If it is determined in step S07 that the rotation speed of the jog dial 4 is equal to or greater than the threshold (step S07: YES), the signal setting unit 825 sets the voltage level of the control signal to the first level (step S08). Here, a state in which the jog dial 4 is rotated by touch and then released and the rotation speed is equal to or greater than the threshold is, for example, a state in which the jog dial 4 is rotated vigorously. In this case, if the rotation load of the jog dial 4 is large, it is difficult to continue rotating the jog dial 4 without touching it. Therefore, in this state, the rotation load adjustment unit 6 minimizes the rotation load of the jog dial 4 by setting the voltage level of the control signal to the lowest, the first level.

[0037] If it is determined in the determination process of step S07 that the rotation speed of the jog dial 4 is not equal to or greater than the threshold (step S07: NO), the signal setting unit 825 sets the voltage level of the control signal to the third level (step S09). That is, if the rotation speed of the jog dial 4 is less than the threshold, the voltage level of the control signal is set to the third level. Here, a state in which the jog dial 4 is touched and rotated, then the touch on the jog dial 4 is released and the rotation speed becomes less than the threshold is, for example, a state in which the jog dial 4 is released after a scratch operation is performed on the jog dial 4. In this case, if the rotation load on the jog dial 4 is relatively large, the jog dial 4 will rapidly decelerate, whereas if the rotation load on the jog dial 4 is relatively small, the jog dial 4 will continue to rotate unnecessarily. Therefore, in such a state, setting the voltage level of the control signal to the third level makes the rotation load on the jog dial 4 appropriate, thereby improving the rotation operability of the jog dial 4. That is, the processor 82 of the control unit 8 increases the rotation load when the detected rotation speed of the jog dial 4 is less than the threshold value compared to when the rotation speed of the jog dial 4 is equal to or greater than the threshold value. After step S08 or step S09, the processor 82 proceeds to step S12.

[0038] If the determination process of step S01 determines that the dial body 42 is not being touched (step S01: NO), the rotation determination unit 822 determines whether the jog dial 4 is rotating (step S10). If the determination process of step S10 determines that the jog dial 4 is being rotated (step S10: YES), the signal setting unit 825 sets the voltage level of the control signal to the fifth level (step S11). Here, the state in which the jog dial 4 is being rotated without the dial body 42 being touched corresponds to, for example, a state in which a user is touching the jog ring 41 to rotate the jog dial 4. In this state, setting the voltage level of the control signal to the fifth level and increasing the rotational load of the jog dial 4 compared to the rotational load during a scratch operation makes it easier to perform a pitch bend operation. After step S11, the processor 82 proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination process of step S10 that the jog dial 4 is not rotating (step S10: NO), the processor 82 proceeds to step S15.

[0039] In step S12, the signal output unit 826 outputs a control signal of the set voltage level to the rotation load adjustment unit 6 (step S12). As a result, a rotation load appropriate for each state is applied to the jog dial 4 by the rotation load adjustment unit 6. After step S12, similar to steps S02 and S10 above, the rotation determination unit 822 determines whether the jog dial 4 is rotating (step S13). Note that if it is determined in the determination step of step S13 that the jog dial 4 is rotating (step S13: YES), the processor 82 returns the process to step S12. As a result, the signal output unit 826 continues to output a control signal of the set voltage level.

[0040] If it is determined in the determination process of step S13 that the jog dial 4 is not rotating (step S13: NO), similar to step S01, the pressure determination unit 821 determines whether the dial body 42 of the jog dial 4 is being touched by the user (step S14). If it is determined in the determination process of step S14 that the dial body 42 is being touched by the user (step S14: YES), the processor 82 proceeds to step S03. Accordingly, in step S03, it is determined whether the touch on the dial body 42 is momentary. If it is not momentary (step S03: YES), step S04 is performed. If it is momentary (step S03: NO), step S07 is performed. If it is determined in the determination process of step S14 that the dial body 42 is being touched by the user (step S14: NO), the processor 82 proceeds to step S15.

[0041] In step S15, the signal setting unit 825 sets the voltage level of the control signal to the sixth level (step S15). Then, the signal output unit 826 outputs a control signal of the set voltage level, i.e., a control signal having a voltage level of the sixth level, to the rotational load adjustment unit 6 (step S16). Here, a state in which the dial body 42 is not touched and the jog dial 4 is not rotated corresponds to, for example, a state in which the jog dial 4 is not being touched or rotated. In such a case, the voltage level of the control signal is set to the sixth level to maximize the rotational load of the jog dial 4, thereby preventing the jog dial 4 from rotating spontaneously due to vibrations generated, for example, under loud volume. After this, the processor 82 returns the process to step S01. That is, the rotational load adjustment process is repeatedly executed.

[0042] [Effects of First Embodiment] The audio device 1 according to the present embodiment described above has the following effects. The audio device 1 includes a jog dial 4, which is a depressible rotary operator. In addition, the audio device 1 includes a rotational load adjustment unit 6, an operation detection unit 7, and a control unit 8 as adjustment units. The rotational load adjustment unit 6 adjusts the rotational load of the jog dial 4. The operation detection unit 7 detects operations performed on the jog dial 4. The control unit 8 controls the operation of the rotational load adjustment unit 6 in accordance with the operations detected by the operation detection unit 7, thereby automatically adjusting the rotational load of the jog dial 4. With this configuration, the rotational load of the jog dial 4 can be automatically adjusted in accordance with the user's operation of the jog dial 4. Therefore, the rotational load of the jog dial 4 can be automatically adjusted to a rotational load appropriate for the operation performed on the jog dial 4, even if the user does not adjust the rotational load of the jog dial 4 themselves when operating the jog dial 4. This improves the operability of the jog dial 4.

[0043] In the audio device 1, the rotation detection unit 72 of the operation detection unit 7 detects the rotation speed of the jog dial 4. The control unit 8 adjusts the rotation load according to the rotation speed of the jog dial 4 detected by the operation detection unit 7. With this configuration, the rotation load of the jog dial 4 can be automatically adjusted to a rotation load appropriate for the rotation speed of the jog dial 4 detected by the operation detection unit 7. Therefore, the operability of the jog dial 4 can be improved without the need for a user to adjust the rotation load.

[0044] In the audio device 1, the control unit 8 increases the rotational load when the detected rotational speed of the jog dial 4 is less than a predetermined threshold value compared to when the rotational speed of the jog dial 4 is equal to or greater than the threshold value. Here, if the rotational load of the jog dial 4 is large when the jog dial 4 is rotated vigorously, the rotation of the jog dial 4 is more likely to be stopped. In contrast, if the rotational speed of the jog dial 4 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the rotational load of the jog dial 4 is reduced, making it easier to rotate the jog dial 4. On the other hand, if the rotational load of the jog dial 4 is small when the jog dial 4 is operated finely, the jog dial 4 is more likely to be rotated than necessary. In contrast, if the rotational speed of the jog dial 4 is less than the threshold value, the rotational load of the jog dial 4 is increased, making it easier to operate the jog dial 4 finely.

[0045] In the audio device 1, the operation detection unit 7 detects the rotation direction of the jog dial 4. The control unit 8 adjusts the rotation load of the jog dial 4 according to the rotation direction of the jog dial 4 detected by the operation detection unit 7. With this configuration, the rotation load of the jog dial 4 can be automatically adjusted to a rotation load appropriate for the rotation direction of the jog dial 4 detected by the operation detection unit 7. Therefore, the operability of the jog dial 4 can be improved without the need for a user to adjust the rotation load.

[0046] In the audio device 1, the control unit 8 reduces the rotational load when the detected rotation direction of the jog dial 4 is clockwise when viewed from the front of the jog dial 4 compared to the rotational load when the detected rotation direction is counterclockwise when viewed from the front of the jog dial 4. In other words, the control unit 8 reduces the rotational load when the detected rotation direction of the jog dial 4 is counterclockwise when viewed from the front of the jog dial 4 compared to the rotational load when the detected rotation direction is clockwise when viewed from the front of the jog dial 4. Here, the record placed on the turntable rotates clockwise together with the turntable. In contrast, the rotational load of the jog dial 4 is reduced when the rotation direction of the jog dial 4 is clockwise when viewed from the front of the jog dial 4, and the rotational load of the jog dial 4 is increased when the rotation direction of the jog dial 4 is counterclockwise. This allows the user operating the jog dial 4 to feel as if they are operating a record on a turntable. This improves the operability of the jog dial 4.

[0047] In the audio device 1, the operation detection unit 7 detects a pressing operation on the jog dial 4. The control unit 8 adjusts the rotational load in accordance with the pressing operation on the jog dial 4 detected by the operation detection unit 7. With this configuration, the rotational load of the jog dial 4 can be automatically adjusted to a rotational load appropriate for both a rotational operation that involves pressing the jog dial 4 and a rotational operation that does not involve pressing the jog dial 4. Therefore, the operability of the jog dial 4 can be improved without the need for a user to adjust the rotational load.

[0048] In the audio device 1, the control unit 8 increases the rotational load when the operation detection unit 7 does not detect a pressing operation on the jog dial 4 compared to the rotational load when the operation detection unit 7 detects a pressing operation on the jog dial 4. In the above process, the rotational load when the operation detection unit 7 does not detect a pressing operation on the jog dial 4 is a rotational load corresponding to a control signal having a voltage level of the fifth or sixth level, whereas the rotational load when the operation detection unit 7 detects a pressing operation on the jog dial 4 is a rotational load corresponding to a control signal having a voltage level of the second or fourth level. An example of an operation rotating the jog dial 4 while pressing it is a scratch operation, which changes the playback position and playback direction of a song. An example of an operation rotating the rotary operator without pressing it is a pitch bend operation, which changes the pitch and tempo of a song. In contrast, the above configuration reduces the rotational load on the jog dial 4 when a scratch operation is performed and increases the rotational load on the jog dial 4 when a pitch bend operation is performed. This makes it easier to perform each operation on the jog dial 4.

[0049] In the audio device 1, the rotational load adjustment unit 6 as an adjustment unit is a magnetic braking device that comes into contact with the jog dial 4 and applies a braking force to the jog dial 4 according to a control signal input from the control unit 8. With this configuration, the magnetic braking device can easily adjust the output according to the applied voltage level, and can also adjust the output instantaneously. Therefore, the rotational load of the jog dial 4 can be easily and instantaneously adjusted.

[0050] The audio device 1 is equipped with a jog dial 4 that adjusts the playback direction, playback position, and playback speed of music. The jog dial 4 corresponds to a rotary operator of the present invention. With this configuration, the operability of the jog dial 4 can be improved, thereby increasing the convenience of the audio device 1.

[0051] [Modification of First Embodiment] In the acoustic device 1 described above, the rotational load adjustment unit 6 is arranged so that the rotation axis of the engagement portion 62 is parallel to the rotation axis Rx of the jog dial 4, and is engaged with the jog dial 4. However, the arrangement of the rotational load adjustment unit 6 is not limited to this, and as long as the state in which the jog dial 4 and the rotational load adjustment unit 6 are able to be maintained engaged with each other, the arrangement of the rotational load adjustment unit 6 is not limited to the above.

[0052] 9 is a schematic diagram showing an engagement state between the jog dial 4 and the rotational load adjustment unit 6 according to a first modified example of the audio device 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the engagement unit 62 may engage with the periphery of the jog ring 41 in a state in which the rotation axis Rx1 of the engagement unit 62 of the rotational load adjustment unit 6 and the rotation axis Rx of the jog dial 4 are substantially parallel to each other. In this case, if a plurality of teeth are arranged on the periphery of the jog ring 41 in the circumferential direction centered on the rotational axis Rx, the plurality of teeth can be meshed with the engagement unit 62, which is an external gear, and the jog ring 41 and the engagement unit 62 can be reliably engaged with each other.

[0053] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an engagement state between the jog dial 4 and the rotational load adjustment unit 6 according to a second modified example of the audio device 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 10 , the engagement unit 62 may engage with a surface of the jog ring 41 facing the −Z direction when the rotation axis Rx1 is substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis Rx. In this case, if a plurality of teeth are arranged along the circumferential direction of the rotation axis Rx on the surface of the jog ring 41 facing the −Z direction, the plurality of teeth can be meshed with the engagement unit 62, which is an external gear, thereby ensuring reliable engagement between the jog ring 41 and the engagement unit 62. Note that the rotational load adjustment unit 6 may engage with the dial main body 42 when the rotation axis Rx1 is substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis Rx. However, while the dial main body 42 is movable along the Z axis, the jog ring 41 is not movable along the Z axis. For this reason, it is preferable that the rotational load adjustment unit 6 engage with the jog ring 41 when the rotation axis Rx1 and the rotation axis Rx are substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0054] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an engagement state between the jog dial 4 and the rotational load adjustment unit 6 according to a third modification of the audio device 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 11 , when the rotational axis Rx1 intersects with the rotational axis Rx, the engagement unit 62 may engage with a surface of the jog ring 41 facing the −Z direction. In this case, if the surface of the jog ring 41 facing the −Z direction has an inclined surface that protrudes in the −Z direction as it moves away from the rotational axis Rx, and if multiple teeth are arranged on the inclined surface along the circumferential direction centered on the rotational axis Rx, the multiple teeth can be meshed with the engagement unit 62, which is an external gear, thereby ensuring reliable engagement between the jog ring 41 and the engagement unit 62. The rotational load adjustment unit 6 may also engage with the dial main body 42 when the rotational axis Rx1 intersects with the rotational axis Rx. However, for the same reasons as above, it is preferable for the rotational load adjustment unit 6 to engage with the jog ring 41.

[0055] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an engagement state between the jog dial 4 and the rotational load adjustment unit 6 according to a fourth modified example of the audio device 1, and FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an engagement state between the jog dial 4 and the rotational load adjustment unit 6 according to a fifth modified example of the audio device 1. For example, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , the rotating unit 61 of the rotational load adjustment unit 6 may engage with a portion of the dial main body 42 on the rotational axis Rx when the rotational axis Rx1 and the rotational axis Rx are parallel. That is, the rotating unit 61 may be connected to the dial main body 42 so that the rotational axis Rx1 and the rotational axis Rx coincide with each other. In this case, as shown in FIG. 13 , if the dial main body 42 has a shaft portion 48 that protrudes in the −Z direction along the rotational axis Rx from a position on the rotational axis Rx, the rotating unit 61 of the rotational load adjustment unit 6 may be connected to the end of the shaft portion 48 in the −Z direction.

[0056] 14 is a schematic diagram showing an engagement state between the jog dial 4 and the rotational load adjustment unit 6 according to a sixth modified example of the audio device 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the rotational unit 61 of the rotational load adjustment unit 6 may engage with the surface of the jog ring 41 in the -Z direction, with the rotational axis Rx1 and the rotational axis Rx parallel to each other. In other words, the rotational unit 61 may be connected to the jog ring 41 so that the rotational axis Rx1 and the rotational axis Rx coincide with each other. In this case, a cylindrically shaped rotational unit 61 having a through-portion penetrating along the Z axis may be used.

[0057] 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 the configuration of the rotation load adjustment unit is different. 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.

[0058] 15 and 16 are cross-sectional views showing the rotational load adjustment unit 9 included in the acoustic device according to this embodiment. More specifically, Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the rotational load adjustment unit 9, and Fig. 16 is a view showing a cross-section of the rotational load adjustment unit 9 along an imaginary plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the inner shaft 93. 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 is equipped with the rotational load adjustment unit 9 shown in Figs. 15 and 16 instead of the rotational load adjustment unit 6.

[0059] [Configuration of the rotational load adjustment unit] Similar to the rotational load adjustment unit 6 according to the first embodiment, the rotational load adjustment unit 9 operates in response to a control signal input from the processor 82 of the control unit 8 to adjust the rotational load of the jog dial 4. The rotational load adjustment unit 9 includes a motor 91 and a rotary damper 92.

[0060] [Motor Configuration] The motor 91 operates in response to a control signal input from the processor 82. As shown in FIG. 15 , the motor 91 includes a motor body 911 and a motor shaft 912. The motor body 911 rotates the motor shaft 912 at a rotation speed corresponding to the voltage level of the input control signal. The motor shaft 912 is connected to the inner shaft 93 that constitutes the rotary damper 92, and rotates the inner shaft 93 coaxially with the motor shaft 912. Note that the motor shaft 912 and the inner shaft 93 do not necessarily have to be directly connected, and may be connected via at least one gear, for example. In other words, it is sufficient that the motor shaft 912 is capable of rotating the inner shaft 93.

[0061] [Configuration of Rotary Damper] The rotary damper 92 applies a braking force to the jog dial 4 according to the rotational force of the motor shaft 912. The rotary damper 92 has an inner shaft 93, a viscous fluid 94, an outer shaft 95, and a pressing portion 96. The inner shaft 93 is connected to the motor shaft 912 and rotates according to the rotational force of the motor shaft 912. The viscous fluid 94 is disposed around the inner shaft 93 and between the outer peripheral surface of the inner shaft 93 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer shaft 95. The viscous fluid 94 transmits the rotational force of the inner shaft 93 to the outer shaft 95, causing the outer shaft 95 to rotate coaxially with the inner shaft 93 and in the same direction as the inner shaft 93.

[0062] The outer shaft 95 is disposed outside the inner shaft 93 when viewed along the rotation axis Rx2 of the inner shaft 93, with the viscous fluid 94 interposed between it and the outer peripheral surface of the inner shaft 93. That is, the outer shaft 95 surrounds the periphery of the inner shaft 93. The rotational force of the inner shaft 93 is transmitted to the outer shaft 95 via the viscous fluid 94, causing the outer shaft 95 to rotate in the same direction as the inner shaft 93. At this time, the outer shaft 95 rotates at a rotational speed that corresponds to the rotational speed of the inner shaft 93. For example, when the inner shaft 93 rotates at a relatively low speed, the outer shaft 95 also rotates at a relatively low speed. Alternatively, for example, when the inner shaft 93 rotates at a relatively high speed, the outer shaft 95 also rotates at a relatively high speed.

[0063] The pressing portion 96 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the outer shaft 95 and protrudes from the outer peripheral surface in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis Rx2. The pressing portion 96 applies a pressing force to the jog dial 4, which serves as a rotary operator, as the outer shaft 95 rotates. More specifically, when the outer shaft 95 rotates, the pressing portion 96 comes into contact with the jog dial 4 and applies a braking force to the jog dial 4. A brake pad BP made of an elastic member is provided on the portion of the pressing portion 96 that comes into contact with the jog dial 4. The brake pad BP comes into contact with the jog dial 4 as shown in FIG. 16 . In this embodiment, the brake pad BP comes into contact with the surface of the jog ring 41 facing the −Z direction.

[0064] [Operation of Rotational Load Adjustment Unit] In the rotational load adjustment unit 9, as shown in FIG. 16 , when the inner shaft 93 rotates in the +D direction together with the motor shaft 912, the rotational force of the inner shaft 93 in the +D direction is transmitted to the outer shaft 95 via the viscous fluid 94, causing the outer shaft 95 to rotate in the +D direction. When the outer shaft 95 rotates in the +D direction, the pressing portion 96 rotates in the +D direction and presses the jog dial 4 via the brake pad BP provided on the pressing portion 96. This changes the rotational load of the jog dial 4. Note that the higher the rotational speeds of the motor shaft 912 and the inner shaft 93, the greater the rotational force of the outer shaft 95, and the greater the pressing force of the pressing portion 96 on the jog dial 4. In other words, as the rotational speeds of the motor shaft 912 and the inner shaft 93 increase, the rotational load of the jog dial 4 increases. On the other hand, as the rotational speeds of the motor shaft 912 and the inner shaft 93 decrease, the rotational load of the jog dial 4 decreases. The rotation speeds of the motor shaft 912 and the inner shaft 93 are controlled by the processor 82 of the control unit 8, which controls the operation of the motor main body 911. Therefore, in this embodiment as well, the processor 82 of the control unit 8, which performs the rotation load adjustment process, adjusts the rotation load of the jog dial 4 using the rotation load adjustment unit 9.

[0065] [Effects of 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 second embodiment includes a rotational load adjustment unit 9 serving as an adjustment unit. The rotational load adjustment unit 9 includes a motor 91 and a rotary damper 92. The rotary damper 92 has an inner shaft 93, a viscous fluid 94, an outer shaft 95, and a pressing unit 96. The viscous fluid 94 is provided between the inner shaft 93 and the outer shaft 95. The outer shaft 95 surrounds the periphery of the inner shaft 93. The pressing unit 96 applies a pressing force to the jog dial 4 serving as a rotary operator in accordance with rotation of the outer shaft 95. The motor 91 adjusts the rotational speed of the inner shaft 93 in response to a control signal input from the control unit 8, thereby adjusting the rotational load of the jog dial 4 on which the pressing force is applied by the pressing unit 96. With this configuration, when the inner shaft 93 is rotated by the motor 91, the rotational force of the inner shaft 93 is transmitted to the outer shaft 95 via the viscous fluid 94, causing the outer shaft 95 to rotate. The rotational force of the outer shaft 95 increases in proportion to the rotational speed of the inner shaft 93. Therefore, by adjusting the rotational speed of the inner shaft 93 based on a control signal input from the control unit 8, the pressing force acting on the jog dial 4 can be adjusted, and ultimately the rotational load of the jog dial 4 can be adjusted. Furthermore, because the rotational load adjustment unit 9 has a rotary damper 92 containing the viscous fluid 94, noise that occurs when gears mesh with each other is not generated. This makes it possible to suppress noise when the jog dial 4 is operated.

[0066] [Modification of Second Embodiment] In the audio device according to the second embodiment described above, the pressing portion 96 of the rotational load adjustment portion 9 applies a pressing force in the +Z direction to the jog ring 41 of the jog dial 4, thereby adjusting the rotational load of the jog dial 4. However, this is not limiting, and the direction in which the pressing portion 96 presses the jog dial 4 may be another direction.

[0067] 17 is a schematic diagram showing an engagement state between the jog dial 4 and the rotational load adjuster 9 according to a first modified example of the acoustic device according to the second embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the pressing portion 96 of the rotational load adjuster 9 may be brought into contact with the periphery of the jog dial 4 centered on the rotation axis Rx. In this case, the portion of the jog dial 4 that the pressing portion 96 contacts via the brake pad BP may be the periphery of the jog ring 41, or the periphery or annular portion 45 of the dial main body 42. Even when the rotational load adjuster 9 is arranged in this manner, the same effects as those of the acoustic device according to the second embodiment can be achieved.

[0068] 18 is a schematic diagram showing an engagement state between the jog dial 4 and the rotation load adjuster 9 in a second modified example of the audio device according to the second embodiment. Alternatively, for example, as shown in FIG. 18, the audio device may further include a lever member LM, and the pressing portion 96 of the rotation load adjuster 9 may apply a pressing force to the jog dial 4 via the lever member LM and a brake pad BP.

[0069] The lever member LM has a rotation shaft portion LM1, a movable piece LM2, a pressed portion LM3, and a pressing portion LM4, and the movable piece LM2 is arranged to be rotatable around the rotation shaft portion LM1. The rotation shaft portion LM1 is arranged on the opposite side of the inner shaft 93 with respect to the position of the brake pad BP. The movable piece LM2 extends from the rotation shaft portion LM1 toward the rotation load adjuster 9 and is arranged to be rotatable around the rotation shaft portion LM1. The pressed portion LM3 and a pressing portion LM4 are provided on the movable piece LM2. The pressed portion LM3 is provided at the end of the movable piece LM2 opposite to the rotation shaft portion LM1. The pressed portion LM3 faces the pressing portion 96 and is pressed by the pressing portion 96. This causes the lever member LM to rotate around the rotation shaft portion LM1. The pressing portion LM4 is provided in a portion of the movable piece LM2 closer to the rotating shaft portion LM1 than the center of the movable piece LM2 in the extension direction of the movable piece LM2 extending from the rotating shaft portion LM1. More specifically, the pressing portion LM4 is provided on the surface of the movable piece LM2 opposite to the surface on which the pressed portion LM3 is located. A brake pad BP is provided on the pressing portion LM4, and the pressing portion LM4 presses the brake pad BP against the jog dial 4 as the movable piece LM2 rotates. This adjusts the rotational load of the jog dial 4. The brake pad BP may contact the periphery of the jog ring 41, may contact a surface of the jog ring 41 facing the -Z direction, or may contact the annular portion 45 of the dial main body 42.

[0070] An audio device having such a configuration can achieve the same effects as the audio device according to the second embodiment. In addition, the lever member LM can increase the pressing force acting on the jog dial 4 via the brake pad BP. This allows a wider range of adjustment of the rotational load of the jog dial 4 by the rotational load adjuster 9. This allows for more precise adjustment of the rotational load of the jog dial 4.

[0071] [Third Embodiment] Next, a third 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 the configuration of the rotation load adjustment unit is different. 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.

[0072] [Schematic configuration of acoustic device] Figure 19 is a side view showing the jog dial 4A and rotational load adjustment unit 10 provided in the acoustic device according to this embodiment. Figure 20 is a perspective view showing the jog dial 4A and rotational load adjustment unit 10 as viewed from the -Z direction. 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 is provided with the jog dial 4A and rotational load adjustment unit 10 shown in Figures 19 and 20 instead of the jog dial 4 and rotational load adjustment unit 6.

[0073] [Configuration of the Jog Dial] The jog dial 4A corresponds to a rotary operator and, like the jog dial 4, is a rotary operator that adjusts the playback direction and playback speed of music. The jog dial 4A is rotatably supported on the support base 5 and accepts rotational operation around a rotation axis Rx along the +Z direction and pressing operation in the -Z direction. The jog dial 4A has a top plate 4A1 and a jog ring portion 4A2 shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, and a disk portion 4A3 and a cylindrical portion 4A4 shown in FIG. 20, and has the same functions as the jog dial 4.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 19 , the top plate 4A1 is formed in a disk shape similar to the top plate 43 and is supported by the jog ring unit 4A2. The top plate 4A1 is the portion of the jog dial 4A that comes into contact with the user. The user can perform a scratch operation to change the playback direction of music by rotating the jog dial 4A while touching the top plate 4A1. The jog ring unit 4A2 is a ring-shaped member formed in a truncated cone shape similar to the jog ring 41 and functions similarly to the jog ring 41. The jog ring unit 4A2 has a support unit 4A21 shown in FIG. 19 and multiple connecting units 4A22 shown in FIG. 20 . Although not shown in detail, the support unit 4A21 is ring-shaped along the outer periphery of the top plate 4A1 and is a recessed portion recessed in the −Z direction. The top plate 4A1 is fitted into the support unit 4A21 from the +Z direction, thereby supporting the top plate 4A1. Each of the plurality of connecting portions 4A22 protrudes in the −Z direction from the −Z direction surface of the support portion 4A21, as shown in Fig. 20. A disk portion 4A3 is connected to each of the plurality of connecting portions 4A22.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 20 , the disk portion 4A3 is formed in a disk shape. The disk portion 4A3 is connected to the −Z-direction end of each connecting portion 4A22 with fasteners such as screws. A display panel (not shown) is disposed between the tabletop 4A1 and the disk portion 4A3 in the +Z direction, and the display content of the display panel is observed through a translucent area (not shown) provided in the center of the tabletop 4A1 when viewed from the +Z direction. The cylindrical portion 4A4 is a cylindrical portion fixed to the surface of the disk portion 4A3 facing the −Z direction. When viewed from the −Z direction, the diameter of the cylindrical portion 4A4 is smaller than the diameter of the disk portion 4A3. The outer peripheral surface 4A41 of the cylindrical portion 4A4 is pressed by the contact member 101 of the rotational load adjustment unit 10. In other words, the outer peripheral surface 4A41 is the pressed surface.

[0076] [Configuration of the Rotational Load Adjustment Unit] The rotational load adjustment unit 10 is an adjustment unit that adjusts the rotational load of the jog dial 4A, similar to the rotational load adjustment units 6 and 9. More specifically, the rotational load adjustment unit 10 presses the outer peripheral surface 4A41 of the jog dial 4A toward the radially inner side of the cylindrical portion 4A4, thereby adjusting the rotational load of the jog dial 4A. In the example of Fig. 19, the rotational load adjustment unit 10 presses the outer peripheral surface 4A41 toward the +Y direction perpendicular to the rotation axis Rx along the +Z direction, thereby adjusting the rotational load of the jog dial 4A.

[0077] 21 and 22 are perspective views showing the rotational load adjustment unit 10. Fig. 21 is a perspective view showing the rotational load adjustment unit 10 as seen from the cylindrical portion 4A4 side, and Fig. 22 is a perspective view showing the rotational load adjustment unit 10 as seen from the opposite side to the cylindrical portion 4A4. As shown in Figs. 21 and 22 , the rotational load adjustment unit 10 has a contact member 101, a drive device 105, and a holder 106.

[0078] [Configuration of Contact Member] The contact member 101 contacts the jog dial 4A and generates a load against the rotation of the jog dial 4A. Specifically, the contact member 101 is moved toward the jog dial 4A by the drive unit 105 to press against the jog dial 4A, thereby adjusting the rotational load of the jog dial 4A. The contact member 101 includes a plate member 102, a friction member 103, and a holding member 104. The plate member 102 is a plate-shaped metal body made of a ferromagnetic material such as iron. The plate member 102 is attracted to the drive unit 105 and presses against the outer peripheral surface 4A41 of the jog dial 4A via the friction member 103. The plate member 102 includes a first surface 102A and a second surface 102B. The first surface 102A is the surface of the plate member 102 that faces the cylindrical portion 4A4 of the jog dial 4A. The second surface 102B is the surface of the plate member 102 opposite to the first surface 102A.

[0079] FIG. 23 is a side view of the jog dial 4A and the rotational load adjustment unit 10, with the holder 106 not shown, viewed from the -X direction. As shown in FIG. 23, the plate member 102 further includes a first opposing portion 1021 and a second opposing portion 1022. The first opposing portion 1021 and the second opposing portion 1022 are each provided on the first surface 102A. The first opposing portion 1021 faces the outer peripheral surface 4A41 in the +Y direction perpendicular to the rotation axis Rx. A friction member 103 is provided on the first opposing portion 1021. The friction member 103 is made of, for example, felt and contacts the outer peripheral surface 4A41 to increase the rotational load of the jog dial 4A. Note that in this embodiment, the friction member 103 is constantly in contact with the outer peripheral surface 4A41, regardless of the drive state of the drive device 105 or the rotation state of the plate member 102. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the friction member 103 may be spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface 4A41. The second opposing portion 1022 is located in the −Z direction relative to the first opposing portion 1021, and faces the driving device 105 in the +Y direction. Note that, as will be described in detail later, a clearance CL is provided between the second opposing portion 1022 and the electromagnet 1052 of the driving device 105.

[0080] The holding member 104 is rotatably attached to the holder 106 while holding the plate member 102. The holding member 104 includes a holding portion 1041 shown in FIG. 22 and a rotation shaft portion 1042 shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. As shown in FIG. 22, the holding portion 1041 comes into contact with the second surface 102B of the plate member 102 opposite the first surface 102A, and holds the plate member 102. As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the rotation shaft portion 1042 is provided in the −Z direction with respect to the held plate member 102. The rotation shaft portion 1042 constitutes the rotation axis Rx1 of the contact member 101 when the holding member 104 is combined with the holder 106. Therefore, the contact member 101 has a first opposing portion 1021 and a second opposing portion 1022 provided on the first surface 102A, and a rotation axis Rx1 located on the opposite side of the second opposing portion 1022 from the first opposing portion 1021. The rotation axis Rx1 is a direction along the +X direction that is perpendicular to both the +Z direction along which the rotation axis Rx is aligned and the +Y direction in which the plate member 102 faces the rotation axis Rx.

[0081] [Configuration of the Drive Device] The drive device 105 is controlled by the control unit 8 described above and adjusts the pressing force of the contact member 101 against the jog dial 4A, which is a rotary operator. More specifically, the drive device 105 displaces the contact member 101 to adjust the pressing force of the contact member 101 against the jog dial 4A. In other words, the drive device 105 adjusts the braking force of the contact member 101 acting on the jog dial 4A. In this embodiment, the drive device 105 is an electromagnet that generates a magnetic force that attracts the plate member 102, which is a ferromagnetic material. The magnetic force changes depending on the applied voltage, thereby changing the magnitude of the force that attracts the plate member 102.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 23 , the drive device 105 has a lead wire 1051, an electromagnet 1052, and an attachment portion 1053. The lead wire 1051 is connected to the control unit 8 and the electromagnet 1052, and supplies a current input from the control unit 8 to the electromagnet 1052. The electromagnet 1052 generates a magnetic force corresponding to the voltage of the current supplied from the control unit 8 via the lead wire 1051. The magnetic force generated by the electromagnet 1052 attracts the plate member 102 of the contact member 101 in the +Y direction closer to the outer circumferential surface 4A41, thereby increasing the rotational load of the jog dial 4A. Note that, as described above, as the voltage applied to the electromagnet 1052 increases, the magnetic force generated by the electromagnet 1052 increases, thereby increasing the rotational load of the jog dial 4A.

[0083] In this embodiment, when the friction member 103 provided on the plate member 102 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 4A41, the plate member 102 and the electromagnet 1052 are spaced apart. In other words, when the friction member 103 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 4A41, a clearance CL is provided between the plate member 102 and the electromagnet 1052. This is because, if the plate member 102 and the electromagnet 1052 come into contact with each other, the plate member 102, which is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 4A41 via the friction member 103, cannot be further displaced toward the outer peripheral surface 4A41, and the pressing force of the contact member 101 acting on the outer peripheral surface 4A41 cannot be increased. In contrast, since a clearance CL exists between the plate member 102 and the electromagnet 1052 when the friction member 103 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 4A41, the contact member 101 can be pressed against the outer peripheral surface 4A41 by a magnetic force corresponding to the voltage applied to the drive device 105, thereby making it possible to further increase the rotational load of the jog dial 4A.

[0084] [Configuration of the Holder] The holder 106 movably supports the contact member 101 and is fixed within the exterior housing 2 while supporting the drive unit 105. That is, the holder 106 supports the contact member 101 rotatably about the rotation axis Rx1 and holds the drive unit 105, thereby unitizing the rotation load adjustment unit 10. As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 , the holder 106 has a rotation support portion 1061, an accommodation portion 1062, and a fixing portion 1063. The rotation support portion 1061 supports the rotation shaft portion 1042 of the holding member 104 rotatably about the rotation axis Rx1, and thus supports the contact member 101 rotatably about the rotation axis Rx1. As a result, the magnetic force of the drive unit 105 displaces the contact member 101 about the rotation axis Rx1 in the +D1 direction approaching the outer circumferential surface 4A41, and presses the friction member 103 provided on the first opposing portion 1021 against the outer circumferential surface 4A41. The accommodation portion 1062 forms an accommodation space in which the driving device 105 is accommodated. The fixing portion 1063 is a portion to which the mounting portion 1053 of the driving device 105, in which the electromagnet 1052 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 1062, is fixed with a fixing tool such as a screw.

[0085] [Function of Rotational Load Adjustment Unit] When no voltage is applied to the drive unit 105 or when a minimum voltage is applied to the drive unit 105, as shown in FIG. 23 , the friction member 103 provided on the first opposing portion 1021 of the contact member 101 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 4A41 of the cylindrical portion 4A4 of the jog dial 4A. This state is a minimum load state in which the rotational load of the jog dial 4A is at its smallest. When the voltage applied to the electromagnet 1052 of the drive unit 105 is increased from the minimum load state, the second opposing portion 1022 of the plate member 102 is further attracted by the electromagnet 1052, compressing the friction member 103 and causing the contact member 101 to rotate toward the outer peripheral surface 4A41 around the rotation axis Rx1. This increases the pressing force of the contact member 101 acting on the outer peripheral surface 4A41 via the friction member 103. That is, by increasing the voltage applied to the electromagnet 1052, the rotational load of the jog dial 4A becomes greater than the rotational load in the minimum load state. The rate of increase in the rotational load of the jog dial 4A is approximately proportional to the voltage applied to the drive device 105. Therefore, by adjusting the applied voltage, a suitable rotational load of the jog dial 4A can be achieved. Note that the arrangement of the rotational load adjuster 10 relative to the jog dial 4A is not limited to the above. For example, the rotational load adjuster 10 may be arranged relative to the jog dial 4A in the same manner as the rotational load adjuster 9 shown in the second embodiment and the modified example of the second embodiment. That is, the rotational load adjuster 10 may be arranged, for example, at a position where a pressing force is applied to the periphery of the jog dial centered on the rotation axis Rx, or at a position where a pressing force is applied to the top or bottom surface of the jog dial.

[0086] [Effects of the Third Embodiment] The audio device according to the present embodiment described above can achieve the same effects as the audio device 1 according to the first embodiment, and also achieves the following effects. In the audio device according to the third embodiment, the rotational load adjustment unit 10 has a contact member 101 that is provided so as to be able to come into contact with the jog dial 4A, and a drive device 105 that is controlled by the control unit 8 and adjusts the pressing force of the contact member 101 against the jog dial 4A. The jog dial 4A corresponds to a rotary operator. With this configuration, the rotational load of the jog dial 4A can be adjusted by adjusting the pressing force of the contact member 101 against the jog dial 4A using the drive device 105.

[0087] In the acoustic device according to the third embodiment, the contact member 101 includes a plate member 102 that is a ferromagnetic material. In this embodiment, the plate member 102 is a metal body such as iron. The drive device 105 has an electromagnet 1052 that changes the magnetic force acting on the plate member 102 in response to an applied voltage, thereby changing the pressing force of the contact member 101 against the jog dial 4A. With this configuration, the pressing force of the contact member 101 against the jog dial 4A can be easily adjusted, and therefore the rotational load of the jog dial 4A can be easily adjusted.

[0088] In the acoustic device according to the third embodiment, the rotational load adjustment unit 10 has a holder 106 that holds a contact member 101 and a drive unit 105. The drive unit 105 overlaps with the jog dial 4A when viewed along the rotation axis Rx of the jog dial 4A. The rotation axis Rx corresponds to the first rotation axis. The contact member 101 has a plate member 102 and a holding member 104, and the plate member 102 has a first surface 102A, a first opposing portion 1021, and a second opposing portion 1022. The holding member 104 has a rotation shaft portion 1042. The first opposing portion 1021 is provided on the first surface 102A and faces the jog dial 4A. The second opposing portion 1022 is provided on the first surface 102A and faces the drive unit 105. The rotation axis portion 1042 is provided on the opposite side of the first opposing portion 1021 with respect to the second opposing portion 1022, and forms a rotation axis Rx1 that is perpendicular to the rotation axis Rx. The rotation axis Rx1 corresponds to the second rotation axis, and in the example shown in Figure 23, the rotation axis Rx1 is an axis that is aligned in the +X direction. The holder 106 supports the contact member 101 so that it can rotate around the rotation axis Rx1.

[0089] With this configuration, when the driving device 105 pulls the second opposing portion 1022, the contact member 101 is displaced toward the outer peripheral surface 4A41 around the rotation axis Rx1, allowing the first opposing portion 1021 to press the jog dial 4A. This allows the rotational load of the jog dial 4A to be adjusted. Furthermore, if the second opposing portion 1022 is provided on the second surface 102B of the contact member 101, opposite the first surface 102A, the driving device 105 is disposed further outward from the jog dial 4A than the contact member 101. In this case, the area of ​​the acoustic device perpendicular to the rotation axis Rx is larger. In contrast, the driving device 105 overlaps with the jog dial 4A in the +Z direction along the rotation axis Rx, and the first opposing portion 1021 and the second opposing portion 1022 are provided on the same first surface 102A. This allows the area of ​​the acoustic device perpendicular to the rotation axis Rx to be reduced. This prevents the acoustic device from becoming too large.

[0090] In the acoustic device according to the third embodiment, the rotational load adjustment unit 10 has a clearance CL provided between the contact member 101 and the drive unit 105. Specifically, the clearance CL is provided between the second opposing portion 1022 located on the plate member 102 of the contact member 101 and the electromagnet 1052 of the drive unit 105. Here, if the contact member 101 is in contact with the drive unit 105 when the contact member 101 is displaced by the drive unit 105, the pressing force of the contact member 101 against the jog dial 4A cannot be increased even if the voltage applied to the electromagnet 1052 is increased. In contrast, by providing a clearance between the contact member 101 and the drive unit 105, the pressing force of the contact member 101 against the jog dial 4A can be increased by increasing the voltage applied to the electromagnet. Therefore, the rotational load of the jog dial 4A can be adjusted according to the voltage applied to the drive unit 105.

[0091] In the acoustic device according to the third embodiment, the contact member 101 is in contact with the jog dial 4A. With this configuration, when the contact member 101, which has been separated from the jog dial 4A, comes into contact with the jog dial 4A in response to the driving of the drive device 105, there is a risk of a contact noise of the contact member 101 contacting the jog dial 4A. However, by keeping the contact member 101 in constant contact with the jog dial 4A, the contact noise can be suppressed. In addition, since the time required from the application of voltage to the drive device 105 until the contact member 101 comes into contact with the jog dial 4A can be eliminated, the delay from the application of voltage to the drive device 105 until the actual application of load to the jog dial 4A can be suppressed.

[0092] In the acoustic device according to the third embodiment, the contact member 101 includes a friction member 103 that contacts the jog dial 4A. The friction member 103 is provided on a first opposing portion 1021 provided on the plate member 102 of the contact member 101. If the jog dial 4A and the portion of the contact member 101 facing the jog dial 4A were each made of a rigid body, pressing the contact member 101 against the jog dial 4A might not sufficiently increase the rotational load of the jog dial 4A. In contrast, with the above configuration, a pressing force acts on the jog dial 4A via the friction member 103 that contacts the jog dial 4A, making it easier to increase the rotational load of the jog dial 4A by pressing the contact member 101. This makes it easier to adjust the rotational load of the jog dial 4A. Furthermore, compared to a case where the friction member 103 is not provided, deterioration of the jog dial 4A and the contact member 101 due to wear can be suppressed.

[0093] [First Modification of Third Embodiment] Figure 24 is a side view showing a jog dial 4A and a rotational load adjustment unit 10 according to a first modification of the audio device according to the third embodiment. The audio device according to the third embodiment includes one rotational load adjustment unit 10. In other words, the audio device according to the third embodiment includes a rotational load adjustment unit 10 that includes one contact member 101. However, this is not limiting, and the audio device may include multiple rotational load adjustment units 10. For example, as shown in Figure 24, the audio device may include multiple rotational load adjustment units 10 that sandwich the cylindrical portion 4A4 of the jog dial 4A.

[0094] The audio device according to the first modification has the same effects as the audio device according to the third embodiment, and also has the following effects. In the audio device according to the first modification of the third embodiment, multiple rotational load adjusters 10 are provided at positions sandwiching the jog dial 4A. In the example of FIG. 24 , two rotational load adjusters 10 are provided at positions sandwiching the cylindrical portion 4A4 of the jog dial 4A in the +Y direction. That is, in the example of FIG. 24 , the multiple rotational load adjusters 10 include rotational load adjusters 10A and 10B that sandwich the jog dial 4A when viewed from the −Y direction. Here, if only one rotational load adjuster 10 is provided for the jog dial 4A, the single contact member 101 applies a unidirectional pressing force to the jog dial 4A, toward the inside of the jog dial 4A in the radial direction. In this case, the jog dial 4A becomes more likely to become eccentric, which may increase wear associated with the rotation of the jog dial 4A and may increase noise during rotation of the jog dial 4A. In contrast, with the above-described configuration, the eccentricity of the jog dial 4A can be suppressed, and therefore, wear caused by the rotation of the jog dial 4A and an increase in noise when the jog dial 4A is rotated can be suppressed.

[0095] The acoustic device shown in FIG. 24 includes a pair of rotational load adjusters 10 sandwiching the cylindrical portion 4A4. However, the acoustic device is not limited to this. The acoustic device may include multiple contact members 101 arranged on either side of the jog dial 4A and a single drive unit 105 that displaces each of the multiple contact members 101 toward the outer circumferential surface 4A41, causing each contact member 101 to press against the jog dial 4A. In other words, the multiple contact members 101 may be displaced by a single drive unit 105. Furthermore, the positions of the multiple rotational load adjusters 10 or the positions of the multiple contact members 101 may be equidistant in the circumferential direction of the jog dial 4A centered on the rotation axis Rx. For example, three rotational load adjusters 10 or three contact members 101 may be provided equidistant in the circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis Rx.

[0096] [Second Modification of Third Embodiment] In the above-described third embodiment, the driving device 105 is disposed at a position overlapping with the cylindrical portion 4A4 in the +Z direction, and the contact member 101 pulls the plate member 102 of the contact member 101 in the direction in which it presses the outer peripheral surface 4A41, thereby causing the first opposing portion 1021 to press the outer peripheral surface 4A41 via the friction member 103. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the driving device 105 does not necessarily have to be disposed at a position overlapping with the cylindrical portion 4A4 in the +Z direction.

[0097] FIG. 25 is a side view showing a jog dial 4A and a rotational load adjustment unit 11 according to a second modified example of the audio device according to the third embodiment. Note that the holder 106 is not shown in FIG. 25 . For example, instead of the rotational load adjustment unit 10, the audio device may employ the rotational load adjustment unit 11 shown in FIG. 25 . The rotational load adjustment unit 11 has the same configuration and function as the rotational load adjustment unit 10, except that it has a contact member 111 instead of the contact member 101. The contact member 111 has the same configuration and function as the contact member 101, except that it has a plate member 102 made of a ferromagnetic material instead of the plate member 102. That is, the contact member 111 includes a plate member 112, a friction member 103, and a holding member 104 (not shown).

[0098] Similar to the plate member 102, the plate member 112 has a first surface 112A and a second surface 112B facing the opposite side from the first surface 112A. Furthermore, the plate member 112 has a first opposing portion 1121 provided on the first surface 112A and facing the outer circumferential surface 4A41, and a second opposing portion 1122 provided on the second surface 112B and facing the electromagnet 1052 of the drive unit 105. The rotation axis Rx1 of the contact member 111 is located between the first opposing portion 1121 and the second opposing portion 1122 in the +Z direction. In the rotation load adjustment unit 11, the drive unit 105 is located in a position that does not overlap with the cylindrical portion 4A4 in the +Z direction. In other words, the drive unit 105 is disposed outside the cylindrical portion 4A4 when viewed from the -Z direction. An acoustic device including a rotation load adjustment unit 11 configured in this manner can also achieve the same effects as the acoustic device according to the third embodiment. That is, when the driving device 105 pulls the second opposing portion 1122 in the -Y direction, the contact member 111 is displaced about the rotation axis Rx1. This increases the pressing force acting on the outer circumferential surface 4A41 of the cylindrical portion 4A4. This allows the rotation load of the jog dial 4A to be adjusted according to the voltage applied to the driving device 105.

[0099] [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 control unit 8 adjusts the rotation load of the jog dial 4 by individually determining the detection results of the operation of the jog dial 4 as a rotary operator, including whether or not the jog dial 4 is touched, whether or not the jog dial 4 is rotated, the rotation speed of the jog dial 4, and the rotation direction of the jog dial 4. However, this is not limiting, and the rotation load of the jog dial 4 may be adjusted by combining at least two of these parameters. Furthermore, at least one of the four parameters may not be determined.

[0100] In each of the above embodiments, the signal setting unit 825 sets the voltage level of the control signal to a first level when the rotation speed of the jog dial 4 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and sets the voltage level of the control signal to a third level when the rotation speed of the jog dial 4 is less than the predetermined threshold. However, this is not limiting, and the processor 82 may further compare the rotation speed of the jog dial 4 with multiple thresholds and set the voltage level of the control signal in multiple stages depending on the comparison results.

[0101] In the above embodiments, the signal setting unit 825 sets the voltage level of the control signal to a first level or a third level based on the rotation speed of the jog dial 4, sets the voltage level of the control signal to a second level or a fourth level based on the rotation direction of the jog dial 4, and sets the voltage level of the control signal to a fifth level or a sixth level based on whether the jog dial 4 is rotating when the jog dial 4 is not being touched. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the magnitude of the voltage level of the control signal input to the rotation load adjusting unit is not limited to the above and can be changed as appropriate.

[0102] In the first embodiment, the rotational load adjustment unit 6 serving as an adjustment unit is configured with a magnetic braking device, while in the second embodiment, the rotational load adjustment unit 9 serving as an adjustment unit is configured to include a motor 91 and a rotary damper 92. In the third embodiment, the rotational load adjustment units 10 and 11 serving as adjustment units are configured so that contact members 101 and 111 attracted by an electromagnet 1052 press against the jog dial 4A. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration of the rotational load adjustment unit is not limited to the above. For example, if there is no concern about the motor burning out, a motor having a contact piece provided on the motor shaft that comes into contact with the jog dial 4 and applies a pressing force to the jog dial 4 to become the rotational load of the jog dial 4 may be used as the rotational load adjustment unit.

[0103] In the third embodiment, a clearance CL is provided between the contact members 101, 111 and the electromagnet 1052 of the drive device 105. However, this is not limiting, and for example, the contact members 101, 111 may come into contact with the drive device 105 when the contact members 101, 111 are attracted by the magnetic force of the electromagnet 1052 and displaced by a predetermined amount. Also, the maximum value of the pressing force on the jog dial 4A may be determined by, for example, having the contact members 101, 111 come into contact with the holder 106.

[0104] In the third embodiment, the contact members 101, 111 have the friction member 103 in contact with the outer peripheral surface 4A41. In other words, the friction member 103 is provided between the outer peripheral surface 4A41, which is the pressed surface, and the plate members 102, 112 of the contact members 101, 111. However, this is not limiting, and the friction member 103 may be omitted. Furthermore, the friction member 103 is not limited to felt, and may be made of a resin containing, for example, PET (polyethylene terephthalate). Furthermore, the friction member 103 is not limited to being provided on the plate members 102, 112 to form the contact members 101, 111. For example, the friction member 103 may be provided on at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface 4A41.

[0105] In the third embodiment, the rotational load adjusters 10, 11 may include a restoring unit that returns the plate members 102, 112 to the positions of the plate members 102, 112 in the above-described minimum load state. In this case, when the rotational load of the jog dial 4A is returned to the rotational load in the minimum load state, it is possible to easily return the displaced states of the plate members 102, 112, and therefore the displaced states of the contact members 101, 111. A biasing member such as a spring can be used as such a restoring unit.

[0106] In the above-described embodiments, the rotational load adjustment units 6, 9, 10, and 11 adjust the rotational load of the jog dial 4 as a rotary operator. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration similar to that of the rotational load adjustment units 6, 9, 10, and 11 may be adopted to adjust the rotational load of another rotary operator. Examples of such a rotary operator include rotary volumes such as the rotary volumes 36 to 38 described above.

[0107] [Summary of the Invention] The summary of the invention is as follows: [1] An acoustic device including a depressible rotary operator, comprising: an operation detection unit that detects an operation performed on the rotary operator; an adjustment unit that adjusts a rotational load of the rotary operator; and a control unit that controls the operation of the adjustment unit in accordance with the operation detected by the operation detection unit to automatically adjust the rotational load.

[0108] With this configuration, the rotational load of the rotary operator can be automatically adjusted in response to the user's operation of the rotary operator. Therefore, even if the user does not adjust the rotational load of the rotary operator themselves when operating the rotary operator, the rotational load of the rotary operator can be automatically adjusted to a rotational load appropriate for the operation performed on the rotary operator. Therefore, the operability of the rotary operator can be improved.

[0109] [2] The audio device according to [1], wherein the operation detection unit detects the rotation speed of the rotary operator, and the control unit adjusts the rotation load according to the rotation speed of the rotary operator detected by the operation detection unit. This configuration allows the rotation load of the rotary operator to be automatically adjusted to a rotation load appropriate for the rotation speed of the rotary operator detected by the operation detection unit. Therefore, the operability of the rotary operator can be improved without requiring the user to adjust the rotation load.

[0110] [3] The audio device according to [2], wherein the control unit increases the rotational load when the detected rotational speed of the rotary operator is less than a predetermined threshold value compared to the rotational load when the rotational speed of the rotary operator is equal to or greater than the threshold value. Here, if the rotational load of the rotary operator is large when the rotary operator is rotated vigorously, the rotation of the rotary operator is more likely to be stopped. In contrast, if the rotational speed of the rotary operator is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the rotational load of the rotary operator is reduced, making it easier to rotate the rotary operator. On the other hand, if the rotational load of the rotary operator is small when the rotary operator is operated finely, the rotary operator is more likely to be rotated than necessary. In contrast, if the rotational speed of the rotary operator is less than the threshold value, the rotational load of the rotary operator is increased, making it easier to operate the rotary operator finely.

[0111] [4] The acoustic device according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the operation detection unit detects the rotation direction of the rotary operator, and the control unit adjusts the rotation load according to the rotation direction of the rotary operator detected by the operation detection unit. This configuration allows the rotation load of the rotary operator to be automatically adjusted to a rotation load appropriate for the rotation direction of the rotary operator detected by the operation detection unit. Therefore, the operability of the rotary operator can be improved without requiring a user to adjust the rotation load.

[0112] [5] The audio device described in [4], wherein the control unit reduces the rotational load when the detected rotation direction of the rotary operator is clockwise when viewed from the front of the rotary operator, compared to the rotational load when the detected rotation direction is counterclockwise when viewed from the front of the rotary operator. Here, a record placed on the turntable rotates clockwise together with the turntable. In contrast, with the above configuration, the rotational load of the rotary operator is reduced when the rotation direction of the rotary operator is clockwise when viewed from the front of the rotary operator, and is increased when the rotation direction of the rotary operator is counterclockwise. Therefore, when the rotary operator is a jog dial, for example, the user can be given the feeling of operating a record on a turntable. This improves the operability of the rotary operator.

[0113] [6] The audio device according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the operation detection unit detects a pressing operation on the rotary operator, and the control unit adjusts the rotation load in accordance with the pressing operation on the rotary operator detected by the operation detection unit. This configuration allows the rotation load of the rotary operator to be automatically adjusted to a rotation load appropriate for a rotation operation that involves pressing the rotary operator and a rotation operation that does not involve pressing the rotary operator. This improves the operability of the rotary operator without the need for a user to adjust the rotation load.

[0114] [7] The audio device according to [6], wherein the control unit increases the rotational load when the operation detection unit does not detect a pressing operation on the rotary operator compared to the rotational load when the operation detection unit detects a pressing operation on the rotary operator. Here, if the rotary operator is a jog dial, an example of an operation of rotating the rotary operator while pressing it is a scratch operation that changes the playback position and playback direction of a song, and an example of an operation of rotating the rotary operator without pressing it is a pitch bend operation that changes the pitch and tempo of a song. In contrast, with the above configuration, the rotational load of the rotary operator can be reduced when a scratch operation is performed and increased when a pitch bend operation is performed. This makes it easier to perform each operation on the rotary operator.

[0115] [8] The acoustic device according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the adjustment unit is a magnetic braking device that contacts the rotary operator and applies a braking force to the rotary operator according to a control signal input from the control unit. With this configuration, the magnetic braking device can easily adjust the output according to the applied voltage level, and can also adjust the output instantaneously. Therefore, the rotational load of the rotary operator can be easily and instantaneously adjusted.

[0116] [9] The acoustic device described in any one of [1] to [7], wherein the adjustment unit includes a rotary damper and a motor, the rotary damper including: an inner shaft; an outer shaft surrounding the inner shaft; a viscous fluid disposed between the inner shaft and the outer shaft; and a pressing unit that applies a pressing force to the rotary operator as the outer shaft rotates, and the motor adjusts the rotational speed of the inner shaft in response to a control signal input from the control unit, thereby adjusting the rotational load of the rotary operator on which the pressing force acts by the pressing unit. With this configuration, when the inner shaft is rotated by the motor, the rotational force of the inner shaft is transmitted to the outer shaft via the viscous fluid, causing the outer shaft to rotate. The rotational force of the outer shaft increases in proportion to the rotational speed of the inner shaft. Therefore, by adjusting the rotational speed of the inner shaft based on the control signal input from the control unit, the pressing force acting on the rotary operator can be adjusted, and ultimately the rotational load of the rotary operator can be adjusted.

[0117]

[10] The acoustic device according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the adjustment unit has a contact member provided so as to be able to come into contact with the rotary operator, and a drive device controlled by the control unit to adjust the pressing force of the contact member against the rotary operator. With this configuration, the rotation load of the rotary operator can be adjusted by adjusting the pressing force of the contact member against the rotary operator with the drive device.

[0118]

[11] The acoustic device according to

[10] , wherein the contact member includes a metal body that is a ferromagnetic body, and the drive device has an electromagnet that changes a magnetic force acting on the metal body in response to an applied voltage, thereby changing the pressing force of the contact member against the rotary operator. With this configuration, the pressing force of the contact member against the rotary operator can be easily adjusted, and therefore the rotation load of the rotary operator can be easily adjusted.

[0119]

[12] The acoustic device described in

[11] , wherein the adjustment unit includes a holder for holding the contact member and the driver, the driver overlapping the rotary operator when viewed along the first rotation axis of the rotary operator, the contact member including: a first surface; a first opposing portion provided on the first surface and facing the rotary operator; a second opposing portion provided on the first surface and facing the driver; and a rotation axis portion provided on the opposite side of the second opposing portion from the first opposing portion and constituting a second rotation axis along a direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis, and the holder supports the contact member rotatably around the second rotation axis. With this configuration, when the driver pulls the second opposing portion, the contact member is displaced around the second rotation axis, allowing the first opposing portion to press the rotary operator. This allows the rotational load of the rotary operator to be adjusted. Furthermore, if the second opposing portion is provided on the surface of the contact member opposite the first surface, the driver is positioned outside the rotary operator relative to the contact member. In this case, the area of ​​the acoustic device perpendicular to the first rotation axis becomes large. However, since the drive unit overlaps with the rotary operator in the direction along the first rotation axis and the first opposing portion and the second opposing portion are provided on the same first surface, the area of ​​the acoustic device perpendicular to the first rotation axis can be reduced. Therefore, the size of the acoustic device can be prevented from increasing.

[0120]

[13] The acoustic device according to

[11] or

[12] , wherein the adjustment unit has a clearance provided between the contact member and the drive unit. Here, if the contact member is in contact with the drive unit when the drive unit displaces the contact member, the pressing force of the contact member against the rotary operator cannot be increased even if the voltage applied to the electromagnet is increased. In contrast, by providing a clearance between the contact member and the drive unit, the pressing force of the contact member against the rotary operator can be increased by increasing the voltage applied to the electromagnet. Therefore, the rotational load of the rotary operator can be adjusted according to the voltage applied to the drive unit.

[0121]

[14] The acoustic device according to any one of

[10] to

[13] , wherein the contact member is in contact with the rotary operator. With this configuration, when the contact member, which is separated from the rotary operator, comes into contact with the rotary operator in response to the driving of the drive device, a contact noise of the contact member with the rotary operator may be generated. However, by having the contact member constantly in contact with the rotary operator, the generation of such a contact noise can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the time required between the application of voltage to the drive device and the contact member coming into contact with the rotary operator can be eliminated, the delay between the application of voltage to the drive device and the actual application of load to the rotary operator can be suppressed.

[0122]

[15] The acoustic device according to any one of

[10] to

[14] , characterized in that the contact member has a friction member that contacts the rotary operator. Here, if the rotary operator and the portion of the contact member facing the rotary operator are each made of a rigid body, pressing the contact member against the rotary operator may not sufficiently increase the rotational load of the rotary operator. In contrast, with the above configuration, a pressing force acts on the rotary operator via the friction member that contacts the rotary operator, making it easier to increase the rotational load of the rotary operator by pressing the contact member. Therefore, it is easier to adjust the rotational load of the rotary operator. Furthermore, deterioration of the rotary operator and the contact member due to wear can be suppressed compared to when the friction member is not provided.

[0123]

[16] The acoustic device according to any one of

[10] to

[15] , characterized in that a plurality of the adjustment units are provided at positions sandwiching the rotary operator. Here, if only one adjustment unit is provided for the rotary operator, a single contact member applies a unidirectional pressing force to the rotary operator inward in the radial direction of the rotary operator. In this case, the rotary operator is likely to become eccentric, which may increase wear associated with rotation of the rotary operator and may increase noise during rotation of the rotary operator. In contrast, the above configuration can suppress eccentricity of the rotary operator, thereby suppressing wear associated with rotation of the rotary operator and increasing noise during rotation of the rotary operator.

[0124]

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

[16] , wherein the rotary operator is a jog dial that adjusts the playback direction, playback position, and playback speed of a song. With this configuration, the operability of the rotary operator that is a jog dial can be improved, thereby increasing the convenience of the audio device.

[0125] 1...acoustic device, 2...exterior housing, 3...operator, 4, 4A...jog dial (rotary operator), 41...jog ring, 42...dial body, 5...support base, 6...rotation load adjustment section, 7...operation detection section, 71...pressure detection section, 72...rotation detection section, 8...control section, 81...memory, 82...processor, 821...pressure determination section, 822...rotation determination section, 823...rotation speed determination section, 824...rotation direction determination section, 825...signal setting section, 826...signal output section, 91...motor, 911...motor body, 912...motor shaft, 92...rotary damper, 93...inner shaft, 94...viscous fluid, 95...outer shaft 1051...lead wire, 1052...electromagnet, 1053...mounting portion, 106...holder, BP...brake pad, LM...lever member, LM1...rotating shaft portion, LM2...movable piece, LM3...pressed portion, LM4...pressing portion, Rx...rotating shaft (first rotating shaft), Rx1...rotating shaft (second rotating shaft).

Claims

1. An acoustic device having a depressible rotary operator, comprising: an operation detection unit that detects operations performed on the rotary operator; an adjustment unit that adjusts the rotational load of the rotary operator; and a control unit that controls the operation of the adjustment unit in accordance with the operation detected by the operation detection unit, thereby automatically adjusting the rotational load.

2. An acoustic device according to claim 1, wherein the operation detection unit detects the rotation speed of the rotary operator, and the control unit adjusts the rotation load according to the rotation speed of the rotary operator detected by the operation detection unit.

3. An acoustic device according to claim 2, characterized in that the control unit increases the rotation load when the detected rotation speed of the rotary operator is less than a predetermined threshold value compared to the rotation load when the rotation speed of the rotary operator is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

4. An acoustic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operation detection unit detects the rotation direction of the rotary operator, and the control unit adjusts the rotation load according to the rotation direction of the rotary operator detected by the operation detection unit.

5. An acoustic device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit reduces the rotation load when the detected rotation direction of the rotary operator is clockwise when viewed directly at the rotary operator, compared to the rotation load when the detected rotation direction is counterclockwise when viewed directly at the rotary operator.

6. An acoustic device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the operation detection unit detects a pressing operation on the rotary operator, and the control unit adjusts the rotation load in accordance with the pressing operation on the rotary operator detected by the operation detection unit.

7. An acoustic device according to claim 6, wherein the control unit makes the rotation load when the operation detection unit does not detect a pressing operation on the rotary operator larger than the rotation load when the operation detection unit detects a pressing operation on the rotary operator.

8. An acoustic device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the adjustment unit is a magnetic braking device that comes into contact with the rotary operator and applies a braking force to the rotary operator in accordance with a control signal input from the control unit.

9. An acoustic device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the adjustment unit comprises a rotary damper and a motor, the rotary damper having an inner shaft, an outer shaft surrounding the inner shaft, a viscous fluid provided between the inner shaft and the outer shaft, and a pressing unit that applies a pressing force to the rotary operator as the outer shaft rotates, and the motor adjusts the rotational speed of the inner shaft in response to a control signal input from the control unit, and adjusts the rotational load of the rotary operator on which the pressing force acts by the pressing unit.

10. An acoustic device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the adjustment unit has a contact member arranged to be able to come into contact with the rotary operator, and a drive device controlled by the control unit to adjust the pressing force of the contact member against the rotary operator.

11. An acoustic device according to claim 10, wherein the contact member includes a metal body that is a ferromagnetic body, and the drive device has an electromagnet that changes the magnetic force acting on the metal body depending on the applied voltage, thereby changing the pressing force of the contact member against the rotary operator.

12. An acoustic device as described in claim 11, wherein the adjustment section has a holder that holds the contact member and the drive device, the drive device overlaps the rotary operator when viewed along the first rotation axis of the rotary operator, the contact member has: a first surface, a first opposing portion that is provided on the first surface and faces the rotary operator, a second opposing portion that is provided on the first surface and faces the drive device, and a rotation axis portion that is provided on the opposite side of the second opposing portion from the first opposing portion and forms a second rotation axis that is aligned in a direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis, and the holder supports the contact member rotatably around the second rotation axis.

13. An acoustic device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the adjustment section has a clearance provided between the contact member and the drive device.

14. An acoustic device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the contact member is in contact with the rotary operator.

15. An acoustic device according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the contact member has a friction member that comes into contact with the rotary operator.

16. An acoustic device according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that the adjustment section is provided in a plurality of positions sandwiching the rotary operator.

17. An audio device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the rotary operator is a jog dial for adjusting the playback direction, playback position and playback speed of a song.

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