Operation device and audio device

Abstract

An operation device (1) is provided with: a lever member (3) capable of rotating about a first rotation axis (91); and a cam portion (72) having a sliding region in which a distal end of the lever member (3) slides. The sliding region (79) of the cam portion (72) has a plurality of sliding surfaces (76) having different shapes. The sliding surface (76) on which the distal end slides in accordance with rotation of the lever member (3) is switched by a change in a posture of the cam portion (72). The lever member (3) is set, by the sliding surface (76) on which the distal end slides, to a locked state in which return of the lever member (3) to an initial position is restricted when the lever member (3) is rotated from the initial position and is in a moved position, or to an unlocked state in which the lever member (3) is returned to the initial position when the lever member (3) is in the moved position.

Description

Operating device and acoustic device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an operating device and an acoustic device.

[0002] An operating device provided with a lever member is known. For example, the lever member includes an operating portion that is operated by an operator. The operating portion is provided so as to be capable of reciprocating along one direction. In such an operating device, there is one provided with a mechanism for setting a locked state in which the lever member is fixed at the position where the operator operates and moves it. In the operating device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the tip of an extension portion provided on the lever member and extending to the side opposite to the operating portion is pressed against a wall surface. Concavities and convexities are formed on the wall surface, and when the tip of the extension portion fits into the concave portion, the position of the lever member is fixed and it becomes a locked state.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-027496

[0004] In the operating device disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the lever member is at a position where the tip of the extension portion fits into the concave portion, the lever member is always in a locked state and does not enter an unlocked state where the position is not fixed.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to obtain an operating device capable of switching a lever member between a locked state and an unlocked state.

[0006] The operating device according to the present disclosure includes a lever member rotatable about a first rotation axis, and a cam portion having a sliding region where the tip of the lever member slides. The sliding region of the cam portion has a plurality of sliding surfaces with different shapes, and the sliding surface on which the tip slides as the lever member rotates is switched by a change in the posture of the cam portion. The lever member is set to a locked state in which the return of the lever member to the initial position is restricted when the lever member is rotated from the initial position and is at the moving position by the sliding surface on which the tip slides, or an unlocked state in which the lever member is returned to the initial position when the lever member is at the moving position.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, there is an effect that an operating device capable of switching a lever member between a locked state and an unlocked state can be obtained.

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the operating device according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a plan view of the operating device according to Embodiment 1. Figure 3 is a front view of the lever member. Figure 4 is a plan view of the lever member. Figure 5 is a right side view of the lever member. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the lever member cut along the line VI-VI shown in Figure 3 at the extended portion. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the operating device with the cover removed. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the operating device with the cover and support removed, viewed from the left. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the operating device with the cover and support removed, viewed from the right. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the switching mechanism and drive unit supported on the base. Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view showing the base and switching mechanism separated. Figure 12 is a plan view of the cam section. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the cam section cut along the line XIII-XIII shown in Figure 12. Figure 14 is a plan view showing the position of the cam section when the operating unit is in the unlocked state in both the forward and rearward positions. Figure 15 is a plan view showing the orientation of the cam portion in which the operating portion is locked in the forward position and unlocked in the rear position. Figure 16 is a plan view showing the orientation of the cam portion in which the operating portion is locked in both the forward and rear positions. Figure 17 is a plan view showing the orientation of the cam portion in which the operating portion is unlocked in the forward position and locked in the rear position. Figure 18 is a plan view showing the orientation of the cam portion in which the operating portion is locked in both the forward and rear positions. Figure 19 is a perspective view showing the cam portion in an inclined state. Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the cam portion in an inclined state. Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the cam portion in an inclined state. Figure 22 is a perspective view showing the state in which the cam portion is rotated from the state shown in Figure 21 and the locking sliding surface is superimposed on the sliding path at the tip. Figure 23 is a plan view showing the state in which the guiding sliding surface is superimposed on the sliding path at the tip when the operating portion is moved to the rear position. Figure 24 is a plan view of an acoustic device equipped with an operating device according to Embodiment 1.

[0009] An operating device and an acoustic device according to one embodiment of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0010] [Embodiment 1] <Outline Configuration of the Operating Device> Figure 1 is a perspective view of the operating device according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a plan view of the operating device according to Embodiment 1. The operating device 1 comprises a cover 2, a lever member 3, a support 4 (see Figure 7), a detection unit 5 (see Figure 8), a base 6, a switching mechanism unit 7, and a drive unit 8 (see Figure 10). The cover 2 is a member that covers the surface of the operating device 1. An opening 21 is formed in the cover 2.

[0011] The lever member 3 is provided with an operating section 32 that can be operated by an operator. The operating section 32 is exposed to the outside of the operating device 1 through an opening 21 formed in the cover 2. This allows the operator to operate the operating section 32. The operating section 32 is provided so as to be able to move back and forth along one direction.

[0012] Here, we define the Y-axis, which extends parallel to the direction of movement of the operating unit 32. The positive direction along the Y-axis is referred to as the front, and the negative direction is referred to as the rear. That is, the operating unit 32 in the operating device 1 is provided to be movable forward and backward. We also define the X-axis, which extends perpendicular to the Y-axis. In the following description, the positive direction along the X-axis is referred to as the right, and the negative direction is referred to as the left. We also define the Z-axis, which is perpendicular to the X-axis and the Y-axis. In the Z-axis, the positive direction is referred to as the up, and the negative direction is referred to as the down. Note that the directions used in this specification are defined for the convenience of explanation and do not limit the orientation in which the operating device 1 is used.

[0013] <Lever Member> Figure 3 is a front view of the lever member. Figure 4 is a top view of the lever member. Figure 5 is a right side view of the lever member. The lever member 3 comprises a base portion 31, an operating portion 32, an extension portion 33, and a detection portion 34.

[0014] The base portion 31 is rotatably mounted in the operating device 1 around a first rotation axis 91 parallel to the X-axis. The configuration for rotatably supporting the base portion 31 in the operating device 1 will be described later. The base portion 31 has a root portion 31a that supports the operating section 32. The base portion 31 has shaft portions 31b that extend from the root portion 31a to both the left and right sides along the first rotation axis 91.

[0015] The operating section 32 is formed at the base portion 31a so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis 91 and away from the first rotation axis 91. As described above, the operating section 32 is a part operated by the operator and is exposed to the outside of the operating device 1 through the opening 21 of the cover 2.

[0016] The extension portion 33 is formed on the shaft portion 31b in a direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis 91 and in a direction different from the direction in which the operating portion 32 extends from the base portion 31a. Embodiment 1 illustrates a configuration in which the extension portion 33 extends in the opposite direction to the direction in which the operating portion 32 extends. The direction in which the extension portion 33 extends is not limited to a configuration in which it extends in the opposite direction to the direction in which the operating portion 32 extends, as long as it is different from the direction in which the operating portion 32 extends. Also, the extension portion 33 is not limited to being formed on the shaft portion 31b. For example, it may be formed on the base portion 31a. The direction in which the extension portion 33 extends and the position in which it is formed are not particularly limited as long as the tip of the extension portion 33 is configured to abut the sliding surface of the cam portion described later.

[0017] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the lever member at the extension portion along the line VI-VI shown in Figure 3. Note that the direction used in the explanation of Figure 6 is the direction when the operating portion 32 extends upward and the extension portion 33 extends downward.

[0018] The extension portion 33 comprises a cylindrical body 33a, a tip portion 33b, and a biasing portion 33c. The cylindrical body 33a has a cylindrical shape with an opening formed at least on its lower surface.

[0019] The tip portion 33b is inserted into an opening formed on the lower surface of the cylindrical body 33a. With the tip portion 33b inserted into the opening of the cylindrical body 33a, a portion of it is exposed below the cylindrical body 33a. The lower end, which is part of the tip portion 33b, becomes the tip 33d of the extension portion 33 and contacts the sliding surface of the cam portion, which will be described later.

[0020] The biasing part 33c is provided inside the cylindrical body 33a. The biasing part 33c biases the tip portion 33b in a direction that moves it downward. That is, the tip 33d of the tip portion 33b is biased by the biasing part 33c in a direction away from the first rotation axis 91. The biasing part 33c is, for example, a compression spring. Although a mechanism is also provided to prevent the tip portion 33b from falling out of the cylindrical body 33a, it is not shown in the illustration.

[0021] Because the tip portion 33b is biased by the biasing portion 33c, when a force is applied in the direction of approaching the first rotation axis 91, it moves in the direction of approaching the first rotation axis 91 against the biasing force. Also, when the force applied in the direction of approaching the first rotation axis 91 is removed, the tip portion 33b moves in the direction away from the first rotation axis 91 due to the biasing force. In this way, the extension portion 33 is configured such that the distance between the tip portion 33d of the extension portion 33 and the first rotation axis 91 changes as the tip portion 33b moves. Note that the configuration for changing the distance between the tip portion 33d of the extension portion 33 and the first rotation axis 91 is not limited to the example given. For example, even if the entirety or part of the extension portion 33 is made of an elastic material, it is possible to change the position of the tip portion 33d by compressing the elastic material.

[0022] Returning to Figures 3 and 4, the detected part 34 is located to the left of the base part 31. The detection part and the detected part 34, which will be described later, detect the rotational position of the lever member 3 around the first rotation axis 91. The shape of the detected part 34 will be explained later when describing the detection of the rotational position of the lever member 3.

[0023] <Support> Figure 7 is a perspective view of the operating device with the cover removed. The support 4 supports the shaft portion 31b of the lever member 3. By being supported by the support 4, the lever member 3 is made rotatable around the first rotation axis 91. By rotating the lever member 3 around the first rotation axis 91, the operating unit 32 can be moved back and forth.

[0024] In the following explanation, the position where the operating part 32 extends upward from the base part 31a, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 7, etc., will be referred to as the initial position of the operating part 32. The position where the operating part 32 is in the initial position will also be referred to as the lever member 3 being in the initial position. Furthermore, the position where the operating part 32 has moved forward from the initial position will be referred to as the forward position (first position), and the position where the operating part 32 has moved backward from the initial position will be referred to as the backward position (second position). Furthermore, the position where the operating part 32 is in the forward position will also be referred to as the lever member 3 being in the forward position, and the position where the operating part 32 is in the backward position will also be referred to as the lever member 3 being in the backward position.

[0025] <Detection Unit> Figure 8 is a perspective view of the operating device from the left with the cover and support removed. As shown in Figure 8, the detection unit 34 provided on the lever member 3 is formed to extend both forward and backward from the shaft portion 31b.

[0026] The detection unit 5 is a member that detects the movement position of the operating unit 32, and is provided on both the front and rear sides of the shaft portion 31b. For example, the detection unit 5 may be a photointerrupter 51. The photointerrupter 51 has a configuration in which a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit are facing each other. The light-receiving unit detects the light emitted from the light-emitting unit.

[0027] When the operating part 32 of the lever member 3 is moved to the forward position, the detection part 34 is positioned between the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part of the photointerrupter 51 located in front of it. As a result, the light emitted from the light-emitting part is blocked by the detection part 34 and does not reach the light-receiving part. When the light-receiving part cannot detect the light emitted from the light-emitting part, it is detected that the operating part 32 has been moved to the forward position.

[0028] Similarly, when the operating unit 32 is moved to a rearward position, it is possible to detect that the operating unit 32 has moved to a rearward position based on the detection result of the light receiving unit of the photo interrupter 51 located at the rear. However, the method for detecting the position of the operating unit 32 is not limited to this. For example, the position of the operating unit 32 may be detected using a rotary encoder.

[0029] <Base> Figure 9 is a perspective view of the operating device from the right, with the cover and support removed. The base 6 is located below the lever member 3. The cover 2 and support 4, which are not shown in Figure 9, are fixed to the base 6. The base 6 also supports the switching mechanism 7 and the drive unit 8 (see Figure 10).

[0030] <Switching Mechanism> Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the switching mechanism and the drive unit supported on the base. Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view showing the base and the switching mechanism separated. As shown in Figure 11, the switching mechanism 7 comprises a cam support 71, a cam 72, and a biasing 73.

[0031] The cam support portion 71 is rotatably mounted on the base 6 around a second rotation axis 92. The second rotation axis 92 is a rotation axis that extends parallel to the Z axis. The second rotation axis 92 passes through a position that coincides with the tip 33d of the extension portion 33 when the lever member 3 is in its initial position.

[0032] The cam support portion 71 is formed in a disc shape centered on the second rotation axis 92. The cam support portion 71 has multiple teeth arranged in the circumferential direction on its outer surface, and is a gear that can rotate around the second rotation axis 92.

[0033] The cam portion 72 is placed on the plate surface 71b of the cam support portion 71. A support portion 71a is formed on the plate surface 71b of the cam support portion 71 to support the cam portion 72. The support portion 71a supports the shaft portion 75 formed on the cam portion 72.

[0034] A through hole 71c is formed in the plate surface 71b of the cam support portion 71, extending vertically. As shown in Figure 11, two recesses 6a are formed in the base 6 where the cam support portion 71 is placed. The two recesses 6a are formed in a position that coincides with the through hole 71c in a plan view when the cam support portion 71 rotates around the second rotation axis 92, and also coincides with the movement path of the tip 33d when the operating portion 32 moves back and forth. Furthermore, the region of the base 6 that connects the two recesses 6a in an arc becomes the contact surface 6b that the protrusion 77 formed on the cam portion 72 abuts against.

[0035] The cam portion 72 has a disc portion 74 formed in the shape of a disc and a shaft portion 75 formed to extend laterally from the disc portion 74. The cam portion 72 is rotatable about a third rotation axis 93 by the shaft portion 75 being supported by the support portion 71a of the cam support portion 71. The third rotation axis 93 is a rotation axis perpendicular to the second rotation axis 92.

[0036] Figure 12 is a plan view of the cam section. The upper surface of the disc section 74 is a sliding region 79 on which the tip 33d of the extension section 33 slides. The sliding region 79 has multiple sliding surfaces 76 of different shapes. When the cam section 72 and the cam support section 71 are attached to the base 6, the tip 33d of the extension section 33 abuts against the sliding surface 76. As the operating section 32 moves, the lever member 3 rotates, and the tip 33d of the extension section 33 also moves. The tip 33d of the extension section 33 slides on the sliding surface 76 when the lever member 3 rotates as the operating section 32 moves.

[0037] Multiple sliding surfaces 76 extend radially from the position on the sliding region 79 where the tip 33d of the extension 33 abuts when the lever member 3 is in its initial position. The second rotation axis 92 passes through the center point.

[0038] Multiple sliding surfaces 76 are formed in a circumferential direction. As the cam portion 72 rotates together with the cam support portion 71 around the second rotation axis 92, the sliding surface 76 that abuts against the tip 33d of the extension portion 33, which moves with the rotation of the lever member 3, is switched. The tip 33d of the extension portion 33 moves while in contact with the sliding surface 76. That is, the tip 33d of the extension portion 33 slides on the sliding surface 76. At this time, the tip portion 33b of the extension portion 33, where the tip 33d is located, is biased by the biasing portion 33c in a direction away from the first rotation axis 91. Therefore, the tip portion 33b moves while being pressed against the sliding surface 76.

[0039] The plurality of sliding surfaces 76 include a locking sliding surface 76a, an unlocking sliding surface 76b, and a guiding sliding surface 76c. Also, between each of the sliding surfaces 76, a connecting surface 78 is provided for smoothly connecting the sliding surfaces 76 with different shapes. In FIG. 12, different dot hatchings are given to the regions where the locking sliding surface 76a is formed, the regions where the unlocking sliding surface 76b is formed, the regions where the guiding sliding surface 76c is formed, and the regions where the connecting surface 78 is provided to distinguish them.

[0040] Before explaining the configurations and operations of the locking sliding surface 76a, the unlocking sliding surface 76b, and the guiding sliding surface 76c, the respective functions will be explained.

[0041] The locking sliding surface 76a is a sliding surface 76 formed to put the lever member 3 in a locked state that restricts the lever member 3 at the moving position where the operating portion 32 is moved forward or backward from returning to the initial position. In the locked state, the operating portion 32 moved to the moving position stays at that position without returning to the initial position.

[0042] The unlocking sliding surface 76b is a sliding surface 76 formed to return the operating portion 32 to the initial position when the force for moving the operating portion 32 is no longer applied from the lever member 3 at the moving position where the operating portion 32 is moved forward or backward. In the unlocked state, when the operator releases the hand from the operating portion 32 moved to the moving position, the operating portion 32 automatically returns to the initial position.

[0043] The guiding sliding surface 76c is a sliding surface 76 formed to forcibly move the lever member 3 at the initial position to the moving position where the operating portion 32 is moved forward or backward. For example, even without an operation by the operator on the operating portion 32, at a predetermined timing determined in advance, the operating portion 32 is moved to the moving position by the guiding sliding surface 76c.

[0044] Next, the configurations and operations of the locking sliding surface 76a, the unlocking sliding surface 76b, and the guiding sliding surface 76c will be explained.

[0045] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the cam portion taken along the line XIII-XIII shown in Figure 12. In Figure 13, the extension portion 33 of the lever member 3 in its initial position is shown. In the plane of Figure 13, the sliding surface 76 located to the right of the point where the tip 33d of the extension portion 33 in its initial position abuts against the cam portion 72 is the locking sliding surface 76a.

[0046] When the operating unit 32 is moved to a forward or backward position, the lever member 3 rotates around the first rotation axis 91. As the lever member 3 rotates, the extension portion 33 of the lever member 3 also rotates around the first rotation axis 91. Since the tip portion 33b of the extension portion 33 is biased toward the sliding surface 76 by the biasing portion 33c, as the extension portion 33 rotates around the first rotation axis 91, the tip portion 33b moves while being pressed against the sliding surface 76. In this way, the tip portion 33d of the extension portion 33 slides on the sliding surface 76. Here, point P1 is defined as the location where the tip portion 33d of the extension portion 33 contacts in the initial position. Point P1 is the center point of the multiple radially extending sliding surfaces 76 described above. Point P2 is defined as the location where the tip portion 33b contacts in the forward or backward position. Furthermore, let X1 be the distance between point P1 and the first axis of rotation 91 (first distance). Also, let X2 be the distance between point P2 and the first axis of rotation 91 (second distance).

[0047] On the locking sliding surface 76a, a point P3 is formed between points P1 and P2, which are the sliding paths of the tip 33d when the lever member 3 moves from the initial position to the moved position, and this point P3 restricts the movement of the tip 33d from point P2 to point P1. Specifically, the distance X3 between the first rotation axis 91 and point P3 is shorter than the distances X1 and X2. In other words, a protrusion is provided at point P3 between points P1 and P2, which are the sliding paths of the tip 33d. The locking sliding surface 76a is formed as a curved surface between points P1 and P3, and as a flat surface between points P3 and P2.

[0048] As described above, on the locking sliding surface 76a, when the operating portion 32 is in the moving position, the tip 33d abuts on the point P2. To return to the initial position from this state, it is necessary for the tip 33d to slide from the point P2 to the point P1. However, when passing through the point P3 between the point P2 and the point P1, it is necessary for the tip portion 33b to move in a direction approaching the first rotation axis 91 against the biasing force of the biasing portion 33c more than when abutting on the point P2. Therefore, in a state where no force is applied in the direction of returning the operating portion 32 to the initial position, the tip portion 33b cannot move against the biasing force of the biasing portion 33c, and the return of the operating portion 32 to the initial position is restricted to a locked state.

[0049] When a force of a magnitude that allows the tip portion 33b to move against the biasing force of the biasing portion 33c is applied from the operator to the operating portion 32 of the lever member 3 that is in the locked state at the moving position, the tip 33d passes beyond the point P3. Due to the biasing force applied by the biasing portion 33c, the distance between the first rotation axis 91 and the tip 33d increases as it moves from the point P3 toward the point P1, so the tip portion 33b slides on the locking sliding surface 76a toward the point P1. As a result, the tip 33d moves to the point P1 and the lever member 3 returns to the initial position. That is, even in the locked state, by the operator operating the operating portion 32, the operating portion 32 can be returned to the initial position.

[0050] In the plane of FIG. 13, the sliding surface 76 located to the left of the position where the tip 33d in the initial position abuts on the cam portion 72 serves as the unlocking sliding surface 76b. On the unlocking sliding surface 76b, the point where the tip 33d abuts in the moving position is designated as the point P4. Also, the distance between the point P4 and the first rotation axis 91 is designated as X4. The unlocking sliding surface 76b is formed with a curved surface between the point P1 and the point P4.

[0051] The unlocking sliding surface 76b is formed such that the distance X4 is shorter than the distance X1. Furthermore, the unlocking sliding surface 76b becomes continuously shorter from distance X1 to distance X4 as you move from point P1 to point P4. As described above, when the operating part 32 is in the moving position, the tip 33d of the unlocking sliding surface 76b is in contact with point P4. In order to return from this state to the initial position, the tip 33d needs to slide from point P4 to point P1.

[0052] On the unlocking sliding surface 76b, the distance between the first rotation axis 91 and the tip 33d increases as the user moves from point P4 to point P1. Therefore, the biasing force applied by the biasing unit 33c causes the tip 33d to slide on the unlocking sliding surface 76b. Consequently, when the operator who has moved the operating unit 32 to the moving position releases their hand from the operating unit 32, the tip 33d automatically moves to point P1 and the operating unit 32 returns to its initial position.

[0053] In the operating device 1, the cam portion 72 rotates around the second rotation axis 92, changing its position, which switches the sliding surface 76 that overlaps the sliding path of the tip 33d. Switching the sliding surface 76 switches the setting of whether the operating unit 32 is locked or unlocked in the forward position, and whether the operating unit 32 is locked or unlocked in the rearward position.

[0054] Figure 14 is a plan view showing the position of the cam section in which the operating section is in an unlocked state in both the forward and backward positions. In Figure 14, the unlocking sliding surface 76b overlaps the sliding path R1 through which the tip 33d slides when the operating section 32 moves from the initial position to the forward position. Similarly, the unlocking sliding surface 76b overlaps the sliding path R2 through which the tip 33d slides when the operating section 32 moves from the initial position to the backward position. Therefore, the operating section 32 is in an unlocked state whether it is in the forward or backward position, and when the operator releases their hand from the moved operating section 32, the operating section 32 returns to the initial position.

[0055] Figure 15 is a plan view showing the orientation of the cam section, where the operating section is locked in the forward position and unlocked in the rearward position. In Figure 15, the locking sliding surface 76a overlaps the sliding path R1 along which the tip 33d slides when the operating section 32 moves from the initial position to the forward position. On the other hand, the unlocking sliding surface 76b overlaps the sliding path R2 along which the tip 33d slides when the operating section 32 moves from the initial position to the rearward position. Therefore, the operating section 32 is locked when it is in the forward position and unlocked when it is in the rearward position. Consequently, even if the operator releases their hand from the operating section 32 after it has been moved to the forward position, the operating section 32 will not return to the initial position but will remain in the forward position. Conversely, if the operator releases their hand from the operating section 32 after it has been moved to the rearward position, the operating section 32 will return to the initial position.

[0056] Figure 16 is a plan view showing the orientation of the cam portion in which the operating portion is locked in both the forward and backward positions. In Figure 16, the locking sliding surface 76a overlaps the sliding path R1 through which the tip 33d slides when the operating portion 32 moves from the initial position to the forward position. Similarly, the locking sliding surface 76a overlaps the sliding path R2 through which the tip 33d slides when the operating portion 32 moves from the initial position to the backward position. Therefore, the operating portion 32 is locked whether it is in the forward or backward position, and even if the operator releases their hand from the moved operating portion 32, the operating portion 32 does not return to the initial position but remains in the forward or backward position.

[0057] Figure 17 is a plan view showing the position of the cam section where the operating section is unlocked in the forward position and locked in the rear position. In Figure 17, the unlocking sliding surface 76b overlaps the sliding path R1 along which the tip 33d slides when the operating section 32 moves from the initial position to the forward position. On the other hand, the locking sliding surface 76a overlaps the sliding path R2 along which the tip 33d slides when the operating section 32 moves from the initial position to the rear position. Therefore, the operating section 32 is unlocked when it is in the forward position and locked when it is in the rear position. Consequently, if the operator releases their hand from the operating section 32 after it has been moved to the forward position, the operating section 32 returns to the initial position. Also, if the operator releases their hand from the operating section 32 after it has been moved to the rear position, the operating section 32 does not return to the initial position but remains in the forward position.

[0058] Figure 18 is a plan view showing the position of the cam section in which the operating section is locked in both the forward and backward positions. In Figure 18, the locking sliding surface 76a overlaps the sliding path R1 through which the tip 33d slides when the operating section 32 moves from the initial position to the forward position. Also, the locking sliding surface 76a overlaps the sliding path R2 through which the tip 33d slides when the operating section 32 moves from the initial position to the backward position. Therefore, the operating section 32 is locked whether it is in the forward or backward position, and even if the operator releases their hand from the moved operating section 32, the operating section 32 does not return to the initial position but remains in the forward or backward position.

[0059] There are two possible positions for the cam portion 72 that allow the operating portion 32 to be locked in both the forward and backward positions: the position shown in Figure 16 and the position shown in Figure 18. When changing the position of the cam portion 72 from the position shown in Figure 15, where it is locked in the forward position and unlocked in the backward position, to a position where it is locked in both the forward and backward positions, changing to the position shown in Figure 16 requires less rotation of the cam portion 72 than changing to the position shown in Figure 18.

[0060] Similarly, when changing the position of the cam portion 72 from the position shown in Figure 17, where it is unlocked in the forward position and locked in the rear position, to a position where it is locked in both the forward and rear positions, changing it to the position shown in Figure 18 requires less rotation of the cam portion 72 than changing it to the position shown in Figure 16.

[0061] Thus, by providing two positions for the cam portion 72 in which the operating portion 32 is locked in both the forward and rearward positions, it is possible to reduce the amount of rotation of the cam portion 72 when switching between the locked and unlocked states.

[0062] Similar to the unlocking sliding surface 76b, the guiding sliding surface 76c has a continuously decreasing distance from the first rotation axis 91 from the point where the tip 33d contacts it in the initial position to the point where the tip 33d contacts it in the moved position. As described above, the guiding sliding surface 76c is a sliding surface 76 formed to forcibly move the operating part 32 from the initial position to the moved position, but forcibly moving the operating part 32 requires a change in the posture of the cam part 72. Next, the configuration for changing the posture of the cam part 72 will be described.

[0063] Returning to Figure 11, the disc portion 74 of the cam portion 72 has a projection 77 that protrudes downward. The projection 77 is formed on the back side of the guide sliding surface 76c. The projection 77 protrudes downward from the through hole 71c formed in the cam support portion 71, below the cam support portion 71. As described above, the cam portion 72 is rotatable around the third rotation axis 93 by the support portion 71a formed in the cam support portion 71, which supports the shaft portion 75. As the cam portion 72 rotates around the third rotation axis 93, the portion on which the projection 77 is formed moves up and down.

[0064] A biasing portion 73 is provided between the plate surface 71b of the cam support portion 71 and the cam portion 72. The biasing portion 73 applies a biasing force to the cam portion 72 in the direction that moves it away from the plate surface 71b. The biasing portion 73 is, for example, a compression spring. The biasing portion 73 is provided at a position opposite to the location where the protrusion 77 is formed with respect to the third rotation axis 93.

[0065] The protrusion 77 formed on the cam portion 72 protrudes from the through hole 71c of the cam support portion 71 and contacts the contact surface 6b of the base 6. As the cam portion 72 rotates together with the cam support portion 71 around the second rotation axis 92, the recess 6a formed in the base 6 and the protrusion 77 overlap in a plan view. As described above, the biasing portion 73 is provided on the opposite side of the third rotation axis 93 from the location where the protrusion 77 is formed. Therefore, when the recess 6a and the protrusion 77 overlap, the biasing force of the biasing portion 73 causes the cam portion 72 to rotate around the third rotation axis 93, the protrusion 77 enters the recess 6a, and the cam portion 72 tilts so that the location where the protrusion 77 is formed is lowered.

[0066] Figure 19 is a perspective view showing the cam portion in an inclined state. Figures 20 and 21 are cross-sectional views showing the cam portion in an inclined state. Point P5 is defined as the location where the tip portion 33b contacts the guide sliding surface 76c in the moving position. As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the cam portion 72 rotates and tilts around the third rotation axis 93, so that the distance X5 between the first rotation axis 91 and point P5 becomes longer than the distance X1 between the first rotation axis 91 and point P1. As a result, the tip portion 33b moves to point P5, as shown in Figure 21. Therefore, the operating unit 32 automatically moves to the moving position even without any operation on the operating unit 32. Note that the guide sliding surface 76c is formed as a curved surface between point P1 and point P5.

[0067] Figure 22 is a perspective view showing the state in which the cam portion is rotated from the state shown in Figure 21 so that the locking sliding surface is superimposed on the sliding path of the tip. When the cam portion 72 is rotated from the state shown in Figure 21 so that the locking sliding surface 76a is superimposed on the sliding path of the tip 33d, the tip 33b comes into contact with point P2 shown in Figure 13. Also, the protrusion 77 is released from the recess 6a and the cam portion 72 returns to its tilted state, and the lever member 3 is locked.

[0068] In this way, the operating unit 32 can be automatically moved to the movable position without any operation on the operating unit 32, and the operating unit 32 can be maintained in the moved position.

[0069] Figure 23 is a plan view showing the state in which the guide sliding surface overlaps the sliding path of the tip when the operating part is moved to the rear position. As shown in Figure 23, when the operating part 32 is moved to the rear position by overlapping the guide sliding surface 76c with the sliding path of the tip 33d, and then the cam part 72 is rotated counterclockwise to lock it, there are two possible patterns: one in which it is rotated to the state shown in Figure 16, and another in which it is rotated to the state shown in Figure 18.

[0070] In the process of rotating to the state shown in Figure 16, the states shown in Figures 14 and 15 are passed through. In the states shown in Figures 14 and 15, the unlocking sliding surface 76b overlaps with the position of the tip 33d. Because the unlocking sliding surface 76b overlaps with the position of the tip 33d, the tip 33d slides toward the initial position, and the operating part 32 unintentionally returns to the initial position. Therefore, by not rotating to the state shown in Figure 16, but limiting the rotation to the state shown in Figure 18 (counterclockwise), the lock state can be maintained while the operating part 32 remains in the rear position.

[0071] <Drive Unit> Returning to Figure 11, the drive unit 8 comprises a motor 81 and a worm 82. The motor 81 rotates the worm 82. The worm 82 has helical teeth formed on it. The teeth formed on the worm 82 mesh with the teeth formed on the cam support 71, thereby forming a worm gear in which the rotation of the worm 82 rotates the cam support 71. In the operating device 1, the motor 81 rotates the worm 82, thereby rotating the cam support 71 and the cam 72. Note that the operating device 1 according to this disclosure does not necessarily have to include a drive unit 8. For example, the cam support 71 and the cam 72 may be configured to be rotated by the operator's operation. In this case, it is not necessary to provide teeth on the outer circumferential surface of the cam support 71.

[0072] <Audio device equipped with an operating device> The operating device according to Embodiment 1 may be provided in an audio device such as a DJ mixer, DJ player, DJ controller, or an integrated DJ device that combines a DJ player and a DJ mixer. Figure 24 is a plan view of an audio device equipped with an operating device according to Embodiment 1. The audio device 100 is equipped with two jog dials 102 on the top surface 101a of the housing 101. The jog dials 102 are arranged on both the left and right sides of the top surface 101a. In the audio device 100, in response to the user's operation of the jog dials 102, the control unit outputs an operation signal or an audio signal of a song whose playback state has been adjusted. The output destination of the operation signal and audio signal is, for example, a music playback device (not shown) connected to the audio device 100. In the music playback device, music is played based on the input operation signal or audio signal. Also, by operating the button 103 provided on the top surface 101a, effects to be added to the music are selected.

[0073] The operating device 1 is provided with the operating section 32 exposed from the top surface 101a of the housing 101 of the sound device 100. Therefore, the top surface 101a of the sound device 100 functions as the cover 2 of the operating device 1.

[0074] For example, in the sound device 100, when the control unit 32 is in the front or rear position, an audio signal is output to the music playback device with the playback state adjusted so that the effect selected by button 103 is applied to the music.

[0075] In this case, when the control device 1 is in the locked state, even if the operator moves the control unit 32 and then releases their hand, the control unit 32 will remain in the moved position. Therefore, even if the operator releases their hand after operating the control unit 32, the effect will still be applied to the music.

[0076] On the other hand, when the control device 1 is in the unlocked state, the control unit 32 returns to its initial position when the operator moves it and then releases it. Therefore, the effect is applied to the music only while the operator is operating the control unit 32.

[0077] Furthermore, when the cam portion 72 is positioned so that the locking sliding surface 76a is superimposed on the sliding path R1, and the operating portion 32 is moved to the forward position and locked, the cam portion 72 can be rotated at a timing that satisfies predetermined conditions to superimpose the unlocking sliding surface 76b onto the sliding path R1, thereby automatically returning the operating portion 32 to its initial position. Also, when the cam portion 72 is positioned so that the locking sliding surface 76a is superimposed on the sliding path R2, and the operating portion 32 is moved to the rear position and locked, the cam portion 72 can be rotated at a timing that satisfies predetermined conditions to superimpose the unlocking sliding surface 76b onto the sliding path R2, thereby automatically returning the operating portion 32 to its initial position. In this way, when the cam portion 72 is rotated to automatically return the operating portion 32 from the forward or rear position, the tip 33d of the extension portion 33 slides from the locking sliding surface 76a, via the connecting surface 78, to the unlocking sliding surface 76b.

[0078] Furthermore, when the operating unit 32 is in its initial position, the cam portion 72 can be rotated at a timing when predetermined conditions are met to align it with the guide sliding surface 76c on the sliding path R1, thereby tilting the cam portion 72 and automatically moving the operating unit 32 to a forward position, as shown in Figures 19 to 21. Also, when the operating unit 32 is in its initial position, the cam portion 72 can be rotated at a timing when predetermined conditions are met to align it with the guide sliding surface 76c on the sliding path R2, thereby tilting the cam portion 72 and automatically moving the operating unit 32 to a rearward position.

[0079] As described above, the automatic movement of the operating unit 32 by changing the posture of the cam unit 72 allows, for example, the sound device 100 to automatically move the operating unit 32 at a predetermined timing when certain conditions are met, thereby adding or removing effects to the music. The predetermined conditions for moving the operating unit 32 may be, for example, the operation of a specific operation such as the operation of button 103. Alternatively, the predetermined condition for moving the operating unit 32 may be that the playback position of the music reaches a specific position (for example, a cue point).

[0080] Furthermore, the sound device 100 may be able to automatically switch the state of the lever member 3 at the first and second movement positions of the operating device 1 by changing the posture of the cam portion 72 with the switching mechanism 7 at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing may be, for example, the timing when the button 103 is operated. At this time, the state of the lever member 3 at the first and second movement positions (i.e., whether the lever member 3 is locked or unlocked) may be set according to the effect selected by the button 103. The relationship between the effect and the state of the lever member 3 may be set according to the type of effect, or it may be set by the user. Alternatively, the predetermined timing may be a timing set by the user, such as the user's preference.

[0081] Furthermore, the state of the lever member 3 at the first and second movement positions of the operating device 1 may be manually changed by the user. In this case, for example, the operating device 1 may be provided with an operating member for operating the switching mechanism 7, so that the user can manually change the posture of the cam portion 72 by operating the operating member.

[0082] The device on which the operating device 1 is provided is not limited to the sound device 100, but may also be, for example, a game console controller.

[0083] 1 Operating device, 2 Cover, 21 Opening, 3 Lever member, 31 Base, 31a Root, 31b Shaft, 32 Operating part, 33 Extension, 33a Cylindrical body, 33b Tip, 33c Biasing part, 33d Tip, 34 Detected part, 4 Support, 5 Detection part, 51 Photointerrupter, 6 Base, 6a Recess, 6b Contact surface, 7 Switching mechanism, 71 Cam support, 71a Support, 71b Plate surface, 71c Through hole, 72 Cam part, 73 Biasing part, 74 Disc part, 75 Shaft, 76 Sliding surface, 76a Locking sliding surface, 76b Unlocking sliding surface, 76c Induction sliding surface, 77 Protrusion, 78 Connecting surface, 79 Sliding area, 8 Drive unit, 81 Motor, 82 Worm, 91 First rotating shaft, 92 Second rotating shaft, 93 Third rotating shaft, 100 Sound device, 101 Housing, 101a Top surface, 102 Jog dial, 103 Button

Claims

1. An operating device comprising: a lever member rotatable about a first axis of rotation; and a cam portion having a sliding region on which the tip of the lever member slides, wherein the sliding region of the cam portion has a plurality of sliding surfaces of different shapes, the sliding surface on which the tip of the lever member slides as the lever member rotates is switched by a change in the position of the cam portion, and the lever member is set by the sliding surface on which the tip of the lever member slides to either a locked state in which the return of the lever member to the initial position is restricted when the lever member has been rotated from the initial position to a moved position, or an unlock state in which the lever member returns to the initial position when the lever member is in the moved position.

2. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of sliding surfaces include a locking sliding surface that causes the lever member to be in the locked state and an unlocking sliding surface that causes the lever member to be in the unlocked state, wherein the lever member is in the locked state when the sliding surface on which the tip slides is the locking sliding surface, and is in the unlocked state when the sliding surface on which the tip slides is the unlocking sliding surface.

3. The operating device according to claim 2, wherein, when the distance between the position on the sliding surface in which the tip of the lever member abuts in the initial position and the first rotation axis is defined as the first distance, and when the distance between the position on the sliding surface in which the tip of the lever member abuts in the moved position and the first rotation axis is defined as the second distance, the locking sliding surface is formed such that, as the lever member moves between the initial position and the moved position, a portion is formed therein where the distance between the position on the sliding surface in which the tip of the lever member abuts and the first rotation axis becomes shorter than the first distance and the second distance.

4. The operating device according to claim 2, wherein the unlocking sliding surface is formed such that the distance between the position on the sliding surface where the tip of the lever member abuts and the first rotation axis decreases as the lever member moves from the initial position to the moving position.

5. The operating device according to claim 2, further comprising, as a plurality of sliding surfaces, a connecting surface provided between the locking sliding surface and the unlocking sliding surface, wherein the tip slides from the locking sliding surface to the unlocking sliding surface via the connecting surface by changing the orientation of the cam portion in the locked state.

6. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the tip of the lever member is biased in a direction away from the first rotation axis.

7. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the movable position of the lever member is a first movable position in which the lever member moves to one side from the initial position, and a second movable position in which the lever member moves to the other side from the initial position.

8. The operating device according to claim 7, wherein, depending on the position of the cam portion, the lever member is switched between the following settings: being locked at the first movement position and locked at the second movement position; being locked at the first movement position and unlocked at the second movement position; or being unlocked at the first movement position and locked at the second movement position.

9. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of sliding surfaces are formed to extend radially and be arranged circumferentially, with the position on the sliding region where the tip of the lever member abuts in the initial position as the center point, and the cam portion rotates about a second rotation axis passing through the center point to change its posture.

10. The operating device according to claim 9, further comprising a drive mechanism for rotating the cam portion around the second rotation axis.

11. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the cam portion is rotatable about a third rotation axis parallel to the first rotation axis, and the plurality of sliding surfaces include guiding sliding surfaces that guide the lever member to the moving position, and the guiding sliding surfaces are formed such that the distance between the position on the sliding surface where the tip of the lever member abuts and the first rotation axis increases as the lever member moves from the initial position to the moving position, as the cam portion rotates and tilts about the third rotation axis.

12. An acoustic device comprising the operating device described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The operating device is equipped with a drive mechanism for changing the posture of the cam portion, and the acoustic device according to claim 12, wherein the posture of the cam portion is changed by the drive mechanism.

14. The sound device according to claim 13, wherein the drive mechanism changes the posture of the cam portion at a predetermined timing to switch between the locked state and the unlocked state.

15. The sound device according to claim 13, wherein, when the device is in the locked state and the lever member is in the movable position, the drive mechanism changes the posture of the cam portion to switch to the unlocked state and return the lever member to the initial position.

16. The sound device according to claim 13, wherein when the lever member is in the initial position, the drive mechanism changes the posture of the cam portion to position the lever member in the movable position and lock it.

Images