JP2014006701A - Torque variator and electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide users with a sense of high quality and smoothness when manipulating a rotary knob.SOLUTION: A torque variator includes a rotary knob, which is linked with a manipulation target section fixed to a specific member to manipulate the manipulating target section, and varies manipulation torque of the rotary knob. The torque variator includes: a rotationally manipulatable dial which is coaxially located with the rotary knob and has an insertion opening through which a protruded portion of the rotary knob is inserted; a frame which is a ring-shaped member fixed to the dial and has an insertion opening through which the protruded portion of the rotary knob is inserted and which has a torque varying rail portion, which extends in the circumferential direction gradually increasing the amount of protrusion toward the specific member side, and a clicking groove portion having recesses and protrusions continuously formed in the circumferential direction; and a spring member which is linked with the protruded portion of the rotary knob and has a first hinge portion, which is in contact with the torque varying rail portion of the frame on one end and with the specific member on the other end, and a second hinge portion which is in contact with the clicking groove portion.

Description

  The present invention relates to a torque varying device for a rotary knob that can be operated with high quality and touch, and an electronic device.

  In general, a rotating knob that rotates smoothly without a click feeling or the like is optimal when an operation for continuously changing a set value is performed. On the other hand, for example, if the user unintentionally touches the rotary knob, the rotary knob rotates due to vibration, etc., and the setting value changes, or when the setting value is finely adjusted, it is too smooth. The set value is exceeded and problems such as poor operability occur.

  To solve this problem, by applying friction to the rotary knob, the rotational torque for the rotary knob operation can be varied to prevent inadvertent rotation of the rotary knob and improve the operability of fine adjustment of the set value. (For example, refer to Patent Documents 1 to 3).

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 61-126322 JP-A-6-202747 JP 2011-192477 A

  The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and a main object of the present invention is to provide a torque varying device and an electronic device for a rotary knob that can be operated with high quality and a pleasant touch.

To achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention includes a rotary knob that is connected to an operation target unit fixed to a predetermined member and operates the operation target unit, and varies an operation torque of the rotary knob. A torque variable device, which is coaxially disposed on the rotary knob and has an insertion port through which a protruding portion of the rotary knob is inserted, and a dial that can be rotated and fixed to the dial. An annular member formed with an insertion port through which the protruding portion is inserted, the rail for torque variable extending in the circumferential direction and gradually increasing the protruding amount toward the predetermined member, and uneven in the circumferential direction Is connected to the projecting portion of the rotary knob, one side abuts on the torque varying rail portion of the frame, and the other side is the predetermined member. Comprising a first hinge portion that abuts, and a second hinge part which abuts the groove for the click, and a spring member having a, that the torque changing device according to claim.
In this aspect, the predetermined member may be provided with a friction member, and the other side of the first hinge portion of the spring member may contact and slide on the friction member.
In this aspect, the spring member may further include a third hinge portion that contacts the frame.
In this aspect, the spring member includes a substantially annular ring part fixed to the rotary knob, and extends in a substantially arc shape outside the annular part, and one side is a torque variable rail of the frame. The first hinge part that abuts against a predetermined part and the other side abuts against a predetermined member; the second hinge part that extends in a radial direction from the annular part and has a tip part abutting against a click groove part of the frame; And at least one third hinge portion extending from the ring portion and contacting the inner peripheral surface of the frame.
In this aspect, the click groove portion of the frame is formed at a position where the first hinge portion does not contact the torque variable rail portion of the frame when the second hinge portion of the spring member contacts. A concave-convex portion and a concave-convex group formed in an arc shape at a position where the first hinge portion abuts against the torque varying rail portion of the frame when the second hinge portion of the spring member abuts. May be.
In this aspect, when the second hinge portion is in contact with and fixed to the concave portion at a position where the first hinge portion does not contact the torque varying rail portion, the operation torque of the rotary knob is constant. Then, when the second hinge part moves on the uneven group at a position where the first hinge part contacts the torque varying rail part, the operation torque may change according to the movement.
In this one aspect, the three third hinge portions extend in a substantially arc shape outside the annular portion, and the tip portions of the third hinge portions abut against the inner peripheral surface of the frame. It may be.
In this aspect, the operation target portion may be an encoder, and a convex portion of the rotary knob may be connected to a rotation shaft of the encoder.
In this aspect, the rotary knob and the dial may be made of aluminum.
In this aspect, the frame may be a plated metal plate member, and the click groove may have an R-shaped corner portion of each unevenness.
In this aspect, a notch may be formed in an end portion of the torque varying rail portion that protrudes most toward the predetermined member.
On the other hand, an aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object includes: an electronic component fixed to a predetermined member; and a rotary knob connected to the rotary shaft of the electronic component for operating the rotary shaft. An electronic device that varies the operating torque of the rotary knob, wherein the rotary knob is coaxially arranged and has an insertion port through which a protruding portion of the rotary knob is inserted; An annular member fixed to the dial and formed with an insertion port through which the protruding portion of the rotary knob is inserted, and extends in the circumferential direction and gradually increases the protruding amount toward the predetermined member side And a click groove portion having recesses and protrusions formed continuously in the circumferential direction, and is connected to the protruding portion of the rotary knob, and one side of the frame contacts the torque varying rail portion. Touching others A first hinge portion side comes into contact with the predetermined member, and a spring member having a second hinge part which abuts the groove for the click, may be an electronic device, characterized in that.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the torque variable apparatus and electronic device of a rotary knob which can be operated with high quality and a touch can be provided.

It is a perspective view which shows the torque variable apparatus which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows schematic structure of the torque variable apparatus which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the electronic device which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation target object in an electronic device. It is the top view which looked at the frame from the upper part. It is the side view which looked at the flame | frame shown to FIG. 4A from the A direction. It is the side view which looked at the flame | frame shown to FIG. 4A from the B direction. It is the figure which expanded part a of FIG. 4C, and is a figure which shows the state which the 2nd hinge part of the spring member contact | abutted to the concave part. It is a figure which shows one modification of a concave-shaped part. It is the top view which looked at the spring member from the upper part. It is the side view which looked at the spring member shown in Drawing 5A from the A direction. It is the side view which looked at the spring member shown to FIG. 5A from the B direction. It is a figure which shows the state which rotates a dial relatively with respect to a rotary knob. 7 is a side view of the torque variable device shown in FIG. 6 as viewed from the A direction. It is the figure which looked at the torque variable apparatus shown in FIG. 6 from B direction, and is a figure which shows the state of a dial 0 degree position. It is the figure which looked at the torque variable apparatus shown in FIG. 6 from the B direction, and is a figure which shows the state of a dial 90 degree position.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a torque variable device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the torque variable device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The torque variable device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a rotary knob 2 that is connected to an operation target unit 102 fixed to a predetermined member and operates the operation target unit 102. The torque variable device 1 according to the present embodiment can vary the operation torque of the rotary knob 2. As a result, the user can rotate the rotary knob 2 with high quality and touch.

  The torque variable device 1 is arranged coaxially with the rotary knob 2 and has an insertion port 31 through which the protruding portion 21 of the rotary knob 2 is inserted. The dial 3 is rotatable and fixed to the dial 3. An insertion port 41 through which the two protrusions 21 are inserted is formed, and the frame 4 having the torque varying rail portion 42 and the click groove portion 43 is connected to the protrusion 21 of the rotary knob 2. A spring member 5 having a first hinge part 51 that abuts against the torque-variable rail part 42 and a second hinge part 52 that abuts the click groove part 43. Yes.

  FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating a part of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3B illustrates a rotary knob 2, a dial 3, a knob ring 6 and the like in the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the state which removed. The predetermined member 101 is, for example, a housing 101 of the electronic device 100 such as a wireless device, and the operation target object 102 is an encoder 102 incorporated in the electronic device 100 such as a wireless device. The electronic device 100 includes, for example, a radio transmission / reception circuit (not shown) and a frequency adjustment circuit for radio transmission / reception, and transmits / receives radio waves at a predetermined frequency.

  For example, the encoder 102 is fixed to the panel of the housing 101 of the electronic device 100 using a pair of screws or the like, and outputs an output signal corresponding to the rotation amount when the rotation shaft 102a rotates. The encoder 102 is connected to a frequency adjustment circuit, for example, and adjusts the frequency by an output signal. For example, the user can adjust the frequency of the wireless device by operating the encoder 102 via the rotary knob 2. In particular, fine adjustment is required when adjusting the frequency of the wireless device, but finer frequency adjustment can be expected by optimally setting the operation torque of the rotary knob 2.

  The predetermined member 101 is provided with a friction member 103 formed in a substantially annular shape at a position where the first hinge portion 51 abuts. For example, EXSEINE (registered trademark) having a smooth surface is used as the friction member 103, but not limited to this, any member having a smooth surface can be used.

  The friction member 103 is bonded to the predetermined member 101 with an adhesive or the like at a position where the rotation shaft 102a of the operation target 102 is a substantially annular center. Instead of providing the friction member 103 on the predetermined member 101, for example, a smooth surface treatment may be applied to the surface of the predetermined member 101 where the first hinge portion 51 abuts. Or you may give the surface treatment process which becomes smooth similarly to the torque generation part 512 of the 1st hinge part 51 of the spring member 5 mentioned later. Furthermore, you may combine these arbitrarily. As a result, an optimum operation torque can be applied to the rotary knob 2, and a high-quality and comfortable operation can be realized.

  The rotary knob 2 is integrally formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with a metal such as aluminum. The rotary knob 2 can be formed of a material other than metal, but is preferably formed of metal having a certain weight or more in consideration of the operational feeling. The protruding portion 21 of the rotary knob 2 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape coaxially with the rotation axis, and protrudes toward the encoder 102 side. A knob ring 6 is provided on the outer periphery of the rotary knob 2.

  The knob ring 6 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape by an elastic member such as rubber. Irregularities are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the knob ring 6. Thereby, not only the beauty as a design, but also when the user picks the knob ring 6 and rotates the rotary knob 2, it has a function of preventing slipping and improves its operability. Instead of providing the knob ring 6, an uneven pattern may be formed directly on the outer peripheral surface of the rotary knob 2.

  A hole 22 is formed at the center of the convex portion 21 of the rotary knob 2, and the rotation shaft 102 a of the encoder 102 is inserted into the hole 22. The rotating shaft 102a is fixed to the convex portion 21 of the rotary knob 2 with a screw or the like. The method of connecting the rotary knob 2 to the encoder 102 is not limited to this, and any method can be used. Thereby, the rotation shaft 102a of the encoder 102 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the rotary knob 2 by the user. The convex portion 21 of the rotary knob 2 is formed with a positioning groove 23 for positioning the spring member 5 and four screw tightening holes 24 for fixing the spring member 5 with screws or the like.

  The dial 3 is integrally formed in a substantially annular shape from a metal such as aluminum. The dial 3 can be formed of a material other than metal, but is preferably formed of a metal having a certain weight or more in consideration of the operational feeling. The protrusion 21 of the rotary knob 2 is inserted into the insertion port 31 of the dial 3, and the user can rotate the dial 3 relative to the rotary knob 2 clockwise or counterclockwise.

  In this example, an uneven pattern is formed directly on the integrally formed metal on the outer peripheral surface of the dial 3, but like the rotary knob 2, a ring in which an elastic member such as rubber is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape is provided. It may be. Thereby, similarly to the rotary knob 2, when the user rotates the dial 3, the operability can be improved. The dial 3 is provided with a pair of positioning holes 32 at positions facing each other for fitting and positioning the convex portions of the frame 4. The dial 3 is provided with a pair of screw tightening holes 33 for fixing the frame 4 with screws at positions facing each other. The positions and number of the positioning holes 32 and the screw fastening holes 33 may be arbitrary.

  For example, the frame 4 is formed in a substantially annular shape from a metal such as tinplate (SPTE), and the surface thereof is plated. The frame 4 is fixed to the dial 3, and when the user rotates the dial 3, the frame 4 also rotates integrally with the dial 3. For example, the frame 4 may be formed in a substantially annular shape by using a resin or the like, but is preferably formed of a metal as described above in consideration of wear resistance and the like. Further, the frame 4 is made of metal that has been subjected to a plating process, so that the spring member 5 comes into contact with the frame 4 and even if it slides, it is difficult for friction powder to be produced.

  4A is a top view of the frame seen from above, FIG. 4B is a side view of the frame shown in FIG. 4A seen from the A direction, and FIG. 4C is a view of the frame shown in FIG. 4A seen from the B direction. It is a side view.

  The annular frame 4 includes a torque variable rail 42 that extends in the circumferential direction and gradually increases the amount of protrusion of the housing 101 toward the panel (the friction member 103 and the spring member 5). A click groove portion 43 is formed at a position substantially opposite to the rail portion 42, and the click groove portion 43 is continuously formed so that the unevenness is uneven in the circumferential direction.

  The torque varying rail portion 42 is a slope that gradually increases the amount of protrusion of the casing 101 toward the panel (the friction member 103 and the spring member 5) from the approximately 180 ° position to the approximately 280 ° position counterclockwise in the frame 4. It has a shape (FIGS. 4A and B). Further, the frame 4 is formed with a notch 44 at a position of approximately 280 °, the end of the torque varying rail portion 42 that protrudes most to the panel side of the casing 101. As a result, the most projecting end portion that requires deep drawing can be formed with a simple mold, leading to cost reduction. The torque varying rail portion 42 is between the lowest position of the protrusion amount of the housing 101 toward the panel and the first intermediate position p, between the first intermediate position p and the second intermediate position q, The inclination angle changes between the second midway position q and the highest position. Between the lowest position and the first intermediate position p, it protrudes due to the shape of the diaphragm, but it is not inclined but is a flat portion. Between the first intermediate position p and the second intermediate position q, the inclination angle is a steeply inclined portion with a steep inclination. Between the second intermediate position q and the highest position, the inclination angle is a gentler inclined part than between the first intermediate position p and the second intermediate position q.

  In the frame 4, the click groove 43 is continuously uneven along the circumferential direction from a position of approximately 0 ° to a position of approximately 90 ° counterclockwise. The click groove 43 includes, for example, a concave portion 431 formed at a substantially 0 ° position, a groove portion 432 formed with a groove in a substantially arc shape adjacent to the concave portion 431, and five concave portions adjacent to the groove portion 432. And a concavo-convex group 433 formed at equal intervals.

  The groove portion 432 is formed with a substantially arc-shaped groove in a range of approximately 7.5 ° to 42.5 °, for example. In addition, each concave portion 433a of the concave and convex group 433 is formed at, for example, approximately 50 °, 60 °, 70 °, 80 °, and 90 °, respectively. The position and number of the parts 433a can be arbitrarily set and changed. In addition, each concave portion 433a of the concave portion 431, the groove portion 432, and the concave and convex group 433 has a corner portion formed in an R shape by drawing or the like. Further, each of the concave portions 431 and the concave portions 433a of the concavo-convex group 433 has a substantially arcuate cross-sectional shape. The groove portion 432 is provided as a running section until the torque generating portion 512 of the first hinge portion 51 of the spring member 5 comes into contact with the friction member 103. However, the groove portion 432 is not provided and the concave portion 431 is zero. They may be arranged at equal intervals between ° and 90 °.

FIG. 4D is a partially enlarged view of a part of FIG. 4C, and shows a state in which the second hinge portion of the spring member is in contact with the concave portion. The concave portions 433a of the concave and convex group 433 also have substantially the same shape as the concave portions 431. By forming the concave portions 431 and 433a in an arc shape in this way, when the concave portions 431 and 433a of the frame 4 are in contact with the second hinge portion 52 of the spring member 5, the backlash can be reduced. Further, when the second hinge portion 52 is relatively rotated from that state, smooth rotation is possible.
In this example, the concave portions 431 and 433a of the frame 4 and the second hinge portion 52 of the spring member 5 are in contact with each other in substantially the same shape, but the shape of the frame 431 may be a square concave shape (see FIG. 4E). In the case of the square recess shape, the rotation is not smooth, but the click feeling becomes stronger, so the square recess shape is selected depending on the aim of the touch.

  It should be noted that when the second hinge portion 52 of the spring member 5 abuts, the concave portion 431 and the groove portion 432 of the click groove portion 43 are at positions where the first hinge portion 51 does not abut on the torque varying rail portion 42 of the frame 4. Is formed. Further, when the second hinge portion 51 of the spring member 5 comes into contact, the uneven group 433 of the click groove 43 is formed at a position where the first hinge portion 51 comes into contact with the torque varying rail portion 42 of the frame 4. .

  A pair of screw fastening holes 45 for fixing to the dial 3 are formed in the frame 4 at positions facing each other. Further, the frame 4 is provided with a pair of positioning convex portions 46 for determining the position when fixed to the dial 3 at positions facing each other. It should be noted that the positions and number of the screw fastening holes 45 and the positioning projections 46 provided in the frame 4 may be arbitrary.

  The positioning projections 46 of the frame 4 are fitted into the positioning holes 32 of the dial 3, the screws are inserted into the screw fastening holes 45 of the frame 4, and are fastened to the screw fastening holes 33 of the dial 3. Thus, the frame 4 is fixed to the dial 3. Thus, the frame 4 can be fixed to the dial 3 with good balance by positioning and fastening the dial 3 and the frame 4 diagonally. The method for fixing the frame 4 to the dial 3 is an example, and is not limited to this, and any fixing method can be applied.

  The spring member 5 is formed of, for example, a metal such as stainless steel or phosphor bronze, and is fixed to the convex portion 21 of the rotary knob 2. Therefore, when the user rotates the rotary knob 2, the spring member 5 also rotates integrally with the rotary knob 2.

  5A is a top view of the spring member viewed from above, FIG. 5B is a side view of the spring member shown in FIG. 5A viewed from the A direction, and FIG. 5C is a side view of the spring member shown in FIG. 5A in the B direction. It is the side view seen from.

  The spring member 5 extends in a substantially circular shape on the outer side of the annular portion 53 fixed to the rotary knob 2 and on the outer side of the annular portion 53, and one side of the spring member 5 is in contact with the torque varying rail portion 42 of the frame 4. A first hinge portion 51 that is in contact with the friction member 103 on the other side, a second hinge portion 52 that extends in a radial direction from the annular portion 53 and that has a tip portion that contacts the click groove portion 43 of the frame 4, and the annular portion 53 and three third hinge portions 54 that contact the inner peripheral surface 47 of the frame 4.

  The annular portion 53 is formed with a positioning claw portion 55 for positioning on the convex portion 21 of the rotary knob 2 and four screw fixing holes 56 for fixing to the convex portion 21. The positioning claw portion 55 of the spring member 5 engages with the positioning groove 23 [81] of the convex portion 21 of the rotary knob 2, and each screw is inserted into each screw fixing hole 56 of the spring member 5, and the convex of the rotary knob 2. Fastened to each screw fastening hole 24 of the shaped part 21. Thereby, the annular portion 53 of the spring member 5 is fixed to the convex portion 21 of the rotary knob 2.

  Here, three screw fixing holes 56 are provided equally in the circumferential direction of the annular portion 53, and fix the spring member to the rotary knob 2 in a well-balanced manner. Furthermore, the screw fixing hole 56 is provided at one location near the root of the first hinge portion 51, and stabilizes the operation when the first hinge portion 51 is pushed toward the friction member 103. The method of fixing the spring member 5 to the rotary knob 2 is an example, and is not limited to this, and any fixing method can be applied.

  The first hinge portion 51 extending in an arc shape is bent toward the friction member 103 at a bent portion 511 on the tip side. The bent portion 511 contacts the torque varying rail portion 42 of the frame 4 and is pushed toward the friction member 103 along the slope shape of the torque varying rail portion 42. When the first hinge portion 51 is positioned on the flat portion of the torque varying rail portion 42 in a top view, the first hinge portion 51 is disposed with a clearance so as not to contact the torque varying rail portion 42. When the first hinge portion 51 is located on the steeply inclined portion of the torque varying rail portion 42 in a top view, the torque varying rail is located on the steeply inclined portion on the second intermediate position q side from the third intermediate position. It arrange | positions so that the part 42 may be contact | abutted. The first hinge portion 51 is disposed so as to always come into contact with the torque varying rail portion 42 when the first hinge portion 51 is positioned on the gently inclined portion of the torque varying rail portion 42 in a top view. Further, a torque generating portion 512 that protrudes toward the friction member 103 and is formed in a substantially rectangular shape is formed at the tip of the first hinge portion 51. As the bent portion 511 is pushed toward the friction member 103 by the slope shape of the torque varying rail portion 42 of the frame 4, the torque generating portion 512 abuts on the surface of the friction member 103. As described above, the first hinge portion 51 has a configuration in which the ring portion 53 to the bent portion 511 are used as springs, and the torque generating portion 512 is brought into contact with the surface of the friction member 103 with the bent portion 511 as a fulcrum. .

  In addition, although the torque generation part 512 is formed in the substantially rectangular shape as mentioned above, it is not restricted to this, It can form in arbitrary shapes. However, it is preferable to secure a larger contact area between the torque generating portion 512 and the friction member 103 in order to generate an appropriate operating torque in the rotary knob 2. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the torque generator 512 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape as described above.

  When the user rotates the rotary knob 2, the spring member 5 rotates integrally with the rotary knob 2. At this time, the torque generating portion 512 of the first hinge portion 51 of the spring member 5 contacts and slides on the friction member 103 to generate a frictional force. Thereby, an operation torque is generated in the rotary knob 2. The torque generator 512 is formed by drawing or the like. As a result, the entire circumference of the end of the torque generating portion 512 has an R shape. For this reason, the torque generator 512 slides more smoothly on the friction member 103, and an appropriate operating torque is generated in the rotary knob 2.

  Here, in order to generate the optimum operating torque for the rotary knob 2, it is necessary to generate an appropriate frictional force between the torque generating portion 512 and the friction member 103, and the first hinge portion 51 needs to have a certain thickness. It becomes. Generally, when the thickness of the leaf spring increases, it becomes necessary to lengthen the hinge so as not to be plastically deformed by bending stress. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first hinge portion 51 extends in a substantially arc shape outside the annular portion 53. Thereby, since the hinge length of the 1st hinge part 51 can be set long, plastic deformation can be suppressed, increasing the spring force moderately, and it becomes possible to store compactly within the circumference of the dial 3.

  The second hinge portion 52 extends substantially linearly from the annular portion 53 in the radial direction. A substantially hemispherical dowel portion 521 that protrudes toward the frame 4 is formed at the distal end portion of the second hinge portion 52, and the dowel portion 521 contacts the click groove 43 of the frame 4.

  The second hinge portion 52 is slightly bent toward the frame 4, and the dowel portion 521 comes into contact with the click groove portion 43 of the frame 4 with an appropriate spring force. Moreover, although the torque generation part 512 of the 1st hinge part 51 and the dowel part 521 of the 2nd hinge part 52 are arrange | positioned so that it may oppose substantially, not only this but it can arrange | position arbitrarily. Further, the second hinge portion 52 can be formed in a substantially arc shape like the first hinge portion 51 if the arrangement is possible.

  Each third hinge portion 54 extends in a substantially arc shape outside the annular portion 53, and its tip end abuts on the inner peripheral surface 47 of the frame 4. Three third hinge portions 54 are provided in the annular portion 53 at substantially equal intervals. However, the number is not limited to this, and the number and positions of the third hinge portions 54 may be arbitrary.

A substantially hemispherical dowel portion 541 protruding toward the frame 4 is formed at the tip of each third hinge portion 54, and each dowel portion 541 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface 47 of the frame 4. In addition, each 3rd hinge part 54 is formed in the substantially circular arc shape in order to generate | occur | produce moderate spring force, suppressing the plastic deformation similarly to the said 1st hinge part 51. FIG. Thus, each 3rd hinge part 54 contact | abuts to the flame | frame 4 equally with moderate spring force. As a result, when only the rotary knob 2 is operated while preventing rattling between the rotary knob 2 and the dial 3, the rotary knob 2 and the dial 3 can be integrally rotated. Further, even when the dial 3 is rotated relative to the rotary knob 2, it is possible to maintain a good click feeling generated between the second hinge portion 52 of the spring member 5 and the click groove portion 43 of the frame 4.
As described above, high space efficiency can be realized by using the pair structure of the frame 4 and the spring member 5. In addition, since the structure is simplified, the design and assembly are facilitated, leading to cost reduction and quality improvement. In addition, high-quality and comfortable operability is also realized.

Next, the operation of the torque variable device according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.
For example, when the operation torque of the rotary knob 2 is increased, the user relatively rotates the dial 3 counterclockwise while pressing the rotary knob 2 (FIG. 6).

  7A is a side view of the torque variable device shown in FIG. 6 as viewed from the A direction. FIG. 7B is a view of the torque variable device shown in FIG. 6 as viewed from the B direction, and is a view showing a state at a dial 0 ° position.

(1) Dial 0 ° position (initial position)
In the initial position, the dowel portion 521 of the second hinge portion 52 of the spring member 5 is in the concave portion 431 (0 ° position) of the click groove portion 43 of the frame 4. At this time, the bent portion 511 of the first hinge portion 51 of the spring member 5 is at the position (a) of the torque varying rail portion 42 of the frame 4. When the bent portion 511 of the first hinge portion 51 of the spring member 5 is in the position (a), the bent portion 511 of the first hinge portion 51 of the spring member 5 abuts against the torque varying rail portion 42 of the frame 4. Not. Therefore, in the first hinge portion 51 of the spring member 5, the torque generating portion 512 of the first hinge portion 51 of the spring member 5 is not in contact with the friction member 103.

  Accordingly, when the user rotates the rotary knob 2 at this initial position, almost no operation torque is generated by the torque variable device (hereinafter referred to as this operation torque 0). That is, the user can operate the rotary knob 2 in the state where the operation torque is 0 by setting the dial 3 to this initial position. Even when the operating torque is 0, the encoder is generally designed to generate a constant torque when the rotary shaft is operated. Therefore, the operating torque is completely 0 in a strict sense. Not exclusively. As another example, the bent portion 511 of the first hinge portion 51 of the spring member 5 abuts on the torque varying rail portion 42 of the frame 4 at the initial position, but the torque of the first hinge portion 51 of the spring member 5 The generation unit 512 may be set so as not to contact the friction member 103.

(2) Dial 7.5 ° -42.5 ° position (running section)
When the user rotates the dial 3 counterclockwise while pressing the rotary knob 2 from the initial position, the frame 4 fixed to the dial 3 rotates clockwise with respect to the spring member 5 fixed to the rotary knob 2. Rotate relative to

  First, the dowel portion 521 of the second hinge portion 52 of the spring member 5 passes over the concave portion 431 of the click groove 43 of the frame 4, and the dial 3 has a first click feeling. The dowel portion 521 of the second hinge portion 52 contacts the groove portion 432 of the click groove portion 43. Further, when the dial 3 is rotated relative to the rotary knob 2 in the counterclockwise direction, the frame 4 is rotated relative to the spring member 5 in the clockwise direction.

  While the dowel portion 521 of the second hinge portion 52 of the spring member 5 moves on the groove portion 432 of the click groove portion 43 of the frame 4, the bent portion 511 of the first hinge portion 51 of the spring member 5 causes the torque of the frame 4. The position of the variable rail portion 42 is moved from (b) to (c). When the bent portion 511 of the first hinge portion 51 of the spring member 5 is in the position (b), the bent portion 511 of the first hinge portion 51 of the spring member 5 abuts against the torque varying rail portion 42 of the frame 4. Not. When the bent portion 511 of the first hinge portion 51 of the spring member 5 is in the position (c), the bent portion 511 of the first hinge portion 51 of the spring member 5 abuts against the torque varying rail portion 42 of the frame 4. ing. At this time, the torque generating unit 512 is brought into contact with the friction member 103 in proximity or with a weak tension. Accordingly, if the user rotates the rotary knob 2 at the position (c), the operation is performed with the operating torque of 0 or a minute torque. The groove portion 432 of the click groove portion 43 of the frame 4 is provided as a running section until the torque generating portion 512 of the first hinge portion 51 of the spring member 5 comes into contact with the friction member 103 with a spring pressure that provides the minimum torque. It has been. That is, after the first click feeling at the initial position, the operating torque is not generated immediately, but after this running section, the operating torque gradually increases. Thereby, the user can recognize the approach section. Therefore, it becomes easy to understand the click position and the operational feeling is improved.

(3) Dial 50 ° Position When the dial 3 is further rotated counterclockwise with respect to the rotary knob 2, the frame 4 is rotated relative to the spring member 5 in the clockwise direction. Then, the dowel portion 521 of the second hinge portion 52 of the spring member 5 abuts on the first concave portion 433a (50 ° position) of the concave / convex group 433 of the click groove portion 43 of the frame 4 (FIG. 4A). 3 has a second click feeling.

  At this time, the bent portion 511 of the first hinge portion 51 of the spring member 5 is in contact with the slope intermediate position (d) of the torque variable rail portion 42 of the frame 4 (FIGS. 4A and 4B). [82] Therefore, the bent portion 511 of the first hinge portion 51 is slightly pushed toward the friction member 103 by the torque varying rail portion 42 of the frame 4, and the torque generating portion 512 is caused to move to the friction member 103 by the spring force. Abut. When the rotary knob 2 is rotated while being fixed in this state (50 ° position), the user can operate the rotary knob 2 with a small operation torque (minimum torque).

(4) Dial 60 ° Position When the dial 3 is further rotated counterclockwise relative to the rotary knob 2, the frame 4 is rotated relative to the spring member 5 in the clockwise direction. Then, the dowel portion 521 of the second hinge portion 52 of the spring member 5 abuts against the second concave portion 433a (60 ° position) of the concave / convex group 433 of the click groove portion 43 of the frame 4 (FIG. 4A), and the dial. 3 has a third click feeling.

  At this time, the bent portion 511 of the first hinge portion 51 of the spring member 5 is in contact with the position (e) where the slope is higher in the torque varying rail portion 43 of the frame 4 than in the 50 ° position. (FIGS. 4A and B). Therefore, the bent portion 511 of the first hinge portion 51 is further pushed to the friction member 103 side than the 50 ° position by the torque varying rail portion 42 of the frame 4, and the torque generating portion 512 with a larger spring force. Contacts the friction member 103. When the rotary knob 2 is rotated in a fixed state in this state (60 ° position), the user can operate the rotary knob 2 with a slightly larger operating torque than in the 50 ° position state.

(5) Dial 70 ° Position When the dial 3 is further rotated counterclockwise with respect to the rotary knob 2, the frame 4 is rotated relative to the spring member 5 in the clockwise direction. The dowel portion 521 of the second hinge portion 52 of the spring member 5 contacts the third concave portion 433a (70 ° position) of the concave and convex group 433 of the click groove portion 43 of the frame 4 (FIG. 4A), and the dial 3 has a fourth click feeling.

  At this time, the bent portion 511 of the first hinge portion 51 of the spring member 5 is in contact with the torque varying rail portion 42 of the frame 4 at a position (f) having a higher slope than the 60 ° position (FIG. 4A and B). Therefore, the bent portion 511 of the first hinge portion 51 is further pushed to the friction member 103 side by the torque varying rail portion 42 of the frame 4 from the state of the 60 ° position, and the torque generating portion 512 with a larger spring force. Contacts the friction member 103. When the rotary knob 2 is rotated while being fixed in this state (70 ° position), the user can operate the rotary knob 2 with a slightly larger operating torque than in the state of the 60 ° position.

(6) Dial 80 ° Position When the dial 3 is further rotated counterclockwise relative to the rotary knob 2, the frame 4 is rotated relative to the spring member 5 in the clockwise direction. Then, the dowel portion 521 of the second hinge portion 52 of the spring member 5 contacts the fourth concave portion 433a (80 ° position) of the concave and convex group 433 of the click groove portion 43 of the frame 4 (FIG. 4A), and the dial 3 has a fifth click feeling.

  At this time, the bent portion 511 of the first hinge portion 51 of the spring member 5 is in contact with the position (g) having a higher slope than the 70 ° position in the torque varying rail portion 42 of the frame 4. (FIGS. 4A and B). Therefore, the bent portion 511 of the first hinge portion 51 is further pushed to the friction member 103 side than the 70 ° position by the torque varying rail portion 42 of the frame 4, and the torque generating portion 512 with a larger spring force. Contacts the friction member 103. When the rotary knob 2 is rotated while being fixed in this state (80 ° position), the user can operate the rotary knob 2 with a slightly larger operation torque than in the 70 ° position.

(7) Dial 90 ° Position When the dial 3 is further rotated counterclockwise relative to the rotary knob 2, the frame 4 is rotated relative to the spring member 5 in the clockwise direction. Then, the dowel portion 521 of the second hinge portion 52 of the spring member 5 abuts on the fifth concave portion 433a (90 ° position) of the concave / convex group 433 of the click groove portion 43 of the frame 4 (FIG. 4A). 3 has a sixth click feeling (FIG. 8).

  At this time, the bent portion 511 of the first hinge portion 51 of the spring member 5 is in contact with the torque varying rail portion 42 of the frame 4 at a position (h) having a higher slope than the 80 ° position (see FIG. 4A and B). Therefore, the bent portion 511 of the first hinge portion 51 is further pushed to the friction member 103 side by the torque varying rail portion 42 of the frame 4 from the state of the 80 ° position, and the torque generating portion 512 with a larger spring force. Contacts the friction member 103.

  When the rotary knob 2 is rotated while being fixed in this state (90 ° position), the user can operate the rotary knob 2 with a slightly larger operating torque (maximum torque) than in the 80 ° position. The position of the dial 90 ° is the maximum position at which the dial 3 can be rotated relative to the rotary knob 2 in the counterclockwise direction, and is the position where the operation torque is maximum. In the above description, the case where the operation torque of the rotary knob 2 is increased has been described. However, the case where the operation torque of the rotary knob 2 is decreased is the reverse operation of the case where the operation torque is increased, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

As described above, according to the torque variable device 1 according to the present embodiment, when the user rotates the dial 3 relative to the rotary knob 2 from the 0 ° position, the user feels the first click feeling and the operating torque is zero. Through the runway section, feel the second click feeling at 50 ° position, feel the third click feeling at 60 ° position, feel the fourth click feeling at 70 ° position, feel the fifth click feeling It is possible to optimally set the operation torque stepwise while feeling a high-quality and touchy click feeling at the 80 ° position and the 90 ° position by feeling the sixth click feeling. Further, when the rotary knob 2 is operated to rotate with each setting, a high-quality and high quality that the user prefers due to an appropriate frictional force generated between the torque generating part 512 of the first hinge part 51 of the spring member 5 and the friction member 103. You can feel a comfortable operating torque.
In other words, it is possible to provide the torque variable device 1 and the electronic device 100 that can operate the rotary knob 2 with high quality and touch.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, a wireless device is applied as an electronic device, and is applied to a knob that adjusts the frequency. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It can be applied to other electrical equipment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Torque variable device 2 Rotation knob 3 Dial 4 Frame 5 Spring member 21 Protruding part 31 Insertion port 41 Insertion port 42 Torque variable rail part 43 Groove part for click 51 First hinge part 52 Second hinge part 53 Ring part 54 Third Hinge part 102 Operation object 100 Electronic device 103 Friction member 101 Predetermined member 431 Concave part 432 Groove part 433 Concavity and convexity group

Claims (12)

A torque variable device that is connected to an operation target unit fixed to a predetermined member, includes a rotary knob for operating the operation target unit, and varies an operation torque of the rotary knob,
A dial that is arranged coaxially with the rotary knob and formed with an insertion port through which the protruding portion of the rotary knob is inserted, and a rotatable dial.
An annular member fixed to the dial and formed with an insertion port through which the protruding portion of the rotary knob is inserted, and variable in torque that extends in the circumferential direction and gradually increases the protruding amount toward the predetermined member side A frame having a rail portion and a click groove portion in which irregularities are continuously formed in the circumferential direction;
A first hinge portion that is connected to the projecting portion of the rotary knob and that contacts one side of the torque varying rail portion of the frame and the other side contacts the predetermined member, and a second portion that contacts the click groove portion. A spring member having a hinge part;
A torque variable device comprising: The predetermined member is provided with a friction member,
The torque variable device according to claim 1, wherein the other side of the first hinge portion of the spring member slides in contact with the friction member.   3. The torque variable device according to claim 1, wherein the spring member further includes a third hinge portion that contacts the frame. 4.   The spring member has a substantially annular ring portion fixed to the rotary knob, and extends in a substantially arc shape outside the annular portion, and one side abuts on the torque variable rail portion of the frame, and the other side. The first hinge portion whose side abuts against a predetermined member, the second hinge portion that extends in the radial direction from the annular portion and the tip portion contacts the click groove portion of the frame, and extends from the annular portion 4. The torque variable device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one third hinge portion that abuts against an inner peripheral surface of the frame. 5.   The click groove portion of the frame has a concave portion formed at a position where the first hinge portion does not contact the torque varying rail portion of the frame when the second hinge portion of the spring member contacts, And a concave-convex group formed in an arc shape at a position where the first hinge portion abuts against the torque variable rail portion of the frame when the second hinge portion of the spring member abuts. The torque variable device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.     The operation torque changes according to the movement when the second hinge moves on the unevenness at a position where the first hinge contacts the torque varying rail. 1. The torque variable device according to 1.   The three third hinge portions extend in a substantially arc shape outside the annular portion, and the tip portions of the third hinge portions are in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the frame. The torque variable device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that   The torque variable device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the operation target part is an encoder, and a convex part of the rotary knob is connected to a rotary shaft of the encoder.   The torque variable device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the rotary knob and the dial are made of aluminum. The frame is a plated metal plate member;
10. The torque variable device according to claim 1, wherein the click groove has an R shape at a corner of each concave and convex portion. 11.   11. The torque variable device according to claim 1, wherein a notch is formed in an end portion of the torque variable rail portion that protrudes most toward the predetermined member. An electronic component fixed to a predetermined member;
A rotation knob connected to the rotating shaft of the electronic component and operating the rotating shaft;
An electronic device that varies the operating torque of the rotary knob,
A dial that can be rotated and formed coaxially with the rotary knob and formed with an insertion port through which the protrusion of the rotary knob is inserted.
An annular member fixed to the dial and formed with an insertion port through which the protruding portion of the rotary knob is inserted, for extending the circumferential direction and gradually increasing the protruding amount toward the predetermined member side A frame having a rail part and a click groove part in which irregularities are continuously formed in the circumferential direction;
A first hinge portion that is connected to the projecting portion of the rotary knob and that contacts one side of the torque varying rail portion of the frame and the other side contacts the predetermined member, and a second portion that contacts the click groove portion. A spring member having a hinge part;
An electronic device characterized by comprising:

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