JP5363264B2 - Rotating operation body - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a rotating operation body allowing a rubber band to be simply and reliably mounted to an operation knob without degrading a designability. <P>SOLUTION: A plurality of arcuate insertion parts 3b extending in a circumferential direction at positions facing an inner peripheral surface of a tubular holding part 3a are formed on a rubber band 3, and both circumferential ends of the arcuate insertion parts 3b are connected to the tubular holding part 3a, respectively. An operation knob 2 is provided with a plurality of arcuate outer walls 2b having an outer diameter generally equal to the inner diameter of a tubular inner wall 2a, the tubular inner wall 2a respectively facing the inner peripheral surfaces of the respective arcuate outer walls 2b through a rubber housing space S, and a plurality of sidewalls 2c projecting radially outward from the tubular inner wall 2a and located at both circumferential ends of the arcuate outer walls 2b; circumferential movement of the arcuate insertion parts 3b housed in the rubber housing space S is restricted by the sidewalls 2c, and axial movement of the rubber band 3 is restricted by an ornamental cap 4 snap-connected to the operation knob 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a rotary operation body used for various input devices, and in particular, a rotary operation body that is designed to improve the anti-slip effect and the design by attaching a rubber band having a pattern formed on the outer peripheral surface to an operation knob. This relates to a rubber band mounting structure.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in-vehicle input devices and the like have been widely employed in a configuration in which a rubber band is provided on a grip portion of a relatively large diameter rotary operation body. In this type of rotary operation body, a cylindrical rubber band is attached to an operation knob (rotary knob) formed of synthetic resin, and the user grips the rubber band with fingers during the rotation operation. It is easy to prevent slipping of fingers. Moreover, the design of the rotating operation body can be enhanced by applying a knurling process such as diamond cutting to the outer surface of the rubber band.

  As a rubber band mounting structure in such a rotary operation body, a structure in which a cylindrical rubber band is elastically stretched and crimped to the outer peripheral surface of the operation knob is generally used (see, for example, Patent Document 1). That is, if the inner diameter of the unloaded rubber band is designed to be slightly smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the operation knob, the rubber band is extended in the radial direction so as to surround the outer peripheral surface of the operation knob. As a result, the rubber band that is elastically contracted can be crimped to the outer peripheral surface of the operation knob.

JP 2007-109601 A

  However, when the rubber band is elastically extended in the radial direction and is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the operation knob, the rubber band is formed on the outer surface of the rubber band in advance when the rubber band is attached to the operation knob. Deformation such as distortion is likely to occur in the pattern, and in this case, the design of the rotating operation body is significantly lowered. In addition, the rubber band attached to the operation knob due to its own elastic contraction is likely to change with time, so that there is a high possibility that a crack will occur or the pressure-bonding force will undesirably decrease when used for a long time. Furthermore, if a mischief such as pinching the rubber band with fingers and forcibly pulling it laterally is performed, the rubber band may be turned over or plastically deformed.

  The above-mentioned problems can be alleviated to some extent by increasing the hardness of the rubber band. However, if the rubber band is hardened, the feeling when touched by a finger is deteriorated and the anti-slip effect is lowered, which is not preferable.

  The present invention has been made in view of the actual situation of the prior art, and an object thereof is to provide a rotary operation body capable of easily and reliably attaching a rubber band to an operation knob.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a rotating operating body in which a rubber band having a pattern formed on the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical gripping portion is attached to an operating knob and can be rotated integrally. In addition, arc-shaped insertion portions facing the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical gripping portion are provided at a plurality of locations along the circumferential direction, and both circumferential ends of each arc-shaped insertion portion are connected to the cylindrical gripping portion, respectively. A plurality of arc-shaped outer wall portions having an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the cylindrical gripping portion, and an inner peripheral surface of each of the arc-shaped outer wall portions opposed to each other via a rubber storage space. And a plurality of detents projecting radially outward from the cylindrical inner wall portion and positioned at both circumferential ends of the arc-shaped outer wall portion, and the circumferential direction of the arc-shaped insertion portion stored in the rubber storage space Movement to the Together is the manner eggplant, movement in the axial direction of the rubber band has to be regulated by the retaining member attached to the operation knob.

  Since the rotating operation body configured in this way can fit the rubber band to the operation knob in a substantially unloaded state, the deformation formed in the pattern formed on the outer surface of the cylindrical gripping portion can be prevented. The rubber band can be attached to the operation knob and rotated integrally without any possibility of occurrence, and thereafter, if the retaining member is attached to the operation knob, the rubber band will not play in the axial direction. Therefore, the rubber band can be easily and reliably attached without deteriorating the design. In addition, since it is not necessary to increase the hardness of the rubber band, a material that can be easily adapted to fingers can be selected as appropriate. In addition, since the rubber band attached to the operation knob in an almost no-load state hardly changes with time, there is a low possibility of causing cracks or the like even when used for a long period of time. Furthermore, even if a mischief such as pinching the rubber band's cylindrical grip with your fingers and forcibly pulling it laterally is performed, the arc outer wall of the operation knob that has been pushed and bent by the fingers is the arc band's arc insertion section. The rubber band (cylindrical gripping part) after installation because a strong frictional resistance acts on the cylindrical gripping part that presses against the edge part of the anti-rotation part. It is extremely difficult to pinch with a finger and extend it greatly.

  In the above configuration, it is preferable that snap claws are projected at a plurality of positions on the upper part of the operation knob, and the retaining member is preferably snap-coupled to the operation knob by these snap claws, so that the rubber band is attached. Since the retaining member can be attached to the operation knob with a single touch, workability is greatly improved. In this case, if an elastic piece that can be engaged with and disengaged from the snap claw is provided on the radially inner side of the cylindrical grip portion of the rubber band, the engagement between the snap claw and the elastic piece when the rubber band is attached to the operation knob. Since the click feeling is generated by the removal, the installation operator can feel that the rubber band is securely assembled to the operation knob by this click feeling, and the workability can be further improved.

  Further, in the above configuration, when the retaining member is formed as a decorative cap that is fitted into the upper end portion of the rubber band cylindrical grip portion, the design can be further enhanced.

  Further, in the above configuration, when a concave groove extending in the axial direction is provided on the radially inner side of the cylindrical grip portion of the rubber band, and the rotation stopper is inserted into the concave groove, The band can be easily guided to a predetermined fitting position by the guide of the rotation stopper.

  In addition, in the above configuration, if the insertion amount (insertion depth) of the arc-shaped insertion portion into the rubber storage space is set to about half of the height of the entire rubber band, the rubber band after installation will be pinched. While preventing the mischief of pulling, the space for arranging the retaining member can be secured without difficulty at the uppermost portion on the radially inner side of the cylindrical gripping portion, so that it is easy to reduce the height of the rotary operation body.

  According to the rotary operation body of the present invention, since the rubber band can be fitted to the operation knob while being almost unloaded, the rubber band can be attached without any risk of deformation such as distortion in the pattern formed on the outer surface. The rubber band can be integrally rotated by being attached to the operation knob, and the backlash in the axial direction of the rubber band can be easily prevented by the retaining member. Therefore, the rubber band can be easily and reliably attached without deteriorating the design. In addition, since it is not necessary to increase the hardness of the rubber band, it is possible to appropriately select a material that is easy to adapt to the fingers, and therefore, it is possible to easily manufacture a rotating operation body having a rubber band that feels good when touched by fingers and is difficult to slip. Can do. In addition, since the rubber band attached to the operation knob in an almost no-load state hardly changes with time, it is unlikely to cause cracks or the like even when used for a long period of time, and a long life can be expected. Also, even if a mischief such as pinching the rubber band's cylindrical grip with your fingers and forcibly pulling it laterally is performed, the arc-shaped outer wall of the operation knob that has been pushed and bent by the fingers is the arc-shaped insertion section of the rubber band. The rubber band (cylindrical gripping part) after installation because a strong frictional resistance acts on the cylindrical gripping part that presses against the edge part of the anti-rotation part. It is extremely difficult to pinch with a finger and extend it greatly. Therefore, even if such an undesired action is performed, there is almost no possibility that the rubber band will be turned over or plastically deformed, and a good quality can always be maintained.

It is a disassembled perspective view of the rotary operation body which concerns on the example of embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of this rotary operation body. It is sectional drawing which shows the cut surface different from FIG. 2 of this rotary operation body. It is a perspective view which abbreviate | omits and shows the decoration cap of this rotary operation body. It is a perspective view of the upper surface side of the rubber band used with this rotary operation body. It is a perspective view of the lower surface side of the rubber band shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mischief act with respect to the rubber band of this rotary operation body.

  Hereinafter, a rotary operation body according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the rotary operation body 1 according to this embodiment includes an operation knob 2, a rubber band 3, and a decorative cap 4. The rotating operation body 1 is assembled by attaching a decorative cap 4 functioning as a retaining member to the operation knob 2 after attaching the rubber band 3 to the operation knob 2.

  The operation knob 2 is a molded product made of synthetic resin. The operation knob 2 is provided with a cylindrical inner wall portion 2a, an arc-shaped outer wall portion 2b, a side wall portion 2c, a guide projection 2d, snap claws 2e, 2f, and the like. The cylindrical inner wall 2a is externally fitted to a rotary shaft of a rotary operation type electric part (not shown) such as a rotary volume, and a snap claw 2f protruding downward is snap-coupled to the rotary shaft. Arc-shaped outer wall portions 2b extending along the circumferential direction are provided at four positions at equal intervals around the cylindrical inner wall portion 2a at positions facing the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical inner wall portion 2a. Rubber storage spaces S are formed between 2b and the cylindrical inner wall 2a. As shown in FIG. 1, each arcuate outer wall 2b is erected in the shape of a curved plate. Therefore, if any arcuate outer wall 2b is strongly pressed with a finger from the outside in the radial direction, the arcuate outer wall 2b becomes a diameter. It is possible to bend inward in the direction. In addition, guide protrusions 2d protrude radially outward from two locations 180 degrees apart from the cylindrical inner wall 2a, and two of the four rubber storage spaces S are partitioned by the guide protrusions 2d. Moreover, the circumferential direction both ends of each rubber storage space S are divided by the side wall part 2c. Since the side wall 2c also projects radially outward from the cylindrical inner wall 2a in the same manner as the guide protrusion 2d, and both 2c and 2d extend along the axial direction of the cylindrical inner wall 2a, The side wall 2c and the guide protrusion 2d function as reinforcing ribs for the cylindrical inner wall 2a. Further, as will be described later, the side wall portion 2c and the guide protrusion 2d also function as a detent portion that restricts the movement of the arc-shaped insertion portion 3b of the rubber band 3 in the circumferential direction. Further, snap claws 2e project upward from four equally spaced locations on the cylindrical inner wall 2a, and the decorative cap 4 is snap-coupled to the operation knob 2 by these four snap claws 2e. .

  The rubber band 3 is an elastic body made of natural rubber, synthetic rubber or the like. As shown in FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, the rubber band 3 includes a cylindrical gripping portion 3a, an arc-shaped insertion portion 3b, an elastic piece 3c, and the like. Is provided. The cylindrical grip portion 3a is a portion gripped by the user's fingers, and a pattern such as a diamond cut is formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof by knurling (knurling). Therefore, the cylindrical grip portion 3a has an anti-slip effect. It has high design properties. Arc-shaped insertion portions 3b extending along the circumferential direction are provided at four positions at equal intervals on the inner wall side of the cylindrical grip portion 3a at positions facing the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical grip portion 3a. Both ends in the circumferential direction of the portion 3b are connected to the inner wall of the cylindrical grip portion 3a. Each arcuate insertion portion 3b is a portion that is housed in a rubber housing space S formed between the outer wall portion 2b of the operation knob 2 and the cylindrical inner wall portion 2a. The upper surface of these arc-shaped insertion portions 3b is formed as a seat surface portion 3d on which the decorative cap 4 is mounted, and two of the four arc-shaped insertion portions 3b are first concave grooves for inserting the guide protrusions 2d. 3e is formed. In addition, elastic pieces 3c are provided between the respective arc-shaped insertion portions 3b, and these elastic pieces 3c are also formed at four positions at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical gripping portion 3a. Further, a second concave groove 3f for inserting the side wall 2c is formed directly below the central portion in the circumferential direction of each elastic piece 3c, and both the first and second concave grooves 3e and 3f are formed. It extends along the axial direction of the cylindrical grip 3a.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the rubber band 3 is dimensioned so that the arcuate outer wall 2b of the operation knob 2 is inserted between each arcuate insertion portion 3b and the cylindrical gripping portion 3a. That is, the inner diameter of the cylindrical gripping portion 3a is set substantially equal to the diameter of the cylindrical surface including the outer peripheral surface of each arcuate outer wall portion 2b (the outer diameter of the operation knob 2), and the outer peripheral surface of each arcuate insertion portion 3b. Is set to be approximately equal to the diameter of the cylindrical surface including the inner peripheral surface of each arcuate outer wall 2b. Then, when the rubber band 3 is attached to the operation knob 2 so that each arcuate outer wall 2b is inserted between each arcuate insertion part 3b and the cylindrical gripping part 3a, each arcuate insertion part 3b corresponds to the corresponding rubber storage space S. The guide protrusion 2d is disposed in each first concave groove 3e and the side wall portion 2c is disposed in each second concave groove 3f. Since the guide protrusion 2d and the side wall 2c restrict the movement of the arc-shaped insertion portion 3b in the rubber storage space S in the circumferential direction, the rubber band 3 can be rotated integrally with the operation knob 2. Can be fitted in a state. As shown in FIG. 3, the elastic piece 3 c is not locked to the snap claw 2 e of the operation knob 2, but when the rubber band 3 is attached to the operation knob 2, the snap claw 2 e is moved around the elastic piece 3 c. Since it is engaged with and disengaged from the central portion in the direction, a click feeling is generated during the engagement.

  The decorative cap 4 is a ring-shaped retaining member that restricts the upward movement of the rubber band 3, and the outer surface thereof is plated to improve the design. The decorative cap 4 is locked to the upper end portion of the operation knob 2 and placed on the seat surface portion 3 d of the rubber band 3. As shown in FIG. 1, the decorative cap 4 has locking holes 4a formed at four equally spaced locations, and relief grooves 4b formed at two opposing locations. Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the outer diameter of the decorative cap 4 is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the upper end portion of the cylindrical gripping portion 3a, and the inner diameter of the decorative cap 4 is larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical inner wall portion 2a. It is set slightly larger. The decorative cap 4 is snap-coupled to the operation knob 2 so that the rubber cap 3 is attached to the operation knob 2 and then fitted inside the upper end of the cylindrical grip 3a. At that time, it is necessary to align the locking hole 4a of the decoration cap 4 with the snap claw 2e of the operation knob 2. However, the decoration cap 4 is automatically inserted by inserting the guide protrusion 2d of the operation knob 2 into the escape groove 4b. Therefore, if the decorative cap 4 is pushed into the seat surface portion 3d as it is, the tip end portion of the snap claw 2e can be surely fitted into each locking hole 4a. When the decorative cap 4 is snap-coupled to the operation knob 2 in this way, the rubber band 3 is restricted from moving upward by the decorative cap 4, so that the operation knob 2 and the rubber band 3 are integrated.

  When assembling the rotary operation body 1 configured in this way, first, the rubber band 3 is attached to the operation knob 2. At this time, the rubber band 3 automatically aligns the second concave groove 3f with the side wall portion 2c when the first concave groove 3e is aligned with the guide protrusion 2d above the operation knob 2, and the arc-shaped Since the insertion portion 3b is positioned in the rubber storage space S, the rubber band 3 can be moved downward with respect to the operation knob 2 so that the two and 3 can be fitted together. Accordingly, the vertical movement and radial movement of the rubber band 3 are restricted by the respective arc-shaped outer wall portions 2b of the operation knob 2, and the movement of the rubber band 3 in the circumferential direction is controlled by the side wall portion 2c of the operation knob 2 and the guide. Since it is regulated by the protrusion 2d, the rubber band 3 can be attached to the operation knob 2 in a state where it hardly elastically extends (substantially no load).

  FIG. 4 shows a state in which the rubber band 3 is thus attached to the operation knob 2. In this state, if the decorative cap 4 is pushed in so as to be fitted inside the upper end portion of the cylindrical gripping portion 3a as described above, the decoration is shown. The cap 4 is snap-coupled to the operation knob 2 and placed on the seat surface portion 3d. Thus, the rubber band 3 is prevented from being detached from the operation knob 2, and the rotary operation body 1 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is completed.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the insertion amount (insertion depth) of the arc-shaped insertion portion 3 b into the rubber storage space S is half of the total height (total height dimension) of the rubber band 3. It is set to a degree.

  As described above, in the rotary operation body 1 according to this embodiment, the rubber band 3 can be fitted into the operation knob 2 while being hardly extended (substantially unloaded). The rubber band 3 can be attached to the operation knob 2 and rotated integrally without fear of causing deformation such as distortion in the pattern formed on the outer surface of 3a. The backlash in the axial direction of the rubber band 3 is a decorative cap. 4 can be easily prevented. Therefore, the rubber band 3 can be attached easily and reliably without deteriorating the design. In addition, since it is not necessary to increase the hardness of the rubber band 3 in particular, a material that can be easily applied to the fingers can be selected as appropriate. Therefore, the rotary operating body 1 having the rubber band 3 that feels good when touched with the fingers and is difficult to slip can be easily obtained. Can be manufactured. In addition, since the rubber band 3 attached to the operation knob 2 with almost no load hardly changes over time, it is unlikely that cracks or the like will occur even if it is used for a long period of time, and a longer life can be expected.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, when a mischief such as pinching the tubular gripping portion 3 a of the rubber band 3 with a finger and forcibly pulling it to the lateral direction is made with respect to the rotary operation body 1, The arcuate outer wall portion 2b thus held holds the arcuate insertion portion 3b to inhibit elastic deformation of the tubular gripping portion 3a, and a strong frictional resistance acts on the tubular gripping portion 3a that presses against the edge portion of the side wall portion 2c. For this reason, it is extremely difficult to pinch the rubber band 3 (cylindrical gripping portion 3a) after attachment with a finger and extend it greatly. Therefore, even if such an undesired action is performed, there is almost no risk that the rubber band 3 will be turned over or plastically deformed, and good quality can always be maintained.

  Moreover, in this rotary operation body 1, since the decoration cap 4 is snap-coupled to the operation knob 2 by a plurality of snap claws 2e projecting from the upper portion of the operation knob 2, the operation knob 2 to which the rubber band 3 is attached is touched with one touch. The decoration cap 4 can be attached. Moreover, since the snap claw 2e is engaged with the elastic piece 3c during the mounting operation of the rubber band 3 to generate a click feeling, the mounting operator securely assembled the rubber band 3 to the operation knob 2 by this clicking feeling. I can feel that. Therefore, the rotary operation body 1 has very good assembly workability. In addition, if the decoration cap 4 fitted in the upper end part of the cylindrical holding part 3a is used as a retaining member for restricting the upward movement of the rubber band 3 as in this embodiment, the design can be further enhanced. Therefore, it is preferable.

  Further, in this rotary operation body 1, the operation knob 2 is provided with a plurality of side wall portions 2c projecting radially outward from the cylindrical inner wall portion 2a and the guide projections 2d, and these side wall portions 2c and the guide projections 2d are rubber bands. 3 functions not only as a detent for restricting the movement of the arcuate insertion portion 3b in the circumferential direction, but also as a reinforcing rib for the cylindrical inner wall portion 2a. A simple and highly reliable mounting structure is realized because it also serves as a guide function for guiding it to the alignment position.

  Moreover, in this rotary operation body 1, since the insertion amount of the arc-shaped insertion portion 3b into the rubber storage space S is set to about half of the total height of the rubber band 3, it is said that the rubber band 3 after attachment is pinched and pulled. While suppressing the act, the arrangement space for the decorative cap 4 can be secured without difficulty at the uppermost portion on the radially inner side of the cylindrical gripping portion 3a, and the height can be easily reduced.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Rotation operation body 2 Operation knob 2a Cylindrical inner wall part 2b Arc-shaped outer wall part 2c Side wall part (rotation prevention part)
2d Guide protrusion (rotation stop)
2e Snap claw 3 Rubber band 3a Cylindrical gripping part 3b Arc-shaped insertion part 3c Elastic piece 3d Seat surface part 3e, 3f Concave groove 4 Decoration cap (retaining member)
4a Locking hole S Rubber storage space

Claims (6)

In the rotary operation body that can be rotated integrally by attaching a rubber band having a pattern formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical gripping portion to the operation knob,
The rubber band is provided with arcuate insertion portions facing the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical gripping portion distributed in a plurality of locations along the circumferential direction, and both ends in the circumferential direction of the respective arcuate insertion portions are respectively connected to the cylindrical gripping portion. Connected to
A plurality of arc-shaped outer wall portions having an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the cylindrical gripping portion on the operation knob, and a cylindrical inner wall portion facing the inner peripheral surface of each arc-shaped outer wall portion via a rubber storage space, respectively. And a plurality of detent portions protruding radially outward from the cylindrical inner wall portion and positioned at both circumferential ends of the arc-shaped outer wall portion,
The movement in the circumferential direction of the arc-shaped insertion portion stored in the rubber storage space is restricted by the rotation preventing portion, and the movement of the rubber band in the axial direction is prevented from being attached to the operation knob. A rotary operation body characterized by being restricted by a member.   2. The rotary operation body according to claim 1, wherein snap claws are protruded at a plurality of upper portions of the operation knob, and the retaining member is snap-coupled to the operation knob by the snap claws. .   The rotary operation body according to claim 2, wherein an elastic piece that can be engaged with and disengaged from the snap claw is provided on a radially inner side of the cylindrical grip portion.   The rotary operation body according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the retaining member is formed as a decorative cap fitted into an upper end portion of the cylindrical gripping portion.   5. The groove according to claim 1, wherein a concave groove extending in an axial direction is provided on a radially inner side of the cylindrical gripping portion, and the detent portion is inserted into the concave groove. Rotating operation body.   The insertion amount of the arc-shaped insertion portion into the rubber storage space is set to about half of the height of the entire rubber band according to any one of claims 1 to 5. Rotating operation body.

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