WO2015177945A1

WO2015177945A1 - Rotary encoder

Info

Publication number: WO2015177945A1
Application number: PCT/JP2014/078538
Authority: WO
Inventors: 吉昭野村
Original assignee: 株式会社村田製作所
Priority date: 2014-05-22
Filing date: 2014-10-28
Publication date: 2015-11-26
Also published as: CN105097344A; CN204257472U; CN105097344B

Abstract

Provided is a rotary encoder allowing further size-reduction and cost-reduction to be achieved compared to prior art. The rotary encoder (10) comprises a base member (12), a first fixed contact member (14) provided on the base member (12), a plurality of second fixed contact members (16, 18) provided so as to leave a space to the first fixed contact member (14), a rotor member (20) rotatably supported by the base member (12), and a rotating contact member (22) having protruding and recessed portions in the rotation direction and rotating together with the rotor member (20). The first fixed contact member (14) is always in contact with the rotating contact member (22), and, through the rotation of the rotor member (20), the second fixed contact members (16, 18) become caught and released by the protruding and recessed portions of the rotating contact member (22), thereby bringing the rotating contact member (22) and the second fixed contact members (16, 18) into contact to turn the electrical connections between the rotating contact member (22) and the second fixed contact members (16, 18) on and off while giving rise to a clicking feel.

Description

Rotary encoder

The present invention relates to a rotary encoder, and is used particularly for a computer peripheral device such as a mouse, a mobile phone, an in-vehicle electrical component, and the like. The present invention relates to a rotary encoder that generates a signal for knowing.

As an example of the prior art as the background of the present invention, for example, a rotatable columnar, cylindrical, or truncated cone-shaped rotating body made of an insulating material, and a code pattern provided on the outer surface of the rotating body, A plurality of contact pieces that come into contact with the code pattern, a code pattern is provided on the circumferential surface of the rotating body, and an uneven portion for clicking is formed on one end surface of the rotating body, There has been a rotary encoder characterized in that a click mechanism is configured by engaging and disengaging an engaging member with this concavo-convex portion (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this prior art, the length of the rotating body 8 in the direction of the rotation axis can be reduced, and a small rotary encoder can be obtained.
However, in this prior art, apart from the configuration for the electrical contact, a click uneven part is formed on one end face of the rotating body, and the engaging member is engaged with and disengaged from the uneven part to provide a click mechanism. Therefore, the number of parts increases, and there is a limit to further downsizing and cost reduction of the rotary encoder.

Therefore, in order to solve such problems, it has been proposed to realize the configuration for the click mechanism and the electrical contact with the same movable contact piece.
That is, as another example of the prior art as the background of the present invention, for example, a base provided with a rotor provided in a housing, a movable contact piece rotatable with the rotor, and a fixed contact piece corresponding to the movable contact piece A rotary switch having a structure in which a convex portion is formed on the movable contact piece and the convex portion is elastically contacted with an uneven surface provided on the inner surface of the housing to generate a click feeling has been proposed ( For example, see Patent Document 2.) In this prior art, a convexity formed on the movable contact piece and an uneven surface provided on the housing are elastically contacted to generate a click feeling that is linked to the contact switching operation by the movable contact piece during operation. .

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-167665 (FIGS. 1 and 2) JP 2010-67421 A (FIG. 6)

However, for example, the conventional technique as shown in Patent Document 2 has a click mechanism that is linked to the contact switching operation by the movable contact piece, but in order to generate a click feeling, it is necessary to separately provide a concave surface and a convex surface on the inner surface of the housing. Therefore, similar to the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, there is a limit to further miniaturization and cost reduction.

Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a rotary encoder that can realize further miniaturization and cost reduction as compared with the prior art.

The present invention according to claim 1 is formed of a base member formed of an insulating material, a first fixed contact member formed of one conductive surface of the base member, and a conductive material. A plurality of second fixed contact members disposed on the one main surface of the base member at a distance from the first fixed contact member, and an insulating material, and one end in the axial direction is formed on the one main surface of the base member A rotor member whose side is rotatably supported, and a rotary contact member that is formed of a conductive material, is disposed at an intermediate portion in the axial direction of the rotor member, rotates with the rotor member, and has an uneven portion in the rotational direction. The first fixed contact member is always in contact with the rotary contact member, and the rotation of the rotor member causes the second fixed contact member to engage and disengage with the concavo-convex portion of the rotary contact member. Repeated contact / non-contact with the fixed contact member of the rotating contact member The electrical connection between the second fixed contact member as well as on / off, characterized in that to rise to click feeling, a rotary encoder.
In the present invention according to claim 1, by having the above-described configuration, on / off switching of electrical connection between the rotary contact member that is always in contact with the first fixed contact member and the second fixed contact member. The mechanism and the click mechanism that causes the click feeling are simultaneously achieved by one configuration that engages and disengages the second fixed contact member with the concavo-convex portion of the rotary contact member. Therefore, in the present invention, it is not necessary to provide a click mechanism separately from the configuration for electrical contacts, for example, compared to the prior arts disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, for example. And cost reduction can be realized.
The present invention according to claim 2 is an invention dependent on the invention according to claim 1, wherein the second fixed contact member has a convex shape that can be engaged with and disengaged from the concave and convex portion at an intermediate portion in the length direction thereof. The rotary contact member includes a plurality of rotary contact pieces extending radially from the rotation center side of the rotor portion, and the rotary contact piece is elastically contacted with the convex portion. .
According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the rotor member is rotated, the plurality of rotating contact pieces of the rotating contact member rotate, and the convex portion of the second fixed contact member rotates. It is engaged / disengaged with the uneven part of the contact member. That is, the convex portion is engaged and disengaged between a plurality of rotary contact pieces (corresponding to the convex portions of the rotary contact member) and between the rotary contact pieces (corresponding to the concave portions of the rotary contact member). In this case, since the plurality of rotating contact pieces and the convex portions of the plurality of second fixed contact members are elastically contacted, a click feeling can be caused by a reaction force when the elastic contact is released. It is possible.
The present invention according to claim 3 is an invention dependent on the invention according to claim 2, wherein the second fixed contact member has a fixed end on one side in the length direction and a free end on the other side in the length direction. The rotary encoder is cantilevered by a base so as to be at the end.
In this invention which concerns on Claim 3, when it has the above-mentioned structure, when the convex part of a 2nd stationary contact member is elastically contacted with the several rotation contact piece of a rotation contact member, the said convex part is By the pressing force of the rotating contact piece, it is temporarily displaced in the direction opposite to the protruding direction. At this time, the free end side of the second fixed contact member is linearly displaced in the length direction of the second fixed contact member according to the amount of displacement of the convex portion. Then, when the convex portion is positioned between the rotating contact pieces, that is, the rotating contact pieces of the rotating contact finish the elastic contact with the convex portion. When the contact is released, the free end side of the second fixed contact member returns to the original position. The reaction force at this time can cause a click feeling.
The present invention according to claim 4 is an invention dependent on the present invention according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the plurality of rotary contact pieces and the convex portions of the plurality of second fixed contact members are in contact with each other. In some cases, the plurality of second fixed contact members include fixed contact members having different positions of the convex portions so that a phase difference occurs in the rotation direction.
In this invention which concerns on Claim 4, by having the above-mentioned structure, contact / non-contact with a convex part of a plurality of rotation contact pieces and a plurality of 2nd fixed contact members is repeated, and the rotation contact piece When the electrical connection with the convex portion of the second fixed contact member is turned on / off, a phase difference occurs between the output electrical signals (pulse signals). In this case, there is an effect that the rotation direction and the rotation angle of the rotary contact member can be detected by measuring the electrical signal (pulse signal) output with the phase shifted by, for example, the circuit of the device used.
The present invention according to claim 5 is an invention dependent on the present invention according to claim 1, wherein the rotor member is fitted to an intermediate portion in the axial direction of the rotor member, and a support member for supporting the rotary contact member is provided. And the support member includes a positioning groove for positioning the rotary contact member at a predetermined position.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the rotary contact member is positioned by the positioning groove portion of the support member by the above-described configuration, so that the position shift of the rotary contact member in the support member is prevented. Further, when the rotary contact member is fitted into the positioning groove, the height of the positioning groove can be reduced by the depth of the positioning groove.
A sixth aspect of the present invention is an invention dependent on the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the rotor member, the rotary contact member, the first fixed contact member, and the second fixed contact are provided between the base member and the base member. The base member further includes a lid member attached to the base member in a state where the member is sandwiched, and the base member includes a claw piece disposed on the base member, and when the lid member is attached to the base member, The claw piece includes a locking portion where the claw piece is locked at a portion facing the claw piece, the claw piece includes a rounded surface on which the insertion end of the lid member is guided, and the locking portion includes the locking end of the claw piece. The rotary encoder includes a rounded surface to be guided, and the locking end of the claw piece is locked to the locking portion when the lid member and the base member are locked.
The present invention according to claim 6 has the above-described configuration, so that when the lid member is attached to the base member, the insertion end of the lid member is guided along the rounded surface of the claw piece, and the claw piece of the base member Since the locking end is guided along the rounded surface of the locking portion of the lid member, the lid member can be easily attached to the base member. Further, when the lid member is attached to the base member, since the latching end of the claw piece of the base member is latched by the latching portion of the lid member, the lid member is difficult to come off from the base member.
The present invention according to claim 7 is an invention subordinate to the present invention according to claim 6, wherein the lid member side is interposed between the lid member and the rotor member and the lid member is attached to the base member. Including a pressing member that is compressed by pressing in the direction from the base member to seal a gap between the lid member and the rotor member. The pressing member is a rotor member, a rotating contact member, and a base that is compressed by pressing. The rotary encoding is characterized in that it absorbs the tolerance of the member, the first fixed contact member, the second fixed contact member, and the assembly tolerance of each member.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the gap between the lid member and the rotor portion can be sealed with the pressing member by having the above-described configuration. In addition, at the same time, the rotor member is brought into rotational contact by pressing from the lid member side toward the base member side, that is, by always pressing the rotor member toward the base member side with a constant load via the compression member. Since it becomes possible to absorb the tolerance of the member, the base member, the first fixed contact member, the second fixed contact member, and the assembly tolerance of each member, poor contact between the rotating contact member and the first fixed contact member Can be prevented. Further, it is possible to prevent poor contact between the plurality of rotating contact pieces and the convex portions of the plurality of fixed contact pieces when the rotor member rotates. In this case, it is ensured that a constant click feeling is always generated.

According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a rotary encoder that can realize further miniaturization and cost reduction as compared with the conventional art.

The above-described object, other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of embodiments for carrying out the invention with reference to the drawings.

It is a perspective view which shows an example of embodiment of the rotary encoder which concerns on this invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 1. 3A and 3B are diagrams showing an example of a base member used in the rotary encoder shown in FIG. 2, wherein FIG. 3A is a plan view thereof, FIG. 3B is a front view thereof, and FIG. (C) is a perspective view thereof. 4A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 3A, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating an example of a rotor member used in the rotary encoder illustrated in FIG. 2, in which FIG. 6A is a bottom view thereof, and FIG. 6B is a plan view of FIG. FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 5A, and FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of a portion B in FIG. 6A. 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating an example of a first rotary contact member used in the rotary encoder illustrated in FIG. 2, in which FIG. 7A is a plan view thereof, and FIG. 7B is a plan view of FIG. It is a front view of A). FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second rotary contact member used in the rotary encoder illustrated in FIG. 2, in which FIG. 8A is a plan view thereof, and FIG. 8B is a diagram of FIG. It is a front view of A). FIG. 9A is a plan view showing an example of a first fixed contact member and a second fixed contact member used in the rotary encoder shown in FIG. 2 and an arrangement state thereof, and FIG. ) Is an enlarged perspective view of FIG. 9A, and FIG. 9C is a front view of FIG. 9A. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a lid member used in the rotary encoder illustrated in FIG. 2, in which FIG. 10A is a plan view thereof, and FIG. 10B is a diagram of FIG. FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA, and FIG. 10C is a right side view of FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the first fixed contact member and the second fixed contact member shown in FIG. 9 are set on the base member shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. FIG. 11 is a perspective view, and FIG. 11B is a plan view thereof. 12A is a perspective view of a rotor member used in the rotary encoder shown in FIG. 2 as viewed from the back side, and FIG. 12B is a state in which the rotary contact member is set on the rotor member. It is the perspective view which looked at an example from the back side of the rotor member. 13A is a perspective view for explaining an example of a state in which a lid member used in the rotary encoder shown in FIG. 2 is set on a base member, and FIG. 13B is a lid member. It is a right view for demonstrating an effect | action when is set to a base member. 14A is an enlarged perspective view of a main part when the cover member used in the rotary encoder shown in FIG. 2 is set on the base as viewed from the outside of the cover member, and FIG. These are the principal part expansion perspective views which looked at the state from the inner side of the cover member. It is principal part sectional drawing for demonstrating according to a time series the engagement effect | action when setting the cover member used for the rotary encoder shown in FIG. 2 to a base member. 16 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the rotary encoder shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, and FIG. 16A is a perspective view showing a state when the rotary contact member is rotated, and FIG. B) is a main part enlarged right side view showing the operation of the rotating contact member and the second fixed contact member at that time. 17A is an electric circuit diagram showing an example of the output circuit of the rotary encoder shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and FIG. 17B is an output waveform diagram showing an example of the electric output. .

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an embodiment of a rotary encoder according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 11, 13, and the like, the rotary encoder 10 according to the present embodiment is mainly disposed on, for example, a base member 12 and one main surface side of the base member 12. The first fixed contact member 14, the second

fixed contact members

16, 18 disposed on both sides of the first fixed contact member 14 with a space therebetween, and the one main surface side of the base member 12 are rotated. The rotor member 20 that is freely supported, the rotary contact member 22 that is disposed on one end side in the axial direction of the rotor member 20 and that can come into contact with the first fixed contact member 14, and the other axial direction of the rotor member 20. The pressing member 24 disposed on the end side, the first fixed contact member 14, the second

fixed contact members

16 and 18, the rotating contact member 22, the rotor member 20, and the pressing member 24 are connected to the base member 12. It is attached to the base member 12 while being sandwiched between them. In the lid member 26 is constructed.

Next, each member will be described. First, the base member 12 will be described in detail.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the base member 12 includes, for example, a rectangular base body 28. The base body 28 has, on one main surface thereof, a storage groove 30 that extends linearly from the center in the length direction of the side surface 28 a on one side of the base body 28 to the center of the base body 28. The storage groove 30 is formed in, for example, a U shape in a sectional view and a rectangular shape in a plan view.
Further, as shown in FIG. 4A, for example, the base main body 28 has a T-shaped cross-sectional view that penetrates in the height direction (thickness direction) of the base main body 28 at the distal end portion of the storage groove 30 in plan view. A circular through-hole portion 32 is included. The through hole portion 32 communicates with the small diameter hole portion 32a penetrating the other main surface side (rear surface side) of the base body and the small diameter hole portion 32a, and is penetrated to one main surface side (front surface side) of the base body 28. Large-diameter hole 32b. As shown in FIG. 3C and FIG. 4A, the through-hole portion 32 is provided with a stepped portion 34 having a ring shape in a plan view at an intermediate portion in the height direction (thickness direction) of the base body 28. It is installed.

Further, the base main body 28 has, for example, two

storage groove portions

36a and 36b disposed on one main surface thereof in parallel with the storage groove portion 30 with a space therebetween. The

storage groove portions

36 a and 36 b are arranged on both sides of the storage groove portion 30 and at a predetermined interval in parallel with the storage groove portion 30. The

storage groove portions

36a and 36b extend in a straight line from the center in the longitudinal direction of the side surface portion 28a on one side of the base body 28 to the vicinity of the side surface portion 28b on the other side. The

storage groove portions

36a and 36b are each formed, for example, in a U shape in a sectional view and in a rectangular shape in a plan view.

Further, the base body 28 has a longitudinal center portion of the

side surface portions

28c and 28d adjacent to the side surface portion 28a on the one side and a longitudinal center portion of the side surface portion 28b facing the side surface portion 28a on the one side side. In addition, for example, one claw piece 38 is provided. Since the three claw pieces 38 are formed in the same shape and size, for example, the claw pieces 38 disposed on the side surface portion 28b of the base body 28 are taken as an example in FIGS. The details will be described below with reference to the above.
The claw piece 38 includes a claw piece body 40 that protrudes from the upper end in the height direction of the side surface portion 28b to the center portion and outward of the side surface portion 28b. The claw piece main body 40 includes a protruding piece 42 having a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction of the side surface portion 28b and vertically protruding outward from the side surface portion 28b. As shown in (B) and (C) of FIG. 3 and (A) and (B) of FIG. 4, the protruding piece 42 includes a flat surface portion (horizontal surface portion) 44 orthogonal to the side surface portion 28 b and the flat surface portion 44. The other flat part 46 extended perpendicularly | vertically from the protrusion edge part of this, and parallel to the side part 28b, and the round surface part 48 connected with the flat part 46 are included. The rounded surface portion 48 has a start end 48 a connected to one end edge in the height direction of the side surface portion 28 b and a terminal end 48 b connected to the other flat portion 46.
The base body 28 and the claw piece 38 described above are integrally formed of an insulating material.

In the present embodiment, for example, the base member 30 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is formed such that the length L1 of one side thereof is, for example, 2.75 mm to 2.65 mm as shown in FIG. The height H1 (thickness) is, for example, 0.52 mm to 0.62 mm as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3A, the groove widths W1, W2, and W3 of the

storage groove portions

30, 36a, and 36b are each formed to be, for example, 0.40 mm to 0.45 mm, and the center of the storage groove portion 30 in the width direction. The distance L2 between the center in the width direction of the

storage grooves

36a and 36b is, for example, 0.85 mm to 0.95 mm. As shown in FIG. 4B, the groove lengths L3 of the

storage groove portions

36a and 36b are each set to 2.35 mm to 2.45 mm, for example. As shown in FIG. 4A, the groove depths D of the

storage groove portions

36a and 36b are each set to 0.27 mm to 0.33 mm, for example.
Further, as shown in FIG. 9A, the diameter φ1 of the small diameter hole portion 32a of the through hole portion 32 is, for example, 0.70 mm to 0.74 mm, and the diameter φ2 of the large diameter hole portion 32b is, for example, It is formed to 1 mm to 1.05 mm. The depth D of the large-diameter hole 32b is formed to be the same as the groove depth D of the

storage grooves

36a and 36b, as shown in FIG.
Further, as shown in FIG. 3A, the claw piece 38 has a length L4 of, for example, 0.75 mm to 0.85 mm, and a width W4 of, for example, 0.11 mm to 0.19 mm. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the height H2 is formed to be 0.24 mm to 0.30 mm, for example, and the radius R is formed to be 0.05 mm to 0.25 mm, for example. Has been.

Next, the first fixed contact member 14 and the second

fixed contact members

16 and 18 will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS.
First, the first fixed contact member 14 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C, the first fixed contact member 14 includes, for example, a fixed contact piece 50 having a rectangular band shape in plan view. The fixed contact piece 50 has, for example, a fixed ring portion 52 having a circular shape in plan view and a rectangular shape in cross section at one end in the length direction, and a bent portion having an L shape in cross section in the other end in the length direction. 54. The fixed ring portion 52 has an arc portion 52 a connected to one end in the length direction of the fixed contact piece 50. The bent portion 54 includes a long side portion 54a having a rectangular shape in plan view, and extends vertically from one end in the length direction of the long side portion 54a to integrally form a short side portion 54b. One end of the short side portion 54 b is connected to the other end in the length direction of the fixed contact piece 50.
The fixed contact piece 50, the fixed ring portion 52, and the bent portion 54 are integrally formed of, for example, a metal material as a conductive material, and are formed as a first fixed contact terminal.

Next, one second fixed contact member 16 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C, the second fixed contact member 16 includes, for example, a fixed contact piece 56 having a rectangular band shape in plan view. As shown in FIG. 9B, the fixed contact piece 56 is provided with, for example, a mountain-shaped convex portion 58 at one end in the length direction thereof, and is provided with, for example, a sectional view L at the other end in the length direction. A character-shaped bent portion 60 is provided. The convex portion 58 has an aspect in which it protrudes in an inverted V shape in cross section on one main surface side, and is formed by two

oblique sides

58a and 58b and a top convex 62A located at the intersection of the

oblique sides

58a and 58b. ing. The top portion 62A is formed on the rounded surface portion 62a having a predetermined curvature. On the distal end side of the convex portion 58, a fixed contact piece 56 and an extending portion 64 extending in the length direction of the convex portion 58 are disposed in a plan view. In this case, the intersection 59a between the fixed contact piece 56 and the oblique side portion 58a is one bent portion, and the intersection 59b between the oblique side portion 58b and the extended portion 64 is the other bent portion.
In addition, the bending part 60 becomes a structure similar to the bending part 54 of the above-mentioned 1st fixed contact member 14, and has the long side part 60a and the short side part 60b.

Next, the other second fixed contact member 18 will be described. The other second fixed contact member 18 is different from the above-described one second fixed contact member 16 only in that the position where the convex portion is formed is different. It is what has. In the other second fixed contact member 18, parts having the same structure and function as those of the one second fixed contact member 16 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals.
For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, the convex portion 62 of the one second fixed contact member 16 described above is formed from a boundary portion between the fixed contact piece 56 and the bent portion 60, for example. The distance L1 to the center line of the top portion 62A of 58 is from the boundary portion between the fixed contact piece 56 and the bent portion 60 in the other second fixed contact member 18 to the center line of the top portion 62B of the convex portion 58. When the distance L2 is set, the positions of both the

apexes

62A and 62B are set so that L1> L2.
The second

fixed contact members

16 and 18 are each formed by integrally forming a fixed contact piece 56, a convex portion 58, a bent portion 60 and an extending portion 64, for example, with a metal material as a conductive material, It is used as a second fixed contact terminal. The second

fixed contact members

16 and 18 can be appropriately formed by, for example, bending.

In the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 9A, the outer diameter φ1 of the fixing ring portion 52 of the first fixed contact piece 14 is formed to be, for example, 0.94 mm to 0.98 mm. The inner diameter φ2 of the portion 52 (the diameter of the ring hole 53) is, for example, 0.72 mm to 0.76 mm. Further, the widths W1, W2, and W3 of the bent portion 54 of the first fixed contact member 14 and the

bent portions

60 and 60 of the second

fixed contact members

16 and 18 are respectively formed to be the same, for example, 0. It is formed to be 35 mm to 0.40 mm.
The heights H1 (thicknesses) of the bent portions 54 of the first fixed contact member 14 and the

bent portions

60, 60 of the second

fixed contact members

16, 18 are as shown in FIG. Are formed in the same manner, for example, 0.05 mm to 0.12 mm. The lengths L3 of the bent portions 54 of the first fixed contact member 14 and the

bent portions

60, 60 of the second

fixed contact members

16, 18 are formed to be the same, for example, 0.5 mm to 0.7 mm. Is formed. Further, the length L4 of the fixed

contact pieces

56, 56 of the second

fixed contact members

16, 18 is, for example, 0.58 mm to 0.68 mm. Further, the

round surface portions

62a and 62b of the

top portions

62A and 62B of the

convex portions

58 and 58 of the second

fixed contact members

16 and 18 are respectively formed in the same round shape, for example, 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm. ing.
Furthermore, in the second

fixed contact members

16 and 18, the length L5 obtained by adding the length L4 of the fixed contact piece 56 and the length of the convex portion 58 in the plan view length direction is, for example, 1.79 mm to 1. .89 mm. Further, the length L6 of the second

fixed contact members

16 and 18 plus the length L5 and the length L6 of the extending portion is, for example, 2.0 mm to 2.1 mm.
In addition, the click feeling is caused by the elastic contact between the six rotating contact pieces 90 and the

round surface portions

62a and 62b of the

top portions

62A and 62B of the second

fixed contact members

16 and 18, and the release of the elastic contact. However, in particular, as shown in FIG. 9C, for example, as shown in FIG. 9C, intersecting

portions

59a and 59a of the fixed

contact pieces

56 and 56 of the second

fixed contact members

16 and 18 and the

oblique sides

58a and 58a ( The shorter the distance L7 from the one bent portion) to the

apexes

62A, 62B of the

convex portions

58, 58, the harder it becomes, that is, the resistance when clicking is increased, and the click feeling is increased. In this case, the distance L7 is preferably formed to 0.8 mm to 1.6 mm, for example.

The first fixed contact member 14 and the second

fixed contact members

16 and 18 described above are accommodated in the base member 12 described above, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 11A and 11B, for example. The groove 30 is accommodated and held in the stepped portion 34 of the through-hole portion 32 and the

accommodating groove portions

36a and 36b. In this case, the fixed contact piece 50 of the first fixed contact member 14 is stored and held in the storage groove 30, and at the same time, the fixed ring portion 52 is inserted into the large-diameter hole portion 32 b of the through-hole portion 32, The step 34 is stored and held. Further, the second

fixed contact members

16 and 18 have one end portion in the length direction of the fixed

contact pieces

56 and 56, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. The

storage grooves

36a and 36b are stored and held in the

storage grooves

36a and 36b so as to be spaced apart from the abutting

surfaces

37a and 37b in the length direction of the

storage grooves

36a and 36b.

Further, the fixed contact piece 50 of the first fixed contact member 14 and the fixed

contact pieces

56 and 56 of the second

fixed contact members

16 and 18 are stored in the storage groove 30 and the storage by appropriate fixing means 66 such as an adhesive. Fixed to the

grooves

36a, 36b. In FIG. 2, for the sake of convenience, the fixing means 66 is disposed on the upper surface of the fixed contact piece 50 and the fixed

contact pieces

56, 56 in order to illustrate the fixing means 66. The

contact pieces

56 and 56 are fixed to the bottom surface portion and / or the side surface portions of the storage groove portion 30 and the

storage groove portions

36a and 36b by the fixing means 66.

Therefore, the second

fixed contact members

16 and 18 are, for example, in the state shown in FIG. 9B and FIG. 11A and FIG. 66 is a portion fixed to the

storage groove portions

36a and 36b of the base member 12), and the other side in the length direction is a free end 65 (the tip portion of the extending portion 64), and is cantilevered on the base member 12. It has become a mode.

Next, the rotor member 20 will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 2, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, for example, the rotor member 20 includes a rotor shaft portion 70 having a circular shape in section. The rotor shaft portion 70 is provided with an operation shaft portion 72 having a circular shape in section, for example, at one end side in the axial direction, and a support member 74 formed at the intermediate portion in the axial direction by, for example, a disc-shaped flange portion. Is arranged. When the diameter of the rotor shaft portion 70 is φ1, the diameter of the operation shaft portion 72 is φ2, and the diameter of the support member 74 is φ3, for example, φ1 <φ2 <φ3. The rotation center axis of the rotor shaft portion 70 and the center shafts of the operation shaft portion 72 and the support member 74 are located on the same axis.
The rotor shaft portion 70 has a function as a drive shaft that rotates the rotor member 20, and the operation shaft portion 72 has a function as a rotation action portion when the rotor member 20 is manually rotated, for example, and a support member. 74 has a function of supporting the rotary contact member 22 described later in detail on the rotor shaft portion 70. The rotor shaft 70, the operation shaft 72, and the support member 74 are integrally formed of, for example, a plastic material as an insulating material.

The rotor shaft portion 70 of the rotor member 20 has the other end portion in the axial direction via the fixing ring portion 52 of the first fixed contact member 14 disposed on the one main surface of the base member 12 described above. The base member 12 is inserted into the small-diameter hole portion 32a of the through-hole portion 32 and is rotatably supported. The fixing ring portion 52 has a function as a bearing portion that rotatably supports the rotor shaft portion 70.
As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 12, the support member 74 includes, on one main surface (front surface) of the support member 74, for example, an annular groove 76 having a circular shape in plan view, and the other main surface of the support member 74. In addition, a positioning groove 78 is provided. A pressing member 24 formed of, for example, an O-ring is fitted into the annular groove 76, and a rotation contact member 22 described later is fitted into the positioning groove 78. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5A, 5A, 6A, and 12A, the positioning groove 78 is formed from the center of the support member 74, in other words, the rotor shaft. For example, six radial grooves 80 extending radially outward from the center of rotation of the portion 72 are provided. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 12A, the six radial grooves 80 communicate with a central central groove 82 located around the outer periphery of the rotor shaft 70.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5A, the groove width W of each of the six radiating grooves 80 is, for example, 0.40 mm to 0.45 mm. The length L up to the tip of 80 is, for example, 1.05 mm to 1.15 mm. Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the diameter φ1 of the rotor shaft portion 70 is formed to 0.63 mm to 0.68 mm, for example, and the diameter φ2 of the operation shaft portion 72 is set to 1.15 mm to 1.. The support member 74 has a diameter φ3 of, for example, 2.35 mm to 2.40 mm. The length (thickness) of the support member 74 in the height direction is, for example, 0.37 mm to 0.43 mm. Further, as shown in FIG. 6A, the outer diameter φ4 of the annular groove 76 of the support member 74 is formed to be 1.8 mm, for example, and the groove depth t1 of the annular groove 76 is, for example, 0.02 mm to It is formed to 0.08 mm. Further, the circumferential angle θ between the adjacent radiating grooves 80 of the positioning groove portion 78 of the support member 74 is formed, for example, 60 °, and the groove depth t2 of the radiating groove 80 is, for example, the groove depth of the annular groove portion 76. It is formed in the same way as t1. Further, the outer diameter φ5 of the central groove 82 of the positioning groove 78 is, for example, 1.10 mm to 1.15 mm as shown in FIG.

Next, the rotary contact member 22 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2, 7, and 8, for example. The rotary contact member 22 includes a rotary contact portion 84 and a relay portion 86. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 7A, the rotary contact portion 84 includes, for example, a ring-shaped rotary base piece 88, and radially extends outwardly on the outer peripheral surface of the rotary base piece 88. For example, six rotary contact pieces 90 having a rectangular shape in plan view are provided. The rotary base piece 88 and the rotary contact piece 90 are integrally formed of, for example, a metal material as a conductive material.
The rotary contact portion 84 is fitted into the positioning groove portion 78 of the support member 74 described above, and is supported in the positioning groove portion 78 of the support member 74 by an adhering means (not shown) such as an adhesive. That is, the rotation contact portion 84 is fixed to the rotor member 20 via the support member 74 and rotates in conjunction with the rotation operation of the rotor shaft portion 70 of the rotor member 20.

Moreover, the relay part 86 is formed, for example in the shape of a rectangular ring in cross section, as shown in FIGS. The relay part 86 is made of, for example, a metal material as a conductive material.
The relay portion 86 is fitted into the large-diameter hole portion 32 b of the through-hole portion 32 of the base member 12 described above, and is placed on the upper surface of the fixed ring portion 52 of the first fixed contact member 14. Then, when the rotor shaft portion 70 of the rotor member 20 is fitted into the small diameter hole portion 32 a of the through hole portion 32 of the base member 12, the rotation base piece 88 of the rotation contact portion 84 supported by the support member 74. Can be contacted.
The rotary contact member 22 composed of the rotary contact portion 84 and the relay portion 86 is used as a rotary contact terminal.

In the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the rotary contact piece 90 is formed with a width W of, for example, 0.30 mm to 0.35 mm, and a length L thereof. For example, it is formed to 0.43 mm to 0.48 mm. The rotary contact piece 90 has an inner diameter φ1 of, for example, 0.80 mm to 0.85 mm, and an outer diameter of φ2 of, for example, 1.05 mm to 1.10 mm. Further, the circumferential angle θ between the adjacent rotating contact pieces 90 of the rotating contact portion 84 is formed, for example, at 60 °, and the height H (thickness) of the rotating contact piece 90 is formed, for example, at 0.10 mm. ing. Further, the distance from one main surface (front surface) of the base main body 28 of the base member 12 to the lower surface of the rotary contact piece 90 of the rotary contact member 22 is preferably set to 0 mm to 0.15 mm, for example. In this case, 0 mm indicates a state in which the lower surface of the rotating contact piece 90 is in contact with one main surface (front surface) of the base body 28.
Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the relay portion 86 has an inner diameter φ1 of, for example, 0.72 mm to 0.77 mm, and an outer diameter of φ2 of, for example, 0.91 mm to 0.96 mm. .
In the present embodiment, the rotary contact member 22 is formed by combining the rotary contact portion 84 and the relay portion 86 that are separately provided. The rotary contact member 22 is, for example, the rotary contact described above. The part 84 and the relay part 86 can be formed integrally.

Next, the lid member 26 will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 2, 10, 14, and 15.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 10, the lid member 26 includes a base plate 92 having a plan view shape. The base plate 92 has, for example, a circular insertion hole 93 that penetrates from one main surface to the other main surface. The base plate 92 has a side plate 94 extending vertically from the end of one side thereof. Furthermore, the base plate 92 has other side plates 96 that extend vertically from the ends of the other three adjacent sides. As shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C, each of the three side plates 96 includes, for example, a horizontally-long rectangular locking hole 97 as a locking portion at a substantially central portion thereof.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 2, the base plate 92 is formed as a top surface portion of the lid member 26, and one side plate 94 and the other three side plates 96 are formed as side portions of the lid member 26. . The length H1 in the height direction of one side plate 94 is shorter than the length H2 in the height direction of the other three side plates 96, for example, as shown in FIG. Yes. Further, the length H3 in the height direction from the one main surface of the base plate 92 to the locking hole 97 of each side plate 96 is formed to be the same as the above H1.
Further, the locking hole 97 having a function as a locking portion is a flat surface particularly at the inner peripheral end surface of the locking hole 97 as shown in FIGS. 14A, 14B, 15 and the like. Are formed, and one guide surface 100 formed by the R surface is formed.
The base plate 92, the one side plate 94, and the three side plates 96 are made of, for example, a plastic material as an insulating material, and are formed by bending or the like.
The above-mentioned lid member 26 is in a state where the rotor member 20, the rotary contact member 22, the first fixed contact member 14, and the second

fixed contact members

16, 18 described above are sandwiched between the base member 12. And attached to the base member 12.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10A, when viewed in plan, the total length L1 of the lid member 26 is formed to be 2.9 mm to 3.1 mm, for example, and the diameter φ of the insertion hole 93 is, for example, It is formed to be 1.3 mm to 1.4 mm. Further, as shown in FIG. 10C, the height H1 of the side plate 94 is formed to 0.67 mm to 0.87 mm, for example, and the total height H2 of the lid member 26 is set to 1.12 mm to 1.32 mm, for example. Is formed. Further, the length L3 of one side of the base plate 92, the side plate 94, and the side plate 96 of the lid member 26 is formed to be 2.71 mm to 2.81 mm, for example, and the length L2 of the locking portion 97 is, for example, It is formed to 0.9 mm to 1.0 mm. Further, as shown in FIG. 10B, the thickness t of the base plate 92, the side plate 94, and the side plate 96 is, for example, 0.12 mm. Further, a height H3 from one main surface of the base plate 92 to the end surface 98 of the locking portion 97 is, for example, 0.62 mm to 0.72 mm as shown in FIG. A height H4 from one main surface to the guide surface 100 of the locking portion 97 is, for example, 0.94 mm to 1.00 mm.

Next, operations and effects of the rotary encoder 10 according to the present embodiment will be described below based on the structure and arrangement relationship of each member described above.
In the rotary encoder 10, as shown in FIG. 16A, when the rotor member 20 is rotated in one direction (for example, clockwise), the six rotary contact pieces 90 of the rotary contact member 22 are rotated. The convex portions 58 of the second

fixed contact members

16 and 18 are engaged and disengaged with the concave and convex portions of the rotary contact member 22. That is, the convex portion 58 is engaged / disengaged between the plurality of rotary contact pieces 90 (corresponding to the convex portions of the rotary contact member 22) and between the plurality of rotary contact pieces 90 (corresponding to the concave portions of the rotary contact member 22). . At this time, since the plurality of rotating contact pieces 90 and the convex portions 58 of the plurality of second fixed

contact members

16 and 18 are elastically contacted, the reaction force when the elastic contact is released causes the operator to A click feeling can be generated.

In this case, for example, as shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the convex portions 58 of the second

fixed contact members

16 and 18 are elastically contacted with the plurality of rotary contact pieces 90 of the rotary contact member 22. The convex portion 58 is temporarily displaced in the direction opposite to the protruding direction by the pressing force of the rotary contact piece 90. At this time, the free end sides of the second

fixed contact members

16 and 18 are linearly displaced in the length direction of the second

fixed contact members

16 and 18 according to the displacement amount of the convex portion 58. Then, when the convex portion 58 is positioned between the rotating plurality of rotating contact pieces 90, that is, the rotating plural rotating contact pieces 90 finish the elastic contact with the

rounded surface portions

62a and 62b of the convex portion 58, When the elastic contact between the

rounded surface portions

62a and 62b of the convex portion 58 and the rotary contact piece 90 is released, the free end sides of the second

fixed contact members

16 and 18 return to their original positions. The reaction force at this time can cause a click feeling to the operator.

Furthermore, in the rotary encoder 10 according to the present embodiment, the elastic contact position between the rotary contact piece 90 of the rotary contact member 22 and the

round surface portions

62a and 62b of the convex portion 58 of the second fixed contact member is the rotational contact. The piece 90 is displaced in the rotation direction. Therefore, the rotation contact piece 90 and the convex portion 58 are repeatedly contacted / non-contacted with the

round surface portions

62a and 62b of the convex portions 58 of the plurality of second fixed

contact members

16 and 18, respectively. When the electrical connection to is turned on / off, for example, as shown in FIG. 17, a phase difference x is generated between the output electrical signals (pulse signals). In this case, the rotation direction and the rotation angle of the rotating contact piece 90 of the rotating contact member 22 can be detected by measuring an electrical signal (pulse signal) output with a phase shift by, for example, a circuit of a device used. It has the action.

Therefore, in the rotary encoder 10 according to the present embodiment, the second

fixed contact members

16 and 18 are engaged with and disengaged from the concavo-convex portions of the rotary contact member 22, so that the plurality of rotary contact pieces 90 and the plurality of second contact members 90 are engaged. Since the fixed

contact members

16 and 18 are in elastic contact with the convex portions 58, the rotation contact member 22 that is always in contact with the first fixed contact member 14 and the second

fixed contact members

16 and 18. An electrical connection on / off switching mechanism and a click mechanism for creating a click feel are achieved simultaneously by one configuration.
Therefore, the rotary encoder 10 does not need to be provided with a click mechanism separately from the configuration for the electrical contact as in the prior art, so that further downsizing and cost reduction can be realized as compared with the prior art. can do. That is, in this rotary encoder 10, there is no need to separately attach a click-dedicated elastic member, a cam plate, etc., so the number of parts can be reduced, the assemblability can be improved, cost reduction and miniaturization can be further promoted. I can plan.

Furthermore, in the rotary encoder 10 according to the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, the rotary contact member 22 is positioned by the positioning groove portion 78 of the support member 74, and the rotation base of the rotary contact member 22 in the support member 74 is. The positional deviation of the piece 88 and the rotating contact piece 90 can be prevented. Further, when the rotary contact member 22 is inserted into the positioning groove 78, the height of the axial direction (height direction) of the support member 74 can be reduced by the depth of the positioning groove 78.

Further, in the rotary encoder 10 according to the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B and FIGS. 15A to 15E, the lid member 26 is attached to the base member 12. In this case, the insertion end 102 of the lid member 12 is guided along the rounded surface portion 48 of the claw piece 38, and the flat portion 44 (locking end) of the claw piece 38 of the base member 12 is the locking portion of the lid member 26. Therefore, the lid member 26 can be easily attached to the base member 12. Further, when the lid member 26 is attached to the base member 12, the flat portion (locking end) of the claw piece 38 of the base member 12 is locked to the locking portion 97 of the lid member 26. The base member 12 is difficult to come off.

Furthermore, in the rotary encoder 10 according to the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the insertion member 93 of the lid member 26 and the insertion hole of the lid member 26 by the compression member 24. The gap 104 between the insertion hole 93 and the outer peripheral surface of the rotor shaft portion 72 when the rotor member 20 is inserted into the 93 can be sealed. The length H (thickness) of the pressing member 24 in the height direction is higher (thicker) than the gap G in the height direction between the base plate 92 of the lid member 26 and the support member 74 of the rotor member 20. ).
When the lid member 26 is set on the base member 12, the pressing force is always applied via the pressing member 24 by pressing from the lid member 26 side to the base member 12 side at the time of setting. The rotor member 20 is applied to the base member 12 side with a constant load. Thereby, the tolerance of the rotor member 20, the rotation contact member 22, the base member 12, the first fixed contact member 14, the second

fixed contact members

16, 18 and the assembly tolerance of each member can be absorbed.
Therefore, in this rotary encoder 10, contact failure between the rotary contact member 22 and the first fixed contact member 14 can be prevented, and six rotations of the rotary contact member 22 when the rotor member 20 rotates. Contact failure between the contact piece 90 and the convex portions 58 of the plurality of second fixed

contact members

16 and 18 can also be prevented. In this case, it is possible to stably ensure that a constant click feeling is always generated for the operator.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be variously modified within the scope of the gist.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Rotary encoder 12 Base member 14 1st fixed

contact member

16, 18 2nd fixed contact member 20 Rotor member 22 Rotation contact member 24 Compression member 26 Lid member 28 Base main body 28a Side surface part 30 Groove part 32 Through-hole part 32a Small-diameter hole portion 32b Large-diameter hole portion 34

Step portion

36a, 36b Storage groove portion 38 Claw piece 40 Claw piece main body 42 Projection piece 44 Plane portion (horizontal plane portion)
46 Other planes (vertical planes)
48 round face portion 48a start end portion 48b end portion 50 fixed contact piece 52 fixed ring portion 53 hole in fixed ring portion 54 bent portion 56 fixed contact piece 58 convex portion 60 bent portion 60a long side portion 60b

short side portion

62A,

62B Top part

62a, 62b Round surface part 64 Extension part 65 Free end 66 Fixing means 70 Rotor shaft part 72 Operation shaft part 74 Support member 76 Annular groove part 78 Positioning groove part 80 Radiation groove part 82 Central groove part 84 Rotation contact part 85 Rotation contact part hole 86 Relay part 87 Relay part hole 88 Rotating base piece 90 Rotating contact piece 92 Base plate (top part)
93 Insertion hole 94 Side plate (front)
95 Locking part (locking hole)
96 Other side plates (side parts)
98 End surface 100 Guide surface 102 Insertion end 104, G clearance

Claims

A base member formed of an insulating material,
A first fixed contact member formed of a conductive material and disposed on one main surface of the base member;
A plurality of second fixed contact members formed of a conductive material and disposed on one main surface of the base member at a distance from the first fixed contact member;
The rotor member is formed of an insulating material, and is formed of a conductive member and a rotor member whose one end side in the axial direction is rotatably supported on one main surface of the base member, and is disposed in an axially intermediate portion of the rotor member. A rotating contact member that rotates together with the rotor member and has an uneven portion in the rotation direction,
The first fixed contact member is always in contact with the rotary contact member,
By rotating the rotor member, the rotary contact member and the second fixed contact member are brought into contact with each other by engaging and disengaging the second fixed contact member with the concavo-convex portion of the rotary contact member. A rotary encoder that turns on / off electrical connection of the second fixed contact member and causes a click feeling.
The second fixed contact member includes a convex portion that can be engaged with and disengaged from the concave and convex portion at an intermediate portion in a length direction thereof.
The rotary contact member includes a plurality of rotary contact pieces extending radially from the rotation center side of the rotor portion,
The rotary encoder according to claim 1, wherein the convex portion is elastically contacted with the rotary contact piece.
The second fixed contact member is cantilevered by the base so that one side in the length direction becomes a fixed end and the other side in the length direction becomes a free end. Item 3. The rotary encoder according to Item 2.
The plurality of second fixed contact members include the phase difference in the rotation direction when the plurality of rotary contact pieces and the convex portions of the plurality of second fixed contact members are in contact with each other. The rotary encoder according to claim 2, wherein fixed contact members having different positions of the convex portions are included.
The rotor member includes a support member that is fitted in an axially intermediate portion of the rotor member and supports the rotary contact member, and the support member has a positioning groove portion that positions the rotary contact member at a predetermined position. The rotary encoder according to claim 1, comprising: a rotary encoder.
A lid member attached to the base member in a state where the rotor member, the rotary contact member, the first fixed contact member, and the second fixed contact member are sandwiched between the base member and the base member; ,
The base member includes a claw piece disposed on the base member,
The lid member includes a locking portion in which the claw piece is locked at a portion facing the claw piece when the lid member is attached to the base member,
The claw piece includes a rounded surface on which the insertion end of the lid member is guided, and the locking portion includes a rounded surface on which the locking end of the claw piece is guided,
2. The rotary encoder according to claim 1, wherein when the lid member and the base member are locked, a locking end of the claw piece is locked by the locking portion.
When the lid member is interposed between the lid member and the rotor member, and the lid member is attached to the base member, the lid member is compressed by being pressed from the lid member side toward the base member side. Including a pressing member that seals the gap between the rotor members;
The pressing member is assembled by assembling the rotor member, the rotating contact member, the base member, the first fixed contact member, the tolerance of the second fixed contact member, and the respective members by the pressing by the pressing. The rotary encoding according to claim 6, wherein the tolerance is absorbed.