Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US7294796?ie=ISO-8859-1
Timestamp: 2015-05-05 22:25:58
Document Index: 131337645

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 410', 'art 410', 'art 443', 'art 444', 'art 444', 'art 443', 'art 444', 'arts 444', 'art 410', 'art 410', 'art 410', 'art 410', 'art 410', 'art 410', 'art 410', 'art 410', 'art 410', 'art 410', 'art 410', 'art 410', 'art 410', 'art 410', 'art 410', 'art 410', 'art 410', 'art 410', 'art 410', 'art 410', 'art 410']

Patent US7294796 - Switch device, data-processing apparatus and playback apparatus - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsA playback apparatus is provided, which comprises a switch device (200) that gives the user good feeling of operating. A tape-shaped switch (500) is provided on a base part (410), extending along the circumference of the base part (410). A ring-shaped rotational drive section (450) opposes the tape-shaped...http://www.google.com/patents/US7294796?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US7294796 - Switch device, data-processing apparatus and playback apparatusAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS7294796 B2Publication typeGrantApplication numberUS 10/645,853Publication dateNov 13, 2007Filing dateAug 22, 2003Priority dateAug 23, 2002Fee statusPaidAlso published asEP1391887A2, EP1391887A3, US20040079623Publication number10645853, 645853, US 7294796 B2, US 7294796B2, US-B2-7294796, US7294796 B2, US7294796B2InventorsYoshinori Kataoka, Keitaro Kaburagi, Tetsuya Kikuchi, Hiroshi KawamiOriginal AssigneePioneer CorporationExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (13), Classifications (19), Legal Events (2) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetSwitch device, data-processing apparatus and playback apparatus
US 7294796 B2Abstract
A playback apparatus is provided, which comprises a switch device (200) that gives the user good feeling of operating. A tape-shaped switch (500) is provided on a base part (410), extending along the circumference of the base part (410). A ring-shaped rotational drive section (450) opposes the tape-shaped switch (500) and can move to and from the base part (410). A plurality of second rollers (440), each having a roller part (444) made of rubber or the like, are rotatably mounted on the rotational drive section (450). A flange (313) continuously extending outward from the disc-shaped table plate (311) of a jog table unit (310) is mounted on the rotational drive section (450). When the user rotates the jog table unit (310), the rotation-detecting section (470) provided on the base part (410) detects the rotation of the unit (310). The flange (313) is supported by the second rollers (440) at a position outside a position where the user touches the jog table unit (310) and rotates, so that the rotation of the jog table unit (310) can be reliably detected. The user can obtain good feeling of operating the switch device (200).
1. An operating device for controlling a signal, comprising:
a rotatable operation unit;
a detecting section that detects the rotation of the operation unit;
a base section that rotatably supports the operation unit;
a shaft provided on the base section, the shaft being arranged in a direction aligned with the radial direction of the operation unit; and
a plurality of rollers rotatably supported by the shaft, the rollers being in contact with a (bottom) side of the operation unit to support the operation unit.
2. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein each of the rollers has an elastic roller part, which contacts the circumferential edge of the operation unit.
3. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the rollers are disposed on the base section via an elastically deformable elastic member, the operation unit moving up and down in a direction orthogonal to a rotary plane of the operation unit.
4. The operating device according to claim 3, wherein the base section has a plurality of guide pins which protrude toward the top plate of the operation unit, the top plate has a guide groove which is made in a surface opposing the base section and which extends in the circumferential direction of the operation unit, and the guide pins are slidably inserted in the guide groove to slide within the guide groove.
5. The operating device according to claim 4, wherein said plurality of guide pins are positioned at substantially the same distance from the center of the top plate of the operation section unit.
6. The operating device according to claim 4, wherein each of the guide pins comprises a shaft and a guide roller, which is rotatably mounted on the shaft.
7. The operating device according to claim 3, wherein the top plate has a pair of annular guide ribs which are concentric to the top plate, have different diameters and define the guide groove.
8. The operating device according to claim 7, wherein the operation unit has a first gear provided on a circumferential surface of one of the pair of guide ribs and the detecting section is arranged on the base section and comprises a second gear and a rotation-detecting sensor for detecting the rotation of the second gear, the first gear and the second gear being set in mesh with the second gear.
9. The operating device according to claim 3, wherein the operation unit has a first gear on a surface which opposes the base section, the detecting section arranged on the base section which comprising the second gear set in mesh with the first gear and the rotation-detecting sensor for detecting the rotation of the second gear.
10. The operating device according to claim 3, wherein the elastic member is a spring.
11. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the base section has a plurality of guide pins which protrude toward the operation unit, the operation unit has a guide groove which is made in a surface opposing the base section, and the guide pins are slidably inserted in the guide groove to slide within the guide groove.
12. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the base section comprising a base part which supports the operation unit, allowing the operation unit to rotate, and a rotational drive section which is provided on the base part to move in a direction intersecting with the direction the operation unit rotates and which supports the rollers supporting the operation unit, allowing the rollers to rotate; and a motion-detecting section is provided to detect the motion of the rotational drive section.
13. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the base section comprises a base part which supports the operation unit, allowing the operation unit to rotate, and a rotational drive section which is provided on the base part to move in a direction intersecting with the direction the operation unit rotates and which supports the rollers supporting the operation unit, allowing the rollers to rotate; a motion-detecting section is provided to detect the motion of the rotational drive section; the operation unit has the first gear on a surface which opposes the base section; and the detecting section comprises the second gear arranged on the base part set in mesh with the first gear to move in the direction the rotational drive section is moved, and the rotation-detecting sensor for detecting the rotation of the second gear.
14. The operating device according to claim 12, further comprising an annular cover rotatably supported by the base section and holding the operation unit at the inner circumference, allowing the same to move in axial direction.
15. The operating device according to claim 14, wherein the operation unit has a fastening member, the annular cover has, at the inner circumference, an engagement member which positions the fastening member of the operation unit in a circumferential direction and which is able to move in an axial direction to engage with and disengage from the fastening member of the operation unit.
16. The operating device according to claim 14, wherein the base section comprises a plurality of rollers which support the annular cover, allowing the annular cover to rotate.
17. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein a resistance which the operation unit receives when rotated with respect to the base section is set to be substantially equal to a load which a turntable of a record player receives when rotated.
A DJ playing is known, in which a performer called �disc jockey (DJ)� operates a record player as a playback apparatus to play dance music or the like. The DJ playing is a method of effectively playing back the music data recorded on a record, such as dance music. More specifically, the disc jockey manually controls the rotation of the turntable of the record player to play back the music data recorded on the record placed on the turntable, and stop the playing back of the music, repeatedly plays back the same phrase, and rewind to the point for playing back.
A switch device according to the present invention comprises: a base section; a plurality of rollers which are arranged on the base section, extending in one plane in a radial direction of the base section; an operation unit which is rotatably mounted on the base section, with a circumferential edge supported on the rollers; and a rotation-detecting section which is provided on the base section and detects the rotation of the operation unit.
A data-processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a data-reading section which reads data from a recording medium; a data-processing section which processes the data read from the recording medium; a switch device according to the present invention; and a process control section which changes modes in which the data-processing section processes the data, when the rotation-detecting section of the switch device detects that the operation unit is rotating.
Another data-processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a data-reading section which reads data from a recording medium; a data-processing section which processes the data read from the recording medium; a switch device according to the present invention; and a process control section which changes modes in which the data-processing section processes the data, when the motion-detecting section of the switch device detects that the rotational drive section is moving.
A playback apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a data-processing apparatus according to the present invention; and a playback section which reproduces data processed by the data-processing apparatus.
FIG. 6 is a plan view of the a jog table unit according to the embodiment;
FIG. 12 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the screw-holding rib incorporated in, the switch device according to the embodiment and also depicting some components arranged near the screw-holding rib;
In FIG. 1, numeral 100 designates the playback apparatus, which is a data-reproducing apparatus. The playback apparatus 100 plays back the data recorded on a recording medium (not shown). The apparatus 100 processes the data in the same way as a performer called �disc jockey,� for example, operates a record player to play back the music data recorded on a record with a record player. Examples of the recording medium are an optical disk, a magnetic disk, a memory card, an IC (Integrated Circuit) card, or the like. The optical disk may be a CD-DA (Compact Disk-Digital Audio), a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc-Read Only Memory), a DVD-R (Digital Versatile Disc-Recordable), or a DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disc-ReWritable). The magnetic disk may be an MO (Magneto-optical) disk, a hard disk, or the like.
The playback apparatus 100 has a main case 110 that is approximately rectangular-shaped and made of, for example, ABS (Acrylonitiile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin. The main case 110 contains a data-processor (not shown) that comprises a process control section, a data-processing section, and a data-reading section.
The main case 110 has a slot 120 in one side (i.e., the lower side in FIG. 1). The recording medium can be inserted through the slot 120 into the data-processor contained in the main case 110. The main case 110 has a window 130 in the top (the surface shown in FIG. 1). The window 130 is almost circular. It is made in the substantially center part of the top of the main case 110, exposing a switch device 200 that constitutes, along with the data-processor, a data-processing apparatus according to the present invention. A plurality of switches 140 are arranged on the top of the main case 110. The switches 140 can be operated to input operating modes of the data-processor. Further, a display 150 is provided on the top of the main case 110. The display 150 is configured to display the operating modes set by operating the switches 140.
The switch device 200 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the switch device. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the switch device. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the switch device 200, cut away at the rotation-detecting section incorporated in the switch device 200. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the switch device 200, showing a rotary section. FIG. 6 is a plan view of a jog table unit. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the switch device 200, with the rotary section removed; it illustrates the relation between the rotary section and a rotation-detecting section. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the switch device 200, with the rotary section removed; it shows the position of the circuit board incorporated in the switch device 200. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the switch device 200, with the rotary section and rotational drive section removed. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a part of the switch device 200, with the rotor member removed; it illustrates the rotation-detecting section and some components arranged near the rotation-detecting section. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a part of the switch device 200, with the rotor member removed and with a part of the base cut away. FIG. 12 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the screw-holding rib incorporated in the switch device 200; it also depicts some components arranged near the screw-holding rib. FIG. 13 is a fragmentary sectional view depicting the guide-pin section used in the switch device 200; it also shows some components arranged near the guide-pin section. FIG. 14 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the first buffer incorporated in the switch device 200; it also depicts some components arranged near the first buffer. FIG. 15 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the second buffer incorporated in the switch device 200; it depicts some components arranged near the second buffer.
As FIGS. 1 to 4 show, the switch device 200 is designed and shaped like, for example, the turntable of a record player that plays back a record. The switch device 200 variably sets or changes operating modes of the data-processing section. More precisely, various states in which to process data, such as music data, are changed. For example, the direction and speed in and at which the music data should be played back and the stopping and restarting of playback are variably set. The switch device 200 comprises a rotary section 300, a shaft-supporting base 400 and a tape-shaped switch 500. The switch 500 functions as a motion-detecting section.
The base plate 471 has a rotation-controlling hole 471D in the vicinity of the coil-holding hollow cylinder 471A. A rotation-controlling rib 426B protrudes downward from the top plate 411 and extends through the rotation-controlling hole 471D. In normal condition, the bias of the torsion coil spring 476 holds the base plate 471 as such a position that the second gear 472 remains in mesh with the first gear 323 of the jog table unit 310. When the jog table unit 310 is quickly rotated and the first gear 323 is thereby fast rotated, the rotation-controlling rib 426B passing through the rotation-controlling hole 471D prevents the base plate 471 from rotating against the bias of the torsion coil spring 476, so that the second gear 472 would not come out of the engagement with the first gear 323. Hence, the rotation of the first gear 323 is reliably transmitted to the second gear 472.
The rotation-detecting sensor 474 is provided on the distal end of the base plate 471. The rotation-detecting sensor 474 has, for example, a photosensor 474A and a Circuit board 474B. A circuit is mounted on the circuit board 474B, to receive a signal from the photosensor 474A and generate a specific signal from the signal received. The photosensor 474A is secured to the circuit board 474B and comprises a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element. The light-emitting element and the light-receiving element are spaced apart, with the scale 473A interposed between them. The photosensor 474A has an optical axis that extends in the direction of thickness of the rotation-detecting plate 473. The circuit board 474B has a connector 474C to which a power-supply line may be connected.
Moreover, two guide pins 482 protrude from the arms 481A of the plate 481, respectively, each at the distal end of either arm 481A. Each guide pin 482 comprises a shaft 482A and a roller 482B. The shaft 482A integrally stands on the plate 481 and extends in the direction of thickness of the plate 481. The approximately spherical roller 482B made of brass etc. is rotatably mounted on the shaft 482A. The guide pins 482 are secured to the top plate 411. The guide pins 482 are so positioned to be the same distance from the center of the table plate 311, for example, to be positioned that the apex of an isosceles right triangle lies at the center of the top plate 411, the hypotenuse of the triangle being a line segment that connects the axes of the shafts 482A of the guide pins 482. The rotation guide 480 is set in the guide groove 322 of the jog table unit 310to holds the jog table unit 310, allowing the same to rotate around an axis that passes the center of the base part 410.
A plurality of ribs 427 protrude downward from the top plate 411 of the base part 410. Screws 427A fasten a circuit board 428 to the ribs 427. Mounted on the circuit board 428 is a display 429 for displaying the modes in which the data-processing section is operating. The display 429 has a display panel that opposes the window 421 made in the top plate 411. A connector (not shown) is mounted on the circuit board 428. The connector connects a terminal 432 of a tape-shaped switch 430 (later described), one end of a line (not shown) connected to the rotation-detecting section 470 and the lines connected to various circuit boards (not shown) incorporated in the main case 110.
As FIG. 4, FIGS. 7 to 10 and FIGS. 12 and 13 show, the flange 413 has a plurality of roller houses 413F, for example, eight roller houses. The roller houses 413F are recesses made in that surface of the flange 413 from which the hollow cylinder 412 projects and opening upwardly. They are spaced apart from one another, at regular intervals along the circumference of the hollow cylinder 412. A roller escape 413G is made in the middle part of each roller house 413F. A pair of first bearings 413H protrude from the bottom of each roller house 413F, opposing each other and extending at substantially right angles to the axis of the hollow cylinder 412. Each first bearing 413H has a bearing recess 413H1 that is made-in its distal end. A first roller 440 is rotatably mounted on the bearings 413H in each roller house 413F.
Each first roller 440 comprises a shaft 441, a pair of pins 442, a wheel part 443, and a roller part 444. The shaft 441 is as long as the distance between the first bearings 413H. The shaft 441 is made of, for example, polyoxymethylene (POM). The pins 442 project from the ends of the shaft 441, each being coaxial with the shaft 441. The pins 442 are rotatably fitted in the bearing recess 413H1. The wheel 443 is mounted on the shaft 441 and formed integral with the middle part of the shaft 441. The roller part 444 is a hollow cylinder made of, for example, rubber and mounted on the wheel part 443. Each first roller 440 extends in radial direction of the hollow cylinder 412to be rotatably held in one roller escape 413G, with the outer circumferential surface of the roller part 444 not contacting the bottom of the roller house 413F and protruding a bit upward from the upper surface of the flange 413.
As illustrated in FIG. 7, FIG. 8 and FIG. 10, a plurality of second bearings, for example, nine bearings 461 are provided at the upper edge of the inner flange 454. Similarly, nine second bearings 461 are provided at the upper edge of the outer flange 455. All bearings 461 are located at regular intervals along the circumference of the actuating member 451 and extend in the radial direction thereof. Each bearing 461 provided at the inner flange 454 is aligned with, and makes a pair with, one bearing 461 provided at the outer flange 454. The second bearings 461 are spaced apart at almost the same intervals as the first beatings 413H are spaced apart.
[Operation of the Switch Device]
When the scale 473A moves across the optical axis of the photosensor 474A, it blocks the light beam emitted from the light-emitting element of the photosensor 474A. The rotation-detecting sensor 474 generates a signal, which is supplied to the data-processor. From the signal the data-processing section determines the direction and speed in and at which the jog table unit 310 is being rotated. In the data-processor; the process control section controls the data-processing section in accordance with the direction and speed thus determined to process the music data in forward direction or reverse direction. Thus, the music can be repeatedly played back in the forward and reverse directions as the user repeatedly rotates the jog table unit 310 forward and backward.
When the user rotates the joggling unit 350, the jog table unit 310 is rotated, too. This is because the jog table unit 310 is coupled with the joggling unit 350 as indicated above. As both the jog table unit 310 and the joggling unit 350 are rotated, the rotation-detecting sensor 474 of the rotation-detecting section 470 generates a signal. The signal is supplied to the data-processing section. From the signal the data-processor determines that the switches 501 of the tape-shaped switch 500 are opened. It also determines the direction and speed in and at which the jog table unit 310 is rotated. Hence, the process control section of the data-processor causes the data-processing section to play back the music at a speed higher or lower than the normal playback speed, in accordance with the direction in which the user is rotating the jog table unit 310.
In the embodiment described above, the switch device 200 comprises the shaft-supporting base 400, the second rollers 440, the jog table unit 310, and the rotation-detecting section 470. As indicated above, the second rollers 440 are provided on the shaft-supporting base 400, lie in the same plane and extend in the radial direction of the jog table unit 310. The jog table unit 310 is rotatably supported by the shaft-supporting base 400, with its circumferential edge supported on the second rollers 440. The rotation-detecting section 470 is mounted on the shaft-supporting base 400 and detects the rotation of the jog table unit 310.
Thus, the jog table unit 310 is rotatably supported by the rollers at a position that is outside the position where the user operates for the rotation. This ensures smooth rotation of the jog table unit 310. A friction develops at the rollers while the rollers are rotating. This friction gives the user a good feeling of rotating the jog table unit 310. More precisely, the user can feel as controlling the rotation of the turntable of a record player. Namely, the rollers are so supported to give this feeling to the user. Feeling as depressing the turntable of a record player, the user can operate the playback apparatus 100 with the switch device 200 to perform high DJ playing techniques, thus accomplishing attractive DJ playing.
Since the roller parts 444 of the second rollers 440 are made of elastic material such as rubber, the jog table unit 310 can be rotated smoothly. When the user rotates the jog table unit 310, the user can therefore feel as rotating the turntable of a record player.
In the embodiment, the switch device 200 comprises the base part 410, jog table unit 310, support section and tape-shaped switch 500. The jog table unit 310 can be depressed. The jog table unit 310 has a flange 313 located at the circumferential edge. At least one part of the flange 313 can be moved to and from the base part 410 when the jog table unit 310 is depressed. The support section supports the flange 313, biasing at least one part of the flange 313 away from the base part 410. The tape-shaped switch 500 is provided in association with the base part 410 or the flange 313, or both. The switch 500 detects that the flange 313 is moving toward the base part 410 as the user depresses the jog table unit 310.
Hence, the detecting structure that detects the depressing of the jog table unit 310 is located outside that part of the unit 310, which is depressed. The detecting structure is therefore more simple than otherwise. Since the detecting structure is located outside said part of the unit 310, the member for detecting the depressing moves downward more than at the position where the depression is performed to ensure reliable detection of the depressing. At the position that the detecting structure assumes, the support sections control the motion of the jog table unit 310 toward the base part 410, thus biasing the unit 310 away from the base part 410. As a result, the jog table unit 310 is depressed while being biased at its circumferential part to give the user a real feeling of depressing the unit 310. To be more specific, the user can feel as depressing the turntable of a record player. Since the user can feel so, the user can operate the playback apparatus 100 provided with the switch device 200 to perform good DJ playing. In other words, the switch device 200 enables the user to accomplish attractive DJ playing.
Moreover, the jog table unit 310 has a flange 313 that protrudes outward from the table plate 311 via the hollow cylinder 312. Thus, the rotational drive section 450 can support the flange 313 outside the position where the jog table unit 310 is depressed. Besides, the detecting structure that detects the motion of the unit 310 toward the base part 410, outside the region where the unit 310 is depressed, can be simple than otherwise.
The rotational drive section 450 that is conformed in shape to the flange 313 of the jog table unit 310 can move the jog table unit 310 toward the base part 410. Further, the biasing section biases the jog table unit 310 away from the base part 410. The jog table unit 310 can therefore be more smoothly moved or rotated in the direction intersecting with the direction it is depressed, than in the case where it is supported directly on the base part 410. This renders the switch device 200 more versatile and useful than otherwise.
The biasing section that biases the rotational drive section 450 away from the base part 410 comprises springs such as the coil springs 460. The structure is therefore simple. In addition, the bias that makes the user feel as depressing the turntable of a record player can be easily adjusted, merely by selecting the material of the springs or changing the number of springs.
As indicated above, the three coil springs 460 arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction support the rotational drive section 450. Thus, the jog table unit 310 of the rotational drive section 300 can be easily supported and rotated. This enables the user to feel as manipulating the turntable of a record player.
The springs constituting the biasing section is positioned at the flange 313 of the jog table unit 310. So positioned, the springs bias the tape-shaped switch 500 that detects the depressing of the jog table unit 310, outside the region where the jog table unit 310 is depressed. Thus, the springs help to make the user feel as if depressing the turntable of a record player.
As described above, the first buffers 433 and second buffers 453 undergo elastic deformation when the user depresses the jog table unit 310 and moves it down toward the base part 410. The buffers 433 and 453 exert a reaction to the user's fingers as they restore their shapes. This reaction cooperates with the bias of the springs, e.g., coil springs 460. That is, the structure constituted by the buffers 433 and 453, though simple, can serve to give the user the same feeling he or she has when he or she depresses the turntable of a record player.
Springs, such as the three coil springs 460, are arranged at equal intervals of about 120�. Six first buffers 433 are arranged at regular intervals of 60� in the circumferential direction, aligned with the switch 501 of the tape-shaped switch 500. Further, the second buffers 453 lie between the springs. Though the springs are provided in small numbers, the springs can give the user the same feeling as depressing any part of the jog table unit 310 that is larger than ordinary switches. In other words, a relatively simple structure can make the user feel as depressing the turntable of a record player as well as the depression can be detected.
Semi-spherical pushing members are provided on the lower surface of the rotational drive section 450 that supports the jog table unit 310, allowing the same to move to and from the base part 410. The lower surface of the rotational drive section 450 opposes the switches 501 of the tape-shaped switch 500. Therefore, the depressing of the jog table unit 310 can be detected, without increasing the dimension of the switch device 200 in the direction the jog table unit 310 is depressed to close the switch 501 of the tape-shaped switch 500. Thus, a simple structure can reliably close the switches 501 when the user depresses the jog table unit 310.
To detect the rotation of the jog table unit 310, the first gear 323 and the second gear 472 are provided on the jog table unit 310 and the rotation-detecting section 470, respectively. The second gear 472 is in mesh with the first gear 323 and can move in the axial direction. Thus, a simple structure can move the rotation-detecting section 470 for detecting the rotation of the unit 310, relative to the unit 310 in the same direction as the jog table unit 310 is depressed. The jog table unit 310 can therefore be smoothly moved in two different directions; it can be smoothly depressed and rotated.
The first gear 323 is mounted on the guide rib 321. Being a double-wall structure, the guide rib 321 defines a guide groove 322. The guide groove 322 holds the jog table unit 310, allowing the same to rotate. No other members are required to support the first gear 323. The guide rib 321 serves not only to support the jog table unit 310, but also to detect the rotation of the unit 310. This helps to facilitate the manufacture of the switch device 200 and to render the switch device 200 small and lightweight.
Further, a simple structure can easily support the jog table unit 310, allowing the same to rotate, since the guide groove 322, which receives the guide pins 482 protruding from the base part 410 has a double-wall structure.
The first annular member 327 is provided on the lower surface of the flange 313 of the jog table unit 310, which is supported by the rotational drive section 450. The first annular member 327 is mounted on the second rollers 440 to rotate around its axis. The annular member 327 has a cross section that bulges downward to contacts each second roller 440 in a very small area, almost at a point. Namely, a simple structure enables the jog table unit 310 to rotate smoothly.
The joggling unit 350 is a hollow cylinder that is fitted, covering the circumferential surface of the jog table unit 310. The joggling unit 350 lies on the base part 410 and can rotate. The unit 350 therefore allows the jog table unit 310 to rotate only, without being depressed. The unit 350 conceals the components that support the jog table unit 310 and the structure that detects the depressing of the unit 310. It can therefore improve the outer appearance of the switch device 200. The joggling unit 350 achieves various advantages alone.
As described above, the joggling unit 350 has the first notch 353A and the second notches 353B. The first notch 353A can receive first engagement rib 325A of the jog table unit 310. The second notches 353B can receive the second engagement ribs 325B of the jog table unit 310. The rotation of the jog table unit 310 is therefore transmitted to the joggling unit 350. So is the rotation of the joggling unit 350 to the jog table unit 310. Hence, the units 310 and 350 rotate together. Moreover, only the jog table unit 310 can be moved when the user depresses it, by means of a simple structure. Further, the jog table unit 310 and the joggling unit 350 are combined, constituting the rotational drive section 300. This facilitates the manufacture of the switch device 200.
The first engagement rib 325A and second engagement ribs 325B are provided on the outer circumference of the hollow cylinder 312. Since the ribs 325A and 325 are shaped like notches and open downward, they provide a structure that is simple can yet allow only the jog table unit 310 to rotate when it is rotated. This simple structure serves to simplify the switch device 200, facilitate the manufacture of the device 200 and render the device 200 small and lightweight.
As indicated before, the first rollers 440 are provided on the base part 410 that support the joggling unit 350, allowing the same to rotate. Thus, the rotational drive section 300 can rotate more smoothly than otherwise.
The second annular member 359 is provided on the lower surface of the flange 353 of the joggling unit 350, which is supported by the base part 410. The second annular member 359 has a cross section that bulges downward. Therefore, the joggling unit 350 contacts each first roller 440, almost at a point, as the jog table unit 310 does. Thus, a simple structure can ensure smooth rotation of the joggling unit 350.
The rotation guide 480 has two guide pins 482 that protrude from the plate 481. The guide pins 482 position the jog table unit 310 and allow the same to rotate around an axis that passes the center of the base part 410. Thus, a simple structure can hold the jog table unit 310 at a prescribed position, allowing the same to rotate around the axis of the base part 410. This facilitates the manufacture of the switch device 200.
Further, the guide pins 482 are so positioned that the apex of an isosceles right triangle lies at the center of the top plate 411, the hypotenuse of the triangle being a line segment that connects the axes of the shafts 482A of the guide pins 482. The display 429 for displaying the operating modes of the data-processing section can be arranged at the center of the switch device 200. With the playback apparatus 100, the user can clearly recognize the various modes in which the data-processing section is processing data.
The two guide pins 413B spaced apart in the radial direction of the hollow cylinder 412 hold the rotational drive section 450 at a predetermined position. The rotary member 450 can therefore be moved up and down and its rotation can yet be more reliably controlled than in the case where it is positioned by the screw-holding rib 413A only.
Further, the rotational drive section 450 need not be used to support the jog table unit 310. If so, the base part 410 may support the jog table unit 310 with assistance of a biasing section or the like.
The rotational drive section 450 may not have the second rollers 440 for supporting the jog table unit 310. If this the case, the jog table unit 310 can only be depressed; it cannot be rotated at all.
The coil springs 460, first buffers 433 and the second buffers 453 may be arranged at any positions, provided that the user can have a feeling of operating the switch device 200.
Patent CitationsCited PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS3021402 *Nov 30, 1959Feb 13, 1962La Warre Robert WSpeed responsive switchUS3247340 *Oct 21, 1964Apr 19, 1966Gen Motors CorpAngular displacement detection apparatusUS3651290 *Jun 1, 1970Mar 21, 1972Big Three Ind Gas & EquipmentGravity switch assemblyUS4406934 *May 12, 1981Sep 27, 1983Olajterv Koolaj- Es Gazipari Tervezo VallalatApparatus for sensing the extent of turning of a rotatable partUS4725699 *Nov 10, 1986Feb 16, 1988Houdeshell Donald DLow rotary speed detecting switchUS4771142 *Aug 12, 1987Sep 13, 1988Georg SpinnerSwitch drive for a rotary switchUS6494541 *Oct 30, 2000Dec 17, 2002Takata CorporationRotational direction detecting switch and seat belt retractor with rotational direction detecting switchUS6948856 *Nov 6, 2001Sep 27, 2005Nsk Ltd.Rolling bearing device and ring with sensor for the rolling bearing deviceUS7087849 *Apr 20, 2004Aug 8, 2006One Pass Farm Equipment, LlcSwitch device and method for controlling a sprayerUS7166810 *Feb 22, 2006Jan 23, 2007Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Switching device and remote control transmitter using the switching deviceEP0973162A2Jul 8, 1999Jan 19, 2000Pioneer Electronic CorporationSystem for reproducing information recorded on a discJP2001188539A Title not availableJPH10199126A Title not available* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification200/11.00R, 200/501, 200/336, G9B/19International ClassificationH01H19/14, G11B33/02, G10H1/00, H01H19/00, G10H1/34, H01H25/06, G11B19/00, G11B33/10Cooperative ClassificationG10H1/34, G11B19/00, G10H2210/241, G10H1/0091European ClassificationG11B19/00, G10H1/00S, G10H1/34Legal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionApr 14, 2011FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4Dec 17, 2003ASAssignmentOwner name: PIONEER CORPORATION, JAPANFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:KATAOKA, YOSHINORI;KABURAGI, KEITARO;KIKUCHI, TETSUYA;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:014202/0483Effective date: 20030905RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services