JPH0561732B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (a) Field of Industrial Application This invention relates to an operating switch that is used by being attached to an operating panel, and particularly to an operating switch that fixes a switch portion to an operating section that is inserted from the front of the operating panel.

(b) Prior Art An operating switch is generally fixed through a hole formed in an operating panel. In this case, fit the mounting part of the operation switch into the hole from the back of the operation panel, screw the mounting ring onto the mounting part exposed on the front of the operation panel, and operate the switch using the mounting ring on the front and the switch body on the back. There is one in which the operation switch is fixed by sandwiching the panel. However, when the mounting portion of the operating switch is fitted into the hole from the back of the operating panel and fixed, the mounting ring is exposed at the front of the operating panel and may be removed. If this mounting ring is removed, the operation switch cannot be fixed to the operation panel.
A problem arises that prevents accurate operation.

Therefore, conventionally, as shown in FIG. 8, an operation switch is constructed by dividing it into an operation section and a switch section, and the operation section 71 is formed in a shape that fits into a hole in an operation panel 72 from the front. It was hot. When attaching the operation switch configured in this way to the operation panel 72, after inserting the attachment part 73 of the operation part 71 into the hole from the front of the operation panel 72, screw the fixing nut into the attachment part 73,
The operating section 71 is fixed to the operating panel 72 by sandwiching the operating panel 72 between the operating section 71 on the front side and the fixing nut on the back side. The lock panel 74 is attached to the operation section 71 fixed to the operation panel 72 in this way.
The switch case 75 was fixed to the operating section 71 via the switch case 75. Therefore, the switch section is divided into a lock panel 74 and a switch case 75, and after the switch case 75 is fixed to the lock panel 74, the lock panel 74 is fixed to the mounting part 73 of the operating section 71.

Further, the contact block mounting device disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 51-3881 includes a contact block linear member, and the engagement between the linear member and the groove of the switch body allows the switch body and the contact block to be connected to each other. I was trying to unify them.

(c) Problems to be solved by the invention However, with the above-mentioned conventional operation switch,
Since the switch part was divided into a lock panel and a switch case, the lock panel had a member that engaged with and fixed the switch case.
This requires both a member that engages with and fixes the mounting portion of the operating section, and the lock panel becomes larger in the mounting direction, resulting in the problem that a large space is required in the depth direction within the operating panel. Also,
The device disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 51-3881 relies on the engagement of the filament member with the groove, so it is not possible to obtain a sufficient contact range, and it is difficult to secure the switch body and the contact block. There were cases where the situation became uncertain.

An object of the present invention is to eliminate the need for a member for fixing a switch case to the lock part by configuring the switch part with a lock part and a switch storage part that are integrally molded. In addition to shortening the length of the device and making the device more compact, the lock part is shaped to fit over the mounting part of the operating part, making it possible to securely fix the operating part and the switch part. To provide an operation switch whose switch part can be easily attached and detached.

(d) Means for Solving the Problems The operating switch of the present invention includes an operating section whose mounting portion protruding from the back is fitted into the operating panel and fixed to the operating panel, and a mounting section which is fitted externally into the mounting section of the operating section. , a lock portion having a protrusion that selectively moves to either a position where it engages with a groove in the mounting portion of the operating portion or a position where it disengages in accordance with the rotational operation of the protruding lever; and a storage for storing the switch. , a switch case integrally molded with , and .

(e) Effect In the present invention, the operating switch is composed of an operating section and a switch case. This switch case has a lock part and a switch storage part integrally formed, and the switch can be connected to the operating part only by connecting the lock part and the operating part. Therefore, there is no need to provide a member for fixing the switch case to the lock portion, and the lock portion is made smaller and the depth within the operation panel necessary for mounting the operation switch is reduced. Further, the lock portion is fitted onto the mounting portion of the operating portion, and the projection engages with the groove portion of the switch body when the lever is operated. As a result, the lock portion and the mounting portion of the operating portion come into contact within a sufficient range, and the two are securely fixed. Furthermore, by rotating the lever, the protrusion is selectively moved to either a position where it engages with the groove portion or a position where it disengages. Therefore, the switch case can be easily attached to and detached from the operating section by rotating the lever.

(f) Embodiment FIG. 1 is an assembly diagram of an operation switch which is an embodiment of the present invention.

The operation switch 1 is an illuminated pushbutton switch, and is composed of an operation section 2 and a switch case 7. The operating section 2 includes a lens 3 on the front surface and a cylindrical mounting section 4 on the back surface. A mounting screw portion 4c is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the mounting portion 4, leaving only a portion. This mounting screw part 4
After externally fitting the stop plate 5 onto c, the fixing nut 6 is screwed on, and an operation panel (not shown) is held between the back surface of the operation section 2 and the stop plate 5. This allows the operation section 2 to be fixed to the operation panel. A vertical groove 4 in the thrust direction that is open at the end is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the mounting portion 4 in a portion where the mounting screw portion 4c is not formed.
a and a radial horizontal groove 4b communicating therewith.
is formed. These vertical grooves 4a and horizontal grooves 4b
are provided at two locations on the outer peripheral surface of the mounting portion 4, as will be described later. Further, a key groove, which will be described later, is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the mounting portion 4.

The switch case 7 is composed of a storage section 7a for storing the switch holder 11 and a lock section 7b formed on the front surface of the storage section 7a. The storage section 7a is a hollow casing with open front and back surfaces, and the lock section 7b has a hollow cylindrical shape with a short axis. The switch holder 11 is fitted into the storage section 7a from the back side. A lock plate 17 is attached to the lock portion 7b.
is rotatable within a predetermined range in the directions of arrows A and B. The lock plate 17 has two projections 17a formed on its inner peripheral surface, and a lever 17b formed on its outer peripheral surface. moreover,
A fixing plate 18 is fitted onto the front end surface of the lock portion 7b. This fixing plate 18 restricts the axial movement of the lock plate 17 in the lock portion 7b. Protrusions 18a are formed at two locations on the inner peripheral surface of the fixed plate 18, and a key 18b is formed at one location. This lock part 7b
Since a part of the end face is cut off, the lock plate 17 and the fixing plate 18 can be easily fitted, and the assembly work is simplified. Further, this cut portion comes into contact with the lever 17b and also serves as a positioning member.

The switch holder 11, which is housed in the housing section 7a of the switch case 7, is made of an insulating material and has a substantially cubic shape, and houses a switch (not shown) inside. A cylindrical terminal block 12 is formed to protrude from the front surface of the switch holder 11, and a terminal block 15 is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the terminal block 12. Convex portions 15a are formed at two locations on the outer peripheral surface of the terminal 15, and a terminal 15b extending to the front surface of the switch case 11 is held between the ends of the terminal 14. Furthermore, one end of the terminal 13 is located at the bottom of a hole 12a formed in the center of the terminal block 12. Furthermore, a knocker 11a is provided at the lower part of the front surface of the switch holder 11 so as to be slidable in the directions of arrows C and D. This movement of the knob 11a causes the movable contact of the switch housed in the switch holder 11 to operate. Further, the knob 11a is moved in the direction of arrow C by pressing the lens 3 after the operating switch 1 is assembled.

A spring 10, which is a cylindrical coil spring made of a conductive material, is fitted into a hole 12a provided in the terminal block 12. One end of this spring 10 contacts one end of the aforementioned terminal 13 inside the hole 12a. Further, a lamp holder 8 formed into a substantially cylindrical shape and made of a conductive material is fitted onto the terminal block 12 .
A lamp 9 is inserted into this lamp holder 8 from the back side. A flange portion 9a is formed on the side surface of the bottom of the lamp 9, while a step portion 8a is formed at the middle portion of the lamp holder 8. As shown in FIG. 7, the movement of the lamp 9 in the insertion direction inside the lamp holder 8 is restricted by the contact between the collar portion 9a and the stepped portion 8a. Two L-shaped grooves 8b are formed on the circumferential surface of the lamp holder 8, one end of which is open to the rear end. The convex portion 15a of the pull-out terminal 15 fits into and engages with the groove portion 8b. At this time, the other end of the spring 10 contacts the bottom of the lamp 9, and the electrode at the bottom of the lamp 9 is electrically connected to the terminal 13 via the spring 10. On the other hand, the side surface of the lamp 9 has contact between the flange 9a and the step 8a and the groove 8b.
The engagement with the convex portion 15a establishes conduction with the terminal 14. Since the lamp 9 is biased in the insertion direction within the lamp holder 8 by the elastic force of the spring 10, the state of contact between the collar portion 9a and the step portion 8a is reliably maintained.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are a side view and a rear view, respectively, showing a main part of a mounting part formed on an operating part that constitutes a part of the operating switch.

A vertical groove 4a and a horizontal groove 4b are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the attachment part 4 at two points symmetrical about the central axis thereof. The vertical groove 4a is open at the rear end of the mounting portion 4, and the horizontal groove 4b communicates with a part of the vertical groove 4a. Furthermore, a keyway 4d is formed at one location on the outer circumferential surface of the mounting portion 4. This keyway 4
d is a groove in the thrust direction that is open on the back surface of the mounting portion 4.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are a plan view and a front view, respectively, of a fixing plate fitted into a lock portion of a switch case constituting a part of the operating switch.

The fixing plate 18 is formed into a substantially ring shape by resin molding, and has two protrusions 18a on its inner peripheral surface.
A key 18b is formed at one location. Also,
The outer peripheral surface has a radius enlarged in a part, and a convex portion 1 is formed on the side surface on the back side of the enlarged radius part.
8c is formed. Further, a punch hole 18d is provided on the circumferential surface of this portion.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a lock plate provided in a lock portion of a switch case that constitutes a part of the operating switch.

The lock plate 17 has a substantially ring shape formed from a flat metal plate by press working, and has two parts on the inner circumferential surface.
Protrusions 17a are formed at two points symmetrical to each other with respect to the central axis. Further, a lever 17b is provided on the outer peripheral surface.

When the fixing plate 18 and lock plate 17 configured as described above are attached to the lock part 7b, the protrusion 17a of the lock plate 17 and the protrusion 18a of the fixing plate 18 are located on one side as shown in FIG. Match. Further, the positions of the protrusion 17a and the vertical groove 4a coincide when the back surface of the mounting portion 4 and the front surface of the lock portion 7b are opposed to each other. Further, at this time, the positions of the key groove 4d and the key 18b are similarly aligned. The outer diameter of the mounting portion 4 is formed to have a predetermined fit size with respect to the inner diameters of the fixing plate 18 and the lock plate 17, and the mounting portion 4 fits inside the fixing plate 18 and the lock plate 17.

As shown in FIG. 5, the lever 17b has a convex portion 18c.
When the protrusion 17a is located above the vertical groove 4, the protrusion 17a
Matches position a. Further, the radial width of the protrusion 17a matches the radial width of the vertical groove 4a. Therefore, when the attachment part 4 is fitted inside the lock plate 17 and the fixing plate 18 with the lever 17b positioned above the protrusion 18c, the protrusion 17
a, 18a engages with the vertical groove 4a. Further, at this time, the key 18b engages with the key groove 4d. Mounting part 4
When the mounting part 4 is inserted to the position where the back surface of the lock part 7b comes into contact with the inner surface of the lock part 7b, the protrusion 1 is inserted in the axial direction.
7a corresponds to the position of the horizontal groove 4b. The width of the protrusion 17a matches the width of the lateral groove 4b, and when the lever 17b is moved in the direction of arrow A from the state shown in FIG. 5, the protrusion 17a engages with the lateral groove 4b.

As described above, when the lever 17b is moved in the direction of arrow A after the attachment part 4 is fitted into the lock part 7b, the movement of the attachment part 4 in the thrust direction is restricted by the engagement between the protrusion 17a and the lateral groove 4b. Also,
Engagement between protrusion 18a and vertical groove 4a and key 18b
The movement of the mounting portion 4 in the radial direction is restricted by the engagement between the keyway 4d and the keyway 4d. This allows the mounting part 4
is securely fixed at the lock portion 7b.

FIGS. 6A to 6C are plan views showing the operation of the main parts of the lock portion of the switch case that constitutes a part of the operation switch.

In the state shown in FIG. 5 in which the protrusion 17a of the lock plate 17 faces the longitudinal groove 4a as shown in FIG.
Located above 8c. At this time, lever 17b
movement in the direction of arrow A is restricted by contact with the convex portion 18c. When the lever 17b is operated in the direction of the arrow A from this state, the convex portion 18c is pressed in the direction of the arrow E by the lever 17b as shown in FIG. This occurs and retreats to the side of the extraction hole 18d. At this time, an elastic force in the direction of arrow F is generated on the side surface on which the convex portion 18c is formed. From this state, move the lever 17b further in the direction of arrow A, and lever 1
7b is located below the convex portion 18c, no external force acts on the convex portion 18c in the direction of the arrow E, and an elastic force in the direction of the arrow F generated on the side surface of the fixed plate 18 on which the convex portion 18c is formed. It will return to its original state. As a result, the convex portion 18c comes into contact with the upper side of the lever 17b, as shown in FIG. 6C, and restricts the movement of the lever 17b in the direction of arrow B. In this way, the convex portion 18c is attached to the fixed plate 18.
By forming this, it is possible to restrict the movement of the lever 17b and maintain either the state in which the protrusion 17a engages with the vertical groove 4a or the state in which it engages with the horizontal groove 4b. Further, by providing the hole 18d, elastic force can be generated on the side surface on which the convex portion 18c is formed, and the lever 17b is prevented from stopping at the intermediate position shown in FIG. 6B. By checking the inclination state of the lever 17b from the back side, it is thereby possible to easily recognize the fixed state of the attachment part 4 on the lock part 7b, and to ensure the attachment state of the lock part 7b and the attachment part 4. can do. Further, the magnitude of the elastic force generated on the side surface where the convex portion 18c is formed is
It can be adjusted by the width and shape of d.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the operation switch 1 is constituted by the operation part 2 and the switch case 7, and the switch case 7 is constituted by integrally molding the storage part 7a and the lock part 7b. Only the member for fixing the attachment part 4 is provided in the lock part 7b, and the need for providing a member for fixing the storage part 7a of the switch holder 11 can be eliminated. By this,
Particularly in the lock part 7b, the number of parts can be reduced, and the length of this part in the mounting direction can be shortened.
The depth of can be reduced. Moreover, the vertical groove 4a, the horizontal groove 4b, the key groove 4d, the protrusion 17a,
The attachment portion 4 can be reliably fixed to the lock portion 7b by engagement with the lock portion 18a and the key 18b.
At this time, the convex portion 1 formed on the fixed plate 18
8c and the hole 18d, the lever 17b can be held in either the position where the protrusion 17a faces the vertical groove 4a or the horizontal groove 4b, and the fixing state of the mounting part 4 in the lock part 7b can be easily maintained. can be recognized.

Although this embodiment has been described with reference to an illuminated pushbutton switch, the present invention can be implemented in the same manner with other operation switches that are divided into an operation section and a switch section.

(g) Effects of the Invention According to the present invention, it is not necessary to provide a member for fixing the switch storage part to the lock part, and the operating switch is constructed only by fixing the mounting part of the operating part and the lock part. be able to. Therefore,
Cost reduction can be realized by eliminating the number of parts in the lock part, and the axial dimension of the lock part can be shortened, and the depth of the operation switch in the operation panel can be reduced, thereby realizing miniaturization of the device. Further, since the lock portion fits onto the mounting portion of the operating portion and the protrusion engages with the groove, the switch portion and the operating portion can be reliably fixed. Furthermore, there is an advantage that the switch case can be easily attached to and detached from the operating section by rotating the lever.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is an assembled view of an operating switch which is an embodiment of the present invention, Figs. 2 A and B are side and rear views, respectively, of the main parts of the operating section constituting a part of the operating switch, and Fig. 3 A. and B are a plan view and a front view, respectively, of a fixing plate fitted into the lock part of a switch case that constitutes a part of the operation switch, and Fig. 4 shows the lock part of the switch case that constitutes a part of the operation switch. FIG. 5 is a front view of the lock part of the switch case that forms a part of the operating switch, and FIGS. 6A to C form a part of the operating switch. FIG. 7 is a front view showing the function of the main parts of the lock portion of the switch case, and a side sectional view of the lamp holder provided in the operation switch. Also,
FIG. 8 is a side view showing the configuration of a conventional operating switch. 1... Operation switch, 2... Operation section, 4... Mounting section, 7... Switch case, 7a... Storage section,
7b...Lock part.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. An operating section whose mounting portion protruding from the back is fitted into the operating panel and fixed to the operating panel; and an operating section whose mounting section that protrudes from the back is fitted into the operating panel, and which is fitted externally to the mounting section of the operating section and is adapted to rotate a protruding lever. A switch case in which a lock part having a protrusion that selectively moves to either a position where it engages with a groove in a mounting part of an operating part or a position where it disengages depending on the operation part and a storage part that stores a switch are integrally molded. An operation switch comprising: and.