Slide switch mechanism, slide switch, and operating lever device equipped therewith

Abstract

To provide a slide switch mechanism with fewer components required, easy to assemble the slide members.SOLUTION: The slide switch mechanism includes: a housing that has a housing body, an opening, and an inner cover; and a slide member including a slide body and an operation part. The housing body is configured so as to be separated into a first housing part and a second housing part in a predetermined direction. The first housing part has a main body in which an opening and an inner cover are formed and an insertion path extending from the opening to one side in the circumferential direction is formed, and a lid that is attached to the main body so as to block the insertion path. The second housing part is assembled to the first housing part from the other side in a predetermined direction. The slide member is assembled with the first housing part by allowing the insertion passage to pass through the operation part from one side in the circumferential direction with the lid detached from the main body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a slidably operable slide switch mechanism, a slide switch, and an operating lever device including the same. [Background Art]

[0002] Slide switches are used in operating levers of construction machinery and various other devices. As an example of a slide switch, for example, the rotation control device of Patent Document 1 is known. In the rotation control device of Patent Document 1, a movable operating portion is configured to be rotatable about a shaft (that is, slidably operable). [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese National Publication of International Patent Application No. 2008-529144 [Summary of Invention] [Problem to be Solved by Invention]

[0004] The rotation control device of Patent Document 1 does not itself have a member surrounding the movable operating portion, and the movable operating portion is covered by attaching the rotation control device to a handle. Therefore, in the rotation control device, the casing is configured separately from the handle. Further, in the rotation control device, the shaft and the movable operating portion are also configured separately. Therefore, the number of parts of the rotation control device is increased. On the other hand, in order to reduce the number of parts, it is conceivable to integrate some of the components, for example, integrate the upper portion of the housing and the handle. However, when integrated, the following situation occurs. That is, it is necessary to screw the movable operating member in between the upper portion of the housing and the handle. On the other hand, since a protruding operating portion is formed on the movable operating member, the operating portion hits the handle when being screwed in. Therefore, assembling the movable operating member (that is, the slide member) to the casing (that is, the housing) is not easy.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide a slide switch mechanism, a slide switch, and an operating lever device that have a small number of parts and allow for easy assembly of the sliding member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The slide switch mechanism of this disclosure comprises a housing having a hollow housing body, an opening formed in the ceiling portion on one side of the housing body in a predetermined direction, and an arc-shaped inner cover portion formed inside the housing body facing the ceiling portion and extending circumferentially about a rotation axis passing through the housing body, a slide body rotatably disposed between the inner cover portion and the ceiling portion about a rotation axis, and a slide member including an operating portion provided on the slide body so as to protrude from one side of the opening in a predetermined direction, the housing The jigging body is configured to be separable into a first housing portion and a second housing portion in a predetermined direction. The first housing portion has a main body portion in which the opening and the inner cover portion are formed and an insertion passage extending from the opening to one side in the circumferential direction is formed, and a lid portion attached to the main body portion so as to close the insertion passage. The second housing portion is assembled to the first housing portion from the other side in the predetermined direction. The slide member is assembled to the first housing portion by passing the insertion passage through the operating portion from one side in the circumferential direction, with the lid portion removed from the main body portion.

[0007] According to the slide switch mechanism of this disclosure, the main body portion of the first housing has an insertion passage that extends from the opening to one side in the circumferential direction. The slide member is assembled to the first housing portion by passing the insertion passage from one side in the circumferential direction to the operating portion, with the lid portion removed from the main body portion. Therefore, the slide member is assembled to the housing in the following way, for example: The slide member is assembled to the housing by rotating it around the pivot axis along the inner cover portion. In other words, when the slide member is rotated in the other side in the circumferential direction along the inner cover portion, the operating portion is sent towards the opening through the insertion passage. After that, the lid portion is attached to the main body portion and the insertion passage is closed. Furthermore, the second housing portion is assembled to the first housing portion from the other side in a predetermined direction. In this way, the slide member can be assembled to the housing, so that the slide member can be easily assembled in a slide switch mechanism having an operating portion, while suppressing an increase in the number of parts. That is, by forming the inner cover portion in the first housing portion, the increase in the number of parts is suppressed, and the slide member can be easily assembled in a slide switch mechanism having an operating portion.

[0008] The slide switch of the present disclosure comprises the slide switch mechanism described above and a sensor mechanism for detecting the amount of rotation of the slide member, wherein the slide switch mechanism further includes a biasing member that biases the slide member, which rotates from a predetermined neutral position, in the circumferential direction to return the slide member to the neutral position.

[0009] According to the slide switch of this disclosure, the slide switch comprises the aforementioned slide switch mechanism, further including a spring member, and a sensor mechanism. Therefore, a slide switch having the functions described above can be realized.

[0010] The operating lever device of the present disclosure comprises an operating lever that extends in a predetermined direction and is pivotally supported on one side in that predetermined direction, and a slide switch as described above, wherein the slide switch is located on the other side of the operating lever in the predetermined direction.

[0011] According to the operating lever device of this disclosure, the operating lever device comprises the aforementioned slide switch located on the other side of the operating lever in a predetermined direction. Therefore, an operating lever device having the aforementioned functions can be realized. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the slide switch mechanism, slide switch, and operating lever device of this disclosure, the number of parts is small and the assembly of the sliding member is easy. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] A perspective view showing an operating lever device equipped with a slide switch according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the slide switch. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the slide switch, taken by cutting along the cut surface X. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of the slide switch, taken by cutting along the cutting line IV-IV shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 2 is an exploded view showing the slide switch after it has been disassembled. [Figure 6] Figure 2 is a plan view of the slide as seen from one of the specified directions. [Figure 7] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a slide switch, obtained by cutting along the cutting line VI-VI, with the operating part rotated to a predetermined limit angle. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view showing the various states when the sliding member is assembled into the main body of the first housing. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view showing the various states when attaching the lid portion to the main body of the first housing. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] Hereinafter, the slide switch 1, the slide switch mechanism 11, and the operation lever device 2 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the aforementioned drawings. The concept of directions used in the following description is for convenience of explanation, and does not limit the orientation of the configuration of the invention to those directions. Furthermore, the slide switch 1, the slide switch mechanism 11, and the operation lever device 2 described below are merely one embodiment of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments, and additions, deletions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0015] <Operating Lever Device> The operation lever device 2 shown in Fig. 1 is provided in work vehicles such as construction vehicles including excavators and cranes, and industrial vehicles including forklifts, for example. The operation lever device 2 is provided in the driver's seat or the like of a work vehicle. More specifically, the operation lever device 2 is pivotally supported on a base (not shown) provided in a cabin. An operator such as a driver of the work vehicle can operate various components of the work vehicle by gripping and moving the operation lever device 2. The operation lever device 2 includes an operation lever 5, a plurality of switches 6 to 9, and the slide switch 1.

[0016] The operation lever 5 is a hollow rod-shaped member extending in a predetermined direction, and is configured to be grippable. Further, the operation lever 5 has a portion on one side in the predetermined direction (one end portion in the predetermined direction in the present embodiment) pivotally supported on a base not shown. The operation lever 5 is tilted and operated in various directions, for example, all directions including front, rear, left, and right.

[0017] The plurality of switches 6 to 9 are arranged on the other side of the operation lever 5 in the predetermined direction. In the present embodiment, four switches 6 to 9 are arranged at the other end portion of the operation lever 5 in the predetermined direction. The four switches 6 to 9 are, for example, push buttons, and are arranged in two rows at the other end portion of the operation lever 5 in the predetermined direction. Each of the four switches 6 to 9 outputs a signal when pressed, that is, operated.

[0018] <Slide Switch> The slide switch 1 is also disposed on the other side of the operating lever 5 in the predetermined direction. In the present embodiment, the slide switch 1 is disposed on one side in the row direction of the four switches 6 to 9. The slide switch 1 is a magnetic switch and is configured as follows.

[0019] That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the slide switch 1 is configured to be slidable (see arrow A). The slide switch 1 outputs a signal when a sliding operation is performed. As shown in FIG. 3, the slide switch 1 includes a slide switch mechanism 11 and a sensor mechanism 12.

[0020] <Slide switch mechanism> The slide switch mechanism 11 is configured to be slidable as shown in FIG. 2 (see arrow A). As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the slide switch mechanism 11 includes a housing 15, a slide member 16, and a spring member 17.

[0021] <Housing> The housing 15 accommodates the sensor mechanism 12, the slide member 16, and the spring member 17. The housing 15 includes a housing main body 18, an opening 19, a shaft support 20, and an inner cover 21.

[0022] The housing main body 18 is formed to be hollow. For example, the housing main body 18 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped box shape having a height in the predetermined direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the housing main body 18 has a first housing portion 31 and a second housing portion 32. The first housing portion 31 forms one side of the housing main body 18 in the predetermined direction. Further, the second housing portion 32 forms the other side of the housing main body 18 in the predetermined direction. The housing main body 18 is configured to be splittable into the first housing portion 31 and the second housing portion 32 in the predetermined direction (the vertical direction in the present embodiment).

[0023] More specifically, the first housing portion 31 is formed in the shape of a hollow rectangular parallelepiped with an opening on the other side in a predetermined direction. The second housing portion 32 is formed in the shape of a hollow rectangular parallelepiped with an opening on at least one side in a predetermined direction. The second housing portion 32 can be assembled to the first housing portion 31 from the other side in a predetermined direction. When the second housing portion 32 is assembled to the first housing portion 31, they engage with each other to form the housing body 18.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the opening 19 is formed in the ceiling portion (upper end in this embodiment) 18a, which is the end on one side in a predetermined direction of the housing body 18. More specifically, the opening 19 is formed in the ceiling portion (upper end in this embodiment) 31a of the first housing portion 31. The opening 19 extends in the longitudinal direction (or the circumferential direction, which will be described in detail later) in the ceiling portion 31a. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the opening 19 is formed in a rectangular shape, for example, when viewed from one side in a predetermined direction in a plan view.

[0025] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the pivot support 20 is formed within the housing body 18 around a predetermined pivot axis L1. The pivot axis L1 is an axis that passes through the housing body 18. More specifically, the pivot axis L1 is an axis that extends in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction. In this embodiment, the pivot axis L1 passes through the center of the housing body 18 and extends in the shorter direction. Furthermore, the pivot support 20 is configured as follows.

[0026] In other words, the shaft portion 25, which will be described in detail later, is inserted through the shaft support portion 20. The shaft support portion 20 pivotally supports the shaft portion 25 so that it can rotate around the rotation axis L1. In this embodiment, the shaft support portion 20 pivotally supports both axial ends of the shaft portion 25. The shaft support portion 20 also has a first portion 20a formed in the first housing portion 31 and a second portion 20b formed in the second housing portion 32. The first portion 20a and the second portion 20b are each formed in an arc shape around the rotation axis L1 and are arranged on one side and the other side in a predetermined direction of the rotation axis L1, respectively. Furthermore, the first portion 20a and the second portion 20b are arranged to face each other in a predetermined direction. Therefore, the first portion 20a and the second portion 20b constitute the shaft support portion 20 when the second housing portion 32 is assembled to the first housing portion 31.

[0027] The inner cover portion 21 is formed within the housing body 18 so as to face the ceiling portion 18a. More specifically, the inner cover portion 21 is formed within the first housing portion 31 so as to face the ceiling portion 31a. In this embodiment, the inner cover portion 21 is positioned so as to face the opening 19. The inner cover portion 21 is also in the shape of an arc extending in the circumferential direction around the pivot axis L1. More specifically, the inner cover portion 21 is formed in the shape of a semicircle, for example. However, the inner cover portion 21 is not limited to a semicircle. The inner cover portion 21 covers the pivot support portion 20 from one side in a predetermined direction. In this way, the inner cover portion 21 protects the pivot support portion 20 from contaminants entering through the opening 19. The inner cover portion 21 also has a through groove 21a formed therein, which will be described in detail later.

[0028] Furthermore, the inner cover portion 21 is formed within the first housing portion 31 so as to face the ceiling portion 18a of the housing body 18, thereby forming a sliding space 22 as described below. The sliding space 22 is a space formed between the ceiling portion 18a of the housing body 18 and the inner cover portion 21, and is formed in an arc shape centered on the rotation axis L1. In this embodiment, the sliding space 22 is formed in a semicircular shape. The sliding space 22 is also connected to the opening 19 on one side in a predetermined direction. At least a portion of the sliding space 22 faces outward through the opening 19.

[0029] <Sliding component> The slide member 16 is positioned within the housing body 18 so as to be rotatable around the pivot axis L1. More specifically, the slide member 16 is positioned in the space 22 between the ceiling portion 18a and the inner cover portion 21 of the housing body 18, i.e., so as to be rotatable around the pivot axis L1. The slide member 16 can also be pressed against with a finger such as a thumb. The slide member 16 rotates (i.e., slides) around the pivot axis L1 by being pushed and pulled (i.e., slid) by a finger. The slide member 16 has a shaft portion 25, a slide body 26, and an operating portion 27.

[0030] The shaft portion 25 is pivotally supported on the pivot support portion 20 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis L1. The shaft portion 25 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape. The shaft portion 25 is inserted through the pivot support portion 20 and pivotally supported. More specifically, in this embodiment, bearings 29 are fitted to both axial ends of the shaft portion 25. The axial ends of the shaft portion 25 are pivotally supported on the pivot support portion 20 via the bearings 29. Therefore, the shaft portion 25 can rotate about the rotation axis L1. Furthermore, the shaft portion 25 rotates about the rotation axis L1 in conjunction with the slide body 26, as will be described in detail later.

[0031] The slide body 26 is arranged in the slide space 22 so as to be rotatable about the pivot axis L1. More specifically, the slide body 26 is formed in an arc shape that extends in the circumferential direction, similar to the inner cover portion 21. In this embodiment, the slide body 26 is inserted into the slide space 22 such that a portion of it protrudes from the opening 19. The slide body 26 then rotates within the slide space 22 about the pivot axis L1. The slide body 26 is arranged in the slide space 22 with a radial gap 22a between it and the inner cover portion 21. Furthermore, the slide body 26 extends from the slide space 22 in one and the other circumferential directions. That is, the slide body 26 is formed in an arc shape with a larger central angle than the inner cover portion 21.

[0032] Furthermore, the slide body 26 rotates, thereby rotating the shaft portion 25. More specifically, the slide body 26 is connected to the shaft portion 25 via a connecting portion 28. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 28 extends radially outward from the shaft portion 25 toward the slide body 26, for example. Thus, the connecting portion 28 connects the shaft portion 25 and the slide body 26. In addition, an insertion groove 21a is formed in the inner cover portion 21 at a position corresponding to the connecting portion 28. The insertion groove 21a extends circumferentially from one end to the other of the inner cover portion 21, for example. The connecting portion 28 is inserted into the insertion groove 21a and can move circumferentially within the insertion groove 21a. As a result, when the slide body 26 rotates, the shaft portion 25 rotates via the connecting portion 28. Furthermore, the connecting portion 28 is formed such that the space between it and the insertion groove 21a becomes narrow. More specifically, the width of the connecting portion 28 (in this embodiment, the length in the axial direction and the shorter side) is formed to be approximately the same as the width of the insertion groove 21a. This reduces the gap between the connecting portion 28 and the insertion groove 21a.

[0033] Furthermore, the slide body 26 is positioned such that the gap between it and the ceiling portion 18a of the housing body 18 is narrow. More specifically, the inner circumferential surface of the ceiling portion 18a of the housing body 18 is formed as a curved surface centered on the rotation axis L1. The outer diameter of the slide body 26 is formed to be approximately the same as the radius of curvature of the inner circumferential surface of the ceiling portion 18a. Therefore, the gap between the slide body 26 and the ceiling portion 18a is small.

[0034] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the slide body 26 has outer peripheral edge portions 26b that are wider in the axial direction than the inner peripheral edge portions 26a on both axial sides. The outer peripheral edge portions 26b of the slide body 26 are exposed on one side in a predetermined direction at the opening 19. That is, the slide body 26 has its outer peripheral edge portions 26b protruding from the opening 19 in one predetermined direction (see also Figures 2 and 4). The outer peripheral edge portions 26b of the slide body 26 cover the outer edge portions 19a and 19b on both sides in the axial direction of the opening 19. This prevents contaminants such as dust from entering between the slide body 26 and the outer edge portions 19a and 19b.

[0035] The operating section 27 is for operating the slide member 16. The operating section 27 is provided on the slide body 26. More specifically, the operating section 27 protrudes radially outward from the circumferential middle portion of the slide body 26. The operating section 27 protrudes to one side in a predetermined direction of the opening 19. Therefore, the operating section 27 can be pressed against with a finger such as a thumb. By pushing and pulling the finger pressed against the operating section 27, the slide body 26 can be rotated around the rotation axis L1.

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, when the slide member 16 rotates around the rotation axis L1 by a predetermined limiting angle α, the operating part 27 comes into contact with the edge portions 19c and 19d on both sides of the opening 19 in the circumferential direction. On the other hand, when the slide body 26 rotates around the rotation axis L1 by a predetermined limiting angle α, the slide member 16 does not come into contact with other parts of the housing 15, such as the second portion 20b of the pivot portion 20. As a result, the edge portions 19c and 19d of the opening 19 act as stoppers. Consequently, the distance l1 between the operating part 27, which is the point of force application when restricting the rotation of the slide member 16, and the edge portions 19c and 19d, which are the fulcrums, becomes smaller than the distance l2 between the shaft portion 25, which is the point of application, and the edge portions 19c and 19d. Therefore, the load acting on the shaft portion 25 can be suppressed.

[0037] <Labyrinth> Furthermore, in the slide switch mechanism 11, as shown in the enlarged view of Figure 3, the inner cover portion 21 and the slide body 26 form a labyrinth 30 between them (i.e., the gap 22a). The labyrinth 30 is formed to meander in a predetermined direction in the space between the inner cover portion 21 and the slide body 26, for example. More specifically, the inner cover portion 21 has a plurality of first protrusions 21b, and the slide body 26 has a plurality of second protrusions 26c. In this embodiment, the inner cover portion 21 has four first protrusions 21b, and the slide body 26 has two second protrusions 26c. The labyrinth 30 is formed by the first protrusions 21b and the second protrusions 26c. Each of the protrusions 21b and 26c will be described in more detail below.

[0038] The first protrusions 21b are formed on the inner cover portion 21 on the surface facing the slide body 26. Two first protrusions 21b are arranged on each axial side of the insertion groove 21a, and they are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction. The first protrusions 21b extend in the circumferential direction and project toward the slide body 26. The second protrusions 26c are formed on the slide body 26 on the surface facing the inner cover portion 21. The second protrusions 26c are arranged adjacent to the first protrusions 21b, spaced apart from each other in the axial direction. For example, the second protrusions 26c are arranged to sandwich four first protrusions 21b from one axial side and the other side, respectively. In this embodiment, the second protrusions 26c are formed, for example, at both axial ends of the slide body 26. The second protrusions 26c may be arranged between two adjacent first protrusions 21b. The second ridge 26c extends circumferentially and protrudes toward the inner cover portion 21. Therefore, the adjacent first ridge 21b and the second ridge 26c form a meandering space between the inner cover portion 21 and the slide body 26, that is, a labyrinth 30 is formed between the inner cover portion 21 and the slide body 26. This prevents contaminants passing between the inner cover portion 21 and the slide body 26 from reaching the insertion groove 21a. Furthermore, the inner cover portion 21 is formed in an arc shape. Therefore, contaminants trapped in the labyrinth 30 are dropped along the inner cover portion 21 in one or the other predetermined direction when the slide body 26 is rotated. This further prevents contaminants from reaching the insertion groove 21a.

[0039] Furthermore, the first housing portion 31 is configured as follows. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, the first housing portion 31 has a main body portion 31b and a lid portion 31c. The main body portion 31b has an opening 19, a pivot support portion 20, and an inner cover portion 21. The main body portion 31b is formed in a U-shape when viewed from, for example, one side in a predetermined direction. More specifically, the opening 19 is formed in the ceiling portion 31a of the main body portion 31b, and the pivot support portion 20 and the inner cover portion 21 are formed inside the main body portion 31b. Furthermore, an insertion passage 33 is formed in the main body portion 31b.

[0040] The insertion passage 33 extends from the opening 19 to one side in the circumferential direction. The insertion passage 33 is formed so that the operating section 27 can pass through from one side in the circumferential direction. More specifically, the insertion passage 33 extends from the opening 19 through the ceiling portion 31a of the first housing portion 31 to the side surface 31d of the housing body 18. The insertion passage 33 opens in one predetermined direction on the side surface 31d of the first housing portion 31. Therefore, the body portion 31b is formed in a U-shape that opens to one side in the circumferential direction when viewed from one side in the predetermined direction in a plan view. The lid portion 31c is attached to the body portion 31b so as to block the insertion passage 33 (see Figure 2). The lid portion 31c is also detachably attached to the body portion 31b. The insertion passage 33 is not blocked, i.e., it is open, when the lid portion 31c is not attached to the body portion. Therefore, the operating section 27 can pass through the insertion passage 33. Therefore, the sliding member 16 is assembled to the first housing portion 31 by passing the insertion passage 33 through the operating portion 27 from one side in the circumferential direction, with the lid portion 31c removed from the main body portion 31b.

[0041] <Spring component> The spring member 17, an example of a biasing member shown in Figure 4, biases the slide member 16, which rotates from a predetermined neutral position, in either one or the other circumferential direction. As a result, the slide member 16 is returned to the neutral position by the spring member 17. The neutral position is the position of the slide member 16 such that the operating section 27 is in a predetermined orientation. In this embodiment, the neutral position is the state in which the operating section 27 is upright in one predetermined direction. However, the neutral position is not limited to the orientation described above, and the operating section 27 may be tilted. Furthermore, the neutral position is not limited to the orientation of the operating section 27, but may be defined by the circumferential position of the operating section 27.

[0042] In this embodiment, the spring member 17 is a torsion coil spring. The spring member 17 has, for example, a coil 17a and a pair of arms 17b, 17b. The spring member 17 has the coil 17a mounted on the shaft portion 25. The pair of arms 17b, 17b extend from the coil 17a in a predetermined direction to the other. The pair of arms 17b, 17b are also arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The slide member 16 has a movable portion 35 formed to correspond to the pair of arms 17b, 17b. The second housing portion 32 has a fixed portion 36 formed to correspond to the pair of arms 17b, 17b. Both the movable portion 35 and the fixed portion 36 are positioned between the pair of arms 17b, 17b.

[0043] The spring member 17, configured in this way, operates as follows: When the slide member 16 rotates in one direction in the circumferential direction, the movable part 35 moves one arm 17b to that direction. The other arm 17b is fixed by the fixed part 36. This generates a biasing force in the spring member 17 that returns the slide member 16 to its neutral position. Similarly, when the slide member 16 rotates in the other direction in the circumferential direction, the movable part 35 moves the other arm 17b to the other direction in the circumferential direction. The other arm 17b is fixed by the fixed part 36. This generates a biasing force in the spring member 17 that returns the slide member 16 to its neutral position. In this way, the spring member 17 generates a biasing force that returns the slide member 16 to its neutral position regardless of whether the slide member 16 rotates in one or the other direction in the circumferential direction.

[0044] <Sensor mechanism> The sensor mechanism 12 shown in Figure 3 detects the amount of operation of the slide member 16, i.e., the amount of rotation (for example, the angle from the neutral position). The sensor mechanism 12 then outputs a signal corresponding to the detected amount of rotation. In this embodiment, the sensor mechanism 12 is a magnetic rotation angle sensor. The sensor mechanism 12 has, for example, a magnet 12a and a detection unit 12b. However, the sensor mechanism 12 may be a rotation angle sensor other than a magnetic rotation angle sensor. The magnet 12a is embedded in the shaft portion 25. The detection unit 12b is incorporated into the housing body 18 (more specifically, inside the second housing portion 32). Both the magnet 12a and the detection unit 12b are arranged on the rotation axis L1. The detection unit 12b detects the amount of rotation of the shaft portion 25 (i.e., each displacement) based on the change in the magnetic field of the magnet 12a when the shaft portion 25 rotates. The detection unit 12b then outputs the amount of rotation of the shaft portion 25.

[0045] <How to assemble a slide switch> The assembly method for slide switch 1 is described below. First, a magnet 12a is embedded in the shaft portion 25 of slide switch 1. Also, a detection unit 12b is incorporated into the second housing portion 32. Note that the embedding of the magnet 12a and the incorporation of the detection unit 12b may be performed during the assembly work described below. Once the embedding and assembly work is completed, slide switch 1 is assembled, for example, as follows.

[0046] First, the slide member 16 is assembled into the main body portion 31b of the first housing portion 31. More specifically, in order to assemble the slide member 16 into the main body portion 31b, the shaft portion 25 of the slide member 16 is pressed against the first portion 20a from the other side in a predetermined direction (see solid line in Figure 8). This causes, for example, the other end of the slide body 26 in the circumferential direction to be inserted into the main body portion 31b. That is, the other end of the slide body 26 in the circumferential direction is inserted into the main body portion 31b through an opening on the other side of the main body portion 31b in a predetermined direction. As a result, the other end of the slide body 26 in the circumferential direction covers the end of the inner cover portion 21 in the circumferential direction. Then, the slide body 26 is rotated in the other circumferential direction around the shaft portion 25 (see arrow B in Figure 8). As a result, the other end of the slide body 26 in the circumferential direction moves along the inner cover portion 21 in the other circumferential direction.

[0047] As the slide member 16 is rotated, the operating part 27 eventually enters the insertion passage 33 (see the dashed line in Figure 8). If it continues to rotate, the other end of the slide body 26 in the circumferential direction is inserted between the inner cover part 21 and the ceiling part 31a. If it continues to rotate, the operating part 27 eventually exits the insertion passage 33. That is, the operating part 27 reaches the opening 19 (see the double dashed line in Figure 8). Once the operating part 27 reaches the opening 19, the lid part 31c is attached to the main body part 31b (see the dashed line in Figure 9). That is, the insertion passage 33 is closed. In this way, the slide member 16 is assembled into the first housing part 31. Furthermore, after the slide member 16 is assembled, the spring member 17 is attached to the shaft part 25. At this time, the movable part 35 is placed inside the pair of arms 17b, 17b of the spring member 17.

[0048] Once the slide member 16 is assembled into the first housing portion 31, the second housing portion 32 is then assembled into the first housing portion 31 (see Figure 4). At this time, the second housing portion 32 is assembled into the first housing portion 31 from the other side in a predetermined direction by inserting the fixing portion 36 into the pair of arms 17b, 17b of the spring member 17. This completes the assembly of the slide switch mechanism 11, that is, the slide switch 1 is assembled.

[0049] The slide switch 1 assembled in this manner is mounted on the operating lever device 2 as described above. In the operating lever device 2, the operator grasps, for example, the middle portion of the operating lever 5 in the vertical direction. The operating lever 5 can then be tilted 360 degrees in all directions with a base (not shown) as the pivot point. In the operating lever device 2, each switch 1, 6-9 is operated, for example, by the operator's thumb. For example, switches 6-9 are operated (for example, pressed) with the thumb. When this happens, switches 6-9 output a signal. On the other hand, the slide switch 1 is operated as follows. The user presses their thumb or other finger against the operating part 27 of the slide member 16. By pushing and pulling the operating part 27 with their finger, the slide member 16 is rotated in one or the other direction in the circumferential direction (see arrow A in Figure 2). This changes the magnetic field of the magnet 12a provided on the shaft 25. As a result, the detection unit 12b outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of rotation of the slide member 16. In other words, the sensor mechanism 12 outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of rotation of the slide member 16.

[0050] In the slide switch mechanism 11 of this embodiment, the main body portion 31b of the first housing portion 31 has an insertion passage 33 that extends from the opening 19 to one side in the circumferential direction. The slide member 16 is assembled to the first housing portion 31 by passing the insertion passage 33 through to the operating portion 27 from one side in the circumferential direction, with the lid portion 31c removed from the main body portion 31b. Therefore, the slide member 16 is assembled to the housing 15 in the following manner, for example. That is, the slide member 16 is assembled to the housing 15 by rotating it around the pivot axis L1 along the inner cover portion 21. In other words, when the slide member 16 is rotated in one direction in the circumferential direction along the inner cover portion 21, the operating portion 27 is sent towards the opening 19 through the insertion passage 33. After that, the lid portion 31c is attached to the main body portion 31b, closing the insertion passage 33. Furthermore, the second housing portion 32 is assembled to the first housing portion 31 from the other side in a predetermined direction. In this way, the slide member 16 can be assembled to the housing 15, so that the slide member 16 can be easily assembled with respect to the slide switch mechanism 11 having an operating part 27 while suppressing an increase in the number of parts. That is, by forming the inner cover part 21 in the first housing part 31, the increase in the number of parts can be suppressed, and the slide switch mechanism 11 having an operating part 27 with the slide member 16 can be easily assembled.

[0051] Furthermore, in the slide switch mechanism 11 of this embodiment, the slide member 16 further includes a shaft portion 25 that is pivotally supported on a pivot portion 20 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis L1 and rotates in conjunction with the slide body 26. The pivot portion 20 has a first portion 20a formed on the main body portion 31b of the first housing portion 31 and a second portion 20b formed on the second housing portion 32. Therefore, when assembling the slide member 16 to the first housing portion 31, the slide member 16 can be rotated around the rotation axis L1 with the shaft portion 25 in contact with the first portion 20a. Consequently, the slide member 16 can be easily rotated along the inner cover portion 21, and the slide member 16 can be easily assembled to the first housing portion 31.

[0052] Furthermore, in the slide switch mechanism 11 of this embodiment, when the operating part 27 rotates in the circumferential direction to a predetermined limiting angle α, it comes into contact with the circumferential edge portions 19c and 19d of the opening 19. That is, the edge portions 19c and 19d act as stoppers to restrict the rotation of the slide member 16. This makes it possible to suppress the load acting on the shaft portion 25 when the rotation of the slide member 16 is restricted. In other words, the distance l1 between the operating part 27, which is the point of force application, and the edge portions 19c and 19d, which are the fulcrums, can be reduced, and the distance l2 between the shaft portion 25, which is the point of application, and the edge portions 19c and 19d can be increased. Specifically, when the shaft portion 25 comes into contact with the fixed portion 36, the distance l2 is greater than the distance l3 between the point of application and the fulcrum, so the load acting on the shaft portion 25 can be suppressed.

[0053] Furthermore, in the slide switch mechanism 11 of this embodiment, a labyrinth 30 is formed between the inner cover portion 21 and the slide body 26. Therefore, contaminants can be trapped between the inner cover portion 21 and the slide body 26. In addition, the slide switch mechanism 11 can guide the trapped contaminants along the inner cover portion 21 toward the second housing portion 32. This keeps them away from the shaft portion 25. Consequently, it is possible to prevent contaminants from getting between the shaft portion 25 and the pivot portion 20, which would make it difficult for the shaft portion 25 to move.

[0054] Furthermore, in the slide switch mechanism 11 of this embodiment, the first protrusion 21b of the inner cover portion 21 and the second protrusion 26c of the slide body 26 are arranged to be adjacent to each other and spaced apart in the axial direction, thereby forming a labyrinth 30. Therefore, in a cross section perpendicular to the circumferential direction, a labyrinth 30 is formed that meanders in one orthogonal direction perpendicular to the axial direction and the other. Therefore, contamination can be contained between the inner cover portion 21 and the slide body 26.

[0055] Furthermore, in the slide switch mechanism 11 of this embodiment, the slide body 26 is formed so that the gap between it and the ceiling portion 18a is narrow. Therefore, it is suppressed that contaminants enter the first housing portion 31 through the gap between the slide member 16 and the ceiling portion 18a.

[0056] Furthermore, in the slide switch mechanism 11 of this embodiment, the outer peripheral edge portion 26b of the slide body 26 is exposed on one side in a predetermined direction at the opening 19, covering the outer edge portions 19a and 19b on both sides in the axial direction of the opening 19. Therefore, in the ceiling portion 18a, contamination entering the housing from the slide body 26 and the outer edge portions 19a and 19b on both sides in the axial direction of the opening 19 is suppressed.

[0057] Furthermore, in the slide switch mechanism 11 of this embodiment, the connecting portion 28 is formed such that the gap between it and the inner cover portion 21 is narrowed in the insertion groove 21a. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the entry of contaminants into the inner cover portion 21 through the gap between the connecting portion 28 and the inner cover portion 21.

[0058] In the slide switch 1 of this embodiment, the slide switch 1 comprises the aforementioned slide switch mechanism 11, which further includes a spring member 17, and a sensor mechanism 12. Therefore, a slide switch 1 having the functions described above can be realized.

[0059] The operating lever device 2 of this embodiment includes the aforementioned slide switch 1, which is positioned on the other side of the operating lever 5 in a predetermined direction. Therefore, it is possible to realize an operating lever device 2 having the aforementioned functions.

[0060] <Other Embodiments> In the slide switch mechanism 11 of this embodiment, the operating section 27 is formed with the same width as the slide body 26, but it may be formed with a narrower width than the slide body 26. The configuration of the sensor mechanism 12 and the spring member 17 is also just an example, and other configurations are also possible.

[0061] The operating lever device 2 of this embodiment is an operating device for operating a work vehicle, but it may also be an operating device for operating a robot or an operating device for a game machine. Furthermore, the device on which the slide switch 1 of this embodiment is provided is not limited to the operating lever device 2, but may be provided in various devices other than operating devices.

[0062] <Exemplary Embodiment> The slide switch mechanism in the first phase comprises a housing having a hollow housing body, an opening formed in the ceiling portion on one side of the housing body in a predetermined direction, and an arc-shaped inner cover portion formed inside the housing body so as to face the ceiling portion and extending circumferentially about a pivot axis passing through the housing body, a slide body rotatably arranged around the pivot axis between the inner cover portion and the ceiling portion, and a slide member including an operating portion provided on the slide body so as to protrude to one side of the opening in a predetermined direction, The housing body is configured to be separable into a first housing portion and a second housing portion in a predetermined direction. The first housing portion has a main body portion in which the opening and the inner cover portion are formed and an insertion passage extending from the opening to one side in the circumferential direction is formed, and a lid portion attached to the main body portion so as to close the insertion passage. The second housing portion is assembled to the first housing portion from the other side in the predetermined direction. The slide member is assembled to the first housing portion by passing the insertion passage through the operating portion from one side in the circumferential direction, with the lid portion removed from the main body portion.

[0063] According to the above description, the main body of the first housing has an insertion passage that extends from the opening to one side in the circumferential direction. The slide member is assembled to the first housing by passing the insertion passage from one side in the circumferential direction to the operating part, with the lid portion removed from the main body portion. Therefore, the slide member is assembled to the housing in the following way, for example. That is, the slide member is assembled to the housing by rotating it around the pivot axis along the inner cover portion. In other words, when the slide member is rotated in the other side in the circumferential direction along the inner cover portion, the operating part is sent towards the opening through the insertion passage. After that, the lid portion is attached to the main body portion, closing the insertion passage. Furthermore, the second housing portion is assembled to the first housing portion from the other side in a predetermined direction. In this way, the slide member can be assembled to the housing, so that the slide member can be easily assembled with respect to a slide switch mechanism having an operating part, while suppressing an increase in the number of parts. That is, by forming the inner cover portion in the first housing portion, the increase in the number of parts is suppressed, and the slide member can be easily assembled with respect to a slide switch mechanism having an operating part.

[0064] The slide switch mechanism in the second phase is the slide switch mechanism in the first phase, wherein the housing further includes a pivot portion that is covered from one side in a predetermined direction by the inner cover portion within the housing body and is formed around a predetermined pivot axis, and the slide member further includes a shaft portion that is pivotally supported by the pivot portion so as to be rotatable about the pivot axis and rotates in conjunction with the slide body, and the pivot portion has a first portion formed in the main body portion of the first housing portion and a second portion formed in the second housing portion.

[0065] In accordance with the above, the slide member further includes a shaft portion that is pivotally supported on a pivot support portion so as to be rotatable about a pivot axis and rotates in conjunction with the slide body. The pivot support portion has a first portion formed on the main body portion of the first housing portion and a second portion formed on the second housing portion. Therefore, when assembling the slide member to the first housing portion, the slide member can be rotated around the pivot axis with the shaft portion in contact with the first portion. Consequently, the slide member can be easily rotated along the inner cover portion, and thus the slide member can be easily assembled to the first housing portion.

[0066] In the third phase of the slide switch mechanism, the operating part contacts the circumferential edge portion of the opening when the sliding member rotates in the circumferential direction to a predetermined limiting angle.

[0067] According to the above description, when the operating part rotates in the circumferential direction to a predetermined limit angle, it comes into contact with the circumferential edge of the opening. That is, the edge acts as a stopper to restrict the rotation of the sliding member. This reduces the load acting on the shaft when the rotation of the sliding member is restricted. In other words, the distance between the operating part, which is the point of force application, and the edge, which is the fulcrum, can be reduced, and the distance between the shaft, which is the point of application, and the edge can be increased. Therefore, the load acting on the shaft can be reduced.

[0068] In the fourth phase, the slide switch mechanism is such that, in any of the first to third phases, the inner cover portion and the slide body form a labyrinth between them.

[0069] According to the above procedure, a labyrinth is formed between the inner cover and the slide body. Therefore, contamination can be trapped between the inner cover and the slide body.

[0070] The slide switch mechanism in the fifth phase is the slide switch mechanism in the fourth phase, wherein the inner cover portion has a first projection that extends in the circumferential direction and protrudes toward the slide body, and the slide body has a second projection that extends in the circumferential direction and protrudes toward the inner cover portion, and the first and second projections are arranged to be spaced apart from each other and adjacent to each other in the axial direction to form the labyrinth.

[0071] According to the above description, the first protrusion of the inner cover and the second protrusion of the slide body are arranged to be adjacent to each other and spaced apart in the axial direction, thereby forming a labyrinth. Therefore, in a cross section perpendicular to the circumferential direction, a labyrinth is formed that meanders in one orthogonal direction perpendicular to the axial direction and the other. Therefore, contamination can be contained between the inner cover and the slide body.

[0072] The slide switch mechanism in the sixth phase is a slide switch mechanism in any of the first to fifth phases, wherein the slide body has an outer peripheral edge portion that is wider in the axial direction than the inner peripheral edge portion on both axial sides, and the outer peripheral edge portion of the slide body is exposed on one side in a predetermined direction in the opening and covers the outer edge portions on both sides of the opening in the axial direction.

[0073] In accordance with the above, the outer peripheral edge of the slide body is exposed on one side in a predetermined direction at the opening, covering the outer edges on both sides in the axial direction of the opening. Therefore, in the ceiling portion, contamination entering the housing from the slide body and the outer edges on both sides in the axial direction of the opening is suppressed.

[0074] The slide switch in the seventh phase comprises a slide switch mechanism of any of the first to sixth phases and a sensor mechanism for detecting the amount of rotation of the slide member. The slide switch mechanism further includes a biasing member that biases the slide member, which rotates from a predetermined neutral position, in the circumferential direction to return the slide member to the neutral position.

[0075] According to the above considerations, the slide switch comprises the aforementioned slide switch mechanism, which further includes a spring member, and a sensor mechanism. Therefore, a slide switch having the functions described above can be realized.

[0076] The operating lever device in the eighth aspect comprises an operating lever extending in a predetermined direction and pivotally supported on one side in that predetermined direction, and a slide switch in the seventh aspect, wherein the slide switch is located on the other side of the operating lever in the predetermined direction.

[0077] According to the above circumstances, the operating lever device is equipped with the aforementioned slide switch located on the other side of the operating lever in a predetermined direction. Therefore, an operating lever device having the aforementioned functions can be realized. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0078] 1. Slide switch 11. Slide switch mechanism 12 Sensor mechanism 15 Housing 16. Sliding member 17. Spring member (biasing member) 18 Housing body 18a Ceiling section 19 Opening 19a, 19b Outer edge portion 19c, 19d Edge portion 20 axis branches 20a Part 1 20b 2nd part 21 Inner cover section 21a Through groove 21b 1st protrusion 25 Shaft section 26 Slide body 26a Inner peripheral edge portion 26b Outer edge portion 26c 2nd protrusion 27 Control section 28 Connecting part 30 Labyrinth 31. Housing Department 1 31b Main body part 31c Lid part 32. Second Housing Department 33 Insertion passage

Claims

1. A housing having a hollow housing body, an opening formed in the ceiling portion on one side of the housing body in a predetermined direction, and an arc-shaped inner cover portion formed inside the housing body so as to face the ceiling portion and extending circumferentially about a pivot axis passing through the housing body, The slide member includes a slide body rotatably positioned around a pivot axis between the inner cover portion and the ceiling portion, and an operating portion provided on the slide body so as to protrude to one side in a predetermined direction of the opening, The housing body is configured to be separable into a first housing portion and a second housing portion in a predetermined direction. The first housing portion has a main body portion in which the opening and the inner cover portion are formed and an insertion passage extending from the opening to one side in the circumferential direction is formed, and a lid portion attached to the main body portion so as to close the insertion passage, The second housing portion is assembled to the first housing portion from the other side in a predetermined direction. The slide member is a slide switch mechanism assembled to the first housing portion by passing the insertion passage through the operating portion from one side in the circumferential direction, with the lid portion removed from the main body portion.

2. The housing further includes a pivot portion that is covered by the inner cover portion from one side in a predetermined direction within the housing body and is formed around a predetermined axis of rotation, The slide member further includes a shaft portion that is pivotally supported on the pivot support so as to be rotatable about a pivot axis and rotates in conjunction with the slide body, The slide switch mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the pivot support portion has a first portion formed on the main body portion of the first housing portion and a second portion formed on the second housing portion.

3. The slide switch mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the operating part contacts the circumferential edge portion of the opening when the slide member rotates in the circumferential direction to a predetermined limiting angle.

4. The slide switch mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the inner cover portion and the slide body form a labyrinth between them.

5. The inner cover portion has a first projection that extends in the circumferential direction and protrudes toward the slide body, The slide body has a second projection that extends in the circumferential direction and protrudes toward the inner cover portion. The slide switch mechanism according to claim 4, wherein the first and second protrusions are arranged to be spaced apart from and adjacent to each other in the axial direction to form the labyrinth.

6. The slide body has outer peripheral edge portions that are wider in the axial direction than the inner peripheral edge portions on both axial sides, The slide switch mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the outer peripheral edge of the slide body is exposed on one side in a predetermined direction in the opening and covers the outer edge portions on both sides in the axial direction of the opening.

7. The slide switch mechanism described in claim 1, The system includes a sensor mechanism for detecting the amount of rotation of the slide member, The slide switch mechanism further includes a biasing member that biases the slide member, which rotates from a predetermined neutral position, in the circumferential direction to return the slide member to the neutral position.

8. An operating lever that extends in a predetermined direction and is pivotally supported on one side in that predetermined direction, The slide switch is as described in claim 7, The slide switch is located on the other side of the operating lever in a predetermined direction, in an operating lever device.

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