Sliding mechanism

Abstract

The sliding mechanism includes a cylindrical bearing portion, a shaft portion capable of reciprocating relative to the bearing portion along the extending direction of the bearing portion, and an annular spacer disposed in the gap between the bearing portion and the shaft portion, and has a plurality of first protrusions disposed on the bearing portion or the spacer between the bearing portion and the spacer and arranged side by side in the circumferential direction, and a plurality of second protrusions disposed on the shaft portion or the spacer between the shaft portion and the spacer and arranged side by side in the circumferential direction. The plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of second protrusions are arranged at positions that do not overlap each other in the circumferential direction. The spacer can be elastically deformed in the radial direction with two adjacent first protrusions in the circumferential direction or two adjacent second protrusions in the circumferential direction as fulcrums.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a sliding mechanism. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a technology in which, in a reciprocating gas engine, an endless ring is provided on a piston and seals a gap between the piston and a cylinder, the inner peripheral portion of the endless ring is formed of a highly elastic material, the outer peripheral portion of the endless ring is formed of a resin, and a notch portion is provided on the outer peripheral side of the endless ring.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 4-10368 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, since the entire outer peripheral area of ​​the endless ring slides in the cylinder, the sliding resistance of the piston is relatively high. That is, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, it is impossible to suppress the vibration between the cylinder and the piston while suppressing the sliding resistance of the piston.

[0008] Solutions to Solve Problems

[0009] The sliding mechanism of one embodiment comprises: a cylindrical bearing portion, which is arranged on one of a supporting body and a moving body; a shaft portion, which is arranged on the other of the supporting body and the moving body and is inserted into the cylinder of the bearing portion and can reciprocate relative to the bearing portion along the extension direction of the bearing portion; and an annular spacer, which is arranged in the gap between the bearing portion and the shaft portion, the sliding mechanism has: a plurality of first protrusions, which are arranged on the bearing portion or the spacer between the bearing portion and the spacer and are arranged side by side along the circumferential direction; and a plurality of second protrusions, which are arranged on the shaft portion or the spacer between the shaft portion and the spacer and are arranged side by side along the circumferential direction, the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of second protrusions are arranged at positions that do not overlap each other in the circumferential direction, and the spacer can be elastically deformed in the radial direction with two first protrusions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction or two second protrusions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction as fulcrums.

[0010] Effects of the Invention

[0011] According to one embodiment, in a sliding mechanism including a shaft portion provided so as to be reciprocating in a tube of a bearing portion, sliding resistance of the shaft portion can be suppressed, and play between the bearing portion and the shaft portion can be suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the appearance of the switch device of the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view of the switch device of the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 It is a perspective view observed from the bottom surface side of the slider of the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 It is Figure 1 The A-A cross-sectional view of the switch device shown.

[0016] Figure 5 It is a perspective view of the appearance of the first spacer and the second spacer of the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 It is a top view of the first spacer of the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 7 It is a top view of the second spacer of the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 8 It is a view showing an enlarged internal part of the bearing portion of the housing of the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 9 It is a perspective view observed from the bottom surface side of the slider of the second embodiment.

[0021] Figure 10 It is a bottom view of the slider of the second embodiment.

[0022] Figure 11 It is a perspective view of the appearance of the first spacer and the second spacer of the second embodiment.

[0023] Figure 12 It is a view showing an enlarged internal part of the bearing portion of the housing of the third embodiment (in a state where the spacer has been removed).

[0024] Figure 13 It is a view showing an enlarged internal part of the bearing portion of the housing of the third embodiment (in a state where the spacer is installed).

[0025] Figure 14 It is a perspective view of the appearance of the housing of the fourth embodiment.

[0026] Figure 15 It is a perspective view observed from the bottom surface side of the slider of the fourth embodiment.

[0027] Figure 16 It is a perspective view of the appearance of the first spacer and the second spacer of the fourth embodiment. Detailed Embodiment

[0028] Hereinafter, an embodiment using this sliding mechanism will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0029] 〔First Embodiment〕

[0030] (Outline of Switch Device 100)

[0031] Figure 1 FIG. is an external perspective view of a switch device 100 according to a first embodiment using this sliding mechanism. It should be noted that in the following description, for convenience, the height direction (the reciprocating movement direction of the slider 120) of the switch device 100 is defined as the Z-axis direction, and among the directions orthogonal to the Z-axis direction, the long side direction is defined as the X-axis direction and the short side direction is defined as the Y-axis direction.

[0032] Figure 1 The illustrated switch device 100 is provided, for example, at a position operable by a vehicle driver (such as a center console, etc.) in the passenger compartment of a vehicle such as a motor vehicle. By operating the button of the switch device 100 by the driver, the switch device 100 can be switched between an on state and an off state, thereby switching the state of an in-vehicle device electrically connected to the switch device 100. It should be noted that the switch device 100 is not limited to use in vehicles and can also be used in machines other than vehicles (such as aircraft, railway vehicles, game machines, remote controllers, etc.).

[0033] As shown in Figure 1 , the switch device 100 includes a housing 110, a slider 120, and a bottom cover 150. The switch device 100 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole by combining these components. For example, the housing 110, the slider 120, and the bottom cover 150 are formed by injection molding using various resin materials (such as PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate), etc.).

[0034] The slider 120, together with the shaft portion 121, the bearing portion 111, the first spacer 130, and the second spacer 140 described later, constitutes a sliding mechanism, and the slider 120 can reciprocate in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) with respect to the housing 110. Inside the housing 110 (on the upper surface of the bottom cover 150), a push button switch 152 (see Figure 2 ) is provided on a substrate (not shown). By the operator pressing the slider 120 of the switch device 100, the slider 120 can press the push button switch 152, and the push button switch 152 can be switched to the on state.

[0035] (Structure of Switch Device 100)

[0036] Figure 2Exploded perspective view of the switch device 100 of the first embodiment. Figure 3 Perspective view observed from the bottom surface side of the slider 120 of the first embodiment. Figure 4 It is Figure 1 A-A cross-sectional view of the switch device 100 shown.

[0037] As Figure 2 shown, in addition to the housing 110, the slider 120, and the bottom cover 150 described using Figure 1 the switch device 100 also includes a first spacer 130 and a second spacer 140.

[0038] The housing 110 is an example in the case where "one of the support body and the moving body having a cylindrical bearing portion provided thereon" is the "support body", and is a box-shaped member having an upper opening in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. As Figure 2 shown, the housing 110 has a cylindrical bearing portion 111 extending in the vertical direction at the center of the bottom plate portion 110A. In the cylinder 111D of the bearing portion 111, the shaft portion 121 of the slider 120 is inserted through the upper opening of the bearing portion 111. As Figure 2 And Figure 4 shown, the upper inner peripheral surface 111A of the bearing portion 111 is the portion where the first spacer 130 is arranged. The middle inner peripheral surface 111B of the bearing portion 111 is the portion where the second spacer 140 is arranged with an inner diameter smaller than that of the upper inner peripheral surface 111A and located on the negative side of the Z axis.

[0039] The slider 120 is an example in the case where "the other of the support body and the moving body having a shaft portion inserted into the cylinder of the bearing portion and capable of reciprocating along the extending direction of the bearing portion" is the "moving body", and the slider 120 is a box-shaped member having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that is one size larger than the housing 110 and has a lower opening. As Figure 1 shown, the slider 120 is arranged to be able to reciprocate in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) with respect to the housing 110 so as to cover the upper part and the side part of the housing 110. As Figure 3 And Figure 4 shown, the slider 120 includes a shaft portion 121. The shaft portion 121 is a substantially cylindrical portion that hangs down from the center of the top plate surface 120A of the slider 120. The shaft portion 121 is inserted into the cylinder 111D of the bearing portion 111 provided in the housing 110 and reciprocates in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) in the cylinder 111D along with the pressing operation of the slider 120. The shaft portion 121 is configured to have an upper outer peripheral surface 121A and a lower outer peripheral surface 121B. The lower outer peripheral surface 121B has a smaller diameter than the upper outer peripheral surface 121A and is arranged on the negative side of the Z axis. The bottom surface 121C of the shaft portion 121 is the part that presses the push button switch 152.

[0040] It should be noted that, as Figure 2 shown, grooves 116 extending in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) are respectively provided on the four side surfaces of the housing 110. In contrast, as Figure 3 shown, in the slider 120, ribs 124 extending in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) are respectively provided on the four inner wall surfaces. The slider 120 slides in the inner sides of the four grooves 116 respectively in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) through the four ribs 124, thereby guiding the reciprocating movement in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and restricting the rotation about the central axis of the bearing portion 111 with respect to the housing 110.

[0041] In addition, as Figure 3 shown, in the slider 120, cylindrical restricting portions 125 are vertically provided near the four corners of the top plate surface 120A respectively. When the slider 120 moves downward by a predetermined amount, each restricting portion 125 abuts against the upper surface of the cylindrical restricting portion 117 erected on the bottom plate portion 110A of the housing 110, thereby restricting the further downward movement of the slider 120.

[0042] The bottom cover 150 is a flat member that covers the bottom surface of the housing 110. A push button switch 152 is provided at the center of the upper surface of the bottom cover 150. By installing the bottom cover 150 on the housing 110, the push button switch 152 is disposed in the cylinder 111D of the bearing portion 111 from the lower opening provided in the bearing portion 111 of the housing 110. When the pressing operation of the slider 120 is performed, the push button switch 152 is pressed by the bottom surface 121C (refer to Figure 3 ) of the shaft portion 121 provided in the slider 120, and thus is switched to the on state.

[0043] The first spacer 130 and the second spacer 140 are annular members provided in the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the bearing portion 111 provided in the housing 110 and the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 121 provided in the slider 120. Specifically, as Figure 4As shown, the first spacer 130 is disposed in the gap between the upper inner peripheral surface 111A of the bearing portion 111 and the upper outer peripheral surface 121A of the slider 120. On the other hand, the second spacer 140 is disposed in the gap between the middle inner peripheral surface 111B of the bearing portion 111 and the lower outer peripheral surface 121B of the slider 120. Therefore, the second spacer 140 has a smaller inner diameter and outer diameter than the first spacer 130. The first spacer 130 and the second spacer 140 can reciprocate the slider 120 in the vertical direction without causing the slider 120 to wobble relative to the housing 110. For example, the first spacer 130 and the second spacer 140 are formed by using an elastic resin material (such as polycarbonate ABS, etc.).

[0044] (Structure of the first spacer 130 and the second spacer 140)

[0045] Figure 5 is an external perspective view of the first spacer 130 and the second spacer 140 of the first embodiment. Figure 6 is a top view of the first spacer 130 of the first embodiment. Figure 7 is a top view of the second spacer 140 of the first embodiment.

[0046] As Figures 5 to 7 shown, the first spacer 130 and the second spacer 140 are annular members. The first spacer 130 and the second spacer 140 are formed by using a resin material. As Figure 5 shown, the second spacer 140 has a smaller inner diameter and outer diameter than the first spacer 130, respectively.

[0047] (Structure of the first spacer 130)

[0048] As Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, a plurality of first protrusions 131 are arranged side by side along the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface 130A of the first spacer 130. Each of the plurality of first protrusions 131 protrudes outward in the radial direction and has an arc-shaped surface. In the present embodiment, five first protrusions 131 are arranged at equal intervals (i.e., 72° intervals). The plurality of first protrusions 131 are integrally formed on the first spacer 130.

[0049] In addition, as Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, on the inner circumferential surface 130B of the first spacer 130, a plurality of second protrusions 132 are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction. Each of the plurality of second protrusions 132 protrudes inward in the radial direction and has an arcuate surface. In the present embodiment, five second protrusions 132 are arranged at equal intervals (i.e., 72° intervals). Among them, each of the five second protrusions 132 is provided at the intermediate position between two adjacent first protrusions 131 in the circumferential direction. That is, each of the five second protrusions 132 is arranged at a position that does not overlap with any of the five first protrusions 131 in the circumferential direction. The plurality of second protrusions 132 are integrally formed on the first spacer 130.

[0050] As Figure 6 shown, the first spacer 130 is disposed in the gap between the upper inner circumferential surface 111A (dashed line) of the bearing portion 111 and the upper outer circumferential surface 121A (dashed line) of the slider 120.

[0051] Therefore, in the first spacer 130, each of the five first protrusions 131 abuts against the upper inner circumferential surface 111A of the bearing portion 111, and each of the five second protrusions 132 abuts against the upper outer circumferential surface 121A of the slider 120 and is pressed.

[0052] Therefore, in the first spacer 130 before assembly, the maximum outer diameter (the diameter of the circle passing through the tops of each of the five first protrusions 131) is designed to be equal to or larger than the inner diameter of the upper inner circumferential surface 111A, and the minimum inner diameter (the diameter of the circle passing through the tops of each of the five second protrusions 132) is designed to be equal to or smaller than the outer diameter of the upper outer circumferential surface 121A.

[0053] Here, assuming that the outer diameter of the upper outer circumferential surface 121A of the slider 120 is slightly larger than the above-mentioned minimum inner diameter of the first spacer 130 due to component manufacturing errors, the upper outer circumferential surface 121A of the slider 120 presses each of the five second protrusions 132 of the first spacer 130 outward in the radial direction (arrow A in the figure). Here, in the first spacer 130, each of the five second protrusions 132 is provided at the intermediate position between two adjacent first protrusions 131. Therefore, in the first spacer 130, it becomes a double-supported beam with these two first protrusions 131 as the fulcrums, and the beam (the portion between the two first protrusions 131) is pressed by the second protrusion 132 provided at the intermediate position, so that it can elastically deform outward in the radial direction (arrow B in the figure). Thus, the first spacer 130 can absorb the component manufacturing errors of the upper outer circumferential surface 121A of the slider 120, make the upper outer circumferential surface 121A of the slider 120 abut against the second protrusion 132 with an appropriate sliding resistance, and can make the first protrusion 131 abut to eliminate the play with the upper inner circumferential surface 111A of the bearing portion 111.

[0054] On the other hand, assuming that the inner diameter of the upper inner peripheral surface 111A of the bearing portion 111 is slightly smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the first spacer 130 due to component manufacturing errors, the upper inner peripheral surface 111A of the bearing portion 111 presses each of the five protrusions 131 of the first spacer 130 inward in the radial direction (arrow C in the figure). Here, in the first spacer 130, the five first protrusions 131 are each provided at an intermediate position between two adjacent second protrusions 132. Therefore, in the first spacer 130, it becomes a double-supported beam with the two second protrusions 132 as fulcrums, and this beam (the portion between the two second protrusions 132) is pressed by the first protrusion 131 provided at its intermediate position, so that it can elastically deform inward in the radial direction (arrow D in the figure). Thereby, the first spacer 130 can absorb the component manufacturing errors of the upper inner peripheral surface 111A of the bearing portion 111, bring the upper outer peripheral surface 121A of the slider 120 into contact with the second protrusion 132 with an appropriate sliding resistance, and can bring the first protrusion 131 into contact to eliminate the play with the upper inner peripheral surface 111A of the bearing portion 111.

[0055] (Structure of the second spacer 140)

[0056] As Figure 5 and Figure 7 shown, a plurality of first protrusions 141 are arranged side by side along the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface 140A of the second spacer 140. The plurality of first protrusions 141 each protrude outward in the radial direction and have an arc-shaped surface. In the present embodiment, the five first protrusions 141 are arranged at equal intervals (i.e., 72° intervals). The plurality of first protrusions 141 are integrally formed of a resin material on the second spacer 140.

[0057] In addition, as Figure 5 and Figure 7 shown, a plurality of second protrusions 142 are arranged side by side along the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface 140B of the second spacer 140. The plurality of second protrusions 142 each protrude inward in the radial direction and have an arc-shaped surface. In the present embodiment, the five second protrusions 142 are arranged at equal intervals (i.e., 72° intervals). Among them, the five second protrusions 142 are each provided at an intermediate position between two adjacent first protrusions 141 along the circumferential direction. That is, the five second protrusions 142 are each arranged at a position that does not overlap with any of the five first protrusions 141 in the circumferential direction. The plurality of second protrusions 142 are integrally formed of a resin material on the second spacer 140.

[0058] As Figure 7As shown, the second spacer 140 is disposed in the gap between the intermediate inner peripheral surface 111B (dashed line) of the bearing portion 111 and the lower outer peripheral surface 121B (dashed line) of the slider 120.

[0059] Therefore, in the second spacer 140, each of the five first protrusions 141 abuts against the intermediate inner peripheral surface 111B of the bearing portion 111, and each of the five second protrusions 142 abuts against the lower outer peripheral surface 121B of the slider 120 and is pressed.

[0060] Therefore, in the second spacer 140 before assembly, the maximum outer diameter (the diameter of the circle passing through the tops of the five first protrusions 141) is designed to be equal to or larger than the inner diameter of the intermediate inner peripheral surface 111B, and the minimum inner diameter (the diameter of the circle passing through the tops of the five second protrusions 142) is designed to be equal to or smaller than the outer diameter of the lower outer peripheral surface 121B.

[0061] Here, assuming that the outer diameter of the lower outer peripheral surface 121B of the slider 120 is slightly larger than the above-mentioned minimum inner diameter of the second spacer 140 due to component manufacturing errors, the lower outer peripheral surface 121B of the slider 120 presses each of the five second protrusions 142 of the second spacer 140 outward in the radial direction (arrow E in the figure). Here, in the second spacer 140, each of the five second protrusions 142 is disposed at the intermediate position between two adjacent first protrusions 141. Therefore, in the second spacer 140, it becomes a double-supported beam with the two first protrusions 141 as the fulcrums, and the beam (the portion between the two first protrusions 141) is pressed by the second protrusion 142 disposed at the intermediate position thereof, so that it can elastically deform outward in the radial direction (arrow F in the figure). Thereby, the second spacer 140 can absorb the component manufacturing errors of the lower outer peripheral surface 121B of the slider 120, bring the lower outer peripheral surface 121B of the slider 120 into contact with the second protrusion 142 with an appropriate sliding resistance, and can bring the first protrusion 141 into contact to eliminate the play with the intermediate inner peripheral surface 111B of the bearing portion 111.

[0062] On the other hand, assume that the inner diameter of the intermediate inner peripheral surface 111B of the bearing portion 111 is slightly smaller than the above-mentioned maximum outer diameter of the second spacer 140 due to component manufacturing errors. In this case, the intermediate inner peripheral surface 111B of the bearing portion 111 presses each of the five first protrusions 141 of the second spacer 140 inward in the radial direction (arrow G in the figure). Here, in the second spacer 140, the five first protrusions 141 are each provided at an intermediate position between two adjacent second protrusions 142. Therefore, in the second spacer 140, it becomes a double-supported beam with these two second protrusions 142 as fulcrums, and this beam (the portion between the two second protrusions 142) is pressed by the first protrusion 141 provided at its intermediate position, so that it can elastically deform inward in the radial direction (arrow H in the figure). Thus, the second spacer 140 can absorb the component manufacturing errors of the intermediate inner peripheral surface 111B of the bearing portion 111, bring the lower outer peripheral surface 121B of the slider 120 into contact with the second protrusions 142 with an appropriate sliding resistance, and can bring the first protrusions 141 into contact to eliminate the play with the intermediate inner peripheral surface 111B of the bearing portion 111.

[0063] (Engaging mechanism of the first spacer 130 and the second spacer 140)

[0064] Figure 8 This is a view showing an enlargement of the inside of the bearing portion 111 of the housing 110 of the first embodiment.

[0065] As Figure 8 shown, the bearing portion 111 sequentially has an upper inner peripheral surface 111A, an intermediate inner peripheral surface 111B, and a lower inner peripheral surface 111C from above. The intermediate inner peripheral surface 111B has a smaller inner diameter than the upper inner peripheral surface 111A. The lower inner peripheral surface 111C has a smaller inner diameter than the intermediate inner peripheral surface 111B.

[0066] In addition, as Figure 8 shown, in two opposed portions of the intermediate inner peripheral surface 111B of the bearing portion 111, there are formed groove portions 112A having a shape recessed outward in the radial direction and extending in the vertical direction. Claw portions 113A (an example of a "restricting portion for restricting the movement of the spacer") are formed inside the groove portions 112A.

[0067] On the other hand, as Figure 5As shown in FIG. 1 , the first spacer 130 includes two engaging claws 133 provided downwardly at two opposing locations. When the first spacer 130 is arranged inside the upper inner peripheral surface 111A, the engaging claws 133 are received in the groove 112A formed in the middle inner peripheral surface 111B of the bearing portion 111, and are engaged with the claws 113A formed in the groove 112A by a snap-fit ​​structure. Thus, the first spacer 130 is restricted from moving in the up-down direction, and does not move due to the sliding resistance of the shaft portion 121 of the slider 120 in the up-down direction.

[0068] In addition, if Figure 8 As shown, grooves 112B having a shape concave toward the outside in the radial direction and extending in the up-down direction are formed at two opposing locations on the lower inner peripheral surface 111C of the bearing 111. Claws 113B (another example of a "limiting portion for limiting the movement of the spacer") are formed inside the grooves 112B.

[0069] On the other hand, Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the second spacer 140 is provided with engaging claws 143 provided downwardly at two opposing locations. When the second spacer 140 is arranged inside the middle inner peripheral surface 111B, the engaging claws 143 are received in the groove 112B formed in the lower inner peripheral surface 111C of the bearing portion 111, and are engaged with the claws 113B formed in the groove 112B by a snap-fit ​​structure. Thus, the second spacer 140 is restricted from moving in the up-down direction, and does not move due to the sliding resistance of the shaft portion 121 of the slider 120 in the up-down direction.

[0070] It should be noted that the switch device 100 of this embodiment can be provided without mutual interference between the annular surfaces that restrict downward movement by making the outer diameter of the first spacer 130 larger than the outer diameter of the second spacer 140. In addition, the engaging claw 133 of the first spacer 130 that restricts upward movement can be engaged with the claw portion 113A in the groove portion 112A without interfering with the second spacer 140.

[0071] As described above, in the switch device 100 according to one embodiment, the bearing portion 111 of the housing 110 and the spacers 130 and 140 are always in point contact with each other by the plurality of first protrusions 131 and 141 provided therebetween, and therefore, play between the spacers 130 and 140 can be suppressed.

[0072] In the switch device 100 according to one embodiment, the shaft 121 of the slider 120 and the spacers 130 and 140 are in point contact via the plurality of second protrusions 132 and 142 provided therebetween, so that the contact area can be reduced and the sliding resistance therebetween can be suppressed.

[0073] Further, the switching device 100 according to an embodiment is a double-supported beam with two first protrusion portions 131 and 141 or second protrusion portions 132 and 142 adjacent to each other along the circumferential direction as fulcrums. This beam elastically deforms in the radial direction to absorb the manufacturing errors of the components of the bearing portion 111 or the shaft portion 121, so as to maintain an appropriate sliding resistance in a state where the first protrusion portions 131 and 141 are always in contact with the bearing portion 111 of the housing 110 and the second protrusion portions 132 and 142 are always in contact with the shaft portion 121 of the slider 120.

[0074] Therefore, in the switching device 100 according to an embodiment, in a sliding mechanism having a shaft portion 121 configured to be reciprocally movable within the cylinder of the bearing portion 111, it is possible to suppress the sliding resistance of the shaft portion 121 and suppress the wobbling between the bearing portion 111 and the shaft portion 121.

[0075] 〔Second Embodiment〕

[0076] Next, with reference to Figures 9 to 11 , the switching device 100-2 according to the second embodiment using this sliding mechanism will be described. Hereinafter, regarding the switching device 100-2 according to the second embodiment, mainly the changed parts with respect to the switching device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0077] Figure 9 is a perspective view observed from the bottom surface side of the slider 120-2 according to the second embodiment. Figure 10 is a bottom view of the slider 120-2 according to the second embodiment. Figure 11 is an external perspective view of the first spacer 130-2 and the second spacer 140-2 according to the second embodiment.

[0078] As shown in Figure 9 and Figure 10 , in the switching device 100-2 according to the second embodiment, five second protrusion portions 122 are arranged side by side at equal intervals along the circumferential direction on the upper outer peripheral surface 121A of the shaft portion 121 of the slider 120-2, and five second protrusion portions 123 are arranged side by side at equal intervals along the circumferential direction on the lower outer peripheral surface 121B of the shaft portion 121 of the slider 120-2.

[0079] Along with this change, as shown in Figure 11 , in the switching device 100-2 according to the second embodiment, a plurality of second protrusion portions 132 are not provided on the inner peripheral surface 130B of the first spacer 130-2, and a plurality of second protrusion portions 142 are not provided on the inner peripheral surface 140B of the second spacer 140-2.

[0080] Thus, the difference between the switch device 100-2 of the second embodiment and the switch device 100 of the first embodiment is that instead of being provided on the side of the spacers 130-2 and 140-2, the plurality of second protrusions 122 and 123 are provided on the shaft portion 121 side of the slider 120-2.

[0081] However, regarding the switch device 100-2 of the second embodiment, five second protrusions are provided at equal intervals (i.e., 72° intervals) in the circumferential direction between the inner circumferential surfaces 130B and 140B of the spacers 130-2 and 140-2 and the outer circumferential surfaces 121A and 121B of the shaft portion 121 of the slider 120-2, and each of the five first protrusions and each of the five second protrusions are provided at non-overlapping positions in the circumferential direction. This is the same as the switch device 100 of the first embodiment.

[0082] Therefore, similar to the switch device 100 of the first embodiment, even when component manufacturing errors occur in the shaft portion 121 of the slider 120-2, the spacers 130-2 and 140-2 can absorb the component manufacturing errors of the shaft portion 121 by elastically deforming in the radial direction, so that the second protrusions 122 and 123 of the shaft portion 121 are in contact with the spacers 130-2 and 140-2 with appropriate sliding resistance, and the first protrusions 131 and 141 can be brought into contact to eliminate the play with the bearing portion 111.

[0083] In addition, similar to the switch device 100 of the first embodiment, even when component manufacturing errors occur in the bearing portion 111 of the housing 110, the spacers 130-2 and 140-2 can absorb the component manufacturing errors of the bearing portion 111 by elastically deforming in the radial direction, so that the second protrusions 122 and 123 of the shaft portion 121 are in contact with the spacers 130-2 and 140-2 with appropriate sliding resistance, and the first protrusions 131 and 141 can be brought into contact to eliminate the play with the bearing portion 111.

[0084] 〔Third Embodiment〕

[0085] Next, with reference to Figure 12 and Figure 13 , the switch device 100-3 of the third embodiment using this sliding mechanism will be described. Hereinafter, regarding the switch device 100-3 of the third embodiment, mainly the changed parts with respect to the switch device 100 of the first embodiment will be described.

[0086] Figure 12It is a diagram showing an enlarged view of the interior of the bearing portion 111 of the housing 110-3 of the third embodiment (in a state where the spacers 130-3 and 140-3 have been removed). Figure 13 It is a diagram showing an enlarged view of the interior of the bearing portion 111 of the housing 110-3 of the third embodiment (in a state where the spacers 130-3 and 140-3 are installed).

[0087] As Figure 12 shown, in the switch device 100-3 of the third embodiment, five first protrusion portions 114 are arranged side by side at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the upper inner circumferential surface 111A of the bearing portion 111 of the housing 110-3, and five first protrusion portions 115 are arranged side by side at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the middle inner circumferential surface 111B of the bearing portion 111 of the housing 110-3.

[0088] Along with this change, as Figure 13 shown, in the switch device 100-3 of the third embodiment, a plurality of first protrusion portions 131 are not provided on the outer circumferential surface 130A of the first spacer 130-3, and a plurality of first protrusion portions 141 are not provided on the outer circumferential surface 140A of the second spacer 140-3.

[0089] Thus, the difference between the switch device 100-3 of the third embodiment and the switch device 100 of the first embodiment is that the plurality of first protrusion portions 114 and 115 are not provided on the side of the spacers 130-3 and 140-3, but on the side of the bearing portion 111 of the housing 110-3.

[0090] However, the switch device 100-3 of the third embodiment is the same as the switch device 100 of the first embodiment in that five first protrusion portions are arranged at equal intervals (i.e., at 72° intervals) in the circumferential direction between the outer circumferential surfaces 130A and 140A of the spacers 130-3 and 140-3 and the inner circumferential surfaces 111A and 111B of the bearing portion 111 of the housing 110-3, and each of the five first protrusion portions and each of the five second protrusion portions are arranged at positions that do not overlap each other in the circumferential direction.

[0091] Therefore, similar to the switch device 100 of the first embodiment, even when component manufacturing errors occur in the shaft portion 121 of the slider 120, the spacers 130-3 and 140-3 can absorb the component manufacturing errors of the shaft portion 121 by elastically deforming in the radial direction, enabling the shaft portion 121 to abut against the second protrusion portions 132 and 142 with an appropriate sliding resistance, and enabling the first protrusion portions 114 and 115 to abut against the spacers 130-3 and 140-3 to eliminate the play with the bearing portion 111.

[0092] In addition, similar to the switch device 100 of the first embodiment, even when component manufacturing errors occur in the bearing portion 111 of the housing 110-3 of the third embodiment, the spacers 130-3 and 140-3 can absorb the component manufacturing errors of the bearing portion 111 by elastically deforming in the radial direction, enabling the shaft portion 121 to abut against the second protrusion portions 132 and 142 with an appropriate sliding resistance, and enabling the first protrusion portions 114 and 115 to abut against the spacers 130-3 and 140-3 to eliminate the play with the bearing portion 111.

[0093] 〔Fourth Embodiment〕

[0094] Next, with reference to Figures 14 to 16 , the switch device 100-4 of the fourth embodiment using this sliding mechanism will be described. Hereinafter, regarding the switch device 100-4 of the fourth embodiment, the changed parts with respect to the switch device 100 of the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0095] Figure 14 is an external perspective view of the housing 110-4 of the fourth embodiment. Figure 15 is a perspective view observed from the bottom surface side of the slider 120-4 of the fourth embodiment. Figure 16 is an external perspective view of the first spacer 130-4 and the second spacer 140-4 of the fourth embodiment.

[0096] As Figure 14 shown, in the housing 110-4 of the fourth embodiment, five first protrusion portions 114 are arranged side by side at equal intervals along the circumferential direction on the upper inner peripheral surface 111A of the bearing portion 111 of the housing 110-4, and five first protrusion portions 115 are arranged side by side at equal intervals along the circumferential direction on the middle inner peripheral surface 111B of the bearing portion 111 of the housing 110-4.

[0097] In addition, as Figure 15 shown, in the switch device 100-4 of the fourth embodiment, five second protrusion portions 122 are arranged side by side at equal intervals along the circumferential direction on the upper outer peripheral surface 121A of the shaft portion 121 of the slider 120-4, and five second protrusion portions 123 are arranged side by side at equal intervals along the circumferential direction on the lower outer peripheral surface 121B of the shaft portion 121 of the slider 120-4.

[0098] Along with this change, as Figure 16 shown, in the switch device 100-4 of the fourth embodiment, a plurality of second protrusion portions 132 are not provided on the inner peripheral surface 130B of the first spacer 130-4, and a plurality of second protrusion portions 142 are not provided on the inner peripheral surface 140B of the second spacer 140-4.

[0099] In addition, as Figure 16As shown, in the switch device 100-4 of the fourth embodiment, a plurality of first protrusions 131 are not provided on the outer peripheral surface 130A of the first spacer 130-4, and a plurality of first protrusions 141 are not provided on the outer peripheral surface 140A of the second spacer 140-4.

[0100] Thus, the difference between the switch device 100-4 of the fourth embodiment and the switch device 100 of the first embodiment is that the plurality of first protrusions 114 and 115 are not provided on the spacer 130-4 and 140-4 sides, but on the bearing portion 111 side of the housing 110-4.

[0101] In addition, the difference between the switch device 100-4 of the fourth embodiment and the switch device 100 of the first embodiment is that the plurality of second protrusions 122 and 123 are not provided on the spacer 130-4 and 140-4 sides, but on the shaft portion 121 side of the slider 120-4.

[0102] However, the switch device 100-4 of the fourth embodiment is the same as the switch device 100 of the first embodiment in that five second protrusions are provided at equal intervals (i.e., 72° intervals) along the circumferential direction between the inner peripheral surfaces 130B and 140B of the spacers 130-4 and 140-4 and the upper outer peripheral surface 121A and the lower outer peripheral surface 121B of the shaft portion 121 of the slider 120-4, and each of the five first protrusions and each of the five second protrusions are provided at non-overlapping positions in the circumferential direction.

[0103] In addition, the switch device 100-4 of the fourth embodiment is the same as the switch device 100 of the first embodiment in that five first protrusions are provided at equal intervals (i.e., 72° intervals) along the circumferential direction between the outer peripheral surfaces 130A and 140A of the spacers 130-4 and 140-4 and the upper inner peripheral surface 111A and the middle inner peripheral surface 111B of the bearing portion 111 of the housing 110-4, and each of the five first protrusions and each of the five second protrusions are provided at non-overlapping positions in the circumferential direction.

[0104] Therefore, similar to the switch device 100 of the first embodiment, even when component manufacturing errors occur in the shaft portion 121 of the slider 120-4, the spacers 130-4 and 140-4 can absorb the component manufacturing errors of the shaft portion 121 by elastically deforming in the radial direction, so that the second protrusions 132 and 142 of the shaft portion 121 are in contact with the spacers 130-4 and 140-4 with appropriate sliding resistance, and the first protrusions 114 and 115 can be in contact with the spacers 130-3 and 140-3 to eliminate the play with the bearing portion 111.

[0105] In addition, similar to the switching device 100 of the first embodiment, even when component manufacturing errors occur in the bearing portion 111 of the housing 110-4 of the switching device 100-4 of the fourth embodiment, the spacers 130-4 and 140-4 can absorb the manufacturing errors of the bearing portion 111 by elastically deforming in the radial direction, so that the second protrusions 132 and 142 of the shaft portion 121 are in contact with the spacers 130-4 and 140-4 with appropriate sliding resistance, and the first protrusions 114 and 115 can be in contact with the spacers 130-3 and 140-3 to eliminate the play with the bearing portion 111.

[0106] As described above, one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications or changes can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the technical solution.

[0107] For example, in one embodiment, two spacers are provided in the vertical direction, but it is not limited thereto, and one or three or more spacers may be provided in the vertical direction.

[0108] In addition, in one embodiment, five first protrusions and five second protrusions are provided respectively, but it is not limited thereto, and four or less or six or more first protrusions and four or less or six or more second protrusions may be provided respectively. In this case, similar to the description in the embodiment, the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of second protrusions are preferably arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction.

[0109] In addition, in one embodiment, two engaging claws facing each other are provided respectively, but it is not limited thereto, and one or less or three or more engaging claws may be provided respectively. In this case, similar to the description in the embodiment, the corresponding claw portions (restricting portions) are preferably provided at positions corresponding to the circumferential engaging claws.

[0110] In addition, in one embodiment, a bearing portion is provided in the housing 110 (support body), and a shaft portion is provided in the sliding member 120 (moving body), but it is not limited thereto, and a shaft portion may be provided in the housing 110 (support body), and a bearing portion may be provided in the sliding member 120.

[0111] This international application claims the priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-073685 filed on April 16, 2020, and incorporates the entire contents of this application into this international application.

[0112] Description of reference numerals

[0113] 100 Switching device

[0114] 110 Housing (Supporting Body)

[0115] 110A Bottom Plate Portion

[0116] 111 Bearing Portion

[0117] 111A Upper Inner Peripheral Surface

[0118] 111B Middle Inner Peripheral Surface

[0119] 111C Lower Inner Peripheral Surface

[0120] 111D Inside the Cylinder

[0121] 112A, 112B Groove Portions

[0122] 113A, 113B Claw Portions (Restricting Portions)

[0123] 120 Sliding Member (Moving Body)

[0124] 121 Shaft Portion

[0125] 121A Upper Outer Peripheral Surface

[0126] 121B Lower Outer Peripheral Surface

[0127] 121C Bottom Surface

[0128] 130 First Spacer

[0129] 130A Outer Peripheral Surface

[0130] 130B Inner Peripheral Surface

[0131] 131 First Protrusion

[0132] 132 Second Protrusion

[0133] 133 Engaging Claw

[0134] 140 Second Spacer

[0135] 140A Outer Peripheral Surface

[0136] 140B Inner Peripheral Surface

[0137] 141 First Protrusion

[0138] 142 Second Protrusion

[0139] 143 Engaging Claw

[0140] 150 Bottom Cover

[0141] 152 Push Button Switch

Claims

1. A sliding mechanism, characterized in that the sliding mechanism includes: a cylindrical bearing portion provided on one of a support body and a moving body; a shaft portion provided on the other of the support body and the moving body, inserted into the cylinder of the bearing portion, and capable of reciprocating relative to the bearing portion along the extending direction of the bearing portion; and an annular spacer provided in the gap between the bearing portion and the shaft portion, the sliding mechanism has: a plurality of first protrusions provided on the bearing portion or the spacer between the bearing portion and the spacer, and arranged side by side in the circumferential direction; and a plurality of second protrusions provided on the shaft portion or the spacer between the shaft portion and the spacer, and arranged side by side in the circumferential direction, the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of second protrusions are arranged at non-overlapping positions in the circumferential direction, the spacer can elastically deform in the radial direction with two adjacent first protrusions in the circumferential direction or two adjacent second protrusions in the circumferential direction as fulcrums, in the gap between the bearing portion and the shaft portion, there are two spacers in the extending direction of the bearing portion, the bearing portion has a restricting portion that engages with engaging claws hanging down from the two spacers by a snap structure to restrict the movement of the two spacers in the extending direction of the bearing portion, the outer diameters of the two spacers are different from each other.

2. The sliding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the spacer is pressed from the outside in the radial direction by the first protrusion provided between the two second protrusions in the circumferential direction with two adjacent second protrusions in the circumferential direction as fulcrums, so as to be elastically deformable inward in the radial direction.

3. The sliding mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the spacer is pressed from the inside in the radial direction by the second protrusion provided between the two first protrusions in the circumferential direction with two adjacent first protrusions in the circumferential direction as fulcrums, so as to be elastically deformable outward in the radial direction.

4. The sliding mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the plurality of first protrusions are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the spacer, the plurality of second protrusions are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the spacer.

5. The sliding mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of second protrusions of the spacer are integrally formed of a resin material.

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