Pushbutton switch, operation panel, and method for disassembling a pushbutton switch

Abstract

The push-button switch (100) of the present disclosure includes an operating member (2), a button base (3), a supporting member (40), and a fixing member. The operating member (2) is operated by a user from an operating side for operating an operation panel (1000), and the operation panel (1000) is provided with an opening (16). The button base (3) is formed to be insertable through the opening (16) and holds the operating member (2). The supporting member (40) is composed of a member smaller than the opening (16) and supports the button base (3) in such a manner that the button base (3) can be detached by an operation from the operating side. The fixing member is provided at a position where it can be operated through the opening (16) and fixes the supporting member (40) to the housing (1) of the operation panel (1000).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a push-button switch that can be replaced from the operating side of an operation panel. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an operation button unit including: a button base that slidably holds an operating member; and a housing that fits and locks the button base by inserting the button base, and on the other hand, can release the fitting and locking from the operation surface side. In this button unit, when repairing a substrate portion or a button top provided in the operating member, the substrate portion or the button top can be replaced from the operating side by releasing the fitting and locking of the housing to the button base.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-181509 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The housing included in the above-described operation button unit includes a mounting unit for fixing to an operation panel and is mounted on the back side of the panel of the operation panel. Therefore, when the housing itself is damaged, there is a problem that it is necessary to release the fixing of the housing from the back side of the operation panel.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a push-button switch in which, when replacing a support member that supports a button base on a housing, the support member can be detached from the operating side.

[0009] Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] The push-button switch of the present disclosure includes: an operating member that is operated by a user from the operating side of an operation panel, and an opening is provided in the operation panel; a button base that is formed to be insertable through the opening and holds the operating member; a support member that is formed of a member smaller than the opening and supports the button base in such a manner that the button base can be detached by an operation from the operating side; and a fixing member that is provided at a position where it can be operated through the opening and fixes the support member to a housing of the operation panel.

[0011] In addition, the operation panel of the present disclosure includes: a housing having an operation panel and a metal plate, the operation panel having a back surface and a front surface as an operation surface, and an opening is provided, and the metal plate is disposed opposite to the back surface of the operation panel; and a push button switch, the push button switch includes: an operation member exposed from the opening and operated by a user from the operation surface side; a button base formed to be insertable into the housing from the opening and holding the operation member; a support member formed of a member smaller than the opening and supporting the button base in such a manner that the button base can be detached by an auxiliary tool inserted through a gap between the opening and the operation member; and a fixing member disposed at a position where it can be operated from the operation surface side and fixing the support member to the metal plate of the housing.

[0012] In addition, the method for detaching the push button switch of the present disclosure is a method for detaching the push button switch from the housing of the operation panel. The push button switch includes: an operation member having a button top; a button base holding the operation member; and a support member supporting the button base and fixed to the housing by a fixing member. The method for detaching the push button switch includes the following steps: inserting an auxiliary tool into a gap between the button top and the edge of the opening of the operation panel to release the support of the support member for the button base; taking out the operation member and the button base from the opening of the operation panel; operating the fixing member that fixes the support member to the housing of the operation panel from the opening to release the fixing of the fixing member for the support member; and taking out the support member from the opening.

[0013] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to the present disclosure, in the push button switch, when replacing the support member that supports the button base on the housing, the support member can be detached from the operation side. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is an end view showing the operation panel in Embodiment 1.

[0016] Figure 2 is an end view of the periphery of the connector of the push button switch in Embodiment 1.

[0017] Figure 3 is a view showing the shape of the connector terminal of the push button switch in Embodiment 1.

[0018] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the contact between the connector terminal of the push button switch in Embodiment 1 and the mounting connector terminal.

[0019] Figure 5 is an end view showing the operation of releasing the support of the button base in Embodiment 1.

[0020] Figure 6It is an end view showing the operation of releasing the fixation of the support member in Embodiment 1.

[0021] Figure 7 It is a front view of the operation panel in Embodiment 1 as viewed from the front.

[0022] Figure 8 It is an end view showing the operation panel in Embodiment 2.

[0023] Figure 9 It is an end view of the periphery of the lever of the push button switch in Embodiment 2.

[0024] Figure 10 It is an end view showing the operation of releasing the support of the release button base in Embodiment 2.

[0025] Figure 11 It is an end view showing the operation panel in Embodiment 3.

[0026] Figure 12 It is an end view showing the operation of releasing the support of the release button base in Embodiment 3.

[0027] Figure 13 It is an end view showing the operation panel in Embodiment 4.

[0028] Figure 14 It is an end view showing the operation panel in Embodiment 5.

[0029] Figure 15 It is an end view showing the operation of releasing the fixation of the support member in Embodiment 5.

[0030] Figure 16 It is a front view of the operation panel in Embodiment 5 as viewed from the front. Detailed Embodiments

[0031] Embodiment 1

[0032] Hereinafter, the push button switch 100 and the operation panel 1000 of Embodiment 1 will be described in detail based on the drawings. In addition, the same reference numerals in the respective drawings denote the same or corresponding structures.

[0033] Figure 1This is an end view of the operation panel 1000 in Embodiment 1. This end view is a view of the end face that is horizontal with respect to the ground as observed from directly above. Therefore, the front of the paper surface is the actual upward direction, and the back side is the actual downward direction. In addition, the upper side in the vertical direction of the paper surface is the operation side where the user operates, and the lower side is the back side thereof. Hereinafter, the upper side of the paper surface will be referred to as the operation side, the lower side will be referred to as the back side, and the horizontal direction of the paper surface will be directly referred to as the right side and the left side. Also, the axis that is horizontal with respect to the ground and passes through the center of the button switch 100 and extends in the vertical direction of the paper surface will be referred to as the central axis, the side closer to the central axis will be referred to as the inner side, and the side farther from the central axis will be referred to as the outer side.

[0034] The operation panel 1000 includes a housing 1, a button switch 100, and a cable 7. The operation panel 1000 outputs the situation where the user presses the button switch 100 to an external device through the cable 7. First, Figure 1 The structure of the housing 1 will be described. The housing 1 includes a housing main body 13 and a metal plate 12.

[0035] The housing main body 13 has a rectangular parallelepiped structure with a cavity inside and has an operation panel 11 facing the operation side. Figure 1 In

[0036] the operation panel 11 has a front face as an operation surface facing the operation side, and has a back face on its back side. In addition, an opening 16 is provided through which the operation member 2 of the button switch 100 described later is exposed from the operation side.

[0037] The opening on the back side of the housing main body 13 is covered by a plate (not shown). In addition, a hole through which the cable 7 described later passes is provided in this plate.

[0037] Next, the metal plate 12 will be described. The metal plate 12 is made of a hard metal (such as iron) that is not easily deformed or damaged. The metal plate 12 has bent surfaces 12b whose both ends are bent at right angles toward the back side, and the bent surfaces 12b are in contact with the inner walls of the side surfaces of the housing main body 13. In addition, except for the bent surfaces 12b, the mounting surface 12a, which is the central portion of the metal plate 12, is arranged to face the back surface of the operation panel 11, and the horizontal length is the same as the length from the right side to the left side of the inner wall of the side surface of the housing main body 13. The metal plate 12 is fixed to the housing main body 13 by fixing the bent surfaces 12b to the inner walls of the side surfaces of the housing main body 13 using bolts 14 and nuts 15.

[0038] In addition, the metal plate 12 has recesses 17 on the operation side of the mounting surface 12a that are in contact with the guiding portions 42, that is, convex portions, of the supporting members 4a and 4b described later.

[0039] Next, the structure of the button switch 100 will be described. The button switch 100 includes an operation member 2, a button base 3, a supporting member 40, a screw 5 as a fixing member, and a substrate member 6.

[0040] In addition, the operation member 2 includes, in order from the operation side, a button top 21, an adapter 22, and a movable body 23, and moves from the operation side to the back side by the pressing action of the user.

[0041] The button top 21 is the part that protrudes from the opening 16 of the housing 1 to the operation side and contacts the user's hand. In addition, the button top 21 is the appearance surface of the button switch 100, and various characters and numbers are written on it. The button top 21 has a claw-shaped shape facing inward on the circumferential edge on the back side, and is combined with the adapter described below through this claw-shaped shape.

[0042] The adapter 22 combines the button top 21 with the movable body 23. The adapter 22 has a recess on the circumferential edge on the operation side for combining with the claw-shaped shape of the button top 21, and a claw-shaped shape facing outward is formed on the circumferential edge on the back side for combining with the movable body 23. By changing the shape of the adapter 22, the button top 21 manufactured according to different specifications can be combined with other components of the button switch 100.

[0043] The movable body 23 supports the button top 21 via the adapter 22 and is held on the button base 3 described below in a manner that it can move by the pressing action from the operation side. On the circumferential edge on the operation side, it has a claw-shaped shape facing inward for combining with the claw-shaped shape of the adapter 22. In addition, on the circumferential edge on the back side, a flange is provided facing outward, and the movement in the operation side direction is suppressed by the flange provided on the button base 3 described below. In addition, the movable body 23 has a pressing portion at its center, and this pressing portion presses the convex portion of the switch 62 described later.

[0044] Next, the button base 3 will be described. The button base 3 holds the operation member 2 in a manner that it can move by the pressing action of the user. The lateral length is formed to be smaller than the opening 16 and can be taken out from the opening 16. The button base 3 has a flange facing inward on the circumferential edge on the operation side, suppressing the movement of the operation member 2 including the movable body 23 to the operation side.

[0045] In addition, the button base 3 has a plate portion 32 of the substrate 61 that supports the substrate member 6 described later inside the outer frame with the flange. The plate portion 32 has a hole at its center through which the connector 63 of the substrate member 6 passes. Moreover, the button base 3 has a claw portion 31 supported by the support member 40 described later on each of the left and right sides on the back side. The claw portion 31 faces the outside of the button base 3, and the movement to the operation side is suppressed by the hook portion 41 of the support member 40. In addition, the claw portion 31 is located at a position inside the outer edge of the operation member 2.

[0046] Next, the support member 40 will be described. The support member 40 is composed of support members 4a and 4b which are members smaller than the opening 16. The support members 4a and 4b have the same shape, and in the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the two, they are simply referred to as the support member 4. One support member 4 is provided on each of the right and left sides. The support member 4 has a hook portion 41 that inhibits the claw portion 31 of the button base 3 from moving toward the operation side. The hook portion 41 has a flexible inclined portion 41a on the inner side, and the distance from the operation panel 11 becomes farther as it goes toward the inner side. The inclined portion 41a catches the claw portion 31 of the button base 3.

[0047] When taking the outer end of the inclined portion 41a as the starting point and the inner end as the ending point, the starting point is located at a position outside the edge of the opening 16 of the operation panel 11, and the ending point contacts the claw portion 31 at a position inside the outer edge of the operation member 2. Therefore, the inclined portion 41a is provided at a position facing the gap 81 between the edge of the opening 16 and the outer edge of the operation member 2. Therefore, the length between the hook portions 41 provided with the inclined portions 41a in the left and right support members 4 is longer than the length between the right edge and the left edge of the opening 16.

[0048] The support member 4 has a base portion 43 that contacts the mounting surface 12a which is the central portion of the metal plate 12. The base portion 43 has a convex portion, that is, a guiding portion 42, which fits into the concave portion 17 provided on the mounting surface 12a of the metal plate 12.

[0049] As a fixing member, a screw 5 passes through the base portion 43 of the support member 4 and the internal thread provided on the mounting surface 12a of the metal plate 12, and fixes the support member 4 constituting the support member 40 to the metal plate 12 of the housing 1. The head of the screw 5 is provided at a position facing the opening 16. Therefore, by inserting a screwdriver into the opening 16 from the operation side, the fixing and releasing operations of the screw 5 can be performed.

[0050] Next, the substrate member 6 will be described. The substrate member 6 includes a substrate 61, and a switch 62, a connector 63, and a light source 64 assembled to the substrate 61. As the operation member 2 moves due to the pressing action of the user, the switch 62 is pressed, the fact that the switch 62 is pressed is output from the connector 63 to an external device, and at the same time, the light source 64 is lit. In addition, the light source 64 is turned off according to a signal input from an external device via the connector 63.

[0051] The substrate 61 is located at the center of the push button switch 100 and is supported by the plate portion 32 of the button base 3. The switch 62 is assembled at the center on the operation side, and the light sources 64 are assembled on the right and left sides on the operation side. On the other hand, the connector 63 is provided at the center on the back side.

[0052] The operating side of the switch 62 contacts the pressing portion of the movable body 23. Through the pressing action of the user, the operating member 2 moves, thereby pressing the switch 62, and the switch 62 is turned on. In addition, if the pressing action of the user is released, the switch 62 pushes the pressing portion back to the operating side by the restoring force, and the operating member 2 returns to its original position.

[0053] The connector 63 is combined with the mounting connector 71 of the cable 7 described below to perform signal input / output and power reception. In addition, the light source 64 is an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that emits light using the power supplied from the outside via the connector 63.

[0054] The cable 7 will be described. The cable 7 serves as a medium for signal input / output between the push-button switch 100 and an external device, and supplies power from the external device to the push-button switch 100. The cable 7 includes a mounting connector 71, a wire 72, a relay connector 73, and an external connector 74.

[0055] The mounting connector 71 is combined by inserting the connector 63 of the substrate member 6 into the inside from the operating side. The operating side of the mounting connector 71 is formed wider and has a shape that facilitates the insertion of the connector 63. In addition, the mounting connector 71 is supported by a groove provided inside the support member 4.

[0056] Use Figure 2 、 Figure 3 And Figure 4 to describe the combined portion of the connector 63 and the mounting connector 71. Figure 2 is a partial enlarged view when the connector 63 is pulled out from the mounting connector 71. The connector 63 has a plurality of connector terminals 63a, and the mounting connector 71 has mounting connector terminals 71a that correspond one-to-one with the connector terminals 63a. The connector terminals 63a come into contact with the mounting connector terminals 71a, whereby the push-button switch 100 is turned on.

[0057] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the connector terminal 63a, Figure 4 is a view showing the contacting connector terminals 63a and mounting connector terminals 71a. The connector terminal 63a has a shape that protrudes and bends toward the back side, and can reliably contact the mounting connector terminal 71a.

[0058] The wire 72 includes a power line and a signal line. The relay connector 73 is provided on the side of the wire 72 opposite to the mounting connector 71 and is coupled to the external connector 74. The coupling between the relay connector 73 and the external connector 74 is detachable. In the present embodiment, the relay connector 73 and the external connector 74 are coupled by screws and can be disassembled and assembled by rotating the coupling portion. The length of the wire 72 connected to the external device from the external connector 74 has a margin, and by pulling the mounting connector 71 from the operation side, the coupling portion of the relay connector 73 and the external connector 74 can be pulled out to a position closer to the operation side than the opening 16. In addition, the coupling between the relay connector 73 and the external connector 74 can also be in a manner other than by screws. For example, it can also be a wire connector that conducts through fitting.

[0059] Next, use Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 to illustrate the disassembly method of this embodiment. Figure 5 is an end view of the operation panel 1000 when the auxiliary tool 8 is inserted into the gap 81. The auxiliary tool 8 is used to replace the push-button switch 100 and includes a handle 82 and two insertion portions 83 located at both ends of the handle 82 and facing the same direction. The length of the handle 82 is slightly longer than the lateral width of the button top 21, and the insertion portion 83 intersects the handle 82 at a right angle. Therefore, as long as the auxiliary tool 8 holds the handle 82 horizontally with the button top 21 and inserts the front end of the insertion portion 83 into the gap 81, the two insertion portions 83 can be inserted into the gap 81 simultaneously.

[0060] The disassembly method of the push-button switch 100 will be described. If the insertion portion 83 of the auxiliary tool 8 is inserted from the gap 81, the front end of the insertion portion 83 abuts against the inclined portion 41a of the support member 4. If it is further pressed backward, since the inclined portion 41a is flexible, the inner end of the inclined portion 41a moves backward, as shown in Figure 5 , the support of the inclined portion 41a for the button base 3 is released. In this state, by pulling out the operation member 2 toward the operation side, the operation member 2, the button base 3, and the substrate member 6 in the push-button switch 100 can be taken out from the opening 16.

[0061] Next, by pulling the mounting connector 71 of the cable 7 from the operation side, the coupling portion of the relay connector 73 of the cable 7 and the external connector 74 can be taken out from the opening 16. In addition, at this time, if it is necessary to replace the mounting connector 71, it can be replaced by releasing the coupling of the coupling portion of the relay connector 73 and the external connector 74.

[0062] Figure 7This is a view of the operation panel 1000 after removing the button base 3 and taking out the joint part of the relay connector 73 and the external connector 74 of the cable 7 from the opening 16 when observed from the operation side. The part shown by the dashed line of the support member 4 indicates the part hidden by the operation panel 11 and not visible. In addition, the blackened part in the center of the metal plate 12 indicates the hole through which the cable 7 passes.

[0063] Next, insert a screwdriver into the opening 16 from the operation side and use the screwdriver to remove the screw 5 that fixes the support member 40, thereby releasing the fixing of the screw 5 to the support member 40. This release of the fixing can be performed one by one on the support members 4 provided on the left and right. As Figure 6 shown, the released support members 4 can be removed one by one from the mounting surface 12a of the metal plate 12. That is, the plurality of support members 4a, 4b that make up the support member 40 are mounted on the metal plate 12 in a separable manner, and each of these support members 4 is smaller than the opening 16, so it can be taken out from the opening 16.

[0064] Based on the above, the button switch 100 can be removed from the operation side. Next, the installation method of the button switch 100 will be described. The installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal.

[0065] First, insert one support member 4 from the opening 16 and set it on the mounting surface 12a. At this time, by setting the guide portion 42 to contact the concave portion 17 of the mounting surface 12a, it can be set in the correct position. Next, use a screwdriver to fix the support member 4 to the mounting surface 12a through the screw 5. This process is performed on both the left and right support members 4.

[0066] Next, place the mounting connector 71 of the cable 7 in the groove of the support member 4, thereby setting it in the correct position. Finally, by inserting the operating member 2, the button base 3, and the substrate member 6 from the opening 16, the button switch 100 can be installed.

[0067] Based on the above, when replacing the support member 40 that supports the button base 3 on the housing 1, the support member 40 can be taken out from the operation side. Therefore, there is no need to perform the operation of opening the housing main body 13 itself for replacing the support member 40. This is particularly useful when it is difficult to perform the operation due to reasons such as the operation panel 1000 being embedded in the wall of a building.

[0068] In addition, according to the present embodiment, even when the operation panel 11 on the operation side of the housing body 13 cannot be easily opened and closed, the support member 40 can be replaced from the operation side. Therefore, the push button switch 100 in the present embodiment is particularly useful for an operation panel 1000 such as a call button provided at a landing of an elevator or a destination button provided in a car of an elevator, where it is difficult to make the operation panel 11 openable and closable due to space or design reasons, and a large amount of labor is required for working from the back side.

[0069] Moreover, according to the guiding portion 42 described in the present embodiment, during the operation from the opening 16 with limited working space, the support member 4 is also guided to a specific installation position, so it is easy to install.

[0070] In addition, in the present embodiment, the support member 40 is divided into a plurality of support members 4. Thereby, it can be taken out from the opening 16, and the length between the hook portions 41 provided on the left and right is longer than the opening 16, and the inclined portion 41a is provided at a position facing the gap 81, so it is easy to release the support of the button base 3 by the auxiliary tool 8.

[0071] Embodiment 2

[0072] In this embodiment, a push button switch 100 is provided with a rod 9 instead of the hook portion 41 of the support member 40. The rod 9 rotates by the pressing of the auxiliary tool 8 to release the support of the button base 3. Hereinafter, Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 will be used to mainly explain the differences from Embodiment 1. The same reference numerals in the respective drawings denote the same or corresponding parts as Figure 5 .

[0073] First, Figure 8 and Figure 9 will be used to explain the structure of this embodiment. Figure 8 is an end view of the operation panel 1000 of this embodiment. In the left and right support members 4, a rod 9 is provided instead of the hook portion 41. The rod 9 has an auxiliary tool receiving portion 96 outside the shaft 91, and the auxiliary tool receiving portion 96 is located at a position facing the gap 81. Figure 9 showing the rod 9 of the right support member 4 and its surroundings in detail will be used to explain the structure in detail. Hereinafter, the rod 9 on the right side will be described.

[0074] The lever 9 has a shaft 91, a lever claw 92, a stopper 93, a torsion spring 94, a spring stopper 95, and an auxiliary tool receiving portion 96. The shaft 91 is fixed to the support member 4, and has the lever claw 92 and the auxiliary tool receiving portion 96 at both ends thereof, and has the stopper 93 in the back direction. In addition, the torsion spring 94 is wound around the shaft 91. When the auxiliary tool 8 presses the auxiliary tool receiving portion 96 from the operating side, the right lever 9 rotates rightward around the shaft 91.

[0075] The lever claw 92 is provided at a position inside the shaft 91, and the back side of the lever claw 92, like one end inside the inclined portion 41a of the first embodiment, suppresses the claw portion 31 of the button base 3 from moving toward the operation side. That is, the lever claw 92 supports the button base 3 in a manner that the button base 3 does not fall off by contacting with the claw portion 31. In addition, when the lever 9 is rotated to the right, the operation side of the lever claw 92 contacts with the back side of the button base 3, thereby pushing the button base 3 toward the operation side. The auxiliary tool receiving portion 96 is located at a position opposite to the gap 81 outside the shaft 91, and moves toward the back side when pressed by the auxiliary tool 8.

[0076] The torsion spring 94 is wound around the shaft 91, and one end of the torsion spring 94 is fixed to the base portion 43 of the support member 4. The other end is hooked from the back side to a spring stopper 95 which is a convex portion provided on the auxiliary tool receiving portion 96. The torsion spring 94 applies a force to rotate the rod 9 in the left direction around the shaft 91. The force to rotate the rod in the left direction generated by the torsion spring 94 causes the rod claw 92 to press the claw portion 31 in the back direction.

[0077] The stopper 93 is a convex portion provided on the back side of the shaft 91. The stopper 93 prevents the rod 9 from rotating to the left by more than a certain angle when the button base 3 is removed. To explain in detail, when the button base 3 is removed, the claw 31 of the button base 3 no longer inhibits the movement of the rod claw 92 in the back direction. Therefore, the rod 9 wants to rotate to the left due to the force of the torsion spring 94, and thus the left rotation is inhibited by contacting the convex portion provided on the support member 4, that is, the stopper receiving portion 44.

[0078] Next, use Figure 10 The operation of this embodiment will be described. Figure 10 The figure shows the situation when the inserting portion 83 of the assistive device 8 presses the assistive device receiving portion 96. Figure 9 The dotted lines in the figure indicate the position of the rod and the button base 3 before being pressed.

[0079] When the auxiliary tool receiving portion 96 is pressed by the insertion portion 83, the right lever rotates rightward around the shaft 91 until the back side of the auxiliary tool receiving portion 96 contacts the outer side of the stopper receiving portion 44. By this rotation, the back side of the lever claw 92 is released from contact with the claw portion 31, and the operating side of the lever claw 92 moves the button base 3 toward the operating side.

[0080] Further, if a person who replaces the push button switch 100 grasps the operation member 2 and pulls it out, the button base 3 can also be removed from the opening 16. After the button base 3 is removed, due to the force of the torsion spring 94 rotating to the left, the rod claw 92 tends to continue rotating to the left, but the stopper 93 contacts the stopper receiving portion 44, thereby suppressing the leftward rotation. As a result, the rod 9 stops rotating at a position that hardly changes when the button base 3 is supported. That is, when installing the push button switch 100, if the button base 3 is inserted, the claw portion 31 of the flexible button base 3 deforms by contacting the operation side of the rod claw 92, and the button base 3 can be installed.

[0081] Based on the above, it is possible to provide a push button switch 100 that is not easily damaged even when the support member 4 is pressed using the auxiliary tool 8. Moreover, since the operation side of the rod claw 92 moves the button base 3 toward the operation side, it is easy to remove the button base 3 from the opening 16.

[0082] Embodiment 3

[0083] In the present embodiment, a push button switch 100 in which an extension member 34 as a driving member is installed on the button base 3 will be described below. Hereinafter, using Figure 11 and Figure 12 , the description will be centered on the differences from Embodiment 1. In Figure 11 and Figure 12 , the same reference numerals as Figure 5 denote the same or corresponding parts. First, the structure of the present embodiment will be described using Figure 11 . Figure 11 is an end view of the entire operation panel 1000 of the present embodiment.

[0084] The button base 3 has an extension member 34 on the plate portion 32. The extension member 34 includes a support column 35 and a spring 36, and is in a compressed state when the claw portion 31 of the button base 3 is supported on the inclined portion 41a of the support member 4, and changes to an extended state when the support is released.

[0085] The support column 35 is a rod-shaped structure that passes through a hole provided in the plate portion 32, has a support column stopper 35a at one end on the operation side, and a foot portion 35b at one end on the back side. The support column stopper 35a is a member larger than the hole provided in the plate portion 32, and prevents the support column 35 from falling out of the hole. The foot portion 35b is a portion that contacts the base portion 43 of the support member 4. In addition, the length of the support column 35 is longer than the length from the plate portion 32 to the base portion 43.

[0086] The spring 36 is wound around the support column 35, and applies pressure to the back side of the plate portion 32 and the operation side of the foot portion 35b. The coil of the spring 36 is larger than the hole provided in the plate portion 32. Therefore, the spring 36 does not pass through the hole.

[0087] Next, usingFigure 11 and Figure 12 , the operation of this embodiment will be described. Figure 12 is an end view of the entire operation panel 1000 of this embodiment when the support member 4 releases the support for the button base 3.

[0088] When the button base 3 is supported by the support member 4, the length of the pillar 35 is longer than the length from the plate portion 32 to the base portion 43. Therefore, a part of the operation side of the pillar 35 passes through the hole provided in the plate portion 32 and exists at a position on the operation side with respect to the plate portion 32. At this time, the spring 36 does not pass through the hole, so it is pressed by the back side of the plate portion 32 and the operation side of the leg portion 35b. That is, the spring 36 applies a force to the button base 3 to move it toward the operation side in the direction of the opening 16.

[0089] If the support of the button base 3 by the support member 4 is released, the restoring force of the spring 36 applies pressure to the back side of the plate portion 32 and the operation side of the leg portion 35b. As a result, the extension member 34 extends, and the button base 3 moves toward the operation side. When the operation side of the plate portion 32 comes into contact with the back side of the pillar stopper 35a due to the movement, the extension of the extension member 34 stops, and the movement of the button base 3 also stops.

[0090] According to the above, when the button base 3 is taken out from the opening 16, the button base 3 moves toward the operation side. Therefore, the operation member 2 protrudes to a position on the operation side with respect to the opening 16, and it is easy to pull out the button base 3.

[0091] Embodiment 4

[0092] This embodiment is a push-button switch 100 including a magnet as a driving member. Hereinafter, using Figure 13 The description will be centered on the differences from Embodiment 1. In Figure 13 , the same reference numerals represent the same or corresponding parts as Figure 1 . First, the structure of this embodiment will be described.

[0093] The part of the back side of the plate portion 32 that is outside the position facing the screw 5 is thicker than that in Embodiment 1. Moreover, a button base magnet 33 is provided on the back side of the thick part. In addition, a support member magnet 45 is provided at a position of the base portion 43 facing the button base magnet 33. The magnetic field directions of the button base magnet 33 and the support member magnet 45 are in the mutually repulsive directions. For example, when the back side of the button base magnet 33 is the S pole, the operation side of the support member magnet 45 is also the S pole.

[0094] In addition, a connector magnet 63b is also provided on the back side of the connector 63, and a mounting connector magnet 71b is also provided at a position of the mounting connector 71 facing the connector magnet 63b. Regarding the magnetic field directions of these magnets, the connector magnet 63b is the same as the button base magnet 33, and the mounting connector magnet 71b is the same as the support member magnet 45. Therefore, the connector magnet 63b and the mounting connector magnet 71b are in mutually repulsive directions.

[0095] According to the above structure, when the support of the support member 4 for the button base 3 is released, the button base 3 moves toward the operation side by the mutually repulsive force of the magnets. Therefore, the operation member 2 protrudes to a position closer to the operation side than the opening 16, and it is easy to pull out the button base 3.

[0096] Embodiment 5

[0097] In this embodiment, a leaf spring member 52 is provided instead of the hook portion 41 of the support member 40 in the push button switch 100. Hereinafter, using Figure 14 、 Figure 15 and Figure 16 , the description will be centered on the differences from Embodiment 1. The same reference numerals in the respective drawings as Figure 5 denote the same or corresponding parts.

[0098] First, using Figure 14 and Figure 15 , the structure of this embodiment will be described. Figure 14 is an end view of the operation panel 1000 of this embodiment. In the left and right support members 4, a leaf spring member 52 is provided instead of the hook portion 41. That is, in this embodiment, the left and right support members 4 include a leaf spring member 52 and a base portion 43. Hereinafter, the left support member 4b will be described.

[0099] The leaf spring member 52 has a leaf spring claw 52a as an inclined portion, an accessory receiving portion 52b, a column portion 52c, a deformation portion 52d, a base pressing portion 52e, and an accessory guide 52f. The deformation portion 52d is fixed to the base portion 43 of the support member 4 by a screw 51. In addition, the base portion 43 of the support member 4 in this embodiment has a pressing support portion 46.

[0100] First, using Figure 15 , how the leaf spring member 52 is fixed to the base portion 43 will be described. Figure 15 is a view of the operation panel 1000 with the button base 3 removed as viewed from the operation side. The portion of the support member 4 indicated by the dashed line represents the portion hidden by the operation panel 11 and not visible.

[0101] The leaf spring member 52 has a deformation portion 52d on each of the upper and lower directions in the plane of the paper in such a manner as to sandwich the pressing support portion 46 of the base portion 43 described later. In addition, one end on the inner side of each deformation portion 52d is fixed to a portion of the base portion 43 other than the pressing support portion 46 by a screw 51. In addition, one end on the outer side of the two deformation portions 52d is integrated via one end on the back side of the column portion 52c described later. Incidentally, the upper and lower directions in the plane of the paper are actually the upper and lower directions when the operation panel 1000 is observed from the operation side.

[0102] The pressing support portion 46 of the base portion 43 is provided at the center of the base portion 43 in the upper and lower directions in the plane of the paper, and is a portion that protrudes outward from the base portion 43 between the deformation portions 52d provided on each of the upper and lower directions in the plane of the paper, as Figure 14 shown, and is located on the back side of the base pressing portion 52e.

[0103] Return Figure 14 , the structure of the leaf spring member 52 will be described in detail. As described above, one end on the outer side of the deformation portion 52d fixed to the base portion 43 is integrated with the column portion 52c. The column portion 52c is a column that extends along the moving direction of the operation member 2. One end on the back side of the column portion 52c is sandwiched by the two deformation portions 52d, and has a base pressing portion 52e on the inner side. On the other hand, on the operation side of the column portion 52c, there are a leaf spring claw 52a, an accessory receiving portion 52b, and an accessory guide 52f.

[0104] The base pressing portion 52e is a structure that is sandwiched by the two deformation portions 52d and extends inward from one end on the back side of the column portion 52c, and one end on the inner side forms a convex portion that bends toward the button base 3 between the button base 3 and the pressing support portion 46.

[0105] The accessory receiving portion 52b is a structure that extends inward from one end on the operation side of the column portion 52c, and is provided at a position facing the gap 81. The accessory guide 52f is two columns provided at both ends on the inner side and the outer side of the accessory receiving portion 52b, and is a column that extends along the moving direction of the operation member 2 in the same manner as the column portion 52c. The leaf spring claw 52a is a claw provided at one end on the operation side of the inner accessory guide 52f. One end on the inner side of the leaf spring claw 52a suppresses the movement of the claw portion 31 of the button base 3 toward the operation side in the same manner as one end on the inner side of the inclined portion 41a of the first embodiment.

[0106] Next, Figure 16 the operation of this embodiment will be described. Figure 16 is an end view showing the same area as when the insertion portion 83 of the accessory 8 presses the accessory receiving portion 52b. Figure 14 Same area.

[0107] When the auxiliary tool receiving portion 52b is pressed by the insertion portion 83, the portion of the leaf spring member 52 on the left side other than the deformed portion 52d rotates counterclockwise about the outer end portion of the pressing support portion 46. At this time, the deformed portion 52d is deformed by the pressure of being pressed by the insertion portion 83. By this rotation, the contact between the leaf spring claw 52a and the claw portion 31 is released, and the base pressing portion 52e moves the button base 3 toward the operation side. Also, if a person who replaces the push button switch 100 grasps the operation member 2 and pulls it out, the button base 3 can also be removed from the opening 16. Further, if the pressing of the insertion portion 83 is stopped, the deformation of the deformed portion 52d is released and it returns to its original shape. Next, a screwdriver is inserted into the opening 16 from the operation side, and the screw 51 is removed using the screwdriver, thereby releasing the fixing of the leaf spring member 52 to the base portion 43. Since the leaf spring member 52 is smaller than the opening 16, the released leaf spring members 52 can be removed one by one from the opening 16. Further, by the same operation as in the first embodiment, the base portion 43 can also be removed.

[0108] On the other hand, at the time of installation, by inserting the operation member 2, the button base 3, and the substrate member 6 from the opening 16, the operation side of the leaf spring claw 52a is deformed by being pressed by the claw portion 31 of the button base 3, and returns to its original shape when fully inserted, whereby the button base 3 can be supported as shown in Figure 14 FIG.

[0109] In summary, according to the present embodiment, the push button switch 100 can be removed from the opening 16 in the same manner as in the other embodiments. Further, in the present embodiment, the leaf spring member 52 can also be removed from the opening 16. Further, compared with the lever 9 of the second embodiment, the leaf spring member 52 can be manufactured at a lower cost. Moreover, since the auxiliary tool guide 52f is provided, it is easy to press the auxiliary tool receiving portion 52b with the auxiliary tool 8. In addition, the leaf spring member 52 can also be manufactured by deforming a single metal plate.

[0110] In summary, the embodiments have been described, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Modification examples are shown below.

[0111] In the embodiment, the operation member 2 and the button base 3 are constituted by different members, but the operation member 2 and the button base 3 may also be constituted by an integrated single member. Further, the operation member 2 moves from the operation side to the back side by a pressing action from the user, but in order to solve the problem, the operation member 2 may be any member as long as it is a member operated by the user from the operation side. For example, the operation member 2 may be a touch panel, and the push button switch 100 may be a touch type button, or the operation member 2 may be a non-contact sensor, and the push button switch 100 may be a non-contact button.

[0112] In an embodiment, the support member 40 is constituted by the support member 4 which is smaller than the opening 16. Here, being smaller than the opening 16 means having a size that can pass through the opening 16 during removal. For example, it may be of such a size that a bending mechanism is provided in the support member 4 and it deforms inside the housing 1 so as to be removable from the opening 16.

[0113] In the embodiment, the support member 40 is constituted by two support members 4, but the structure of the members is not limited thereto, and it may be constituted by three or more members. Further, in Embodiment 1, the support member 40 is constituted by a plurality of support members 4 so that the inclined portion 41a faces the gap 81, but in order to solve the problem, the support member 40 may also be a single member smaller than the opening 16.

[0114] In the embodiment, the fixing member is the screw 5, but the fixing member may be any member as long as it can release the fixing of the support member 40 by an operation from the operation side. For example, it may also be a pin or the like. Further, the fixing member may also be a claw provided on the support member 40, the metal plate 12, etc.

[0115] The spring 36 or the torsion spring 94 in the embodiment may be replaced with other elastic bodies such as rubber as long as they have the same function.

[0116] In the embodiment, the guide portion 42 is a convex portion, but the guide portion 42 may be a concave portion and a convex portion may be provided at the base portion 43.

[0117] In Embodiment 4, the magnetic field directions of the magnets as the driving devices respectively repel each other, but they may be set to attract each other and used as a guide for setting the button base 3 to the correct position when inserting the button base 3. That is, a force may be applied to the button base 3 to move the button base 3 from the opening 16 toward the inside of the housing 1. Further, the magnetic field may be reversed by electrically controlling the magnetic field direction of the magnets, so that when removing the button base 3, the magnetic field is set to the direction in which the magnets repel each other, and when installing the button base 3, the magnetic field is set to the direction in which the magnets attract each other.

[0118] In the embodiment, the button switch 100 is supplied with power via the cable 7, but in order to solve the problem, the button switch 100 may be supplied with power using wireless power supply technology instead of the cable 7. That is, the button switch 100 may also be provided with a receiver of the wireless power supply system. Further, instead of the cable 7, a wireless communication device may be provided to perform input / output of signals with an external device.

[0119] In the embodiment, the support member 40 is deformed by being pressed by the jig 8 from the operation side, thereby releasing the support of the button base 3. However, the support of the button base 3 may also be released by other methods.

[0120] For example, the push-button switch 100 may also be provided with a receiving device for receiving a remote operation release command from the outside of the housing 1. That is, the support member 40 may also deform the inclined portion 41a and the rod 9 that support the button base 3 to release the support of the button base 3 when the receiving device receives a release command to release the support of the support member 40 for the button base 3. In addition, similarly, the fixing of the fixing member to the support member 40 may also be released by remote operation.

[0121] The above-described embodiments and modification examples may also be combined with each other. For example, the support member magnet 45 of Embodiment 4 may be mounted on the support members 4a and 4b having the rod 9 of Embodiment 2.

[0122] Reference Numeral Explanation

[0123] 1: Housing; 2: Operating member; 3: Button base; 4a, 4b: Support members; 5: Screw; 6: Substrate member; 7: Cable; 8: Auxiliary tool; 9: Rod; 11: Operating panel; 12: Metal plate; 12a: Mounting surface; 12b: Bent surface; 13: Housing main body; 14: Bolt; 15: Nut; 16: Opening; 17: Recess; 21: Button top; 22: Adapter; 23: Movable body; 31: Claw portion; 32: Plate portion; 33: Button base magnet; 34: Elongating member; 35: Support pillar; 35a: Support pillar stopper; 35b: Foot portion; 36: Spring; 40: Support member; 41: Hook portion; 41a: Inclined portion; 42: Guide portion; 43: Base portion; 44: Stopper receiving portion; 45: Support member magnet; 46: Pressing support portion; 51: Screw; 52: Leaf spring member; 52a: Leaf spring claw; 52b: Auxiliary tool receiving portion; 52c: Column portion; 52d: Deformation portion; 52e: Base pressing portion; 52f: Auxiliary tool guide; 61: Substrate; 62: Switch; 63: Connector; 63a: Connector terminal; 63b: Connector magnet; 64: Light source; 71: Mounting connector; 71a: Mounting connector terminal; 71b: Mounting connector magnet; 72: Electric wire; 73: Relay connector; 74: External connector; 81: Gap; 82: Handle; 83: Insertion portion; 91: Shaft; 92: Rod claw; 93: Stopper; 94: Torsion spring; 95: Spring stopper; 96: Auxiliary tool receiving portion; 100: Push-button switch; 1000: Operating panel.

Claims

1. A push-button switch, comprising: An operating member that is operated by a user from an operating side for operating an operating panel provided with an opening; A button base formed to be insertable through the opening and holding the operating member; A supporting member composed of a member smaller than the opening, supporting the button base in such a manner that the button base can be detached by an operation from the operating side; And A fixing member provided at a position where it can be operated through the opening, fixing the supporting member to a housing of the operating panel, The supporting member is composed of a plurality of the members that can be respectively taken out from inside the housing through the opening, The housing of the operating panel has an operating panel provided with the opening, When observing the operating panel from the operating side, a part of each of the plurality of members of the supporting member fixed to the housing is hidden by the operating panel and cannot be seen.

2. The push-button switch according to claim 1, characterized in that The fixing member is a screw, and the head of the screw is located at a position opposed to the opening.

3. The push-button switch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The supporting member has an inclined portion that catches the button base by using the inclined portion, In a state where the supporting member is fixed to the housing, the supporting member is provided at a position opposed to a gap between the opening and the operating member and has flexibility.

4. The push-button switch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The button base is provided with a claw portion, The supporting member has a rod that rotates about a shaft provided between one end and the other end, and the rod supports the button base in such a manner that the button base will not fall off by contacting the claw portion through the one end, and releases the contact with the claw portion by pressing the other end and rotating about the shaft.

5. The push-button switch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The supporting member is provided with a guiding portion that guides the supporting member to a specific position on the mounting surface by contacting a concave portion or a convex portion provided on the mounting surface of the housing.

6. The push-button switch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The push-button switch is provided with a driving member that applies a force to the button base to move the button base from the inside of the housing toward the opening.

7. The push-button switch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The push-button switch is provided with a driving member that applies a force to the button base to move the button base from the opening toward the inside of the housing.

8. The push-button switch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The push-button switch further comprises a receiving device that receives a release command for releasing the support of the button base by the supporting member, When the receiving device receives the release command, the supporting member releases the support of the button base.

9. The push-button switch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The push-button switch is provided with a receiver of a wireless power supply system.

10. An operation panel, comprising: A housing having an operation panel and a metal plate, the operation panel having a back surface and a front surface as an operation surface and provided with an opening, and the metal plate being disposed opposite to the back surface of the operation panel; and a push button switch, wherein the push button switch comprises: an operating member that protrudes from the opening and is operated by a user from the operation surface side; a button base that is formed to be insertable into the housing through the opening and holds the operating member; a support member that is formed of a member smaller than the opening and supports the button base in such a manner that the button base can be detached by an auxiliary tool inserted through a gap between the opening and the operating member; and a fixing member that is provided at a position where it can be operated from the operation surface side and fixes the support member to the metal plate of the housing, wherein the support member is composed of a plurality of the members that can be separately taken out of the housing through the opening, when observing the operation panel from the operation side, a part of each of the plurality of members of the support member fixed to the metal plate is hidden by the operation panel and is not visible.

11. A method for disassembling a push button switch, which is a method for disassembling a push button switch from the housing of an operation panel. The push button switch comprises: an operating member having a button top; a button base that holds the operating member; and a support member that supports the button base and is fixed to the housing of the operation panel by a fixing member. The operation panel has an operation panel provided with an opening. The method for disassembling the push button switch comprises the following steps: Insert an auxiliary tool into the gap between the button top and the edge of the opening of the operation panel to release the support of the support member on the button base; Take out the operating member and the button base from the opening of the operation panel; Operate the fixing member that fixes the support member to the housing of the operation panel from the opening to release the fixing of the fixing member on the support member; Take out the support member from the opening, wherein the support member is composed of a plurality of members that can be separately taken out of the housing through the opening, in the step of releasing the fixing of the fixing member on the support member, operate the fixing member that fixes the support member from the opening in such a manner that when observing the operation panel from the operation side, a part of each of the plurality of members of the support member is hidden by the operation panel and is not visible, so as to release the fixing of the plurality of members respectively.

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