Slide switch mechanism, slide switch, and operation handle device provided with slide switch

Abstract

The slide switch mechanism includes: a housing having a housing main body, an opening portion, and an inner cover portion; and a sliding member including a sliding main body and an operation portion, the housing main body being configured to be divided into a first housing portion and a second housing portion in a predetermined direction, the first housing portion having: a main body portion in which an opening portion and an inner cover portion are formed, and in which an insertion passage extending from the opening portion to one side in a circumferential direction is formed; and a cover portion attached to the main body portion so as to close the insertion passage, the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion from the other side in the predetermined direction, and the sliding member is attached to the first housing portion through the insertion passage from one side in the circumferential direction in a state in which the cover portion is detached from the main body portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a slide switch mechanism and a slide switch capable of sliding operation, and an operating handle device including the slide switch. Background Art

[0002] Slide switches are used in operating handles of construction machinery and various other devices. As an example of a slide switch, for example, the rotary control device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known. In the rotary control device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the movable operating portion is configured to rotate about an axis (i.e., to enable sliding operation).

[0003] Prior art literature: Patent Literature: Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-529144. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Problems to be solved by the invention: The rotary control device of Patent Document 1 does not have a component that surrounds the movable working part, but covers the movable working part by installing the rotary control device on the handle. Therefore, in the rotary control device, the shell and the handle are composed separately. In addition, in the rotary control device, the shaft and the movable working part are also composed separately. Therefore, the number of components of the rotary control device increases. On the other hand, in order to reduce the number of components, it is possible to consider integrating part of the structural components, such as integrating the upper part of the shell with the handle. However, in the case of integration, the following situation will occur. That is, it is necessary to rotate the movable working component into between the upper part of the shell and the handle. On the other hand, since a protruding operating part is formed on the movable working component, the operating part will touch the handle when rotating in. Therefore, the movable working component (i.e., the sliding component) is not easy to install on the shell (i.e., the shell).

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a slide switch mechanism, a slide switch, and an operating handle device having a small number of parts and easy installation of a sliding member.

[0006] Means of solving the problem: A slide switch mechanism disclosed herein comprises: a housing having a hollow housing body; an opening formed in a top plate portion located on one side of the housing body in a predetermined direction; an arcuate inner cover portion formed within the housing body so as to face the top plate portion and extending circumferentially about a rotation axis passing through the housing body; and a sliding member including a sliding body rotatably disposed about the rotation axis between the inner cover portion and the top plate portion; and an operating portion provided on the sliding body so as to protrude toward one side of the opening in a predetermined direction. The housing body is configured to be divisible in a predetermined direction into a first housing portion and a second housing portion, the first housing portion including a main body portion having the opening and the inner cover portion formed therein and an insertion passage extending from the opening toward one circumferential side; and a cover portion attached to the main body portion so as to close the insertion passage. The second housing portion is assembled to the first housing portion from the other side in the predetermined direction. The sliding member is assembled to the first housing portion from the circumferential side through the insertion passage when the cover portion is removed from the main body portion.

[0007] According to the sliding switch mechanism disclosed herein, an insertion passage extending from the opening to one circumferential side is formed in the main body of the first housing. Furthermore, when the cover portion is removed from the main body, the sliding member can be assembled to the first housing portion from one circumferential side through the insertion passage. Therefore, the sliding member is assembled to the housing, for example, as follows. Specifically, the sliding member is assembled to the housing so that it rotates along the inner cover portion about the rotation axis. Specifically, as the sliding member rotates in the other circumferential direction along the inner cover portion, the operating portion is conveyed toward the opening through the insertion passage. The cover portion is then attached to the main body, sealing the insertion passage. Furthermore, the second housing portion is assembled to the first housing portion from the other side in a predetermined direction. This allows the sliding member to be assembled to the housing, making it easier to assemble a sliding switch mechanism with an operating portion in the sliding member while minimizing the number of components. Specifically, by forming the inner cover portion in the first housing portion, a sliding switch mechanism with an operating portion in the sliding member can be easily assembled while minimizing the number of components.

[0008] The slide switch of the present disclosure includes: the aforementioned slide switch mechanism; and a sensor mechanism that detects the rotation amount of the slide member. The slide switch mechanism further includes: an urging member that circumferentially urges the slide member rotated from a predetermined neutral position to return the slide member to the neutral position.

[0009] According to the slide switch disclosed herein, the slide switch includes: the aforementioned slide switch mechanism further including a spring member; and a sensor mechanism. Therefore, a slide switch having the aforementioned function can be realized.

[0010] The operating handle device of the present disclosure includes: an operating handle extending in a predetermined direction and pivotally supported on one side in the predetermined direction; and the aforementioned slide switch disposed on the other side of the operating handle in the predetermined direction.

[0011] According to the operating handle device disclosed herein, the operating handle device includes the slide switch disposed on the other side of the operating handle in the predetermined direction.

[0012] Effects of the invention: According to the slide switch mechanism, the slide switch, and the operating handle device disclosed herein, the number of components is small, and the slide member is easy to install.

[0013] The above-mentioned object, other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become clear from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 A perspective view showing an operating handle device having a slide switch according to the present embodiment; Figure 2 To show Figure 1 A perspective view of a slide switch; Figure 3 For the general Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the slide switch taken along the cutting plane X; Figure 4 To slide the switch along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view shown is taken along the cutting line IV-IV; Figure 5 For the general Figure 2 The slide switch is broken down as shown in the exploded view; Figure 6 To observe from a specified direction Figure 2 A top view of the slide switch; Figure 7 In order to rotate the operating part of the slide switch to the specified limit angle, Figure 3 The cross-sectional view shown is taken along the cutting line VI-VI; Figure 8 sectional views showing various states when the sliding member is assembled into the main body portion of the first housing portion; Figure 9 The figures are cross-sectional views showing various states when the cover portion is attached to the main body portion of the first housing portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The following describes the slide switch 1, slide switch mechanism 11, and operating handle device 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, with reference to the aforementioned drawings. The concepts of direction used in the following description are for ease of explanation and do not limit the orientation of the structures of the present disclosure to such directions. Furthermore, the slide switch 1, slide switch mechanism 11, and operating handle device 2 described below represent only one embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment, and additions, deletions, and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0016] <Operating handle device> Figure 1 The illustrated operating handle device 2 is, for example, provided on a work vehicle, such as an engineering vehicle such as an excavator or crane, or an industrial vehicle such as a forklift. The operating handle device 2 is provided on, for example, the driver's seat of the work vehicle. More specifically, the operating handle device 2 is pivotally supported on a base (not shown) provided in the cabin. Furthermore, an operator, such as the driver of the work vehicle, can operate various structures of the work vehicle by grasping and moving the operating handle device 2. The operating handle device 2 includes an operating handle 5, a plurality of switches 6 to 9, and a slide switch 1.

[0017] The operating handle 5 is a hollow, rod-shaped member extending in a predetermined direction. The operating handle 5 is configured to be grippable. The portion of the operating handle 5 on one side of the predetermined direction (in this embodiment, one end in the predetermined direction) is pivotally supported on a base (not shown). Furthermore, the operating handle 5 can be tilted in various directions (e.g., all directions, including forward, backward, left, and right).

[0018] Multiple switches 6-9 are arranged on the other side of the operating handle 5 in the predetermined direction. In this embodiment, four switches 6-9 are arranged at the other end of the operating handle 5 in the predetermined direction. The four switches 6-9 are, for example, push button switches and are arranged in two rows at the other end of the operating handle 5 in the predetermined direction. Each of the four switches 6-9 outputs a signal when pressed (i.e., operated).

[0019] Slide switch The slide switch 1 is also arranged on the other side of the predetermined direction of the operating handle 5. In this embodiment, the slide switch 1 is arranged on one side in the column direction of the four switches 6 to 9. The slide switch 1 is a magnetic switch and has the following configuration.

[0020] That is, Figure 2 As shown, the slide switch 1 is configured to be slidable (see arrow A). Furthermore, the slide switch 1 outputs a signal when it is slid. Figure 3 As shown, a slide switch mechanism 11 and a sensor mechanism 12 are provided.

[0021] <Slide switch mechanism> Sliding switch mechanism 11, such as Figure 2 The structure shown is slidable (see arrow A). Moreover, the sliding switch mechanism 11, as shown Figures 3 to 5 As shown, a housing 15 , a sliding member 16 and a spring member 17 are provided.

[0022] <Casing> The housing 15 accommodates the sensor mechanism 12 , the sliding member 16 , and the spring member 17 . The housing 15 includes a housing body 18 , an opening 19 , a shaft support 20 , and an inner cover 21 .

[0023] The housing body 18 is formed to be hollow. The housing body 18 is formed into a rectangular box shape having a height in a predetermined direction. Figure 5 The housing body 18 is shown as having a first housing portion 31 and a second housing portion 32. The first housing portion 31 forms one side of the housing body 18 in a predetermined direction. The second housing portion 32 forms the other side of the housing body 18 in the predetermined direction. Furthermore, the housing body 18 is configured to be divisible into the first housing portion 31 and the second housing portion 32 along a predetermined direction (in this embodiment, the vertical direction).

[0024] To explain in more detail, the first housing portion 31 is formed into a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape with the other side open in a predetermined direction. The second housing portion 32 is formed into a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape with at least one side open in the predetermined direction. The second housing portion 32 can be assembled to the first housing portion 31 from the other side in the predetermined direction. Furthermore, by assembling the second housing portion 32 to the first housing portion 31, the two engage with each other to form the housing body 18.

[0025] The opening 19, such as Figure 2 As shown, the opening 19 is formed in the top plate portion (in this embodiment, the upper end portion) 18a, which is located on one side of the housing body 18 in the predetermined direction. More specifically, the opening 19 is formed in the top plate portion (in this embodiment, the upper end portion) 31a of the first housing portion 31. Furthermore, the opening 19 extends along the longitudinal direction (or circumferential direction, as described in detail later) of the top plate portion 31a. In this embodiment, the opening 19 is formed, for example, in a rectangular shape when viewed from above in the predetermined direction, as shown in FIG.

[0026] The shaft support portion 20, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the shaft support portion 20 is formed within the housing body 18 around a predetermined rotation axis L1. The rotation axis L1 is an axis passing through the interior of the housing body 18. More specifically, the rotation axis L1 extends in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction. In this embodiment, the rotation axis L1 passes through the center of the housing body 18 and extends in the short-side direction. Furthermore, the shaft support portion 20 is constructed as follows.

[0027] That is, the shaft portion 25 described in detail later is inserted into the shaft support portion 20. Moreover, the shaft support portion 20 can support the shaft portion 25 rotatably around the rotation axis L1. In the present embodiment, the shaft support portion 20 supports both axial ends of the shaft portion 25. Furthermore, the shaft support portion 20 has a first portion 20a formed on the first shell portion 31 and a second portion 20b formed on the second shell portion 32. The first portion 20a and the second portion 20b are respectively formed in an arc shape around the rotation axis L1, and are respectively arranged on one side and the other side of a prescribed direction of the rotation axis L1. Moreover, the first portion 20a and the second portion 20b are arranged to face each other in a prescribed direction. Therefore, the first portion 20a and the second portion 20b constitute the shaft support portion 20 when the second shell portion 32 is assembled to the first shell portion 31.

[0028] The inner cover portion 21 is formed in the outer shell body 18 in a manner facing the top plate portion 18a. In more detail, the inner cover portion 21 is formed in the first outer shell portion 31 in a manner facing the top plate portion 31a. In the present embodiment, the inner cover portion 21 is configured to face the opening portion 19. Furthermore, the inner cover portion 21 is in the shape of an arc extending in the circumferential direction with the rotation axis L1 as the center. In more detail, the inner cover portion 21 is formed in the shape of a semicircle, for example. In addition, the inner cover portion 21 is not limited to a semicircle. Moreover, the inner cover portion 21 covers the shaft support portion 20 from one side in a prescribed direction. Thus, the inner cover portion 21 protects the shaft support portion 20 from the influence of contaminants entering from the opening portion 19. Furthermore, the inner cover portion 21 is formed with a through groove 21a described in detail later.

[0029] Furthermore, the inner cover portion 21 is formed within the first housing portion 31 so as to face the top plate portion 18a of the housing body 18, thereby forming a sliding space 22 as described below. The sliding space 22 is formed between the top plate portion 18a of the housing body 18 and the inner cover portion 21 and is formed in an arc shape centered on the rotation axis L1. In this embodiment, the sliding space 22 is formed in a semicircular shape. Furthermore, the sliding space 22 is connected to the opening portion 19 on one side in a predetermined direction. Furthermore, at least a portion of the sliding space 22 faces outward through the opening portion 19.

[0030] <Sliding member> The sliding member 16 is rotatably disposed within the housing body 18 about a rotation axis L1. Specifically, the sliding member 16 is rotatably disposed about the rotation axis L1 in the sliding space 22 between the top plate portion 18a and the inner cover portion 21 of the housing body 18. Furthermore, the sliding member 16 can be pressed with a finger such as a thumb. Furthermore, the sliding member 16 rotates (i.e., slides) about the rotation axis L1 by pushing and pulling (i.e., sliding operation) with the finger. The sliding member 16 includes a shaft portion 25, a sliding body 26, and an operating portion 27.

[0031] The shaft portion 25 is rotatably supported on the shaft support portion 20 about the rotation axis L1. The shaft portion 25 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape. Furthermore, the shaft portion 25 is inserted through and supported on the shaft support portion 20. To explain in more detail, in this embodiment, the shaft portion 25 is respectively equipped with bearings 29 at both axial ends. Furthermore, the shaft portion 25 is supported on the shaft support portion 20 via the bearings 29 at both axial ends. Therefore, the shaft portion 25 can rotate about the rotation axis L1. Furthermore, the shaft portion 25 rotates about the rotation axis L1 in conjunction with the sliding body 26, as will be described in detail later.

[0032] The sliding body 26 is arranged in the sliding space 22 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis L1. To explain in more detail, the sliding body 26 is formed in the shape of an arc extending in the circumferential direction, similarly to the inner cover portion 21. Moreover, in the present embodiment, the sliding body 26 is inserted into the sliding space 22 in a manner such that a portion thereof protrudes from the opening portion 19. Moreover, the sliding body 26 rotates in the sliding space 22 around the rotation axis L1. In addition, the sliding body 26 is arranged in the sliding space 22 so as to leave a gap 22a in the radial direction relative to the inner cover portion 21. Furthermore, the sliding body 26 extends from the sliding space 22 to one side and the other side in the circumferential direction. That is, the sliding body 26 is formed in the shape of an arc having a larger central angle than that of the inner cover portion 21.

[0033] Furthermore, the sliding body 26 rotates the shaft 25. Specifically, the sliding body 26 is connected to the shaft 25 via a connecting portion 28. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 28 extends radially outward from the shaft 25 toward the sliding body 26, for example. Furthermore, the connecting portion 28 connects the shaft 25 to the sliding body 26. Furthermore, an insertion groove 21a is formed on the inner cover 21 at a position corresponding to the connecting portion 28. The insertion groove 21a extends circumferentially from one circumferential end of the inner cover 21 to the other end. The connecting portion 28 can be inserted into the insertion groove 21a and can move circumferentially within the insertion groove 21a. Thus, when the sliding body 26 rotates, the shaft 25 rotates via the connecting portion 28. Furthermore, the gap between the connecting portion 28 and the insertion groove 21a is formed to be relatively narrow. More specifically, the width of the connecting portion 28 (in this embodiment, the length in the axial and short-side directions) is formed to be substantially the same as the width of the insertion groove 21a. This reduces the gap between the connecting portion 28 and the insertion groove 21a.

[0034] Furthermore, the gap between the sliding body 26 and the top plate portion 18a of the housing body 18 is relatively narrow. More specifically, the inner circumferential surface of the top plate portion 18a of the housing body 18 is formed as a curved surface centered on the rotation axis L1. Furthermore, the outer diameter of the sliding body 26 is formed to have a radius of curvature substantially equal to that of the inner circumferential surface of the top plate portion 18a. Consequently, the gap between the sliding body 26 and the top plate portion 18a is relatively small.

[0035] Again, the sliding body 26, as Figure 3 As shown, the outer peripheral edge portion 26b is formed wider than the inner peripheral edge portion 26a in the axial direction on both axial side surfaces. The outer peripheral edge portion 26b of the sliding body 26 is exposed to one side in the predetermined direction at the opening 19. That is, the sliding body 26 is made to protrude from the opening 19 to one side in the predetermined direction (see Figure 2 as well as Figure 4 ). Moreover, the outer peripheral edge portion 26b of the sliding body 26 covers the outer edge portions 19a and 19b on both sides of the axial direction of the opening 19. This prevents contaminants such as dust from entering between the sliding body 26 and the outer edge portions 19a and 19b.

[0036] The operating portion 27 is used to operate the sliding member 16. The operating portion 27 is provided on the sliding body 26. Specifically, the operating portion 27 protrudes radially outward from the circumferential center portion of the sliding body 26. Furthermore, the operating portion 27 protrudes toward one side of the opening 19 in a predetermined direction. Therefore, the operating portion 27 can be pressed with a finger such as a thumb. Furthermore, by pushing or pulling the operating portion 27 with the pressing finger, the sliding body 26 can be rotated about the rotation axis L1.

[0037] Furthermore, the operating unit 27 is as follows Figure 7 As shown, when the sliding member 16 rotates through a predetermined limited angle α about the rotation axis L1, it abuts against the edge portions 19c and 19d located on either side of the circumferential edge of the opening 19. Meanwhile, when the sliding body 26 rotates through the predetermined limited angle α about the rotation axis L1, the sliding member 16 does not contact other parts of the housing 15, such as the second portion 20b of the shaft support 20. Thus, the edge portions 19c and 19d of the opening 19 act as stoppers. Consequently, the distance l1 between the operating portion 27, which serves as the force point when limiting the rotation of the sliding member 16, and the edge portions 19c and 19d, which serve as the fulcrum, is smaller than the distance l2 between the shaft portion 25, which serves as the point of action, and the edge portions 19c and 19d. This reduces the load acting on the shaft portion 25.

[0038] Labyrinth Furthermore, in the slide switch mechanism 11, as Figure 3As shown in the enlarged view, the inner cover portion 21 and the sliding body 26 form a labyrinth structure 30 therebetween (i.e., the gap 22a). The labyrinth structure 30 is formed, for example, so that the space between the inner cover portion 21 and the sliding body 26 meanders in a predetermined direction. More specifically, the inner cover portion 21 has a plurality of first protrusions 21b, and the sliding body 26 has a plurality of second protrusions 26c. In this embodiment, the inner cover portion 21 has four first protrusions 21b, and the sliding body 26 has two second protrusions 26c. Furthermore, the labyrinth structure 30 is formed by the first protrusions 21b and the second protrusions 26c. The protrusions 21b and 26c are described in further detail below.

[0039] The first protrusion 21b is formed on the surface of the inner cover portion 21 facing the sliding body 26. Furthermore, two first protrusions 21b are arranged on each axial side of the insertion groove 21a, and are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction. Furthermore, the first protrusion 21b extends circumferentially and projects toward the sliding body 26. The second protrusion 26c is formed on the surface of the sliding body 26 facing the inner cover portion 21. The second protrusion 26c is arranged to be spaced apart from and adjacent to the first protrusion 21b in the axial direction. The second protrusions 26c are arranged, for example, to sandwich four first protrusions 21b from one axial side and the other axial side. In this embodiment, the second protrusions 26c are formed, for example, at both axial ends of the sliding body 26. Alternatively, the second protrusion 26c may be arranged between two adjacent first protrusions 21b. The second protrusion 26c extends circumferentially and projects toward the inner cover portion 21. Therefore, the space between the inner cover portion 21 and the sliding body 26 is formed into a meandering pattern by the adjacent first protrusions 21b and second protrusions 26c. In other words, a labyrinth structure 30 is formed between the inner cover portion 21 and the sliding body 26. This traps contaminants that pass between the inner cover portion 21 and the sliding body 26, preventing them from reaching the insertion groove 21a. Furthermore, the inner cover portion 21 is formed in an arc shape. Therefore, contaminants trapped in the labyrinth structure 30 fall along the inner cover portion 21 in one or the other of the predetermined directions as the sliding body 26 rotates. This further prevents contaminants from reaching the insertion groove 21a.

[0040] Furthermore, the first housing portion 31 is constructed as follows. That is, the first housing portion 31 is configured as follows. Figure 5 The main body 31b is shown as having a main body portion 31b and a cover portion 31c. The main body 31b is formed with an opening 19, a shaft support portion 20, and an inner cover portion 21. Furthermore, the main body 31b is formed into a U-shape when viewed from a top view from a predetermined direction. More specifically, the opening 19 is formed in the top plate portion 31a of the main body 31b, and the shaft support portion 20 and inner cover portion 21 are formed within the main body 31b. Furthermore, an insertion passage 33 is formed in the main body 31b.

[0041] The insertion passage 33 extends from the opening 19 to one side in the circumferential direction. Moreover, the insertion passage 33 is formed so that the operating portion 27 can pass through from one side in the circumferential direction. To explain in more detail, the insertion passage 33 extends from the opening 19 through the top plate portion 31a of the first shell portion 31 to the side surface 31d of the shell body 18. Moreover, the insertion passage 33 is open to one side in the prescribed direction at the side surface 31d of the first shell portion 31. Therefore, the main body portion 31b is formed in a U-shape that is open to one side in the circumferential direction when viewed from a top view from the prescribed direction. The cover portion 31c is attached to the main body portion 31b (see FIG. 1 ) in a manner that closes the insertion passage 33. Figure 2 ). Furthermore, the cover portion 31c is detachably attached to the main body portion 31b. The insertion passage 33 is not closed but rather open when the cover portion 31c is not attached to the main body portion. Therefore, the operating portion 27 can pass through the insertion passage 33. Therefore, when the cover portion 31c is removed from the main body portion 31b, the sliding member 16 allows the operating portion 27 to pass through the insertion passage 33 from one circumferential side and be assembled to the first housing portion 31.

[0042] <Spring component> As Figure 4 The spring member 17, which is an example of a biasing member shown, applies force to the sliding member 16 that is rotated from a predetermined neutral position toward one circumferential side or the other circumferential side. As a result, the sliding member 16 is returned to the neutral position by the spring member 17. The neutral position is the position of the sliding member 16 that makes the operating portion 27 take a predetermined posture. In the present embodiment, the neutral position is a state in which the operating portion 27 is upright toward one side of the predetermined direction. However, the neutral position is not limited to the aforementioned posture, but may also be a state in which the operating portion 27 is tilted. Furthermore, the neutral position is not limited to the posture of the operating portion 27, but may also be specified by the circumferential position of the operating portion 27.

[0043] In this embodiment, the spring member 17 is a torsion coil spring. Moreover, the spring member 17 has, for example, a coil 17a and a pair of arm portions 17b, 17b. The spring member 17 has the coil 17a externally mounted on the shaft portion 25. The pair of arm portions 17b, 17b extend from the coil 17a to the other side in a predetermined direction. Furthermore, the pair of arm portions 17b, 17b are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. A movable portion 35 is formed on the sliding member 16 in a form corresponding to the pair of arm portions 17b, 17b. Furthermore, a fixed portion 36 is formed on the second shell portion 32 in a form corresponding to the pair of arm portions 17b, 17b. Moreover, the movable portion 35 and the fixed portion 36 are both arranged between the pair of arm portions 17b, 17b.

[0044] The spring member 17 constructed in this manner operates as follows. Specifically, in the spring member 17, when the sliding member 16 rotates in one circumferential direction, the movable portion 35 causes the arm portion 17b on one side to move in the circumferential direction. Meanwhile, the arm portion 17b on the other side is fixed by the fixing portion 36. Thus, the spring member 17 generates a biasing force that returns the sliding member 16 to its neutral position. Similarly, when the sliding member 16 rotates in the other circumferential direction, the movable portion 35 causes the arm portion 17b on the other side to move in the other circumferential direction. Meanwhile, the arm portion 17b on one side is fixed by the fixing portion 36. Thus, the spring member 17 generates a biasing force that returns the sliding member 16 to its neutral position. In this manner, the spring member 17 generates a biasing force that returns the sliding member 16 to its neutral position regardless of whether the sliding member 16 rotates in either circumferential direction or in the other circumferential direction.

[0045] <Sensor mechanism> Figure 3 The sensor mechanism 12 shown detects the amount of operation, or rotation, of the sliding member 16 (e.g., the angle from the neutral position). Furthermore, the sensor mechanism 12 outputs a signal corresponding to the detected amount of rotation. In this embodiment, the sensor mechanism 12 is a magnet-type rotation angle sensor. The sensor mechanism 12 includes, for example, a magnet 12a and a detection unit 12b. However, the sensor mechanism 12 may also be a rotation angle sensor other than a magnet-type rotation angle sensor. The magnet 12a is embedded in the shaft 25. The detection unit 12b is incorporated into the housing body 18 (more specifically, within the second housing 32). Both the magnet 12a and the detection unit 12b are disposed on the rotation axis L1. Furthermore, the detection unit 12b detects the amount of rotation (i.e., the amount of displacement) of the shaft 25 based on changes in the magnetic field of the magnet 12a when the shaft 25 rotates. Furthermore, the detection unit 12b outputs the amount of rotation of the shaft 25.

[0046] <How to assemble a slide switch> The following describes the assembly method for the slide switch 1. First, in the slide switch 1, the magnet 12a is embedded in the shaft portion 25. Furthermore, the detection portion 12b is incorporated into the second housing portion 32. Alternatively, embedding the magnet 12a and installing the detection portion 12b can be performed during the assembly process described below. Once the embedding and assembly processes are completed, the slide switch 1 can be assembled, for example, as follows.

[0047] First, the sliding member 16 is installed in the main body 31b of the first housing 31. To explain in more detail, first, in order to install the sliding member 16 in the main body 31b, the shaft 25 of the sliding member 16 is pressed against the first portion 20a from the other side in the predetermined direction (see FIG. Figure 8Solid line). Thus, for example, the end portion of the sliding body 26 on the other side in the circumferential direction enters the main body portion 31b. That is, the end portion of the sliding body 26 on the other side in the circumferential direction enters the main body portion 31b from the opening portion located on the other side of the main body portion 31b in the predetermined direction. Then, the end portion of the sliding body 26 on the other side in the circumferential direction covers the end portion of the inner cover portion 21 on one side in the circumferential direction. Then, the sliding body 26 rotates in the other direction in the circumferential direction around the shaft portion 25 (refer to FIG. Figure 8 Then, the end portion of the sliding body 26 on the other circumferential side moves in the other circumferential direction along the inner cover portion 21.

[0048] When the sliding member 16 rotates, the operating portion 27 will soon enter the insertion passage 33 (see Figure 8 If the rotation continues, the end portion of the sliding body 26 on the other side in the circumferential direction will be inserted between the inner cover portion 21 and the top plate portion 31a. If the rotation continues thereafter, the operating portion 27 will soon be separated from the insertion path 33. That is, the operating portion 27 reaches the opening 19 (refer to Figure 8 When the operating portion 27 reaches the opening 19, the cover portion 31c is attached to the main body portion 31b (see Figure 9 (dotted line). That is, the insertion passage 33 is closed. Thus, the sliding member 16 is installed in the first housing portion 31. After the sliding member 16 is installed, the spring member 17 is attached to the shaft portion 25. At this time, the movable portion 35 is placed in the pair of arm portions 17b, 17b of the spring member 17.

[0049] After the sliding member 16 is installed in the first housing portion 31, the second housing portion 32 is assembled on the first housing portion 31 (see Figure 4 At this time, the second housing portion 32 is assembled to the first housing portion 31 from the other side in the predetermined direction by inserting the fixing portion 36 into the pair of arm portions 17b, 17b of the spring member 17. This completes the assembly of the slide switch mechanism 11. In other words, the slide switch 1 is assembled.

[0050] The sliding switch 1 assembled in this way is equipped with the operating handle device 2 as described above. In the operating handle device 2, the operator grasps, for example, the middle portion of the operating handle 5 in the vertical direction. Moreover, the operating handle 5 is tilted in all directions of 360 degrees with a base (not shown) as a fulcrum. In the operating handle device 2, each switch 1, 6 to 9 is operated, for example, by the thumb of the operator. For example, switches 6 to 9 are operated (for example, pressed) by the thumb. Then, switches 6 to 9 output signals. On the other hand, the sliding switch 1 is operated as follows. The operating portion 27 of the sliding member 16 is pressed with a finger such as a thumb. Moreover, by pushing and pulling the operating portion 27 with the fingers, the sliding member 16 is rotated in one or the other direction in the circumferential direction (refer to Figure 2(arrow A). Consequently, the magnetic field of magnet 12a provided on shaft 25 changes. Consequently, detection unit 12b outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of rotation of sliding member 16. In other words, sensor mechanism 12 outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of rotation of sliding member 16.

[0051] In the slide switch mechanism 11 of this embodiment, an insertion passage 33 extending from the opening 19 toward one side is formed in the main body 31b of the first housing 31. Furthermore, with the cover 31c removed from the main body 31b, the sliding member 16 is assembled to the first housing 31 from one side of the circumference, allowing the operating portion 27 to pass through the insertion passage 33. Therefore, the sliding member 16 is assembled to the housing 15, for example, as follows. Specifically, the sliding member 16 is assembled to the housing 15 so that it rotates along the inner cover 21 about the rotation axis L1. Specifically, as the sliding member 16 rotates toward the opening 19 along the inner cover 21, the operating portion 27 is conveyed through the insertion passage 33 toward the opening 19. Subsequently, the cover 31c is attached to the main body 31b, closing the insertion passage 33. Furthermore, the second housing 32 is assembled to the first housing 31 from the other side in a predetermined direction. Since the sliding member 16 can be assembled to the housing 15 in this manner, the slide switch mechanism 11 having the operating portion 27 in the sliding member 16 can be easily assembled while suppressing an increase in the number of components. Specifically, by forming the inner cover portion 21 in the first housing portion 31, the slide switch mechanism 11 having the operating portion 27 in the sliding member 16 can be easily assembled while suppressing an increase in the number of components.

[0052] Furthermore, in the slide switch mechanism 11 of this embodiment, the sliding member 16 further includes a shaft portion 25 rotatably supported about the rotation axis L1 by the shaft support portion 20 and rotating in conjunction with the sliding body 26. Furthermore, the shaft support portion 20 includes a first portion 20a formed in the main body portion 31b of the first housing portion 31 and a second portion 20b formed in the second housing portion 32. Therefore, when the sliding member 16 is assembled to the first housing portion 31, the sliding member 16 can be rotated about the rotation axis L1 while the shaft portion 25 is in contact with the first portion 20a. Consequently, since the sliding member 16 can be easily rotated along the inner cover portion 21, the sliding member 16 can be easily assembled to the first housing portion 31.

[0053] Furthermore, in the slide switch mechanism 11 of this embodiment, the operating portion 27 abuts against the circumferential edges 19c and 19d of the opening 19 when it rotates circumferentially to a predetermined limit angle α. In other words, the edges 19c and 19d act as stoppers, limiting the rotation of the sliding member 16. This reduces the load acting on the shaft 25 when the rotation of the sliding member 16 is limited. Specifically, the distance l1 between the operating portion 27 (the point of force) and the edges 19c and 19d (the fulcrum) is reduced, while the distance l2 between the shaft 25 (the point of action) and the edges 19c and 19d is increased. Specifically, when the shaft 25 is in contact with the fixed portion 36, the distance l2 is greater than the distance l3 between the point of action and the fulcrum, thereby reducing the load acting on the shaft 25.

[0054] Furthermore, in the slide switch mechanism 11 of this embodiment, a labyrinth structure 30 is formed between the inner cover 21 and the sliding body 26. This prevents contaminants from being trapped between the inner cover 21 and the sliding body 26. Furthermore, in the slide switch mechanism 11, retained contaminants can be guided along the inner cover 21 toward the second outer shell 32, thereby keeping them away from the shaft 25. Consequently, contaminants are prevented from entering between the shaft 25 and the shaft support 20, hindering movement of the shaft 25.

[0055] Furthermore, in the slide switch mechanism 11 of this embodiment, the first protrusions 21b of the inner cover 21 and the second protrusions 26c of the sliding body 26 are arranged adjacent to each other with a gap in the axial direction, thereby forming a labyrinth structure 30. Consequently, in a cross-section perpendicular to the circumferential direction, a labyrinth structure 30 is formed that meanders in one direction and the other direction perpendicular to the axial direction. This allows contaminants to be trapped between the inner cover 21 and the sliding body 26.

[0056] Furthermore, in the slide switch mechanism 11 of this embodiment, the gap between the slide body 26 and the top plate portion 18a is narrowed, thereby suppressing contaminants from entering the first housing portion 31 through the gap between the slide member 16 and the top plate portion 18a.

[0057] Furthermore, in the slide switch mechanism 11 of this embodiment, the outer peripheral edge portion 26b of the sliding body 26 is exposed on one side in a predetermined direction at the opening 19 and covers the outer edge portions 19a and 19b on both sides of the axial direction of the opening 19. Therefore, in the top plate portion 18a, contaminants are prevented from entering the housing through the outer edge portions 19a and 19b on both sides of the axial direction of the sliding body 26 and the opening 19.

[0058] In the slide switch mechanism 11 of this embodiment, the connection portion 28 is narrowed between the insertion groove 21a and the inner cover 21. Therefore, contaminants can be prevented from entering the inner cover 21 through the gap between the connection portion 28 and the inner cover 21.

[0059] The slide switch 1 of this embodiment includes the aforementioned slide switch mechanism 11 further including the spring member 17 and the sensor mechanism 12. Therefore, a slide switch 1 having the aforementioned functions can be realized.

[0060] The operating handle device 2 of this embodiment includes the aforementioned slide switch 1 disposed on the other side in the predetermined direction of the operating handle 5. Therefore, the operating handle device 2 having the aforementioned functions can be realized.

[0061] <Other implementation methods> In the slide switch mechanism 11 of this embodiment, the operating portion 27 is formed to have the same width as the slide body 26, but may be formed to have a narrower width than the slide body 26. The configurations of the sensor mechanism 12 and the spring member 17 are merely examples, and other configurations are also possible.

[0062] The operating handle device 2 of this embodiment is an operating device for operating a work vehicle, but may also be an operating device for operating a robot or a game console. Furthermore, the device provided with the slide switch 1 of this embodiment is not limited to the operating handle device 2, but may also be provided in various devices other than operating devices.

[0063] <Exemplary Embodiment> A slide switch mechanism according to a first aspect includes: a housing having a hollow housing body; an opening formed in a top plate portion located on one side in a predetermined direction of the housing body; an arcuate inner cover portion formed within the housing body so as to face the top plate portion and extending circumferentially about a rotation axis passing through the housing body; and a sliding member including a sliding body disposed rotatably about the rotation axis between the inner cover portion and the top plate portion; and an operating portion provided on the sliding body so as to protrude toward one side in the predetermined direction of the opening. The housing body is configured to be separable in a predetermined direction into a first housing portion and a second housing portion, the first housing portion including a main body portion having the opening and the inner cover portion formed therein and having an insertion passage extending from the opening toward one circumferential side; and a cover portion attached to the main body portion so as to close the insertion passage. The second housing portion is assembled to the first housing portion from the other side in the predetermined direction. The sliding member is assembled to the first housing portion from the circumferential side through the insertion passage when the cover portion is removed from the main body portion.

[0064] According to the above aspect, the main body of the first housing portion is formed with an insertion passage extending from the opening toward one circumferential side. Furthermore, when the cover portion is removed from the main body portion, the sliding member is assembled to the first housing portion such that the operating portion passes through the insertion passage from one circumferential side. Therefore, the sliding member is assembled to the housing, for example, as follows. Specifically, the sliding member is assembled to the housing so that it rotates along the inner cover portion about the rotation axis. That is, as the sliding member rotates toward the other circumferential side along the inner cover portion, the operating portion is conveyed toward the opening through the insertion passage. The cover portion is then attached to the main body portion, sealing the insertion passage. Furthermore, the second housing portion is assembled to the first housing portion from the other side in a predetermined direction. This allows the sliding member to be assembled to the housing, making it easier to assemble a sliding switch mechanism having an operating portion with a sliding member while minimizing the number of components. Specifically, by forming the inner cover portion within the first housing portion, a sliding switch mechanism having an operating portion with a sliding member can be easily assembled while minimizing the number of components.

[0065] The sliding switch mechanism in the second aspect is the sliding switch mechanism in the first aspect, wherein the housing further comprises: an axial support portion covered by the inner cover portion from one side in a prescribed direction within the housing body and formed around a prescribed rotation axis, the sliding member further comprises: an axis portion rotatably supported on the axial support portion around the rotation axis and rotating in conjunction with the sliding body, the axial support portion comprising: a first portion formed on the main body portion of the first housing portion; and a second portion formed on the second housing portion.

[0066] According to the above aspect, the sliding member further includes a shaft portion rotatably supported about a rotation axis by the shaft support portion and rotating in conjunction with the sliding body. Furthermore, the shaft support portion includes a first portion formed in the main body portion of the first housing portion and a second portion formed in the second housing portion. Therefore, when the sliding member is assembled to the first housing portion, the sliding member can be rotated about the rotation axis while the shaft portion is in contact with the first portion. Consequently, since the sliding member can be easily rotated along the inner cover portion, assembly of the sliding member to the first housing portion is facilitated.

[0067] A slide switch mechanism according to a third aspect is the slide switch mechanism according to the second aspect, wherein the operating portion abuts against a circumferential edge of the opening when the slide member rotates to a predetermined limit angle in the circumferential direction.

[0068] According to the above aspect, when the operating portion rotates circumferentially to a predetermined limit angle, it abuts against the circumferential edge of the opening. In other words, the edge acts as a stopper to limit the rotation of the sliding member. This reduces the load on the shaft when the sliding member's rotation is limited. Specifically, the distance between the operating portion, serving as the force point, and the edge, serving as the fulcrum, is reduced, while the distance between the shaft, serving as the point of action, and the edge is increased. Consequently, the load on the shaft can be reduced.

[0069] A slide switch mechanism according to a fourth aspect is the slide switch mechanism according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the inner cover and the slide body form a labyrinth structure therebetween.

[0070] According to the above aspect, a labyrinth structure is formed between the inner cover portion and the sliding body, so that contaminants can be trapped between the inner cover portion and the sliding body.

[0071] The sliding switch mechanism in the fifth aspect is the sliding switch mechanism in the fourth aspect, wherein the inner cover portion has a first protrusion extending in the circumferential direction and protruding toward the sliding body, and the sliding body has a second protrusion extending in the circumferential direction and protruding toward the inner cover portion, and the first protrusion and the second protrusion are arranged in an adjacent manner with a gap between each other in the axial direction to form the maze structure.

[0072] According to the above aspect, the first protrusions of the inner cover and the second protrusions of the sliding body are arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction, spaced apart from each other, to form a labyrinthine structure. Consequently, in a cross-section perpendicular to the circumferential direction, a labyrinthine structure is formed that meanders in one direction and the other direction perpendicular to the axial direction. This allows contaminants to be trapped between the inner cover and the sliding body.

[0073] The sliding switch mechanism according to the sixth aspect is a sliding switch mechanism according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the sliding body has outer peripheral edge portions formed axially wider than the inner peripheral edge portion on both axial side surfaces, and the outer peripheral edge portions of the sliding body are exposed on one side of the opening in a prescribed direction and cover the outer edge portions on both sides of the opening in the axial direction.

[0074] According to the above aspect, the outer peripheral edge of the sliding body is exposed on one side of the opening in a predetermined direction and covers the outer edges of the opening on both sides in the axial direction. Therefore, in the top plate portion, contaminants are prevented from entering the housing through the outer edges of the sliding body and the opening on both sides in the axial direction.

[0075] The sliding switch in the seventh aspect comprises: the sliding switch mechanism of any one of the first to sixth aspects; and a sensor mechanism that detects the rotation amount of the sliding member, and the sliding switch mechanism also includes: a force applying member that applies force in the circumferential direction to the sliding member rotated from a specified neutral position to return the sliding member to the neutral position.

[0076] According to the above aspect, the slide switch includes: the slide switch mechanism further including a spring member; and the sensor mechanism. Therefore, a slide switch having the above-mentioned function can be realized.

[0077] The operating handle device according to claim 8 comprises: an operating handle extending in a predetermined direction and pivotally supported on one side in the predetermined direction; and the slide switch according to claim 7, the slide switch being arranged on the other side in the predetermined direction of the operating handle.

[0078] According to the above aspect, the operating handle device includes the slide switch disposed on the other side of the operating handle in the predetermined direction.

[0079] Based on the above description, many modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the above description should be interpreted as merely illustrative and provided to teach those skilled in the art the best way to implement the present disclosure. The details of its structure and / or function may be substantially modified without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A sliding switch mechanism, characterized in that: have: A housing having: a housing body formed to be hollow; an opening formed in a top plate portion located on one side of the housing body in a predetermined direction; and an arc-shaped inner cover portion formed in the housing body so as to face the top plate portion and extending circumferentially around a rotation axis passing through the housing body; and a sliding member comprising: a sliding body disposed between the inner cover portion and the top plate portion so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis; and an operating portion provided on the sliding body in a manner protruding toward one side in a predetermined direction of the opening, The housing body is configured to be divisible into a first housing portion and a second housing portion in a predetermined direction. The first housing portion includes: a main body portion having the opening portion and the inner cover portion and having an insertion passage extending from the opening portion to one circumferential side; and a cover portion mounted on the main body portion in a manner closing the insertion passage. The second housing portion is assembled to the first housing portion from the other side in a predetermined direction. The sliding member is assembled to the first housing portion by passing the operating portion through the insertion path from one circumferential side in a state where the cover portion is removed from the main body portion.

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

3. The sliding switch mechanism according to claim 2, wherein: The operating portion comes into contact with an edge portion of the opening in the circumferential direction when the sliding member rotates to a predetermined limit angle in the circumferential direction.

4. The sliding switch mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The inner cover portion and the sliding body form a labyrinth structure therebetween.

5. The sliding switch mechanism according to claim 4, wherein: The inner cover portion has a first protrusion extending in the circumferential direction and protruding toward the sliding body. The sliding body has a second protrusion extending in the circumferential direction and protruding toward the inner cover portion. The first protrusions and the second protrusions are arranged adjacent to each other with a gap in the axial direction, thereby forming the labyrinth structure.

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

7. A sliding switch, characterized in that: have: The sliding switch mechanism according to claim 1; and a sensor mechanism that detects the amount of rotation of the sliding member, The slide switch mechanism further includes a biasing member that biases the sliding member rotated from a predetermined neutral position in a circumferential direction to return the sliding member to the neutral position.

8. An operating handle device, characterized in that: have: an operating handle extending in a prescribed direction and pivotally supported on one side in the prescribed direction; and The slide switch according to claim 7, The slide switch is arranged on the other side of the operating handle in the predetermined direction.

Images