Slide switch and operating handle device provided with same

Abstract

The slide switch includes a housing, a slide member, and a sensor mechanism. The sensor mechanism includes: a magnet provided on a rotating shaft in the slide member; and a sensor provided in the housing on the rotating shaft and detecting a change in the magnetic field of the magnet. The sliding member has: a bottomed mounting hole formed around the rotating shaft; and a cover member that closes an opening of the mounting hole. The mounting hole has: an accommodating portion formed on the bottom side and accommodating the magnet; and a fitting portion formed on the opening side and fitted with the cover member, the magnet is disposed in the accommodating portion in a state of protruding toward the fitting portion in an axial direction in which the rotating shaft extends, and the cover member is formed to be shorter in the axial direction than the fitting portion by a protruding amount by which the magnet protrudes toward the fitting portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a slide switch including a slide member rotatably supported by a housing, and an operating handle device including the slide switch. Background Art

[0002] Slide switches are used in operating handles of construction machinery and in 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, a movable operating portion is configured to rotate about an axis (i.e., to be slidable). Furthermore, the rotary control device outputs a signal when the movable operating portion rotates in both a first direction and a second direction by more than a predetermined angle.

[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: In a sliding switch such as the rotation control device of Patent Document 1, it is desired to output a signal corresponding to the amount of rotation of the moving working part. In order to output a signal corresponding to the amount of rotation, it is considered to adopt a magnetic sensor mechanism in the sliding switch. In the case of adopting a magnetic sensor mechanism, for example, a magnet is arranged on a sliding member corresponding to the moving working part. Then, the sensor detects the change in the magnetic field of the magnet when the sliding member rotates, thereby outputting a signal corresponding to the amount of rotation. In the case of such a sliding switch, a mounting hole is formed around the rotating axis on the sliding member. Then, the magnet is buried in the mounting hole during assembly. When burying the magnet, the magnet is fixed to the mounting hole by filling the mounting hole with a filling material such as an adhesive or a resin material.

[0005] When assembling such a slide switch, the following situations may occur. That is, sometimes it happens that the magnet is forgotten to be buried in the mounting hole. In addition, the magnet needs to be buried and fixed in the mounting hole in a specified posture, but there are cases where it is buried in the mounting hole in an incorrect posture (for example, in a tilted state) due to improper operation. Forgetting to bury the magnet or burying it in an incorrect posture is difficult to confirm unless the output signal of all products is checked after assembly. Therefore, it is required to be able to easily confirm that the magnet is forgotten to be buried or buried in an incorrect posture. In addition, when a magnetic sensor mechanism is used, the respective configuration positions of the magnet and the sensor will affect the accuracy of the detection results. Therefore, the sensor is required to be positioned at the desired position with high precision relative to the magnet.

[0006] Here, an object of the first disclosure is to provide a slide switch and an operating handle device including the slide switch, which can easily confirm whether a magnet has been forgotten to be embedded or has been embedded in an incorrect posture.

[0007] Furthermore, the second disclosure aims to provide a slide switch in which a sensor is positioned at a desired position with respect to a magnet with high accuracy, and an operating handle device including the slide switch.

[0008] Means of solving the problem: The first disclosed sliding switch comprises: a housing; a sliding member arranged in the housing so as to be rotatable around a predetermined rotation axis; and a sensor mechanism for detecting the rotation amount of the sliding member, the sensor mechanism comprising: a magnet provided on the rotation axis in the sliding member; and a sensor provided on the rotation axis in the housing and detecting a change in the magnetic field of the magnet, the sliding member comprising: a mounting hole with a bottom formed around the rotation axis; and a cover member closing an opening of the mounting hole, the mounting hole comprising: a receiving portion formed on the bottom side and accommodating the magnet; and a fitting portion formed on the opening side and fitted with the cover member, the magnet being arranged in the receiving portion in a state of protruding toward the fitting portion in the axial direction in which the rotation axis extends, the cover member being formed to be axially shorter than the fitting portion by an amount by which the magnet protrudes toward the fitting portion.

[0009] According to the first disclosure, the cover member is formed so as to be axially shorter than the fitting portion by the amount by which the magnet protrudes into the fitting portion. Therefore, the magnet's accommodation state can be confirmed by the fitting state of the cover member in the mounting hole. For example, if the cover member is accommodated in the mounting hole while protruding from the opening of the mounting hole, it can be confirmed that the magnet is accommodated in the accommodation portion but not yet in place. On the other hand, if the cover member is inserted into the mounting hole while being recessed relative to the opening of the mounting hole, it can be confirmed that the magnet has been forgotten to be placed in the accommodation portion.

[0010] The second disclosed sliding switch comprises: a housing; a sliding member axially supported on the housing so as to be rotatable around a predetermined rotation axis; and a sensor mechanism that detects the amount of rotation of the sliding member, the sensor mechanism comprising: a magnet provided on the sliding member on the rotation axis; and a sensor provided on the housing on the rotation axis and detecting changes in the magnetic field of the magnet, the housing having a sensor accommodating portion that is open on one side of a first direction orthogonal to the axial direction and extends in the other side of the first direction, and in which the sensor is inserted, the sensor accommodating portion having a positioning portion that protrudes axially on the other side of the first direction, the sensor having a detection portion that detects changes in the magnetic field, and being positioned in the first direction by causing the detection portion to abut against the positioning portion.

[0011] According to the second disclosure, the sensor includes a detection portion for detecting a change in a magnetic field, and the detection portion is positioned in the first direction by abutting against the positioning portion. Therefore, the positioning accuracy of the sensor, especially the detection portion, in the first direction can be improved in the housing.

[0012] 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 sliding switch according to any one of the first to eighth items, the sliding switch being arranged on the other side in the predetermined direction of the operating handle.

[0013] According to the present disclosure, the operating handle device includes the slide switch disposed on the other side of the operating handle in the predetermined direction. Therefore, an operating handle device having the aforementioned function can be realized.

[0014] Effects of the invention: According to the slide switch of the first disclosure, it is possible to easily confirm whether the magnet has been forgotten to be embedded or whether the magnet has been embedded in an incorrect posture.

[0015] According to the second disclosed slide switch, the sensor is positioned at a desired position with respect to the magnet with high accuracy.

[0016] According to the operating handle device disclosed herein, an operating handle device having the aforementioned functions is realized.

[0017] 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

[0018] 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 an imaginary plane X; Figure 4 For the general Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the slide switch taken along the cutting line IV-IV; Figure 5 For the general Figure 3 A perspective sectional view of the second housing portion of the slide switch taken along section line VV; Figure 6 To observe from the first direction Figure 3 Bottom view of the slide switch; Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view showing the sliding member in an exploded manner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The following describes a slide switch 1 and an operating handle device 2 equipped with the same, 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 structure of the present disclosure to such directions. Furthermore, the slide switch 1 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.

[0020] <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.

[0021] 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).

[0022] 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).

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] <Slide switch mechanism> Sliding switch mechanism 11, such as Figure 2 The structure shown is slidable (see arrow A). Sliding switch mechanism 11, as shown Figure 3 and Figure 4 The illustration shows a housing 15 , a sliding member 16 and a spring member 17 .

[0026] The housing 15 is made of synthetic resin and is hollow. For example, the housing 15 is shaped like a rectangular box having a height in the first direction. The housing 15 houses the sensor mechanism 12, the sliding member 16, and the spring member 17. Furthermore, the housing 15 includes a first housing portion 18 and a second housing portion 19. The second housing portion 19 constitutes one side of the housing 15 in the first direction. The first housing portion 18 constitutes the other side of the housing 15 in the first direction. Furthermore, the housing 15 can be divided into the first housing portion 18 and the second housing portion 19 in the first direction. Furthermore, the first housing portion 18 and the second housing portion 19 are each constructed as follows.

[0027] The first shell portion 18 is formed in a rectangular box shape. The first shell portion 18 is open to one side in the first direction. In addition, in the first shell portion 18, the top plate portion 18a located on the other side in the first direction is bent into a convex shape. The first shell portion 18 has: an opening portion 21, a first shaft support portion 22 and an inner cover portion 23. The opening portion 21 is formed in the top plate portion 18a. The opening portion 21 extends along the long side direction (or in the circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis L1 as described in detail later) on the top plate portion 18a. In the present embodiment, the opening portion 21 is formed in a rectangular shape, for example, when viewed from a top view as viewed from one side in the first direction (see Figure 2 ).

[0028] The first shaft support portion 22 is formed to correspond to the second shaft support portion 26 described later, and together with the second shaft support portion 26, constitute the shaft support portion 24. The first shaft support portion 22 is formed in a semicircular shape around the rotation axis L1. The rotation axis L1 is an axis passing through the interior of the housing 15 (in this embodiment, the first housing portion 18). More specifically, the rotation axis L1 is an axis extending in a direction orthogonal to the first direction. In this embodiment, the rotation axis L1 passes through the center of the housing 15 and extends in the short-side direction. Regarding the first shaft support portion 22, two first shaft support portions 22 are formed in the first housing portion 18 in more detail. The two first shaft support portions 22 are arranged to be separated from each other in the axial direction (i.e., the short-side direction) along which the rotation axis L1 extends.

[0029] The inner cover portion 23 is formed within the first housing portion 18 so as to face the top plate portion 18a. More specifically, the inner cover portion 23 is disposed so as to face the opening 21. Furthermore, the inner cover portion 23 is formed into a semicircular shape centered on the rotation axis L1. Furthermore, the inner cover portion 23 covers the first shaft support portion 22 from the other side in the first direction.

[0030] The inner cover portion 23 thus formed forms a sliding space 25 within the first outer shell portion 18. The sliding space 25 is formed between the top plate portion 18a and the inner cover portion 23 and is formed in a semicircular shape centered on the rotation axis L1. At least a portion of the sliding space 25 (in this embodiment, the circumferentially intermediate portion) faces outward through the opening 21.

[0031] The second housing portion 19, such as Figure 5 The second housing 19 is shown with a second shaft support portion 26 and a sensor housing portion 27. The second shaft support portion 26 is formed corresponding to the first shaft support portion 22. That is, two second shaft support portions 26 are formed on the second housing 19. Furthermore, the two second shaft support portions 26, together with the corresponding first shaft support portions 22, constitute two shaft support portions 24. A shaft portion 31, described in detail later, is inserted through each of the two shaft support portions 24. Furthermore, the two shaft support portions 24 support the axial ends of the shaft portion 31 so that they can rotate about the rotation axis L1.

[0032] The sensor receiving portion 27 is a hole with a bottom. Figure 5 The sensor 42 described in detail later is housed in the sensor housing 27. Figure 6 The end surface 19a of the first direction of the second shell portion 19 is formed on the end surface 19a of the first direction of the second shell portion 19. Figure 6 In the figure, for the sake of convenience, the first direction end face 19a is shaded. Figure 5 As shown, the sensor accommodating portion 27 is open to one side in the first direction and extends along the first direction. To explain in more detail, the sensor accommodating portion 27 has an opening 27a on one end face 19a of the second housing portion 19 in the first direction, and extends from the opening 27a to the other side in the first direction. Furthermore, the sensor accommodating portion 27 is formed in the second housing portion 19 to be adjacent to one axial side of the shaft support portion 24. In addition, the sensor accommodating portion 27 has a positioning portion 27b on the other side in the first direction. The positioning portion 27b protrudes in the axial direction in the sensor accommodating portion 27. In this embodiment, the positioning portion 27b protrudes from the side of the shaft support portion 24 toward one axial side in the sensor accommodating portion 27.

[0033] Furthermore, the sensor housing 27, as shown Figure 6As shown, the sensor accommodating portion 27 is formed to be wide in the second direction, corresponding to the longitudinal direction, when viewed from below from one side in the first direction. In this embodiment, the sensor accommodating portion 27 is formed in a strip shape that is wide in the second direction. More specifically, the sensor accommodating portion 27 has a mating groove 27c on each side of the surface portion in the second direction. The mating groove 27c is recessed along the second direction. Furthermore, the mating groove 27c extends from the opening 27a of the sensor accommodating portion 27 toward the other side in the first direction.

[0034] <Sliding member> The sliding member 16 is a member made of synthetic resin. The sliding member 16 is arranged in the housing 15 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis L1. The sliding member 16 can be pressed by a finger such as a thumb. Moreover, the sliding member 16 is rotated (i.e., slid) about the rotation axis L1 by pushing and pulling (i.e., sliding operation) with the finger. The sliding member 16, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 The illustrated embodiment includes a shaft portion 31 , a sliding body 32 , an operating portion 33 , a mounting hole 35 , and a cover member 36 .

[0035] The shaft portion 31, such as Figure 3 As shown, the shaft portion 31 is pivotally supported by the shaft support portion 24 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis L1. More specifically, bearings 37 are mounted on each of the axial ends of the shaft portion 31. Furthermore, the shaft portion 31 is pivotally supported by the shaft support portion 24 via the bearings 37. Thus, the shaft portion 31 is rotatable about the rotation axis L1. Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, the shaft portion 31 rotates about the rotation axis L1 in conjunction with the sliding body 32.

[0036] Sliding body 32, such as Figure 4 As shown, the sliding body 32 is disposed within the housing 15 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis L1. Furthermore, the sliding body 32 is rotatable about the rotation axis L1 when operated. Specifically, the sliding body 32 is formed in an arc shape centered on the rotation axis L1. Furthermore, the sliding body 32 is accommodated in the sliding space 25 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis L1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sliding body 32 is inserted into the sliding space 25 so that a portion protrudes from the opening 21. Furthermore, the sliding body 32 is connected to the shaft 31 via a connecting portion 34. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 34 extends radially outward from the shaft 31 toward the sliding body 32. Furthermore, an insertion groove 23a is formed in the inner cover 23 at a position corresponding to the connecting portion 34. The insertion groove 23a extends circumferentially from one circumferential end of the inner cover 23 to the other circumferential end. The connecting portion 34 is inserted into the insertion groove 23a and is circumferentially movable within the insertion groove 23a. Thus, the shaft portion 31 is linked to the sliding body 32 via the connecting portion 34 .

[0037] The operating portion 33 is used to operate the sliding member 16. The operating portion 33 is provided on the sliding body 32. Specifically, the operating portion 33 protrudes radially outward from the circumferential center portion of the sliding body 32. Furthermore, the operating portion 33 protrudes toward the other side of the first direction of the opening 21. Therefore, the operating portion 33 can be pressed with a finger such as a thumb. Furthermore, by pushing or pulling the operating portion 33 with the pressing finger, the sliding body 32 can be rotated about the rotation axis L1.

[0038] The mounting hole 35 is a bottomed hole formed around the rotation axis L1. In more detail, the mounting hole 35 is formed on the shaft portion 31 around the rotation axis L1. The mounting hole 35 is formed in a rectangular cross-section in this embodiment. Figure 7 The enlarged view of FIG. 35 shows a receiving portion 35a and an engaging portion 35b. The receiving portion 35a is formed on the bottom side of the mounting hole 35.

[0039] The housing portion 35a houses the magnet 41 of the sensor mechanism 12 described in detail later (see Figure 3 ). On the other hand, the accommodating portion 35a is formed to be shorter than the magnet 41 in the axial direction. That is, the magnet 41 protrudes from the accommodating portion 35a only by a predetermined protrusion amount α in the direction of the fitting portion 35b. Figure 7 The crush ribs 35c are formed on the inner peripheral surfaces of the receiving portion 35a. In this embodiment, the receiving portion 35a is formed in a rectangular cross-section, and the crush ribs 35c are formed on the four sides. The fitting portion 35b is formed on the opening 35d side of the mounting hole 35. The fitting portion 35b, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 The cover member 36 described in detail later is fitted therein. More specifically, the peripheral shape of the fitting portion 35b is formed larger than the peripheral shape of the accommodating portion 35a.

[0040] Cover member 36, such as Figure 3As shown, the opening 35d of the mounting hole 35 is closed. More specifically, the cover member 36 is fitted into the fitting portion 35b of the mounting hole 35. In this embodiment, the cover member 36 is an expansion-type press-fit pin. That is, after being inserted into the fitting portion 35b of the mounting hole 35, the cover member 36 is expanded so as to fit into the fitting portion 35b. As a result, the magnet 41 accommodated in the accommodating portion 35a by the cover member 36 does not escape from the sliding member 16. Furthermore, the cover member 36 is formed to be shorter in the axial direction than the fitting portion 35b. That is, the axial length of the cover member 36 is shorter than the depth of the fitting portion 35b. More specifically, the cover member 36 is formed to be shorter in the axial direction than the fitting portion 35b by only a protrusion amount α. Therefore, when the magnet 41 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 35a, the cover member 36 is flush with the open end face of the shaft portion 31. On the other hand, when the magnet 41 is not accommodated in the accommodation portion 35 a , the cover member 36 is arranged in the fitting portion 35 b in a state recessed from the open end surface of the shaft portion 31 .

[0041] <Spring component> Figure 4 The spring member 17 shown applies force to the sliding member 16, which is rotating from a predetermined neutral position, in one circumferential direction or the other. The sliding member 16 is thereby returned to its neutral position by the spring member 17. The neutral position is the position of the sliding member 16 in which the operating portion 33 is in a predetermined posture. In this embodiment, the neutral position is a state in which the operating portion 33 is upright in the other direction of the first direction. However, the neutral position is not limited to the aforementioned posture and may also be a state in which the operating portion 33 is tilted. Furthermore, the neutral position is not limited to the posture of the operating portion 33 and may also be determined by the circumferential position of the operating portion 33. The spring member 17 is, for example, a torsion coil spring, with the coil 17a attached to the shaft portion 31. Furthermore, one arm 17b of the spring member 17 is fixed to the second housing portion 19, and the other arm 17b is linked to the rotation of the sliding member 16. Thus, the spring member 17 applies force to return the sliding member 16 to its neutral position.

[0042] <Sensor mechanism> Figure 3 The illustrated sensor mechanism 12 detects the amount of operation of the sliding member 16, that is, the amount of rotation (e.g., the angle from the neutral position). More specifically, the sensor mechanism 12 detects the amount of rotation of the shaft 31. Furthermore, the sensor mechanism 12 outputs a signal corresponding to the detected amount of rotation. In this embodiment, the sensor mechanism 12 is a magnetic rotation angle sensor. The sensor mechanism 12 includes a magnet 41 and a sensor 42.

[0043] The magnet 41 is disposed on the rotation axis L1 in the sliding member 16. More specifically, the magnet 41 is housed in the housing portion 35a of the mounting hole 35. Specifically, in this embodiment, the magnet 41 is formed into a rectangular parallelepiped shape, having a cross-sectional shape that is substantially the same as that of the housing portion 35a. Furthermore, the magnet 41 is housed in the housing portion 35a by squeezing the extrusion rib 35c (i.e., plastically deforming). Thus, the magnet 41 fits into the housing portion 35a. Furthermore, the magnet 41 and the housing portion 35a are formed into rectangular cross-sectional shapes. Therefore, when housed, if the magnet 41 differs from the housing portion 35a in its longitudinal and transverse directions, it cannot fit into the housing portion 35a. Furthermore, the magnet 41 is formed to be longer in the axial direction than the housing portion 35a. Therefore, the magnet 41 protrudes from the housing portion 35a toward the fitting portion 35b by only an amount α.

[0044] Sensor 42 outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of rotation (i.e., displacement) of sliding member 16 based on changes in the magnetic field of magnet 41 as sliding member 16 rotates. Sensor 42 is disposed on rotation axis L1 within housing 15. More specifically, sensor 42 is housed in sensor housing 27 of second housing portion 19. Sensor 42 includes a detection portion 42a and a substrate 42b.

[0045] The detection portion 42a detects the amount of rotation of the sliding member 16 based on the change in the magnetic field of the magnet 41 when the sliding member 16 rotates. The detection portion 42a is a so-called Hall element. However, the detection portion 42a is not limited to a Hall element. In addition, the detection portion 42a abuts against the positioning portion 27b when the sensor 42 is accommodated in the sensor accommodation portion 27. To explain in more detail, the detection portion 42a abuts against the positioning portion 27b when the sensor 42 is inserted into the sensor accommodation portion 27. As a result, the sensor 42 is positioned in the first direction. The detection portion 42a constructed in this way is formed into a rectangular parallelepiped shape, for example.

[0046] The substrate 42b outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of rotation detected by the detection unit 42a. The substrate 42b is a substantially rectangular plate. Figure 6 As shown, sensor accommodating portion 27 is inserted from opening 27a toward the other side in the first direction, with the outer edges on both sides in the width direction (i.e., the ends in the second direction) respectively fitting into fitting grooves 27c. Furthermore, a detection portion 42a is provided on substrate 42b on one side of main surface 42c in the first direction (i.e., in the height direction of substrate 42b). Detection portion 42a is attached to substrate 42b so as to protrude from main surface 42c in the thickness direction.

[0047] As previously described, the sensor 42 constructed in this manner is inserted into the sensor housing 27 from the opening 27a toward the other side in the first direction, with the outer edges of the substrate 42b engaging the respective engagement grooves 27c. At this point, the sensor 42 is inserted into the sensor housing 27 so that the outer edges of the substrate 42b abut against both sides of the sensor housing 27 in the second direction (more specifically, the sides of the engagement grooves 27c located in the second direction). This positions the sensor 42 in the second direction. Furthermore, the sensor 42 is positioned in the axial direction by engaging the outer edges of the respective engagement grooves 27c. As previously described, the sensor 42 is inserted into the sensor housing 27 until it abuts against the positioning portions 27b. This positions the sensor 42 in the first direction. Thus, the sensor 42 is positioned in the axial direction, the first direction, and the second direction. With the sensor 42 positioned, the sensor housing 27 is filled with molding resin. Thus, the sensor 42 (more specifically, the detection portion 42 a ) is fixed to the rotation axis L1 in the sensor accommodation portion 27 .

[0048] <Operating the operating handle and slide switch> The following describes how to operate the operating handle device 2. In the operating handle device 2, the operator grasps, for example, the middle portion of the operating handle 5 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the operating handle 5 tilts 360 degrees in all directions, using a base (not shown) as a fulcrum. Furthermore, in the operating handle device 2, each switch 1, 6-9 is operated, for example, by the operator's thumb. For example, when switches 6-9 are operated (e.g., pressed) by the thumb, they output signals. Meanwhile, the slide switch 1 operates as follows.

[0049] That is, the slide switch 1 is a device that presses the operating portion 33 of the slide member 16 with a finger such as a thumb. And, by pushing and pulling the operating portion 33 with a finger, the slide member 16 rotates in one or the other direction in the circumferential direction (see Figure 1 (arrow A). Then, magnet 41, mounted on shaft 31, rotates about rotation axis L1. This causes the magnetic field of magnet 41 to change. Sensor 42 then outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of rotation of sliding member 16 based on the change in the magnetic field of magnet 41. In this way, slide switch 1 outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of operation on sliding member 16.

[0050] In the slide switch 1 of this embodiment, the cover member 36 is formed so that its axial extension is shorter than the fitting portion 35b by the amount α by which the magnet 41 protrudes from the fitting portion 35b. Therefore, the state of magnet 41's accommodation can be confirmed by observing the fit of the cover member 36 in the mounting hole 35. For example, if the cover member 36 is fitted into the mounting hole 35 while protruding from the opening 35d of the mounting hole 35, it can be confirmed that the magnet 41 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 35a in an incorrect position (e.g., tilted). On the other hand, if the cover member 36 is fitted into the mounting hole 35 while recessed relative to the open end of the mounting hole 35, it can be confirmed that the magnet 41 has been forgotten to be placed in the accommodating portion 35a. This makes it easy to confirm whether magnet 41 has been forgotten to be embedded or has been embedded in an incorrect position.

[0051] Furthermore, according to the slide switch 1 of this embodiment, the mounting hole 35 is formed in the shaft portion 31 that is linked to the slide body 32. Therefore, even with the slide switch 1 having such a structure, it is easy to check whether the magnet 41 is forgotten to be embedded or is embedded in an incorrect position.

[0052] Furthermore, in the slide switch 1 of this embodiment, the accommodating portion 35a has a plurality of pressing ribs 35c on its inner circumference. Consequently, the magnet 41 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 35a in a fitted state. This improves the press-fitting properties (i.e., the ease of press-fitting) of the magnet 41 into the accommodating portion 35a and enhances the positioning accuracy of the magnet 41.

[0053] Furthermore, according to the slide switch 1 of this embodiment, the cover member 36 is an expandable press-fit pin. Therefore, the cover member 36 is prevented from coming off from the mounting hole 35. Therefore, the magnet 41 is prevented from coming off.

[0054] Furthermore, according to the slide switch 1 of this embodiment, the sensor 42 includes a detection portion 42a that detects changes in a magnetic field. The sensor 42a is positioned in the first direction by abutting the positioning portion 27b. This improves the positioning accuracy of the sensor 42, particularly the detection portion 42a, in the first direction within the housing 15.

[0055] Furthermore, according to the slide switch 1 of this embodiment, the sensor 42 is inserted into the sensor accommodating portion 27 such that both ends of the substrate 42b in the second direction abut against both side surfaces in the second direction of the sensor accommodating portion 27. Therefore, the positioning accuracy of the sensor 42 in the second direction within the housing 15 can be improved.

[0056] Furthermore, according to the slide switch 1 of this embodiment, the sensor 42 is inserted into the sensor accommodating portion 27 such that both ends of the substrate 42b in the second direction are respectively fitted into the fitting grooves 27c.

[0057] According to the operating handle device 2 of this embodiment, the operating handle device 2 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.

[0058] <Regarding other implementation methods> The operating handle device 2 of this embodiment is an operating device for operating a work vehicle, but it can 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 can also be provided in various devices other than operating devices. Furthermore, the structure of the slide switch 1 is not limited to the structure described above; that is, any structure in which the magnet 41 of the magnetic sensor mechanism 12 is mounted in the rotatable sliding member 16 and the sensor 42 is fixed in the housing 15 is sufficient. Furthermore, the housing 15 does not necessarily have to be a split structure and can also be an integrated structure.

[0059] Furthermore, in the slide switch 1 of this embodiment, the magnet 41 is secured to the mounting hole 35 by being pressed against the cover member 36. However, the magnet 41 may be secured to the mounting hole 35 by a filler material, instead of the cover member 36. Furthermore, the cover member 36 does not necessarily need to be an expandable press-fit pin; it may simply be a rod-shaped press-fit pin or a bolt. Furthermore, the accommodating portion 35a of the mounting hole 35 does not necessarily need to be formed with the pressing rib 35c. Furthermore, the method of accommodating the sensor 42 in the sensor accommodating portion 27 is not limited to the method described above. That is, the sensor 42 does not need to be positioned in the sensor accommodating portion 27 in the axial direction, the first direction, and the second direction.

[0060] <Exemplary Embodiment> The sliding switch mechanism of the first aspect comprises: a housing; a sliding member arranged in the housing so as to be rotatable around a predetermined rotation axis; and a sensor mechanism for detecting the rotation amount of the sliding member, the sensor mechanism comprising: a magnet provided on the rotation axis in the sliding member; and a sensor provided on the rotation axis in the housing and detecting a change in the magnetic field of the magnet, the sliding member comprising: a mounting hole with a bottom formed around the rotation axis; and a cover member closing the opening of the mounting hole, the mounting hole comprising: a housing portion formed on the bottom side and accommodating the magnet; and a fitting portion formed on the opening side and fitted with the cover member, the magnet being arranged in the housing portion in a state of protruding toward the fitting portion in the axial direction in which the rotation axis extends, the cover member being formed to be axially shorter than the fitting portion by an amount by which the magnet protrudes toward the fitting portion.

[0061] According to the above aspect, the cover member is formed so that its axial length is shorter than the fitting portion by the amount by which the magnet protrudes into the fitting portion. Therefore, the magnet's accommodation state can be confirmed by the fitting state of the cover member in the mounting hole. For example, if the cover member is accommodated in the mounting hole while protruding from the opening of the mounting hole, it can be confirmed that the magnet is accommodated in the accommodation portion but not yet in place. On the other hand, if the cover member is inserted into the mounting hole while being recessed relative to the opening of the mounting hole, it can be confirmed that the magnet has been forgotten to be placed in the accommodation portion.

[0062] The sliding switch mechanism in the second aspect is the sliding switch mechanism in the first aspect, wherein the sliding member further comprises: a sliding body disposed in the housing and rotating around a rotation axis; and a shaft portion axially supported by the housing and rotating around the rotation axis in conjunction with the sliding body, the mounting hole being formed in the shaft portion.

[0063] According to the above aspect, the mounting hole is formed in the shaft portion that is linked to the sliding body. Therefore, even with a slide switch having such a structure, it is easy to confirm whether the magnet is forgotten to be embedded or is embedded in an incorrect position.

[0064] A slide switch mechanism according to a third aspect is the slide switch mechanism according to the first or second aspect, wherein the accommodating portion has a plurality of pressing ribs on an inner peripheral surface.

[0065] According to the above aspect, the receiving portion has a plurality of extrusion ribs on its inner circumferential surface. Therefore, the magnet is received in the receiving portion in an engaged state. Therefore, the magnet can be pressed into the receiving portion more easily and the positioning accuracy of the magnet can be improved.

[0066] A fourth aspect of the slide switch mechanism is the slide switch mechanism according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the cover member is an expansion-type press-fit pin.

[0067] According to the above aspect, the cover member is an expandable press-fit pin. Therefore, the cover member is prevented from coming off the mounting hole. Therefore, the magnet is prevented from coming off.

[0068] The sliding switch mechanism according to the fifth aspect is the sliding switch mechanism according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the housing has a sensor accommodating portion, which is a sensor accommodating portion that is open on one side of a first direction orthogonal to the axial direction and extends on the other side of the first direction, and into which the sensor is inserted, the sensor accommodating portion has a positioning portion that protrudes along the axial direction on the other side of the first direction, and the sensor has a detection portion that detects a change in a magnetic field, and is positioned in the first direction by causing the detection portion to abut against the positioning portion.

[0069] According to the above aspect, the sensor includes a detection portion for detecting a change in a magnetic field, and the detection portion is positioned in the first direction by abutting against the positioning portion.

[0070] The sliding switch mechanism according to the sixth aspect is the sliding switch mechanism according to the fifth aspect, wherein the sensor accommodating portion is formed into a strip shape wide in a second direction perpendicular to the axial direction and the first direction when viewed from one side in the first direction, and the sensor further includes a substrate on which the detection portion is provided, and is inserted into the sensor accommodating portion in a manner such that both end portions of the substrate in the second direction abut against both side surfaces of the sensor accommodating portion in the second direction.

[0071] According to the above aspect, the sensor is inserted into the sensor receiving portion so that both ends of the substrate in the second direction abut against both side surfaces of the sensor receiving portion in the second direction.

[0072] The sliding switch mechanism in the seventh aspect is the sliding switch mechanism in the sixth aspect, wherein the sensor accommodating portion has respective engaging groove portions recessed along the second direction on both side surfaces in the second direction, and the sensor is inserted into the sensor accommodating portion in such a manner that both end portions in the second direction of the substrate are respectively engaged with the engaging groove portions.

[0073] According to the above aspect, the sensor is inserted into the sensor receiving portion so that both ends of the substrate in the second direction are respectively fitted into the fitting grooves. Therefore, the axial positioning accuracy of the sensor in the housing can be improved.

[0074] The sliding switch in the eighth aspect comprises: a housing; a sliding member axially supported on the housing so as to be rotatable around a predetermined rotation axis; and a sensor mechanism for detecting the amount of rotation of the sliding member, the sensor mechanism comprising: a magnet provided on the sliding member on the rotation axis; and a sensor provided on the housing on the rotation axis and detecting changes in the magnetic field of the magnet, the housing having a sensor accommodating portion which is open on one side of a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction and extends in the other side of the first direction, and in which the sensor is inserted, the sensor accommodating portion having a positioning portion which protrudes axially on the other side of the first direction, the sensor having a detection portion which detects changes in the magnetic field, and is positioned in the first direction by causing the detection portion to abut against the positioning portion.

[0075] According to the above aspect, the sensor includes a detection portion for detecting a change in a magnetic field, and the detection portion is positioned in the first direction by abutting against the positioning portion.

[0076] The operating handle device according to the ninth aspect 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 any one of the first to eighth aspects, the slide switch being arranged on the other side in the predetermined direction of the operating handle.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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, characterized in that: have: shell; a sliding member disposed in the housing so as to be rotatable about a predetermined rotation axis; and a sensor mechanism for detecting the amount of rotation of the sliding member, The sensor mechanism includes: a magnet provided on the rotating shaft in the sliding member; and a sensor provided on the rotating shaft in the housing and detecting a change in the magnetic field of the magnet. The sliding member has: a bottomed mounting hole formed around the rotation axis; and a cover member closing the opening of the mounting hole, The mounting hole has: a receiving portion formed on the bottom side and accommodating the magnet; and a fitting portion formed on the opening side and fitting the cover member. The magnet is arranged in the receiving portion in a state of protruding toward the fitting portion in the axial direction in which the rotating shaft extends. The cover member is formed to be shorter than the fitting portion in the axial direction by an amount by which the magnet protrudes toward the fitting portion.

2. The slide switch according to claim 1, wherein: The sliding member further includes: a sliding body disposed in the housing and rotating around the rotation axis; and a shaft portion supported by the housing and rotating around the rotation axis in conjunction with the sliding body. The mounting hole is formed in the shaft portion.

3. The slide switch according to claim 1, wherein: The accommodating portion has a plurality of pressing ribs on an inner circumferential surface.

4. The slide switch according to claim 1, wherein: The cover member is an expansion type press-in pin.

5. The slide switch according to claim 1, wherein: The housing has a sensor accommodating portion that is open in one direction of a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction and extends in the other direction of the first direction, and into which the sensor is inserted. The sensor receiving portion has a positioning portion protruding along the axial direction on the other side of the first direction, The sensor includes a detection portion that detects a change in a magnetic field, and is positioned in a first direction by causing the detection portion to abut against the positioning portion.

6. The slide switch according to claim 5, wherein: The sensor housing portion is formed in a strip shape that is wide in a second direction perpendicular to the axial direction and the first direction when viewed from one side in the first direction. The sensor further includes a substrate provided with the detection portion, and is inserted into the sensor accommodation portion in a manner such that both ends of the substrate in the second direction abut against both side surfaces of the sensor accommodation portion in the second direction.

7. The slide switch according to claim 6, wherein: The sensor receiving portion has a fitting groove portion recessed along the second direction on both side surfaces in the second direction. The sensor is inserted into the sensor receiving portion such that both ends of the substrate in the second direction are respectively fitted into the fitting grooves.

8. A sliding switch, characterized in that: have: shell; a sliding member pivotally supported by the housing so as to be rotatable about a predetermined rotation axis; and a sensor mechanism for detecting the amount of rotation of the sliding member, The sensor mechanism includes: a magnet provided on the sliding member on the rotating shaft; and a sensor provided on the housing on the rotating shaft and detecting a change in the magnetic field of the magnet. The housing has a sensor accommodating portion that is open in one direction of a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction and extends in the other direction of the first direction, and into which the sensor is inserted. The sensor receiving portion has a positioning portion protruding along the axial direction on the other side of the first direction, The sensor includes a detection portion that detects a change in a magnetic field, and is positioned in a first direction by causing the detection portion to abut against the positioning portion.

9. 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 1 or 8, The slide switch is arranged on the other side of the operating handle in the prescribed direction.

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