Connection structure

Abstract

The attachment / detachment structure is simplified to allow for smooth and reliable separation. [Solution] The shaft portion 20A of the case 20 has an engagement groove 21, and the ring-shaped portion 4, which is rotatably supported by the support portion 5, has an engagement portion 40. The engagement groove 21 has an axial groove 21a that allows the engagement portion 40 to enter, a first inclined surface 21b1 that interferes with the engagement portion 40 and moves the ring-shaped portion 4 in the circumferential direction, and a circumferential groove 21c that fixes the ring-shaped portion 4 and the support portion 5 to the case 20 so that they cannot move in the axial direction when the engagement portion 40 is biased to be in the locked position. The axial groove 21a also functions as a recess into which a projection 52 on the inner circumferential surface 51 of the support portion 5 engages. When the engagement portion 40 is in the locked position, the projection 52 engages with the axial groove 21a, thereby fixing the ring-shaped portion 4 and the support portion 5 to the case 20 so that they cannot move in the circumferential direction. The support portion 5 has a holding portion 7 that holds the ring-shaped portion 4 when the engagement portion 40 is positioned at the rear end of the circumferential groove 21c.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection structure, and more particularly, to a connection structure for detachably connecting a detachable unit to a fixed unit in a device including a fixed unit and a detachable unit.

Background Art

[0002] In FIGS. 1 and 2 and paragraphs

[0017] ,

[0018] ,

[0020] to

[0022] ,

[0027] , and

[0031] of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-205196, a connection structure for separably connecting an operation unit (10) and a switch unit (20) in an operation switch (1) is described. The operation unit (10) has a cylindrical body portion (12) extending in the axial direction, and a guide groove (13) is formed in the body portion (12). The switch unit (20) is sandwiched between a holder (21) and a case (23), and has an annular lock member (22) that can rotate in the circumferential direction. The lock member (22) is provided with an elastic engagement piece (223) having an engagement protrusion (221) guided by the guide groove (13) of the body portion (12) at its tip.

[0003] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 and paragraphs

[0034] and

[0036] , the guide groove (13) of the operation unit (10) includes a through groove (131) extending in the axial direction, a storage groove (132) that communicates with the through groove (131) via a locking protrusion (14) and stores the engagement protrusion (221) of the lock member (22), and a bypass groove (133) that communicates with the through groove (131) and the storage groove (132) via an inclined bottom surface (135) and has a guide wall portion (134). The elastic engagement piece (223) of the lock member (22) is a portion that extends upward from a ring portion (222) and can be elastically deformed radially outward, as shown in FIG. 2 and paragraph

[0030] .

[0004] When connecting the switch unit (20) to the operating unit (10), the engaging projection (221) of the elastic engaging piece (223) of the locking member (22) is inserted into the guide groove (13) of the body (12) of the operating unit (10) (see paragraph

[0044] and Figure 8). The engaging projection (221) that has entered the guide groove (13) comes into contact with the locking projection (14). If the engaging projection (221) is pushed further axially from this state, the engaging projection (221) moves along the inclined surface (14a) of the locking projection (14), causing the engaging projection (221) to move radially outward, and as a result, the elastic engaging piece (223) is elastically deformed radially outward (see the same paragraph and figure).

[0005] If the engaging projection (221) is pushed further from this state, the engaging projection (221) will overcome the locking projection (14), and at that time, due to the elastic restoring force of the elastically deformed engaging projection (221), the engaging projection (221) will return to its original state and fit into the storage groove (132), thereby locking the switch unit (20) axially with respect to the operating unit (10), and as a result the switch unit (20) will be connected to the operating unit (10) (see paragraph

[0045] , Figures 6 to 8).

[0006] Furthermore, when releasing the connection between the operating unit (10) and the switch unit (20), the locking member (22) is rotated in the circumferential direction (see paragraph

[0048] and Figure 8). This causes the engaging projection (221) to move over the inclined bottom surface (135) and into the bypass groove (133) to the position (P1) shown in Figure 8. While maintaining this rotated state, when the switch unit (20) is moved in the direction of being pulled out from the operating unit (10), the engaging projection (221) comes into contact with the guide wall portion (134) of the bypass groove (133) (see paragraph

[0051] and position (P2) in Figure 8).

[0007] If the switch unit (20) is moved further in the direction of being pulled away from the operating unit (10) from this state, the engaging projection (221) moves circumferentially along the guide wall (134) and moves through the inclined bottom surface (135) to position (P3) in Figure 8. Then, the engaging projection (221) moves from position (P3) to position (P4), and as a result, the switch unit (20) is separated from the operating unit (10) (see paragraphs

[0052] to

[0053] and Figure 8). [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] However, in the conventional configuration described above, the guide groove (13) of the body (12) of the operating unit (10) is provided with a locking projection (14) whose groove depth changes and an inclined bottom surface (135), resulting in a complex structure. Furthermore, when separating the switch unit (20) from the operating unit (10), the engaging projection (221) that has moved into the bypass groove (133) is only in contact with the bottom surface (133a) of the bypass groove (133) due to the elastic repulsive force accompanying the elastic deformation of the elastic engaging piece (223), and there is a risk that it may easily move from its position (P1) within the bypass groove (133) due to vibration or the like. In such cases, the separation operation (removal operation) cannot be performed smoothly and reliably. In addition, when pulling the switch unit (20) out of the operating unit (10), it is necessary to maintain the state after rotating the locking member (22) in the circumferential direction, which makes the operation cumbersome.

[0009] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and the problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a connection structure that not only allows for easy attachment and detachment of a detachable unit to a fixed unit, but also simplifies the structure and enables smooth and reliable separation (removal) operations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The first connection structure according to the present invention is a connection structure for detachably connecting a detachable unit to a fixed unit in a device consisting of a fixed unit and a detachable unit. The fixed unit has a shaft portion extending in the axial direction, and an engagement groove is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion. The detachable unit has a ring-shaped portion that fits onto the shaft portion, a support portion that supports the ring-shaped portion so as to be rotatable around the shaft portion and fixes it in the axial direction, and a biasing portion that biases the ring-shaped portion in the circumferential direction around the shaft portion, and an engagement portion is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the ring-shaped portion that protrudes inward at a position corresponding to the engagement groove of the fixed unit. The engagement groove has an axial groove extending axially from the tip of the shaft portion and allowing the engagement portion to enter, an inclined groove extending in a direction inclined with respect to the axial groove and having a first inclined surface that interferes with the entry of the engagement portion, thereby moving the ring-shaped portion circumferentially against the biasing force of the biasing portion, and a circumferential groove that communicates with the rear end of the inclined groove and extends circumferentially at an acute angle with the inclined groove, and positions the engagement portion in a locked position by moving it circumferentially due to the action of the biasing force of the biasing portion and engaging with its front end, thereby fixing the detachable unit to the fixed unit so that it cannot move axially. A projection is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the support portion and a recess is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion into which the projection can engage detachably, and when the engagement portion is in the locked position, the projection is engaged with the recess, thereby locking the detachable unit to the fixed unit so that it cannot move circumferentially. The attachment / detachment unit is provided with a retaining part for holding the ring-shaped portion in a position where the engaging portion is located at the rear end of the circumferential groove, while resisting the biasing force of the biasing part. The inclined groove has a second inclined surface that interferes with the exit of the engaging portion from the rear end of the circumferential groove, thereby releasing the ring-shaped portion from the retaining part's hold.

[0011] According to the first aspect of the present invention, when attaching (connecting) the detachable unit to the fixed unit, the engaging portion formed on the inner circumferential surface of the ring-shaped portion of the detachable unit is inserted into the axial groove of the engagement groove formed on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion of the fixed unit, while the ring-shaped portion and support portion of the detachable unit are inserted into the shaft portion of the fixed unit along the axial direction. When the engaging portion of the ring-shaped portion enters the engagement groove of the shaft portion, the first inclined surface of the inclined groove of the engagement groove interferes with the entry of the engaging portion, causing the ring-shaped portion to move circumferentially around the shaft portion while resisting the biasing force of the biasing portion. When the engaging portion overcomes the first inclined surface of the inclined groove, the engaging portion moves circumferentially around the shaft portion due to the action of the biasing force of the biasing portion (at this time, the ring-shaped portion also moves in the same direction), and locks into the front end of the circumferential groove of the engagement groove, placing it in the locked position. In this locked position, the detachable unit is fixed to the fixed unit so that it cannot move axially. Furthermore, when the engaging portion is positioned in the locked position, the projection on the inner circumferential surface of the support portion engages with the recess on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion, thereby locking the detachable unit to the fixed unit so that it cannot move circumferentially. In this way, the detachable unit is attached to the fixed unit.

[0012] Next, when removing the detachable unit from the fixed unit, the ring-shaped portion is rotated circumferentially around the shaft while resisting the biasing force of the biasing portion, thereby moving the engaging portion to the rear end of the circumferential groove. At this rear end position, the ring-shaped portion is held by the holding portion of the detachable unit. From this state, the ring-shaped portion and support portion of the detachable unit are moved along the axial direction of the shaft of the fixed unit, causing them to retract from the shaft. At this time, the second inclined surface of the inclined groove interferes with the retraction of the engaging portion, thereby releasing the holding of the ring-shaped portion by the holding portion. In this way, the detachable unit is removed from the fixed unit.

[0013] As described above, with the connection structure according to the first invention, when attaching (connecting) the detachable unit to the fixed unit, it is only necessary to insert the detachable unit along the shaft of the fixed unit, so a locking operation is unnecessary, and attachment (connection) can be easily performed in one action. Furthermore, when removing the detachable unit from the fixed unit, after rotating the ring-shaped part in the circumferential direction and holding it with the holding part, the detachable unit can be moved out along the shaft of the fixed unit, so removal can also be performed easily, simplifying maintenance work.

[0014] Furthermore, according to the first invention, the engagement groove formed on the shaft of the fixed unit does not need to be formed from grooves of different depths, and is composed of a simple shape in which only an inclined groove is formed within the engagement groove, thus simplifying the overall structure and reducing manufacturing costs. Moreover, according to the first invention, when the detachable unit is removed from the fixed unit, the ring-shaped part that moves circumferentially around the shaft is securely held by the holding part, so the operator does not need to hold the ring-shaped part while removing the detachable unit, and subsequent operations can be performed smoothly. As a result, the separation operation (removal operation) can be performed smoothly and reliably.

[0015] Furthermore, the load acting on the ring-shaped portion via the engaging portion is not borne by the engaging portion alone, but rather acts to rotate the ring-shaped portion in the circumferential direction, thereby contracting the biasing portion and accumulating elastic energy in the biasing portion. As a result, stress concentration does not occur in the engaging portion or the ring-shaped portion, improving the durability of the component.

[0016] In contrast, in the invention described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-205196, the load applied to the engaging projection (221) is used to elastically deform the elastic engaging piece (223) radially outward. During this elastic deformation, stress concentration occurs at the base of the elastic engaging piece (223) of the cantilever beam. Since the elastic engaging piece (223) is made of resin (see paragraph

[0030] of the same publication), repeated occurrences of such stress concentration may reduce the durability of the component.

[0017] The second connection structure according to the present invention is a connection structure for detachably connecting a detachable unit to a fixed unit in a device consisting of a fixed unit and a detachable unit. The fixed unit has a shaft portion extending in the axial direction, and an engagement groove is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion. The detachable unit has a ring-shaped portion that fits onto the shaft portion, a support portion that supports the ring-shaped portion so as to be rotatable around the shaft portion and fixes it in the axial direction, and a biasing portion that biases the ring-shaped portion in the circumferential direction around the shaft portion, and an engagement portion is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the ring-shaped portion that protrudes inward at a position corresponding to the engagement groove of the fixed unit. The engagement groove has an axial groove extending axially from the tip of the shaft portion and allowing the engagement portion to enter, an inclined groove extending in a direction inclined with respect to the axial groove and having an inclined surface that interferes with the entry of the engagement portion, thereby moving the ring-shaped portion circumferentially against the biasing force of the biasing portion, and a circumferential groove that communicates with the rear end of the inclined groove and extends circumferentially at an acute angle with the inclined groove, and positions the engagement portion in a locked position by moving it circumferentially due to the action of the biasing force of the biasing portion and engaging with its front end, thereby fixing the detachable unit to the fixed unit so that it cannot move axially. A projection is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the support portion and a recess is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion into which the projection can engage detachably, and when the engagement portion is in the locked position, the projection is engaged with the recess, thereby locking the detachable unit to the fixed unit so that it cannot move circumferentially. The fixing unit is provided with a retaining part for holding the ring-shaped part in a position where the engaging part is located at the rear end of the circumferential groove, while resisting the biasing force of the biasing part.

[0018] According to the second invention of the present invention, when attaching (connecting) the detachable unit to the fixed unit, the engaging portion formed on the inner circumferential surface of the ring-shaped portion of the detachable unit is inserted into the axial groove of the engagement groove formed on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion of the fixed unit, while the ring-shaped portion and support portion of the detachable unit are inserted into the shaft portion of the fixed unit along the axial direction. When the engaging portion of the ring-shaped portion enters the engagement groove of the shaft portion, the inclined surface of the inclined groove of the engagement groove interferes with the entry of the engaging portion, causing the ring-shaped portion to move circumferentially around the shaft portion while resisting the biasing force of the biasing portion. When the engaging portion overcomes the inclined surface of the inclined groove, the engaging portion moves circumferentially around the shaft portion due to the action of the biasing force of the biasing portion (at this time, the ring-shaped portion also moves in the same direction), and locks into the front end of the circumferential groove of the engagement groove, placing it in the locked position. In this locked position, the detachable unit is fixed to the fixed unit so that it cannot move axially. Furthermore, when the engaging portion is positioned in the locked position, the projection on the inner circumferential surface of the support portion engages with the recess on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion, thereby locking the detachable unit to the fixed unit so that it cannot move circumferentially. In this way, the detachable unit is attached to the fixed unit.

[0019] Next, when removing the detachable unit from the fixed unit, the ring-shaped portion is moved circumferentially around the shaft while resisting the biasing force of the biasing portion, thereby moving the engaging portion to the rear end of the circumferential groove. At this rear end position, the ring-shaped portion is held by the holding portion of the fixed unit. From this state, the ring-shaped portion and support portion of the detachable unit are moved along the axial direction of the shaft of the fixed unit, and retracted from the shaft. Once the ring-shaped portion and support portion have retracted from the shaft of the fixed unit, the holding of the ring-shaped portion by the holding portion is released. In this way, the detachable unit is removed from the fixed unit.

[0020] As described above, with the connection structure according to the second invention, when attaching (connecting) the detachable unit to the fixed unit, it is only necessary to insert the detachable unit along the shaft of the fixed unit, so a locking operation is unnecessary, and attachment (connection) can be easily performed in one action. Furthermore, when removing the detachable unit from the fixed unit, after rotating the ring-shaped part in the circumferential direction and holding it with the holding part, the detachable unit can be moved out along the shaft of the fixed unit, so removal can also be performed easily, simplifying maintenance work.

[0021] Furthermore, according to the second invention, the engagement groove formed on the shaft of the fixed unit does not need to be formed from grooves of different depths, and is composed of a simple shape in which only an inclined groove is formed within the engagement groove, thus simplifying the overall structure and reducing manufacturing costs. Moreover, according to the second invention, when the detachable unit is removed from the fixed unit, the ring-shaped part that moves circumferentially around the shaft is securely held by the holding part, so the operator does not need to hold the ring-shaped part while removing the detachable unit, and subsequent operations can be performed smoothly. As a result, the separation operation (removal operation) can be performed smoothly and reliably.

[0022] Furthermore, the load acting on the ring-shaped portion via the engaging portion is not borne by the engaging portion alone, but rather acts to rotate the ring-shaped portion in the circumferential direction, thereby contracting the biasing portion and accumulating elastic energy in the biasing portion. As a result, stress concentration does not occur in the engaging portion or the ring-shaped portion, improving the durability of the component.

[0023] In this invention, the projection is positioned to be axially aligned with the engaging portion of the ring-shaped part, and the recess is included in the axial groove of the engaging groove.

[0024] In the present invention, the holding portion is composed of an elastically deformable elastic portion provided on the support portion of the attachment / detachment unit, and a locking portion provided on the ring-shaped portion that can be detachably locked to the elastic portion.

[0025] In the present invention, the holding unit is composed of an elastically deformable elastic part provided on the fixed unit and a locking part provided on the ring-shaped part and capable of being detachably locked to the elastic part.

[0026] In the present invention, the ring-shaped part has an operation lever for an operator to operate when unlocking.

[0027] In the present invention, the fixed unit is a component on the front side of the panel and fixed to the panel, and the detachable unit is a component on the back side of the panel detachably provided with respect to the fixed unit and arranged on the back side of the panel, and the device is a panel-mounted device.

Effect of the Invention

[0028] According to the connection structure according to the present invention as described above, not only can the attachment and detachment of the detachable unit with respect to the fixed unit be easily performed, but the structure can be simplified, and the separation operation (removal operation) can be smoothly and reliably performed.

Brief Explanation of Drawings

[0029] [Figure 1] It is an overall perspective view of a push-button switch as a panel-mounted device to which a connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied, seen from above the front. [Figure 2] It is an overall perspective view of the push-button switch (FIG. 1) seen from above the back. [Figure 3] It is an overall perspective view of the push-button switch (FIG. 1) seen from below the front. [Figure 4] It is an overall perspective view of the push-button switch (FIG. 1) seen from below the back. [Figure 5] It is a front view of the push-button switch (FIG. 1), showing a state of being attached to a panel. [Figure 6] It is a plan view of the push-button switch (FIG. 1). [Figure 7]This is a front view showing the push-button switch (Figure 5) with the support and ring-shaped parts removed, and the case is shown. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of the aforementioned push-button switch (Figure 7) from the front and below. [Figure 9] This is an enlarged view of the engagement groove formed on the shaft of the case of the push-button switch (Figure 7), showing the engagement portion of the ring-shaped portion and the protrusion of the support portion together. [Figure 9A] This diagram shows, in chronological order, the positions of the engaging portion and the projection as they move within the engaging groove (Figure 9) of the shaft portion when the support portion is attached to the case of the push-button switch (Figure 7). [Figure 9B] This diagram shows, in chronological order, the positions of the engaging portion and the projection as they move within the engaging groove (Figure 9) of the shaft portion when the support portion is attached to the case of the push-button switch (Figure 7). [Figure 9C] This diagram shows, in chronological order, the positions of the engaging portion and the projection as they move within the engaging groove (Figure 9) of the shaft portion when the support portion is attached to the case of the push-button switch (Figure 7). [Figure 9D] This diagram shows, in chronological order, the positions of the engaging portion and the projection as they move within the engaging groove (Figure 9) of the shaft portion when the support portion is removed from the case of the push-button switch (Figure 7). [Figure 9E] This diagram shows, in chronological order, the positions of the engaging portion and the projection as they move within the engaging groove (Figure 9) of the shaft portion when the support portion is removed from the case of the push-button switch (Figure 7). [Figure 9F] This diagram shows, in chronological order, the positions of the engaging portion and the projection as they move within the engaging groove (Figure 9) of the shaft portion when the support portion is removed from the case of the push-button switch (Figure 7). [Figure 10] This is a perspective view showing the push-button switch (Figure 1) with the lock nut removed. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view showing the push button and case removed from the push button switch (Figure 10) (i.e., the detachable unit), and shows the support part and the ring-shaped part. [Figure 12]This is a perspective view showing the ring-shaped part removed from Figure 11, and it shows the support part. [Figure 13] This is a front view of the ring-shaped portion (Figure 11). [Figure 14] This is a perspective view of the ring-shaped portion (Figure 13) from the back side. [Figure 15] This is another perspective view of the ring-shaped portion (Figure 13) as seen from the back side. [Figure 16] This is a perspective view of the support portion (Figure 12) from a different angle. [Figure 17A] This shows the holding part provided on the support part (Figure 16), and it shows the state of the holding part before it is activated. [Figure 17B] This shows the state of the holding part (Figure 17A) after it has been operated. [Figure 17C] This is a modified example of the holding part (Figure 17A), showing a holding part provided on the case (Figure 7), and showing the state of the holding part before it is activated. [Figure 17D] This shows the state of the holding part (Figure 17C) after it has been operated. [Figure 18] This figure shows a modified example of the engagement groove (Figure 9). [Figure 18A] This diagram shows the positions of the engaging portion and the projection as they move within the engaging groove (Figure 18) of the shaft portion when the support portion is attached to the case of the push-button switch (Figure 1) in chronological order. [Figure 18B] This diagram shows the positions of the engaging portion and the projection as they move within the engaging groove (Figure 18) of the shaft portion when the support portion is attached to the case of the push-button switch (Figure 1) in chronological order. [Figure 18C] This diagram shows the positions of the engaging portion and the projection as they move within the engaging groove (Figure 18) of the shaft portion when the support portion is attached to the case of the push-button switch (Figure 1) in chronological order. [Figure 18D] This diagram shows, in chronological order, the positions of the engaging portion and the projection as they move within the engaging groove (Figure 18) of the shaft portion when the support portion is removed from the case of the aforementioned push-button switch (Figure 1). [Figure 18E]This diagram shows, in chronological order, the positions of the engaging portion and the projection as they move within the engaging groove (Figure 18) of the shaft portion when the support portion is removed from the case of the aforementioned push-button switch (Figure 1). [Figure 18F] This diagram shows, in chronological order, the positions of the engaging portion and the projection as they move within the engaging groove (Figure 18) of the shaft portion when the support portion is removed from the case of the aforementioned push-button switch (Figure 1). [Figure 19A] This shows another modified example of the holding part (Figure 17A), and it shows the state of the holding part before it is activated. [Figure 19B] This shows the state of the holding part (Figure 19A) after it has been operated. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the attached drawings. Figures 1 to 17B are diagrams illustrating a connection structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figures 1 to 6 are external views of a push-button switch as a panel-mounted device to which the connection structure according to this embodiment is applied; Figures 7 and 8 show the state in which the ring-shaped part and support part have been removed from the push-button switch; Figure 9 is an enlarged view of the engagement groove formed on the shaft of the case of the push-button as the operating part; Figures 9A to 9C show the positions of the engagement part and projection moving within the engagement groove of the shaft when the support part is attached to the case of the push-button switch in chronological order; Figures 9D to 9F show the positions of the engagement part and projection moving within the engagement groove of the shaft when the support part is removed from the case of the push-button switch in chronological order; Figure 10 shows the state in which the lock nut has been removed from the push-button switch; Figure 11 is a perspective view of the ring-shaped part and support part (i.e., the attachment / detachment unit); Figures 12 and 16 are perspective views of the support part; Figures 13 to 15 show the ring-shaped part; and Figures 17A and 17B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the retaining part of the ring-shaped part. For the sake of clarity, in the following description, the side facing the push button will be referred to as the upper side (upwards), and the side facing the support (i.e., the side away from the push button) will be referred to as the lower side (downwards). That is, taking Figure 5 as an example, the upper side in the diagram is the upper side, and the lower side in the diagram is the lower side. Also, the vertical direction in the same diagram is the axial direction.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the push-button switch 1 includes a push-button 2 that can be pressed by an operator, a case 20 that supports the push-button 2, a shaft portion 20A extending axially from the lower part of the case 20, a lock nut 3 that screws onto a threaded portion 20a formed on the shaft portion 20A, a ring-shaped portion 4 that fits onto the shaft portion 20A, and a support portion 5 that supports the ring-shaped portion 4 so that it can rotate around the shaft portion 20 and also fixes it in the axial direction.

[0032] As shown in Figure 5, when the push-button switch 1 is mounted on a panel P of a control panel or the like, the shaft portion 20A of the push-button switch 1 extends downward through the through-hole Pa of the panel P, and the panel P is clamped between the lock nut 3 and the case 20 by tightening the lock nut 3 from the back side (the lower side of the panel P shown in the figure).

[0033] The push-button switch 1, as a panel-mounted device, consists of an operating section, which is a front panel component and is located on the front side of the panel P (the upper side of the panel P in Figure 5), and a contact section, which is a rear panel component and is located on the rear side of the panel P, and has a ring-shaped section 4 and a support section 5 (including a contact unit (not shown) connected thereto). The connection structure according to this embodiment is for detachably connecting the rear panel component to the front panel component.

[0034] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the shaft portion 20A of the push button 2 case 20 has a cylindrical shape, and an engagement groove 21 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of its lower part. In addition, the lower part of the shaft portion 20A has a pair of notches 22 at positions opposite each other on the circumference, i.e., 180 degrees apart on the circumference. These notches 22 are provided for mounting the contact unit, which is one of the rear side components. In this example, the engagement groove 21 is provided at four locations on the circumference between each notch 22, and all of them have the same shape.

[0035] As shown in Figure 9, the engagement groove 21 has an axial groove 21a extending along the axial direction (up and down direction in the figure) from the tip side (lower end side in the figure) of the shaft portion 20A, an inclined groove 21b extending in a direction inclined with respect to the axial groove 21a while communicating with the rear end (upper end in the figure) of the axial groove 21a, and a circumferential groove 21c extending along the circumferential direction (left and right direction in the figure) making an acute angle α with the inclined groove 21b while communicating with the rear end (upper end in the figure) of the inclined groove 21b.

[0036] The axial groove 21a is composed of a pair of vertical wall surfaces 21a1 and 21a2 extending in the axial direction, the inclined groove 21b is composed of a pair of vertical wall surfaces (first and second inclined surfaces) 21b1 and 21b2 extending in a direction inclined with respect to the axial direction, and the circumferential groove 21c is composed of a pair of vertical wall surfaces 21c1 and 21c2 extending in the circumferential direction. The circumferential groove 21c also extends to the left of the vertical wall surface 21c2 shown in the figure, and in this extended region, the circumferential groove 21c is composed only of the vertical wall surface 21c1. Furthermore, a vertical wall surface 21d extending in the axial direction is formed at the rear end of the circumferential groove 21c (left end of Figure 9), and the vertical wall surface 21d is connected to the second inclined surface 21b2. The function of the engagement groove 21 will be described later.

[0037] As shown in Figures 10 to 12, the ring-shaped portion 4 that fits onto the shaft portion 20A of the case 20 of the push button 2 has an operating lever portion 4A for operation by the operator and is positioned on the support surface 50 (Figure 12) of the support portion 5, and is supported so as to be rotatable around the shaft portion 20A on the support surface 50. The support portion 5 has a pair of protruding portions 5a that extend directly above the ring-shaped portion 4 positioned on the support surface 50, and each protruding portion 5a fixes the ring-shaped portion 4 in the axial direction by sandwiching it between itself and the support surface 50. Each protruding portion 5a is positioned opposite to the axial center on the circumference.

[0038] The inner circumferential surface 4B of the ring-shaped portion 4 is provided with a plurality (four in this example) of engaging portions 40 (Figure 11) that protrude inward (see Figures 13 to 15). Each engaging portion 40 is positioned to correspond to each engaging groove 21 of the shaft portion 20A of the case 20 of the push button 2. In addition, on the inner circumferential surface 51 of the support portion 5, there is a projection 52 (Figures 11 and 12) that protrudes inward at a position aligned axially with the engaging portions 40 of the ring-shaped portion 4 (see Figure 16). The projection 52 is sized to be inserted between the vertical wall surfaces 21a1 and 21a2 of the axial groove 21a of the engaging groove 21, and is held between the vertical wall surfaces 21a1 and 21a2 when inserted into the axial groove 21a.

[0039] A compression coil spring (biasing part) 6 is arranged circumferentially on the support part 5 (see Figure 12), and one end of the coil spring 6 is pressed against the wall part 5b of the support part 5. The support part 5 has a cover part 4C (Figure 11) that covers the coil spring 6 from above, and one end of the cover part 4C is provided with a wall part 4Ba (Figure 14) against which the other end of the coil spring 6 is pressed. Due to the biasing force of the coil spring 6, the ring-shaped part 4 is constantly biased circumferentially around the shaft part 20A (more specifically, counterclockwise in Figure 11). As a means of biasing the ring-shaped part 4 circumferentially, instead of the coil spring 6 which is provided separately from the ring-shaped part 4 and the support part 5, a resin spring (not shown) provided integrally with the ring-shaped part 4 or the support part 5 may be used, or any other arbitrary biasing means may be adopted. The operating lever portion 4A of the ring-shaped portion 4 is a part that the operator uses with their finger or a tool to unlock the ring-shaped portion 4, as will be described later.

[0040] As shown in Figure 15, a locking projection (locking portion) 41 extending axially while projecting radially outward is provided on a part of the outer circumferential surface 4D of the ring-shaped portion 4. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 16, an elastically deformable cantilever-shaped leaf spring portion (elastic portion) 73 extending along the circumferential direction is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the support portion 5, and a locking projection (locking portion) 73a projecting radially inward is formed at the tip of the leaf spring portion 73. The locking projection 41 of the ring-shaped portion 4 is provided so as to be able to engage and disengage with the locking projection 73a of the leaf spring portion 73. The leaf spring portion 73 and the locking projection (locking portion) 41 (and furthermore the locking projection (locking portion) 73a) constitute a holding portion 7 for holding the ring-shaped portion 4.

[0041] Figures 17A and 17B show the holding portion 7, which is composed of the leaf spring portion 73 of the support portion 5 and the locking projection 41 (and furthermore, the locking projection (locking portion) 73a) of the ring-shaped portion 4, and also show the state before and after its operation (i.e., before and after holding by the ring-shaped portion 4) (the diagonal lines in each figure are added for illustrative purposes to make the distinction between each part clearer). As shown in Figure 17A → Figure 17B, when the ring-shaped portion 4 is rotated clockwise in the figure, the locking projection 41 of the ring-shaped portion 4 rides onto the locking projection 73a of the leaf spring portion 73, causing the leaf spring portion 73 to elastically deform. Then, as the locking projection 41 moves over the locking projection 73a, the leaf spring portion 73 returns to its original position due to the action of the elastic repulsive force acting on the leaf spring portion 73, and the locking projection 41 is locked onto the locking projection 73a.

[0042] Next, the effects and benefits of this embodiment will be explained. When attaching the push-button switch 1 to the panel P (Figure 5), the push-button 2 and case 20, which are front panel components, are placed on the front side of the panel P (upper side in the same figure), the shaft portion 20A of the case 20 is inserted into the through hole Pa of the panel P, and the lock nut 3 is attached to the threaded portion 20a of the shaft portion 20A and tightened to attach the case 20 to the panel P.

[0043] Next, the ring-shaped portion 4 and support portion 5 of the panel rear side component are inserted into the shaft portion 20A of the case 20 from the rear side of the panel P (lower side in Figure 5). At this time, the ring-shaped portion 4 is in the position before being held by the holding portion 7 (a position rotated further counterclockwise than the position shown in Figure 17A) (see Figure 11). From this state, each engaging portion 40 of the ring-shaped portion 4 is aligned with each engaging groove 21 of the shaft portion 20A, and each engaging portion 40 is inserted into the corresponding engaging groove 21. The alignment of the engaging portions 40 with respect to the engaging grooves 21 is performed using the alignment marks attached to each. In this example, the side of the support portion 5 with "TOP" (Figure 16) should be aligned with the position of "TOP" (not shown) attached to the shaft portion 20A of the case 20.

[0044] When the engaging portion 40 of the ring-shaped portion 4 enters the engaging groove 21 of the shaft portion 20A of the case 20, the engaging portion 40 moves axially (upward in the figure) along the axial groove 21a of the engaging groove 21, as shown in Figure 9A. In Figure 9A, in addition to the engaging portion 40, the projection 52 of the support portion 5 (Figures 11 and 12) is also shown (the same applies to Figures 9B to 9F and Figure 9), and the projection 52 moves together with the engaging portion 40.

[0045] When the engaging portion 40 contacts the first inclined surface 21b1 of the inclined groove 21b, the first inclined surface 21b1 interferes with the entry of the engaging portion 40, and the engaging portion 40 advances along the first inclined surface 21b1. That is, the engaging portion 40 advances axially (upwards in Figure 9B) while also advancing circumferentially (to the left in the same figure). At this time, a circumferential pressing force acts on the engaging portion 40 from the first inclined surface 21b1, so the ring-shaped portion 4 rotates clockwise in Figure 11 due to the action of this pressing force (that is, the ring-shaped portion 4 moves circumferentially in the direction that the operating lever portion 4A moves upward in the figure). Also, at this time, a biasing force (elastic repulsive force) in the opposite direction acts on the ring-shaped portion 4 from the coil spring 6, so the ring-shaped portion 4 rotates clockwise in Figure 11 while resisting the biasing force of the coil spring 6. As a result, the ring-shaped portion 4 rotates clockwise in the figure toward the position shown in Figure 17A.

[0046] When the engaging portion 40 overcomes the first inclined surface 21b1, the engaging portion 40 moves circumferentially (to the right in Figure 9C) due to the biasing force of the coil spring 6 and locks into the front end (right end in the same figure) of the circumferential groove 21c. This places the engaging portion 40 in the locked position. During this circumferential movement, the ring-shaped portion 4 rotates in the opposite direction to the rotation direction when the engaging portion 40 contacts the first inclined surface 21b1 (i.e., counterclockwise in Figure 11) due to the biasing force of the coil spring 6 (this causes the operating lever portion 4A to rotate around its axis and return to the position shown in the same figure). In the locked position, the engaging portion 40 is held between the opposing vertical walls 21c1 and 21c2 of the circumferential groove 21c. Just before the engaging portion 40 crosses the first inclined surface 21b1, the amount of rotation of the ring-shaped portion 4 reaches its maximum, and the ring-shaped portion 4 moves to a position very close to the position shown in Figure 17A. However, after the engaging portion 40 crosses the first inclined surface 21b1, the ring-shaped portion 4 rotates counterclockwise due to the biasing force of the coil spring 6 and returns to its original position.

[0047] In this way, the support portion 5 of the rear panel component is attached to (i.e., connected to) the case 20 of the front panel component (see Figures 1, 2, and 5). From this state, even if one tries to pull the support portion 5 away from the shaft portion 20A of the case 20, the engaging portion 40 of the ring-shaped portion 4 interferes with the vertical wall surface 21c2 of the circumferential groove 21c at the front end of the circumferential groove 21c of the shaft portion 20A. Therefore, the support portion 5 of the rear panel component cannot be separated from the case 20 of the front panel component, and the support portion 5 is fixed to the case 20 so as to be immovable in the axial direction.

[0048] Furthermore, when the engaging portion 40 is positioned in the locked position, as shown in Figure 9C, the projection 52 (Figures 11 and 12) on the inner circumferential surface 51 of the support portion 5 enters the axial groove 21a of the engaging groove 21, and the projection 52 engages with the axial groove 21a and is clamped between the first and second vertical wall surfaces 21a1 and 21a2. Therefore, even if one tries to move the support portion 5 in the circumferential direction from the state in which the engaging portion 40 is positioned in the locked position, the projection 52 of the support portion 5 interferes with the respective vertical wall surfaces 21a1 and 21a2 of the axial groove 21a, making it impossible to move the support portion 5 in the circumferential direction. Thus, the support portion 5 of the panel rear side component is locked to the case 20 of the panel front side component in a way that prevents circumferential movement.

[0049] Next, when removing (i.e., separating) the support portion 5 of the rear panel component from the case 20 of the front panel component, the operator operates the operating lever portion 4A of the ring-shaped portion 4 (with their finger or a tool, etc.) to rotate the ring-shaped portion 4 clockwise in Figure 11 (i.e., in the direction in which the operating lever portion 4A moves upward in the same figure), while resisting the biasing force of the coil spring 6.

[0050] Then, in Figure 9D, the engaging portion 40 moves from the front end (right end in the figure) to the rear end (left end in the figure) of the circumferential groove 21c. At this time, as shown in Figures 17A to 17B, the ring-shaped portion 4 rotates clockwise as shown, causing the locking projection 41 of the ring-shaped portion 4 to ride up onto the locking projection 73a at the tip of the leaf spring portion 73 of the support portion 5, elastically deforming the leaf spring portion 73. After the locking projection 41 moves over the locking projection 73a, the leaf spring portion 73 returns to its original position due to the elastic repulsive force acting on the leaf spring portion 73, and the locking projection 41 locks onto the locking projection 73a. As a result, the ring-shaped portion 4 is held by the holding portion 7 in the state where the engaging portion 40 is located at the rear end (left end in Figure 9D) of the circumferential groove 21c (i.e., the state after the rotation of the ring-shaped portion 4).

[0051] Next, the leaf spring portion 73 and the locking projection 41 (and furthermore, 73a) of the holding portion 7 pull the support portion 5 in a direction that separates it from the shaft portion 20A of the case 20, from the state in which the engaging portion 40 is held at the rear end of the circumferential groove 21c (left end of Figure 9D). As a result, the engaging portion 40 moves axially (downward in the figure) along the axial groove 21d of the engaging groove 21 in Figure 9D. Then, as the engaging portion 40 enters the inclined groove 21b, as shown in Figure 9E, the second inclined surface 21b2 of the inclined groove 21b interferes with the exit of the engaging portion 40, and the engaging portion 40 moves along the second inclined surface 21b2. That is, the engaging portion 40 moves axially (downward in Figure 9E) while also moving circumferentially (to the right in the figure). At this time, a circumferential pressing force acts on the engaging portion 40 from the second inclined surface 21b2, causing the ring-shaped portion 4 to rotate counterclockwise in Figure 17B due to the action of this pressing force. As a result, as shown in Figure 17B → Figure 17A, the holding state of the ring-shaped portion 4 by the holding portion 7 is released, and the ring-shaped portion 4 returns to its original state (initial position) (see Figure 11). Subsequently, the engaging portion 40 exits the engaging groove 21 by passing through the axial groove 21a (Figure 9F). Also, while the engaging portion 40 is moving along the second inclined surface 21b2, the projection 52 of the support portion 5 that was engaged with the axial groove 21a exits the engaging groove 21. In this way, the support portion 5 of the panel rear side component is removed (separated) from the case 20 of the panel front side component.

[0052] As described above, according to this embodiment, when attaching the panel rear component, including the ring-shaped portion 4 and the support portion 5, to the panel front component, including the push button 2 and the case 20, in the push button switch 1 as a panel-mounted device, it is only necessary to insert the support portion 5 along the shaft portion 20A of the case 20, thus eliminating the need for a locking operation, and allowing the panel rear component to be attached (connected) to the panel front component in a single action. Furthermore, when removing the panel rear component from the panel front component, the ring-shaped portion 4 is rotated circumferentially and held by the holding portion 7, and then the support portion 5 is moved along the shaft portion 20A of the case 20 to exit, so removal is also easy, simplifying maintenance work. Moreover, since the operator is required to rotate the ring-shaped portion 4 when removing it, the panel rear component will not detach from the panel front component unintentionally, thus ensuring safety.

[0053] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the engagement groove 21 formed in the shaft portion 20A of the case 20 is formed from a groove of constant depth, and the engagement groove 21 has a simple shape consisting only of an axial groove 21a, an inclined groove 21b, and a circumferential groove 21c, thus simplifying the overall structure and reducing manufacturing costs. Moreover, according to this embodiment, when removing the rear panel component from the front panel component, the ring-shaped portion 4 that rotates circumferentially around the shaft portion 20A of the case 20 is securely held by the holding portion 7, so the operator does not need to hold the ring-shaped portion 4 while removing the rear panel component, and subsequent work can be carried out smoothly. As a result, the separation work (removal work) can be carried out smoothly and reliably.

[0054] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the load acting on the ring-shaped portion 4 via the engaging portion 40 is not received by the engaging portion 40 alone, but rather acts to rotate the ring-shaped portion 4 in the circumferential direction, thereby contracting the coil spring 6 and accumulating elastic energy in the coil spring 6. As a result, stress concentration does not occur in the engaging portion 40 and the ring-shaped portion 4, and the durability of the component can be improved.

[0055] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the engagement groove 21 has a second inclined surface 21b2 that interferes with the retraction of the engagement portion 40, when the panel rear side component is removed, the engagement portion 40 is interfered with by the second inclined surface 21b2, thereby releasing the holding state of the ring-shaped portion 4 by the holding portion 7. As a result, manual release of the holding state of the ring-shaped portion 4 after the removal of the panel rear side component is unnecessary, thus simplifying the operation.

[0056] [First variation] In the above embodiment, the holding portion 7 for holding the ring-shaped portion 4 was shown to consist of an elastically deformable leaf spring portion 73 provided on the support portion 5 and a locking projection 41 provided on the ring-shaped portion 4 that can be detachably locked to the locking projection 73a of the leaf spring portion 73. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to this.

[0057] Figures 17C and 17D show modified examples of the retaining portion. In these modified examples, the retaining portion 7' ​​for holding the ring-shaped portion 4 consists of an elastically deformable leaf spring portion 23 provided on the case 20 and a locking projection 41 provided on the ring-shaped portion 4 that can be detachably locked to the locking projection 23a of the leaf spring portion 23.

[0058] In this case, when the ring-shaped portion 4 is rotated clockwise as shown (see Figure 17C → Figure 17D), the locking projection 23a of the leaf spring portion 23 engages with the locking projection 41 of the ring-shaped portion 4, and the ring-shaped portion 4 is held by the holding portion 7', similar to the embodiment described above.

[0059] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the support portion 5 connected to the case 20 is removed from the case 20, the ring-shaped portion 4 is rotated and held by the holding portion 7, and then the engaging portion 40 interferes with the second inclined surface 21b2 of the inclined groove 21b of the engaging groove 21, thereby automatically releasing the holding state by the holding portion 7. However, in this first modified example, when the engaging portion 40 disengages from the engaging groove 21, the engagement state with the locking projection 23a of the leaf spring portion 23 of the case 20 is released, so the second inclined surface 21b2 as in the above embodiment can be omitted.

[0060] An engagement groove in which the second inclined surface 21b2 is omitted will be explained in the second modified example below. This second modified example of an engagement groove is possible not only in the case of the retaining part shown in Figures 17C and 17D, but also in the case of the retaining part shown in Figures 17A and 17B. However, in that case, when the support part 5 is removed from the case 20, the retaining state of the ring-shaped part 4 by the retaining part 7 is not automatically released, so after removing the support part 5, the operator must manually release the retaining state of the ring-shaped part 4 by operating the operating lever part 4A of the ring-shaped part 4.

[0061] [Second variation] Figure 18 shows a modified example of the engagement groove 21. In this figure, the same reference numerals as in Figure 9 of the above embodiment indicate the same or corresponding parts. As shown in Figure 18, the engagement groove 21 has an axial groove 21a extending along the axial direction, an inclined groove 21b extending in a direction inclined with respect to the axial groove 21a while communicating with the rear end (upper end in the figure) of the axial groove 21a, and a circumferential groove 21c extending along the circumferential direction (left-right direction in the figure) forming an acute angle α with the inclined groove 21b while communicating with the rear end (upper end in the figure) of the inclined groove 21b. In this example, of the pair of vertical wall surfaces 21a1 and 21a2 that constitute the axial groove 21a, the vertical wall surface 21a2 extends in the axial direction and is connected to the vertical wall surface 21c1 of the circumferential groove 21c. Therefore, the inclined groove 21b is composed of a vertical wall surface (inclined surface) 21b1 that extends in a direction inclined with respect to the axial groove 21a, and a vertical wall surface 21a2 that extends along the axial groove 21a.

[0062] Next, the movement of the engaging portion 40 of the ring-shaped portion 4 and the projection 52 of the support portion 5 with respect to the engaging groove 21 when attaching and detaching the support portion 5 to the case 20 will be explained using Figures 18A to 18F. Figures 18A to 18F correspond to Figures 9A to 9F of the above embodiment, respectively.

[0063] When the support portion 5 is attached to the case 20, as the engaging portion 40 enters the engaging groove 21, as shown in Figure 18A, the engaging portion 40 moves axially (upward in the figure) along the axial groove 21a of the engaging groove 21. Then, when the engaging portion 40 comes into contact with the first inclined surface 21b1 of the inclined groove 21b, the first inclined surface 21b1 interferes with the entry of the engaging portion 40, and the engaging portion 40 moves along the first inclined surface 21b1. That is, the engaging portion 40 moves axially (upward in Figure 18B) while also moving circumferentially (leftward in the figure). At this time, a circumferential pressing force acts on the engaging portion 40 from the first inclined surface 21b1, so the ring-shaped portion 4 rotates against the biasing force of the coil spring 6 due to the action of this pressing force.

[0064] When the engaging portion 40 overcomes the first inclined surface 21b1, the engaging portion 40 moves circumferentially (to the right in Figure 18C) due to the biasing force of the coil spring 6 and locks into the front end (right end in the same figure) of the circumferential groove 21c. This places the engaging portion 40 in the locked position. During this circumferential movement, the ring-shaped portion 4 rotates in the opposite direction to the rotation direction when the engaging portion 40 contacts the first inclined surface 21b1, due to the biasing force of the coil spring 6. In the locked position, the engaging portion 40 is clamped between the opposing vertical walls 21c1 and 21c2 of the circumferential groove 21c, and the support portion 5 is fixed to the case 20 so as not to move axially. In this way, the support portion 5 is attached (i.e., connected) to the case 20.

[0065] Furthermore, when the engaging portion 40 is positioned in the locked position, as shown in Figure 18C, the projection 52 of the support portion 5 enters the axial groove 21a of the engaging groove 21, and the projection 52 engages with the axial groove 21a and is clamped between the first and second vertical wall surfaces 21a1 and 21a2. Therefore, even if one attempts to move the support portion 5 in the circumferential direction from the state in which the engaging portion 40 is positioned in the locked position, the projection 52 of the support portion 5 interferes with the respective vertical wall surfaces 21a1 and 21a2 of the axial groove 21a, making it impossible to move the support portion 5 in the circumferential direction, and the support portion 5 is locked to the case 20 in a way that prevents circumferential movement.

[0066] Next, when removing (i.e., separating) the support portion 5 from the case 20, the ring-shaped portion 4 is rotated against the biasing force of the coil spring 6. As a result, the engaging portion 40 moves from the front end (right end in the figure) to the rear end (left end in the figure) of the circumferential groove 21c, as shown in Figure 18D. At this time, the ring-shaped portion 4 is held by the retaining portion 7' ​​(or 7).

[0067] Next, the support portion 5 is pulled in a direction that separates it from the case 20. As a result, the engaging portion 40 moves axially (downward in the figure) along the vertical wall surface 21a2 of the axial groove 21a of the engaging groove 21, as shown in Figures 18E and 18F, and exits from the engaging groove 21. This removes (separates) the support portion 5 from the case 20.

[0068] In this case, if the ring-shaped portion 4 is held by the retaining portion 7' ​​(Figures 17C and 17D), when the ring-shaped portion 4 is removed from the case 20 together with the support portion 5, the engagement with the leaf spring portion 23 of the case 20 is released, and the ring-shaped portion 4 returns to its original position due to the biasing force of the coil spring 6. In contrast, if the ring-shaped portion 4 is held by the retaining portion 7 (Figures 17A and 17B), even after the ring-shaped portion 4 is removed from the case 20 together with the support portion 5, the engagement with the leaf spring portion 73 of the support portion 5 remains maintained, so the operator needs to rotate the ring-shaped portion 4 to release the engagement with the leaf spring portion 73.

[0069] Even in this case, when attaching the panel rear component, including the ring-shaped portion 4 and the support portion 5, to the panel front component, including the push button 2 and the case 20, it is only necessary to insert the support portion 5 along the shaft portion 20A of the case 20, thus eliminating the need for a locking operation and allowing the panel rear component to be attached (connected) to the panel front component in a single action. Furthermore, when removing the panel rear component from the panel front component, the ring-shaped portion 4 is rotated circumferentially and held by the retaining portion 7' ​​(or 7), and then the support portion 5 is moved along the shaft portion 20A of the case 20 to exit, so removal is equally easy, simplifying maintenance work.

[0070] [Third variation] The configuration of the retaining part is not limited to those shown in the above embodiment (Figure 17A, Figure 17B) and the first modified example (Figures 17C, Figure 17D). Figures 19A and 19B show another modified example of the retaining part. In these figures, the same reference numerals as in the above embodiment and the first modified example indicate the same or corresponding parts.

[0071] As shown in Figure 19A, the holding portion 7'' in this third modified example consists of an elastically deformable first leaf spring portion 45a branching from a part of the outer circumferential surface of the ring-shaped portion 4, an elastically deformable second leaf spring portion 45b extending outward from its tip in a direction that forms an acute angle with the first leaf spring portion 45a, and an elastically deformable third leaf spring portion 45c extending inward from its tip in a direction that forms an acute angle with the second leaf spring portion 45b, with each leaf spring portion 45a, 45b, and 45c arranged in a triangular shape. The tip 45c1 of the third leaf spring portion 45c abuts against the vertical wall portion 55 of the support portion 5.

[0072] From the state shown in Figure 19A, when the operator rotates the ring-shaped part 4 clockwise by operating the operating lever part 4A, the tip 45c1 of the third leaf spring part 45c of the holding part 7" moves downward along the vertical wall part 55, and the first and second leaf spring parts 45a and 45b are compressed in the circumferential direction (see Figure 19B). At this time, elastic energy is stored in the holding part 7" due to the elastic deformation of each leaf spring part 45a, 45b, and 45c. Also, the tip 45c1 of the third leaf spring part 45c is engaged with the first leaf spring part 45a, and as a result the holding part 7" is in a locked state, and the ring-shaped part 4 is held in that state. Alternatively, a locking projection (not shown) is provided on a part of the support part 5 that interferes with one of the leaf spring parts to maintain its elastic deformation state, and as a result the holding part 7" is in a locked state, and the ring-shaped part 4 is held in that state.

[0073] When the holding portion 7" releases the ring-shaped portion 4, the elastic energy stored in the holding portion 7" is released by the elastic deformation of each leaf spring portion 45a, 45b, and 45c. As a result, the ring-shaped portion 4 rotates counterclockwise as shown in Figure 19B → Figure 19A and returns to its original position.

[0074] [Fourth variation] In the above embodiment and the second modification, the case in which all the engagement grooves 21 formed in the shaft portion 20A of the case 20 have the same shape (i.e., in the above embodiment, the engagement groove 21 shown in Figure 9 is used, and in the second modification, the engagement groove 21 shown in Figure 18 is used) was described as an example, but the application of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0075] The engagement grooves 21 may be a mixture of the engagement grooves 21 shown in Figure 9 and the engagement grooves 21 shown in Figure 18. In that case, for example, two of each engagement groove 21 may be arranged alternately in the circumferential direction, but the number and arrangement of each engagement groove 31 are not limited to this. On the other hand, the support portion 5 is provided with two types of protrusions 52 of different sizes corresponding to each engagement groove 21. Also, since each engagement portion 40 is provided on the same ring-shaped portion 4, it is not necessary for all engagement portions 40 to abut against the inclined grooves 21b of the engagement groove 21, and if the inclined grooves 21b of the engagement groove 21 interfere with any of the engagement portions 40, it is possible to rotate the ring-shaped portion 4, so either the first inclined surface 21b1 shown in Figure 9 or Figure 18 may be omitted. In that case, in the engagement groove 21 in which the first inclined surface 21b1 is omitted, the vertical wall surface 21a1 of the axial groove 21a is extended in the axial direction and connected to the vertical wall surface 21c1 of the circumferential groove 21c.

[0076] Furthermore, regarding the second inclined surface 21b2 of the inclined groove 21b shown in Figure 9, if the retaining part used in this fourth modification is the retaining part 7 according to the above embodiment or the retaining part 7'' according to the third modification, it is preferable to have a second inclined surface 21b2 to which the engaging part 40 abuts in order to automatically return the ring-shaped part 4 to its original position when the support part 5 is removed from the case 20. However, if the retaining part that operates in this modification is the retaining part 7' according to the first modification, when the support part 5 is removed from the case 20, the retaining state by the retaining part 7' is released and the ring-shaped part 4 automatically returns to its original position, so the second inclined surface 21b2 may be omitted.

[0077] In this fourth modification, the procedure for attaching the support portion 5 to the case 20 is a combination of the procedures shown in the above embodiment and the second modification, respectively. That is, with respect to the engagement groove 21 shown in Figure 9, as shown in Figures 9A to 9C of the above embodiment, when the engagement portion 40 of the ring-shaped portion 4 enters the engagement groove 21 of the shaft portion 20A of the case 20, as shown in Figure 9A, the engagement portion 40 advances axially (upward in the figure) along the axial groove 21a of the engagement groove 21. Then, when the engagement portion 40 comes into contact with the first inclined surface 21b1 of the inclined groove 21b, as shown in Figure 9B, the first inclined surface 21b1 interferes with the entry of the engagement portion 40, and the engagement portion 40 advances along the first inclined surface 21b1. At this time, a circumferential pressing force acts on the engagement portion 40 from the first inclined surface 21b1, so the ring-shaped portion 4 rotates against the biasing force of the coil spring 6 due to the action of this pressing force.

[0078] When the engaging portion 40 overcomes the first inclined surface 21b1, the engaging portion 40 moves circumferentially (to the right in Figure 9C) due to the biasing force of the coil spring 6 and locks into the front end (right end in the same figure) of the circumferential groove 21c. This places the engaging portion 40 in the locked position. During this circumferential movement, the ring-shaped portion 4 rotates due to the biasing force of the coil spring 6 and returns to its original position. In the locked position, the engaging portion 40 is held between the opposing vertical walls 21c1 and 21c2 of the circumferential groove 21c, and the support portion 5 is fixed to the case 20 so as not to move axially. Also, when the engaging portion 40 is in the locked position, as shown in Figure 9C, the projection 52 of the inner circumferential surface 51 of the support portion 5 enters the axial groove 21a of the engaging groove 21. The projection 52 engages with the axial groove 21a and is clamped between the first and second vertical wall surfaces 21a1 and 21a2, and the support portion 5 is locked to the case 20 so as not to move in the circumferential direction. In this way, the support portion 5 of the panel rear side component is attached (i.e., connected) to the case 20 of the panel front side component.

[0079] On the other hand, with respect to the engagement groove 21 shown in Figure 18, the second modified example is as shown in Figures 18A to 18C, and the movement of the engagement portion 40 and projection 52 with respect to the engagement groove 21 is the same as the movement of the engagement portion 40 and projection 52 with respect to the engagement groove 21 in Figure 9 described above, so individual explanations will be omitted.

[0080] Next, the procedure for removing the support portion 5 from the case 20 is a combination of the procedures shown in the above embodiment and the second modified example, respectively. That is, with respect to the engagement groove 21 shown in Figure 9, as shown in Figures 9D to 9F of the above embodiment, first, the ring-shaped portion 4 is rotated to move the engagement portion 40 from the front end position (Figure 9C) of the circumferential groove 21c to the rear end position (Figure 9D), and the ring-shaped portion 4 is held by the holding portion 7.

[0081] From this state, the support part 5 is pulled in a direction that separates it from the shaft part 20A of the case 20. As a result, as shown in Figure 9E, the second inclined surface 21b2 of the inclined groove 21b interferes with the exit of the engaging part 40, and the engaging part 40 moves along the second inclined surface 21b2. At this time, a circumferential pressing force acts on the engaging part 40 from the second inclined surface 21b2, and the ring-shaped part 4 rotates due to the action of this pressing force. This releases the holding state of the ring-shaped part 4 by the holding part 7, and the ring-shaped part 4 returns to its original position. After that, the engaging part 40 exits the engaging groove 21 by passing through the axial groove 21a (Figure 9F). Also, while the engaging part 40 is moving along the second inclined surface 21b2, the projection 52 of the support part 5 that was engaged with the axial groove 21a exits the engaging groove 21. In this way, the support portion 5 of the rear panel component is removed (separated) from the case 20 of the front panel component.

[0082] On the other hand, with respect to the engagement groove 21 shown in Figure 18, as shown in Figures 18D to 18F of the second modified example, the engagement portion 40 moves from the front end position (Figure 18C) to the rear end position (Figure 18D) of the circumferential groove 21c by rotating the ring-shaped portion 4. At this time, as described above, the ring-shaped portion 4 is in a held state, held by the holding portion 7.

[0083] From this state, when the support portion 5 is pulled in a direction that separates it from the case 20, the engaging portion 40 moves axially (downward in the figure) along the vertical wall surface 21a2 of the axial groove 21a of the engaging groove 21, as shown in Figures 18E and 18F, and exits from the engaging groove 21. As a result, the support portion 5 is removed (separated) from the case 20.

[0084] Even in this case, when attaching the panel rear component, including the ring-shaped portion 4 and the support portion 5, to the panel front component, including the push button 2 and the case 20, it is only necessary to insert the support portion 5 along the shaft portion 20A of the case 20, thus eliminating the need for a locking operation, and allowing the panel rear component to be attached (connected) to the panel front component in a single action. Furthermore, when removing the panel rear component from the panel front component, the ring-shaped portion 4 is rotated circumferentially and held by the retaining portion, and then the support portion 5 is moved along the shaft portion 20A of the case 20 to exit, so removal is equally easy, simplifying maintenance work.

[0085] [Fifth variation] In the above embodiments and their respective modifications, when the engaging portion 40 is positioned in the locked position of the circumferential groove 21c of the engaging groove 21, the projection 52 of the support portion 5 engages with the axial groove 21a, that is, the axial groove 21a also functions as a recess into which the projection 52 engages (see Figures 9C and 18C). However, the application of the present invention is not limited thereto. The recess into which the projection 52 engages may be provided separately from the axial groove 21a.

[0086] [Sixth variation] In the above embodiments and their respective modifications, examples were shown in which the operating part and contact part of a push-button switch were used as the front panel component and the rear panel component of the panel-mounted device, respectively. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to these examples. The front panel component and the rear panel component may also be the display unit and power supply unit of a display device, or other combinations.

[0087] [Other application examples] In the above embodiments and modifications, examples were shown in which the connection structure according to the present invention is applied to a push-button switch (for example, an emergency stop switch). However, the present invention is similarly applicable to other stop switches, selector switches, key selectors, and the like.

[0088] [Other examples and modifications] The embodiments and modifications described above should be considered in all respects merely as examples of the invention and not as limiting. Those skilled in the art to which the invention relates can construct various modifications and other embodiments that employ the principles of the invention, taking into consideration the teachings described above, without deviating from the spirit and essential features of the invention, even if not expressly described herein. [Industrial applicability]

[0089] The present invention is useful for connection structures, and is particularly suitable for connection structures for detachably connecting a detachable unit to a fixed unit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0090] 1: Push-button switch (panel-mounted device) 2: Push button (operating part) 20: Case 20A: Shaft 2.20: Front panel component (fixing unit) 21: Engagement groove 21a: Axial groove 21b: Inclined groove 21b1: First inclined surface 21b2: Second inclined surface 21c: Circumferential groove 4: Ring-shaped part 4A: Operating lever section 40: Engagement part 5: Support part 51: Inner surface 52: Protrusion 4, 5: Panel rear side components (detachable unit) 6: Compression coil spring (biasing part) 7: Holding part 73: Leaf spring section (elastic section) 73a, 41: Locking protrusion (locking part) 7': Holding part 23: Leaf spring section (elastic section) 23a, 41: Locking protrusion (locking part) [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0091] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-205196 (see paragraphs

[0017] ,

[0018] ,

[0020] to

[0022] ,

[0027] ,

[0030] ,

[0031] ,

[0034] ,

[0036] ,

[0044] ,

[0045] ,

[0048] ,

[0051] to

[0053] and Figures 1 to 8)

Claims

1. In a device comprising a fixed unit and a detachable unit, a connection structure for detachably connecting the detachable unit to the fixed unit, The aforementioned fixing unit has a shaft portion extending in the axial direction, and an engagement groove is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion. The attachment / detachment unit has a ring-shaped portion that fits onto the shaft, a support portion that supports the ring-shaped portion so that it can rotate around the shaft and fixes it in the axial direction, and a biasing portion that biases the ring-shaped portion in the circumferential direction around the shaft, and an engagement portion is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the ring-shaped portion that protrudes inward at a position corresponding to the engagement groove of the fixing unit. The engagement groove includes an axial groove extending axially from the tip side of the shaft portion and allowing the engagement portion to enter; an inclined groove extending in a direction inclined with respect to the axial groove and having a first inclined surface that interferes with the entry of the engagement portion, thereby causing the ring-shaped portion to move circumferentially against the biasing force of the biasing portion; and a circumferential groove that communicates with the rear end of the inclined groove and extends circumferentially at an acute angle with the inclined groove, and positions the engagement portion in a locked position by moving circumferentially due to the action of the biasing force of the biasing portion and engaging with its front end, thereby fixing the detachable unit to the fixed unit so that it cannot move axially. A projection is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the support portion, and a recess is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion into which the projection can engage detachably. When the engaging portion is positioned in the locked position, the projection engages with the recess, thereby locking the detachable unit to the fixed unit so that it cannot move circumferentially. The attachment / detachment unit is provided with a holding portion for holding the ring-shaped portion in a position where the engaging portion is located at the rear end of the circumferential groove, while resisting the biasing force of the biasing portion. The inclined groove has a second inclined surface that interferes with the retraction of the circumferential groove of the engaging portion from the rear end, thereby releasing the holding state of the ring-shaped portion by the holding portion. A connection structure characterized by the following features.

2. In a device comprising a fixed unit and a detachable unit, a connection structure for detachably connecting the detachable unit to the fixed unit, The aforementioned fixing unit has a shaft portion extending in the axial direction, and an engagement groove is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion. The attachment / detachment unit has a ring-shaped portion that fits onto the shaft, a support portion that supports the ring-shaped portion so that it can rotate around the shaft and fixes it in the axial direction, and a biasing portion that biases the ring-shaped portion in the circumferential direction around the shaft, and an engagement portion is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the ring-shaped portion that protrudes inward at a position corresponding to the engagement groove of the fixing unit. The engagement groove includes an axial groove extending axially from the tip side of the shaft portion and allowing the engagement portion to enter; an inclined groove extending in a direction inclined with respect to the axial groove and having an inclined surface that interferes with the entry of the engagement portion, thereby moving the ring-shaped portion circumferentially against the biasing force of the biasing portion; and a circumferential groove that communicates with the rear end of the inclined groove and extends circumferentially at an acute angle with the inclined groove, and positions the engagement portion in a locked position by moving it circumferentially due to the action of the biasing force of the biasing portion and engaging with its front end, thereby fixing the detachable unit to the fixed unit so that it cannot move axially. A projection is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the support portion, and a recess is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion into which the projection can engage detachably. When the engaging portion is positioned in the locked position, the projection engages with the recess, thereby locking the detachable unit to the fixed unit so that it cannot move circumferentially. The fixing unit is provided with a holding portion for holding the ring-shaped portion in a position where the engaging portion is located at the rear end of the circumferential groove, while resisting the biasing force of the biasing portion. A connection structure characterized by the following features.

3. In claim 1 or 2, The projection is positioned to be axially aligned with the engagement portion of the ring-shaped portion, and the recess is included in the axial groove of the engagement groove. A connection structure characterized by the following features.

4. In claim 1, The holding portion is composed of an elastically deformable elastic portion provided on the support portion of the attachment / detachment unit, and a locking portion provided on the ring-shaped portion that can be detachably locked to the elastic portion. A connection structure characterized by the following features.

5. In claim 2, The holding portion is composed of an elastically deformable elastic portion provided on the fixing unit and a locking portion provided on the ring-shaped portion that can be detachably locked to the elastic portion. A connection structure characterized by the following features.

6. In claim 1 or 2, The ring-shaped portion has an operating lever for the operator to use when releasing the lock. A connection structure characterized by the following features.

7. In claim 1, The fixing unit is a panel front-side component positioned on the front side of the panel and fixed to the panel, and the detachable unit is a panel rear-side component detachably provided with respect to the fixing unit and positioned on the rear side of the panel, wherein the device is a panel mounting device. A connection structure characterized by the following features.

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