Electrical components

Abstract

To provide an electric component which restrains accumulation of dust on an operator and enables a rotational operation to be easily performed.SOLUTION: A push button switch 10 has a button 14 for performing a rotating operation and a pull-out operation on a main body portion 12. The button 14 has a circular profile when viewed in the direction of an axis J, and includes a circular portion 22 forming the circular profile in front, a square cross-sectional portion 24 which forms a regular decagon on a plane perpendicular to the axis J behind the circular portion 22, and a columnar portion 26 which connects the circular portion 22 and the square cross-sectional portion 24. The peripheral surface of the columnar portion 26 has a shape that uniformly changes from a circular shape to a regular decagonal shape from a portion connecting with the circular portion 22 in the front to a portion connecting with the square cross-sectional portion 24 in the rear. The peripheral surface of the columnar portion 26 uniformly changes so that an arc extending in the circumferential direction in the front becomes a straight line corresponding to one side of the regular decagonal shape toward the rear. The circumscribed circle of the square cross-sectional portion 24 has a smaller diameter than that of the circle of the circular portion 22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical component having an operator that performs a rotational operation on a main body. [Background technology]

[0002] Some push button switches are provided with a button that is rotated relative to the main body. For example, in the push button switch described in Patent Document 1, the button can be pressed relative to the main body, and the contact state of the switch is switched and locked by the pressing operation, and the locked contact state is reset by rotating the button. Such push button switches are sometimes used for emergency stop of equipment. The contact state in an emergency is reset by a rotating operation that is different from the pressing operation, so that it is possible to prevent accidental resetting. Such push button switches may have many grooves formed around the button to prevent slipping and to make the rotation easier. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-033797 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Such push button switches are sometimes used in machine tools, food machinery, medical equipment, etc. In machine tools, oil may adhere to the button, but if there are many grooves formed around the button, it provides a good anti-slip effect and makes the button easy to rotate even if oil adheres to the button. However, dust and other debris tend to accumulate in the grooves, and cleaning and removal work takes time.

[0005] In addition, buttons that are prone to collecting dirt in the surrounding grooves are not necessarily desirable for use in food machinery and medical equipment, and buttons without grooves may be used depending on the environmental conditions, so there is a demand for versatility that allows for a wide range of applications, such as machine tools, food machinery, and medical equipment.In addition to pushbutton switches, electrical components that involve the rotation of buttons or knobs include rotary switches and potentiometers, and these can have the same issues as pushbutton switches.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has an object to provide an electrical component in which dust is less likely to accumulate on an operating element such as a button, and which allows easy rotational operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the electrical component of the present invention is an electrical component having an operator for performing a rotational operation on a main body, the operator having a circular outline when viewed from the axis of a rotation shaft, and having a circular portion forming the circular outline at the front, an angular cross-sectional portion rearward of the circular portion and forming a convex polygon with a surface perpendicular to the axis, and a columnar portion connecting the circular portion and the angular cross-sectional portion, and the peripheral surface of the columnar portion has a shape that changes in a uniform manner from circular to the convex polygon from the portion connected to the circular portion at the front to the portion connected to the angular cross-sectional portion at the rear.

[0008] In such an electric component, dirt is less likely to accumulate on the operating element, and rotation can be easily performed.

[0009] The peripheral surface of the columnar portion may have a shape that changes uniformly from a circular arc along the circumferential direction at the front to a straight line corresponding to one side of the convex polygon at the rear, resulting in a relatively simple and easy-to-handle shape.

[0010] The columnar portion may have a peripheral surface having a shape in which the ratio of arcs to straight lines changes uniformly from the front to the rear.

[0011] The circumscribing circle of the convex polygon of the angular cross section may have a smaller diameter than the circular portion of the circular section, making it easier to grip the operator.

[0012] When the convex polygon is a hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, eleventh or twelveth polygon, the shape is well balanced, easy to grip with fingers, and provides an appropriate anti-slip effect.

[0013] The main body portion may have a plurality of terminals, and the operator may be capable of being pushed into the main body portion, the pushing operation switching and locking the connection state between the terminals, and the locked connection state may be reset by the rotation operation.

[0014] The locked connection state may be reset by pulling the operator forward. Effect of the Invention

[0015] In the electrical component of the present invention, the columnar portion has a shape that changes uniformly from a circle at the front to a convex polygon at the rear, and the cross-sectional shape of the rectangular cross-section portion is a convex polygon, so that the columnar portion has no relatively concave portions and is less likely to accumulate dirt. Furthermore, the cross-section of approximately the rear half of the columnar portion is approximately a convex polygon, which provides an anti-slip effect and makes it easy to rotate the component. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a push button switch which is an embodiment of an electrical component according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the push button switch. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of the push button switch. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the push button switch. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a button. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a divided peripheral surface cut out from a button. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing how the button is rotated with a finger. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view of a push button switch including a button according to a first modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view of a push button switch including a button according to the second modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a button according to the third modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a button according to the fourth modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment.

[0018] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a pushbutton switch 10 which is an embodiment of an electrical component according to the present invention. Fig. 2 is a side view of the pushbutton switch 10. Fig. 3 is a front view of the pushbutton switch 10. Fig. 4 is a rear view of the pushbutton switch 10. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing how the button 14 is rotated by a finger.

[0019] The push button switch 10 has a main body 12, a button (operator) 14 that can be pushed in, rotated, and pulled out from the main body 12, and a contact 16 provided at the rear end of the main body 12. The contact 16 is also considered to be part of the main body 12. A plurality of terminals 16a protrude rearward from the contact 16. The push button switch 10 can be used for any purpose depending on the user, but can be used, for example, to stop an emergency device.

[0020] In the present application, the direction of the push button switch 10 is defined as the front side to the operation end face of the button 14, and the rear side to the side where the terminal 16a is provided. In the drawings, the front is appropriately indicated with an arrow, "F", and the rear is appropriately indicated with an arrow, "B".

[0021] The main body 12 has a front portion 12a that fits inside the button 14, and a rear portion 12b that protrudes from the front portion 12a. The rear portion 12b has a smaller diameter than the front portion 12a, and is formed with a male thread portion 12ba on its periphery.

[0022] The push button switch 10 can be attached to a panel P (see FIG. 7) of a control board. That is, the push button switch 10 is attached to the panel P by fitting a washer 18 from the rear with the rear portion 12b protruding from the panel hole, and then screwing a nut 20 onto the male thread portion 12ba and tightening it. In the push button switch 10, the front portion 12a and the button 14 are located closer to the front than the panel P, and the rear portion 12b and the contact portion 16 are located behind the panel P.

[0023] The button 14 located at the front is operated by the user. When the button 14 is pressed into the main body 12, the connection state between the terminals 16a is switched and locked in that state. At this time, the button 14 is held in a position slightly pressed backward.

[0024] When the button 14 is rotated from the locked state by a predetermined angle (for example, 45 degrees clockwise) in a predetermined direction, the connection state between the terminals 16a is reset. At this time, the button 14 returns to a reference position slightly forward. Also, when the button 14 is pulled forward from the locked state and returned to the reference position, the connection state between the terminals 16a is reset. In other words, the push button switch 10 is of both a turn reset type and a pull reset type. The main body 12 includes a mechanism for switching the connection state between the terminals 16a based on the operation of the button 14, but a description of this internal mechanism is omitted.

[0025] In the push button switch 10, a certain amount of rotational torque is required to rotate the button 14 when resetting. This reliably maintains the locked state when pressed, and prevents accidental resetting. On the other hand, as described below, the button 14 has a non-slip effect when rotated, making it easy to apply torque when held with the fingers.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the button 14. When the push button switch 10 is used for emergency stop applications, it is preferable that the button 14 be colored red. The button 14 is, for example, a resin molded product. The button 14 is generally cylindrical with a bottom that is closed at the front and open at the rear. As described above, the front part 12a of the main body part 12 fits into the rear opening of the button 14. The button 14 has a circular outline when viewed from the front (see FIG. 3). This circular outline is centered on the rotation axis J when the button is rotated. More specifically, the button 14 has a circular outline when viewed from the axis line of the rotation axis J.

[0027] Most common buttons are square or circular, and emergency stop switches in particular are often circular. The push button switch 10 is intended for use as an emergency stop, and the button 14 maintains a circular shape when viewed from the front, making it easy for users to understand.

[0028] The button 14 has a circular portion 22 that forms a circular outline at the front end, a rectangular cross-sectional portion 24 that forms a convex polygon on a surface perpendicular to the axis J behind the circular portion 22, and a columnar portion 26 that connects the circular portion 22 and the rectangular cross-sectional portion 24. The button 14 has dimensions that allow easy pressing and rotating with a finger. In this example, the rectangular cross-sectional portion 24 is the rear end surface of the button 14, but some component may be added behind the rectangular cross-sectional portion 24 depending on the design conditions (see button 14C in FIG. 10). In this example, the rectangular cross-sectional portion 24 is a regular decagon (convex polygon). However, each corner of the rectangular cross-sectional portion 24 may be slightly chamfered.

[0029] The circular portion 22 is composed of an outer periphery 32 connected to the columnar portion 26, and a front end portion 34 connected to the outer periphery 32 at the front. The outer periphery 32 is a portion that forms the circular outline of the button 14 when viewed from the front, and has a spherical surface that tapers toward the front. The outer periphery 32 may have a cylindrical or conical surface. The front end portion 34 is flat, and has multiple arrow marks 34a that indicate the direction of rotation when resetting.

[0030] For ease of explanation, the peripheral surface of columnar portion 26 is divided into 10 equal parts so as to include one side of the regular decagon in rectangular cross-sectional portion 24, and these parts are referred to as divided peripheral surfaces 28. In Fig. 5, divided peripheral surfaces 28 are indicated by dashed lines. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of divided peripheral surface 28 cut out from button 14. In reality, divided peripheral surface 28 is not separated from button 14, and Fig. 6 is a virtual view for ease of explanation.

[0031] The peripheral surface of the columnar portion 26 has a shape that changes uniformly from a circle to a regular decagon from the portion where it joins with the circular portion 22 at the front to the portion where it joins with the rectangular cross-section portion 24 at the rear.

[0032] 6, divided circumferential surface 28 changes from a circular arc 28a along the circumferential direction at the front to a straight line 28b corresponding to one side of a convex polygon at the rear, and does not take any shape other than a circular arc, a straight line, or an intermediate line between them. Such button 14 has a relatively simple and easy-to-use shape.

[0033] As will be described later (see FIG. 4), the angular cross-sectional portion 24 is smaller than the circular portion 22, but in the divided peripheral surface 28, the arc 28a extending in the circumferential direction at the front gradually moves toward the inner diameter toward the rear, and does not temporarily move toward the outside during this period.

[0034] As a result, for example, the intermediate height line 28c (shown by a virtual line in FIG. 6) is intermediate between the arc 28a and the straight line 28b, and is conceptually an approximately arc shape that is gentler than the arc 28a. In this way, the columnar portion 26 and the divided peripheral surface 28 have a shape that changes uniformly from a circle to a convex polygon. In addition, since a regular decagon is a type of convex polygon, all of the interior angles are less than 180 degrees, and there are no concave portions on the peripheral surface.

[0035] Therefore, it is formed corresponding to the rectangular cross-sectional portion 24, and has a shape that changes in a uniform manner from the circular portion 22 to the rectangular cross-sectional portion 24. The columnar portion 26 does not have irregular convex portions, concave portions, or steps formed along the way. Therefore, there are no concave portions themselves, or any portions that are relatively concave due to the presence of convex portions or steps, making it difficult for dust (including foreign matter, dirt, etc.) to accumulate. In addition, since there are no concave portions in the columnar portion 26, a good feel is obtained when pinching it with fingers.

[0036] In this application, the term "uniform change" refers to a one-way change without steps in the circumferential and axial directions and without repetition of change. Therefore, this does not include a change in which the arc 28a of the divided circumferential surface 28 repeatedly changes between a straight line and an arc toward the rear. In this application, the term "uniform change" refers to a proportional change, but is not limited to this.

[0037] In addition, although the columnar portion 26 formed according to the angular cross-sectional portion 24 does not have any concave portions, at least the rear half is approximately a regular decagon, and therefore ten slightly rounded ridge portions 28d (see FIG. 7) protrude slightly radially, making it easy for fingers to hook when rotating the device and providing an anti-slip effect.

[0038] Furthermore, the rectangular cross-sectional portion 24 is a convex regular polygon, and therefore has a well-balanced shape. However, if the rectangular cross-sectional portion 24 is a regular triangle (i.e., a 60-degree corner) or a square (i.e., a 90-degree corner), the ridge line portion 28d of the columnar portion 26 formed according to the rectangular cross-sectional portion 24 will be a right angle or acute angle, and will come into contact with the finger in a somewhat localized manner, which may cause some users to feel uncomfortable. Also, if the shape is a regular triangle or square, the directional tendency becomes somewhat strong, making it difficult to perform a rotation operation.

[0039] On the other hand, if the rectangular cross-sectional portion 24 is, for example, a regular tetragon or more, the corners will be close to 180 degrees and will be almost circular, reducing the anti-slip effect during rotation. In this case, the cross-section of the rectangular cross-sectional portion 24 should be about a regular pentagon to a regular decagon, and more preferably a regular hexagon, a regular heptagon, a regular octagon, a regular nonagon, a regular decagon, a regular eleventh or a regular dodecagon. However, for design and manufacturing reasons or design reasons, the rectangular cross-sectional portion 24 may have a shape with slightly different side lengths. In other words, the rectangular cross-sectional portion 24 may be a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, a nonagon, a decagon, an eleventh or a dodecagon, as long as it is a convex polygon.

[0040] Furthermore, when button 14 is the size of a typical emergency stop button, if rectangular cross-sectional portion 24 is a regular hexagon to a regular dodecagon, divided circumferential surface 28 (see FIG. 7) will be of a size that just touches the pad of the finger, making it easy to grip button 14. Compared to button 14D, which will be described later, divided circumferential surface 28 of button 14 forms an appropriately wide surface so that it fits the pad of the finger, providing a comfortable feel.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 4, the rectangular cross-sectional portion 24 is smaller than the circular portion 22. Specifically, the circumscribing circle 24a (shown by a virtual line in Fig. 4) of the convex polygon of the rectangular cross-sectional portion 24 has a smaller diameter than the circle of the circular portion 22. This gives the button 14 a shape that tapers toward the rear, making it easier to pull out the button 14. Also, if the columnar portion 26 has no recess and has a shape that tapers toward the rear, the button 14 can be easily removed from the mold when it is molded.

[0042] In the button 14 of the push button switch 10 thus constructed, the columnar portion 26 has a shape that changes uniformly from a circle at the front to a convex polygon at the rear, without irregularly forming convex, concave or stepped portions along the way. Also, since the cross section of the rectangular cross section portion 24 is a convex polygon, there is no concave portion. In other words, since there is no concave portion on the periphery of the columnar portion 26 of the button 14, it is possible to prevent dust from adhering and accumulating. Therefore, the push button switch 10 is suitable for use in food machinery, medical equipment, and the like.

[0043] Meanwhile, at least the rear portion of the columnar portion 26 is a slightly rounded convex polygon based on the rectangular cross-sectional portion 24, which provides a non-slip effect during rotation and makes it easy to apply torque. Therefore, the push button switch 10 is suitable for use in machine tools and the like where oil may adhere to the button 14. In this way, the push button switch 10 is less likely to accumulate dirt on the button 14, and is easy to rotate, making it versatile for use in a variety of machines.

[0044] Some users may prefer or be accustomed to the operability of circular buttons, or may even wear non-slip gloves. For such users, when rotating button 14, it is not necessary to grasp the rear polygonal portion, but rather the front circular portion 22.

[0045] Next, a description will be given of modified examples of the button 14. In each modified example, components similar to those of the button 14 are given the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0046] 8 shows a button 14A having a rectangular cross-sectional portion 24A that is a regular dodecagon as a first modified example. The shape of the columnar portion 26A of the button 14A changes uniformly from a circle to a regular dodecagon from the portion where it connects to the circular portion 22 at the front to the portion where it connects to the rectangular cross-sectional portion 24A at the rear.

[0047] 9 shows a button 14B having a regular octagonal cross-sectional portion 24B as a second modified example. The columnar portion 26B of the button 14B has a shape that changes uniformly from a circle to a regular octagon from the portion where it connects to the circular portion 22 at the front to the portion where it connects to the regular octagonal cross-sectional portion 24B at the rear. As described above, by making the shape of the regular hexagon to regular dodecagon, suitable anti-slip properties and operability can be obtained.

[0048] 10 is a perspective view of a button 14C according to a third modified example. The button 14C has a pyramid-shaped portion 36 provided at the rear of the button 14. The pyramid-shaped portion 36 is a regular decagonal pyramid that tapers rearward with the regular decagon of the rectangular cross-sectional portion 24 as its base. The columnar portion 26 and the pyramid-shaped portion 36 are smoothly connected. In this way, the rectangular cross-sectional portion 24 does not have to be the rear end surface.

[0049] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a button 14D according to a fourth modified example. The button 14D is obtained by replacing the columnar portion 26 in the button 14 with a columnar portion 26D. The columnar portion 26D has a peripheral surface in which ten flat surfaces 26Da and ten conical surfaces 26Db are alternately provided. The columnar portion 26D has a shape that changes uniformly from a circle to a convex polygon due to the flat surfaces 26Da and the conical surfaces 26Db from the portion connected to the circular portion 22 at the front to the portion connected to the rectangular cross-sectional portion 24 at the rear. That is, the peripheral surface of the columnar portion 26D is entirely occupied by an arc shape at the front end, and entirely occupied by straight lines at the rear end, and the ratio of the arc shape to the straight lines gradually changes from the front to the rear. The flat surfaces 26Da have a uniform inclination angle. In addition, ridge 26Dc, which is the boundary between flat surface 26Da and conical surface 26Db, reaches close to circular portion 22, providing an anti-slip effect. Similar to button 14C described above, the circumscribing circle of angular cross-sectional portion 24 has a smaller diameter than circular portion 22, making it easy to pull out button 14D.

[0050] The present invention can be applied to devices other than push button switches that have an operator that performs a rotational operation on a main body (such as a rotary switch or a volume control).

[0051] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can of course be freely modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 10. Push button switch (electrical component) 12 Main body 12a Anterior part 12b Rear part 14, 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D Buttons (operators) 16 Contact part 16a Terminal 22 Circular part 24, 24A, 24B Square cross section 26,26A,26B,26D Column part 28 Divided peripheral surface 32 Outer periphery 34 Front end 36 Cone-shaped part J axis

Claims

1. An electrical component having an operator that performs a rotation operation on a main body, The operating element has a circular outline when viewed from the axis of the rotating shaft, A circular portion forming the circular contour at the front; a polygonal cross-sectional portion that forms a convex polygon with a surface perpendicular to the axis and is located rearward of the circular portion; a columnar portion connecting the circular portion and the angular cross-sectional portion; having An electrical component characterized in that the peripheral surface of the columnar portion has a shape that changes in a uniform manner from a circle to the convex polygon from the portion connected to the circular portion at the front to the portion connected to the angular cross-sectional portion at the rear.

2. 2. The electrical component according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral surface of the columnar portion has a shape that changes uniformly such that a circular arc along the circumferential direction at the front changes to a straight line corresponding to one side of the convex polygon toward the rear.

3. 2. The electrical component according to claim 1, wherein the columnar portion has a peripheral surface in which the ratio of arcs to straight lines changes uniformly from the front to the rear.

4. 4. The electrical component according to claim 1, wherein a circumscribing circle of the convex polygon of the angular cross section has a smaller diameter than a circular portion of the circular section.

5. 5. The electrical component according to claim 1, wherein the convex polygon is a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, a nonagon, a decagon, an eleventh polygon or a dodecagon.

6. The main body portion has a plurality of terminals, The electrical component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the operator can be pushed into the main body portion, the pushing operation switches and locks the connection state between the terminals, and the locked connection state is reset by the rotation operation.

7. 7. The electrical component according to claim 6, wherein the locked connection state is reset by pulling the operating member forward.

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