switch

Abstract

To provide a switch that can improve sealing.SOLUTION: A switch TS includes a movable member 1 that moves in response to an operation, and drives a drive unit as the movable member 1 moves. The switch TS includes an operation interlocking member 4 that moves along with the movement of the movable member 1, and an operation following member 7 that is spaced apart from the operation interlocking member 4 and moves following the movement of the operation interlocking member 4 by magnetic force acting with the operation interlocking member 4. At least one of the operation interlocking member 4 and the operation following member 7 has magnetism, and drives a driving portion on the basis of the movement of the operation following member 7. The operation following member 7 is housed in a housing chamber 210 and separated from the operation interlocking member 4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a switch having a movable member that moves in response to an operation. [Background technology]

[0002] Trigger switches that control the operation of power tools when pressed are becoming widespread. One of the issues facing trigger switches is how to improve their sealing performance, such as waterproofing and dustproofing. For example, the switch described in Patent Document 1 improves the sealing performance of the housing by simplifying the shape of the boundary between the case member and the cover member that form the housing that houses the trigger circuit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-4645 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the trigger part, which moves in response to operation, penetrates the inside and outside of the housing, and has a breathing structure in which the internal volume changes as the trigger moves, which creates the problem that the airtightness between the inside and outside of the housing is easily compromised.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a switch in which the sealing performance can be easily ensured. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the switch disclosed in the present application is a switch that has a movable member that moves in response to an operation, and drives a drive unit in accordance with the movement of the movable member, and is characterized in that it comprises an operation interlocking member that moves in accordance with the movement of the movable member due to an operation, and an operation following member that is positioned at a distance from the operation interlocking member and moves to follow the movement of the operation interlocking member due to a magnetic force acting between the operation interlocking member and the operation following member, and at least one of the operation interlocking member and the operation following member is magnetic, and the drive unit is driven based on the movement of the operation following member.

[0007] The switch may further include a housing chamber for housing the operation following member, and the operation following member may be separated from the operation interlocking member by being housed in the housing chamber.

[0008] The switch is characterized in that the drive portion is driven based on a result of non-contact detection of the movement of the operation follow-up member.

[0009] The switch further includes an electrode arranged in the vicinity of the movement range of the operation following member, the operation following member having dielectric properties, and the drive unit is driven based on the result of non-contact detection of the movement of the operation following member as a change in the electrostatic capacitance of a capacitor formed using the operation following member and the electrode.

[0010] The switch further includes a fixed contact, the operation following member has a sliding portion that slides on the fixed contact when moved, and the drive portion is driven based on the result of detecting the movement of the operation following member as a change in the electrical resistance value or conductive state related to the fixed contact.

[0011] The switch further comprises a switching member that operates in response to a switching operation that switches the drive method of the drive unit, a switching interlocking member that moves in conjunction with the operation of the switching member due to the switching operation, and a switching following member that is positioned at a distance from the switching interlocking member and moves in conjunction with the movement of the switching interlocking member due to a magnetic force acting between the switching interlocking member and the switching following member, wherein at least one of the switching interlocking member and the switching following member is magnetic, and the drive method of the drive unit is switched based on the movement of the switching following member.

[0012] Furthermore, the switch disclosed in the present application is a switch that has a movable member that moves in response to an operation, and drives a drive unit in accordance with the movement of the movable member, and further comprises a switching member that operates in response to a switching operation that switches the drive method of the drive unit, a switching interlocking member that moves in accordance with the operation of the switching member due to the switching operation, and a switching following member that is positioned at a distance from the switching interlocking member and moves in accordance with the movement of the switching interlocking member due to a magnetic force acting between the switching interlocking member and the switching following member, and at least one of the switching interlocking member and the switching following member is magnetic, and the drive method of the drive unit is switched based on the movement of the switching following member.

[0013] The switch may further include a chamber for accommodating the switching follower member, and the switching follower member may be separated from the switching interlocking member by being accommodated in the chamber.

[0014] The switch is further characterized in that it can be incorporated into an electric device having a drive unit that is driven based on an electrical signal, and further has an output unit that outputs an electrical signal to drive the drive unit, and the output unit outputs an electrical signal to drive the drive unit. Effect of the Invention

[0015] The switch according to the present invention aims to provide a switch that is easy to ensure airtightness by using magnetic force to separate a member that operates in conjunction with an operation from a member involved in driving a drive unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a switch disclosed in the present application. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing an example of a switch disclosed herein. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic side view showing an example of a switch disclosed herein; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic rear view showing an example of a switch disclosed herein. [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a switch disclosed in the present application. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic external view showing an example of a switching lever included in a switch disclosed in the present application. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic external view showing an example of a switching lever included in a switch disclosed in the present application. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a switching lever, a switching interlocking member, and an engagement member included in a switch disclosed in the present application. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of an operation follower member, a switching follower member, and a holding member provided in a switch disclosed in the present application. [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic front view showing an example of an operation follower member, a switching follower member, and a holding member provided in a switch disclosed in the present application. [Figure 11] 1 is a schematic side view showing an example of a switch disclosed herein; [Figure 12] 1 is a schematic side view showing an example of a switch disclosed herein; [Figure 13] 1 is a schematic side view showing an example of a switch disclosed herein; [Figure 14] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a switching lever, a switching interlocking member, and an engagement member included in a switch disclosed in the present application. [Figure 15] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a switching lever, a switching interlocking member, and an engagement member included in a switch disclosed in the present application. [Figure 16] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a switch disclosed herein; [Figure 17]1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a switch disclosed herein; [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of a portion of a control configuration of an electrically-driven device incorporating a switch disclosed herein. [Figure 19] 11 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the amount of depression of a movable member and an output value in the switch disclosed herein. [Figure 20] 1 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the angle of a switching lever and an output value in a switch disclosed in the present application. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing an example of a switch disclosed herein. [Figure 22] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of an operation follower member, a switching follower member, and a holding member provided in a switch disclosed in the present application. [Figure 23] 1 is a schematic front view showing an example of an operation follower member, a switching follower member, and a holding member provided in a switch disclosed in the present application. [Figure 24] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a switch disclosed in the present application. [Diagram 25] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of an operation following member provided in a switch disclosed in the present application; [Figure 26] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a switching follower member included in a switch disclosed in the present application; [Figure 27] 1 is a schematic side view showing an example of a switch disclosed herein; [Figure 28] 1 is a schematic side view showing an example of a switch disclosed herein; [Figure 29] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a switch disclosed herein; [Diagram 30] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a switch disclosed herein; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] <Application Examples> The switch disclosed in the present application is incorporated as a trigger switch in various electric devices, including electric tools such as electric drills, electric saws, electric drivers, electric wrenches, and electric grinders that are equipped with a drive unit such as a motor. The switch disclosed in the present application can be realized in various forms, as exemplified by the first and second embodiments below. Below, with reference to the drawings, a switch TS and an electric device ET incorporating the switch TS will be described as an example in which the switch disclosed in the present application is applied to a trigger switch.

[0019] First Embodiment <Example of external appearance> FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a switch TS disclosed in the present application. FIG. 1 shows the appearance of the switch TS configured as a trigger switch that can be incorporated into various electric devices ET such as electric tools. The switch TS is incorporated into the electric device ET for user operation. When the user performs a pressing operation to press a movable member 1 attached to the switch TS as a trigger, a drive unit M such as an electric motor built into the electric device ET (see FIG. 18, etc.) is driven. In the following description, the direction of the switch TS is expressed as the direction in which the movable member 1 is attached as the front and the direction in which the movable member 1 is pressed, based on the user's usage state. That is, in the switch TS in the state illustrated in FIG. 1, the left rear side is expressed as the front, the right front side is the rear, the right rear side is the right, and the left front side is the left when facing FIG. 1.

[0020] The switch TS includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 2 incorporated in the electric device ET, a movable member 1 configured as a trigger that can be pressed by the user, and a switching lever 3 (switching member) that accepts a switching operation to switch the drive direction of the drive unit M. The switching operation by the switching lever 3 is, for example, an operation to switch the rotation direction of the electric screwdriver between forward and reverse. The housing 2 is formed by joining a first half 20 on the right side and a second half 21 on the left side. A communication line 22 that transmits a signal to drive the drive unit M is wired from the bottom surface of the housing 2.

[0021] <Internal configuration example> The internal structure of the switch TS will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing an example of the switch TS disclosed in the present application. FIG. 3 is a schematic side view showing an example of the switch TS disclosed in the present application. FIG. 4 is a schematic rear view showing an example of the switch TS disclosed in the present application. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the switch TS disclosed in the present application. FIG. 3 is a side view shown from a left side perspective with the second half 21 on the left side of the housing 2 and members inside the second half 21 omitted. FIG. 4 shows the second half 21 of the housing 2 omitted. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view from below showing the switch TS as viewed from the AB direction shown in FIG. 3.

[0022] In addition to the movable member 1 and the switching lever 3, the switch TS includes various members such as an operation interlocking member 4, a switching interlocking member 5, an engagement member 6, an operation follower member 7, a switching follower member 8, and a holding member 9 in the housing 2. A space is provided as a storage chamber 210 for storing the operation follower member 7, the switching follower member 8, and the holding member 9 on the second half 21 side constituting the housing 2. The inside of the storage chamber 210 is molded into a rectangular box shape and has a sealed structure. In addition, the storage chamber 210 contains a holding member 9 for holding members such as the operation follower member 7 and the switching follower member 8. The members such as the operation follower member 7 and the switching follower member 8 held by the holding member 9 are contained in the storage chamber 210 in a sealed state. The members such as the operation follower member 7 and the switching follower member 8 are disposed apart from the members such as the operation interlocking member 4 and the switching interlocking member 5 by being contained in the storage chamber 210.

[0023] The second half 21 is molded with the bottom surface of the space corresponding to the accommodation chamber 210 open. After various members such as the operation follower member 7, the switching follower member 8, and the holding member 9 are accommodated from below in the space corresponding to the accommodation chamber 210 of the molded second half 21, the bottom surface is sealed with resin. In this manner, the accommodation chamber 210 having a structure with excellent sealing properties such as waterproofness and dustproofness is formed.

[0024] Various members such as the movable member 1 of the switch TS will be described with reference to Figs. 2 to 5. The movable member 1 of the switch TS includes a push operation unit 10 that accepts a push operation by a user, and a shaft unit 11 that extends from the push operation unit 10 to the housing 2 side. The shaft unit 11 has a substantially long cylindrical shape, and is inserted into the housing 2 through a through hole opened in the front wall of the housing 2. A return spring 12 such as a compression coil spring is wound around the shaft unit 11. The front end of the return spring 12 abuts against the push operation unit 10, and the rear end abuts against the wall of the housing 2, urging the push operation unit 10 forward. When the push operation unit 10 is pushed, the movable member 1 moves backward, which is the push direction. When the push operation is released, the movable member 1 moves forward because the return spring 12 urges it forward, which is the opposite direction to the push direction.

[0025] An operation interlocking member 4 that moves with the movement of the movable member 1 is attached to the rear end of the movable member 1 housed in the housing 2, which is in the pushing direction of the shaft portion 11. The operation interlocking member 4 is substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped and is attached to the shaft portion 11 at the front side. The operation interlocking member 4 moves back and forth with the movement of the movable member 1. The operation interlocking member 4 has a magnetic property since a first magnet 40 is incorporated therein. The first magnet 40 is constructed using a permanent magnet, and is arranged so that the magnetic poles are oriented in the front-rear direction, for example, with the S pole at the front and the N pole at the rear. The first magnet 40 forms a magnetic field that affects the operation following member 7.

[0026] 6 and 7 are schematic external views showing an example of the switching lever 3 included in the switch TS disclosed in the present application. FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the switching lever 3, the switching interlocking member 5, and the engagement member 6 included in the switch TS disclosed in the present application. In FIGS. 6 to 8, some hidden shapes are shown by dashed lines. Various members such as the switching lever 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 8. The switching lever 3 is formed with parts such as a lever portion 30 that receives a swing operation by a user, a swing shaft portion 31 that serves as a swing shaft, and an action portion 32 that operates by the swing operation. The switching lever 3 is supported by the swing shaft portion 31 in a support hole opened on the upper surface of the housing 2 so as to be able to swing freely. The lever portion 30 is attached to the upper end of the swing shaft portion 31 so as to extend forward, and is located above the housing 2. The action portion 32 housed in the housing 2 is attached to the lower end of the swing shaft portion 31 and extends rearward. The acting portion 32 has a generally rounded pentagonal shape in a plan view, and the apex located at the rear end portion forms a semicircular engagement apex 33 that engages with the engagement member 6. An arc-shaped cam groove 34 is engraved on the lower surface of the acting portion 32.

[0027] Below the switching lever 3, a switching interlocking member 5 that moves with the operation of the switching lever 3 is arranged so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. The switching interlocking member 5 is substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped, and a substantially cylindrical cam protrusion 50 is formed on the upper surface. The cam protrusion 50 protruding from the upper surface is loosely fitted into the cam groove 34 on the lower surface of the switching lever 3. When the cam protrusion 50 and the cam groove 34 engage with each other, the action part 32 of the switching lever 3 functions as a driving link of the cam, and the switching interlocking member 5 functions as a follower link of the cam. A second magnet 51 is attached to the left side surface of the switching interlocking member 5, and therefore the switching interlocking member 5 has magnetism. The second magnet 51 is constructed using a permanent magnet, and forms a magnetic field that affects the switching follower member 8.

[0028] An engagement member 6 that engages with the switching lever 3 is disposed behind the switching lever 3 as a pusher that presses the switching lever 3 forward. The engagement member 6 has a front end side that faces the switching lever 3 formed in an M shape in a plan view. A pusher spring 60 such as a compression coil spring that urges the engagement member 6 forward is attached to the rear of the engagement member 6.

[0029] The switching lever 3 swings when the user performs an operation to swing the switching lever 3. The engaging member 6 biased by the pusher spring 60 presses the engaging top portion 33 of the switching lever 3 while engaging with the M-shaped recess or side portion, so that the switching lever 3 is held in the swing position.

[0030] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the operation follower member 7, the switching follower member 8, and the holding member 9 included in the switch TS disclosed in the present application. FIG. 10 is a schematic front view showing an example of the operation follower member 7, the switching follower member 8, and the holding member 9 included in the switch TS disclosed in the present application. In FIG. 9, a part of the hidden shape is shown by a broken line. The operation follower member 7, the switching follower member 8, and the holding member 9 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5, 9, and 10. The holding member 9 is formed by combining a substrate 90 and a wall plate 91. The substrate 90 is flat, and a plurality of thin electrodes 900 electrically connected to a circuit (not shown) are attached to the surface on the wall plate 91 side. The wall plate 91 is flat, and the lower end and the vicinity of the center are bent toward the substrate 90 side, and the bent portion extends in the front-rear direction. The holding member 9 is formed by combining the substrate 90 and the wall plate 91 so that the flat portions of the substrate 90 and the wall plate 91 are approximately parallel to each other, and the bent portion of the wall plate 91 is attached to the substrate 90. In the holding member 9, a lower chamber 92 and an upper chamber 93 are formed by the opposing surfaces of the substrate 90 and the wall plate 91 and the bent portion of the wall plate 91. The operation follower member 7 is housed in the lower chamber 92 so that it can move back and forth. The switching follower member 8 is housed in the upper chamber 93 so that it can move back and forth. A conductive plate is attached to the inner surface of the wall plate 91 in a portion facing the lower chamber 92 and the upper chamber 93, and a capacitor is formed between the conductive plate and an electrode 900 attached to the substrate 90.

[0031] The operation following member 7 is in the shape of a substantially rectangular plate, and is housed in the lower chamber 92 so that the normal direction to the surface is the left-right direction. The height and left-right width of the operation following member 7 are slightly shorter than the height and left-right width of the lower chamber 92, so that the operation following member 7 can move in the front-rear direction within the lower chamber 92. The operation following member 7 is a magnetic body formed using a plastic magnet material, has magnetism, and forms a capacitor as a dielectric. The operation following member 7 is arranged so that the magnetic poles are oriented in the front-rear direction, for example, the N pole is located in the front and the S pole is located in the rear, and the magnetic poles are oriented in the opposite direction to the first magnet 40 arranged nearby. As a result, the front N pole of the operation following member 7 faces the front S pole of the first magnet 40, and the rear S pole of the operation following member 7 faces the rear N pole of the first magnet 40, so that they attract each other. Therefore, the operation following member 7 moves forward and backward following the movement of the first magnet 40 in the front-rear direction.

[0032] The switching follower member 8 is in the shape of a substantially rectangular plate, and is housed in the upper chamber 93 so that the normal direction to the surface is the left-right direction. The height and left-right width of the switching follower member 8 are slightly shorter than the height and left-right width of the upper chamber 93, so that the switching follower member 8 can move in the front-back direction within the upper chamber 93. The switching follower member 8 is a magnetic body formed using a plastic magnet material, has magnetism, and forms a capacitor as a dielectric. The switching follower member 8 is arranged so as to attract the second magnet 51 to each other. The switching follower member 8 moves forward and backward following the forward-backward movement of the second magnet 51.

[0033] The electrode 900 attached to the substrate 90 faces the lower chamber 92 or the upper chamber 93. In the lower chamber 92, two electrodes 900 are arranged in two tiers, one above the other. The upper electrode 900 is generally rectangular, and the lower electrode 900 is generally trapezoidal. The generally trapezoidal lower electrode 900 is formed such that its vertical length is shortest at the front end, gradually increases toward the rear, and then becomes constant halfway through. In the upper chamber 93, three electrodes 900, each of which is generally rectangular, are arranged in the front-to-rear direction.

[0034] The operation following member 7 and the switching following member 8 are housed in a housing chamber 210 formed in the second half 21 of the housing 2 while being movably held by a holding member 9, and are sealed by a method such as resin sealing.

[0035] <Operation> Next, the operation of the switch TS will be described.

[0036] <Driving operation> First, the operation associated with the pushing operation of the movable member 1 will be described. FIGS. 11 to 13 are schematic side views showing an example of the switch TS disclosed in the present application. In FIGS. 11 to 13, the first half 20 is removed so that the internal structure can be seen, and some of the hidden shapes, such as the electrode 900 attached to the substrate 90, are shown by dashed lines. FIG. 11 shows the switch TS in a state where the movable member 1 is not subjected to a pushing operation. In a state where the movable member 1 is not subjected to a pushing operation, the movable member 1 is biased by the return spring 12 and is located at the front end of the movement range (left side as viewed in FIG. 11). The operation interlocking member 4 attached to the shaft portion 11 of the movable member 1 is also located at the front end of the movement range. In the state shown in FIG. 11 where the operation interlocking member 4 is located at the front end of the movement range, the first magnet 40 attached to the operation interlocking member 4 is located at the front end of the movement range. Since the first magnet 40 is located at the front end of the movement range, the operation following member 7 is also located at the front end of the movement range. In addition, since the operation-following member 7 and the first magnet 40, which attract each other by magnetic force, are both located at the front end of the movement range, the operation-following member 7 and the first magnet 40 are drawn overlapping each other in the viewpoint illustrated in Fig. 11. Since the operation-following member 7 located at the front end of the movement range is separated from the electrode 900 of the lower chamber 92, the electrode 900 of the lower chamber 92 does not form a capacitor with sufficient capacitance.

[0037] FIG. 12 shows a state in which the movable member 1 has been subjected to a pushing operation from the state illustrated in FIG. 11. The movable member 1 subjected to the pushing operation moves backward in the pushing direction. As the movable member 1 subjected to the pushing operation moves, the first magnet 40 of the operation interlocking member 4 moves backward, and the operation following member 7 moves backward following the movement of the first magnet 40. In the state shown in FIG. 12, the operation following member 7 is located near the upper and lower electrodes 900 of the lower chamber 92, so that the operation following member 7 is a dielectric, and a capacitor is formed between the upper and lower electrodes 900 of the lower chamber 92 and the conductive plate attached to the wall plate 91 facing the lower chamber 92. The lower electrode 900 is approximately trapezoidal, and the area of ​​the electrode 900 forming the capacitor varies depending on the position of the operation following member 7. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 12, when the position of the operation following member 7 is in the vicinity of the oblique side of the electrode 900 having a substantially trapezoidal shape, the capacitance of the capacitor changes depending on the position of the operation following member 7.

[0038] 13 shows a state in which the movable member 1 is further pushed in from the state shown in FIG. 12. The pushed movable member 1 moves further backward from the state shown in FIG. 12. As the pushed movable member 1 moves, the first magnet 40 of the operation interlocking member 4 moves backward, and the operation following member 7 moves backward following the movement of the first magnet 40. In the state shown in FIG. 13, the operation following member 7 is located near the upper and lower electrodes 900 of the lower chamber 92, so a capacitor is formed. The area of ​​the lower electrode 900 near the operation following member 7 is larger than in the state shown in FIG. 12, so the capacitance of the formed capacitor is large.

[0039] <Switching action> Next, an operation associated with the switching operation of the switching lever 3 will be described. FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 are schematic perspective views showing an example of the appearance of the switching lever 3, the switching interlocking member 5, and the engaging member 6 included in the switch TS disclosed in the present application. When a user switches the driving method of the driving unit M, the switching lever 3 is swung. FIG. 14 shows a state in which the switching lever 3 is swung leftward (counterclockwise) in a plan view, and the lever unit 30 moves to the left and the action unit 32 of the switching lever 3 moves to the right. When the action unit 32 of the switching lever 3 moves to the right, the switching interlocking member 5, in which the cam protrusion 50 is loosely fitted in the cam groove 34 on the lower surface of the action unit 32, moves to the front end of the moving range because the moving direction is restricted to the front-rear direction. The second magnet 51 attached to the switching interlocking member 5 is also located at the front end of the moving range. The right surface of the engaging member 6 presses the engagement top 33 of the switching lever 3 to hold the switching lever 3.

[0040] 15 shows a state in which the switching lever 3 has been operated to swing rightward (clockwise) in a plan view, with the lever portion 30 moving to the right and the action portion 32 of the switching lever 3 moving to the left. As the action portion 32 of the switching lever 3 moves to the left, the switching interlocking member 5 moves to the rear end of its movement range. The second magnet 51 is also located at the rear end of its movement range. The engagement member 6 holds the switching lever 3 by pressing the engagement top portion 33 of the switching lever 3 with its left side surface.

[0041] When the switching lever 3 is in an intermediate position between the positions illustrated in Figures 14 and 15, the engaging member 6 holds the switching lever 3 by pressing the engaging apex 33 of the switching lever 3 with the central recess of the M shape.

[0042] 16 and 17 are schematic perspective views showing an example of the switch TS disclosed in the present application. In FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, the movable member 1 and the second half 21 of the housing 2 are removed so that the internal structure can be seen, and some members are shown in a transparent manner. FIG. 16 corresponds to the state shown in FIG. 14, and shows a state in which the switching lever 3 is operated to swing counterclockwise in a plan view. Since the second magnet 51 moves to the front end of the moving range when the switching lever 3 is operated to swing counterclockwise, the switching follower member 8 is also located at the front end of the moving range. In the state shown in FIG. 16, the switching follower member 8 is located near the front and center electrodes 900 of the upper chamber 93, so that the switching follower member 8 serves as a dielectric, and a capacitor is formed between the switching follower member 8 and the conductive plate attached to the front and center electrodes 900 of the upper chamber 93 and the wall plate 91 facing the upper chamber 93.

[0043] Fig. 17 corresponds to the state illustrated in Fig. 15, and shows a state in which the switching lever 3 has been operated to swing clockwise in a plan view. When the switching lever 3 is operated to swing clockwise, the second magnet 51 moves to the rear end of its moving range, and the switching follower member 8 is also located at the rear end of its moving range. In the state shown in Fig. 17, the switching follower member 8 is located near the center and rear electrodes 900 of the upper chamber 93, so that the switching follower member 8 serves as a dielectric, and a capacitor is formed between the center and rear electrodes 900 of the upper chamber 93 and the conductive plate of the wall plate 91.

[0044] When the switching lever 3 is in the intermediate position between the positions illustrated in Figures 16 and 17, the switching follower member 8 is located approximately in the center of its range of movement, and a capacitor is formed between the switching follower member 8 as a dielectric and the central electrode 900 of the upper chamber 93 and the dielectric of the wall panel 91.

[0045] <Electric device> Next, a configuration example of an electric device ET incorporating the switch TS disclosed in the present application will be described. Fig. 18 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of a part of a control configuration of an electric device ET incorporating the switch TS disclosed in the present application. An electric device ET such as an electric tool is formed by incorporating the switch TS into a main unit MU. The main unit MU is equipped with a drive unit M such as a motor. The switch TS is equipped with a control unit TS0 that controls the drive system, an operation detection unit TS1, a switching detection unit TS2, and an output unit TS3.

[0046] The operation detection unit TS1 is a circuit that detects a pressing operation of the movable member 1 that drives the drive unit M. In the first embodiment, the operation detection unit TS1 includes various circuits and a sensor that detects the capacitance of a capacitor formed with the operation-following member 7 as a dielectric. The operation detection unit TS1 detects the amount of pressing of the movable member 1 based on the capacitance between the two electrodes 900 in the lower chamber 92 of the substrate 90 and the conductive plate.

[0047] The switching detection unit TS2 is a circuit that detects a switching operation that swings the switching lever 3. In the first embodiment, the switching detection unit TS2 includes various circuits and a sensor that detects the capacitance of a capacitor formed with the switching follower member 8 as a dielectric. The switching detection unit TS2 detects the angle of the switching lever 3 based on the capacitance between the three electrodes 900 in the upper chamber 93 of the substrate 90 and the conductive plate.

[0048] The control unit TS0 of the switch TS receives the detection result of the push operation by the operation detection unit TS1 and the detection result of the switching operation by the switching detection unit TS2. The control unit TS0 determines the output of the driving unit M, such as the rotation speed of the motor, based on the detection result by the operation detection unit TS1. The control unit TS0 also determines the drive method of the driving unit M, such as the motor rotation method, based on the detection result by the switching detection unit TS2. The control unit TS0 of the switch TS outputs an electrical signal from the output unit TS3 to the main unit MU, which drives the driving unit M with a drive method based on the detection result of the switching detection unit TS2 and an output based on the detection result of the operation detection unit TS1. The main unit MU drives the driving unit M based on the electrical signal input from the switch TS.

[0049] FIG. 19 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the amount of depression of the movable member 1 and the output value in the switch TS disclosed in the present application. In FIG. 19, the horizontal axis represents the stroke value, which is the amount of depression of the movable member 1, and the vertical axis represents the output value, such as the rotation speed of the driving unit M, to show the relationship. As shown in FIG. 11, when the movable member 1 is not depressed, a capacitor with sufficient capacitance is not formed, so the output value is "0". As shown in FIG. 12, when the movable member 1 is depressed, a capacitor with a capacitance according to the area of ​​the electrode 900 is formed, and output begins. In the section where the vertical length of the electrode 900 is changing, the output increases according to the amount of depression of the movable member 1. As shown in FIG. 13, when the area of ​​the electrode 900 forming the capacitor reaches a constant section, the output value becomes constant.

[0050] Fig. 20 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the angle of the switching lever 3 and the output value in the switch TS disclosed in the present application. Fig. 20 shows this relationship by taking the angle of the switching lever 3 on the horizontal axis and the output value on the vertical axis. The angle of the switching lever 3 is shown by the "0" position on the horizontal axis, as well as the left-handed swing angle L and the right-handed swing angle R. As shown in Figs. 14 and 16, when the switching lever 3 is tilted to the left, the output value is "0" indicating forward rotation. When the switching lever 3 is tilted to the right, the output value is "1" indicating reverse rotation.

[0051] In this manner, the drive unit M is driven based on the operation of the switch TS.

[0052] <Second embodiment> <Example of external appearance> The second embodiment is an embodiment in which the movements of the operation following member 7 and the switching following member 8 are not detected in a non-contact manner as in the first embodiment, but are instead detected according to the contact state of mechanical contacts. In the description of the second embodiment, the same components as in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and the first embodiment shall be referred to, and a detailed description thereof shall be omitted. In addition, since the appearance of the switch TS according to the second embodiment is substantially similar to that of the first embodiment, the first embodiment shall be referred to, and a detailed description thereof shall be omitted.

[0053] <Internal configuration example> The internal structure of the switch TS will be described. Fig. 21 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing an example of the switch TS disclosed in the present application. The switch TS includes various members such as a movable member 1, a housing 2, a switching lever 3, an operation interlocking member 4, a switching interlocking member 5, an engagement member 6, an operation follower member 7, a switching follower member 8, and a holding member 9. The configurations of the movable member 1, the housing 2, the switching lever 3, the operation interlocking member 4, the switching interlocking member 5, and the engagement member 6 in the second embodiment are substantially similar to those in the first embodiment.

[0054] FIG. 22 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the operation follower member 7, the switching follower member 8, and the holding member 9 of the switch TS disclosed in the present application. FIG. 23 is a schematic front view showing an example of the operation follower member 7, the switching follower member 8, and the holding member 9 of the switch TS disclosed in the present application. FIG. 24 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the switch TS disclosed in the present application. FIG. 25 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation follower member 7 of the switch TS disclosed in the present application. FIG. 26 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the switching follower member 8 of the switch TS disclosed in the present application. In FIG. 22, a part of the hidden shape is shown by a broken line. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the switch TS from below, shown from a viewpoint substantially similar to that of FIG. 5 exemplified in the first embodiment. The internal structure of the switch TS will be further described with reference to FIGS. 21 to 26. On the second half 21 side constituting the housing 2, a space is secured as a storage chamber 210 for storing the operation follower member 7, the switching follower member 8, and the holding member 9. The inside of the accommodation chamber 210 is molded into a rectangular box shape, and has a sealed structure. A holding member 9 that holds members such as the operation follower member 7 and the switching follower member 8 is also housed in the accommodation chamber 210. The operation follower member 7, the switching follower member 8, and other members held by the holding member 9 are housed in the accommodation chamber 210 in a sealed state, and are arranged apart from members such as the operation interlocking member 4 and the switching interlocking member 5. The holding member 9 is formed by combining a substrate 90 and a wall plate 91. A lower chamber 92 and an upper chamber 93 are formed in the holding member 9. The operation follower member 7 is housed in the lower chamber 92 so as to be movable back and forth. The switching follower member 8 is housed in the upper chamber 93 so as to be movable back and forth.

[0055] A plurality of thin plate-shaped fixed contacts 901 are attached to the substrate 90 at positions facing the lower chamber 92 and the upper chamber 93. The lower chamber 92 has two fixed contacts 901 attached thereto, one above the other, arranged in the front-rear direction. That is, the lower chamber 92 has four fixed contacts 901 attached thereto, arranged in the front-rear direction. Each fixed contact 901 is generally rectangular. The lower rear fixed contact 901 is made of a conductive material with lower conductivity than the other fixed contacts 901, and functions as a variable resistor whose resistance value changes depending on the contact position. The upper chamber 93 has three fixed contacts 901, each of which is generally rectangular, arranged in the front-rear direction.

[0056] The operation following member 7 includes a third magnet 70 having a substantially rectangular plate shape, and an operation sliding part 71 (sliding part) made of a metal piece curved into a substantially bow shape. The third magnet 70 constituting the operation following member 7 is arranged so that the magnetic poles are oriented in the front-rear direction, for example, the N pole is located in the front and the S pole is located in the rear. A recess is engraved on the surface of the operation following member 7 facing the substrate 90, and the operation sliding part 71 is fitted into the engraved recess. The operation sliding part 71 of the operation following member 7 is a brush made of a metal piece curved into a substantially bow shape, and is formed so that the tip slides in a state of contact with the fixed contact 901 of the substrate 90. The operation sliding part 71 is attached to the surface of the third magnet 70 facing the substrate 90 so as to be arranged in two rows, one above the other.

[0057] The switching follower member 8 includes a fourth magnet 80 having a substantially rectangular plate shape, and a switching sliding part 81 formed by bending a metal piece into a substantially arched shape. A recess is engraved on the surface of the fourth magnet 80 constituting the switching follower member 8 facing the substrate 90, and the switching sliding part 81 is fitted into the engraved recess. The switching sliding part 81 of the switching follower member 8 is a brush formed by bending a metal piece into a substantially arched shape, and is shaped so that its tip slides in contact with a fixed contact 901 of the substrate 90. The switching sliding part 81 is attached to the surface of the fourth magnet 80 facing the substrate 90.

[0058] <Operation> Next, the operation of the switch TS will be described.

[0059] <Driving operation> First, the operation based on the pushing operation of the movable member 1 will be described. FIG. 27 and FIG. 28 are schematic side views showing an example of the switch TS disclosed in the present application. FIG. 27 shows a state in which the first half 20 is removed so that the internal structure can be seen, and a part of the hidden shape, such as the fixed contact 901 attached to the substrate 90, is shown by a broken line. FIG. 27 shows a state in which the switch TS is not subjected to a pushing operation on the movable member 1. In a state in which a pushing operation is not performed, the movable member 1 and the first magnet 40 of the operation interlocking member 4 are located at the front end of the moving range. Since the first magnet 40 is located at the front end of the moving range, the operation following member 7 is also located at the front end of the moving range. Note that since the operation following member 7 and the first magnet 40, which attract each other by magnetic force, are both located at the front end of the moving range, the operation following member 7 and the first magnet 40 are drawn overlapping each other from the viewpoint illustrated in FIG. 27. The operation sliding portion 71 of the operation following member 7 located at the front end of the moving range abuts against fixed contacts 901 arranged in two tiers, upper and lower, in front of the lower chamber 92, but does not abut against the fixed contacts 901 arranged at the rear.

[0060] Fig. 28 shows a state in which the movable member 1 has been subjected to a pushing operation from the state illustrated in Fig. 27. The movable member 1 subjected to the pushing operation moves backward, which is the pushing direction. As the movable member 1 subjected to the pushing operation moves, the first magnet 40 of the operation interlocking member 4 moves backward, and the operation following member 7 moves backward following the movement of the first magnet 40. In the operation following member 7 that has moved backward, the front operation sliding part 71 abuts against the front fixed contact 901, and the rear operation sliding part 71 abuts against the rear fixed contact 901.

[0061] When controlled in a speed change mode in which the rotation speed of the drive unit M is changed according to the amount of depression of the movable member 1, the drive starts when the lower rear operation sliding unit 71 abuts against the lower rear fixed contact 901, and the rotation speed increases according to the amount of depression. Since the lower rear fixed contact 901 functions as a variable resistor, the operation detection unit TS1 can detect the resistance value to determine the amount of depression.

[0062] When controlled in a constant speed mode in which the rotational speed of the drive unit M is constant regardless of the amount of depression of the movable member 1, driving begins when the upper rear operating sliding part 71 abuts against the upper rear fixed contact 901, and is controlled at a constant speed regardless of the amount of depression.

[0063] <Switching operation> Next, the operation associated with the switching operation of the switching lever 3 will be described. FIGS. 29 and 30 are schematic perspective views showing an example of the switch TS disclosed in the present application. In FIGS. 29 and 30, the movable member 1 and the second half 21 of the housing 2 are removed so that the internal structure can be seen, and some members are shown in a transparent manner. FIG. 29 shows a state in which the switching lever 3 is operated to swing counterclockwise in a plan view. Since the switching lever 3 swings counterclockwise and the second magnet 51 is located at the front end of the moving range, the switching follower member 8 is also located at the front end of the moving range. In the state shown in FIG. 29, the switching sliding portion 81 of the switching follower member 8 located at the front end of the moving range abuts against the fixed contacts 901 at the front and center of the upper chamber 93.

[0064] Fig. 30 shows a state in which the switching lever 3 is operated to swing clockwise in a plan view. When the switching lever 3 is operated to swing clockwise, the second magnet 51 moves to the rear end of its movement range, and the switching follower member 8 is also located at the rear end of its movement range. In the state shown in Fig. 30, the switching sliding portion 81 of the switching follower member 8 located at the rear end of its movement range abuts against the fixed contacts 901 at the center and rear of the upper chamber 93.

[0065] <Electric device> The configuration of the electric device ET according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore reference should be made to the description of the electric device ET of the first embodiment given with reference to FIG. 18. However, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the control method. In the second embodiment, in the case of the speed change mode, the operation detection unit TS1 is a lower side The amount of depression of the movable member 1 is detected based on the resistance value between the two fixed contacts 901. In the case of the constant speed mode, the operation detection unit TS1 detects the amount of depression of the movable member 1 based on the resistance value between the two fixed contacts 901. UpperThe electrical continuity between the two fixed contacts 901 is detected.

[0066] In the second embodiment, the switching detector TS2 detects the angle of the switching lever 3 based on the conduction state between three fixed contacts 901 affixed to the upper chamber 93 of the substrate 90.

[0067] The control unit TS0 of the switch TS receives the detection result of the push operation by the operation detection unit TS1 and the detection result of the switching operation by the switching detection unit TS2. The control unit TS0 determines the output of the driving unit M, such as the rotation speed of the motor, based on the detection result by the operation detection unit TS1. The control unit TS0 also determines the drive method of the driving unit M, such as the motor rotation method, based on the detection result by the switching detection unit TS2. The control unit TS0 of the switch TS outputs an electrical signal from the output unit TS3 to the main unit MU, which drives the driving unit M with a drive method based on the detection result of the switching detection unit TS2 and an output based on the detection result of the operation detection unit TS1. The main unit MU drives the driving unit M based on the electrical signal input from the switch TS.

[0068] As described above, the switch TS disclosed in the present application separates and separates the members that are linked to the operation related to driving or switching from the members related to the electrical system that detect the operation and drive the drive unit M, and then makes them follow each other by magnetic force. This makes it easier to ensure airtightness such as waterproofness and dustproofness, and makes it possible to improve the airtightness performance. In particular, by accommodating and sealing the members related to the electrical system that detects the operation and drives the drive unit M in the accommodation chamber 210, it is possible to improve the airtightness.

[0069] By accommodating and sealing the components related to the electrical system in the accommodation chamber 210, it is possible to separate them from components that are likely to destroy the airtightness, such as components that change the volume of the space inside the housing 2, such as the movable member 1, and components that operate while penetrating the inside and outside of the housing 2, such as the switching lever 3. Therefore, compared to a form that uses a rubber packing, for example, it is possible to continuously maintain the airtightness, and other excellent effects are achieved.

[0070] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various other forms. Therefore, the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative in all respects and should not be interpreted as being restrictive. The technical scope of the present invention is described by the claims, and is not restricted in any way by the text of the specification. Furthermore, all modifications and changes within the equivalent scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention.

[0071] For example, in the above embodiment, both the operation interlocking member 4 and the operation following member 7 are magnetic, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is possible to develop a configuration in which only one of them is magnetic, so long as the operation following member 7 follows the operation interlocking member 4. The same applies to the switching interlocking member 5 and the switching following member 8.

[0072] In addition, for example, in the above embodiment, the operation following member 7 and the switching following member 8 are formed using a plastic magnet material having magnetic and dielectric properties, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is possible to form the operation following member 7 and the switching following member 8 with various configurations having magnetic and dielectric properties. For example, it is possible to develop into various forms, such as forming the operation following member 7 and the switching following member 8 by attaching a resin plate to a plate-shaped permanent magnet.

[0073] In addition, for example, in the above embodiment, the operation following member 7 and the switching following member 8 are formed using a dielectric material, and the operation is detected in a non-contact manner based on the electrostatic capacitance, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be developed into various forms, such as by attaching a magnetic sensor such as a Hall IC or an induction coil to the substrate 90 and detecting the movement of the magnetic operation following member 7 and the switching following member 8 in a non-contact manner by the magnetic sensor. Furthermore, the present invention can be developed into various forms, such as by detecting the movement of the operation following member 7 and the switching following member 8 in a non-contact manner by an optical sensor such as a photoelectric sensor or an optical sensor.

[0074] In addition, for example, in the above embodiment, the change of the driving method by the switching lever 3 is shown to be a change of the rotation direction of the motor, which is the driving unit M, between forward and reverse rotation, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be used to switch various driving methods. For example, the change of the switching lever 3 of the switch TS can be used in various forms, such as a variable speed mode in which the output changes depending on the amount of depression of the movable member 1, or a constant speed mode in which the output is constant regardless of the amount of depression of the movable member 1.

[0075] Furthermore, for example, the above embodiment shows a form in which an operation detection unit TS1, a switching detection unit TS2, a control unit TS0 and an output unit TS3 are provided within the switch TS, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can be expanded into various forms, such as providing the control unit TS0 outside the housing 2 in which the switch TS is provided, for example, within the main unit MU.

[0076] Furthermore, for example, in the above embodiment, the present invention has been described as being applied to a trigger switch having a trigger, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to various switches TS having a movable member 1 that moves in response to an operation. For example, the present invention can be deployed in various forms, such as being applied to a push button switch having a push button as the movable member 1. Furthermore, the switch TS according to the present invention can be incorporated into various electric devices ET, not limited to electric tools. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] TS Switch TS0 control section TS1 Operation detector TS2 Switching detection section TS3 Output Section 1 Movable parts 2. Chassis 210 Containment Room 3 Switching lever (switching member) 4 Operation interlocking parts 40 First Magnet 5 Switching interlocking parts 51 Second Magnet 6 Engagement member 7 Operation follow-up member 70 Third Magnet 71 Operation sliding part (sliding part) 8 Switching follower parts 80 4th Magnet 9 Retaining member 90 Substrate 900 electrodes 901 Fixed contact 91 Wallboard ET Electric equipment MU main unit M Drive Unit

Claims

1. A switch having a movable member that moves in response to an operation, and driving a drive unit in response to the movement of the movable member, an operation interlocking member that moves in association with the movement of the movable member by an operation; an operation following member that is disposed apart from the operation interlocking member and moves following the movement of the operation interlocking member by a magnetic force acting between the operation interlocking member and the operation following member; A switching member that operates in response to a switching operation to switch a drive method of the drive unit; A switching interlocking member that moves in accordance with the operation of the switching member by a switching operation; a switching follower member that is disposed apart from the switching interlocking member and moves following the movement of the switching interlocking member by a magnetic force acting between the switching interlocking member and the switching follower member; Equipped with At least one of the operation interlocking member and the operation following member has magnetism, The driving unit is driven based on the movement of the operation follow-up member, At least one of the switching interlocking member and the switching follower member has magnetism, The driving method of the driving unit is switched based on the movement of the switching follower member. A switch characterized by:

2. 2. The switch of claim 1, Further, a housing chamber is provided to house the operation follow-up member, The operation following member is accommodated in the accommodation chamber and is separated from the operation interlocking member. A switch characterized by:

3. 3. A switch according to claim 1 or 2, The driving unit is driven based on a result of detecting the movement of the operation follow-up member in a non-contact manner. A switch characterized by:

4. 3. A switch according to claim 1 or 2, The operation follower further includes an electrode disposed in the vicinity of the moving range of the operation follower, The operation-following member has dielectric properties, The driving unit is driven based on a result of non-contact detection of movement of the operation following member as a change in electrostatic capacitance of a capacitor formed by the operation following member and the electrode. A switch characterized by:

5. 3. A switch according to claim 1 or 2, Further comprising a fixed contact, the operation following member has a sliding portion that slides on the fixed contact by movement, The drive unit is driven based on a result of detecting the movement of the operation follower member as a change in an electrical resistance value or a conductive state related to the fixed contact. A switch characterized by:

6. A switch having a movable member that moves in response to an operation, and driving a drive unit in response to the movement of the movable member, A switching member that operates in response to a switching operation to switch a drive method of the drive unit; A switching interlocking member that moves in accordance with the operation of the switching member by a switching operation; a switching follower member that is disposed apart from the switching interlocking member and moves following the movement of the switching interlocking member by a magnetic force acting between the switching interlocking member and the switching follower member; Further comprising: At least one of the switching interlocking member and the switching follower member has magnetism, The driving method of the driving unit is switched based on the movement of the switching follower member. A switch characterized by:

7. The switch of claim 6, Further comprising a housing chamber for housing the switching follower member, The switching follower member is accommodated in the accommodation chamber and is separated from the switching interlocking member. A switch characterized by:

8. A switch according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The drive unit may be incorporated into an electric device that is driven based on an electric signal, An output unit that outputs an electrical signal that drives the drive unit, The output unit is Outputting an electrical signal to drive the driving unit A switch characterized by:

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