Operating device
The operating device integrates a swingable operation unit with a biasing member to reduce parts, addressing the high-part count issue and enhancing switch protection, achieving cost-effective and efficient switch operation.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2021142920
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2021-09-02
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-03
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-09-02
AI Technical Summary
The existing operating device has a high number of parts due to the interlocking of a lower cam and push rod, leading to increased costs.
An operating device with an operation unit, a swingable operation support member, a base member with a sliding surface, and a biasing member that reduces the number of parts by integrating switch operation through a swing member that operates a switch without additional components.
The solution suppresses the increase in the number of parts, contributing to cost reduction and improved protection of switches by integrating switch operation directly through the swing member, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and reducing component complexity.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to an operating device.
Background Art
[0002] In the operating device described in Patent Document 1 below, a fixed seat is fixed to a lever (operating part), and a movable seat is provided on the lever so as to be relatively movable in the lever axis direction. A spring is attached to the lever. The spring is disposed between the fixed seat and the movable seat, biases the movable seat downward, and presses the movable seat against the inclined surface of the cam. A lower cam is provided below the lever, and the lower end of the lever engages with the lower cam. Further, a push rod is provided below the lower cam. When the lever is swing-operated, the lower cam moves in conjunction with the operation of the lever, the push rod is pushed downward by the lower cam, and the contact is actuated by the push rod.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] However, in the above operating device, as described above, since the lower cam and the push rod that are interlocked with the swing of the lever are provided, and the contact is actuated by the lower cam and the push rod, there is a problem that the number of parts of the operating device increases and the cost of the operating device increases.
[0005] In view of the above facts, an object of the present invention is to provide an operating device capable of suppressing an increase in the number of parts.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] One or more embodiments of the present invention include an operation unit having an operation axis, a circuit board disposed on one side in the axial direction of the operation axis and provided with a first switch, an operation support member that supports the operation unit so as to be swingable from the other side in the axial direction, a swing member provided at one end side portion of the operation axis so as to be relatively movable in the axial direction, a base member that supports the swing member from one side in the axial direction and has a sliding surface on which the swing member slides when the swing member swings, and a first biasing member that biases the swing member toward one side in the axial direction and biases the operation unit toward the other side in the axial direction. The swing member has a switch operation portion that operates the first switch when the operation unit swings. The swing member includes a main body portion having a supported portion supported by the sliding surface, and an arm portion extending radially outward from the main body portion in the radial direction of the operation shaft and having the switch operating portion at its tip end. The sliding surface is inclined toward the other side in the axial direction as it goes radially outward from the operation shaft. The first switch is disposed on one side in the axial direction with respect to the switch operating portion. The base member has a guide portion, and the arm portion is guided by the guide portion when the operating portion swings. It is an operating device.
Effect of the Invention
[0007] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0008]
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention
[0009] Hereinafter, the operating device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the direction of arrow A shown in the drawings indicates the lower side of the operating device 10, and the direction of arrow B shown in the drawings indicates the upper side of the operating device 10. In the following description, when the up and down directions are used for description, unless otherwise specified, it indicates the up and down directions of the operating device 10. Further, the direction orthogonal to the up and down directions is defined as the first direction (the directions of arrow C and arrow D in FIG. 1), and the direction orthogonal to the up and down directions and the first direction is defined as the second direction (the directions of arrow E and arrow F in FIG. 1). Also, one side of the first direction is the arrow C direction side, and one side of the second direction is the arrow E direction.
[0010] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the operating device 10 includes a circuit board 20, a case 30, a base member 40, a push member 50, a rotor 60 as an operation support member, an operation unit 70, a switch operation member 80 as a swing member, and a first buffer spring 90 as a first biasing member.
[0011] In the operating device 10, the case 30 constitutes the outer shell of the operating device 10. Further, the operation unit 70 extends in the up and down directions, and the upper end portion of the operation unit 70 protrudes upward from the case 30 and is exposed outside the operating device 10 so as to be operable (the state shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, hereinafter, the position of the operation unit 70 in this state is referred to as the neutral position). Although details will be described later, in the operating device 10, the operation unit 70 is configured to enable three operations: a rotation operation of rotating the operation unit 70 around the axis AL of the operation axis 76 of the operation unit 70, a pressing operation of pressing the operation unit 70 downward, and a swinging operation of tilting the operation unit 70 in the first direction or the second direction. Hereinafter, each component of the operating device 10 will be described.
[0012] (Regarding the circuit board 20) As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the circuit board 20 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape with the first direction as the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction as the plate thickness direction. On the upper surface of the circuit board 20, a push switch 21 (see FIG. 2) as a second switch is provided. The push switch 21 is composed of a membrane switch or the like, is formed in a substantially dome shape with a relatively small thickness, and is arranged coaxially with the axis AL. Further, the push switch 21 is configured to give a click feeling to the operator when it is pressed downward.
[0013] On the upper surface of the circuit board 20, four tactile switches 22 as first switches are provided. The four tactile switches 22 are arranged on both sides in the first direction and both sides in the second direction with respect to the push switch 21, and are arranged at intervals of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction of the push switch 21. Further, on the upper surface of the circuit board 20, outside the radial direction of the push switch 21, a pair of optical sensors 23 as rotation detection members for detecting the rotation position of a rotor 60 described later are provided. The optical sensor 23 is configured as, for example, a photo interrupter, and is formed in a concave shape that is open upward when viewed from the rotation direction of the rotor 60. One optical sensor 23 is arranged on one side in the first direction and the other side in the second direction with respect to the axis AL, and the other optical sensor 23 is arranged on the other side in the first direction and the one side in the second direction with respect to the axis AL.
[0014] (Regarding the case 30) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the case 30 is formed in a substantially bottomed cylindrical shape that is open downward. The outer shape of the case 30 is formed in a substantially regular octagonal shape in plan view. The case 30 is arranged adjacent to the upper side of the circuit board 20, is assembled to the circuit board 20 by claw fitting, and is fastened and fixed to the circuit board 20 with screws. The case 30 is arranged coaxially with the axis AL, and the push switch 21, the tactile switch 22, and the optical sensor 23 are housed in the case 30. A cylindrical support cylinder portion 30A is formed at the central portion of the upper wall of the case 30, and the support cylinder portion 30A protrudes upward from the upper surface of the case 30.
[0015] (Regarding the base member 40) As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the base member 40 is formed in a substantially bottomed cylindrical shape that is open upward. The outer shape of the base member 40 is formed in a substantially regular octagonal shape that is similar to the outer shape of the case 30 in plan view, and is set to be smaller than the outer shape of the case 30. Then, the base member 40 is housed inside the case 30 and is fixed to the case 30 by claw fitting. Further, in the state where the base member 40 is housed in the case 30, the bottom wall of the base member 40 is disposed adjacent to the upper side of the circuit board 20. Note that a plurality of holes 41 for arranging the tactile switch 22 and the optical sensor 23 of the circuit board 20 are formed through the bottom wall of the base member 40.
[0016] At the center of the bottom wall of the base member 40, a raised portion 42 for arranging the push switch 21 of the circuit board 20 is formed. The raised portion 42 is formed in a concave shape that is open downward and protrudes upward with respect to the bottom wall of the base member 40. At the center of the raised portion 42, a base support portion 43 for supporting a switch operating member 80 described later is formed. The base support portion 43 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with the vertical direction as the axial direction, extends upward from the raised portion 42, and is disposed coaxially with the axis AL. The outer peripheral surface of the base support portion 43 is inclined radially inward as it goes upward.
[0017] At the upper opening edge portion of the base support portion 43, a base-side support surface 43A as a sliding surface is formed. The base-side support surface 43A is configured as an inclined surface that is inclined upward as it goes radially outward. Further, on the inner peripheral surface of the base support portion 43, a plurality (four in this embodiment) of engaging groove portions 43B (see FIG. 2) are formed below the base-side support surface 43A. The engaging groove portions 43B extend in the vertical direction, and the lower end portion of the engaging groove portions 43B is open downward. Further, the four engaging groove portions 43B are formed in both side portions in the first direction and both side portions in the second direction on the inner peripheral surface of the base support portion 43 (in FIG. 2, only the engaging groove portions 43B formed in both side portions in the second direction on the inner peripheral surface of the base support portion 43 are shown).
[0018] On the bottom wall of the base member 40, on the radially outer side of the raised portion 42, guide ribs 44 are formed as four guide portions for guiding the arm portion 82 of the switch operating member 80 described later. The guide ribs 44 are formed in a rib shape with the radial direction of the base support portion 43 as the plate thickness direction, project upward from the bottom wall of the base member 40, and are curved in a substantially arc shape centered on the axis AL when viewed from above. One guide rib 44 is arranged on one side in the first direction and on one side in the second direction with respect to the raised portion 42, and the four guide ribs 44 are arranged at intervals of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction of the base member 40.
[0019] (Regarding the push member 50) As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the push member 50 is formed in a substantially columnar shape with the vertical direction as the axial direction. The push member 50 is inserted into the base support portion 43 of the base member 40 from below and is disposed adjacent to the upper side of the push switch 21. On the outer peripheral portion of the push member 50, four engaging convex portions 51 (see FIG. 2) extending in the vertical direction are formed, and the engaging convex portions 51 are arranged at intervals of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction of the push member 50 (in FIG. 2, only two engaging convex portions 51 are shown). Further, the engaging convex portions 51 are inserted into the engaging groove portions 43B of the base member 40 and are engaged with the engaging groove portions 43B in the circumferential direction of the push member 50. Thereby, the push member 50 is connected to the base member 40 so as to be relatively movable in the vertical direction and non-rotatable relative to each other.
[0020] A guide groove 52 is formed at the center of the upper surface of the push member 50. The guide groove 52 is formed in a cross shape in plan view (see FIG. 3). Specifically, the guide groove 52 includes a first guide groove portion 52A extending in the first direction and a second guide groove portion 52B extending in the second direction. Further, the upper surface of the push member 50 is formed in a concave curved surface shape that is convex downward.
[0021] (Regarding the rotor 60) As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the rotor 60 is formed in a substantially stepped cylindrical shape with the vertical direction as the axial direction. Specifically, it includes an upper rotor portion 60A constituting the upper end portion of the rotor 60, an intermediate rotor portion 60B constituting the intermediate portion in the vertical direction of the rotor 60, and a lower rotor portion 60C constituting the lower end portion of the rotor 60. The lower end portion of the upper rotor portion 60A extends radially outward and is connected to the upper end portion of the intermediate rotor portion 60B, and the lower end portion of the intermediate rotor portion 60B extends radially outward and is connected to the upper end portion of the lower rotor portion 60C.
[0022] The rotor 60 is arranged coaxially with the axis AL and is housed inside the case 30 and the base member 40. Specifically, the upper end portion of the upper rotor portion 60A is arranged inside the support cylinder portion 30A of the case 30 and is rotatably supported by the support cylinder portion 30A. Thereby, the rotor 60 is rotatably supported by the case 30. Also, the upper surface of the rotor 60 and the upper surface of the support cylinder portion 30A are arranged flush. The rotor 60 is biased upward by a first buffer spring 90 described later, and the upper surface of the intermediate rotor portion 60B abuts against the upper wall of the case 30 from below, restricting the upward movement of the rotor 60.
[0023] The lower end portion of the lower rotor portion 60C is arranged inside the above-described optical sensor 23 (see FIG. 5). A plurality (five in this embodiment) of notches 61 that open downward are formed in the lower end portion of the lower rotor portion 60C, and the notches 61 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the lower rotor portion 60C. Thus, the lower end portion of the lower rotor portion 60C is formed in an uneven shape. Thereby, the lower end portion of the lower rotor portion 60C shields or allows the light traveling from the light emitting portion to the light receiving portion of the optical sensor 23 to pass through, and the optical sensor 23 is configured to detect the rotational position of the rotor 60.
[0024] As shown in Fig. 2, the upper opening 62 of the upper rotor portion 60A is slightly inclined radially outward as it goes upward. On the inner peripheral portion of the upper rotor portion 60A, a rotor-side support surface 63 is formed in a portion excluding the upper opening 62. The rotor-side support surface 63 is configured as a surface that swingably supports an operation portion 70 described later. The upper portion of the rotor-side support surface 63 is configured as a support curved surface 63A that is curved and inclined radially outward as it goes downward, and the lower portion of the rotor-side support surface 63 is configured as a support inclined surface 63B that is linearly inclined radially outward as it goes downward. And the lower end of the support curved surface 63A and the upper end of the support inclined surface 63B are smoothly connected. Further, the support curved surface 63A is configured as a concave surface that is a part of a spherical surface centered on a swing center point CP that is the center point when the operation portion 70 swings.
[0025] Further, a plurality (four locations in this embodiment) of engagement groove portions 64 are formed in the rotor-side support surface 63. The engagement groove portions 64 extend in the vertical direction, and the lower end portions of the engagement groove portions 64 are open downward. The four engagement groove portions 64 are formed in both side portions in the first direction and both side portions in the second direction of the rotor-side support surface 63 (in Fig. 2, only the engagement groove portions 64 formed in both side portions in the second direction of the rotor-side support surface 63 are shown).
[0026] (Regarding the operation portion 70) As shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 4, the operation portion 70 is formed in a substantially long bar shape that extends in the vertical direction as a whole. The operation portion 70 includes an operated member 72, a spring receiving member 74, an operation shaft 76, and a second buffer spring 78 as a second biasing member.
[0027] The member to be operated 72 constitutes the upper end portion of the operation unit 70. The member to be operated 72 is formed in a substantially bottomed cylindrical shape that is open downward and is arranged coaxially with the axis AL. Specifically, the member to be operated 72 is inserted into the upper rotor portion 60A of the rotor 60 from below, and the upper portion of the member to be operated 72 protrudes upward from the rotor 60 and the case 30. The member to be operated 72 is configured as a member into which an operating force from an operator is input. A part of the outer peripheral portion of the member to be operated 72 is cut out so that the outer shape of the upper portion of the member to be operated 72 is substantially D-shaped in plan view.
[0028] A supported portion 72A is formed at the lower end portion of the member to be operated 72, and the outer diameter of the supported portion 72A is set to be larger than the outer diameters of other portions. Specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the supported portion 72A is curved and inclined radially outward as it goes downward corresponding to the rotor-side support surface 63 (supporting curved surface 63A) of the rotor 60. More specifically, the outer peripheral portion of the supported portion 72A is configured as a convex surface that is a part of a spherical surface centered on the swing center point CP. And the supported portion 72A is in contact with the rotor-side support surface 63 of the rotor 60 from below.
[0029] Note that the member to be operated 72 is biased upward by the biasing force of a first buffer spring 90 described later, and the member to be operated 72 (operation unit 70) is held at the neutral position. Thereby, the member to be operated 72 (operation unit 70) is swingably supported from above by the rotor 60. And when an operating force in the first direction or the second direction is applied to the member to be operated 72, the member to be operated 72 (operation unit 70) is configured to swing from the neutral position to the swing position (the position shown in FIG. 7) (in FIG. 7, the state where the member to be operated 72 (operation unit 70) swings from the neutral position to one side in the second direction is illustrated). Also, when a pressing force downward is applied to the member to be operated 72, the member to be operated 72 (operation unit 70) is configured to be arranged at a pressed position (the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 6) where it is displaced downward from the neutral position.
[0030] On the outer peripheral portion of the lower end of the supported portion 72A, four engaging protrusions 72B corresponding to the engaging groove portion 64 of the rotor 60 are formed. The engaging protrusions 72B are formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with the radial direction of the operated member 72 as the axial direction. The engaging protrusions 72B are inserted into the engaging groove portion 64 so as to be relatively movable in the longitudinal direction of the engaging groove portion 64 of the rotor 60 and engageable in the circumferential direction of the operated member 72. Thereby, the operated member 72 is rotatably connected integrally with the rotor 60 around the axis AL.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the spring receiving member 74 is formed in a substantially stepped cylindrical shape with the vertical direction as the axial direction. Specifically, the diameter of the upper end portion of the spring receiving member 74 is set larger than the diameter of the other portions. And the spring receiving member 74 is inserted into the supported portion 72A of the operated member 72 from below. Further, the spring receiving member 74 is biased upward by a first buffer spring 90 described later and abuts against the upper surface inside the supported portion 72A.
[0032] The operation shaft 76 constitutes the axial center portion of the operation portion 70. The operation shaft 76 is formed in a substantially stepped cylindrical shape with the vertical direction as the axial direction. Specifically, the operation shaft 76 includes an upper shaft portion 76A constituting the upper portion of the operation shaft 76, a lower shaft portion 76B constituting the lower portion of the operation shaft 76, and a guide shaft portion 76C constituting the lower end portion of the operation shaft 76. The upper shaft portion 76A is set to have a larger diameter than the lower shaft portion 76B, and a stepped portion 76D that steps down radially inward is formed on the outer peripheral portion at the upper end of the upper shaft portion 76A.
[0033] And the upper shaft portion 76A is inserted into the operated member 72 so as to be relatively movable in the vertical direction. Further, the lower shaft portion 76B is inserted through the spring receiving member 74, and the upper surface of the spring receiving member 74 abuts against the lower surface of the upper shaft portion 76A. The lower surface of the lower shaft portion 76B is formed of a convex curved surface that protrudes downward and abuts against the upper surface of the push member 50. And when the operation portion 70 swings, the lower surface of the lower shaft portion 76B slides on the upper surface of the push member 50.
[0034] The guide shaft portion 76C is set to have a smaller diameter than the lower shaft portion 76B. The guide shaft portion 76C is inserted into the guide groove 52 of the push member 50 so as to be relatively movable therein. Specifically, when the operation portion 70 is swung in the first direction, the guide shaft portion 76C is guided by the first guide groove portion 52A, and when the operation portion 70 is swung in the second direction, the guide shaft portion 76C is guided by the second guide groove portion 52B.
[0035] The second buffer spring 78 is configured as a compression coil spring. The second buffer spring 78 is disposed inside the operated member 72 and above the operation shaft 76. Specifically, the upper end portion of the second buffer spring 78 is locked to the upper wall of the operated member 72, and the lower end portion of the second buffer spring 78 is locked to the stepped portion 76D of the operation shaft 76, and the second buffer spring 78 biases the operation shaft 76 downward. As a result, the lower surface of the upper shaft portion 76A of the operation shaft 76 abuts against the upper surface of the spring receiving member 74.
[0036] (Switch operating member 80) As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the switch operating member 80 is made of a resin material. The switch operating member 80 is formed in a substantially cross-shaped plate shape with the vertical direction as the plate thickness direction, and is disposed inside the rotor 60 and above the base support portion 43 of the base member 40. The switch operating member 80 includes a main body portion 81 that constitutes the central portion of the switch operating member 80, and arm portions 82 as four arms extending from the main body portion 81 to both sides in the first direction and both sides in the second direction.
[0037] The main body portion 81 is formed in a substantially bottomed cylindrical shape that is open downward, and the side wall of the main body portion 81 is inclined radially outward as it goes downward. At the center of the lower surface of the upper wall of the main body portion 81, a supported convex portion 81A serving as a supported portion is formed. The supported convex portion 81A is formed in a substantially hemispherical shape that protrudes downward. Further, an insertion hole 81B is formed through the main body portion 81 in the vertical direction, and the lower shaft portion 76B of the operation shaft 76 is inserted into the insertion hole 81B so as to be relatively movable in the axial direction. Also, in the state where the switch operating member 80 is connected to the operation shaft 76, the supported convex portion 81A is in contact with the base side support surface 43A of the base member 40 from above by the biasing force of a first buffer spring 90 described later. As a result, the switch operating member 80 is connected to the operation shaft 76 so as to be swingable integrally with the operation shaft 76. Then, when the operation portion 70 swings, the supported convex portion 81A slides on the base side support surface 43A.
[0038] The arm portion 82 extends radially outward from the lower end portion of the side wall of the main body portion 81. The arm portion 82 is configured to be elastically deformable in the vertical direction. The tip end portion of the arm portion 82 is configured as a switch operating portion 82A, and the switch operating portion 82A is bent downward and is disposed adjacent to the upper side of the tactile switch 22.
[0039] (Regarding the first buffer spring 90) As shown in FIG. 2, the first buffer spring 90 is configured as a compression coil spring, is attached to the operation shaft 76, and is disposed between the spring receiving member 74 and the switch operating member 80. Specifically, the upper end portion of the first buffer spring 90 is locked to the spring receiving member 74, and the lower end portion of the first buffer spring 90 is locked to the switch operating member 80 via a washer, and the first buffer spring 90 biases the spring receiving member 74 upward and biases the switch operating member 80 downward. As a result, the supported convex portion 81A of the switch operating member 80 is supported from below by the base side support surface 43A of the base member 40, and the supported portion 72A of the operated member 72 is supported from above by the rotor side support surface 63 of the rotor 60.
[0040] Then, as shown in FIG. 7, when the operating member 72 is swung, the operating member 72 and the operating shaft 76 swing integrally with the switch operating member 80 to a swing position, and the switch operating portion 82A of the switch operating member 80 presses the tactile switch 22 facing in the vertical direction, so that the urging force of the first buffer spring 90 is set so that the tactile switch 22 operates. Further, although details will be described later, when an operating force for further swinging the operating member 72 in the swing position is input to the operating member 72, the main body portion 81 of the switch operating member 80 moves toward the upper end side of the operating shaft 76 against the urging force of the first buffer spring 90, so that the urging force of the first buffer spring 90 is set. At this time, the arm portion 82 of the switch operating member 80 is configured to bend and deform upward.
[0041] Also, when the operating member 72 is pressed downward, the operating member 72 and the operating shaft 76 move relatively downward with respect to the switch operating member 80 against the urging force of the first buffer spring 90, and the push switch 21 is pressed by the push member 50. As a result, when the operating member 72 is pressed, the position of the switch operating member 80 does not change, so that the operation of the tactile switch 22 by the switch operating member 80 is blocked. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, when an operating force for further lowering the operating member 72 in the pressed position is input to the operating member 72, the urging force of the second buffer spring 78 is set so that the second buffer spring 78 deforms and the operating member 72 is displaced relatively downward with respect to the operating shaft 76.
[0042] (Function and Effect) Next, the function and effect of the present embodiment will be described.
[0043] In the rotational operation of the operating device 10 configured as described above, the operator rotates the operated member 72 around the axis AL. As a result, the operated member 72 and the rotor 60 rotate around the axis AL. Therefore, the state of the optical sensor 23 is switched between a state where the light traveling from the light emitting part to the light receiving part is blocked and a state where the light passes by the lower end part of the rotor 60. Thereby, the rotational position of the operated member 72 is detected by the optical sensor 23.
[0044] Also, in the pressing operation of the operating device 10, the operator presses the operated member 72 downward. As a result, the first buffer spring 90 is compressed and deformed, and the operated member 72 and the operating shaft 76 are displaced downward relative to the rotor 60 and the switch operating member 80. Therefore, the push member 50 is pressed downward by the operating shaft 76, is displaced downward, and presses the push switch 21. Thereby, the pressing operation of the operating device 10 is detected by the push switch 21.
[0045] Also, in the rocking operation of the operating device 10, the operator presses the operated member 72 in the first direction or the second direction. As a result, the operating part 70 rocks in the pressed direction. For example, when a pressing force (operating force) in one side of the second direction is input to the operated member 72, as shown in FIG. 7, the operated member 72, the operating shaft 76, and the switch operating member 80 integrally rock to one side in the second direction around the rocking center point CP by the biasing forces of the first buffer spring 90 and the second buffer spring 78. At this time, the supported convex part 81A of the switch operating member 80 is displaced to the other side in the second direction and slides on the base side support surface 43A of the base member 40. Further, at this time, the switch operating part 82A of the arm part 82 on one side in the second direction presses the tactile switch 22 from above. Therefore, the rocking operation of the operating device 10 is detected by the tactile switch 22.
[0046] As described above, in the operating device 10, the rotor-side support surface 63 of the rotor 60 supports the operated member 72 of the operating unit 70 so as to be swingable from above. Further, the switch operating member 80 is provided so as to be axially relatively movable with respect to the lower shaft portion 76B of the operating shaft 76 in the operating unit 70, and the base-side support surface 43A of the base member 40 supports the supported convex portion 81A of the switch operating member 80 from below. Furthermore, the first buffer spring 90 biases the switch operating member 80 downward and biases the operated member 72 of the operating unit 70 upward. Thereby, when the operating unit 70 swings, the switch operating member 80 swings integrally with the operating unit 70, and the supported convex portion 81A slides on the base-side support surface 43A.
[0047] Here, the switch operating member 80 has a switch operating portion 82A that presses the tactile switch 22 during the swing operation of the operating unit 70. For this reason, for example, the tactile switch 22 can be operated without separately providing a member for operating the tactile switch 22 in conjunction with the swing of the operating unit 70 as described in the background art. That is, the tactile switch 22 can be directly operated by the switch operating member 80 that swings integrally with the operating unit 70. Thereby, in the operating device 10, an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed, and the cost reduction of the operating device 10 can be contributed.
[0048] Further, the base support portion 43 of the base member 40 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and the base-side support surface 43A that constitutes the upper opening edge portion of the base support portion 43 is configured as an inclined surface that inclines upward as it goes outward in the radial direction of the operating shaft 76 (base support portion 43). For this reason, the operating unit 70 at the swing position can be favorably returned to the neutral position by the biasing force of the first buffer spring 90 and the base-side support surface 43A configured as the inclined surface.
[0049] Further, the switch operating member 80 includes a main body portion 81 having a supported convex portion 81A, and an arm portion 82 extending radially outward from the main body portion 81 in the radial direction of the operating shaft 76. And the tactile switch 22 is disposed below the switch operating portion 82A of the arm portion 82. Thereby, the protection performance of the tactile switch 22 can be improved.
[0050] That is, as shown in FIG. 7, when an operating force for further swinging the operated member 72 in the swinging position to one side in the second direction is input to the operated member 72, the switch operating member 80 swings to one side in the second direction about the switch operating portion 82A on one side in the second direction (see arrow a in FIG. 7). At this time, the supported convex portion 81A of the switch operating member 80 slides on the base side support surface 43A, and the main body portion 81 of the switch operating member 80 is displaced toward the upper end side of the operating shaft 76 against the biasing force of the first buffer spring 90 (see arrow b in FIG. 7). Thereby, since the operating force input to the operated member 72 is absorbed by the compression deformation of the first buffer spring 90, it is possible to prevent an excessive pressing force from being input to the tactile switch 22. Therefore, since the arm portion 82 extending radially outward from the supported convex portion 81A of the main body portion 81 to the operating shaft 76 is integrally formed, even when an excessive input of the operating force is applied to the operated member 72, it is possible to avoid the operating load by the switch operating portion 82A from continuously being applied to the contact. Even if the tactile switch 22 is directly pressed by the switch operating member 80 that swings integrally with the operating portion 70, the protection performance of the tactile switch 22 can be improved.
[0051] Further, the arm portion 82 of the switch operating member 80 is configured to be elastically deformable in the vertical direction. Specifically, when an operating force for further swinging the operated member 72 in the swinging position is input to the operated member 72, the arm portion 82 bends and deforms upward. Thereby, due to the elastic deformation of the arm portion 82, the operating force input to the operated member 72 is absorbed, so that it is possible to further suppress an excessive pressing force from being input to the tactile switch 22. Therefore, the protection performance of the tactile switch 22 can be further improved.
[0052] Further, the base member 40 has guide ribs 44, and when the operation unit 70 swings, the arm portion 82 of the switch operating member 80 is guided by the guide ribs 44. Therefore, while suppressing the relative rotation of the switch operating member 80 with respect to the operation shaft 76 by the guide ribs 44, the tactile switch 22 can be favorably pressed by the switch operating member 80 when the operation unit 70 swings.
[0053] Also, in the operation unit 70, the operated member 72 is provided so as to be relatively movable with respect to the upper end portion of the operation shaft 76, and the second buffer spring 78 biases the operation shaft 76 downward and biases the operated member 72 upward. Further, a push member 50 is provided below the operation shaft 76, and a push switch 21 operated by the push member 50 is provided below the push member 50. Thereby, the push switch 21 can be operated by pressing the operated member 72 downward. At this time, the first buffer spring 90 is compressed and deformed, and the non-operated state of the switch operating member 80 can be maintained. That is, the non-operated state of the tactile switch 22 can be maintained. Therefore, the operation device 10 can also be configured as a pressing operation device.
[0054] Moreover, when an operating force for further lowering the operated member 72 at the pressing position is input to the operated member 72, the second buffer spring 78 is deformed, and the operated member 72 is relatively displaced downward with respect to the operation shaft 76. Thereby, since the pressing force input to the operated member 72 is absorbed by the compression deformation of the second buffer spring 78, it is possible to suppress an excessive pressing force from being applied to the push switch 21. Therefore, the protection performance for the push switch 21 can be improved.
[0055] Further, the push member 50 is connected to the base member 40 so as to be relatively movable in the vertical direction and non-rotatable relative to the axis AL. Specifically, the push member 50 is inserted into the base support portion 43 of the base member 40 from below, and the engaging convex portion 51 of the push member 50 is inserted into the engaging groove portion 43B of the base member 40. Further, a guide groove 52 is formed in the push member 50, and the guide shaft portion 76C of the operation shaft 76 is inserted into the guide groove 52 to guide the swinging operation of the operation portion 70 by the guide groove 52. Thereby, by utilizing the push member 50 for pressing the push switch 21, the swinging of the operation shaft 76 (operation portion 70) can be guided.
[0056] Further, the supported portion 72A of the member to be operated 72 in the operation portion 70 is swingably supported on the rotor-side support surface 63 of the rotor 60. The rotor 60 is rotatably supported by the case 30 and is configured to be integrally rotatable with the member to be operated 72. Therefore, the operation device 10 can also be configured as a rotary operation device.
Explanation of Reference Numerals
[0057] 10 Operation device 20 Circuit board 21 Push switch (second switch) 22 Tactile switch (first switch) 30 Case 40 Base member 43A Base-side support surface (sliding surface) 44 Guide rib (guide portion) 50 Push member 52 Guide groove 60 Rotor (operation support member) 70 Operation portion 72 Member to be operated 76 Operation shaft 78 Second buffer spring (second biasing member) 80 Switch operating member (swinging member) 81 Main body portion 81A Supported convex portion (supported portion) 82 Arm portion 90 First buffer spring (first biasing member)
Claims
1. An operating part having an operating shaft, A circuit board disposed on one side in the axial direction of the operating shaft and provided with a first switch, An operation support member that supports the operation part so as to be swingable from the other side in the axial direction, A swing member provided at one end side portion of the operating shaft so as to be relatively movable in the axial direction, A base member that supports the swing member from one side in the axial direction and has a sliding surface on which the swing member slides when the swing member swings, A first biasing member that biases the swing member toward one side in the axial direction and biases the operation part toward the other side in the axial direction, Comprising, The swing member has a switch operating part that operates the first switch when the operation part swings, The swing member, A main body part having a supported part supported by the sliding surface, An arm part extending radially outward from the main body part in the radial direction of the operating shaft and having the switch operating part at its tip, Composed of, The sliding surface is inclined toward the other side in the axial direction as it goes radially outward of the operating shaft, The first switch is disposed on one side in the axial direction with respect to the switch operating part, The base member has a guide part, and the arm part is guided by the guide part when the operation part swings. An operating device.
2. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the arm part is configured to be elastically deformable in the axial direction.
3. An operating part having an operating shaft, A circuit board disposed on one side in the axial direction of the operating shaft and provided with a first switch, An operation support member that supports the operation part so as to be swingable from the other side in the axial direction, A swing member provided at one end side portion of the operating shaft so as to be relatively movable in the axial direction, A base member that supports the swing member from one side in the axial direction and has a sliding surface on which the swing member slides when the swing member swings, A first biasing member that biases the swing member toward one side in the axial direction and biases the operation part toward the other side in the axial direction, Comprising, The swing member has a switch operating part that operates the first switch when the operation part swings, The operation part, The operating shaft, An operated member provided at the other end of the operating shaft so as to be relatively movable in the axial direction and supported by the operation support member, A second biasing member that biases the operating shaft toward one side in the axial direction and biases the operated member toward the other side in the axial direction, Composed of, On one side in the axial direction with respect to the operation shaft, a push member configured to be pressable against the operation shaft is provided. On the circuit board, on one side in the axial direction with respect to the push member, an operation device provided with a second switch actuated by the push member.
4. The push member is connected to the base member so as to be relatively movable in the axial direction and immovable in the circumferential direction of the operation shaft. The operation device according to claim 3, wherein a guide groove for guiding the operation shaft is formed in the push member when the operation portion swings.
5. An operation portion having an operation shaft, A circuit board disposed on one side in the axial direction of the operation shaft and provided with a first switch, An operation support member that supports the operation portion so as to be swingable from the other side in the axial direction, A swing member provided at one end portion of the operation shaft so as to be relatively movable in the axial direction, A base member that supports the swing member from one side in the axial direction and has a sliding surface on which the swing member slides when the swing member swings, A first biasing member that biases the swing member toward one side in the axial direction and biases the operation portion toward the other side in the axial direction, A case that houses the swing member and the first switch, Comprising: The swing member has a switch actuating portion that actuates the first switch when the operation portion swings. The operation support member is rotatably supported by the case rotatably about the axis of the operation shaft and is configured as a rotor that is integrally rotatable with the operation portion.
6. The operation portion is The operation shaft, An operated member provided at the other end of the operation shaft so as to be relatively movable in the axial direction and supported by the operation support member, A second biasing member that biases the operation shaft toward one side in the axial direction and biases the operated member toward the other side in the axial direction, Comprising: On one side in the axial direction with respect to the operation shaft, a push member configured to be pressable against the operation shaft is provided. The operation device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a second switch actuated by the push member is provided on the circuit board on one side in the axial direction with respect to the push member.
7. Comprising a case that houses the swing member and the first switch. The operating support member is rotatably supported by the case around the axis of the operating shaft, and is configured as a rotor rotatably connected integrally with the operating portion according to claim 1 or claim 2.
Citation Information
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