Switching device

Abstract

To provide a switch device capable of suppressing occurrence of breakage during press operation.SOLUTION: A switch device includes: a first deformation unit 21; a second deformation unit 22 connected to the first deformation unit 21 and having a cantilever structure with a first end in a longitudinal direction being a fixed end and a second end in the longitudinal direction being a free end; an operation unit 22A provided at the second end of the second deformation unit 22; and a tact switch 23 operated by press operation of the operation unit 22A. When the operation unit 22A is operated, the first deformation unit 21 is configured to be deformable between a first position in contact with the tact switch 23 and a second position separated from the tact switch 23 based on force transmitted from the operation unit 22A via the second deformation unit 22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a switch device. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there is known a switch device in which a tactile switch is switched on and off by contact with a pressing shaft of a push button when the push button is pressed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-75112 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional technology, if an excessive load is applied when the push button is pressed, there is a risk that the switch device may be damaged.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a switch device that can prevent damage during a pressing operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A switch device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a first deformation portion, a second deformation portion connected to the first deformation portion and having a cantilever structure with a first longitudinal end as a fixed end and a second longitudinal end as a free end, an operating portion provided at the second end of the second deformation portion, and a switch that is operated by pressing the operating portion, and the first deformation portion is configured to be deformable between a first position in contact with the switch and a second position away from the switch based on the force transmitted from the operating portion through the second deformation portion when the operating portion is pressed.

[0007] According to this aspect, if an excessive load is applied when the operating portion is pressed, the cantilever structure of the second deformation portion deforms to absorb the excessive load, thereby preventing damage during the pressing operation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent damage from occurring during a pressing operation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of an air compressor. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the internal configuration of an air compressor. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a front view of the switch device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a switch device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7A] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the switch device. [Figure 7B] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the switch device. [Figure 7C] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the switch device. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the switch device. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a front view of a switch device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a switch device will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] <Air compressor schematic configuration> Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of an air compressor 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the internal configuration of the air compressor 1 according to this embodiment. The air compressor 1 includes a housing 50, grips 61 and 62, a compression mechanism 3 driven by a motor to generate compressed air, a tank 8 to store the compressed air generated by the compression mechanism 3, an operation panel 10, etc.

[0012] The air compressor 1 according to this embodiment provides compressed air to a pneumatic tool connected to the air compressor 1. The pneumatic tool may be, for example, an air screwdriver or a nailer for driving fasteners such as staples, pins, screws, and nails. The air compressor 1 is configured so that a user can lift the air compressor 1 by holding the grips 61, 62, for example, when transporting the air compressor 1.

[0013] The tank 8 stores compressed air to be supplied to the pneumatic tool. The tank 8 can store compressed air having a pressure of, for example, 4.4 MPa or less. The tank 8 is provided with air chucks (compressed air supply ports) 7 and 9 for supplying compressed air to the pneumatic tool. The air compressor 1 according to this embodiment includes an air chuck (with a purge mechanism) 7A for supplying high-pressure compressed air and an air chuck (with a purge mechanism) 7B for supplying low-pressure compressed air. The purge mechanism is a mechanism for purging (releasing) residual pressure in the air hose when the plug of the air hose is separated from the air chuck. The air compressor 1 according to this embodiment also includes an air chuck (without a purge mechanism) 9A for supplying high-pressure compressed air and an air chuck (without a purge mechanism) 9B for supplying low-pressure compressed air. The air chucks 7A, 7B, 9A, and 9B are configured to allow detachable hoses for supplying compressed air to the pneumatic tool. The high-pressure air chucks 7A and 9A are provided with a pressure adjustment dial 11A for operating a pressure adjustment valve, and the low-pressure air chucks 7B and 9B are provided with a pressure adjustment dial 11B for operating a pressure adjustment valve.

[0014] The compression mechanism 3 is driven by a motor to generate compressed air. The compression mechanism 3 includes, for example, a cylinder and a piston provided within the cylinder. The motor reciprocates the piston to compress air supplied into the cylinder through an intake valve of the cylinder, thereby generating compressed air. The compressed air is supplied to the tank 8 via a connecting pipe. The motor generates a driving force for reciprocating the piston of the compression mechanism 3. The motor is a three-phase brushless DC motor and includes a stator having windings of three phases, U, V, and W, and a rotor having a permanent magnet. The rotor rotates due to a rotating magnetic field formed by current flowing through the three-phase winding, resulting in reciprocating motion of the piston, which engages with a rotor connected to the rotor's rotating shaft.

[0015] <Air compressor operating mode> The air compressor 1 can be configured to operate in three modes: high-power mode, AI mode, and quiet mode. High-power mode is an operating mode suitable for tasks that consume large amounts of air, such as screwing with an air driver or nailing without nails, and drives the motor with relatively high power. AI mode automatically varies the ON and OFF pressure values ​​and motor output depending on the frequency of air use, and changes the drive according to the consumption of compressed air, achieving optimal automatic operation that is relatively gentle on the motor. This operating mode is suitable for tasks such as laying foundations with a super nailer or for construction work. Quiet mode is a power-saving operating mode suitable for tasks that require lower power than high-power mode, such as interior work, and drives the motor with relatively low power.

[0016] <Air compressor operation panel>

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the operation panel 10 of the air compressor 1 includes, for example, one power switch 20, two mode selector switches 30, and three display meters 40. The power switch 20 is an example of a switch device and is operated to turn the power of the air compressor 1 on and off. The mode selector switch 30 is operated to switch the operating mode of the air compressor 1. The display meters 40 are used to display parameters that indicate the operating status of the air compressor 1, such as the motor rotation speed of the air compressor 1, the internal tank pressure, and the voltage value. The operation panel 10 includes a panel case 11 made of, for example, a resin material and a substrate 12 fixed to the back side of the panel case 11. The panel case 11 has, for example, a deformation portion that deforms when switch components such as the power switch 20 and the mode selector switch 30 are operated, and an opening that functions as a light path for the light source when display components such as the display meters 40 emit light. For example, a tactile switch that constitutes a sensor for the switch components and an LED that constitutes a light source for the display components are mounted on the substrate 12.

[0018] 5 and 6, the power switch 20 includes, for example, a first deformation portion 21 and a second deformation portion 22. The first deformation portion 21 and the second deformation portion 22 form a double cantilever structure.

[0019] The first deformation portion 21 extends linearly in a first direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 5 ) and has a cantilever structure with a first longitudinal end 21a as a fixed end and a second longitudinal end 21b as a free end. The second longitudinal end 21b of the first deformation portion 21 is disposed opposite the tactile switch 23 in the thickness direction of the first deformation portion 21, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first deformation portion 21. That is, the second longitudinal end 21b of the first deformation portion 21 is provided at a position corresponding to the tactile switch 23 in a plan view. The second longitudinal end 21b of the first deformation portion 21 is configured to be able to come into contact with the tactile switch 23 as the first deformation portion 21 deforms. A longitudinal intermediate portion 21c of the first deformation portion 21 is circular and expands on both sides in a width direction (the up-down direction in FIG. 5 ) intersecting the longitudinal direction. The intermediate portion 21c in the longitudinal direction of the first deformation portion 21 is hollow, and has a substantially fan-shaped void S1 along the circumferential direction of the intermediate portion 21c.

[0020] The second deformation portion 22 is connected to the longitudinal intermediate portion 21c of the first deformation portion 21 and has a cantilever structure with a first longitudinal end 22a, which is the connecting portion with the first deformation portion 21, as a fixed end and a second longitudinal end 22b as a free end. The second deformation portion 22 extends linearly in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first deformation portion 21 (the up-and-down direction in FIG. 5). The aforementioned gap S1 is formed around the second end 22b of the second deformation portion 22. The second longitudinal end 22b of the second deformation portion 22 has a circular shape and functions as an operating portion 22A that is pressed when operating the power switch 20. The operating portion 22A of the second deformation portion 22 is located closer to the second longitudinal end 22b of the second deformation portion 22 than to the center position of the longitudinal intermediate portion 21c of the first deformation portion 21. The second deformation portion 22 has a rectangular through-hole 24 along the longitudinal direction. This reduces the rigidity of the second deformation portion 22, making it easier to deform. The operation portion 22A of the second deformation portion 22 is disposed opposite the LED 25 mounted on the substrate 12 in the thickness direction of the second deformation portion 22, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second deformation portion 22. That is, the LED 25 is provided at a position corresponding to the second deformation portion 22 in a plan view. The gap S1 formed around the second end portion 22b of the second deformation portion 22 forms an optical path for light emitted from the LED 25. The operation portion 22A of the second deformation portion 22 has a substantially trapezoidal cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second deformation portion 22. The operation portion 22A of the second deformation portion 22 is disposed at a position opposite the LED 25 at the second end portion 22b of the second deformation portion 22, and has a tapered portion 23A whose width gradually increases in the direction away from the LED 25 in the thickness direction of the second deformation portion 22.

[0021] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the power switch 20 according to this embodiment. In the following description, it is assumed that the power switch 20 is initially in the off state.

[0022] 7A, when operating the power switch 20, first, the operating portion 22A of the second deformation portion 22 is pressed. In this case, the second deformation portion 22 is deformed so as to bend downward with the first end portion 22a, which is the connecting portion with the first deformation portion 21, as the fixed end. Furthermore, the force acting on the operating portion 22A of the second deformation portion 22 is transmitted to the first deformation portion 21 via the connecting portion with the first deformation portion 21, which is the fixed end of the second deformation portion 22.

[0023] 7B , the first deformation portion 21 is deformed by the force transmitted from the second deformation portion 22 so as to bend downward, with the first end 21a, which is the connection portion with the panel case 11, as the fixed end. In this case, the second end 21b of the first deformation portion 21 comes into contact with the tactile switch 23, switching the power switch 20 from OFF to ON. That is, the tactile switch 23 is pressed, as an example of a switch operated by pressing the operation portion 22A. The first deformation portion 21 is configured to be deformable between a first position in which it contacts the tactile switch 23 and a second position in which it is separated from the tactile switch 23, based on the force transmitted from the operation portion 22A via the second deformation portion 22, when the operation portion 22A is pressed. When the LED 25 lights up as the power switch 20 is switched from off to on, the light emitted from the LED 25 is output to the outside of the panel case 11 through the gap S1 formed around the second deformation portion 22 and the through hole 24 formed in the second deformation portion 22.

[0024] 7C, when the operating portion 22A of the second deformation portion 22 is further pressed after the power switch 20 is switched on, the second deformation portion 22 is deformed so as to bend further downward from the state shown in FIG. 7B in a state of being supported at both ends, with the first end 22a, which is the connecting portion with the first deformation portion 21, as the fixed end, and the second end 22b, which is in contact with the tactile switch 23, as the fixed end. As a result, the excessive load acting on the tactile switch 23 from the second end 21b of the first deformation portion 21 is buffered by the deformation of the second deformation portion 22.

[0025] Next, the operation of the power switch 20 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0026] In general, air compressors have an operation board with a display and operation switches mounted in a resin panel case. Therefore, even if a large operating load is applied to the operation switch, the panel case elastically deforms to release some of the load, preventing damage to the operation switch.

[0027] However, if a highly rigid panel case is used to enhance the panel case's original function of protecting the air compressor body, the panel case becomes less likely to deform, and the load acting on the operation switch cannot be released, resulting in the problem of the operation switch being damaged. Note that this problem is not limited to air compressors, but is common to most devices in which an operation switch is mounted on a panel case.

[0028] In this regard, in the air compressor 1 according to this embodiment, for example, the operation panel 10 is placed on the top surface of the panel case 11, and a connection part with a high-strength member (such as the main body of the air compressor 1) is provided near the top surface of the panel case 11, thereby increasing the rigidity of the panel case 11 and suppressing damage to the power switch 20 based on the following principle.

[0029] That is, when the power switch 20 has a cantilever structure, the stroke of the operation portion 22A is amplified by the principle of leverage, and the second end 21b of the first deformation portion 21 comes into contact with the tactile switch 23. In this case, even if the stroke of the first deformation portion 21 is small, it is easy to ensure the force transmitted from the second end 21b of the first deformation portion 21 to the tactile switch 23, which can contribute to making the operation panel 10 thinner. On the other hand, the force acting on the tactile switch 23 from the second end 21b of the first deformation portion 21 is likely to be excessive, which can easily damage the tactile switch 23.

[0030] In this regard, in the power switch 20 according to this embodiment, even if the operation portion 22A of the second deformation portion 22 is pressed to switch the tactile switch 23 from OFF to ON and then the operation portion 22A of the second deformation portion 22 is further pressed, the second deformation portion 22 deforms so as to bend downward with the first end portion 22a as a fixed end, and buffers the force acting on the tactile switch 23 from the second end portion 21b of the first deformation portion 21. This makes it possible to prevent damage to the tactile switch 23 when the power switch 20 is operated. Furthermore, because the tactile switch 23 is protected by a single component, the number of components is reduced, thereby improving the ease of assembly of the power switch 20.

[0031] Furthermore, in the power switch 20 according to this embodiment, the operation portion 22A of the second deformation portion 22 is provided at a position facing the LED 25 at the second end 22b of the second deformation portion 22, and has a tapered portion 23A whose width gradually increases in the direction away from the LED 25 in the thickness direction of the second deformation portion 22. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 8, the optical path of the light emitted from the LED 25 is less likely to be blocked by the operation portion 22A of the second deformation portion 22, and it is easier to ensure the amount of light of the display mark on the power switch 20 that corresponds to the shapes of the through-hole 24 and the opening of the void S. As a result, the display contents of the power switch 20 can be easily confirmed, and the power switch 20 can be reliably operated without making a mistake in the operation contents even in a dimly lit environment.

[0032] The above embodiment can also be implemented in the following manner.

[0033] In the above embodiment, the power switch 20 has been described as having a cantilever structure in the first deformation portion 21. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9 , the power switch 20A may have a cantilever structure in which the first end 21Aa and the second end 21Ab of the first deformation portion 21A are connected to the panel case 11.

[0034] In the above embodiment, the power switch 20 may have the second deformation portion 22 connected to the end portion on the free end side of the first deformation portion 21, the LED 25 disposed at a position corresponding to the end portion on the free end side of the first deformation portion 21 in a plan view, and the tactile switch 23 disposed at a position corresponding to the middle in the longitudinal direction of the first deformation portion 21 in a plan view. Even with this configuration, damage to the power switch 20 can be suppressed.

[0035] In the above embodiment, the switch device has been described as being applied to an air compressor power switch, but the switch device can be applied to any switch that is operated by being pressed by a user.

[0036] The above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from its spirit, and equivalents are also encompassed within the scope of the present invention. In other words, designs modified by those skilled in the art as appropriate are also encompassed within the scope of the present invention as long as they incorporate the characteristics of the present invention. For example, the elements and their arrangements, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, etc., included in the embodiments are not limited to those illustrated and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, the embodiments are merely examples, and partial substitutions or combinations of the configurations shown in different embodiments are naturally possible. These are also encompassed within the scope of the present invention as long as they incorporate the characteristics of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0037] 1...air compressor, 10...operation panel, 11...panel case, 12...board, 20...power switch, 21...first deformation portion, 21a...first end, 21b...second end, 21c...middle portion, 22...second deformation portion, 22a...first end, 22b...second end, 22A...operation portion, 23...tactile switch (switch), 24...through hole, 25...LED, 30...mode change switch, 40...display meter, S1...gap.

Claims

1. A first deformation portion; a second deformation portion connected to the first deformation portion and having a cantilever structure with a first end portion in the longitudinal direction as a fixed end and a second end portion in the longitudinal direction as a free end; an operating portion provided at the second end portion of the second deformation portion; a switch that is operated by pressing the operation unit; Equipped with The first deformation portion is configured to be deformable between a first position in contact with the switch and a second position separated from the switch based on a force transmitted from the operation portion via the second deformation portion when the operation portion is pressed. Switch device.

2. the first deformation portion has a cantilever structure in which a first end portion in the longitudinal direction is a fixed end and a second end portion in the longitudinal direction is a free end; The switch device according to claim 1 .

3. The second end of the first deformation portion is configured to be able to come into contact with the switch. The switch device according to claim 2 .

4. The second deformation portion is configured to be further deformable when the operation portion is pressed while the second end portion of the first deformation portion is in contact with the switch. The switch device according to claim 3 .

5. The second deformation portion is connected to an intermediate portion between the first end portion and the second end portion in the longitudinal direction of the first deformation portion. The switch device according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. a through hole extending in a direction from the first position toward the second position is formed in the second deformation portion; The switch device according to claim 5 .

7. a light source provided at a position corresponding to the second deformation portion in a plan view; a through hole surrounding the second end portion is formed in the first deformation portion; a through hole formed in the first deformation portion and a through hole formed in the second deformation portion constitute an optical path of light emitted from the light source; The switch device according to claim 6.

8. The second deformation portion is provided with a tapered portion whose width gradually increases in a direction away from the light source. The switch device according to claim 7.

Images