CN108779780B

CN108779780B - Electric fan

Info

Publication number: CN108779780B
Application number: CN201680083908.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 安田芳彦; 西尾英明; 小野比出晴; 北岛悠平
Original assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Current assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Priority date: 2016-03-31
Filing date: 2016-03-31
Publication date: 2020-01-21
Anticipated expiration: 2036-03-31
Also published as: WO2017168710A1; JPWO2017168710A1; TW201737275A; TWI607469B; CN108779780A; JP6490301B2

Abstract

An electric fan is provided with: a blower unit having a motor and blades; a strut part which supports the blower part; and a base portion supporting the pillar portion. The base part comprises a circuit substrate (4) provided with a contact switch (5), a shell (2) for accommodating the electronic substrate (4), a sheet (1) which is provided with an embossing part (1a) and is adhered to the upper surface of the shell (2), and a key (3) fixed on the upper surface of the embossing part (1a), wherein the contact switch (5) is provided with a pressing part (5a) below the embossing part (1a) and the key (3), the key (3) can press the pressing part (5a) downwards until the contact switch (5) acts, and the embossing part (1a) has elasticity for pushing the pressed key (3) upwards to return to the original position.

Description

Electric fan

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an electric fan including an operation button in a case for housing a circuit board.

Background

Conventionally, electric fans with high added value, which have high functionality, are easy to use by anyone, and have high aesthetics, have been sought. High reliability is also sought for electric fans. The operation button portion that is directly touched and easily seen by the user is an important part in improving the appearance.

The number of buttons of the operation button unit tends to increase with higher functionality, and it is required to use a key for improving usability.

Patent document 1 discloses an electric fan having the following structure: a push button is inserted into a switch projection formed integrally with a housing, and when the push button is pressed, the switch projection supported by a thin wall portion is bent about a fulcrum to press a contact switch.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese patent No. 5452295

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

However, according to the above-described conventional technique, since the thin portion is bent around the fulcrum, the switch projection and the key are inclined around the fulcrum in accordance with the pressing operation, and the appearance is deteriorated. In addition, since the thin portion needs to be formed thin so as to be bent, it is likely to be deformed after molding, and the key is likely to be inclined even in an unoperated state.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electric fan in which a key is prevented from being tilted.

Means for solving the problems

In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides an electric fan including a blower unit including a motor and a blade, a column unit supporting the blower unit, and a base unit supporting the column unit, wherein the base unit includes a circuit board to which a contact switch is attached, a case housing the circuit board, a sheet having an embossed portion and bonded to an upper surface of the case, and a button fixed to the upper surface of the embossed portion. The contact switch is provided with a pressing part below the embossing part and the key, and the key can press the pressing part until the contact switch works. The embossing part has elasticity for pushing the depressed key up to the original position.

Effects of the invention

The electric fan has the effect of preventing the keys from inclining.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an electric fan according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a base portion of the electric fan according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the base portion of the electric fan according to embodiment 1, including the push button.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of a key of the electric fan according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 5 is a plan view of a spacer for the electric fan according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a base part of an electric fan according to embodiment 2 of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a sheet of the electric fan of embodiment 2.

Fig. 8 is a sectional view of an operation portion of a base portion of the electric fan according to embodiment 2.

Fig. 9 is a bottom view of a key of the electric fan according to embodiment 2.

Fig. 10 is a top view of the housing of the electric fan of embodiment 2.

Fig. 11 is a side view of a button of the electric fan according to embodiment 2.

Fig. 12 is a sectional view of an operating portion of a base portion of an electric fan according to embodiment 3 of the present invention.

Fig. 13 is a sectional view of the base part when the button of the electric fan of embodiment 3 is operated.

Fig. 14 is a sectional view of the base part when the button of the electric fan of embodiment 3 is operated.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, an electric fan according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the present embodiment.

Embodiment mode 1

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an electric fan according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. The electric fan according to embodiment 1 includes an air blower unit 100, a column portion 101, and a base portion 102, the air blower unit 100 including a motor and blades, the column portion 101 supporting the air blower unit 100, and the base portion 102 supporting the column portion 101. The base portion 102 is provided with an operation portion 103 having the key 3.

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a base portion of the electric fan according to embodiment 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the base portion of the electric fan according to embodiment 1, including the push button. The base portion 102 includes: a circuit board 4 on which a contact switch 5 that receives a user operation is mounted and which controls the blower unit 100; a case 2, the case 2 housing a circuit board 4; and a bottom plate 8, the bottom plate 8 covering the bottom surface of the case 2. Further, the base portion 102 includes: a sheet 1, wherein the sheet 1 is attached to a part of the operation portion 103 on the upper surface of the housing 2; a spacer 6, the spacer 6 being adhered to the upper surface of the sheet 1; a key 3, the key 3 transmitting the user operation to the pressing part 5a of the contact switch 5; and a decorative sheet 7, wherein the decorative sheet 7 covers the upper surfaces of the case 2 and the spacer 6. The decorative sheet 7 is attached to the housing 2 and the spacer 6.

A display unit 4a for displaying setting contents and an operation state of the blower unit 100 is mounted on the circuit board 4. In embodiment 1, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamp is applied to the display unit 4a, but the display unit 4a is not limited to the LED lamp. That is, a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL display (organic electroluminescence display) may be applied to the display portion 4 a. The display portion 4a can be visually recognized from the outside of the housing 2 by penetrating the through hole 2h of the housing 2.

The sheet 1 is formed of a material having water resistance. The sheet 1 is provided with embossed portions 1a at positions corresponding to the pressing portions 5a of the contact switches 5. The key 3 is fixed to the embossed portion 1a of the sheet 1. The method of fixing the key 3 to the embossed portion 1a may be any of methods such as adhesion, welding, mechanical fitting, or double-sided tape bonding, but is not limited to these methods. A flange portion 3a is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the push button 3, and the flange portion 3a has a size of a through hole 7a that does not penetrate the decorative sheet 7. A first recess 2a is formed in the upper surface of the housing 2. In the first recess 2a, a through hole 2b is provided at a position corresponding to the pressing portion 5a of the contact switch 5. The spacer 6 is provided with a through hole 6a through which the key 3 passes at a position corresponding to the pressing portion 5a of the contact switch 5. The thickness dimension of the spacer 6 is substantially equal to the sum of the depth dimension of the first recess 2a and the thickness dimension of the sheet 1. The outer shape of the spacer 6 is the same as that of the first recess 2a of the housing 2. The spacer 6 is disposed in the first recess 2a of the housing 2. The decorative sheet 7 is provided with a through hole 7a at a position corresponding to the pressing portion 5a of the contact switch 5, and the flange portion 3a of the push button 3 does not penetrate the through hole 7 a. Since the decorative sheet 7 is not bonded to the upper surface of the flange portion 3a, the key 3 can be pressed down without being restricted by the decorative sheet 7.

The circuit board 4 is fixed to the screw boss 2c of the housing 2 by screws 20.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of a key of the electric fan according to embodiment 1. The key 3 is provided with an icon 3d indicating an operation function. The icon sign 3d is formed on the key 3 by printing or engraving.

Fig. 5 is a plan view of a spacer for the electric fan according to embodiment 1. The spacer 6 has an icon mark 6b provided on the edge of the through hole 6 a. The icon mark 6b has the same pattern as the icon mark 3d provided on the key 3 through which the through hole 6a penetrates.

When the key 3 is pressed, the pressing portion 5a of the contact switch 5 is pressed, and the circuit board 4 switches functions. When the force for pressing the key 3 is released, the key 3 is returned to the original position by the rebound of the embossed portion 1a of the sheet 1. That is, the embossed portion 1a has elasticity to push up the depressed key 3 to the original position.

Since the push button 3 is fixed to the upper surface of the embossed portion 1a, the push button 3 does not tilt during operation of the electric fan according to embodiment 1, and the aesthetic appearance can be prevented from being impaired. Further, since the case 2 does not need to be provided with a thin portion, the key 3 can be prevented from being tilted in an inoperable state without being deformed during manufacturing, and the appearance can be prevented from being impaired.

Further, since the electric fan of embodiment 1 uses the sheet 1 having water-proof property, it is possible to prevent water from entering and improve reliability. Further, since the thin portion does not need to be provided in the case 2, the structure is simple, and the increase in the product manufacturing cost can be suppressed. Further, since the sheet 1 is not perforated, dust can be prevented from entering from the portion of the key 3.

Further, by providing the spacer 6 between the case 2 and the decorative sheet 7, the decorative sheet 7 is supported by the spacer 6. Therefore, even if the decorative sheet 7 in the peripheral portion of the key 3 is pressed down, the decorative sheet 7 is not depressed.

Further, since the icon sign 3d is provided on the key 3, it is possible to prevent the key 3 from being placed in the wrong through-hole 6a at the time of manufacturing.

Further, since the flange portion 3a of the key 3 is covered with the decorative sheet 7, it is possible to prevent dust from entering through the through hole 7a, and to hide a gap around the key 3, thereby improving the appearance.

Embodiment mode 2

Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a base part of an electric fan according to embodiment 2 of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a sheet of the electric fan of embodiment 2. Fig. 8 is a sectional view of an operation portion of a base portion of the electric fan according to embodiment 2. The electric fan according to embodiment 2 is provided with through holes 1b in the embossed portion 1a of the sheet 1. The key 3 is provided with a protrusion 3b penetrating the through hole 1 b. The protruding portion 3b of the key 3 is located at a position where its distal end portion abuts against a pressing portion 5a of a contact switch 5 provided on the circuit board 4. The push button 3 is further provided with a projection 3 c. The projection 3c penetrates the through hole 1b, similarly to the projection 3 b. A cylindrical portion 2d through which the projection 3b penetrates is provided in the first recess 2a of the housing 2.

Fig. 9 is a bottom view of a key of the electric fan according to embodiment 2. Fig. 10 is a top view of the housing of the electric fan of embodiment 2. Fig. 11 is a side view of a button of the electric fan according to embodiment 2. The housing 2 is provided with a concave portion 2e, and the concave portion 2e has a shape fitted with the convex portion 3 c. The convex portions 3c and the concave portions 2e are formed in a shape that fits only between the convex portions and the concave portions corresponding to each other.

In addition, although the key 3 is provided with the convex portion 3c and the housing 2 is provided with the concave portion 2e, the key 3 may be provided with the concave portion and the housing 2 may be provided with the convex portion.

The portions other than the above are the same as those in embodiment 1.

When the push button 3 is pressed down, the pressing portion 5a of the contact switch 5 is pressed by the protrusion 3 b. The circuit board 4, which detects that the pressing portion 5a is pressed, performs control so as to switch to a function corresponding to the pressed pressing portion 5 a. When the force for pressing the key 3 is released, the key 3 returns to the original position by the rebound of the embossed portion 1a of the sheet 1.

In the electric fan according to embodiment 2, even when the upper surface of the embossed portion 1a is inclined, the push button 3 moves by a stroke (stroke) in a state where the protrusion 3b penetrates the cylindrical portion 2d of the housing 2. Therefore, even if the upper surface of the embossed portion 1a is inclined, the inclination of the key 3 is not caused. Even when the distance between the housing 2 and the circuit board 4 is changed by a change in the size of the electronic component mounted on the circuit board 4, the length of the protrusion 3b of the key 3 is changed, so that the key 3 can be surely brought into contact with the pressing portion 5a of the contact switch 5, and a wide range of product designs can be made. Further, since the key 3 can be inserted only into the concave portion 2e having a shape matching the shape of the convex portion 3c, it is possible to physically prevent the key 3 from being placed at an incorrect position, and it is possible to prevent a manufacturing problem due to a human error.

Embodiment 3

Fig. 12 is a sectional view of an operating portion of a base portion of an electric fan according to embodiment 3 of the present invention. In embodiment 3, a second recess 2f having substantially the same size as the root of the embossed portion 1a is provided in a portion of the housing 2 below the key 3. The outer dimension of the key 3 is smaller than the opening dimension of the second recess 2 f.

Further, an abutting portion 2g is provided in a portion of the housing 2 below the key 3, and the abutting portion 2g abuts against the key 3 after the pressing portion 5a is pressed down by the key 3 until the contact switch 5 is operated.

Fig. 13 and 14 are sectional views of the base part when the button of the electric fan of embodiment 3 is operated. When the key 3 is pressed, as shown in fig. 13, the upper surface of the embossed portion 1a and the surface of the housing 2 to which the sheet 1 is attached have the same height. When the key 3 is pressed, as shown in fig. 14, the embossed portion 1a is inverted and raised downward, and the key 3 abuts against the abutting portion 2g via the embossed portion 1 a. When the key 3 abuts against the abutting portion 2g, the key 3 does not further descend.

In embodiment 3, since the operating stroke of the push button 3 can be set to be equal to or greater than the height of the embossed portion 1a, the height of the embossed portion 1a can be suppressed to improve durability. In addition, the degree of freedom in design can be improved by increasing the stroke of the key 3. Further, even when the user strongly presses the key 3, it is possible to prevent a strong force from being applied to the contact switch 5 and the circuit board 4, and to prevent the contact switch 5 and the circuit board 4 from being damaged.

The configuration described in the above embodiment is an example of the content of the present invention, and may be combined with other known techniques, and a part of the configuration may be omitted or changed without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Description of the reference numerals

1, sheet material; 1a embossing part; 1b, 2h, 6a, 7a through-holes; 2, a shell; 2a first recess; 2c a thread projection; 2d a cylindrical part; 2e a recess; 2f a second recess; 2g of an abutting portion; 3, pressing a key; 3a flange portion; 3b a protrusion; 3c a convex part; 3d, 6b iconic markers; 4a circuit board; 4a display part; 5 contact switch; 5a pressing part; 6a spacer; 7a decorative sheet; 8, a bottom plate; 20, screws; 100 blower parts; 101 a pillar part; 102 a base part; 103 an operation part.

Claims

1. An electric fan having a blower unit having a motor and blades, a column unit supporting the blower unit, and a base unit supporting the column unit, characterized in that,

the base portion has:

a circuit substrate on which a contact switch is mounted;

a case that houses the circuit substrate;

a sheet having an embossed portion and adhered to an upper surface of the case; and

a plurality of keys fixed on the upper surface of the embossing part,

the contact switch is provided with a pressing part below the embossing part and the key,

the plurality of keys have a protrusion and a protrusion on the lower surface thereof, and the keys can press the pressing portion until the contact switch is operated,

the embossing part has elasticity for pushing the depressed key up to the original position, the embossing part has a through hole for the protrusion part to pass through,

the housing has a cylindrical portion into which the protruding portion is inserted so as to be capable of stroke operation, and a plurality of concave portions corresponding to the convex portions of the plurality of keys,

the sheet has a through-hole through which the projection passes,

the shape of the convex portion and the concave portion is a shape that can be fitted only between the convex portion and the concave portion corresponding to each other.

2. The electric fan according to claim 1,

a plurality of the keys are provided and,

a plurality of the keys have concave portions on lower surfaces thereof,

the housing has a plurality of protrusions corresponding to the recesses of the plurality of keys,

the sheet material is provided with a through hole through which the convex portion passes,

3. The electric fan according to claim 1,

between the housing and the decorative sheet, there is a spacer that supports the decorative sheet.

4. The electric fan according to claim 3,

the spacer has the same iconic marker as the iconic marker displayed on the key.

5. The electric fan according to claim 1,

the housing is provided with a recess portion larger than the outer shape of the key at a portion below the key.

6. The electric fan according to claim 5,

the part of the shell below the key is provided with an abutting part which abuts against the key after the key presses the pressing part until the contact switch acts.