CN112614742A

CN112614742A - Pressure switch

Info

Publication number: CN112614742A
Application number: CN202011051852.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 汤口史章; 黑泽友和; 浅田泰洋; 铃木龙介
Original assignee: Saginomiya Seisakusho Inc
Current assignee: Saginomiya Seisakusho Inc
Priority date: 2019-10-03
Filing date: 2020-09-29
Publication date: 2021-04-06
Also published as: JP7122296B2; JP2021061094A; EP3800654B1; EP3800654A1

Abstract

The invention provides a manual reset type pressure switch which can perform precise action within a reset state. A pressure switch (1) is characterized by comprising: a diaphragm (44) (pressure-sensitive member); a transmission member (62) that transmits the displacement of the diaphragm; a microswitch (3) (switching means) that switches an on state from a first state to a second state when the transmission member (62) advances to a first position, and switches the on state from the second state to the first state when the transmission member (62) retracts to a second position on the retraction side of the first position; a positioning unit (9) which positions the position of the transmission member in the advancing and retreating direction (D11) at a midway position between the first position and the second position in a manner of freely releasing; and a reset means (10) for releasing the positioning of the transmission member (62) by the positioning means (9) and for changing the transmission member (62) to a free state in which the transmission member is movable in the forward/backward direction (D11).

Description

Pressure switch

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a pressure switch including a pressure-sensitive member such as a diaphragm or a bellows that separates a low pressure chamber from a high pressure chamber and is displaced by pressure fluctuation of the high pressure chamber.

Background

Conventionally, a pressure switch having a pressure-sensitive member is known. Here, among the pressure switches, there are the following manual reset type pressure switches: when an abnormal phenomenon such as an abnormal high voltage of the high-pressure chamber occurs, the on state is switched, and the switched on state is maintained until the operator presses the reset button (see, for example, patent document 1). This makes it possible to perform maintenance and the like without missing any abnormal phenomenon.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese Kokoku publication No. 53-013895

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

Here, in the design stage and the manufacturing stage, it is appropriately set to switch the conduction state by setting a degree of pressure in the high-pressure chamber as an abnormal phenomenon. In this case, in the above-described manual reset type pressure switch, in the reset state in which the reset button is pressed, the reset button comes into contact with the transmission means of the switching means for transmitting the displacement of the pressure sensitive member to the on state at the subsequent stage. As a result, when the reset state in which the reset button is pressed continues in some cases, the set value for switching the on state may be slightly deviated from the values in the design stage and the manufacturing stage. In such a manual reset type pressure switch today, there is no problem of a slight deviation of the set value in the reset state. However, in recent years, a manual reset type pressure switch that performs a precise operation including a reset state is desired.

In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a manual reset type pressure switch that performs a precise operation including a reset state.

Means for solving the problems

In order to solve the above problem, a pressure switch according to the present invention includes: a pressure-sensitive member that separates the low-pressure chamber from the high-pressure chamber and is displaced by pressure fluctuation of the high-pressure chamber; a transmission member that receives the displacement of the pressure-sensitive member and moves in a predetermined forward/backward direction to transmit the displacement to a post-stage portion; a switching unit that switches a conductive state from a first state to a second state when the transmission member advances to a first position in the advancing and retreating direction, and switches the conductive state from the second state to the first state when the transmission member retreats to a second position on a retreating side from the first position; a positioning unit that releasably positions a position of the transmission member in the advancing/retreating direction at a position halfway between the first position and the second position; and a reset unit which releases the positioning of the transmission member by the positioning unit and enables the transmission member to be in a free state capable of moving along the advancing and retreating direction.

According to the pressure switch of the present invention, after the on state is switched from the first state to the second state and before the reset means releases the positioning of the transmission member by the positioning means, the transmission member does not stay at the halfway position and does not retreat to the second position even if the pressure-sensitive member is displaced. That is, the pressure switch is of a manual reset type that maintains the switched second state until the reset means is in a reset state in which the positioning is released. In the reset state, the transmission member is changed to a free state movable in the forward and backward directions. Thus, even in the reset state, the transmission member can be moved in the advancing/retreating direction without being affected by contact between the reset means and the positioning means, and the set values such as the first position and the second position for switching the conduction state set in the design stage and the manufacturing stage do not deviate. As described above, according to the pressure switch of the present invention, the precise operation can be performed including the reset state.

In the pressure switch according to the present invention, it is preferable that the pressure switch includes a coupling member having one end pivotally supported by a central shaft and the other end movable in the forward and backward direction, the transmission member is coupled to a position away from the central shaft, the transmission member is rotated by receiving displacement of the pressure-sensitive member at an intermediate position between a coupling portion of the central shaft and the transmission member to move the transmission member in the forward and backward direction, the positioning means abuts against a rear surface of the other end of the coupling member facing the backward direction of the forward and backward direction and lifts the other end to the forward side of the forward and backward direction to position the other end at a position corresponding to the halfway position of the transmission member, and the returning means moves the positioning means away from the rear surface of the other end, to release the positioning of the transmission member.

According to this configuration, the other end side of the coupling member is lifted by the positioning means to position the coupled transmission member, and the positioning means is separated from the other end side of the coupling member by the returning means to release the positioning. Thus, the transmission member can be separated from the reset unit, and the deviation of the set values such as the first position and the second position in the reset state can be effectively avoided.

In this configuration, it is further preferable that the positioning means has an abutting portion extending in the advancing/retreating direction and capable of being tilted in a direction intersecting the advancing/retreating direction and abutting against the rear surface on the other end side in the standing state, and the returning means separates the abutting portion from the rear surface on the other end side by pressing the abutting portion in the standing state in the intersecting direction and tilting the abutting portion.

According to this configuration, the abutting portion in the positioning means is turned over by the returning means, and the abutting portion can be effectively separated from the other end side of the connecting member.

In this configuration, it is preferable that the reset means includes a rod-like portion extending in the intersecting direction and pressing the abutting portion at one end, and a biasing portion biasing the rod-like portion in a direction away from the abutting portion.

According to this configuration, when the worker presses the rod-shaped portion of the reset means to be in the reset state and then moves the rod-shaped portion away from the rod-shaped portion, the rod-shaped portion is automatically reset by the biasing portion, and the operability can be improved.

In the pressure switch according to the present invention, it is preferable that the pressure switch includes a case having a cylindrical outer wall that accommodates the positioning means inside, and the reset means is fitted into a through hole provided in the outer wall at a position corresponding to the positioning means so as to face the positioning means from the outer wall.

According to this configuration, the reset means can be easily attached by the operation of fitting the reset means into the through hole provided in the outer wall. The pressure switch according to the present invention can be used as an automatic reset type switch, in which the positioning means is removed, and the pressure switch is automatically reset to the first state in response to pressure variation in the high pressure chamber after switching to the second state. In this case, the basic configuration of the pressure switch of the present invention can be used as it is by sealing the through hole for mounting the unnecessary reset means with a predetermined cover member, and the pressure switch of the automatic reset type can be easily constructed.

In the pressure switch according to the present invention, it is preferable that the pressure switch further includes an adjustment unit that adjusts a position in the advancing/retreating direction at which the transmission member is positioned by the positioning unit, and the positioning unit receives a previous adjustment by the adjustment unit so as to position the transmission member at the halfway position.

According to this configuration, the transmission member can be reliably positioned at the halfway position by the positioning means by the preliminary adjustment using the adjusting means.

In the above configuration, it is preferable that the pressure switch further includes a coupling member having one end pivotally supported by a center shaft and the other end movable in the advancing/retreating direction, the transmission member is coupled to a position away from the center shaft, and the transmission member is moved in the advancing/retreating direction by receiving displacement of the pressure-sensitive member and rotating the pressure-sensitive member at an intermediate position between a coupling portion of the center shaft and the transmission member, the positioning means abuts against a rear surface of the other end of the coupling member on a retreating side in the advancing/retreating direction, the other end is lifted toward the advancing side in the advancing/retreating direction, the other end is positioned at a position corresponding to the halfway position of the transmission member, and the adjusting means performs adjustment by advancing/retreating an abutting position of the positioning means with the other end in the advancing/retreating direction And (6) finishing.

According to this configuration, the positioning means can reliably position the transmission member at the halfway position by using a method having good operability of adjusting the contact position where the positioning means contacts the other end side of the coupling member by advancing and retracting. Further, strict part size management is not required, and an increase in the price of parts can be suppressed.

In this configuration, it is more preferable that the positioning means has an abutting portion abutting against the back surface on the other end side, and an arm coupled to the abutting portion and having one end as a fixed end and the other end as a free end movable in the advancing and retreating direction, and the adjusting means moves the free end in the advancing and retreating direction, thereby advancing and retreating the abutting position at which the abutting portion abuts against the other end side of the coupling member in the advancing and retreating direction.

According to this configuration, the contact position, and further the position of the transmission member by the positioning means can be positioned at the above-described halfway position with good operability of moving the free end of the cantilever.

The effects of the invention are as follows.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a manual reset type pressure switch that performs a precise operation including a reset state.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is an external perspective view of a pressure switch according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic sectional view taken along line V11-V11 in fig. 1, showing the internal structure of the pressure switch shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the positioning unit and the reset unit shown in fig. 2 taken out.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the positioning unit shown in fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an operation from the time when the pressure of the high-pressure chamber rises to an abnormally high pressure to the time when the pressure switch is operated to decrease the pressure.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the operation of the pressure switch when the reset unit is reset following the operation shown in fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a procedure until the positioning means moves to a position corresponding to the operation point in the preliminary adjustment of the adjustment means shown in fig. 4.

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a sequence until the transmitting member is positioned at the reset adjustment position, following the steps shown in fig. 7.

In the figure:

1-a pressure switch, 2-a housing, 3-a microswitch, 4-a diaphragm assembly, 5-an action member, 6-a transmission mechanism, 7-a leaf spring, 8-a leaf spring adjustment unit, 9-a positioning unit, 10-a reset unit, 11-an adjustment unit, 22-a case, 22 b-a side surface portion (outer wall), 22 b-1-a through hole, 31, 32-a fixed electrode, 33-a movable electrode, 34-a first terminal, 35-a conduction member, 36-a second terminal, 44-a diaphragm (pressure-sensitive member), 61-a connection member, 62-a transmission member, 63-a shaft member, 63 a-a central shaft, 91-an abutment portion, 92-a cantilever beam, 101-a housing, 102-a reset button (rod-shaped portion), 103-a coil spring (urging portion), 104-a spacer, 611-one end side, 612-the other end side, 921-a fixed end, a free end, D11-a moving direction, d12-cross direction, P11-action point (first position), P12-return point (second position), P13-reset adjustment position (halfway position), P14-reset pre-adjustment position.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, a pressure switch according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The pressure switch of the present embodiment uses a working medium such as an air conditioner, a cooling/heating system, an automobile, and various control actuators as a pressure fluid and detects the pressure of the fluid.

Fig. 1 is an external perspective view of a pressure switch according to an embodiment of the present invention. Also, fig. 2 is a schematic sectional view taken along line V11-V11 in fig. 1, showing the internal structure of the pressure switch shown in fig. 1.

The pressure switch 1 shown in fig. 1 and 2 includes a case 2 having a box shape as a whole, a micro switch 3 as a switching unit provided at an upper portion of the case 2, and a diaphragm assembly 4 fixed to a lower portion of the case 2. The pressure switch 1 further includes an operating member 5 supported by the diaphragm assembly 4 to be movable forward and backward in the vertical direction, and a transmission mechanism 6 for transmitting the movement of the operating member 5 to the microswitch 3. The pressure switch 1 includes a leaf spring 7 that applies an initial compression force to a diaphragm (pressure-sensitive member) 44 of the diaphragm assembly 4, and a leaf spring adjustment unit 8 that adjusts the biasing force of the leaf spring 7.

The case 2 includes a metal base 21, a case 22 holding the base 21 therein, and a lid 23 (support) attached to close an upper opening of the case 22. The base 21 is integrally formed with a cylindrical portion 21a having a bottom and a flat plate portion 21b extending horizontally outward continuously from the upper end of the cylindrical portion 21 a. The diaphragm assembly 4 is supported inside the cylindrical portion 21a, and the joint member P of the diaphragm assembly 4 is exposed to the outside through an opening provided in the center of the bottom surface of the cylindrical portion 21 a.

The lid 23 is made of an insulating resin. The lid 23 is formed to have a top plate portion 23a, an annular portion 23b, and a hanging piece portion 23 c. The top plate 23a is a wall portion to which the microswitch 3 is attached, and the annular portion 23b is a square annular portion inserted into the case 22 along the side surface portion 22 b. The hanging piece portion 23c extends downward from the four corners of the annular portion 23b and is in contact with the flat plate portion 21b of the base 21. Such a hanging piece portion 23c can be assembled to stabilize the stroke of the transmission member 62 described below. The annular portion 23b is provided with a locking claw 23d that is locked to the locking portion 22c of the case 22. An annular water stop member 24 is provided on the inner surface of the side surface portion 22b of the case 22 to be in close contact with the annular portion 23 b.

The case 22 is formed in a square tubular shape as a whole, and the tubular portion 21a is inserted into a circular opening provided in the bottom surface portion 22a to hold the base 21. A plurality of locking portions 22c for locking with the lid 23 are formed on the side surface portion 22b of the case 22.

The microswitch 3 includes: a pair of fixed

electrodes

31 and 32 provided inside the lid 23 of the case 2 and vertically opposed to each other inside the lid 23; and a movable electrode 33 provided to be movable between the upper and lower fixed

electrodes

31 and 32. The microswitch 3 is provided with: a pair of first terminals 34, 34' connected to the pair of fixed

electrodes

31, 32 and extending to the outside of the lid 23; and a conductive member 35 formed of a plate spring joined to the movable electrode 33. The microswitch 3 includes a second terminal 36 connected to the conductive member 35 and extending to the outside of the lid 23, and an adjustment screw 37 for adjusting the position of the upper fixed electrode 31. The conducting member 35 includes: a conductive piece 35a extending from the second terminal 36 and fixing the movable electrode 33 at the tip end; a movable piece 35b extending from the second terminal 36 and having the transmission mechanism 6 connected to an intermediate portion thereof; and a snap-in piece 35c that biases the movable electrode 33 to either of the fixed

electrodes

31, 32. As described later, the displacement of the diaphragm 44 is transmitted to the movable piece 35b via the transmission mechanism 6, and the movable piece 35b moves in correspondence with the displacement. The micro switch 3 detects a low voltage state in which the movable electrode 33 abuts on the upper fixed electrode 31 and is electrically connected thereto, and a high voltage state in which the movable electrode 33 abuts on the lower fixed electrode 32 and is electrically connected thereto. The microswitch 3 is configured to switch between conduction and disconnection between the pair of first terminals 34, 34' and the second terminal 36 by switching the conduction state in accordance with the displacement of the diaphragm 44 in this manner.

The diaphragm assembly 4 includes a lower holding plate 42 supported by the cylindrical portion 21a of the base 21, a spacer 43 held between the upper holding plate 41 and the lower holding plate 42, a diaphragm 44, a bottom plate member 45, and an upper holding plate 41. The upper holding plate 41 is formed in a disk shape as a whole, and has an insertion hole 41a, and the insertion hole 41a vertically penetrates the center portion of the upper holding plate 41 to vertically guide the operating member 5 by inserting the operating member 5 therethrough. The lower holding plate 42 is formed in a cylindrical shape as a whole, and is formed to have a stepped portion 42a for holding the gasket 43, the diaphragm 44, and the bottom plate member 45, and a rivet piece 42b extending upward for rivet-fixing the upper holding plate 41. In the diaphragm assembly 4, the spacer 43, the diaphragm 44, and the bottom plate member 45 are interposed between the step portions 42a of the upper holding plate 41 and the lower holding plate 42. The periphery of the diaphragm 44 and the bottom plate member 45 is held between the upper holding plate 41 and the lower holding plate 42 by caulking the caulking pieces 42b inward.

The diaphragm 44 is formed by overlapping a plurality of metal thin plate materials to form a circular plate shape as a whole, and has a dome-shaped convex portion 44a which is convex upward in a natural state. The bottom plate member 45 is formed in a disk shape having a central portion bulging downward from a metal plate material in a disk shape as a whole, and a through hole 45a for fixing the joint member P is formed in the central portion thereof. The diaphragm 44, the bottom plate member 45, and the gasket 43 are joined to each other by welding or the like so as to ensure airtightness and pressure resistance. In the diaphragm assembly 4, a high-pressure chamber 46 is formed by a space surrounded by the diaphragm 44 and the bottom plate member 45, and high-pressure fluid flows into the high-pressure chamber 46 through the joint member P. A low pressure chamber 47 is formed by a space surrounded by the diaphragm 44, the spacer 43, and the upper holding plate 41, and the internal pressure of the low pressure chamber 47 is equal to the atmospheric pressure by communicating with the internal space of the case 22 through the insertion hole 41 a. Therefore, the diaphragm 44 as a pressure-sensitive member is configured to be displaced up and down in accordance with pressure variation of the high-pressure fluid flowing into the high-pressure chamber 46. Thus, the diaphragm 44 serves as a pressure-sensitive member that separates the low-pressure chamber 47 from the high-pressure chamber 46 and is displaced by pressure fluctuations in the high-pressure chamber 46.

One end 71 of the leaf spring 7 is fixed to the base 21, and the other end 72 is coupled to the leaf spring adjusting unit 8. An insertion hole 73 through which the second shaft portion 53 of the operation member 5 is inserted is provided at a substantially central portion of the plate spring 7 in a plan view, and a part of an upper surface of the enlarged diameter portion 52 of the operation member 5 abuts on a peripheral lower surface of the insertion hole 73. The plate spring adjusting unit 8 is configured to have: an adjustment screw 81 penetrating through the flat plate portion 21b of the base 21; and a slider 82 which is brought into contact with the upper surface of the leaf spring 7 and is screwed to the adjustment screw 81 penetrating the leaf spring 7. Before assembling case 22 and base 21, adjustment screw 81 is rotatably operated from the lower side of flat plate portion 21b, and slider 82 is supported in housing 2 so as to be vertically slidable without being rotatable. The slider 82 is configured to be moved up and down by rotating the adjustment screw 81. Therefore, when the adjustment screw 81 is tightened to move the slider 82 downward, the other end 72 of the leaf spring 7 is lowered, and when the adjustment screw 81 is loosened to move the slider 82 upward, the other end 72 of the leaf spring 7 is raised, thereby adjusting the urging force of the leaf spring 7. The urging force of the leaf spring 7 is transmitted to the diaphragm 44 via the actuating member 5, and the convex portion 44a of the diaphragm 44 is pressed downward, thereby applying an initial compression force. Further, by adjusting the biasing force of the plate spring 7, the pressing force of the diaphragm 44 can be adjusted, and the range of the pressure value to be detected can be adjusted.

The operating member 5 is formed to have: a first shaft portion 51 extending upward and downward and inserted into the insertion hole 41a of the upper holding plate 41; an enlarged diameter portion 52 that is enlarged in diameter in the horizontal direction along the upper surface of the upper holding plate 41; and a second shaft portion 53 extending upward from the enlarged diameter portion 52. The actuating member 5 is supported so as to be able to advance and retract in the vertical direction by guiding the first shaft portion 51 in the insertion hole 41a, and the lower end of the first shaft portion 51 is brought into contact with the center of the convex portion 44a of the diaphragm 44. Therefore, the working member 5 moves up and down in accordance with the displacement of the diaphragm 44, and the diaphragm 44 is biased toward the high-pressure chamber 46 by the working member 5 receiving the biasing force of the plate spring 7, thereby applying an initial compression force to the diaphragm 44.

The diameter-enlarged portion 52 is provided such that the lower surface can come into contact with the upper surface of the upper holding plate 41, and the diameter-enlarged portion 52 is provided to restrict the movement of the operating member 5 to a position below the contact position. Therefore, the diaphragm 44 is restricted from being displaced toward the high-pressure chamber 46 beyond the initial compression state. The upper end of the second shaft portion 53 is chamfered into a spherical shape, and the upper end abuts against a connecting member 61 of the transmission mechanism 6 described below.

The transmission mechanism 6 includes a connecting member 61 formed of a metal plate material, a transmission member 62, and a shaft member 63 rotatably supporting the connecting member 61. The coupling member 61 is disposed opposite to the upper side of the diaphragm assembly 4 with the leaf spring 7 interposed therebetween, and the second shaft portion 53 of the operating member 5 is in contact with the transmission member 62 from below and coupled thereto. The coupling member 61 is pivotally supported by a shaft member 63 to be rotatable with respect to the base body 21. The transmission member 62 extends upward from the connecting member 61, and its upper end portion engages with the movable piece 35b of the conduction member 35 of the microswitch 3.

In the transmission mechanism 6, the transmission member 62 receives the displacement of the diaphragm 44 via the operation member 5 and the connection member 61. The transmission member 62 receives the displacement and moves in a forward/backward direction D11 corresponding to the vertical direction in the figure, and transmits the displacement to the movable piece 35b of the conduction member 35 in the microswitch 3 as a subsequent stage.

Here, in the present embodiment, since the microswitch 3 includes the click piece 35c, if it is assumed that the positioning means 9 relating to the reset operation described below is not provided, the transmission member 62 operates as follows in accordance with the operation.

That is, under the above assumption, when the transmission member 62 advances to the first position on the advancing side (upper side) of the limit position that the locking piece 35c can receive with respect to the advancing/retreating direction D11, the on state is switched from the first state to the second state. The first state is a state in which the movable electrode 33 is in contact with the upper fixed electrode 31, and the second state is a state in which the movable electrode 33 is in contact with the lower fixed electrode 32. The pressure switch 1 of the present embodiment is a high-pressure cutoff switch that switches the on state from the first state to the second state when an abnormally high pressure is generated in the high-pressure chamber 46.

In the above-described assumption, when the transmission member 62 is moved backward to the second position on the backward side (lower side) than the first position after the switching, that is, when the first state before the switching is returned after the disconnection, the on state is switched from the second state to the first state. That is, the microswitch 3 is a switch in which a first position (operating point), which is a set value for triggering the execution of the high-voltage interruption, does not coincide with a second position (return point), which is a set value for triggering the return to the original state.

In the present embodiment, the pressure switch 1 is provided with the positioning means 9 as a means for maintaining the second state in which the movable electrode 33 abuts against the lower fixed electrode 32 for the maintenance work by the worker or the like. Further, a reset means 10 is provided, and the reset means 10 is configured to release the maintenance of the second state and return to the first state before the movable electrode 33 is brought into contact with the upper fixed electrode 32 and is cut.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the positioning unit and the reset unit shown in fig. 2 taken out, and fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the positioning unit shown in fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the positioning means removed so that the positioning means can be seen, and a diagram showing both the positioning means and the resetting means.

The positioning means 9 is a member for positioning a position in the advancing/retreating direction D11 of the transmission member 62 shown by a broken line in fig. 3 at a halfway position between a first position serving as an operating point of cutting and a second position serving as a return point so as to be released. This positioning is performed via the coupling member 61 that constitutes the transmission mechanism 6 together with the transmission member 62.

The coupling member 61 is a rotatable member having one end side 611 pivotally supported so as to be rotatable about a central axis 63a along the shaft member 63, and having the other end side 612 movable in the forward/backward direction D11. The transmission member 62 is coupled to a position distant from the center axis 63a, and the transmission member 62 moves in the advancing/retreating direction D11 by receiving the displacement of the diaphragm 44 and rotating at an intermediate position 614 of the coupling portion 613 of the center axis 63a and the transmission member 62.

The positioning means 9 abuts on the rear surface of the other end side 612 of the connecting member 61 on the retreating side (lower side) in the advancing/retreating direction, lifts the other end side 612 to the advancing side (upper side) in the advancing/retreating direction D11, and positions the other end side 612 at a position corresponding to the above-mentioned halfway position of the transmission member 62.

The positioning means 9 is a sheet metal-processed member formed by bending a metal plate as shown in fig. 4, and has an abutting portion 91 and a cantilever beam 92. The abutment portion 91 abuts against the back surface of the other end side 612 of the connecting member 61. The cantilever beam 92 has one end serving as a fixed end 921 to which the screw is fixed and the other end serving as a free end 922 which can move in the forward/backward direction D11. The abutting portion 91 is connected to the cantilever beam 92 in a state folded from substantially the center in the longitudinal direction.

The abutment portion 91 in the positioning unit 9 extends in the advancing and retreating direction D11, and is capable of tipping in the intersecting direction D12 that intersects this advancing and retreating direction D11, i.e., in the bending direction in sheet metal working. As shown in fig. 2, the rear surface of the other end side 612 of the connecting member 61 abuts against the rear surface in a standing state where the outer wall side is slightly inclined.

The positioning means 9 receives a preliminary adjustment to position the transmission member 62 at the above-described halfway position, and the pressure switch 1 of the present embodiment is provided with an adjusting means 11 for performing such a preliminary adjustment. The adjusting means 11 is a member for adjusting the position of the transmission member 62 in the forward/backward direction D11 at which the abutting portion 91 of the positioning means 9 is positioned via the connecting member 61, and adjusts the abutting position with which the other end side 612 of the connecting member 61 abuts by moving forward and backward in the forward/backward direction D11. Specifically, the adjustment unit 11 moves the free end 922 of the cantilever beam 92 in the positioning unit 9 in the advancing/retreating direction D11, thereby advancing/retreating the abutment position at which the abutment portion 91 abuts against the other end side 612 of the connecting member 61 in the advancing/retreating direction D11. The adjustment unit 11 is an adjustment screw that can be accessed only in the assembly process of the pressure switch 1.

The reset unit 10 is a member that releases the positioning of the transmission member 62 by the positioning unit 9 and changes the transmission member 62 to a free state that can move in the forward/backward direction D11. The reset unit 10 releases the positioning of the transmission member 62 by separating the contact portion 91 of the positioning unit 9 from the back surface of the other end side 612 of the coupling member 61. That is, the reset unit 10 pushes and tips the contact portion 91 in the standing state in the above-described intersecting direction D12, thereby separating the contact portion 91 from the back surface of the other end side 612.

As shown in fig. 2, the reset unit 10 has a unit structure in which a reset button 102 as a rod-shaped portion and a coil spring 103 as a biasing portion are accommodated in a cylindrical case 101. The reset button 102 extends in the crossing direction D12 and presses the abutting portion 91 of the positioning unit 9 at one end. The coil spring 103 biases the reset button 102 in a direction away from the abutment portion 91.

Here, the case 22 of the pressure switch 1 is a case having a side surface portion 22b, and the side surface portion 22b is a cylindrical outer wall that accommodates the positioning unit 9 inside. The reset means 10 is fitted into a through hole 22b-1 provided at a position corresponding to the positioning means 9 in the side surface portion 22b so as to face the positioning means 9 from the side surface portion 22 b. Female screws are cut into the inner peripheral surface of the through-hole 22b-1, and male screws are cut into the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical case 101 of the reset unit 10. The unit-structured reset unit 10 is screwed and fitted into the through-hole 22 b-1. An annular gasket 104 is interposed between the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical case 101 and the outer peripheral surface of the rod-shaped reset button 102, and the both are sealed so as to maintain airtightness.

As shown in fig. 1, two small blind holes 10a in a so-called crab-eye shape are provided in a portion of the cylindrical case 101 of the reset unit 10 exposed to the outside. The reset unit 10 is screwed into the through hole 22b-1 by inserting and screwing the protrusion on the special tool side into the small blind hole 10 a.

The operation of the pressure switch 1 described above will be described with reference to fig. 5 and 6.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an operation from the time when the pressure of the high-pressure chamber rises to an abnormally high pressure to the time when the pressure switch is operated to decrease the pressure. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the operation of the pressure switch when the reset unit is reset following the operation shown in fig. 5. Fig. 5 and 6 schematically show an operating state of the internal components of the pressure switch 1 shown in fig. 2 and a switching operation of the microswitch 3 corresponding to the operation of the internal components, respectively. The position of the microswitch 3 is indicated by an "+" indicating the transmission member 62 corresponding to the other end 612 of the coupling member 61.

As shown in step S11 of fig. 5, in the normal operation before the occurrence of the abnormally high pressure, the abutment portion 91 of the positioning unit 9 lifts the other end side 612 of the connecting member 61 toward the advancing side (upper side) in the advancing/retreating direction D11. Thus, the transmission member 62 is positioned halfway between the cut-off operating point P11, which is the first position, and the return point P12, which is the second position on the reverse side (lower side) of the forward side and returns. The halfway position is a reset adjustment position P13 adjusted by the positioning means 9 that receives the release of the positioning by the resetting means 10. At the stage of step S11, before the disconnection, as shown in fig. 2, the movable electrode 33 comes into contact with the upper fixed electrode 31 of the micro switch 3 in a first state (on state).

Next, as shown in step S12, when an abnormally high pressure is generated, the coupling member 61 receives the displacement of the diaphragm 44 via the operation member 5 and rotates. As a result, the transmission member 62 coupled to the other end 612 of the coupling member 61 moves to the operating point P11 in the advancing direction D111 in the advancing and retreating direction D11. Under this influence, the on state of the micro switch 3 is switched to a second state (off state) in which the movable electrode 33 abuts on the lower fixed electrode 31. At this time, the other end side 612 of the connecting member 61 is separated from the abutment portion 91 of the positioning unit 9.

Thereafter, as shown in step S13, when the pressure decreases, the coupling member 61 receives the displacement of the diaphragm 44 via the operation member 5 and rotates in the direction opposite to the direction in which the pressure increases. As a result, the transmission member 62 moves in the retreating direction D112 of the advancing/retreating direction D11. However, the movement at this time is stopped at a stage where the other end side 612 of the connecting member 61 abuts on the abutting portion 91 of the positioning unit 9. Thus, the transmission member 62 is positioned at the return adjustment position P13 on the forward side of the return point P12 in the forward and backward direction D11, and the on state of the microswitch 3 is not switched. As a result, the second state (off state) in which the pressure rises is maintained. The operator such as a maintenance worker recognizes that an abnormally high pressure is generated even if the pressure is decreased at that point of time based on the on state of the microswitch 3, and performs a predetermined maintenance operation.

After the maintenance work is finished, a reset operation for returning the on state of the micro switch 3 to the first state (on state) of step S11 is performed.

First, as shown in step S14 of fig. 6, the worker presses the reset button 102 in the reset unit 10 in the crossing direction D12. Then, by this reset button 102, the abutment portion 91 of the positioning unit 9 is pressed to tip over in the tip-over direction D121. By this fall, the abutment portion 91 releases the positioning of the transmission member 62 via the other end side 612 of the connecting member 61, and descends without receiving the interference of the positioning unit 9 in the backward direction D112 of the forward and backward direction D11. The lowering exceeds the return point P12 described above, and the positioning unit 9 is positioned at the initial position before the positioning. The initial position is a pre-reset adjustment position P14 at which the transmission member 62 is positioned before the reset adjustment position P13 by an adjustment procedure described below. Since the pre-reset adjustment position P14 is located on the backward side of the return point P12 in the forward/backward direction D11, the on state of the micro switch 3 is restored to the first state (on state). At this stage, the transmission member 62 is in a free state in which it can move in the advancing/retreating direction D11 by a gap being provided between the abutment portion 91 of the positioning unit 9 and the other end side 612 of the coupling member 61.

Thereafter, as shown in step S15, when the worker releases the depression of the reset button 102 in the reset unit 10, the reset button 102 is returned to the direction of arrow D122 by the biasing force of the coil spring 103. As a result, the abutting portion 91 of the positioning unit 9 is returned to the position corresponding to the return adjustment position P13 in the direction of the arrow D123 by its own rigidity. The reset abutment 91 lifts the other end side 612 of the coupling member 61 from the rear side, and the transmission member 62 moves in the forward direction D111 of the forward/backward direction D11 and is repositioned to the reset adjustment position P13 under the influence of the lifting. Since the reset adjustment position P13 is located closer to the retreating side (lower side) of the advancing/retreating direction D11 than the operating point P11, the first state (on state) is maintained without switching the on state of the microswitch 3 during the movement of the transmission member 62 at this time. At this stage, the state returns to step S11 of fig. 5 described above.

Here, as described above, the transfer member 62 is positioned to the reset adjustment position P13 by the adjustment in advance of the adjustment unit 11 shown in fig. 4. The procedure of the preliminary adjustment will be described below with reference to fig. 7 and 8.

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a procedure until the positioning means moves to a position corresponding to the operation point in the preliminary adjustment of the adjustment means shown in fig. 4. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a sequence of steps until the transmission member is positioned at the reset adjustment position, following the steps shown in fig. 7. Fig. 7 and 8 also schematically show the operating state of the internal components of the pressure switch 1 shown in fig. 2 and the switching operation of the microswitch 3 corresponding to the operation of the internal components, respectively. The switching operation of the microswitch 3 is indicated by an "x" indicating the transmission member 62 corresponding to the other end side 612 of the coupling member 61, and is indicated by an "x" indicating the positioning means 9, that is, the position of the contact portion 91 that is in contact with and moved by the other end side 612 of the coupling member 61 in the positioning means 9.

First, in the unadjusted stage shown in step S21 of fig. 7, the adjustment means 11 shown in fig. 4 is also inserted, and the positioning means 9 is located at the unadjusted position where the cantilever beam 92 contacts the flat plate portion 21b of the base 21, and is separated from the back surface of the other end side 612 of the connecting member 61. As a result, the transmission member 62 is located at the pre-reset adjustment position P14 on the retreating side from any one of the operating point P11 and the return point P12 in the advancing/retreating direction D11.

In step S22, which is the first stage of adjustment, the coupling member 61 is forcibly moved to move the transmission member 62 in the forward direction D111 in the forward/backward direction D11. The transmission member 62 is forcibly moved through the connection member 61 until the transmission member exceeds the operating point P11, and at the operating point P11, the on state of the micro switch 3 is switched to the second state (off state) in which the movable electrode 33 is in contact with the lower fixed electrode 31. During this time, the positioning unit 9 remains stationary in the unadjusted position. Here, in the present embodiment, the transmission member 62 is forcibly moved by directly moving it close to the coupling member 61. However, the method of forcibly moving the transmission member 62 is not limited to this, and for example, the following method may be used: the coupling member 61 is moved via the diaphragm 44 and the operating member 5 by forcibly increasing the internal pressure of the high-pressure chamber 46.

In step S23 of the second stage, the adjusting means 11 as the adjusting screw is screwed in the advancing direction D111 and the positioning means 9 advances in the advancing direction D111. The adjustment unit 11 is screwed until the abutment portion 91 of the positioning unit 9 abuts against the back surface of the other end side 612 of the coupling member 61 that positions the transmission member 62 at the operating point P11. During this period, the coupling member 61 is restrained to maintain its position, and the transmission member 62 stays at a position exceeding the operating point P11.

In step S24 of the third stage shown in fig. 8, the restriction of the coupling member 61 is released, the adjustment means 11 returns in the backward direction D112, the positioning means 9 moves backward in the backward direction D112, the coupling member 61 moves in a following manner, and the transmission member 62 moves backward. The return of the adjustment unit 11 is continued until the transmission member 62 reaches the return point P12, and at this return point P12, the conductive state of the micro switch 3 is switched to the first state (on state) in which the movable electrode 33 abuts on the upper fixed electrode 31. The operation of step S24 of the third stage is an operation of moving the positioning unit 9 to detect the position of the return point P12.

In step S25 of the final fourth stage, the adjustment unit 11 is screwed in the forward direction D111 and the positioning unit 9 moves forward in the forward direction D111, opposite to step S24, and the coupling member 61 moves to follow, so that the transmission member 62 moves forward from the return point P12 toward the operating point P11. The screwing of the adjustment unit 11 at this time is stopped before the transmission member 62 reaches the operating point P11. The amount of screwing at this time is a predetermined amount of screwing based on a pitch or the like. Thus, the transmission member 62 is positioned at the reset adjustment position P13, which is a halfway position between the operating point P11 and the return point P12, and the adjustment is completed in advance.

According to the pressure switch 1 of the embodiment described above, the transmission member 62 moves forward to the operating point P11 as the first position, and after the on state of the micro switch 3 is switched from the first state (on state) to the second state (off state), the following state is achieved. That is, before the reset unit 10 releases the positioning of the transmission member 62 by the positioning unit 9, even if the diaphragm 44 is displaced, the transmission member 62 stays at the reset adjustment position P13, which is the halfway position, and does not retreat to the return point P12, which is the second position. That is, the pressure switch 1 is of a manual reset type that maintains the switched second state (off state) until the reset means 10 is in the reset state in which the positioning is released. In the reset state, the transmission member 62 is in a free state movable in the forward/backward direction D11. Thus, even in the reset state, the transmission member 62 can move in the advancing/retreating direction D11 without being affected by contact between the reset unit 10 and the positioning unit 9, and the set values such as the operating point P11 and the return point P12 for switching the conduction state set in the design stage and the manufacturing stage do not deviate. Therefore, even if the reset button 102 of the reset unit 10 is held in a pressed reset state in some cases, a so-called trip operation in the pressure switch 1 can be performed. The trip action described herein refers to the following actions: even in the reset state, the transmission member 62 can advance and retreat in accordance with the displacement of the diaphragm 44, and the on state of the micro switch 3 can be switched, as in the normal operation. As described above, according to the pressure switch 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to perform a precise operation including a trip operation in a reset state.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the positioning means 9 lifts the other end side 612 of the coupling member to perform positioning of the coupled transmission member 62, and the returning means 10 releases the positioning by separating the positioning means 9 from the other end side 612 of the coupling member 61. This makes it possible to effectively avoid deviation of the set values such as the operating point P11 and the return point P12 in the reset state by separating the transmission member 62 from the reset unit 10.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the returning unit 10 can effectively separate the abutting portion 91 from the other end side 612 of the connecting member 61 by tilting the abutting portion 91 in the positioning unit 9.

Further, according to the present embodiment, when the worker presses the reset button 102 of the reset unit 10 to return to the reset state and then releases the reset button 102, the reset button 102 is automatically reset by the coil spring 103. This improves the operability related to the reset.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the reset unit 10 can be easily attached by fitting the through hole 22b-1 provided in the side surface portion 22b of the case 22. The pressure switch 1 of the present embodiment can be used as an automatic reset type switch that automatically returns to the first state (on state) in response to pressure fluctuations in the high-pressure chamber 46 by detaching the positioning means 9. In this case, the basic configuration of the present embodiment can be used as it is by sealing the through hole 22b-1 for mounting the unnecessary reset unit 10 with a predetermined cover member, and the automatic reset type pressure switch can be easily constructed.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the transmission member 62 can be reliably positioned at the reset adjustment position P13 by the positioning means 9 by the preliminary adjustment using the adjusting means 11.

Further, according to the present embodiment, by using a method having good operability of adjusting the contact position where the positioning means 9 contacts the other end side 612 of the connecting member 61 by advancing and retracting, the transmission member 62 can be reliably positioned at the reset adjustment position P13 by the positioning means 9.

Further, according to the present embodiment, with good operability of moving the free end 922 of the cantilever 92, the contact position, and hence the position of the transmission member 62 by the positioning means 9, can be reliably positioned at the above-described reset adjustment position P13.

The embodiments described above are merely representative embodiments of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Such a modification is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as the structure of the pressure switch of the present invention is provided.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the following example of the pressure switch 1 is shown as an example of the pressure switch: the pressure switch 1 includes a pair of first terminals 34 and 34' and a second terminal 36, and switches on/off between the three terminals by switching the on state of a microswitch 3 as a switching mechanism. However, the pressure switch is not limited to this, and a specific switch configuration such as how to switch the conduction state between the terminals by switching the number of terminals and the conduction state of the switching means can be appropriately set.

In the above-described embodiment, the following example of the pressure switch 1 is shown as an example of the pressure switch: the positioning unit 9 abuts against and is lifted up from the back surface of the other end side 612 of the coupling member 61 opposite to the one end side 611 supported by the shaft, and positions the transmission member 62. In the present embodiment, the reset means 10 releases the positioning by separating the positioning means 9 from the coupling member 61. However, the specific configuration in which the transmission member is positioned by the positioning means and the positioning is released by the reset means is not limited to this, and can be set arbitrarily. However, the same thing as described above is true in that the transmission member can be separated from the reset means and the deviation of the set value in the reset state can be effectively avoided by positioning via the coupling member 61 or by canceling the positioning by separating the positioning means 9 from the coupling member 61.

In the above-described embodiment, the following example of the pressure switch 1 is shown as an example of the pressure switch: the reset means 10 presses and tilts the contact portion 91 of the positioning means 9 to separate it from the coupling member 61, thereby releasing the positioning of the transmission member 62. However, the positioning means may be configured to be detachable from the coupling member, and the specific configuration is not limited thereto. However, the contact portion 91 can be effectively separated from the coupling member by adopting a structure in which the contact portion is turned over, which is also the same as described above.

In the above-described embodiment, the following example of the pressure switch 1 is shown as an example of the pressure switch: the reset unit 10 has a reset button 102 as a rod-shaped portion and a coil spring 103 as a biasing portion. However, the reset means is not limited to this, and the abutting portion of the positioning means may be pressed to fall down, and the specific configuration is not limited thereto. However, the same thing as described above can be said that the operability of the reset means can be improved by adopting the configuration having the rod-like portion and the urging portion.

In the above-described embodiment, the following example of the pressure switch 1 is shown as an example of the pressure switch: the reset unit 10 is fitted into a through hole 22b-1 provided in the side surface 22b of the case 22. However, the mounting structure of the reset unit is not limited to this, and a structure may be adopted in which a part of the pressure switch in the case is used as a housing of the reset unit. However, the same thing as described above can be easily attached by adopting a structure in which the reset unit 10 is fitted into the through hole 22 b-1. Further, the same applies to the above-described case where the pressure switch of the automatic reset type can be easily constructed by closing the through hole 22b-1 or the like with the lid member without installing the reset unit 10. In addition, in the present embodiment, the following structure is provided: two small blind holes 10a in a so-called crab-eye shape are opened in a portion of the reset unit 10 exposed to the outside, and a special tool is inserted into and fastened to the small blind holes 10 a. However, the reset unit is not limited to this structure, and may be of the following configuration: the portion exposed to the outside is not provided with a blind hole, the periphery of the portion is polygonal such as a regular hexagon, and fastening is performed by using a general tool such as a double-ended double offset ring spanner. In addition, the reset unit may have the following structure: a flat surface formed by cutting out a part of the cylindrical shape in parallel with the part exposed to the outside is fastened by a general tool such as a wrench using the flat surface. The fixing method of the reset unit is appropriately selected depending on the assembling property, fixing strength, and the like.

In the above-described embodiment, the following example of the pressure switch 1 is shown as an example of the pressure switch: the position of the transmitting member 62 is adjusted in advance to the reset adjustment position P13 using the adjustment unit 11 as an adjustment screw. However, the pressure switch is not limited to this, and may be produced uniquely in the manufacturing stage without providing such an adjustment unit. However, the same thing as described above is true in that the transmission member 62 can be reliably positioned by the positioning means 9 by the preliminary adjustment using the adjustment means.

In the above-described embodiment, the following example of the pressure switch 1 is shown as an example of the pressure switch: the adjustment unit 11 advances and retreats the abutment position of the positioning unit 9 with the other end side 612 of the connecting member 61, thereby performing the advance adjustment. However, the pressure switch is not limited to this, and the specific structure adjusted in advance is not limited thereto. However, the same applies to the above-described method in which the transmission member 62 can be reliably positioned by the positioning unit 9 by a method having good operability of adjusting the contact position of the positioning unit 9 by advancing and retracting it.

In the above-described embodiment, the following example of the pressure switch 1 is shown as an example of the pressure switch: the adjusting means 11 performs a preliminary adjustment by moving the free end 922 of the cantilever 92 to which the abutting portion 91 of the positioning means 9 is coupled to advance and retreat the abutting position of the positioning means 9. However, the pressure switch is not limited to this, and a specific advancing and retreating structure of the abutment position in the positioning unit 9 is not limited. However, the position of the transmission member 62 can be reliably adjusted in advance by the positioning means 9 with good operability of moving the free end 922 of the cantilever beam 92, which is also the same as described above.

Claims

1. A pressure switch is characterized by comprising:

a pressure-sensitive member that separates the low-pressure chamber from the high-pressure chamber and is displaced by pressure fluctuation of the high-pressure chamber;

a transmission member that receives the displacement of the pressure-sensitive member and moves in a predetermined forward/backward direction to transmit the displacement to a post-stage portion;

a switching unit that switches a conductive state from a first state to a second state when the transmission member advances to a first position in the advancing and retreating direction, and switches the conductive state from the second state to the first state when the transmission member retreats to a second position on a retreating side from the first position;

a positioning unit that releasably positions a position of the transmission member in the advancing/retreating direction at a position halfway between the first position and the second position; and

and a reset unit which releases the positioning of the transmission member by the positioning unit and enables the transmission member to be in a free state capable of moving along the advancing and retreating direction.

2. Pressure switch according to claim 1,

a coupling member having one end pivotally supported by a central shaft and the other end movable in the forward/backward direction, the transmission member being coupled to a position away from the central shaft, the coupling member being rotated by receiving the displacement of the pressure-sensitive member at an intermediate position between a coupling portion of the central shaft and the transmission member to move the transmission member in the forward/backward direction,

the positioning means abuts on a back surface of the other end side of the connecting member facing a backward side in the forward/backward direction to lift the other end side to a forward side in the forward/backward direction to position the other end side at a position corresponding to the halfway position of the transmission member,

the reset means releases the positioning of the transmission member by moving the positioning means away from the rear surface on the other end side.

3. Pressure switch according to claim 2,

the positioning unit has an abutting portion extending in the advancing/retreating direction and capable of being turned over in a direction intersecting the advancing/retreating direction and abutting the rear surface on the other end side in an upright state,

the reset means pushes the contact portion in the standing state in the intersecting direction to be turned over, thereby separating the contact portion from the rear surface on the other end side.

4. Pressure switch according to claim 3,

the reset unit includes a rod-shaped portion extending in the intersecting direction and pressing the abutting portion at one end, and a biasing portion biasing the rod-shaped portion in a direction away from the abutting portion.

5. Pressure switch according to one of claims 1 to 4,

comprises a case having a cylindrical outer wall for accommodating the positioning unit therein,

the reset means is fitted into a through hole provided in the outer wall at a position corresponding to the positioning means so as to face the positioning means from the outer wall.

6. Pressure switch according to one of claims 1 to 5,

an adjustment means for adjusting a position in which the transmission member is positioned in the advancing/retreating direction by the positioning means,

the positioning means receives a previous adjustment by the adjusting means to position the transmission member at the halfway position.

7. Pressure switch according to claim 6,

the adjusting means adjusts the position of the abutment with respect to the other end side in the positioning means by advancing and retreating in the advancing and retreating direction.

8. Pressure switch according to claim 7,

the positioning unit includes: a contact portion that contacts the rear surface on the other end side; and a cantilever beam connected to the abutting portion, having a fixed end at one end and a free end movable in the advancing/retreating direction at the other end,

the adjusting means moves the free end in the advancing/retreating direction to advance and retreat the abutment portion in the advancing/retreating direction with respect to the abutment position on the other end side of the connecting member.