JP2002260484A - Operational switch and electric equipment using it - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operational switch with a good operational touch and electric equipment using the operational switch, wherein the switch can be continuously switched and can accurately transmit the adjusted external force, such as grip or holding force, etc., to the equipment even when slight adjustment or smooth switching is required. SOLUTION: The operational switch comprises a cylinder 3, wherein an operation part 1 deforming in response to the external force is formed on a part of the cylinder and a fluid 6 is sealed up inside, and a cylinder head 4 arranged inside the cylinder, which moves in response to the external force applied on the operational part and on which a reaction force working in the direction reverse to that of the movement by the external force is applied by an elastic body 5. An electric circuit is also provided, whose resistance changes continuously as the cylinder head moves, so that the external force applied on the operation part is output as the resistance change representing the continuous change of the resistance of electric circuit responding to the external force.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an operation switch which operates according to an external force such as a gripping force or a gripping force, and an electric device using the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an operation switch which can be switched by adjusting the external force such as grip force or grip force, a pressure sensor or the like is incorporated, and a signal corresponding to a pressing force for pressing the pressure sensor is output to the outside. There is. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an operation switch having a conventional pressure-sensitive sensor. In this operation switch, a pressure-sensitive sensor 11 whose output value continuously changes in accordance with a pressing force is incorporated into a substrate 10 below a button portion 12, and a concave portion is formed on the back surface so as to cover the pressure-sensitive sensor 11. The formed seal cover 13 is covered, and further includes a flange 14 having a hole for receiving the seal cover 13. When the user presses the convex portion of the seal cover 13, the pressure sensor 11 is pressed, so that a signal corresponding to the pressing force is output from the pressure sensor 11 to the outside.

[0003]

However, the operation switch incorporating the pressure-sensitive sensor shown in FIG. 7 has a small operation section, and it is difficult for a user to finely adjust the pressing force of the switch with a fingertip. In addition, in an operation switch in which a sensor is not incorporated, it is naturally impossible to perform switching by adjusting the external force, and there is a problem that fine adjustment and smooth switching cannot be performed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and has as its object to accurately adjust an external force such as a grip force or a grip force even when fine adjustment or smooth switching is required. It is an object of the present invention to provide an operation switch having an excellent operation feeling which can be transmitted to a user and which can be continuously switched, and an electric device using the same.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a cylinder including a cylinder which is partially formed with an operating portion which is deformed in response to an external force and which has a fluid sealed therein. A cylinder head which is moved in response to an external force, and a reaction force in a direction opposite to a moving direction by the external force is applied by an elastic body, and is provided on a side opposite to a fluid sandwiching the cylinder head in the cylinder. Is provided with an electric circuit in which the resistance value changes continuously with the movement of the cylinder head, and when an external force is applied to the operation unit, the resistance value of the electric circuit changes continuously in accordance with the external force. This is achieved by an operation switch characterized by outputting as a change in resistance value.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a cylinder including a cylinder in which an operating part which is deformed in response to an external force is formed, and a fluid is sealed in the operating part. A cylinder head provided with a reaction force in a direction opposite to the movement direction due to the external force by an elastic body, and a cylinder opposite to the fluid sandwiching the cylinder head in the cylinder, An electric circuit is provided in which the resistance value changes continuously with the movement of the head,
And, when a plurality of contact portions are provided along the moving direction of the cylinder head, and an external force is applied to the operation portion,
Output as a resistance value change of the electric circuit according to external force,
Further, the present invention is achieved by an operation switch characterized in that a plurality of contact portions are switched according to an external force.

[0007]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a first embodiment of an operation switch according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an operation unit, 3 denotes a cylinder, and a fluid 6 is sealed in the cylinder 3. The operation unit 1 is made of a material (for example, a synthetic resin) that is deformed in response to an external force. When an external force is applied to the operation unit 1 with a finger or a hand, the operation unit 1 is deformed in response to the external force, and the fluid inside the operation unit 1 is deformed. 6 is pressurized. As the fluid 6, a gas (for example, nitrogen gas or compressed air) or a liquid (for example, water) is used.

The cylinder 3 is divided into a fluid chamber 3a filled with a fluid 6 and an elastic body chamber 3b provided with an elastic body 5 with the cylinder head 4 as a boundary. The cylinder head 4 has a contact 4 a and a projection 4 b made of a conductive material, and is in pressure contact with the inner wall surface of the cylinder 3. With this structure, the fluid chamber 3a of the cylinder 3 is sealed, and the operation unit 1
When an external force is applied to the cylinder head 4, the fluid 6 is pressurized and the cylinder head 4
Moves left and right on the drawing. The conductive contact 4a is fixed to the cylinder 3 as described above, and a protrusion 4b is formed at the tip thereof. On the other hand, a concave portion 7a that engages with the convex portion 4b of the contact 4a is formed substantially at the center of the elastic body chamber 3b of the cylinder 3 in the initial state. Further, two sliding resistance portions 2a are fixed vertically (in the circumferential direction) on an extension of the concave portion 7a of the cylinder 3.

Further, one end of a compression coil spring 5 as an elastic body is fixed to the cylinder head 4, and the other end is fixed to an end of the cylinder 3. FIG. 2A is a front view of the cylinder head 4, and FIG. 2B is a side view thereof. A leaf spring is used as the contact 4a, and the projection 4b provided at the upper and lower end portions is configured to be in pressure contact with the sliding resistance portion 2a. The two sliding resistance portions 2a are insulated and fixed without contacting each other, and each have an electric resistance. 4c
Is a compression coil spring receiver. The sliding resistance portion 2a and the contact 4a constitute an electric circuit, and the projection 4b of the contact 4a moves while contacting the sliding resistance portion 2a with the movement of the cylinder head 4. Terminal T1,
The electric resistance during T2 changes continuously.

The specific operation will be described first.
In a state in which no external force is applied to the operation unit 1 (that is, the switch is in an off state), the projection 4 b of the contact 4 a attached to the cylinder head 4 is
a. At this time, the pressure of the elastic body 5 is
The pressure is set equal to the pressure by the fluid 6 and in the opposite direction in the no-load state.

In this state, when an external force is applied to the operation unit 1 by the gripping force of a finger or a hand, the operation unit 1 is deformed, and the fluid 6 inside is pressurized. As a result, a force acts on the cylinder head 4 in the direction of arrow A due to the reaction force of the fluid 6, so that the cylinder head 4 moves in the direction of arrow A. At this time, contact 4
The convex portion 4b of a comes off the concave portion 7a of the cylinder 3, and the convex portion 4b of the contact 4a attached to the cylinder head 4 moves in the direction A while contacting the sliding resistance portion 2a. Accordingly, the distance between the terminal and the contact position between the convex portion 4b and the sliding resistance portion 2a is reduced in accordance with the external force, and the resistance value between the terminals T1 and T2 is continuously reduced.

On the other hand, as the cylinder head 4 moves, the compression coil spring 5 is compressed, and a reaction force is generated in the direction of arrow B. Therefore, when the external force applied to the operation unit 1 is reduced, the cylinder head 4 moves in the direction of arrow B due to the reaction force of the compression coil spring 5, and the contact 4a moves in the direction B accordingly. The value increases continuously. When no external force is applied to the operation unit 1, the cylinder head 4 returns to the initial position, the projection 4b of the contact 4a is engaged with the recess 7a of the cylinder 3, and the operation switch is turned off. The resistance value between the terminals T1 and T2 when the switch is off is infinite.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the resistance between the terminals T1 and T2 changes continuously according to the external force by changing the external force to the operation unit 1. Can be obtained as output. Therefore, even if the external force is slightly changed, the resistance value continuously changes in accordance with the change, so that it can be suitably used for fine adjustment and smooth switching. In addition, since the convex portion 4b of the contact 4a and the concave portion 7a of the cylinder 3 are engaged in the initial state of the switch, the switch can be clearly switched between the off state and the on state, and the user can be turned on / off. Click feeling.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, the same parts as those in the first embodiment of FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. FIG.
In the figure, reference numeral 2b denotes a sliding resistance portion having resistance, which is fixed to the cylinder 3. With the movement of the cylinder head 4, the protrusion 4b formed at the tip of the conductive contact 4a moves while contacting the sliding resistance portion 2b, and the terminal T3 and the GN
This is a configuration in which the resistance value between D changes continuously. 2c is a conductive member fixed to the cylinder 3, and is used as a GND terminal.

Further, sliding portions 2d and 2e are fixed to the outside of the concave portion 7a of the cylinder 3 at regular intervals along the moving direction of the cylinder head 4. The sliding portions 2d and 2e are used as switching contacts, and when the protrusion 4b of the contact 4a is in contact with the sliding portion 2d and when the cylinder head 4 is in contact with the sliding portion 2e. Is configured to switch the contact. FIG. 4A is a front view of the cylinder head 4, and FIG. 4B is a side view. A leaf spring is used as the contact 4a as in the first embodiment. Other configurations are the same as those in FIG.

When an external force is applied to the operation unit 1 in the initial state shown in FIG. 3, the fluid 6 is pressurized, and a force in the direction of arrow C acts on the cylinder head 4 by the reaction force of the pressurized fluid 6.
At this time, the convex portion 4b of the contact 4a and the concave portion 7a of the cylinder 3
Is disengaged, the switch is turned on, and the cylinder head 4 moves in the C direction. With the movement of the cylinder head 4, the protrusion 4b of the contact 4a moves while contacting the sliding resistance portion 2b, so that the resistance value between the terminal T3 and GND decreases continuously. At the same time, the convex portion 4b of the contact 4a moves while contacting the sliding portion 2d, and the connection with the sliding portion 2d is maintained during this time.

The cylinder head 4 moves further, and the protrusion 4b
After passing through the sliding portion 2d, the convex portion 4b and the sliding portion 2d become non-contact. When the cylinder head 4 further moves and the projection 4b comes into contact with the sliding portion 2e, the connection of the projection 4b is switched to the sliding portion 2e, and while the projection 4b is in contact with the sliding portion 2e. Is maintained in connection with the sliding portion 2e. As described above, with the movement of the cylinder head 4, the contact is switched simultaneously with the output of the resistance value change.

In this embodiment, the output of the change in the resistance value of the electric circuit and the switching of the contacts can be performed at the same time as in the first embodiment, and a single switch can have a plurality of functions at the same time. Therefore, when this switch is used for an electric device, the electric device does not increase in size and can be suitably used as a multi-function switch. The operation switch according to the present embodiment can be suitably used for a dryer as described later in detail.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 5 is a view showing an embodiment in which the operation switch of the first embodiment is mounted on a grip portion of a vacuum cleaner and the suction force of the vacuum cleaner is switched.
In FIG. 5, reference numeral 8 denotes a grip portion of the vacuum cleaner, and the operation switch of FIG. 1 is attached to the grip portion.
In the initial state of the no-load state, the sliding resistance portion 2a shown in FIG.
Since the convex portion 4b of the contact 4a is engaged with the concave portion 7 provided at the left end of the vacuum cleaner, the electric circuit of the vacuum cleaner is "off" and no suction force is generated.

When the user applies a gripping force to the operation switch of the grip section 8, the contact 4a attached to the cylinder head 4 moves in the direction of arrow E, and the resistance value decreases. On the other hand, a control circuit (not shown) for changing the suction force according to the change in the resistance value of the switch is provided inside the cleaner, and the suction force is continuously increased by increasing the grip force of the operation switch. It is possible to switch from "weak" to "strong". Further, by reducing the grip force of the operation switch, the cylinder head 4 moves in the direction of the arrow F due to the reaction force generated in the direction of the arrow F by the compression coil spring 5, so that the cylinder head 4 continuously moves in the direction opposite to the case where the grip force is applied. It is possible to switch the suction force from "strong" to "weak".

As described above, in this embodiment, the user uses the operation switch shown in FIG. 1 for a vacuum cleaner so that the user can hold the vacuum cleaner without applying an extra load and increase or decrease the grip force. This makes it possible to smoothly switch the suction force continuously with good operability.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 6 is a view showing an embodiment in which the operation switch of the second embodiment is mounted on a grip portion of a dryer and the type and amount of air blown by the dryer are switched. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 9 denotes a grip of the dryer. In the initial state, the electric circuit of the dryer is "OFF" because the convex portion 4b of the contact 4a is engaged with the concave portion 7a provided at the left end of the sliding resistance portion 2b shown in FIG. No air is blown. That is, the internal blower motor (not shown) is off. When the user increases the grip force of the operation switch, the engagement between the projection 4b of the contact 4a and the recess 7a of the cylinder 3 is released, and the switch is turned on. As a result, the motor is turned on, and blowing is started. Further, since the cylinder head 4 moves in the direction of arrow G and the protrusion 4b of the contact 4a moves in the direction G while contacting the sliding resistance portion 2b, the resistance value between the terminal T3 and GND is continuously reduced. It is becoming.

On the other hand, a terminal T3,
A circuit for changing the air flow according to a change in the resistance value between GNDs is provided, and the air flow continuously changes from weak to strong. At the same time, the convex portion 4b of the contact 4a and the sliding portion 2d are connected. In this state, an internal heater (not shown)
Is off. Therefore, the cool air is blown, and the amount of the cool air is continuously switched from weak to strong as the cylinder head 4 moves in the G direction.

When the grip force is increased, the cylinder head 4
Moves further in the G direction, and the convex portion 4b is connected to the sliding portion 2e. By this switching of the contacts, the heater is turned on, and the cold air is switched to the hot air. Furthermore, when the grip force is increased, the resistance value between the terminal T3 and GND decreases because the cylinder head 4 moves in the G direction. At this time, it is necessary to reset the air volume to the initial state and then increase the air volume. desirable. By doing so, even when switching from cold air to warm air, the air volume changes in the same way as in the case of cold air. Therefore,
When the connection of the convex portion 4b is switched to the sliding portion 2e,
In the range of e, the intensity of the warm air is continuously switched. Further, by reducing the external force applied to the operation unit 1, the type and amount of air can be switched in a direction opposite to the case where the external force is increased by the action of the compression coil spring 5.

In this embodiment, since the operation switch shown in FIG. 3 is provided on the grip portion of the dryer, the user does not need to apply an extra load during the operation of holding the dryer, and can adjust the gripping force to blow the air. And the air volume can be switched smoothly with good operability.

[0027]

As described above, according to the present invention, even a delicate operation can be obtained as a change in resistance value corresponding to the delicate operation, and can be suitably used for fine adjustment and smooth switching. Further, the change of the resistance value and the switching of the contacts can be realized at the same time, and one switch can have a plurality of functions at the same time. Further, in the initial state, since the concave portion of the cylinder and the convex portion of the contact are engaged, the switch is turned on,
An off-click feeling can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view and a side view showing the cylinder head of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view illustrating a configuration of a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view and a side view showing the cylinder head of FIG. 3;

5 is a diagram showing an example of a vacuum cleaner using the operation switch of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a dryer using the operation switch of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a conventional operation switch.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Operating part 2a, 2b Sliding resistance part 2d, 2e Sliding part 3 Cylinder 4 Cylinder head 4a Contact 4b Convex part 4c Compression coil spring receiver 5 Compression coil spring 6 Fluid 7a Recess 8 Grip part of dryer 9 Grip part of dryer

Claims (9)

[Claims] An operating portion that is partially deformed in response to an external force is formed, and includes a cylinder in which a fluid is sealed. The cylinder moves inside the cylinder in response to an external force to the operating portion, and A cylinder head to which a reaction force in a direction opposite to the movement direction due to the external force is applied by an elastic body, and a side opposite to the fluid sandwiching the cylinder head in the cylinder has a resistance due to the movement of the cylinder head. An electric circuit whose value continuously changes is provided, and when an external force is applied to the operation unit, the resistance value of the electric circuit is output as a resistance value change that continuously changes according to the external force. Operation switch. 2. An operation part which is partially deformed in response to an external force is formed, and includes a cylinder in which a fluid is sealed. The cylinder moves inside the cylinder in response to an external force to the operation part, and A cylinder head to which a reaction force in a direction opposite to the movement direction due to the external force is applied by an elastic body, and a side opposite to the fluid sandwiching the cylinder head in the cylinder has a resistance due to the movement of the cylinder head. An electric circuit whose value continuously changes is provided, and a plurality of contact portions are provided along a moving direction of the cylinder head,
An operation switch, wherein when an external force is applied to the operation unit, the operation switch outputs a resistance value change of the electric circuit according to the external force, and switches a plurality of contact portions according to the external force. 3. A sliding resistance portion having resistance on a side opposite to a fluid sandwiching a cylinder head in the cylinder, is provided,
The cylinder head is provided with a contact that moves while being in contact with the sliding resistance portion, and an electric circuit in which a resistance value is continuously changed by the sliding resistance portion and the contact is configured. The operation switch according to any one of claims 1 and 2, 4. The operation switch according to claim 3, wherein the contact has a convex portion that contacts the sliding resistance portion. 5. A concave portion for engaging with a convex portion of the contact is formed at a position on the inner wall of the cylinder before the sliding resistance portion, and the contact in an initial state where no external force is applied to the operating portion. 4. The operation switch according to claim 3, wherein a convex portion of the second lever is engaged with a concave portion of the cylinder. 6. The operation switch according to claim 1, wherein the elastic body is mounted between an end of the cylinder and a cylinder head. 7. The cylinder head according to claim 1, wherein the elastic body applies a pressure to the cylinder head which is equal to and opposite to a pressure by the fluid when no external force is applied to the operation unit. The operation switch according to any one of claims 6 and 7. 8. An operation switch according to claim 1, wherein the operation switch is provided on a grip portion operated by hand, and is provided in accordance with a change in the resistance value of the operation switch. An electric device characterized by adjusting the functions of: 9. An operation switch according to claim 2, wherein the operation switch is provided on a grip portion operated by hand, and has a predetermined function according to a change in resistance value of the operation switch. An electrical device for adjusting a number of functions and switching a plurality of functions according to switching of a contact point of the operation switch.