JP2009032402A - Mechanism for converting switch of momentary operation into alternate operation, and push button switch - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mechanism capable of easily changing a function of a momentary operation switch into alternate operation. <P>SOLUTION: An alternate mechanism part 3 is provided on a spring body 2 arranged so as to surround a switch 1 which performs momentary operation. The alternate mechanism part comprises: an enclosure body 31 having a guide with cutoffs 312, 313 on a tip part and base part of saw-like teeth 311 formed on an inner circumferential surface of a through hole part 31a; and a movable body 32 formed in a cylindrical shape so as to be inserted into the through hole part of the enclosure body and including a projected part 321 for engaging with the guide in a predetermined position on an outer circumferential surface thereof. Accordingly, a function can be easily converted into alternate operation specification only by adding a simple mechanism on the commercial switch with the momentary operation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a push button type switch, and more particularly to a mechanism for converting a momentary operation switch into an alternate operation and a push button switch including the mechanism.

  For example, consoles for various medical diagnostic equipment such as X-ray diagnostic apparatuses are increasingly required to improve operability, and the appearance design has become more important, and the shape has become thinner. ing. Therefore, as various switches installed in the console, small push switches (for example, “Tact Switch”, a trade name of Alps Electric Co., Ltd.) are used, but liquids (for example, blood and contrast agents) are used in the device. Etc.) is required as an international standard to prevent accidents caused by the intrusion of the above, and there are many cases where it is difficult to select an applicable switch.

  In addition, foot switches are often used in medical diagnostic equipment, but the international standards for anti-corrosion properties for foot switches are also required to have a simple structure without electronic circuits inside the body. ing. For this reason, micro switches are mainly used as foot switches.

  A small push switch (for example, “Tact Switch”, a trade name of Alps Electric Co., Ltd.) and a micro switch, which are employed in the operation unit and the foot switch, generally operate momentarily. This momentary operation is also referred to as an automatic return type operation. The operation state (for example, ON state) is maintained only while the push button of the switch is pressed, and the operation state is canceled when the push button is stopped (ON state). Is turned off).

  By the way, in developing products such as various electronic devices and medical diagnostic devices, not only momentary operation but also alternate operation is required as the operation of the push button switch. This alternate operation is also called position hold type operation or push-on / push-off type operation. Once the switch push button is pressed, the operation state (for example, ON state) continues to be maintained even if the pressing force is removed. In addition, when the push button is pressed again, the operation returns to the original state (for example, the off state).

Various switches such as a heart cam method, a rotating cam method, and a ratchet cam method are provided as switches that perform an alternate operation as a single unit. However, a momentary operation having a basic operation mechanism of a push button switch is provided. There has also been proposed a push button switch in which an alternate mechanism is combined with a switch so as to perform an alternate operation (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2001-167661 A

  By the way, if it is necessary to change to an alternate operation specification for an electronic device product that has been developed with a momentary operation specification for a pushbutton switch, or if the operation function on a commercial console has to be changed to an alternate operation specification. If this happens, there is no problem if it can be dealt with by simply replacing the push button switch as a part. However, in many cases, the size or design of the part to be replaced is not suitable, and it is not always easy to change it. .

  In addition, small push switches and microswitches used in operation units and foot switches are generally used for momentary operation, and if this is to be used for alternate operation, an electronic circuit is usually added. Although it will be realized by a control program, from the viewpoint of securing waterproofness and erosion resistance as described above, it is not realistic to provide an electronic circuit etc. in the operation unit or the foot switch body, In addition, the control program was also forgotten to be adopted from the viewpoint of reliability, such as the possibility that the alternate operation might not function due to the program runaway / stopping.

  For this reason, the present invention can easily function in an alternate operation without depending on an electronic circuit or a control program by adding a mechanism for maintaining a small and lightweight pressed state to the momentary operation switch. It was made for the purpose of making it possible to change.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention according to claim 1 is directed to a spring body disposed so as to surround a switch that performs a momentary operation, and an alternate mechanism section disposed on the switch via the spring body. And the alternate mechanism part has a saw-tooth shaped guide formed on the inner peripheral surface of the through-hole part with a notch at the tooth tip part and the root part, and the penetrating through the outer part. To convert a momentary operation switch into an alternate operation, which has a cylindrical shape inserted into the hole and a movable body having a convex portion that engages with the guide at a predetermined position on the outer peripheral surface thereof Mechanism.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mechanism for converting the momentary operation switch according to the first aspect into an alternate operation, wherein the guide has sawtooth teeth formed at even intervals. The convex portions engaged with the guide are provided symmetrically on the outer peripheral surface of the movable body.

  The invention according to claim 3 is a switch that performs a momentary operation, a spring body that is disposed so as to surround the switch, an alternate mechanism that is disposed on the switch via the spring body, A push button provided above the alternate mechanism portion, and the alternate mechanism portion is an outer surface in which a guide having a saw-tooth shape and having a notch at a tooth tip portion and a root portion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole portion. A push body comprising a surrounding body and a movable body having a cylindrical shape inserted into a through-hole portion of the surrounding body and having a convex portion engaging with the guide at a predetermined position on the outer peripheral surface thereof; It is a button switch.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the push button switch according to the third aspect of the present invention, a spring member is interposed between the upper part of the alternate mechanism and the push button.

  As shown in the section of the means for solving the above problems, according to the invention of each claim described in the claims of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily convert to the alternate operation specification by adding a simple mechanism to a commercially available momentary operation switch. In this case, it is not necessary to provide an electronic circuit inside, and a control program is not required, so that a highly reliable conversion mechanism that is rich in waterproofness and infiltration is provided.

  According to the second aspect of the invention, since the two convex portions that are engaged with the guide teeth are provided at the symmetrical position on the outer peripheral surface of the movable body, the movable body is balanced on the inner periphery of the outer enclosure. It can be held well, and the movement of the movable body can be made smoother.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, a commercially available momentary operation switch can be used, and a simple mechanism can be added to be used as a push button switch with an alternate operation specification. In this case, there is no need to provide an electronic circuit inside, and no control program is required, so that a highly reliable push button switch with high waterproofness and water-proof property is provided.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the lock type push button switch can be a non-lock type push button switch.

  Hereinafter, a mechanism for converting a momentary operation switch according to the present invention to an alternate operation and a push button switch including the mechanism will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. In these drawings, the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing one embodiment of a push button switch having a mechanism for converting a momentary operation switch according to the present invention into an alternate operation for ease of explanation. It is. In this figure, 1 is an existing switch having an operating piece 1a and performing a momentary operation, 2 is a spring body (for example, a coiled spring) provided so as to surround the switch 1, and 3 is a contraction / reduction of the spring body 2. Reference numeral 4 denotes a push button for applying an acting force to the alternate mechanism unit 3 that performs an alternate operation using a repulsive action.

  Here, the alternate mechanism unit 3 includes an outer body 31 whose position is fixed and a cylindrical movable body 32 that is surrounded by the outer body 31 and is held so as to be rotatable and vertically movable. A convex portion 321 is provided at a predetermined position on the outer peripheral surface of 32. As will be described later, the movable body 32 moves up and down by the contraction / repulsion action of the spring body 2. On the other hand, when the envelope 31 is shown in a developed view, it is formed in a sawtooth shape having several teeth 311 at equal intervals as shown in FIG. 2, and a first notch 312 is formed in the tooth tip portion. A second notch 313 is formed at the root of the tooth. Accordingly, the first notch 312 and the second notch 313 are also formed at equal intervals. The height T (see FIG. 2) of the first notch 312 formed in the outer envelope 31 is an operating distance that falls within the maximum load in the ON state of the switch 1 being used, that is, the switch 1 It shall be set below the distance allowed to push in the operating piece after it is turned on.

  Note that the convex portion 321 provided at a predetermined position on the outer peripheral surface of the movable body 32 is inclined so that the upper surface thereof is substantially the same as the inclination angle of the teeth 311 of the outer envelope 31. The first notch 312 and the second notch 313 of the body 31 are formed in a size suitable for engaging the convex portion 321 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the movable body 32. Thus, the teeth 311 formed on the outer envelope 31 serve to guide the convex portion 321. Therefore, the convex body 321 is guided by the teeth 311, so that the movable body 32 can rotate or move up and down along the outer enclosure 31.

  Further, the outer envelope 31 is displayed as if it was held by the movable body 32 as a cylindrical object in FIG. 1 for convenience, and FIG. 2 shows a developed view thereof. As shown in FIG. 3, the outer enclosure 31 has a through hole 31 a for allowing the cylindrical movable body 32 to be inserted therethrough, and teeth 311 serving as a guide for the movable body 32 on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 31 a and the first one. For example, the rectangular position is fixed, in which one notch 312 and second notch 313 are formed. A space portion that can accommodate the switch 1 that receives the acting force of the movable body 32 and the spring body 2 is formed below the root portion of the tooth 311. Therefore, the developed view of the outer envelope 31 shown in FIG. 2 is a developed view of the inner peripheral surface of the outer envelope 31.

  Next, the mechanism for converting the momentary operation switch according to the present invention configured as described above into the alternate operation and the operation of the push button switch including the mechanism are disassembled for each of the same elements as in FIG. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7, which are perspective views.

  FIG. 4 shows that the push button switch is in the OFF state as state [1]. That is, the movable body 32 is pushed upward by the repulsive force of the spring body 2, and the convex portion 321 of the movable body 32 is engaged with the second notch 313 formed at the root portion of the tooth 311 of the outer envelope 31. is doing. For example, when four teeth 311 are formed in the outer envelope 31, four first cutouts 312 and four second cutouts 313 are also formed. Therefore, in FIG. 4, the second notch 313 with which the convex part 321 of the movable body 32 is engaged is indicated as a reference numeral 313a for convenience of explanation, and the second notch 313 on the left side is indicated with a reference numeral 313b. Will be displayed.

  Next, when the push button 4 of the push button switch in the off state shown in FIG. 4 is pushed, the movable body 32 is pushed down while the spring body 2 is contracted by being pushed by the push button 4. At this time, the convex portion 321 of the movable body 32 descends along the vertical portion of the teeth 311 of the outer envelope 31 and when fully pushed, the operating piece 1a of the existing switch 1 is pushed and turned on at the bottom of the movable body 32. When the force of pushing the push button 4 is loosened in this state, the movable body 32 is lifted slightly upward due to the repulsive action of the spring body 2, but the convex portion 321 of the movable body 32 is formed at the tip of the tooth 311 of the outer body 31. The first notch 312 is engaged. FIG. 5 shows this state as state [2], and the switch 1 is kept on while being pressed. That is, it becomes a push-on state.

  When the push button 4 of the push button switch in the push-on state shown in FIG. 5 is pressed again, the movable body 32 contracts the spring body 2 and slightly pushes it down. The convex portion 321 of the movable body 32 engaged with the 312 is detached from the first notch 312. And if the force which pushes the push button 4 is loosened as it is, the movable body 32 will be lifted up by the repulsive action of the spring body 2. FIG. 6 shows this state as state [3]. FIG. 6 shows the state of the process of changing from on to off.

  That is, the movable body 32 rises while rotating the convex portion 321 along the inclination of the tooth 311 of the outer envelope 31, and finally the convex portion 321 engages with the second notch 313 b of the outer envelope 31. Then, the movable body 32 stops. The state at this time is shown as a state [4] in FIG. 7, and the bottom of the movable body 32 is separated from the switch 1, so that the switch 1 is turned off. That is, this state is a push-off state. In the initial OFF state (state [1]) shown in FIG. 4, the convex portion 321 of the movable body 32 that has been engaged with the second notch 313a is turned on by pressing the push button 4 once. When the push button 4 is further pressed after that (see FIG. 5), the state shown in FIG. 6 is followed to the next off state (state [4]) shown in FIG. Will engage with the notch 313b. As can be seen from this, each time the push button 4 is pushed and push-on / push-off is repeated, the movable body 32 sequentially rotates along the inner wall of the outer envelope 31.

  As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily convert to an alternate operation specification by adding a simple mechanism to a commercially available momentary operation switch. In this case, it is not necessary to provide an electronic circuit inside, and a control program is not required, so that a highly reliable conversion mechanism that is rich in waterproofness and infiltration is provided.

  Therefore, by adopting this conversion mechanism, for example, even if the pushbutton switch on the console that was in the middle of product development with the momentary operation specification needs to be changed to the alternate operation specification, a drastic design Without changing, it is possible to easily replace the switch with the alternative operation specification while adopting the momentary operation specification switch itself. Moreover, even if the product is already commercialized with the momentary operation specification, it is easy to change the function to the alternate operation specification without replacing the momentary operation specification switch. Since this change does not depend on the shape of the console, it is also a great advantage that versatility and applicability are high.

  Needless to say, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without being limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, although the case where four teeth 311 are formed on the outer envelope 31 at equal intervals has been described, the present invention is not limited thereto, and an appropriate number of teeth 311 may be formed. Further, although the number of the convex portions 321 of the movable body 32 is not mentioned, if the number of teeth 311 is an even number, the movable body 32 can be removed by providing two convex portions 321 at symmetrical positions of the movable body 32. Since the inner periphery of the enclosure 31 can be held with a good balance, the movement of the movable body 32 can be made smoother.

  If you want to change the momentary operation specification to the alternate operation specification for the operation unit or foot switch of the existing equipment, the size of the switch 1 used and the free position to the operating position of the switch The size (diameter and height) of the outer enclosure 31 and the movable body 32, the number of teeth 311, the number of convex portions 321 and the like are adjusted as appropriate according to the movement distance of. When the moving distance from the free position to the operating position of the switch 1 is short, the diameter of the outer envelope 31 or the movable body 32 is increased and the height is decreased, and the number of teeth 311 is increased or the convex portion 321 is increased. It is better to respond by increasing the number.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, a so-called lock type in which the push button 4 is held at the pushed-in position when the hand that pushed the push button 4 is released is shown, but between the push button 4 and the movable body 32 is shown. By inserting a spring, the push button 4 can be made a non-locking type which always returns to the free position. Furthermore, although the cylindrical button was shown as the push button 4, any shape can be used as long as the mounting space for the outer enclosure 31 and the movable body 32 can be secured and does not hinder these operations. Needless to say, there is no problem.

It is the perspective view which decomposed | disassembled and showed one Example of the pushbutton switch provided with the alternate conversion mechanism based on this invention for every element. It is explanatory drawing which expanded and showed the inner peripheral surface of the outer enclosure of an alternate mechanism part. It is the perspective view which showed an example of the outer enclosure. It is explanatory drawing shown in order to demonstrate the mode of the alternate mechanism part when a switch is in an OFF state. It is explanatory drawing shown in order to demonstrate the mode of the alternate mechanism part when a switch is in an ON state. It is explanatory drawing shown in order to demonstrate the mode of the alternate mechanism part of the process which transfers to an OFF state from an ON state. It is explanatory drawing explaining the mode of the alternate mechanism part when a switch will be in an OFF state again.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Existing switch which performs momentary operation 2 Spring body 3 Alternate mechanism part 4 Push button 31 Enclosure 32 Movable body 311 Teeth 312 1st notch 313 2nd notch 321 Convex part

Claims (4)

A spring body arranged so as to surround a switch that performs a momentary operation;
An alternate mechanism disposed on the switch via the spring body,
The alternate mechanism part is inserted into the through hole part of the outer body in which a guide having a saw-tooth shape and having a notch in the tooth tip part and the root part is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole part. A mechanism for converting a momentary operation switch into an alternate operation, comprising a movable body provided with a convex portion engaging with the guide at a predetermined position on an outer peripheral surface thereof. The guide has sawtooth-shaped teeth formed at even intervals, and the convex portions engaged with the guide are provided symmetrically on the outer peripheral surface of the movable body. A mechanism for converting a momentary operation switch according to claim 1 to an alternate operation. A momentary switch,
A spring body arranged so as to surround the switch;
An alternate mechanism disposed on the switch via the spring body;
A push button provided above the alternate mechanism, and
The alternate mechanism portion has a sawtooth shape and has an outer body in which a guide having a notch at a tooth tip portion and a root portion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole portion, and is inserted into the through hole portion of the outer envelope body. A push button switch comprising a movable body having a cylindrical shape and having a convex portion engaged with the guide at a predetermined position on an outer peripheral surface thereof. 4. The push button switch according to claim 3, wherein a spring member is interposed between the upper part of the alternate mechanism part and the push button.

Images