JP3971069B2

JP3971069B2 - Operating device

Info

Publication number: JP3971069B2
Application number: JP31374999A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 聡小川
Original assignee: Tokai Rika Co Ltd
Current assignee: Tokai Rika Co Ltd
Priority date: 1999-11-04
Filing date: 1999-11-04
Publication date: 2007-09-05
Anticipated expiration: 2019-11-04
Also published as: JP2001135186A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、操作部材の操作方向への移動をガイドする機能を備えた操作装置に関する。
【０００２】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
操作装置、例えばプッシュ式のスイッチ装置においては、図４に示すような構成のものがある。すなわち、操作部材としての操作ノブ１は合成樹脂製で、外周部の４側面に、操作方向である矢印Ａ１方向に延びる直線状のガイド凸部２が一体に設けられている。また、操作ノブ１が挿入されるガイド部材としての矩形筒状のスイッチケース３も合成樹脂製で、これの内周部の４側面には、上記矢印Ａ１方向に延びる直線状のガイド溝４が設けられていて、これら各ガイド溝４に、上記ガイド凸部２がそれぞれ移動可能に嵌合されるようになっている。そして、これら各ガイド凸部２とガイド溝４とにより、操作ノブ１の操作方向への移動がガイドされる構成となっている。ここで、操作ノブ１を成形する場合、金型の合わせ面は例えば図４にＢ１で示す面で、型抜き方向はＣ１，Ｃ２方向となる。
【０００３】
ところで、このような構成のものにおいて、操作ノブ１及びスイッチケース３が例えば幅方向（横方向）に大きくなると、操作ノブ１の操作時にがたつきが発生しやすくなり、それを防止するためには、操作ノブ１及びスイッチケース３を操作方向（矢印Ａ１方向）に大きくし、上記ガイド凸部２及びガイド溝４もその方向に長くすることが必要となる（がたつき時の支点と作用点の距離を長くとる必要があるため）。
【０００４】
しかしながら、それらガイド凸部２及びガイド溝４の長さＬ１がある程度の長さ以上の長さになると、成形のための金型には、その部分を成形するために抜き勾配が必要となる。このような抜き勾配が必要になると、ガイド凸部２の一端部の幅寸法Ｄ１に対して他端部の幅寸法Ｄ２が小さくなってしまうと共に、ガイド溝４側も同様になってしまうため、それらガイド凸部２及びガイド溝４との間に操作方向（矢印Ａ１方向）と交差するＡ２及びＡ３方向にがたつきが発生することが避けられず、操作ノブ１のがたつきが大きくなってしまうという問題点がある。
【０００５】
本発明は上記した事情に鑑みてなされたものであり、その目的は、操作部材の操作方向への移動をガイドする機能を備えたものにおいて、操作部材のがたつきの発生を極力防止できる操作装置を提供するにある。
【０００６】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記の目的を達成するために、請求項１の発明は、移動操作される操作部材と、この操作部材が移動可能に挿入されるガイド部材と、前記操作部材の外周部及び前記ガイド部材の内周部のうちの一方に設けられ、前記操作部材の操作方向に延びる直線状のガイド凸部と、前記操作部材の外周部及び前記ガイド部材の内周部のうちの他方に設けられ、前記操作部材の操作方向に延び前記ガイド凸部が移動可能に嵌合される直線状のガイド溝とを備え、前記ガイド凸部とガイド溝とにより前記操作部材の操作方向への移動をガイドする構成とした操作装置において、
前記ガイド凸部は、幅寸法がほぼ均一に形成された第１の直線状凸部と、この第１の直線状凸部よりも幅広でかつ幅寸法がほぼ均一に形成された第２の直線状凸部とを有する構成とし、
前記ガイド溝は、幅寸法がほぼ均一に形成され前記第１の直線状凸部が移動可能に嵌合される第１の直線状溝部と、この第１の直線状溝部よりも幅広でかつ幅寸法がほぼ均一に形成され前記第２の直線状凸部が移動可能に嵌合される第２の直線状溝部とを有する構成としたことを特徴とするものである。
【０００７】
上記した構成のものの場合、操作部材の操作方向に延びるガイド凸部は、幅が異なる第１の直線状凸部と第２の直線状凸部とに分かれていて、それら第１及び第２の直線状凸部は、成形時に抜き勾配を取る必要がない程度の長さに設定しておけば、それぞれ幅寸法が均一な直線状に形成することができる。また、第１及び第２の直線状凸部が移動可能に嵌合するガイド溝も、幅が異なる第１の直線状溝部と第２の直線状溝部とに分かれていて、それら第１及び第２の直線状溝部も、成形時に抜き勾配を取る必要がない程度の長さに設定しておけば、それぞれ幅寸法が均一な直線状に形成することができる。
【０００８】
従って、第１の直線状凸部とこれが移動可能に嵌合する第１の直線状溝部との間に、操作方向と交差する方向にがたつきが発生することを極力防止することができ、また、第２の直線状凸部とこれが移動可能に嵌合する第２の直線状溝部との間にも、操作方向と交差する方向にがたつきが発生することを極力防止することができるようになる。これにより、ガイド凸部及びガイド溝が操作部材の操作方向に長い場合であっても、操作部材のがたつきの発生を極力防止できるようになる。
【０００９】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明を、自動車における積算メータの切替え用のプッシュ式スイッチ装置に適用した第１実施例について図１及び図２を参照して説明する。
操作部材を構成する操作ノブ１１は、合成樹脂によりほぼ矩形筒状に形成されていて、前部に押圧操作部１２が一体に設けられている。この場合、操作ノブ１１は、上下方向の高さ寸法に比べて左右方向の幅寸法が大きく形成されている。この操作ノブ１１が移動可能に挿入されるガイド部材を構成するスイッチケース１３は、これも合成樹脂により前後両側が開放されたほぼ矩形筒状に形成されていて、その内部を収容部１４としている。
【００１０】
そして、上記操作ノブ１１の外周部の４面、すなわち上下両面及び左右両側面に、操作方向である矢印Ａ１方向に延びる直線状の第１及び第２のガイド凸部１５及び１６が一体に設けられている。このうち第１のガイド凸部１５は、後部側の第１の直線状凸部１５ａと、前部側の第２の直線状凸部１５ｂと、これら第１及び第２の直線状凸部１５ａ，１５ｂ間に位置した中間凸部１５ｃとを有する構成とされている。第１の直線状凸部１５ａは、幅寸法Ｄ３が前後にわたってほぼ均一に形成されている。また、上記第２の直線状凸部１５ｂは、幅寸法Ｄ４が第１の直線状凸部１５ａの幅寸法Ｄ３よりも大きく設定され（第１の直線状凸部１５ａよりも幅広に形成され）、かつ前後にわたってほぼ均一に形成されている。上記中間凸部１５ｃの左右両側面は、それら第１の直線状凸部１５ａの側面と第２の直線状凸部１５ｂの側面とを結ぶように斜面により形成されている。
【００１１】
上記第２のガイド凸部１６は、幅寸法が全体に上記第１のガイド凸部１５よりも小さく設定されている以外は、基本的に第１のガイド凸部１５と同様な構成となっている。すなわち、第２のガイド凸部１６は、図１に示すように、後部側の第１の直線状凸部１６ａと、前部側の第２の直線状凸部１６ｂと、これら第１及び第２の直線状凸部１６ａ，１６ｂ間に位置した中間凸部１６ｃとを有する構成とされている。第１の直線状凸部１６ａは、幅寸法が前後にわたってほぼ均一に形成されている。また、第２の直線状凸部１６ｂは、幅寸法が第１の直線状凸部１６ａの幅寸法よりも大きく設定され（第１の直線状凸部１６ａよりも幅広に形成され）、かつ前後にわたってほぼ均一に形成されている。中間凸部１６ｃの上下両側面は、それら第１の直線状凸部１６ａの側面と第２の直線状凸部１６ｂの側面とを結ぶように斜面により形成されている。
【００１２】
ここで、上記操作ノブ１１を成形する場合、金型の合わせ面は例えば図１にＢ２で示す面で、型抜き方向はＣ１，Ｃ２方向となる。また、上記第１及び第２のガイド凸部１５，１６において、第１の直線状凸部１５ａ，１６ａの長さ寸法Ｌ２と、第２の直線状凸部１５ｂ，１６ｂの長さ寸法Ｌ３は、いずれも操作ノブ１１の成形時において金型に抜き勾配を取る必要がない程度の長さに設定している。
【００１３】
これに対して、上記スイッチケース１３の内周部の４面、すなわち上下両面及び左右両側面には、操作方向である矢印Ａ１方向に延びる直線状の第１及び第２のガイド溝１７及び１８が設けられている。このうち第１のガイド溝１７は、図２に示すように、上記第１のガイド凸部１５と対応した形状に形成されており、すなわち、後部側の第１の直線状溝部１７ａと、前部側の第２の直線状溝部１７ｂと、これら第１及び第２の直線状溝部１７ａ，１７ｂ間に位置した中間溝部１７ｃとを有する構成とされている。第１の直線状溝部１７ａは、幅寸法Ｄ５が前後にわたってほぼ均一に形成されている。また、上記第２の直線状溝部１７ｂは、幅寸法Ｄ６が第１の直線状溝部１７ａの幅寸法Ｄ５よりも大きく設定され（第１の直線状溝部１７ａよりも幅広に形成され）、かつ前後にわたってほぼ均一に形成されている。上記中間溝部１７ｃの左右両側面は、それら第１の直線状溝部１７ａの側面と第２の直線状溝部１７ｂの側面とを結ぶように斜面により形成されている。
【００１４】
上記第２のガイド溝１８は、幅寸法が全体に上記第１のガイド溝１７よりも小さく設定されている以外は、基本的に第１のガイド溝１７と同様な構成となっている。すなわち、第２のガイド溝１８は、上記第２のガイド凸部１６と対応した形状に形成されており、後部側の第１の直線状溝部１８ａと、前部側の第２の直線状溝部１８ｂと、これら第１及び第２の直線状溝部１８ａ，１８ｂ間に位置した中間溝部１８ｃとを有する構成とされている。第１の直線状溝部１８ａは、幅寸法が前後にわたってほぼ均一に形成されている。また、第２の直線状溝部１８ｂは、幅寸法が第１の直線状溝部１８ａの幅寸法よりも大きく設定され（第１の直線状溝部１８ａよりも幅広に形成され）、かつ前後にわたってほぼ均一に形成されている。中間溝部１８ｃの上下両側面は、それら第１の直線状溝部１８ａの側面と第２の直線状溝部１８ｂの側面とを結ぶように斜面により形成されている。
【００１５】
ここで、上記スイッチケース１３を成形する場合、金型の合わせ面は例えば図１にＢ３で示す面で、型抜き方向はＣ１，Ｃ２方向となる。また、上記第１及び第２のガイド溝１７，１８において、第１の直線状溝部１７ａ，１８ａの長さ寸法Ｌ４と、第２の直線状溝部１７ｂ１８ｂの長さ寸法Ｌ５は、いずれもスイッチケース１３の成形時において金型に抜き勾配を取る必要がない程度の長さに設定している。
【００１６】
しかして、操作ノブ１１は、スイッチケース１３の収容部１４に対して前方から挿入される。このとき、操作ノブ１１の第１及び第２のガイド凸部１５，１６を、スイッチケース１３の対応する第１及び第２のガイド溝１７，１８にスライド可能に嵌合させる。なお、スイッチ装置として組み立てられた場合には、図示はしないが、スイッチケース１３の前面には、操作ノブ１１の押圧操作部１２が前方へ突出するようにパネルが設けられ、また、操作ノブ１１を前方へ付勢する復帰用ばねが設けられ、さらに、操作ノブ１１の移動に伴いオン／オフされるスイッチが設けられる。
【００１７】
上記構成において、操作ノブ１１の押圧操作部１２が押圧操作されると、操作ノブ１１は矢印Ａ１方向に移動され、また、押圧操作部１２に対する押圧操作が解除されると、上記した復帰用ばねの付勢力により、矢印Ａ１とは反対方向に移動されるようになる。このとき、操作ノブ１１の移動は、第１及び第２のガイド凸部１５，１６と第１及び第２のガイド溝１７，１８とのガイド作用によりガイドされる。
【００１８】
上記した第１実施例によれば、次のような効果を得ることができる。すなわち、操作ノブ１１の操作方向（矢印Ａ１方向）に延びる第１及び第２のガイド凸部１５，１６は、幅が異なる第１の直線状凸部１５ａ，１６ａと第２の直線状凸部１５ｂ，１６ｂとに分かれていて、それら第１及び第２の直線状凸部１５ａ，１５ｂ及び１６ａ，１６ｂは、成形時に抜き勾配を取る必要がない程度の長さに設定しておけば、それぞれ幅寸法が均一な直線状に形成することができる。また、第１及び第２のガイド凸部１５，１６が移動可能に嵌合する第１及び第２のガイド溝１７，１８も、幅が異なる第１の直線状溝部１７ａ，１８ａと第２の直線状溝部１７ｂ，１８ｂとに分かれていて、それら第１及び第２の直線状溝部１７ａ，１７ｂ及び１８ａ，１８ｂも、成形時に抜き勾配を取る必要がない程度の長さに設定しておけば、それぞれ幅寸法が均一な直線状に形成することができる。
【００１９】
従って、第１のガイド凸部１５と第１のガイド溝１７において、第１の直線状凸部１５ａとこれが移動可能に嵌合する第１の直線状溝部１７ａとの間に、操作方向と交差する方向のうち、矢印Ａ２方向（左右方向）にがたつきが発生することを極力防止することができ、また、第２の直線状凸部１５ｂとこれが移動可能に嵌合する第２の直線状溝部１７ｂとの間にも、操作方向と交差する矢印Ａ２方向にがたつきが発生することを極力防止することができるようになる。これにより、第１のガイド凸部１５及び第１のガイド溝１７が操作方向に長い場合においても、操作ノブ１１の矢印Ａ２方向（左右方向）のがたつきの発生を極力防止できるようになる。
【００２０】
また、第２のガイド凸部１６と第２のガイド溝１８においても、上記と同様に、第１の直線状凸部１６ａとこれが移動可能に嵌合する第１の直線状溝部１８ａとの間に、操作方向と交差する方向のうち、矢印Ａ３方向（上下方向）にがたつきが発生することを極力防止することができ、また、第２の直線状凸部１６ｂとこれが移動可能に嵌合する第２の直線状溝部１８ｂとの間にも、操作方向と交差する矢印Ａ３方向にがたつきが発生することを極力防止することができるようになる。これにより、第２のガイド凸部１６及び第２のガイド溝１８が操作方向に長い場合においても、操作ノブ１１の矢印Ａ３方向（上下方向）のがたつきの発生を極力防止できるようになる。
【００２１】
なお、上記した第１実施例において、第１のガイド凸部１５の幅寸法と第２のガイド凸部１６の幅寸法とを同一となるように設定し、また、これに伴い、第１のガイド溝１７の幅寸法と第２のガイド溝１８の幅寸法とを同一となるように設定するようにしても良い。
【００２２】
図３は本発明の第２実施例を示したものであり、この第２実施例は上記した第１実施例とは次の点が異なっている。
すなわち、操作ノブ１１側のガイド凸部２０は、第１の直線状凸部２０ａと、これより幅広に形成された第２の直線状凸部２０ｂとから構成され、斜面を有した中間凸部に相当する部分がない構成となっている。また、ガイド凸部２０が嵌合するスイッチケース１３側のガイド溝２１は、第１の直線状凸部２０ａに対応する第１の直線状溝部２１ａと、これより幅広に形成され第２の直線状凸部２０ｂが嵌合する第２の直線状溝部２１ｂとから構成され、斜面を有した中間溝部に相当する部分がない構成となっている。
このような構成とした場合でも、第１実施例と同様な作用効果を得ることができる。
【００２３】
本発明は、上記した各実施例にのみ限定されるものではなく、次のように変形または拡張することができる。
ガイド凸部１５，１６，２０及びこれが嵌合するガイド溝１７，１８，２１は、４面すべてに設けることに限られず、上下の２面または左右の２面、あるいは上面と左右の２面の合計３面に設ける構成とすることも可能である。
ガイド凸部１５，１６，２０及びこれが嵌合するガイド溝１７，１８，２１は、操作方向に２分割（第１の直線状凸部と第２の直線状凸部、第１の直線状溝部と第２の直線状溝部）することに代えて、３分割以上とすることも可能である。このときも、各直線状凸部及び直線状溝部の長さは、成形時に抜き勾配を取る必要がない程度の長さに設定する。
【００２４】
ガイド凸部１５，１６，２０をスイッチケース１３側に設けると共に、ガイド凸部１５，１６，２０が嵌合するガイド溝１７，１８，２１を操作ノブ１１側に設ける構成とすることも可能である。
また、本発明は、操作ノブ１１によりスイッチ以外のものを操作する場合にも適用できる。
【００２５】
【発明の効果】
以上の説明から明らかなように、本発明によれば、操作部材の操作方向への移動をガイドするためのガイド凸部とこれが移動可能に嵌合するガイド溝を備えたものにおいて、それらガイド凸部及びガイド溝を操作方向に複数に分割する構成としたことにより、操作部材のがたつきの発生を極力防止できるようになる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１実施例を示すもので、一部を破断して表した分解斜視図
【図２】横断平面図
【図３】本発明の第２実施例を示す図２相当図
【図４】従来例を示す分解斜視図
【符号の説明】
１１は操作ノブ（操作部材）、１３はスイッチケース（ガイド部材）、１５，１６は第１，第２のガイド凸部（ガイド凸部）、１５ａ，１６ａは第１の直線状凸部、１５ｂ，１６ｂは第２の直線状凸部、１７，１８は第１，第２のガイド溝（ガイド溝）、１７ａ，１８ａは第１の直線状溝部、１７ｂ，１８ｂは第２の直線状溝部、２０はガイド凸部、２０ａ，２０ｂは第１，第２の直線状凸部、２１はガイド溝、２１ａ，２１ｂは第１，第２の直線状溝部を示す。[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an operation device having a function of guiding movement of an operation member in an operation direction.
[0002]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
An operation device, for example, a push-type switch device, has a configuration as shown in FIG. That is, the operation knob 1 as an operation member is made of synthetic resin, and linear guide convex portions 2 extending in the direction of the arrow A1 that is the operation direction are integrally provided on four side surfaces of the outer peripheral portion. A rectangular cylindrical switch case 3 as a guide member into which the operation knob 1 is inserted is also made of synthetic resin, and linear guide grooves 4 extending in the direction of the arrow A1 are formed on the four side surfaces of the inner peripheral portion thereof. The guide protrusions 2 are movably fitted in the guide grooves 4. The guide protrusions 2 and the guide grooves 4 guide the movement of the operation knob 1 in the operation direction. Here, when the operation knob 1 is formed, the mating surface of the mold is, for example, a surface indicated by B1 in FIG. 4, and the mold release direction is the C1, C2 direction.
[0003]
By the way, in the thing of such a structure, when the operation knob 1 and the switch case 3 become large in the width direction (lateral direction), for example, it becomes easy to generate rattling at the time of operation of the operation knob 1, and in order to prevent it The operation knob 1 and the switch case 3 need to be enlarged in the operation direction (arrow A1 direction), and the guide convex portion 2 and the guide groove 4 need to be lengthened in that direction (the fulcrum and the action when rattling). Because it is necessary to increase the distance between the points).
[0004]
However, when the length L1 of the guide convex portion 2 and the guide groove 4 is a certain length or more, the mold for molding needs a draft to mold the portion. When such a draft is required, the width dimension D2 of the other end portion is smaller than the width dimension D1 of the one end portion of the guide convex portion 2, and the guide groove 4 side is also the same. It is inevitable that rattling occurs in the A2 and A3 directions intersecting the operation direction (arrow A1 direction) between the guide convex portion 2 and the guide groove 4, and the rattling of the operation knob 1 becomes large. There is a problem that.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an operation device capable of preventing the occurrence of rattling of the operation member as much as possible in a device having a function of guiding the operation member in the operation direction. To provide.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 is directed to an operation member that is moved, a guide member into which the operation member is movably inserted, an outer peripheral portion of the operation member, and an inner portion of the guide member. A linear guide convex portion provided on one of the peripheral portions and extending in the operation direction of the operation member; and provided on the other of the outer peripheral portion of the operation member and the inner peripheral portion of the guide member. A linear guide groove that extends in the operation direction of the member and in which the guide convex portion is movably fitted, and the guide convex portion and the guide groove guide movement of the operation member in the operation direction. In the operating device
The guide convex portion includes a first linear convex portion having a substantially uniform width dimension, and a second straight line having a width wider than the first linear convex portion and a substantially uniform width dimension. And having a convex portion,
The guide groove has a first linear groove portion in which the width dimension is formed substantially uniformly and the first linear convex portion is movably fitted, and is wider and wider than the first linear groove portion. The second linear groove is formed so as to have a substantially uniform size, and the second linear protrusion is movably fitted thereto.
[0007]
In the case of the above configuration, the guide convex portion extending in the operation direction of the operation member is divided into a first linear convex portion and a second linear convex portion having different widths, and the first and second linear convex portions are separated. If the straight convex portions are set to such a length that it is not necessary to take a draft at the time of molding, they can be formed in a straight shape having a uniform width dimension. The guide groove into which the first and second linear protrusions are movably fitted is also divided into a first linear groove portion and a second linear groove portion having different widths. If the lengths of the two straight groove portions are set to such a length that it is not necessary to take a draft at the time of molding, they can be formed into straight shapes having uniform width dimensions.
[0008]
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of rattling in the direction intersecting the operation direction as much as possible between the first linear convex portion and the first linear groove portion in which the first linear convex portion is movably fitted. Further, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of rattling in the direction intersecting the operation direction as much as possible between the second linear convex portion and the second linear groove portion in which the second linear convex portion is movably fitted. It becomes like this. Thereby, even if the guide convex portion and the guide groove are long in the operation direction of the operation member, it is possible to prevent the operation member from rattling as much as possible.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a push-type switch device for switching an integrating meter in an automobile will be described below with reference to FIGS.
The operation knob 11 constituting the operation member is formed in a substantially rectangular cylindrical shape from a synthetic resin, and a pressing operation portion 12 is integrally provided at the front portion. In this case, the operation knob 11 has a width dimension in the left-right direction larger than the height dimension in the vertical direction. The switch case 13 that constitutes a guide member into which the operation knob 11 is movably inserted is also formed in a substantially rectangular cylindrical shape whose both front and rear sides are opened by a synthetic resin, and the inside of the switch case 13 serves as a storage portion 14. .
[0010]
Further, linear first and second guide convex portions 15 and 16 extending in the direction of arrow A1 as the operation direction are integrally provided on the four surfaces of the outer peripheral portion of the operation knob 11, that is, both the upper and lower surfaces and the left and right side surfaces. It has been. Among these, the first guide convex portion 15 includes a first linear convex portion 15a on the rear side, a second linear convex portion 15b on the front side, and the first and second linear convex portions 15a. , 15b and an intermediate convex portion 15c located between the two. The first linear convex portion 15a has a width dimension D3 formed substantially uniformly over the front and rear. In addition, the width dimension D4 of the second linear convex portion 15b is set to be larger than the width dimension D3 of the first linear convex portion 15a (the width is formed wider than the first linear convex portion 15a). And formed substantially uniformly over the front and rear. The left and right side surfaces of the intermediate convex portion 15c are formed as slopes so as to connect the side surfaces of the first linear convex portions 15a and the side surfaces of the second linear convex portions 15b.
[0011]
The second guide convex portion 16 basically has the same configuration as the first guide convex portion 15 except that the width dimension is set to be smaller than that of the first guide convex portion 15 as a whole. Yes. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the second guide convex portion 16 includes a first linear convex portion 16a on the rear side, a second linear convex portion 16b on the front side, and the first and first linear convex portions 16b. The intermediate protrusion 16c is located between the two linear protrusions 16a and 16b. The first linear convex portion 16a is formed with a substantially uniform width dimension across the front and rear. The second linear convex portion 16b is set to have a width dimension larger than the width dimension of the first linear convex portion 16a (formed wider than the first linear convex portion 16a), and front and rear Over the entire surface. The upper and lower side surfaces of the intermediate convex portion 16c are formed by slopes so as to connect the side surfaces of the first linear convex portions 16a and the side surfaces of the second linear convex portions 16b.
[0012]
Here, when the operation knob 11 is molded, the mating surface of the mold is, for example, a surface indicated by B2 in FIG. 1, and the mold release direction is the C1, C2 direction. In the first and second guide convex portions 15 and 16, the length dimension L2 of the first linear convex portions 15a and 16a and the length dimension L3 of the second linear convex portions 15b and 16b are as follows. In either case, the length is set such that it is not necessary to draw a draft in the mold when the operation knob 11 is formed.
[0013]
On the other hand, linear first and second guide grooves 17 and 18 extending in the direction of the arrow A1 that is the operation direction are provided on the four inner peripheral surfaces of the switch case 13, that is, both the upper and lower surfaces and the left and right side surfaces. Is provided. Of these, the first guide groove 17 is formed in a shape corresponding to the first guide convex portion 15 as shown in FIG. 2, that is, the first linear groove portion 17a on the rear side and the front The second linear groove portion 17b on the part side and an intermediate groove portion 17c located between the first and second linear groove portions 17a and 17b are configured. The first linear groove portion 17a has a width dimension D5 formed substantially uniformly over the front and rear. The second linear groove portion 17b has a width dimension D6 larger than the width dimension D5 of the first linear groove portion 17a (formed wider than the first linear groove portion 17a), and front and rear. Over the entire surface. The left and right side surfaces of the intermediate groove portion 17c are formed by slopes so as to connect the side surfaces of the first linear groove portion 17a and the side surfaces of the second linear groove portion 17b.
[0014]
The second guide groove 18 has basically the same configuration as that of the first guide groove 17 except that the overall width dimension is set smaller than that of the first guide groove 17. That is, the second guide groove 18 is formed in a shape corresponding to the second guide convex portion 16, and includes a first linear groove portion 18 a on the rear side and a second linear groove portion on the front side. 18b and an intermediate groove portion 18c located between the first and second linear groove portions 18a and 18b. The first linear groove portion 18a is formed with a substantially uniform width dimension across the front and rear. Further, the second linear groove portion 18b is set to have a width dimension larger than the width dimension of the first linear groove portion 18a (formed wider than the first linear groove portion 18a) and substantially uniform across the front and rear. Is formed. The upper and lower side surfaces of the intermediate groove portion 18c are formed by inclined surfaces so as to connect the side surfaces of the first linear groove portion 18a and the side surface of the second linear groove portion 18b.
[0015]
Here, when the switch case 13 is formed, the mating surface of the mold is, for example, a surface indicated by B3 in FIG. 1, and the mold release direction is the C1, C2 direction. In the first and second guide grooves 17, 18, the length dimension L4 of the first linear groove portions 17a, 18a and the length dimension L5 of the second linear groove portion 17b18b are both switch cases. The length is set to such an extent that it is not necessary to take a draft in the mold during molding.
[0016]
Accordingly, the operation knob 11 is inserted from the front into the accommodating portion 14 of the switch case 13. At this time, the first and second guide protrusions 15 and 16 of the operation knob 11 are slidably fitted into the corresponding first and second guide grooves 17 and 18 of the switch case 13. When assembled as a switch device, although not shown, a panel is provided on the front surface of the switch case 13 so that the pressing operation portion 12 of the operation knob 11 protrudes forward. And a switch that is turned on / off as the operation knob 11 moves.
[0017]
In the above configuration, when the pressing operation portion 12 of the operation knob 11 is pressed, the operation knob 11 is moved in the direction of the arrow A1, and when the pressing operation on the pressing operation portion 12 is released, the return spring described above. Due to the urging force, it moves in the direction opposite to the arrow A1. At this time, the movement of the operation knob 11 is guided by the guide action of the first and second guide protrusions 15 and 16 and the first and second guide grooves 17 and 18.
[0018]
According to the first embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained. That is, the first and second guide protrusions 15 and 16 extending in the operation direction (arrow A1 direction) of the operation knob 11 are the first linear protrusions 15a and 16a and the second linear protrusions having different widths. 15b, 16b, and the first and second linear protrusions 15a, 15b and 16a, 16b are set to lengths that do not require a draft when molding, It can be formed in a straight line having a uniform width dimension. In addition, the first and second guide grooves 17 and 18 into which the first and second guide convex portions 15 and 16 are movably fitted are also different from the first linear groove portions 17a and 18a having different widths. If the first and second linear groove portions 17a, 17b and 18a, 18b are divided into straight groove portions 17b, 18b, the length is set so as not to require a draft during molding. , Each can be formed in a straight line having a uniform width dimension.
[0019]
Therefore, in the first guide convex portion 15 and the first guide groove 17, the operation direction intersects between the first linear convex portion 15a and the first linear groove portion 17a into which the first linear convex portion 15a is movably fitted. Among the directions to be played can be prevented as much as possible from occurring in the direction of the arrow A2 (left and right direction), and the second straight line 15b is movably fitted to the second straight line. It is possible to prevent the rattling from occurring in the direction of the arrow A2 intersecting the operation direction as much as possible between the groove 17b. Thereby, even when the first guide convex portion 15 and the first guide groove 17 are long in the operation direction, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of rattling of the operation knob 11 in the arrow A2 direction (left-right direction) as much as possible.
[0020]
Further, in the second guide convex portion 16 and the second guide groove 18 as well, between the first linear convex portion 16a and the first linear groove portion 18a in which the first linear convex portion 16a is movably fitted. In addition, it is possible to prevent rattling from occurring in the direction of the arrow A3 (up and down direction) among the directions intersecting the operation direction, and the second linear convex portion 16b and the second linear convex portion 16b are movably fitted. It is possible to prevent the rattling from occurring in the direction of the arrow A3 intersecting with the operation direction as much as possible between the second linear grooves 18b. As a result, even when the second guide convex portion 16 and the second guide groove 18 are long in the operation direction, it is possible to prevent as much as possible the occurrence of rattling of the operation knob 11 in the arrow A3 direction (vertical direction).
[0021]
In the first embodiment described above, the width dimension of the first guide convex portion 15 and the width dimension of the second guide convex portion 16 are set to be the same. The width dimension of the guide groove 17 and the width dimension of the second guide groove 18 may be set to be the same.
[0022]
FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. This second embodiment is different from the first embodiment described above in the following points.
That is, the guide convex portion 20 on the operation knob 11 side is composed of a first linear convex portion 20a and a second linear convex portion 20b formed wider than this, and an intermediate convex portion having an inclined surface. It has a configuration that does not have a portion corresponding to. Further, the guide groove 21 on the switch case 13 side into which the guide convex portion 20 is fitted has a first linear groove portion 21a corresponding to the first linear convex portion 20a and a second straight line formed wider than this. It is comprised from the 2nd linear groove part 21b with which the shape convex part 20b fits, and it has the structure which does not have the part corresponded to the intermediate groove part which has a slope.
Even in the case of such a configuration, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that of the first embodiment.
[0023]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified or expanded as follows.
The guide protrusions 15, 16, 20 and the guide grooves 17, 18, and 21 into which the guide protrusions are fitted are not limited to being provided on all four surfaces, but are provided on two upper and lower surfaces, two left and right surfaces, or an upper surface and two left and right surfaces It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a total of three surfaces are provided.
The guide protrusions 15, 16, and 20 and the guide grooves 17, 18, and 21 into which the guide protrusions 15, 16, and 21 are divided into two in the operation direction (a first linear protrusion, a second linear protrusion, and a first linear groove) And the second linear groove portion) can be divided into three or more. Also at this time, the length of each linear convex part and the linear groove part is set to such a length that it is not necessary to take a draft during molding.
[0024]
The guide protrusions 15, 16, and 20 may be provided on the switch case 13 side, and the guide grooves 17, 18, and 21 into which the guide protrusions 15, 16, and 20 are fitted may be provided on the operation knob 11 side. is there.
Further, the present invention can also be applied to the case where the operation knob 11 is used to operate other than the switch.
[0025]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the guide projection for guiding the movement of the operation member in the operation direction and the guide groove in which the operation projection is movably fitted are provided. By adopting a configuration in which the portion and the guide groove are divided into a plurality in the operation direction, it is possible to prevent the operation member from rattling as much as possible.
[Brief description of the drawings]
1 is an exploded perspective view showing a first embodiment of the present invention, with a part broken away. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional plan view. FIG. 3 is equivalent to FIG. 2 showing a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a conventional example.
11 is an operation knob (operation member), 13 is a switch case (guide member), 15 and 16 are first and second guide protrusions (guide protrusions), 15a and 16a are first linear protrusions, and 15b. , 16b are second linear protrusions, 17 and 18 are first and second guide grooves (guide grooves), 17a and 18a are first linear grooves, and 17b and 18b are second linear grooves, Reference numeral 20 denotes a guide protrusion, 20a and 20b denote first and second linear protrusions, 21 denotes a guide groove, and 21a and 21b denote first and second linear grooves.

Claims

An operation member to be moved,
A guide member into which the operation member is movably inserted;
A linear guide protrusion provided on one of the outer periphery of the operation member and the inner periphery of the guide member, and extending in the operation direction of the operation member;
A linear guide groove provided on the other of the outer peripheral portion of the operation member and the inner peripheral portion of the guide member and extending in the operation direction of the operation member and movably fitted with the guide convex portion. ,
In the operating device configured to guide movement of the operating member in the operating direction by the guide convex portion and the guide groove,
The guide convex portion includes a first linear convex portion having a substantially uniform width dimension, and a second straight line having a width wider than the first linear convex portion and a substantially uniform width dimension. And having a convex portion,
The guide groove has a first linear groove portion in which the width dimension is formed substantially uniformly and the first linear convex portion is movably fitted, and is wider and wider than the first linear groove portion. An operating device comprising: a second linear groove portion having a substantially uniform size and movably fitted to the second linear convex portion.