JP3116717B2 - Waterproof and oilproof pushbutton type operation switch - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a waterproof and oil-proof push-button switch suitable for use as an illuminated push-button switch mounted on a panel such as a control box.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a conventional example of a push-button type operation switch of this type. In FIG. 5, the operation switch includes a contact mechanism 2, a cylindrical frame 3 supporting the contact mechanism 2, a mounting nut 4 of the frame 3, and a push button incorporated inside the frame 3 and provided with a cap 11 in front thereof. The main body is composed of a push rod 6, a back spring 7 of the push rod 6, and an illuminating lamp 8 which are fitted and engaged with the frame 5. The frame 3 is fitted into a hole of the panel 1 such as a control box from the outside. It is tightened and supported by a nut 4 from the side. Here, a sheet-like packing 9 is interposed between the panel 1 and the flange surface of the frame 3 to prevent water and oil from entering the panel backside from outside.

On the other hand, the opening and closing operation of the operation switch is performed by manually operating the push button 5 whose operation end surface is exposed on the front surface of the panel, whereby the push rod 6 reciprocates in the frame 3 to open and close the contact mechanism 2. It is done in such a way. In this case, with the above structure, there is a possibility that water, oil, etc. may enter the inside of the switch, especially the contact mechanism 2 from the outside through the peripheral gap between the frame 3 and the push rod 6 on the front side of the panel 1. As means for preventing this, a diaphragm packing 22 made of a flexible thin elastic material, for example, rubber, is attached as a movable packing between the frame 3 and the push rod 6.

[0004] The diaphragm packing 22 has an inverted U-shape as shown in the figure having a cross-sectional shape having a height almost half of the operation stroke of the push button. Each is fixed as shown in the partial sectional view. That is, a groove 6A is formed around the push rod 6 and the diaphragm packing 2 is formed in the groove 6A.
The second inner peripheral mounting base 22A is elastically fitted and supported so as to be detachable. On the other hand, a groove 3B is formed on the inner peripheral side of the frame 3, where the diaphragm packing 2 is formed.
2 into which the outer peripheral mounting base portion 22B is fitted, and further a cutting tongue piece 3C formed by cutting into a part of the frame 3.
Is bent in the direction of the arrow from the position of the dashed line using, for example, a punch 13 indicated by a dashed line, so that the outer peripheral mounting base 22B of the packing is pressed and fixed to the groove 3B.

[0005] Further, between the push rod 6 and the push button 5, a fixed packing 14 such as a V-packing in the illustrated example is interposed in the circumferential groove 5A of the push button 5, and oil and oil are used in each of these packings. Water is prevented from entering the inside of the switch and the back side of the panel. Of these, the diaphragm packing 22 is elastically deformed and bent from the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 6 to the position indicated by the broken line by the operation of the push button 5, and returns to the position indicated by the solid line when released. On the other hand, the fixed packing 14
During normal operation, there is no relative movement between the push rod 6 and the push button 5, and the pressure rod 6 is pressed against the sealing surface in a fixed state.

In this waterproof / oil-proof push-button type operation switch, the diaphragm packing 22 is employed as a movable packing between the frame 3 and the push rod 6 which perform relative movement when the switch is operated, so that the packing is not worn by sliding. Good long-term sealing performance can be maintained. In addition, since the diaphragm packing 22 has an inverted U-shaped cross section, it easily bends following the reciprocating movement of the push rod 6, without impairing the operability of the switch in any way. Since no stress is applied, long service life and durability can be obtained, and the space occupied by the packing inside the switch can be reduced.

Further, as is apparent from the movement of the diaphragm packing 22 shown in FIG.
2B tries to roll in the groove 3B, but by firmly pressing and fixing this portion with the tongue 3C, the falling off of the diaphragm packing 22 is surely prevented. Even if hardening occurs, the sealing performance can be reliably maintained forever without causing backrest. Similarly, even if the diaphragm packing 22 itself slightly swells due to contact with water or oil during long-term use, the outer peripheral mounting base 22B is pressed and fixed by the tongue piece 3C, so that it is safe and highly reliable. can get. On the other hand, the inner peripheral mounting base 22A is detachable, which is advantageous for handling the switch during assembly and maintenance. Further, with the structure in which the push button 5 is fitted and engaged with the push rod 6 and the fixed packing 14 is interposed therebetween, especially in the illuminated push button switch of the illustrated example, the illuminating lamp 8 can be replaced without removing the push rod 6. Practical effects such as convenience and convenience can be obtained.

[0008]

The above-mentioned waterproof / oilproof push-button type operation switch has an excellent waterproof / oilproof structure. However, the waterproof / oilproof structure still has the following problems. . That is, in FIGS. 5 and 6, (1) This waterproof and oil-proof structure is used as a packing for sealing.
Since it is composed of the diaphragm packing 22, the fixed packing 14 which is a V-packing, and the sheet-shaped packing 9, there are many types of packing, which causes a cost increase.

(2) The coupling between the diaphragm packing 22 and the frame 3 is performed by bending a tongue piece 3C formed by cutting a part of the frame 3 by using a punch 13 or the like. , Which also causes an increase in cost. In addition, this diaphragm packing 2
2 is difficult to remove once attached.

(3) When fitting the inner peripheral mounting base 22A of the diaphragm packing 22 into the groove 6A on the peripheral surface of the push rod 6,
Since the inner peripheral mounting base 22A of the diaphragm packing 22 needs to be wider than the push rod, the thin-walled diaphragm packing may be damaged. In addition, this fitting requires assembling man-hours, and similarly causes an increase in cost.

(4) The inner peripheral mounting base 22A of the diaphragm packing 22 is held in the groove 6A of the push rod 6 only by this elasticity. The seal may be rolled up and the seal may be defective. An object of the present invention is to reduce the number of types of seal packing in addition to the functions of the conventional waterproof and oil-proof structure, reduce the number of assembly steps for the seal packing, and furthermore, the reliability of the seal of the seal packing. Another object of the present invention is to provide a waterproof and oil-proof push-button type operation switch in which the above is further improved.

[0012]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a contact mechanism, a cylindrical frame supporting the contact mechanism, a push rod for opening and closing contacts incorporated in the frame, A push button connected to the push rod with the operation end face facing the front, and a diaphragm packing fixed between the frame and the push button, the mounting bases of the inner and outer peripheral edges thereof being fixed to the frame and the push button, respectively. In a push-button operation switch for operating a push rod by operating the push button to open and close a contact, the diaphragm packing is provided with a cut extending in a circumferential direction at a substantially central portion in a radial direction of a base for mounting the outer periphery. A fitting portion is provided on the inner peripheral mounting base thereof, and a groove in which the outer peripheral mounting base of the diaphragm packing is fitted on the inner peripheral side of the frame is provided. A lower step surface having an outer diameter slightly larger than the inner diameter of the inner peripheral mounting base of the diaphragm packing is provided below the outer periphery of the button, and the inner peripheral mounting base of the diaphragm packing is mounted on the lower step surface of the push button. Pressing and fixing via a push piece provided with a fitting portion fitted on the fitting portion provided on the base portion and a fitting portion provided on the low step surface of the push button, and the outer peripheral mounting base portion of the frame. In the groove, the outer peripheral mounting base is pressed and fixed by radial elasticity of a cut provided in the outer peripheral mounting base. Also, on the periphery of the step above the low step surface of the push button, the inner peripheral mounting base of the diaphragm packing is pressed and fixed to the low step surface of this push button via the push piece via the upper surface of the inner peripheral mounting part of the diaphragm packing. It is convenient to provide a downwardly protruding projection that presses against the surface.

[0013]

In the waterproof / oilproof pushbutton type operation switch of the present invention, a diaphragm packing is provided between the frame and the pushbutton, the mounting bases of the inner and outer peripheral edges thereof being fixed to the frame and the pushbutton, respectively. This eliminates the need for a fixed packing, for example, a V-packing, between the push button and the push bar in the conventional product, and reduces the types of packing. Further, since the diaphragm packing is made of a flexible elastic material and has an inverted U-shaped cross section, the packing does not wear due to sliding, and good sealing performance can be maintained for a long time. Furthermore, since a cut extending in the circumferential direction is provided substantially at the center in the radial direction of the outer peripheral mounting base of the diaphragm packing, the radial elasticity of the outer peripheral mounting base increases, and the outer peripheral mounting base is inserted into the inner peripheral groove of the frame. When pressed, it is securely pressed and fixed. Furthermore, the inner peripheral mounting base of the diaphragm packing is provided on the lower step surface of the outer peripheral lower part of the push button, the fitting part provided on the inner peripheral mounting base and the fitting part provided on the lower step surface of the push button, Since they were pressed and fixed via the push piece provided with a fitting part to fit each,
The inner peripheral mounting base is prevented from rolling up due to the vertical movement of the push button, and a reliable seal is obtained. Furthermore, the downwardly protruding projection provided on the periphery of the step above the low step surface at the lower part of the outer periphery of the push button presses against the upper surface of the inner peripheral mounting base of the diaphragm packing. The seal between them is more secure.

[0014]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a main part of an embodiment of a waterproof and oil-proof push-button type operation switch according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, an operation switch is incorporated in a contact mechanism 2 having a back spring function of a push rod 6 described later, a cylindrical frame 3 supporting the contact mechanism 2, a mounting nut 4 of the frame 3, and an inner side of the frame 3. A push button 6 having a cap 11 in front thereof is fitted and engaged with a push rod 6, an illuminating lamp 8, and the like, and the frame 3 is fitted into a hole of the panel 1 such as a control box from the outside. It is fastened and supported by nuts 4 from the back of the panel. Here, a sheet-like packing 9 is interposed between the panel 1 and the flange surface of the frame 3 to prevent water and oil from entering the panel backside from outside.

On the other hand, the opening and closing operation of the operation switch is performed by manually operating the push button 5 whose operation end surface is exposed on the front surface of the panel, so that the push rod 6 reciprocates in the frame 3 to open and close the contact mechanism 2. It is done in such a way. In this case, as a means for preventing water, oil, or the like from entering from outside to the inside of the switch, particularly to the contact mechanism 2, through a peripheral gap between the frame 3 and the push button 5, a flexible thin elastic material, For example, diaphragm packing 1 made of rubber etc.
A movable packing 2 is attached between the frame 3 and the push button 5.

The diaphragm packing 12 has an inverted U-shape as shown in the figure having a cross-sectional shape having a height almost half of the operation stroke of the push button 5, and the mounting bases 12A and 12B of the outer peripheral edge are formed therein. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, they are fixed to the push button 5 and the frame 3, respectively. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the operation switch (the cross-sectional position is the same as that of FIG. 1), and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the main part obtained by rotating the cross-sectional position of FIG.

2 and 3, the push button 5 is provided with a low step surface 5A having an outer diameter slightly larger than the inner diameter of the inner peripheral mounting base 12A of the diaphragm packing 12 at the lower part of the outer periphery thereof. A hole 5B is formed in the section (the cross-sectional position shown in FIG. 3), and a projection 5C protruding downward is provided on the peripheral edge of the upper step. In addition, the inner peripheral mounting base 12A of the diaphragm packing 12 has the inner peripheral mounting base 12A at the quadrant (the cross-sectional position shown in FIG. 2).
12C extending downward from the rib, and the rib 12C
The outer peripheral mounting base 12B of the diaphragm packing 12 has a V-shape extending from above to a substantially central portion of a radial thickness of the outer peripheral mounting base 12B in a circumferential direction from above. A cut 12E is formed. In addition, 12F is a groove provided on the lower surface of the outer peripheral mounting base 12B. By providing this groove, the outer peripheral mounting base 12B can be easily inserted into the groove 3A of the frame 3. Reference numeral 13 denotes a ring-shaped push piece.
Reference numeral 3 denotes a projection 13A fitted into the hole 5B of the low step surface 5A of the push button 5 and a rib 12C of the diaphragm packing 12.
The projection 13C is provided at an alternate position with the notch 13B fitted to the projection 12D of the push button 5 and the projection 5C of the push button 5.

Here, in order to attach the diaphragm packing 12 between the frame 3 and the push button 5,
First, the inner peripheral mounting base 12A of the diaphragm packing 12
The projection 12D is fitted into the notch 13B of the pushing piece 13 from the inside, and the diaphragm packing 12 is assembled to the pushing piece 13. Then, the inner peripheral mounting base 12A of the diaphragm packing 12 is inserted from below the low step surface 5A of the push button 5 so that the projection 13A of the push piece 13 fits into the hole 5B of the low step surface 5A of the push button 5. Then, the push button 5 and the push piece 13 are attached by snap fitting, and the inner surface of the inner peripheral attachment base 12A of the diaphragm packing 12 is pushed into the push button 5.
To the low step surface 5A. At this time, as shown in the figure, a downwardly protruding projection 5C provided on the periphery of the step above the low step surface 5A of the push button 5 and a projection 13C provided on the push piece 13 are connected to the inner periphery of the diaphragm packing 12. Since the upper surface and the lower surface of the mounting base portion 12A are pressed against each other, the seal between the diaphragm packing 12 and the push rod 6 is further ensured.

On the other hand, a groove 3A is formed on the inner peripheral side of the frame 3, and when the outer peripheral mounting base 12B of the diaphragm packing 12 is fitted therein, the outer peripheral mounting base 12B is formed.
, The outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral mounting base 12B of the diaphragm packing 12 is securely pressed and fixed to the outer surface of the groove 3A of the frame 3 by the elasticity in the radial direction of the V-shaped cut 12E.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a main part when the push button 5 of the operation switch is operated. The diaphragm packing 12 is elastically deformed downward and bent, and returns to the original position shown in FIG. 1 by release. . This waterproof / oilproof push button type operation switch has the following features. (1) Since the diaphragm packing 12 seals the space between the frame 3 and the push button 5, the fixed packing 14 which is a V packing between the push button 5 and the push rod 6 in the conventional operation switch shown in FIG. Is not required, and the sealing packing is composed of two types of packing, the diaphragm packing 12 and the sheet-shaped packing 9, and the number of types of packing is reduced.

(2) The V-shaped cut 12E provided on the outer peripheral mounting base 12B of the diaphragm packing 12
Since the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral mounting base 12B of the diaphragm packing 12 is pressurized and fixed to the outer surface of the groove 3A of the frame 3, for example, the bending process of the pressing tongue piece 3C of the frame 3 in the conventional operation switch shown in FIG. Becomes unnecessary, the number of assembling steps is reduced, and it can be freely removed.

(3) The diaphragm packing 12 is the pusher 1
3 and then inserted from below the low step surface 5A at the lower part of the outer periphery of the push button 5 and fixed. Therefore, it is not necessary to expand the diaphragm packing 12 in the radial direction, and the thin packing is prevented from being damaged. In addition, the number of assembly steps is reduced. (4) Inner circumference mounting base 12A of diaphragm packing 12
And the push button 5 are press-fitted and fixed via the push pieces 13 fitted to the protrusions and holes, respectively, so that the inner peripheral mounting base 12A is prevented from being turned up by the vertical movement of the push button 5. The seal is assured. Further, a downward projection 5C provided on the periphery of the step above the low step surface 5A at the lower periphery of the push button 5 is provided with the diaphragm packing 1.
Since it is in pressure contact with the upper surface of the second inner peripheral mounting base 12A, the sealing becomes more reliable.

In this operation switch, the outer peripheral mounting base 12 B of the diaphragm packing 12 is connected to the groove 3 of the frame 3.
Since the lamp A can be freely removed, the push button 5 may be pulled out to replace the illuminating lamp 8, for example. The feature of the diaphragm packing 12 being an inverted U-shaped diaphragm packing made of a flexible elastic material is the same as that of the conventional operation switch shown in FIG.

[0024]

According to the waterproof / oilproof push button type operation switch of the present invention, in addition to the function of the conventional waterproof / oilproof structure, the number of types of seals for sealing is reduced, and the number of assembly steps for the seal packing is reduced. As a result, the reliability of the seal of the seal packing is further improved, resulting in high performance and low cost.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a main part showing an embodiment of a waterproof and oil-proof push-button type operation switch of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a main part of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a different main part of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of an essential part when the waterproof / oilproof pushbutton type operation switch of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 is operated.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing an example of a conventional waterproof / oil-proof push-button type operation switch.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a main part of FIG. 5;

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Contact mechanism 3 Frame 3A Groove 5 Push button 5A Low step surface 5B Hole (fitting part) 5C Projection 12 Diaphragm packing 12A Inner circumference mounting base 12B Outer circumference mounting base 12C Rib 12D Projection (fitting part) 12E V-shaped cut 13 Push piece 13A Projection (fitting part) 13B Cut (fitting part)

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Takehisa Takeuchi 1-1-1, Tanabe-Nitta, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Fuji Electric Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-5-266752 (JP, A) 58-225513 (JP, A) Japanese Utility Model Showa 62-28319 (JP, U) Japanese Utility Model Showa 44-26975 (JP, Y1) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H01H 13 / 06

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A contact mechanism, a cylindrical frame supporting the contact mechanism, a push rod for opening and closing contacts incorporated in the frame, and a push button connected to the push rod with an operation end face facing the front. A mounting base of the inner and outer peripheral edges of the frame and the push button astride the frame, and a diaphragm packing fixed to the push button, respectively.
In a waterproof and oil-proof push-button operation switch that opens and closes contacts by driving a push rod by operating the push button,
The diaphragm packing is provided with a cut extending in the circumferential direction at a substantially central portion in the radial direction of the outer peripheral mounting base, and a fitting portion is provided on the inner peripheral mounting base, and the outer periphery of the diaphragm packing is provided on the inner peripheral side of the frame. A groove into which the mounting base is fitted is provided, and a low step surface having an outer diameter slightly larger than the inner diameter of the inner peripheral mounting base of the diaphragm packing is provided below the outer periphery of the push button, and the inner peripheral mounting base of the diaphragm packing is pushed by the push button. Pressing is performed on the low step surface of the button via a push piece provided with a fitting portion provided on the inner peripheral mounting base and a fitting portion fitted on the fitting portion provided on the low step surface of the push button. Wherein the outer peripheral mounting base is fixed in the groove of the frame by pressing the outer peripheral mounting base by radial elasticity by cutting provided in the outer peripheral mounting base. Type push-button type operation switch. 2. The operation switch according to claim 1, wherein
At the periphery of the step above the low step surface of the push button, a downwardly projecting projection that presses against the upper surface of the inner peripheral mounting base of the diaphragm packing that is pressed and fixed to the low step surface of this push button via a push piece is provided. A water- and oil-proof push-button operation switch characterized by being provided. 3. The waterproof switch according to claim 1, wherein the diaphragm packing is an inverted U-shaped diaphragm packing made of a flexible elastic material. Oil-type push button type operation switch.