JP7606671B2 - Remote control device - Google Patents

Description

Aspects of the present invention generally relate to remote control devices.

For example, a remote control device is provided with a switch and an operation button that the user presses to press the switch. By making the operation button larger, it becomes easier for the user to operate the remote control device. It is desirable to improve the design of remote control devices.

JP 2015-214848 A

The present invention was made based on the recognition of such problems, and aims to provide a remote control device that can improve the design.

The first invention is a remote control device that includes a case for storing a switch, and an operation button that is arranged on the front side of the case, is biased away from the case, and has a protrusion on the back side, and the protrusion directly or indirectly presses the switch when the force of pressing the operation button is applied, the operation button having a front portion that is rectangular when viewed from the front for a user to press, a side portion that is formed on the peripheral edge of the front portion and extends toward the case, and a first locking claw provided on the inside of the side portion, and the side portion is in contact with the side of the case. The remote control device is characterized in that the protrusion faces the end of the side surface of the case that faces the operation button, at least a portion of the surface of the side surface of the case matches a portion of the side surface of the case, the case has a second locking claw that is provided on the side surface of the case that faces the side surface and can engage with the first locking claw, and when the edge of the front surface is pressed, the first locking claw and the second locking claw provided on the edge side opposite the edge engage with each other, and the protrusion presses the switch with the position where the first locking claw and the second locking claw engage as a fulcrum.

According to this remote control device, by providing first and second locking claws that engage with each other, even if an edge of the operation button is pressed, the switch can be pressed with the first and second locking claws on the edge side opposite the edge as a fulcrum. This makes it easier to press the switch even if the operation button is made larger, improving operability. In addition, by pressing the edge of the operation button, the operation button is pressed with the opposite edge side as a fulcrum, so that the distance (stroke) over which the edge of the operation button is pressed to press the switch can be shortened. This makes it possible to keep the gap between the surface of the side portion of the operation button and the side of the case small, improving the design of the remote control device.

The second invention is a remote control device according to the first invention, characterized in that the case has an inner member at least a part of which is covered by the operation button from the front side, the inner member has an opening into which the protrusion is inserted, a part of the inner member faces the side part, and the second locking claw is provided on the part of the inner member.

When the operation button is pressed, the first locking claw slides against the part of the inner member on which the second locking claw is provided. Here, if the case or operation button is painted to improve the design of the remote control device, there is a risk that the sliding properties of the locking claw will decrease. In contrast, with this remote control device, the inner member is covered by the operation button from the front side, so there is no need to paint it. Therefore, it is possible to maintain high sliding properties between the first locking claw and the part of the inner member. In other words, it is possible to improve the design of the remote control device while suppressing a decrease in the sliding properties of the operation button.

The third invention is a remote control device according to the first or second invention, further comprising a waterproof member, the case having a support part with an opening, and a transmission part supported by the support part within the opening and pressed by the protrusion to transmit a force to the switch, the waterproof member covering the transmission part and the opening.

With this remote control device, the transmission unit and the opening formed around the transmission unit are covered with a waterproof material, which prevents water from entering the circuit board on which the switch is mounted. This makes it possible to install the remote control device in a bathroom or other wet area.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a remote control device that can improve design is provided.

1 is a perspective view illustrating a remote control device according to an embodiment; 2A to 2D are plan views and cross-sectional views illustrating operation buttons of the remote control device according to the embodiment. 3A and 3B are a perspective view and a plan view illustrating a case of the remote control device according to the embodiment. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a remote control device according to an embodiment. 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams illustrating a remote control device according to a reference example. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a case of the remote control device according to the embodiment; FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a part of a case of the remote control device according to the embodiment. FIG.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a remote control device according to an embodiment.
A remote control device 100 according to the embodiment includes a case 10 and an operation button 20. In this example, the remote control device 100 is further provided with an operation button 31, a display unit 32, a notification unit 33, and the like.

In the description of the embodiment, the direction from the case 10 toward the operation button 20 is referred to as the "front" direction, and the opposite direction is referred to as the "rear" direction. When looking at the remote control device 100 from the front to the rear, the top, bottom, right, and left are referred to as "top," "bottom," "right," and "left," respectively. In the description of the embodiment, the surface facing the top, bottom, right, or left may be referred to as the "side surface."

The operation button 20 and the operation button 31 are arranged on the front side of the case 10. Inside the case 10, there are built-in components such as a switch 40 (see FIG. 4) that is pressed by the operation button 20, a switch (not shown) that is pressed by the operation button 31, a display device (e.g., a liquid crystal display) that displays information on the display unit 32, and a speaker that emits sound from the notification unit 33.

Each switch built into the case 10 is capable of detecting that the operation button 20 and the operation button 31 have been pressed. By pressing the operation button, the user can perform an input operation on the switch. The switch is, for example, a push switch such as a tact switch. However, the switch is not limited to this, and any configuration capable of detecting the user pressing the operation button can be used.

Remote control device 100 is a remote control that operates a device (not shown). When a user performs an input operation by pressing operation button 20 or operation button 31, the input operation is detected by the switch. A signal corresponding to the input operation is then sent from remote control device 100 to the device. The device is controlled in response to the signal. A known method is appropriately used for communication between remote control device 100 (its switch) and the device to be operated. Communication between remote control device 100 and the device to be controlled may be wireless or wired, or a combination of wireless and wired.

For example, the remote control device 100 is a remote control that operates plumbing equipment installed in a bathroom, a dressing room adjacent to the bathroom, a washroom, a kitchen, or a toilet. The plumbing equipment is, for example, a water faucet device, a water heater (water boiler), or a sanitary washing device that washes the human body parts. The remote control device 100 is, for example, a remote control that controls the water supply and stop of the plumbing equipment, the temperature of the water discharged from the plumbing equipment, etc. The remote control device 100 is installed, for example, in a place where water may splash on it or where a user may touch it with wet hands. For example, the remote control device 100 is installed in a plumbing facility such as a bathroom, a dressing room, a washroom, a kitchen, or a toilet. The remote control device 100 is, for example, attached to a wall surface in a room where the plumbing equipment is installed. The remote control device 100 may be placed, for example, near a bathtub or faucet device in a bathroom, near a faucet device or a bowl that receives water from a faucet device in a dressing room, washroom, or toilet, or near a faucet device or kitchen sink in a kitchen.

In this example, the remote control device 100 is a water-filling remote control that operates the water heater, and is attached to a wall in the bathroom. The operation button 20 is, for example, a water-filling button. When a user presses the operation button 20, the operation button 20 presses a switch 40 provided on the rear side of the operation button 20, and the pressing of the operation button 20 is detected. Then, for example, a signal is transmitted from the remote control device 100 to the water heater, and the water heater supplies hot water to the bathtub in response to the signal.

Operation button 31 is a hot water volume operation button. When the user presses the "+" side of operation button 31, a switch provided behind the "+" of operation button 31 is pressed by operation button 31, and pressing the "+" of operation button 31 is detected. Then, for example, a signal is transmitted from remote control device 100 to the water heater, and the set value of the hot water volume in the bathtub increases. Similarly, when the user presses the "-" side of operation button 31, a switch provided behind the "-" of operation button 31 is pressed by operation button 31, and pressing the "-" of operation button 31 is detected. Then, for example, a signal is transmitted from remote control device 100 to the water heater, and the set value of the hot water volume in the bathtub decreases.

The display unit 32 displays, for example, the temperature of the hot water being supplied to the bathtub. The notification unit 33 notifies, for example, by voice, when the bath begins to fill, when the bath finishes filling, and when the hot water volume setting is changed.

In the embodiment, the remote control device 100 does not necessarily have to be a remote control for a water-related device such as a water filling remote control, but may be a remote control for operating any device.

The case 10, the operation button 20, and the operation button 31 are each made of a material such as resin. For example, a synthetic resin such as plastic can be used.

2A to 2D are plan views and cross-sectional views illustrating operation buttons of the remote control device according to the embodiment.
Fig. 2(a) is a plan view (front view) of the operation button 20 as viewed from the front. Fig. 2(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 2(a). Fig. 2(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Fig. 2(a). Fig. 2(d) is a plan view (rear view) of the operation button 20 as viewed from the rear.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2(b) or FIG. 2(c), the operation button 20 has a front portion 21, a side portion 22, and a protrusion 24. The front portion 21 is a portion where a user presses the operation button 20. By pressing the front portion 21, a user can push the operation button 20 backward. The front portion 21 is also rectangular in shape when viewed from the front. That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 2(a), the front portion 21 is substantially rectangular when viewed from the front. A rectangular shape when viewed from the front includes a shape in which the corners of a rectangle are rounded.

2(a), in front view, the front portion 21 has an upper side 211, a lower side 212, a left side 213, and a right side 214. The upper side 211 and the lower side 212 are substantially parallel to each other and extend in the left-right direction. The left side 213 and the right side 214 are substantially parallel to each other and extend in the up-down direction, connecting the upper side 211 and the lower side 212. In this example, the corner connecting the upper side 211 and the right side 214, and the corner connecting the lower side 212 and the right side 214 are rounded.

The side portion 22 is formed on the peripheral end 21e of the front portion 21 and extends toward the case 10. That is, as shown in FIG. 2(b) and FIG. 2(c), the side portion 22 extends rearward from the peripheral end 21e of the front portion. The outer peripheral surface 22s of the side portion 22 (the side facing outward of the operation button 20) extends continuously, for example without a step, from the outer peripheral surface 21s of the front portion 21 (the side facing outward of the operation button 20). As shown in FIG. 2(d), the side portion 22 is annular and formed around the entire circumference of the peripheral end 21e of the front portion 21. However, the side portion 22 does not necessarily have to be provided around the entire circumference of the peripheral end 21e of the front portion 21.

As shown in FIG. 2(a), the peripheral edge 21e of the front portion 21 has an upper end 21a having an upper side 211, a lower end 21b having a lower side 212, a left end 21c having a left side 213, and a right end 21d having a right side 214. As shown in FIG. 2(b), the side portion 22 has an upper portion 221 extending rearward from the upper end 21a, and a lower portion 222 extending rearward from the lower end 21b. As shown in FIG. 2(c), the side portion 22 has a left portion 223 extending rearward from the left end 21c, and a right portion 224 extending rearward from the right end 21d.

As shown in FIG. 2(d), the outer peripheral surface 22s of the side portion 22 is formed by surfaces 22e, 22f, 22g, and 22h. Surface 22e is the upper surface of the upper portion 221, surface 22f is the lower surface of the lower portion 222, surface 22g is the left surface of the left portion 223, and surface 22h is the right surface of the right portion 224.

2(d), the inner peripheral surface 22i of the side portion 22 (the side surface facing inward of the operation button 20) is formed by surfaces 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d. Surface 22a is the lower surface of the upper portion 221, surface 22b is the upper surface of the lower portion 222, surface 22c is the right surface of the left portion 223, and surface 22d is the left surface of the right portion 224.

The operation button 20 further has a locking claw 23 (first locking claw) provided on the inside of the side surface portion 22. For example, as shown in FIG. 2(d), the locking claw 23 is a protrusion provided on the inner peripheral surface 22i of the side surface portion 22. The locking claw 23 protrudes from the inner peripheral surface 22i toward the inside of the operation button 20.

For example, multiple locking claws 23 are provided. In this example, as shown in FIG. 2(d), the multiple locking claws 23 include locking claws 23a to 23h. Locking claws 23a and 23b are provided on surface 22a of upper portion 221, locking claws 23c and 23d are provided on surface 22b of lower portion 222, locking claws 23e and 23f are provided on surface 22c of left portion 223, and locking claws 23g and 23h are provided on surface 22d of right portion 224.

Latching claws 23a and 23c are located to the left of the center in the left-right direction of the operation button 20. Locking claws 23b and 23d are located to the right of the center in the left-right direction of the operation button 20. Locking claws 23e and 23g are located below the center in the up-down direction of the operation button 20. Locking claws 23f and 23h are located above the center in the up-down direction of the operation button 20.

The protrusion 24 is provided on the back surface 20b of the operation button 20 (the back surface of the front surface 21). The protrusion 24 extends rearward from approximately the center of the back surface 20b. The protrusion 24 extends rearward beyond the side surface 22. The protrusion 24 is for the operation button 20 to press a switch.

3A and 3B are a perspective view and a plan view illustrating a case of the remote control device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the case 10 as seen obliquely from the front, and FIG. 3B is a plan view (front view) of the case 10 as seen from the front.

The case 10 has a side surface 10s. As shown in FIG. 3(a), the side surface 10s has a main side surface 11s and an end surface 12s. The main side surface 11s has an upper side surface 111, a lower side surface 112, a left side surface 113, and a right side surface 114. The end surface 12s is the front end surface of the side surface 10s and is located forward of the main side surface 11s. As shown in FIG. 3(b), in a front view, the end surface 12s is located inside the case 10 more than the main side surface 11s. The end surface 12s is provided in a substantially rectangular shape so as to follow the inner peripheral surface 22i (see FIG. 2(d)) of the operation button 20. Specifically, the end surface 12s has an upper end surface 121 facing upward, a lower end surface 122 facing downward, a left end surface 123 facing left, and a right end surface 124 facing right.

The case 10 has a locking claw 13 (second locking claw) provided on the side surface 10s. The locking claw 13 is provided so as to be engageable with the locking claw 23 described with reference to FIG. 2. For example, the locking claw 13 is a protrusion provided on the end portion 12s of the side surface 10s. The locking claw 13 protrudes from the end portion 12s toward the inner peripheral surface 22i of the operation button 20.

For example, multiple locking claws 13 are provided. In this example, the multiple locking claws 13 include locking claws 13a to 13h. Of the end 12s, locking claws 13a and 13b are provided at the upper end 121, locking claws 13c and 13d are provided at the lower end 122, locking claws 13e and 13f are provided at the left end 123, and locking claws 13g and 13h are provided at the right end 124.

As shown in FIG. 3(a), the end 12s has a notch adjacent to each of the locking claws 13. This makes it easier to attach the operation button 20 to the case 10.

Thus, in this example, two locking claws 23 are provided on each side of the operation button 20, for a total of eight locking claws 23. A total of eight locking claws 13 are provided on the side of the case 10 corresponding to the locking claws 23. However, in the embodiment, the number and arrangement of the locking claws 13 and locking claws 23 are not limited to the above. The number of locking claws 13 and the number of locking claws 23 are each one or more and are arbitrary. It is desirable that one or more locking claws 23 are provided on each side of the operation button 20. For example, it is desirable that multiple locking claws are arranged isotropically when viewed from the center of the operation button 20. However, in the embodiment, it is not necessarily necessary to provide locking claws 23 on all four sides of the operation button 20.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the remote control device according to the embodiment.
Fig. 4 shows a cross section taken along line CC shown in Fig. 1. The remote control device 100 is attached to a wall by any fixing means. For example, the holder 30 provided on the rear side of the case 10 is attached to the wall by fixing means such as screws. The case 10 is supported by the holder 30.

As shown in FIG. 4, the case 10 houses the switch 40. Specifically, a board 45 on which the switch 40 is mounted is housed within the case 10. One switch 40 is located behind the center of the operation button 20 when viewed from the front.

The operation button 20 is biased away from the case 10. For example, the rear end side of the protrusion 24 of the operation button 20 is biased forward by the elasticity of the switch 40, the transmission unit 15, and the waterproof member 47 (waterproof sheet).

The protrusion 24 indirectly presses the switch 40 with the force with which the user presses the operation button 20. In this example, when the user presses the operation button 20 backward to move the protrusion 24 backward, the waterproofing member 47 and the transmission unit 15 are pushed backward by the protrusion 24. As a result, the switch 40 is pressed by the transmission unit 15 that is in contact with the switch 40.

However, the protrusion 24 may be in direct contact with the switch 40 without going through the transmission unit 15 or the like. In other words, the protrusion 24 may directly press the switch 40 with the force with which the user presses the operation button 20.

The side surface 22 of the operation button 20 faces the end 12s of the side surface 10s of the case 10 on the operation button 20 side. In other words, a part of the inner circumferential surface 22i of the side surface 22 faces the end 12s so as to surround the outer periphery of the end 12s of the side surface 10s of the case 10.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, surface 22a of upper portion 221 of side portion 22 faces upper end 121 of end 12s. Surface 22b of lower portion 222 of side portion 22 faces lower end 122 of end 12s. Similarly, although not shown, surface 22c of left portion 223 of side portion 22 faces left end 123 of end 12s. Surface 22d of right portion 224 of side portion 22 faces right end 124 of end 12s.

4, the locking claw 23b on the operation button 20 side can be engaged with the locking claw 13b on the case 10 side. For example, when the locking claw 23b moves forward, the locking claw 23b comes into contact with and gets caught on the locking claw 13b. Similarly, the locking claw 23d on the operation button 20 side can be engaged with the locking claw 13d on the case 10 side. For example, when the locking claw 23d moves forward, the locking claw 23d comes into contact with and gets caught on the locking claw 13d.
Although not shown in the figure, similarly, locking claw 23a is engageable with locking claw 13a, locking claw 23c is engageable with locking claw 13c, locking claw 23e is engageable with locking claw 13e, locking claw 23f is engageable with locking claw 13f, locking claw 23g is engageable with locking claw 13g, and locking claw 23h is engageable with locking claw 13h.

When the user is not pressing the operation button 20, at least a portion of the surface (outer peripheral surface 22s) of the side portion 22 of the operation button 20 coincides with a portion of the side surface 10s of the case 10. This improves the design. The state in which the two surfaces coincide means, for example, that the two surfaces are positioned substantially on the same plane and are lined up without any steps. In other words, the two surfaces coinciding means that the position of one surface in the normal direction of one surface is the same as the position of the other surface.

In this example, a portion of the outer peripheral surface 22s of the side portion 22 coincides with a portion of the main side surface 11s of the side surface 10s. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the surface 22e of the side portion 22 coincides with the upper surface 111 of the main side surface 11s. Similarly, the surface 22f of the side portion 22 coincides with the lower surface 112 of the main side surface 11s. Although not shown in the figure, the surface 22h of the side portion 22 coincides with the right side surface 114 of the main side surface 11s in a similar manner.

The fact that two surfaces are coincident does not only mean that the positions of the two surfaces are exactly the same, but may also mean that there is a slight misalignment. For example, it may also mean that the positions of the two surfaces are misaligned within a range of manufacturing variation, play (margin) for operation, etc. As an example, in two coincident surfaces, the distance between the two surfaces along the normal direction of one of the surfaces is 0 millimeters (mm) or more and 2 mm or less, preferably 1 mm or less, and more preferably 0.5 mm or less, but is not limited to the above.

When the user is not pressing the operation button 20, the locking claw 23 on the operation button 20 side may be in contact with the locking claw 13 or end 12s on the case side, or may be separated.

When the user presses near the center of the front portion 21 (the position in front of the protrusion 24), the operation button 20 moves backward without tilting in the front-to-rear direction, for example, and the switch 40 is pressed. At this time, the locking claw 23 on the operation button 20 side does not need to be engaged with the locking claw 13 on the case side.

On the other hand, when the user presses an edge of the front part 21, the locking claw 13 and locking claw 23 provided on the edge of the front part 21 opposite that edge engage with each other, and the protrusion 24 presses the switch 40 with the position where the locking claw 13 and the locking claw 23 engage as a fulcrum. The opposite edge is the edge opposite the edge that was pressed when viewed from the center of the operation button 20.

More specifically, when a user presses the vicinity of the upper side 211 of the front portion 21, the locking claw 23d provided on the lower side 212 opposite to the upper side 211 engages with the locking claw 13d (or the locking claw 23c engages with the locking claw 13c). Then, the position where the locking claw 23d engages with the locking claw 13d (or the position where the locking claw 23c engages with the locking claw 13c) becomes a fulcrum, and the operation button 20 tilts backward around the fulcrum, and the protrusion 24 presses the switch 40.
Similarly, for example, when a user presses the vicinity of the lower edge 212 of the front portion 21, the locking claw 23b provided on the upper edge 211 side opposite the lower edge 212 engages with the locking claw 13b (or the locking claw 23a engages with the locking claw 13a). Then, the position where the locking claw 23b engages with the locking claw 13b (or the position where the locking claw 23a engages with the locking claw 13a) becomes a fulcrum, and the operation button 20 tilts backward around the fulcrum, and the protrusion 24 presses the switch 40.
Similarly, for example, when a user presses the vicinity of the left side 213 of the front portion 21, the locking claw 23g provided on the right side 214 opposite the left side 213 engages with the locking claw 13g (or the locking claw 23h engages with the locking claw 13h). Then, the position where the locking claw 23g engages with the locking claw 13g (or the position where the locking claw 23h engages with the locking claw 13h) becomes a fulcrum, and the operation button 20 tilts backward around the fulcrum, and the protrusion 24 presses the switch 40.
Similarly, for example, when a user presses the vicinity of the right side 214 of the front portion 21, the locking claw 23e provided on the left side 213 opposite the right side 214 engages with the locking claw 13e (or the locking claw 23f engages with the locking claw 13f). Then, the position where the locking claw 23e engages with the locking claw 13e (or the position where the locking claw 23f engages with the locking claw 13f) becomes a fulcrum, and the operation button 20 tilts backward around the fulcrum, and the protrusion 24 presses the switch 40.

As described above, in the remote control device 100, the side surface 22 of the operation button 20 faces the end 12s of the side surface 10s of the case 10 on the operation button 20 side. In addition, at least a part of the surface (outer surface 22s) of the side surface 22 of the operation button 20 coincides with a part of the side surface 10s of the case 10. This allows the operation button 20 to be a large button, improving the operability of the remote control device 100. For example, the operation button 20 can be made large while reducing the outer shape of the remote control device 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the upper end, lower end, and right end of the operation button 20 are provided to the positions of the upper end, lower end, and right end of the case 10, respectively, and the operation button 20 is a large push button. For example, the vertical length of the operation button 20 is approximately the same as the vertical length of the case 10, which is about 65 mm. The entire surface of the remote control device when viewed from the front may be an operation button.

On the other hand, in conventional remote control devices, when a user presses the edge of a push button, the inclination of the push button can make it difficult to press the switch located in the center of the push button, which can reduce operability. In particular, when the push button is large, the switch can be difficult to press. This will be explained with reference to Figures 5(a) and 5(b).

5A and 5B are schematic diagrams illustrating a remote control device according to a reference example.
5A, a remote control device 190 according to the reference example includes a case 10r, a switch 40r, and an operation button 20r. The operation button 20r is disposed on the front side of the case 10r, and has a protrusion 24r on the rear side. When a user presses the operation button 20r, the protrusion 24 presses the switch 40r. The remote control device 190 according to the reference example differs from the remote control device 100 according to the embodiment in that a locking claw is not provided.

As shown in FIG. 5(b), in the remote control device 190 according to the reference example, when the edge (position P) of the operation button 20r is pressed, the operation button 20r may tilt in the forward/rearward direction with the position of the protrusion 24r as the fulcrum. In this case, the protrusion 24 is unlikely to move backward in relation to the amount of pressing of the edge. The force applied to the edge of the operation button 20r is unlikely to be transmitted from the protrusion 24r to the switch 40r, which may make it difficult to press the switch 40r.

In addition, in the remote control device 190 according to the reference example, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the side portion 22r of the pressed operation button 20r may come into contact with the end portion 11r of the case 10r. When this happens, at position P, the operation button 20r may not be pushed further backward, and the switch 40 may not be pressed. Therefore, for example, a method may be considered in which the gap S1 between the surface 22rs of the side portion 22r of the operation button 20r and the side surface 11rs of the case 10r is enlarged. This makes it possible to ensure the pressing distance of the operation button 20r. However, in this case, the large gap S1 reduces the design of the side surface of the remote control device 190.

In contrast, in the remote control device 100 according to the embodiment, as described above, the locking claws 13, 23 that engage with each other are provided. This makes it possible to press the switch 40 even when an edge of the operation button 20 is pressed, with the locking claws 13, 23 on the edge side opposite the edge serving as a fulcrum. This makes it easier to press the switch even if the operation button is made larger, improving operability. For example, the protrusion 24 is more likely to move backward when the edge of the operation button 20 is pressed, compared to when the protrusion 24 of the operation button serves as a fulcrum.

In addition, compared to when the operation button 20 tilts with the protrusion 24 at the center of the operation button as the fulcrum, for example, when an edge of the operation button 20 is pressed, the operation button is pressed with the opposing edge as the fulcrum, so that the distance (stroke) by which the edge of the operation button 20 is pressed to press the switch 40 can be shortened. This makes it possible to reduce the gap between the surface of the side portion 22 of the operation button 20 and the side surface 10s of the case 10, thereby improving the design of the remote control device 100.

The size of the gap S2 (see FIG. 4) between the outer peripheral surface 22s and the main side surface 11s is, for example, 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, preferably 1.0 mm or less, but is not limited to the above. For example, regardless of the size of the operation button 20, if the gap S2 is about twice the switch stroke (the distance the switch 40 is pressed), it is possible to press the switch 40 when the end of the operation button 20 is pressed. If the remote control device 100 is a remote control for a water-related device, a small gap S2 can prevent water from entering the inside of the remote control device 100 through the gap S2. In addition, the internal mechanisms such as the locking claws 13 and 23 are difficult to see from the outside, which can improve the design.

For example, in a conventional remote control device, a protrusion extending backward is provided as a guide rib on the back surface 20rb of the operation button 20r, and an insertion hole into which the protrusion is inserted is provided in the case 10r. The shape of the protrusion and the insertion hole guides the direction in which the operation button is pressed, thereby suppressing the tilt of the operation button. However, since a gap (clearance) is provided between the protrusion and the insertion hole, if the operation button 20r becomes large, there is a risk that the tilt cannot be sufficiently suppressed. Another method is to provide a claw portion that engages with the case 10r on the protrusion provided as a guide rib on the back surface 20rb. By engaging the claw portion with the case 10r, the operation button 20r is prevented from floating from the case 10r. Then, the protrusion 24r is pushed backward with the position of the claw portion as a fulcrum to press the switch 40r. However, even in this case, if the position of the claw portion serving as the fulcrum and the protrusion 24r are close, the distance that the protrusion 24r moves backward will be shorter than the distance that the edge of the operation button 20r is pressed in. As a result, the distance that the edge of the operation button 20r must be pressed in to press the switch 40 will be longer. This will increase the gap S1, reducing the design. Furthermore, if a canopy is provided on the outside to hide the gap S1, the remote control will be larger or the operation button will be smaller, reducing the design or operability.

In contrast, in the remote control device 100 according to the embodiment, as already described, when an edge of the operation button 20 is pressed, the protrusion 24 presses the switch 40, with the locking claws 13, 23 on the opposing edge serving as a fulcrum. This makes it possible to prevent the gap S2 from becoming large even in a large operation button 20, thereby improving operability and design.

In addition, in the embodiment, it is not necessary to provide a protrusion as a guide rib on the back surface of the operation button 20. Therefore, the load applied to the side surface of the operation button 20 can be supported by the side surface of the case (e.g., end portion 12s), improving the strength. Furthermore, if there is no protrusion as a guide rib, there is no need to provide an insertion hole in the case 10 into which the protrusion is inserted. If there is no insertion hole, water will not enter the case through the insertion hole, and there is no need to provide a waterproof sheet or the like in the insertion hole.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a case of the remote control device according to the embodiment.
6, in this example, the case 10 has an inner member 16 (inner case) and an outer member 17 (upper case). Furthermore, the case 10 may have a back member 18 (bottom case) as shown in FIG.

The outer member 17 has a plate portion 171 and a side wall portion 172. The plate portion 171 extends in the up-down and left-right directions. The plate portion 171 is, for example, flat and may have appropriate irregularities. The side wall portion 172 surrounds the outer periphery of the plate portion 171. The side wall portion 172 has a portion that extends forward from the plate portion 171 and a portion that extends rearward from the plate portion 171 (see FIG. 4). The side surfaces of the side wall portion 172 form the main side surfaces 11s (upper side surface 111, lower side surface 112, left side surface 113, and right side surface 114) of the case 10.

As shown in FIG. 4, the rear member 18 is disposed in a space surrounded by the side wall portion 172 behind the plate portion 171. The rear surface of the rear member 18 forms at least a part of the rear surface (rear surface) of the case 10. The substrate 45 is disposed between the plate portion 171 and the rear member 18.

6, the inner member 16 has, for example, a plate portion 161, a side wall portion 162, and a protruding portion 163. The plate portion 161 extends in the up-down direction and the left-right direction. The plate portion 161 is, for example, flat, and may have appropriate irregularities. The side wall portion 162 extends rearward from the outer peripheral end of the plate portion 161 (see FIG. 4). The protruding portion 163 is a convex portion protruding forward from the front surface of the plate portion 161. A part of the side surface of the protruding portion 163 forms the end portion 12s (upper end portion 121, lower end portion 122, left end portion 123, right end portion 124) of the side surface 10s of the case 10. In other words, a part of the inner member 16 faces the side surface portion 22. The locking claw 13 is provided on the protruding portion 163 of the inner member 16.

As shown in FIG. 4, the plate portion 161 and the side wall portion 162 of the inner member 16 are disposed in a space surrounded by the side wall portion 172 in front of the plate portion 171. The protrusion portion 163 of the inner member 16 protrudes forward further than the outer member 17.

At least a portion of the inner member 16 is covered by the operation button 20 from the front side. In this example, the operation button 20 is disposed in front of a portion of the inner member 16, and the operation button 31 is disposed in front of another portion of the inner member 16. The plate portion 161 of the inner member 16 has an opening 161e into which the protrusion 24 of the operation button 20 is inserted. The opening 161e is, for example, a through-hole that penetrates the plate portion 161.

For example, the surfaces of the outer member 17 of the case 10 and the operation buttons 20 are painted. This improves the design of the remote control device 100. For example, a resin such as ABS resin can be used for the painting.

In this configuration, when the operation button 20 is pressed, the locking claw 23 slides against the side of the protruding portion 163 of the inner member 16 on which the locking claw 13 is provided. Here, if the case 10 or the operation button 20 is painted to improve the design of the remote control device 100, the friction between the locking claw 23 and the painted portion increases, and there is a risk that the sliding property of the locking claw 23 will decrease. In contrast, in the embodiment, since the inner member 16 is covered by the operation button 20 from the front side, the inner member 16 does not need to be painted. Therefore, the sliding property between the locking claw 13 and the side of the protruding portion 163 of the inner member 16 can be kept high. In other words, the design of the remote control device can be improved while suppressing the decrease in the sliding property of the operation button 20.

FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating a part of the case of the remote control device according to the embodiment.
Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of the plate portion 171 of the outer member 17 of the case 10, as viewed from the front. As shown in Fig. 7, the case 10 has a transmission portion 15 and a support portion 119 that supports the transmission portion 15. The transmission portion 15 and the support portion 19 are part of the plate portion 171.

The support portion 19 has an opening 19e. The opening 19e is, for example, a through hole that penetrates the plate portion 171. In this example, the opening 19e is circular.

The transmission part 15 is supported by the support part 19 within the opening 19e, and is pressed by the protrusion 24 to transmit a force to the switch 40. Specifically, the transmission part 15 has a thin wire part 15a and a pressing part 15b. The thin wire part 15a is connected to the inner circumference of the opening 19e of the support part 19. The pressing part 15b is connected to the thin wire part 15a. In this example, the pressing part 15b is supported by the two thin wire parts 15a and is located in the center of the opening 19e.

The thin wire portion 15a is thinner than the pressing portion 15b and has elasticity. The thin wire portion 15a can bend in the front-rear direction. The thin wire portion 15a is also curved when viewed from the front. For example, the thin wire portion 15a extends in a spiral shape. This makes the thin wire portion 15a more likely to bend in the front-rear direction. With this configuration, the pressing portion 15b can move in the front-rear direction.

As shown in FIG. 4, the pressing portion 15b is located between the protrusion 24 and the switch 40. The pressing portion 15b is pushed backwards, either directly or indirectly, by the protrusion 24 and moves backwards. As a result, the pressing portion 15b, which is in contact with the switch 40, presses the switch 40 backwards. In other words, the pressing portion 15b transmits the force of the pressing of the operation button 20 to the switch 40.

As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, the remote control device 100 further includes a waterproof member 47. The waterproof member 47 covers the opening 19e and the transmission unit 15 from the front. The waterproof member 47 contacts, for example, the support unit 19 to close the opening 19e. The waterproof member 47 is, for example, a waterproof sheet such as an embossed sheet. The waterproof member 47 may be made of a waterproof material such as a synthetic resin. The waterproof member 47 may be, for example, a soft sheet containing resin and having flexibility.

By covering the transmission unit 15 and the opening 19e formed around the transmission unit 15 with a waterproof member 47, it is possible to prevent water from entering the board 45 on which the switch 40 is provided. This makes it possible to install the remote control device in a water-related facility such as a bathroom.

The above describes the embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Any design modifications made by a person skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, materials, arrangement, installation form, etc. of each element of the remote control device are not limited to those exemplified, and can be modified as appropriate.
Furthermore, the elements of each of the above-described embodiments can be combined to the extent technically possible, and such combinations are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention.

10 case, 10r case, 10s side surface, 11r end surface, 11rs side surface, 11s main side surface, 12s end surface, 13 locking claw, 13a-13h locking claw, 15 transmission portion, 15a thin wire portion, 15b pressing portion, 16 inner member, 17 outer member, 18 back surface member, 19 support portion, 19e opening, 20 operation button, 20b back surface, 20r operation button, 20rb back surface, 21 front portion, 21a upper end portion, 21b lower end portion, 21c left end portion, 21d right end portion, 21e peripheral end portion, 21s outer peripheral surface, 22 side surface portion, 22a-22h surfaces, 22i inner peripheral surface, 22r side portion, 22rs surface, 22s outer peripheral surface, 23 locking claw, 23a to 23h locking claw, 24 protrusion, 24r protrusion, 30 holder, 31 operation button, 32 display unit, 33 notification unit, 40 switch, 40r switch, 45 board, 47 waterproof member, 100 remote control device, 111 upper side, 112 lower side, 113 left side, 114 right side, 121 upper end, 122 lower end, 123 left end, 124 right end, 161 plate portion, 161e opening, 162 side wall portion, 163 protrusion, 171 plate portion, 172 side wall portion, 190 remote control device, 211 top edge, 212 bottom edge, 213 left edge, 214 right edge, 221 top, 222 bottom, 223 left part, 224 right part, S1, S2 gap

Claims (3)

A case for storing the switch,
an operation button disposed on a front side of the case, biased away from the case, and having a protrusion on a rear side;
In the remote control device, the protrusion directly or indirectly presses the switch by a force applied when the operation button is pressed,
The operation button is
A front portion that is rectangular when viewed from the front and that is pressed by a user;
a side surface portion formed at a peripheral end of the front surface portion and extending toward the case;
A first locking claw provided on an inner side of the side surface portion;
having
the side surface portion faces an end portion of a side surface of the case that faces the operation button,
At least a part of a surface of the side portion of the operation button coincides with a part of a side surface of the case;
the case has a second locking claw provided on the side surface of the case facing the side surface portion and capable of engaging with the first locking claw,
A remote control device characterized in that when the edge of the front part is pressed, the first locking claw and the second locking claw provided on the edge side opposite to the edge engage with each other, and the protrusion presses the switch with the position where the first locking claw and the second locking claw engage as a fulcrum. the case has an inner member at least a portion of which is covered by the operation button from a front side;
the inner member has an opening into which the protrusion is inserted;
A portion of the inner member faces the side surface portion,
2. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the second engaging claw is provided on the part of the inner member. Further comprising a waterproof member;
The case is
A support portion having an opening;
a transmission portion supported by the support portion within the opening and pressed by the protrusion to transmit a force to the switch;
having
The remote control device according to claim 1 , wherein the waterproof member covers the transmission unit and the opening.

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