Pressing operation unit and switch device

Abstract

The pressing operation unit is provided with: an operation member which can be pressed by an operator; a leaf spring member that imparts an operation touch feeling by means of elastic deformation in response to a pressing operation; and a housing that holds the leaf spring member, the operating member having: an insulator that covers the housing; a first protrusion provided on one surface of the insulator; and a second protruding part which is provided on the other surface of the insulator at a position facing the first protruding part, and which is made of a material different from that of the first protruding part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a pressing operation unit and a switch device. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 below discloses a push switch in which a movable contact spring is elastically deformed by a pressing operation of a projection made of a hard resin material, thereby enabling a switch operation to be performed while providing a click feeling in response to the pressing operation.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-100549 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] However, in conventional push switches, when a soft material is used for the protrusion that performs the pressing operation in order to utilize the elastic deformation of the protrusion to achieve over-travel operation, there is a concern that the protrusion is susceptible to defects such as grinding. Therefore, conventional input devices cannot achieve both improved durability of the protrusion that performs the pressing operation and over-travel operation.

[0008] Means for solving problems

[0009] A pressing operation unit of one embodiment includes: an operating component that can be pressed by an operator; a leaf spring component that imparts an operational tactile sensation to the pressing operation through elastic deformation; and a shell that holds the leaf spring component. The operating component includes: an insulating member that covers the shell; a first protrusion that is arranged on one surface of the insulating member; and a second protrusion that is arranged on the other surface of the insulating member and is opposite to the first protrusion and is made of a material different from that of the first protrusion.

[0010] Effects of the Invention

[0011] According to the pressing operation unit of one embodiment, the durability of the protruding portion that performs the pressing operation can be improved, and an over-travel operation can be achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 This is an external perspective view of the switch device according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view of the switch device according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3It is a cross-sectional view of the switch device according to the first embodiment, taken along the YZ plane.

[0015] Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of an operating member included in the switch device according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing a method for manufacturing the operating member included in the switch device according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing a first modified example of the operating member included in the switch device of the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing a second modified example of the operating member included in the switch device of the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing a third modified example of the operating member included in the switch device of the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 9 It is a diagram showing a fourth modified example of the operating member included in the switch device of the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 10 It is an external perspective view of a push operation unit according to a second embodiment.

[0022] Figure 11 It is an exploded perspective view of the push operation unit according to the second embodiment.

[0023] Figure 12 It is a cross-sectional view of the push operation unit according to the second embodiment, taken along the YZ plane. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] An embodiment is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. For convenience, the Z-axis in the drawings is referred to as the up-down direction, the Y-axis is referred to as the left-right direction, and the X-axis is referred to as the front-back direction. The positive Z-axis direction is referred to as upward, the positive Y-axis direction is referred to as rightward, and the positive X-axis direction is referred to as forward.

[0025] First embodiment

[0026] (Overview of Switch Device 100)

[0027] Figure 1 FIG is a perspective view of the appearance of the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the switch device 100 has a three-dimensional shape that is thin in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) as a whole.

[0028] like Figure 1As shown, the switch device 100 is configured such that the diaphragm 140 is attached to the upper surface 150A of the plate 150 , and the push operation unit 100A is placed and fixed on the upper surface 140A of the diaphragm 140 .

[0029] In the push operation unit 100A, the upper surface 130A (see Figure 2 and Figure 3 ) is covered by a sheet-like insulating member 111. A second protrusion 113 is provided on the upper surface of the insulating member 111, protruding upward (in the positive direction of the Z axis). This allows the switch device 100 to be operated by an operator by pressing the second protrusion 113 downward (in the negative direction of the Z axis).

[0030] In the switch device 100, when the operator does not perform the pressing operation of the second protrusion 113, the membrane switch 141 (see Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the switch device 100 , when the operator performs a pressing operation downward (in the negative direction of the Z axis) on the second protrusion 113 , the membrane switch 141 switches to the on state.

[0031] (Structure of Switch Device 100)

[0032] Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view of the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment, taken along the YZ plane. Figure 4 FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the operating member 110 included in the switch device 100 of the first embodiment. Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the switch device 100 includes a push operation unit 100A, a diaphragm 140 , and a plate 150 .

[0033] The push operation unit 100A includes an operation member 110 , a metal contact 120 , and a housing 130 .

[0034] The operating member 110 can be pressed by an operator in a pressing direction D1 (negative direction of the Z axis) and includes an insulator 111 , a first protrusion 112 , and a second protrusion 113 .

[0035] The insulating member 111 is a thin sheet-like component that is attached to the upper surface 130A of the housing 130. The insulating member 111 is formed using a resin material such as PET. When viewed from above (in the positive direction of the Z axis), the insulating member 111 has a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the housing 130 (i.e., a substantially square shape). The insulating member 111 is adhered to the upper surface 130A of the housing 130 by any bonding means (e.g., laser welding) while covering the upper surface 130A of the housing 130. The insulating member 111 seals the opening 130B of the housing 130 by closing the upper opening of the opening 130B.

[0036] First protrusion 112 is provided at the center of back surface 111B (the surface facing the leaf spring member) of insulator 111. First protrusion 112 is welded to back surface 111B of insulator 111 by laser welding. First protrusion 112 has a cylindrical shape that is thin in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). First protrusion 112 is formed of a resin material.

[0037] The first protrusion 112 has a smaller diameter than the second protrusion 113 . Furthermore, the first protrusion 112 has a smaller diameter than the opening 121 of the metal contact 120 , and passes through the opening 121 of the metal contact 120 .

[0038] Second protrusion 113 is provided at the center of surface 111A (the operator-facing surface) of insulating member 111 (i.e., at a position opposing first protrusion 112). Second protrusion 113 is welded to surface 111A of insulating member 111 by laser welding. Second protrusion 113 has a cylindrical shape that is thin in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). Second protrusion 113 is formed of a resin material.

[0039] The second protrusion 113 is made of a material different from that of the first protrusion 112. In particular, the second protrusion 113 is made of a harder material than the first protrusion 112. In addition, the second protrusion 113 has a larger diameter than the opening 121 of the metal contact 120.

[0040] The metal contact 120 is an example of a "leaf spring component." The metal contact 120 is located on the lower side (negative side of the Z axis) of the operating component 110 and at the opening 130B of the housing 130. The metal contact 120 is a dome-shaped component made of metal that is convex upward (positive direction of the Z axis). The metal contact 120 has a circular shape when viewed from above (positive direction of the Z axis). The metal contact 120 is formed using one or more thin metal plates. The metal contact 120 has a circular opening 121 in the center.

[0041] The metal contact 120 has four legs 122 extending outward and downward from the outer peripheral edge of the metal contact 120. The metal contact 120 is supported by the housing 130 by the four legs 122 landing on four support surfaces 131 provided on the housing 130, respectively.

[0042] When the operating member 110 is pressed in the pressing direction D1 (negative Z-axis direction), the central portion of the metal contact 120, where the opening 121 is formed, is pressed downward by the operating member 110. When the operating load exceeds a predetermined value, the central portion suddenly elastically deforms into a concave shape (reversing). This provides the metal contact 120 with a tactile feel (a click feeling) to the operator of the operating member 110. When the pressing force from the operating member 110 is released, the metal contact 120 returns to its original convex shape due to elastic force.

[0043] The housing 130 is a thin plate-like component having a three-dimensional shape that is thin in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The housing 130 has a roughly square shape when viewed from above (in the positive direction of the Z-axis). The housing 130 has an upper surface 130A and an opening 130B that passes through the housing 130 in the vertical direction. The metal contact 120 is arranged in the opening 130B. When viewed from above (in the positive direction of the Z-axis), the opening 130B has a shape that is roughly the same as the outer shape of the metal contact 120. The housing 130 is formed using a relatively hard insulating material (such as a hard resin).

[0044] The housing 130 also includes four support surfaces 131 that protrude radially outward from the opening 130B. Each of the four support surfaces 131 has a horizontal, flat shape and supports each of the four legs 122 of the metal contact 120 .

[0045] Diaphragm 140 is a flexible, sheet-shaped member made of resin. Push operation unit 100A is placed on top surface 140A of diaphragm 140, with the center of diaphragm 140 aligned with the center of push operation unit 100A. Push operation unit 100A is secured to top surface 140A of diaphragm 140 along the outer circumference of housing 130 using adhesive 142 deposited on top surface 140A of diaphragm 140.

[0046] A membrane switch 141 is provided in the center of the membrane sheet 140. The membrane switch 141 comprises an upper contact 141A and a lower contact 141B, both made of a conductive film, disposed opposite each other in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). When the operating member 110 is pressed in the pressing direction D1 (negative Z-axis direction), the membrane switch 141 is pressed by the first protrusion 112 of the operating member 110, and the upper contact 141A and the lower contact 141B come into contact with each other, thereby switching the switch to the on state.

[0047] Plate 150 is a relatively hard, flat-plate member made of resin. Plate 150 supports diaphragm 140 in a horizontal position by attaching diaphragm 140 to its upper surface 150A using any bonding method (e.g., double-sided adhesive tape, adhesive, etc.). Plate 150 is formed from a relatively hard insulating material (e.g., a hard resin, etc.).

[0048] (Operation of Switch Device 100)

[0049] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in the switch device 100 of the first embodiment, when the second protrusion 113 of the operating member 110 is not pressed by the operator, the insulating member 111 of the operating member 110 is horizontal, and the metal contact 120 is in a dome-shaped shape that convexes upward (in the positive Z-axis direction). Furthermore, since the upper contact 141A and the lower contact 141B are separated from each other, the membrane switch 141 is in the off state.

[0050] In the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment, when an operator presses the second protrusion 113 of the operating member 110 in the pressing direction D1 (negative Z-axis direction), the central portion of the insulating member 111 of the operating member 110 deflects downward (negative Z-axis direction), while the first protrusion 112 and the second protrusion 113 of the operating member 110 simultaneously move downward (negative Z-axis direction). At this time, the second protrusion 113 presses the central portion of the metal contact 120 (the periphery of the opening 121) through the insulating member 111. Consequently, the central portion of the metal contact 120 gradually elastically deforms downward (negative Z-axis direction), and the operating load of the pressing operation of the operating member 110 gradually increases accordingly.

[0051] Furthermore, when the stroke of the operating member 110 reaches a predetermined amount, the center portion of the metal contact 120 suddenly elastically deforms into a concave shape (reversal). This drastically reduces the operating load of the operating member 110. This provides the operator of the operating member 110 with a tactile feel (click sensation).

[0052] In addition, simultaneously with the reverse movement of the metal contact 120, the first protrusion 112 presses the membrane switch 141. As a result, the membrane switch 141 is switched to the on state by the contact between the upper contact 141A and the lower contact 141B.

[0053] Furthermore, after the membrane switch 141 is switched to the switch-on state, when the operator presses the second protrusion 113 further in the pressing operation direction D1 (negative direction of the Z axis) (i.e., when a so-called over-travel operation is performed), the second protrusion 113 can move slightly downward due to the elastic deformation of the first protrusion 112.

[0054] When the operator releases the pressure on second protrusion 113, metal contact 120 returns to its original convex shape due to its own elastic force. Consequently, insulator 111 returns to its original horizontal position. Furthermore, membrane switch 141 releases contact between upper contact 141A and lower contact 141B, returning to its off state.

[0055] As described above, in the push operation unit 100A of the first embodiment, in the operation member 110 , the first protrusion 112 is provided on the rear surface 111B of the insulating member 111 , and the second protrusion 113 is provided on the front surface 111A of the insulating member 111 .

[0056] Thus, the pressing operation unit 100A of the first embodiment can press the membrane switch 141 via the first protrusion 112 when the operator presses the second protrusion 113 in the pressing operation direction D1 (Z-axis negative direction).

[0057] Here, in the push operation unit 100A of the first embodiment, the second protrusion 113 is made of a material different from that of the first protrusion 112. In particular, the second protrusion 113 is made of a harder material than the first protrusion 112.

[0058] Therefore, in the pressing operation unit 100A of the first embodiment, the second protrusion 113 is relatively hard, so that it is not easy to produce grinding of the second protrusion 113, and the second protrusion 113 can directly (i.e., almost without attenuation) input the pressing operation force from the operator into the operating component 110.

[0059] Furthermore, in the pressing operation unit 100A of the first embodiment, the first protrusion 112 is relatively soft. Therefore, when the operator performs an over-travel operation, the first protrusion 112 elastically deforms appropriately, thereby enabling the over-travel operation.

[0060] Therefore, according to the pressing operation unit 100A of the first embodiment, the durability of the second protrusion 113 that performs the pressing operation can be improved, and an over-travel operation can be achieved.

[0061] Furthermore, in the push operation unit 100A of the first embodiment, the diameter of the first protrusion 112 is smaller than the diameter of the second protrusion 113. Furthermore, the diameter of the first protrusion 112 is smaller than the diameter of the opening 121 of the metal contact 120, and the first protrusion 112 penetrates the opening 121 of the metal contact 120, while the diameter of the second protrusion 113 is larger than the diameter of the opening 121 of the metal contact 120.

[0062] Thus, in the push operation unit 100A of the first embodiment, during the push operation, the first protrusion 112 does not interfere with the metal contact 120 , and the second protrusion 113 can press the periphery of the opening 121 of the metal contact 120 through the insulating member 111 .

[0063] In this embodiment, as an example, the diameter of the first protrusion 112 is set to 1.7 mm, the diameter of the second protrusion 113 is set to 2.4 mm, and the diameter of the opening 121 of the metal contact 120 is set to 2.0 mm.

[0064] (Manufacturing Method of Operating Member 110)

[0065] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing a method of manufacturing the operating member 110 included in the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0066] First, if Figure 5 As shown in (a), with the second protrusion 113 arranged at the center of the front surface 111A of the insulating member 111, the laser beam 10 is irradiated onto the center of the back surface 111B of the insulating member 111 (first laser irradiation step).

[0067] Here, in this embodiment, the insulating member 111 is formed of a transparent resin material. In addition, in this embodiment, the second protrusion 113 is formed of a colored and opaque resin material, particularly a black resin material.

[0068] Therefore, laser 10 irradiated to the center of back surface 111B of insulating member 111 passes through insulating member 111 and irradiates second protrusion 113. Therefore, second protrusion 113 absorbs heat of laser 10 to melt insulating member 111, thereby welding second protrusion 113 to insulating member 111.

[0069] Then, if Figure 5 As shown in (b), with the first protrusion 112 disposed at the center of the back surface 111B of the insulating member 111, the first protrusion 112 is irradiated with the laser beam 10 (second laser irradiation step).

[0070] In this embodiment, the first protrusion 112 is made of a transparent resin material.

[0071] Therefore, the laser 10 irradiated on the first protrusion 112 passes through the first protrusion 112 and the insulating member 111 and irradiates the second protrusion 113. Therefore, the second protrusion 113 absorbs the heat of the laser 10 to melt the insulating member 111, thereby welding the second protrusion 113 and the first protrusion 112 to the insulating member 111.

[0072] As described above, in the operating member 110 of the first embodiment, the first protrusion 112 is made of a transparent material, the second protrusion 113 is made of a colored and opaque material, and the insulating member 111 is made of a transparent material.

[0073] Thus, the operating member 110 of the first embodiment can weld the first protrusion 112 and the second protrusion 113 to the insulating member 111 by irradiating the laser beam 10 from a single direction (the back surface 111B side of the insulating member 111 ).

[0074] Therefore, in the operating member 110 of the first embodiment, the first protrusion 112 and the second protrusion 113 can be easily and firmly fixed to the insulating member 111 .

[0075] Furthermore, in order to more reliably weld the first protrusion 112 by absorbing heat from the second protrusion 113 , the second protrusion 113 is preferably made of a material having a higher melting point than that of the first protrusion 112 .

[0076] (First Modification of the Operating Member 110)

[0077] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a first modified example of the operating member 110 included in the switch device 100 of the first embodiment.

[0078] exist Figure 6 In the illustrated operating member 110 , the first protrusion 112 is made of a transparent material, the second protrusion 113 is made of a transparent material, and the insulating member 111 is made of a colored and opaque material.

[0079] In this case, if Figure 6 As shown, by irradiating the insulating member 111 with the laser beam 10 from the surface 111A side or the back surface 111B side of the insulating member 111 , the first protrusion 112 and the second protrusion 113 can be welded to the insulating member 111 .

[0080] (Second Modification of the Operating Member 110)

[0081] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing a second modified example of the operating member 110 included in the switch device 100 of the first embodiment.

[0082] exist Figure 7 In the illustrated operating member 110 , the first protrusion 112 is made of a transparent material, the second protrusion 113 is made of a colored and opaque material, and the insulating member 111 is made of a colored and opaque material.

[0083] In this case, if Figure 7 As shown, by irradiating the insulating member 111 with the laser beam 10 from the back surface 111B side, the first protrusion 112 and the second protrusion 113 can be welded to the insulating member 111 .

[0084] (Third Modification of Operation Member 110)

[0085] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing a third modified example of the operating member 110 included in the switch device 100 of the first embodiment.

[0086] exist Figure 8 In the illustrated operating member 110 , the first protrusion 112 is made of a colored and opaque material, the second protrusion 113 is made of a transparent material, and the insulating member 111 is made of a colored and opaque material.

[0087] In this case, if Figure 8 As shown, by irradiating the insulating member 111 with the laser beam 10 from the surface 111A side, the first protrusion 112 and the second protrusion 113 can be welded to the insulating member 111 .

[0088] Figure 9 It is a diagram showing a fourth modified example of the operating member 110 included in the switch device 100 of the first embodiment.

[0089] exist Figure 9 In the illustrated operating member 110 , the first protrusion 112 is made of a colored and opaque material, the second protrusion 113 is made of a transparent material, and the insulating member 111 is made of a transparent material.

[0090] In this case, if Figure 9 As shown, by irradiating the insulating member 111 with the laser beam 10 from the surface 111A side, the first protrusion 112 and the second protrusion 113 can be welded to the insulating member 111 .

[0091] Second embodiment

[0092] (Structure of Pressing Operation Unit 200)

[0093] Figure 10 2 is a perspective view of the external appearance of the push operation unit 200 according to the second embodiment. Figure 11 It is an exploded perspective view of the push operation unit 200 according to the second embodiment. Figure 12 4 is a cross-sectional view of the push operation unit 200 according to the second embodiment, taken along the YZ plane.

[0094] The push-operation unit 200 of the second embodiment functions as a single switch device. Specifically, the push-operation unit 200 is in the off state when the operator is not pressing the second protrusion 113. Furthermore, when the operator presses the second protrusion 113 downward (in the negative Z-axis direction), the push-operation unit 200 switches to the on state.

[0095] like Figures 10 to 12 As shown, the push operation unit 200 of the second embodiment includes an operation member 110 - 2 , a metal contact 120 - 2 , and a housing 130 - 2 .

[0096] Operating member 110-2 is identical to operating member 110 included in push operation unit 100A of the first embodiment. Specifically, like operating member 110, operating member 110-2 includes an insulator 111, a first protrusion 112, and a second protrusion 113. However, operating member 110-2 differs from operating member 110 in that insulator 111 has a rectangular shape with its longitudinal direction extending in the horizontal direction (the Y-axis direction) when viewed from above (in the positive Z-axis direction).

[0097] The metal contact 120-2 is identical to the metal contact 120 included in the push operation unit 100A of the first embodiment. Specifically, the metal contact 120-2 is a dome-shaped metal member that projects upward (in the positive Z-axis direction). However, the metal contact 120-2 differs from the metal contact 120 in that, when viewed from above (in the positive Z-axis direction), it has a shape formed by cutting a portion (the front and rear ends) of a circle with a straight line parallel to the Y-axis, and it lacks the four legs 122.

[0098] The metal contact 120-2 is disposed within the recess 130C of the housing 130-2. The right (positive Y-axis) and left (negative Y-axis) edges of the metal contact 120-2 land on four peripheral fixed contacts 133 provided on the bottom surface of the recess 130C of the housing 130-2, thereby being supported by the housing 130-2.

[0099] Furthermore, when the metal contact 120-2 is pressed by the operating member 110-2 and its central portion elastically deforms into a concave shape (reversal), the central portion contacts the central fixed contact 132 of the housing 130-2, thereby establishing electrical continuity between the central fixed contact 132 and the four peripheral fixed contacts 133 via the metal contact 120-2. In other words, the metal contact 120-2 functions as a "movable contact member."

[0100] Housing 130-2 is the same as housing 130 of push operation unit 100A of the first embodiment. However, housing 130-2 differs from housing 130 in that it has a rectangular shape with its longitudinal side extending in the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction) when viewed from above (positive Z-axis direction).

[0101] In addition, housing 130-2 includes a recessed portion 130C, which is recessed downward from upper surface 130A, in place of opening 130B. Metal contact 120-2 is disposed in recessed portion 130C. When viewed from above (in the positive Z-axis direction), recessed portion 130C and metal contact 120-2 have substantially the same outer shape.

[0102] The housing 130-2 has a central fixed contact 132 made of a conductor at the center of the bottom surface of the recess 130C. The housing 130-2 also has four peripheral fixed contacts 133 made of a conductor at the periphery of the bottom surface of the recess 130C.

[0103] (Action of Pressing Operation Unit 200)

[0104] like Figures 10 to 12 As shown, in the push operation unit 200 of the second embodiment, when the second protrusion 113 of the operating member 110-2 is not pressed by the operator, the insulating member 111 of the operating member 110-2 is horizontal, and the metal contact 120-2 is in a dome-shaped shape that convexes upward (in the positive direction of the Z axis). In addition, the central fixed contact 132 and the four peripheral fixed contacts 133 of the housing 130-2 are in a non-conductive state with each other.

[0105] Furthermore, in the second embodiment of the press operation unit 200, when the operator presses the second protrusion 113 of the operating member 110-2, the central portion of the insulating member 111 of the operating member 110-2 deflects downward (in the negative Z-axis direction), while the first protrusion 112 and the second protrusion 113 of the operating member 110-2 simultaneously move downward (in the negative Z-axis direction). At this time, the second protrusion 113 presses the central portion of the metal contact 120-2 (the periphery of the opening 121) through the insulating member 111. Consequently, the central portion of the metal contact 120-2 gradually elastically deforms downward (in the negative Z-axis direction), and as a result, the operating load of the pressing operation on the operating member 110-2 gradually increases.

[0106] Furthermore, when the stroke of the pressing operation of operating member 110-2 reaches a predetermined amount, the central portion of metal contact 120-2 suddenly elastically deforms into a concave shape (reversal). This drastically reduces the operating load of the pressing operation of operating member 110-2. This provides a tactile sensation (a click feeling) to the operator of operating member 110-2.

[0107] Simultaneously with the reverse movement of the metal contact 120-2, the center portion of the metal contact 120-2 abuts against the central fixed contact 132. This causes the central fixed contact 132 and the four peripheral fixed contacts 133 to be electrically connected to each other via the metal contact 120-2.

[0108] Furthermore, after the central fixed contact 132 and the four peripheral fixed contacts 133 are in a conductive state with each other, when the operator further presses the second protrusion 113 (i.e., performs a so-called overtravel operation), the first protrusion 112 elastically deforms, thereby enabling the second protrusion 113 to move slightly downward.

[0109] Then, when the operator releases the pressure on second protrusion 113, metal contact 120-2 returns to its original convex shape due to its own elastic force. Consequently, insulator 111 returns to its original horizontal position. Furthermore, the central portion of metal contact 120-2 is no longer in contact with central fixed contact 132, and central fixed contact 132 and the four peripheral fixed contacts 133 return to a mutually non-conductive state.

[0110] As mentioned above, although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.

[0111] This international application claims the benefit of priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-033935, filed on March 6, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0112] Description of Reference Numerals

[0113] 100 switchgear

[0114] 100A, 200 push-button operation unit

[0115] 110,110-2 operating parts

[0116] 111 insulation parts

[0117] 111A surface

[0118] 111B back

[0119] 112 first protrusion

[0120] 113 second protrusion

[0121] 120,120-2 metal contact

[0122] 121 opening

[0123] 122 feet

[0124] 130,130-2 housing

[0125] 130A upper surface

[0126] 130B opening

[0127] 130C concave part

[0128] 131 supporting surface

[0129] 132 central fixed contact

[0130] 133 peripheral fixed contacts

[0131] 140 diaphragm

[0132] 141 membrane switch

[0133] 141A upper contact

[0134] 141B bottom contact

[0135] 140A upper surface

[0136] 142 adhesive

[0137] 150 boards

[0138] 150A upper surface

[0139] D1 pressing operation direction

Claims

1. A press operation unit, characterized in that: have: An operating component that can be pressed by an operator; a leaf spring member that imparts a tactile operation to the pressing operation by elastic deformation; and a housing that holds the leaf spring member, The operating component has: an insulating member covering the housing; a first protrusion provided on one surface of the insulating member; The second protrusion is provided on the other surface of the insulating member at a position facing the first protrusion and is made of a material different from that of the first protrusion.

2. The push operation unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first protrusion is provided on the surface of the insulating member on the side of the leaf spring member. The second protrusion is provided on the operator-side surface of the insulating member and is made of a harder material than the first protrusion.

3. The push operation unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The diameter of the first protrusion is smaller than the diameter of the second protrusion.

4. The push operation unit according to claim 3, characterized in that: The leaf spring member has an opening at the center. The diameter of the first protrusion is smaller than the diameter of the opening of the leaf spring member, and the first protrusion passes through the opening of the leaf spring member. The second protrusion has a diameter larger than the opening of the leaf spring member, and the second protrusion presses a peripheral portion of the opening of the leaf spring member via the insulating member during the pressing operation.

5. The push operation unit according to claim 1, wherein: The first protrusion is provided on the surface of the insulating member on the side of the leaf spring component and is made of a transparent material. The second protrusion is provided on the operator-side surface of the insulating member and is made of a colored and opaque material.

6. The push operation unit according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second protrusion is made of a black material.

7. The push operation unit according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The insulating member is made of a transparent material. The first protrusion and the second protrusion are laser-welded to the insulating member by laser irradiation from the first protrusion side.

8. The pressing operation unit according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second protrusion is made of a material having a higher melting point than that of the first protrusion.

9. A mounted switch device, characterized in that: have: a membrane having a membrane switch; and The pressing operation unit according to claim 1 is placed on the membrane and presses the membrane switch via the leaf spring member during the pressing operation.

10. The push operation unit according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the first protrusion, the second protrusion, and the insulating member is made of a colored and opaque material, and At least one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion is made of a transparent material.

11. The push operation unit according to claim 1, wherein: The first protrusion is made of a transparent material. The second protrusion is made of a colored and opaque material, The insulating member is made of a transparent material.

12. The push operation unit according to claim 1, wherein: The first protrusion is made of a transparent material. The second protrusion is made of a transparent material. The insulating member is made of a colored and opaque material.

13. The push operation unit according to claim 1, wherein: The first protrusion is made of a transparent material. The second protrusion is made of a colored and opaque material, The insulating member is made of a colored and opaque material.

14. The push operation unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first protrusion is made of a colored and opaque material, The second protrusion is made of a transparent material. The insulating member is made of a transparent material.

15. The push operation unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first protrusion is made of a colored and opaque material, The second protrusion is made of a transparent material. The insulating member is made of a colored and opaque material.

16. The push operation unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing has a central fixed contact and a peripheral fixed contact, The leaf spring member functions as a movable contact member, and the movable contact member causes electrical conduction between the central fixed contact and the peripheral fixed contacts via the leaf spring member due to the elastic deformation.

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