Switches and operating devices

Abstract

The present invention provides a switch and an operating device that can expand the application range of switches and the like using magnets. The switch (2) assembled into the operating device includes: a movable member (23) whose first end (230) side is fixed and whose second end (231) side is pressed and swings; and a pressing member (21) that presses the movable member (23). Furthermore, the switch (2) includes: a permanent magnet (24) (magnet) located at the front end of the movable member (23); and a magnetic field detection unit (25) that detects a magnetic field. In response to an operation on the operating device, the pressing member (21) of the switch (2) presses the movable member (23) downward. As the pressing member (21) is pressed, the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection unit (25) changes due to the permanent magnet (24) (magnet), and a signal is output based on the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection unit (25).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a switch and an operating device using the switch. The switch includes a movable member and a pressing member for pressing the movable member, and outputs a signal based on the swing of the movable member caused by the pressing of the pressing member. Background Art

[0002] As input devices for electronic devices such as computers, operating devices such as mice with switches such as micro switches have become popular. Switches such as micro switches have contacts for opening and closing circuits, but currently, switches without physical contacts for opening and closing circuits are becoming popular. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a switch that opens and closes a circuit by using a photoelectric contact of a photodiode and generates a click feeling by the magnetic force of a permanent magnet.

[0003] [Prior art literature]

[0004] [Patent Document]

[0005] Patent Document 1: Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 106648177 Summary of the invention

[0006] [Problems to be solved by the invention]

[0007] There is a high expectation for further development of switches without physical contacts, and various applications of switches using magnets are also being studied.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a switch that opens and closes a circuit based on a detection result of a magnetic field caused by a magnet, thereby expanding the application range of switches using magnets.

[0009] Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to provide an operating device using such a switch.

[0010] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the switch disclosed in the present application includes: a movable component, a first end side of which is fixed, and a second end side of which is pressed and swings; and a pressing component, which presses the movable component and outputs a signal due to the swing of the movable component caused by the pressing of the pressing component. The switch is characterized in that it includes: a magnet; and a magnetic field detection unit, which detects a magnetic field, and when the pressing of the pressing member occurs, the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection unit changes due to the magnet, and the signal is output based on the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection unit.

[0012] Furthermore, in the switch, the magnet moves relative to the magnetic field detector due to the swing of the movable member caused by the pressing of the pressing member, thereby changing the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detector.

[0013] Furthermore, in the switch, the magnet is located on the second end side of the movable member.

[0014] Furthermore, in the switch, the magnet is attached to the second end side of the movable member.

[0015] Furthermore, in the switch, the movable member is formed using a metal material, and the magnet magnetizes the second end side.

[0016] Furthermore, in the switch, the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection unit changes due to the movement of the magnet located on the second end side approaching or moving away from the magnetic field detection unit due to the swing of the movable member.

[0017] Moreover, in the switch, the second end side of the movable member is bent toward the magnetic field detection unit, and the magnet located on the second end side of the movable member approaches the magnetic field detection unit in the bending direction due to the swing of the movable member, so that the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection unit changes.

[0018] Moreover, in the switch, the second end side of the movable member is bent toward the magnetic field detection unit, and the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection unit changes due to the movement of the magnet located on the second end side of the movable member in a direction substantially orthogonal to the bending direction due to the swinging of the movable member.

[0019] Moreover, the switch includes: a pressing piece, which is moved by being pressed by the movable component, the movable component presses the pressing piece by swinging, and the pressing piece presses the magnet by moving along with the pressing, and the magnet is moved by being pressed, so that the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection unit changes.

[0020] Furthermore, in the switch, the pressing piece moves toward the magnetic field detection unit in response to the pressing from the movable member, and the pressing piece presses the magnet in a direction different from the moving direction.

[0021] Moreover, the switch includes: a connecting member that can be magnetically connected to the two poles of the magnet, the magnet and the connecting member are configured so that one of them can contact / move away from the other, and when moving away, the magnetic field generated from the magnet can be detected by the magnetic field detection unit, and the pressing piece is accompanied by the pressing from the movable member, so that one of the magnet and the connecting member moves relative to the other to achieve magnetic connection or distance.

[0022] Furthermore, in the switch, the magnetic field detection unit detects a change in direction of the magnetic field.

[0023] Furthermore, the switch includes an attraction member that uses a magnetic force to attract the magnet located on the second end side of the movable member, thereby pulling the movable member in a direction away from the pressure from the pressing member.

[0024] Furthermore, in the switch, the magnet is attached to the pressing member, and the pressing member presses the movable member to move the magnet relative to the magnetic field detector, thereby changing the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detector.

[0025] Moreover, in the switch, the magnet and the magnetic field detection part are arranged in a manner facing each other, and the movable member has a shielding part located between the magnet and the magnetic field detection part on the second end side. By utilizing the swing of the movable member generated by the pressing of the pressing member, the magnetic field reaching the magnetic field detection part from the magnet is shielded or transmitted, and the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection part changes.

[0026] Furthermore, in the switch, the shielding portion is formed using a paramagnetic material or a ferromagnetic material.

[0027] Furthermore, the operating device disclosed in the present application is characterized in that it includes: a pressing operation unit that accepts a pressing operation from the outside; and the switch that transmits the pressing operation accepted by the pressing operation unit as a pressing from the outside, and outputs a signal based on the magnetic field change detected by the magnetic field detection unit.

[0028] The switch and operating device disclosed in the present application include a magnet and a magnetic field detection unit, and output a signal based on a magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection unit.

[0029] [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] The switch and operating device of the present invention include a magnetic field detection unit, and output a signal based on the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection unit. By using the magnetic field detection unit, excellent effects such as being able to expand the application range of the switch and operating device using magnets are achieved. For example, compared with a switch that uses photoelectric contacts to open and close a circuit and uses the magnetic force of a permanent magnet to generate a click feeling, when a switch is formed in a manner that uses magnets to open and close a circuit and generate a click feeling, excellent effects such as being able to suppress an increase in manufacturing costs are achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the operating device disclosed in the present application.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0035] Figure 5A This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0036] Figure 5B This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0039] Fig. 8A This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0040] Figure 8B This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0041] Fig. 9 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0042] Fig.10 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0043] Fig.11 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a movable member and a magnetic field detection unit included in the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0044] Fig. 12A This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0045] Fig. 12B This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0046] Fig.13 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0047] Fig.14 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0048] Fig.15 This is a schematic front view showing an example of the internal structure of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0049] Fig.16A This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0050] Fig. 16B This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0051] Fig.17 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0052] Fig.18 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0053] Fig.19 This is a schematic front view showing an example of the internal structure of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0054] Fig. 20A This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0055] Fig. 20B This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0056] Fig.21 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0057] Fig. 22 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0058] Fig.23 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0059] Fig.24A This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0060] Fig. 24B This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0061] Fig.25 This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing an example of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0062] Fig.26 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the internal structure of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0063] Fig.27AThis is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0064] Fig.27B This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0065] Fig.28 This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing an example of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0066] Fig.29 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the internal structure of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0067] Fig. 30A This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0068] Fig. 30B This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0069] Fig.31 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0070] Fig.32 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0071] Fig.33A This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0072] Fig.33B This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0073] Fig.34 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0074] Fig.35 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a movable member included in the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0075] Fig.36 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0076] Fig.37A This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0077] Fig.37B This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0078] Fig.38A This is a schematic diagram schematically showing in an enlarged manner the vicinity of a shielding piece of a movable member included in the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0079] Fig.38B This is a schematic diagram schematically showing in an enlarged manner the vicinity of a shielding piece of a movable member included in the switch disclosed in the present application.

[0080] [Explanation of Symbols]

[0081] 1: Operating device

[0082] 2: Switch

[0083] 3: Substrate

[0084] 10: Press the operation part

[0085] 11: Rotation operation unit

[0086] 12: Signal line

[0087] 20: Frame

[0088] 20a: Base

[0089] 20b: Hood

[0090] 21: Pressing component

[0091] 22: Locking member

[0092] 23: Movable components

[0093] 24: Permanent magnet (magnet)

[0094] 25: Magnetic field detection unit

[0095] 26: Plunger (pressing piece)

[0096] 27: Magnetic plate (connecting member)

[0097] 28: Adsorption components

[0098] 200: Through hole

[0099] 201: Contact Room

[0100] 210: Support

[0101] 220: Feet

[0102] 221: First support part

[0103] 222: Second support part

[0104] 223: First contact portion

[0105] 224: Second contact portion

[0106] 230: First End

[0107] 231: Second End

[0108] 232: Force Application

[0109] 233: Bending piece

[0110] 234: Magnetization part (magnet)

[0111] 235: Bend mounting portion

[0112] 236: Curved magnetized part (magnet)

[0113] 237: Shielding sheet

[0114] 238: Through the Window

[0115] 240: Pressed surface

[0116] 241: Force-applying member

[0117] 260: Ontology Department

[0118] 261: Pressing part

[0119] 261a: Pressing surface

[0120] 262: Press protrusion

[0121] 270: Abutment protrusion

[0122] 271: Through hole DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0123] <Application example>

[0124] The operating device disclosed in the present application is used as an operating device such as a mouse for operating a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a personal computer). In addition, the switch disclosed in the present application is used as a micro switch in various electronic devices including the operating device. Hereinafter, the operating device 1 and the switch 2 illustrated in the drawings will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0125] <Operation device 1>

[0126] First, the operating device 1 will be described. Figure 1 It is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the operating device 1 disclosed in the present application. Figure 1An example of applying the operating device 1 disclosed in the present application to a mouse for operating an electronic device such as a personal computer is shown. The operating device 1 includes: a pressing operating unit 10 such as a mouse button, which receives an operation of pressing by a user's finger; and a rotating operating unit 11 such as a mouse wheel, which receives an operation of rotating by a user's finger. In addition, the rotating operating unit 11 is configured to receive not only a rotating operation but also a pressing operation, and also functions as the pressing operating unit 10. In addition, the operating device 1 is connected to a signal line 12 that outputs an electrical signal to an external device such as a personal computer. In addition, the operating device 1 is not limited to wired communication using the signal line 12, and the electrical signal can be output by various communication methods such as wireless communication.

[0127] Inside the operating device 1, a switch 2 described later is housed corresponding to each of the pressing operation portion 10 and the rotating operation portion 11. When the pressing operation portion 10 is pressed, a portion inside the pressing operation portion 10 presses the corresponding switch 2. The switch 2 outputs a signal based on the pressing condition from the signal line 12 to an external electronic device such as a personal computer.

[0128] That is, the operating device 1 disclosed in the present application includes: a pressing operation unit 10 for accepting a pressing operation from the outside; and a rotating operation unit 11 for accepting an operation such as a rotating operation, and further, the operating device 1 has a switch 2 inside. In addition, the operating device 1 transmits the pressing operation accepted by the pressing operation unit 10 and / or the rotating operation unit 11 to the switch 2 as a pressing from the outside, and outputs a signal based on the operation of the switch 2 to an external electronic device.

[0129] <Switch 2>

[0130] Next, the switch 2 accommodated in the operating device 1 will be described. The switch 2 included in the operating device 1 disclosed in the present application can be realized in various forms, and here, as an example, the first to tenth embodiments will be described.

[0131] <First embodiment>

[0132] Figure 2 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application. Figure 2 The left front side is expressed as front, the right back side is expressed as back, the top is expressed as top, the bottom is expressed as bottom, the left back side is expressed as left, and the right front side is expressed as right, but this is a direction for convenience of explanation and does not limit the assembly direction of the switch 2. As mentioned above, the switch 2 is accommodated in the inside of the electronic device such as the operating device 1 as a micro switch, and accepts the pressing operation accepted by the pressing operation part 10 of the operating device 1 as a pressing from the outside.

[0133] The switch 2 is fixed on a substrate 3 on which electronic parts such as various circuits, wirings, and components are mounted. The switch 2 includes a frame 20 that is roughly rectangular. The frame 20 is formed by a base 20a at the bottom and a cover 20b at the top. On the upper surface of the frame 20, a rectangular insertion hole 200 for inserting a pressing member 21 is provided at a position to the right of the center when viewed from the front. The pressing member 21 inserted into the insertion hole 200 is a member that receives pressure from the outside of the frame 20 and moves up and down, and the upper end of the pressing member 21 protrudes from the upper surface of the frame 20.

[0134] In the switch 2 formed in this manner, the pressing operation received from the outside by the operating device 1 is transmitted to the pressing member 21 as a pressing force from outside the housing 20. The pressing member 21 receives the pressing force from the outside and moves from the top dead center to the bottom dead center, and moves from the bottom dead center to the top dead center when the pressing force from the outside is released.

[0135] Next, the internal structure of the switch 2 will be described. Figure 3 It is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application. Figure 3 The internal components of the switch 2 with the housing 20 and the pressing member 21 removed are shown as a schematic perspective view. Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application. Figure 4 It is expressed from the viewpoint from the front. Figure 2 The cross section shown is a cross section cut along a vertical plane containing line segment AB.

[0136] A region serving as a contact chamber 201 is secured within the frame 20 of the switch 2, and the contact chamber 201 accommodates a contact mechanism for opening and closing an electrical circuit. An insertion hole 200 penetrating from the outside of the frame 20 is provided on the upper surface of the contact chamber 201, and a pressing member 21 is inserted into the insertion hole 200.

[0137] The contact mechanism housed in the contact chamber 201 is described. In the contact chamber 201, various components such as the locking member 22, the movable member 23, and the permanent magnet 24 are provided as the contact mechanism, and a magnetic field detection unit 25 is provided at the lower right side of the frame 20. The contact mechanism of the first embodiment is formed as a snap action mechanism in which the contact is quickly switched when the pressing member 21 reaches a predetermined position.

[0138] The locking member 22 is a member formed by forming a metal plate, and is fixed in the contact chamber 201 in order to lock the movable member 23 in the contact chamber 201. The locking member 22 is formed with a leg 220, a first support portion 221, a second support portion 222, a first contact portion 223, a second contact portion 224, and the like. The leg 220 is a portion inserted into the base 20a at the lower part of the frame 20, and the locking member 22 is fixed in the contact chamber 201 of the frame 20 in a state of being set upright by inserting the leg 220 into the lower part of the frame 20. The first support portion 221 is a portion protruding upward at the left end side in the contact chamber 201, and supports the movable member 23 in a swingable manner. The second support portion 222 is a portion protruding upward near the center of the contact chamber 201, and supports the movable member 23 in a swingable manner. The first contact portion 223 contacts the swinging movable member 23 from the lower right side and limits the swinging range of the movable member 23 from below. The second contact portion 224 contacts the swinging movable member 23 from the upper right side and limits the swinging range of the movable member 23 from above.

[0139] The movable member 23 is a flexible member formed of a thin metal plate, and is arranged in the contact chamber 201 in a manner extending in the left-right direction. The left end of the movable member 23 is locked to the first support portion 221 of the locking member 22, and becomes a fixed end (hereinafter referred to as the first end 230) that functions as a swing fulcrum. The right end of the movable member 23 becomes a free end (hereinafter referred to as the second end 231) that moves between the first abutment portion 223 and the second abutment portion 224, and the swing range of the second end 231 is limited by the first abutment portion 223 and the second abutment portion 224. The movable member 23 is punched near the center to form a force-applying portion 232 that is bent into an arc shape and functions as a restoring spring. The force-applying portion 232 is a tongue-shaped piece that is roughly rectangular in plan view, and the short side on the right side is connected to the outer frame portion of the movable member 23, while the short side on the left side and the two long sides are separated. The force-applying part 232 is bent downward into a convex arc shape so that the tongue-shaped piece portion subjected to the punching can function as a restoring spring. The left end of the force-applying part 232 subjected to the punching is formed on the second support part 222 located near the center of the contact chamber 201. The force-applying part 232 generates a reaction force to overcome the pressing of the pressing member 21. The second end 231 side of the movable member 23 is formed into a bent piece 233 whose front end portion is bent downward at a substantially right angle, and a permanent magnet 24 is installed at the front end of the bent piece 233.

[0140] The magnetic field detection unit 25 is formed using a Hall integrated circuit (IC), which has a Hall element that detects the magnetic field using the Hall effect, and outputs an internal signal based on the change in the magnetic field detected by the Hall element. The magnetic field detection unit 25 is formed as a surface-mounted chip, and is surface-mounted on the substrate 3 at the lower right side of the frame 20. The Hall element has various specifications such as single-sided detection for detecting the approach of magnetic flux from one pole, double-sided detection for detecting the approach of magnetic flux from both poles, and alternating detection for detecting changes in poles related to magnetic flux, but in this embodiment, a Hall element with single-sided detection or double-sided detection is preferred.

[0141] In the contact mechanism constructed in this way, the pressing member 21 receives pressure from the outside and moves downward to press the movable member 23. As the movable member 23 is pressed, the second end 231 side of the movable member 23 descends until it abuts against the first abutting portion 223, and the permanent magnet 24 installed on the bent piece 233 at the front end also moves downward.

[0142] When the pressing of the pressing member 21 is released, the movable member 23 is forced upward by the reaction force of the force applying portion 232. The pressing member 21 moves upward by the force applied upward to the movable member 23. Furthermore, the force applying portion 232 applies force upward to the movable member 23, thereby lifting the second end 231 side of the movable member 23 and contacting the second contact portion 224.

[0143] Next, the operation of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application will be described. Figure 5A and Figure 5B It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application. Figure 5A Indicates a state where the pressing member 21 has not been pressed from the outside. Figure 5B This shows a state where the pressing member 21 is moved downward due to being pressed from the outside.

[0144] like Figure 5A As shown in the example, when the pressing member 21 is not pressed from the outside, the pressing member 21 is located at the top dead center. Figure 5A In the illustrated state, the movable member 23 is pushed upward by the biasing portion 232 due to the reaction force against the pressing of the pressing member 21 , so that the second end 231 side contacts the second contact portion 224 disposed on the upper right side in the contact chamber 201 .

[0145] As the pressing member 21 moves downward, the pressing member 21 presses the movable member 23 downward. The movable member 23 is pressed as a whole by the pressing member 21, and intends to move downward with the portion that is locked to the first support portion 221 as the swing axis. However, the movable member 23 is pushed upward by the force-applying portion 232 by overcoming the reaction force of the pressing of the pressing member 21, so that the movable member 23 maintains a state of contact with the second abutment portion 224 disposed on the upper right side of the contact chamber 201. Therefore, the movable member 23 is pressed by the pressing member 21 and becomes bent and flexed downward.

[0146] As the pressing member 21 moves further downward, the movable member 23 is pressed by the pressing member 21 as a whole, and tends to move downward with the portion that is locked in the first support portion 221 as the swing axis. In addition, the force-applying portion 232 of the movable member 23 swings downward with the portion that is locked in the second support portion 222 as the swing axis, so that the movable member 23 swings in a reverse manner with the first support portion 221 as the swing axis. By swinging with the first support portion 221 as the swing axis, the second end 231 side of the movable member 23 abuts against the first abutting portion 223. That is, Figure 5B The movable member 23 collides with the first contact portion 223 with the momentum of reverse rotation, so there is an impact. The user recognizes the sound and change of the pressing load caused by the reverse rotation and collision as a click sound and a click feeling.

[0147] When the pressing of the pressing member 21 is released, the movable member 23 is forced upward by the reaction force of the force applying portion 232. The movable member 23 is forced upward, so that the pressing member 21 moves upward. Moreover, the movable member 23 is forced upward by the force applying portion 232, so that the second end 231 side of the movable member 23 is lifted and abuts against the second abutting portion 224. That is, Figure 5A The illustrated state.

[0148] like Figure 5A As illustrated, when the pressing member 21 is not pressed from the outside, the right end of the movable member 23 is located upward, so the permanent magnet 24 attached to the curved piece 233 of the movable member 23 is sufficiently separated upward from the magnetic field detector 25 .

[0149] like Figure 5BAs shown in the example, when the pressing member 21 is pressed from the outside, the right end of the movable member 23 is located at the bottom, so the permanent magnet 24 installed on the curved piece 233 of the movable member 23 contacts or approaches the magnetic field detection unit 25. When the permanent magnet 24 contacts or approaches the magnetic field detection unit 25, the magnetic field detectable by the Hall element of the magnetic field detection unit 25 changes. The magnetic field change detected by the Hall element is output from the magnetic field detection unit 25 as an internal signal, and is output from the switch 2 to the operating device 1 as a conduction signal.

[0150] As described above, the switch 2 disclosed in the present application performs the following operation, that is, the permanent magnet 24 located on the second end 231 side of the movable member 23 approaches the magnetic field detection unit 25 due to the swing of the movable member 23 caused by the pressing of the pressing member 21. As the permanent magnet 24 approaches the magnetic field detection unit 25, the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection unit 25 changes. As the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection unit 25 changes, the switch 2 outputs an on signal. In addition, when the movable member 23 swings, the pressing load changes and the collision sound is generated, so the user recognizes the click feeling and the click sound.

[0151] <Second embodiment>

[0152] The second embodiment is a form in which the magnetic field detection unit 25 is installed on the side of the permanent magnet 24 instead of being arranged below the permanent magnet 24 installed on the movable member 23 in the first embodiment. In the following description, for the same structure as the first embodiment, the same reference numerals as the first embodiment are marked, and the first embodiment is referred to, and the detailed description is omitted.

[0153] Figure 6 It is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application. Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application. Figure 6 The internal components of the switch 2 with the housing 20 removed are shown in a schematic perspective view.

[0154] In the switch 2 of the second embodiment, the magnetic field detection unit 25 is arranged in the frame 20 on the wall surface on the right side of the second end 231 side of the movable member 23. As the magnetic field detection unit 25, it is not the surface mounting type illustrated in the first embodiment, but the following type of magnetic field detection unit 25, that is, it has a terminal extending from the built-in Hall element to the substrate 3, and the terminal is welded to the substrate 3. The movable member 23 is pressed by the pressing member 21 and swings, so the permanent magnet 24 installed on the bending piece 233 on the second end 231 side moves in an arc shape with the swing. The arc movement has a movement component in the left and right directions. That is, the permanent magnet 24 installed on the bending piece 233 of the movable member 23 moves including a component in the left and right directions that is approximately orthogonal to the bending direction of the bending piece 233 of the movable member 23, that is, the up and down direction. Therefore, the magnetic field detection unit 25 detects the arc-shaped movement of the permanent magnet 24 caused by the swing of the movable member 23 as a change in the magnetic field caused by the approach or separation of the permanent magnet 24 .

[0155] Next, the operation of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application will be described. Fig. 8A and Figure 8B It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application. Fig. 8A Indicates a state where the pressing member 21 has not been pressed from the outside. Figure 8B This shows a state where the pressing member 21 is moved downward due to being pressed from the outside.

[0156] The pressing member 21 moves downward to press the movable member 23 downward, and the second end 231 side of the movable member 23 swings downward, and the movable member 23 reverses and abuts against the first abutting portion 223. The movable member 23 collides with the first abutting portion 223 with the momentum of the reverse movement, so the user recognizes the sound generated by the impact caused by the reverse movement and the collision and the change in the pressing load as a click sound and a click feeling.

[0157] Moreover, if Fig. 8A As illustrated, when the pressing member 21 is not pressed from the outside, the permanent magnet 24 attached to the curved piece 233 of the movable member 23 approaches the magnetic field detector 25 .

[0158] like Figure 8B As shown in the example, when the pressing member 21 is pressed from the outside, the movable member 23 swings in an arc shape, and the permanent magnet 24 installed on the curved piece 233 of the movable member 23 moves in a direction away from the magnetic field detection unit 25. As the permanent magnet 24 moves away, the magnetic field detectable by the Hall element of the magnetic field detection unit 25 changes. The magnetic field change detected by the Hall element is output from the magnetic field detection unit 25 as an internal signal, and is output from the switch 2 to the operating device 1 as a conduction signal.

[0159] As described above, the switch 2 disclosed in the present application performs the following operation, that is, the permanent magnet 24 mounted on the curved piece 233 of the movable member 23 moves away from the magnetic field detection unit 25 by the swing of the movable member 23 caused by the pressing of the pressing member 21. As the permanent magnet 24 moves away from the magnetic field detection unit 25, the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection unit 25 changes. As the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection unit 25 changes, the switch 2 outputs an on signal. In addition, when the movable member 23 swings, the pressing load changes and a collision sound is generated, so the user recognizes a click feeling and a click sound.

[0160] <Third embodiment>

[0161] The third embodiment is a form in which the permanent magnet 24 is not installed on the movable member 23 in the first embodiment, but the second end 231 side of the movable member 23 is magnetized to be used as a magnet. In the following description, for the same structure as the first embodiment or the second embodiment, the same symbols as the first embodiment and the second embodiment are marked, and the first embodiment and the second embodiment are referred to, and the detailed description is omitted.

[0162] Fig. 9 It is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application. Fig.10 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application. Fig.11 It is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the movable member 23 and the magnetic field detection unit 25 included in the switch 2 disclosed in the present application. Fig. 9 The internal components of the switch 2 with the cover 20 b of the housing 20 removed are shown in a schematic perspective view.

[0163] In the switch 2 of the third embodiment, the movable member 23 is formed using a non-magnetic material such as austenite stainless steel, and the front end portion of the curved piece 233 on the second end 231 side becomes a partially magnetized magnetized portion 234 (magnet). The magnetized portion 234 is formed, for example, by cold working only the front end portion of the curved piece 233 of the movable member 23 formed using austenite stainless steel, thereby modifying the cold-worked front end portion into martensite of a magnet and magnetizing it. The magnetized portion 234 of the movable member 23 formed by magnetization extends from the upper side of the magnetic field detection portion 25 toward the lower side of the magnetic field detection portion 25, and functions as a magnet that generates a magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection portion 25.

[0164] Next, the operation of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application will be described. Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application. Fig. 12A Indicates a state where the pressing member 21 has not been pressed from the outside. Fig. 12B This shows a state where the pressing member 21 is moved downward due to being pressed from the outside.

[0165] The pressing member 21 moves downward to press the movable member 23 downward, and the second end 231 side of the movable member 23 swings downward, and the movable member 23 reverses and abuts against the first abutting portion 223. The movable member 23 collides with the first abutting portion 223 with the momentum of the reverse movement, so the user recognizes the sound generated by the impact caused by the reverse movement and the collision and the change in the pressing load as a click sound and a click feeling.

[0166] Moreover, if Fig. 12A As illustrated, when the pressing member 21 is not pressed from the outside, the right end of the movable member 23 is located upward, so the magnetized portion 234 located at the front end of the curved piece 233 of the movable member 23 is sufficiently separated upward from the magnetic field detector 25 .

[0167] like Fig. 12B As shown in the example, when the pressing member 21 is pressed from the outside, the right end of the movable member 23 is located at the bottom, so the magnetized portion 234 located at the front end of the curved piece 233 of the movable member 23 contacts or approaches the magnetic field detection portion 25. As the magnetized portion 234 contacts or approaches the magnetic field detection portion 25, the magnetic field detectable by the Hall element of the magnetic field detection portion 25 changes. The magnetic field change detected by the Hall element is output from the magnetic field detection portion 25 as an internal signal, and is output from the switch 2 to the operating device 1 as a conduction signal.

[0168] As described above, the switch 2 disclosed in the present application performs the following operation, that is, the magnetized portion 234 located on the second end 231 side of the movable member 23 approaches the magnetic field detection portion 25 due to the swing of the movable member 23 caused by the pressing of the pressing member 21. As the magnetized portion 234 approaches the magnetic field detection portion 25, the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection portion 25 changes. As the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection portion 25 changes, the switch 2 outputs an on signal. In addition, when the movable member 23 swings, the pressing load changes and a collision sound is generated, so the user recognizes a click feeling and a click sound.

[0169] <Fourth embodiment>

[0170] The fourth embodiment is a form in which the magnetic field detection unit 25 detects the change in magnetic field intensity caused by the approach of the permanent magnet 24 as the magnetic field change instead of detecting the change in magnetic field intensity caused by the approach of the permanent magnet 24 as the magnetic field change. In the following description, for the same structure as any one of the first to third embodiments, the same symbols as the first to third embodiments are marked, and the first to third embodiments are referred to, and detailed description is omitted.

[0171] Fig.13 It is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application. Fig.14 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application. Fig.15 This is a schematic front view showing an example of the internal structure of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application. Fig.13 The internal components of the switch 2 with the housing 20 removed are shown in a schematic perspective view. Fig.15 The internal components of the switch 2 with the housing 20 removed are shown as a schematic front view, and the operating direction and magnetic poles of the permanent magnet 24 are schematically shown by overlapping each other.

[0172] In the switch 2 of the fourth embodiment, the second end 231 side of the movable member 23 is formed into a bent piece 233 that is bent at a substantially right angle and extends downward, and the front end of the bent piece 233 is formed into a bent mounting portion 235 that is bent at a substantially right angle. The permanent magnet 24 is mounted on the bent mounting portion 235 that is the front end of the second end 231 side of the movable member 23. The permanent magnet 24 mounted on the bent mounting portion 235 is as shown in FIG. Fig.15 As shown in FIG. 2 , the S pole and the N pole are arranged in the left-right direction. The movable member 23 is pressed by the pressing member 21 and swings, so the curved mounting portion 235 moves in an arc shape relative to the magnetic field detection portion 25 located below the curved piece 233 along with the swing. The arc-shaped movement has a movement component in the left-right direction. That is, the permanent magnet 24 mounted on the curved mounting portion 235 of the movable member 23 moves including a component in the left-right direction that is approximately orthogonal to the bending direction of the curved piece 233 of the movable member 23, that is, the up-down direction. Fig.15 In the figure, the movement of the components in the left-right direction is indicated by arrows. By moving the permanent magnet 24 whose S pole and N pole are arranged in the left-right direction in the left-right direction, the magnetic field detection unit 25 located below the curved mounting portion 235 detects the change of the magnetic pole of the magnetic field generated as the detection object due to the change of the magnetic pole of the permanent magnet 24 closest to it. That is, the permanent magnet 24 of the curved mounting portion 235 installed on the second end 231 side of the movable member 23 moves in a direction substantially orthogonal to the bending direction of the curved piece 233 bent toward the magnetic field detection unit 25, so that the direction of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection unit 25 will change.

[0173] In the switch 2 of the fourth embodiment, an alternating detection type Hall element that detects changes in the poles associated with the magnetic flux is preferably used for the magnetic field detection unit 25. The alternating detection type Hall element has high detection sensitivity and can detect changes in the detected magnetic field with high accuracy, thereby improving the reliability of switching.

[0174] Next, the operation of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application will be described. Fig.16A and Fig. 16B It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application. Fig.16A Indicates a state where the pressing member 21 has not been pressed from the outside. Fig. 16B This shows a state where the pressing member 21 is moved downward due to being pressed from the outside.

[0175] The pressing member 21 moves downward to press the movable member 23 downward, and the second end 231 side of the movable member 23 swings downward, and the movable member 23 reverses and abuts against the first abutting portion 223. The movable member 23 collides with the first abutting portion 223 with the momentum of the reverse movement, so the user recognizes the sound generated by the impact caused by the reverse movement and the collision and the change in the pressing load as a click sound and a click feeling.

[0176] Moreover, if Fig.16A As illustrated, when the pressing member 21 is not pressed from the outside, the permanent magnet 24 installed at the front end of the curved piece 233 of the movable member 23, i.e., the curved mounting portion 235, is located on the right side, so the magnetic field detection unit 25 detects the magnetic field of the S pole on the left end side of the permanent magnet 24.

[0177] like Fig. 16B As illustrated, when the pressing member 21 is pressed from the outside, the permanent magnet 24 mounted on the curved mounting portion 235 of the movable member 23 moves to the left direction and is located on the left side, so that the magnetic field detection unit 25 detects the magnetic field of the N pole on the right end side of the permanent magnet 24. The magnetic field change detected by the magnetic field detection unit 25 is output from the magnetic field detection unit 25 as an internal signal, and is output from the switch 2 to the operating device 1 as a conduction signal.

[0178] As described above, the switch 2 disclosed in the present application performs the following operation, that is, by the swing of the movable member 23 caused by the pressing of the pressing member 21, the movable member 23 moves relative to the magnetic field detection unit 25 so that the approaching magnetic pole of the permanent magnet 24 located on the second end 231 side changes. By making different magnetic poles approach the magnetic field detection unit 25, the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection unit 25 changes. In particular, as the magnetic field detection unit 25, by using the magnetic field detection unit 25 using an alternating detection type Hall element, the reliability of switching can be improved. Moreover, the switch 2 outputs a conduction signal by the change of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection unit 25. Furthermore, when the movable member 23 swings, the pressing load changes and the collision sound is generated, so that the user recognizes the click feeling and the click sound.

[0179] <Fifth embodiment>

[0180] The fifth embodiment is a form in which the permanent magnet 24 is not installed on the movable member 23 in the fourth embodiment, but the front end of the second end 231 side of the movable member 23 is magnetized to be used as a magnet. In the following description, for the same structure as any one of the first to fourth embodiments, the same symbols as the first to fourth embodiments are marked, and the first to fourth embodiments are referred to, and detailed description is omitted.

[0181] Fig.17 It is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application. Fig.18 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application. Fig.19 This is a schematic front view showing an example of the internal structure of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application. Fig.17 The internal components of the switch 2 with the housing 20 removed are shown as a schematic perspective view. Fig.19 The internal components of the switch 2 with the housing 20 removed are shown as a schematic front view, and the operating direction and magnetic poles of the curved magnetized portion 236 are schematically shown by overlapping each other.

[0182] In the switch 2 of the fifth embodiment, the second end 231 side of the movable member 23 becomes a curved piece 233 that is bent at a substantially right angle and extends downward, and the front end of the curved piece 233 becomes a curved magnetized portion 236 that is bent at a substantially right angle. The movable member 23 is formed using a non-magnetic material such as austenitic stainless steel, but the front end portion of the curved piece 233 on the second end 231 side becomes a locally magnetized curved magnetized portion 236 (magnet). The curved magnetized portion 236 is formed, for example, by cold working only the front end portion of the curved piece 233 of the movable member 23 formed using austenitic stainless steel, thereby magnetizing the cold-worked front end portion by modifying it into martensite of a magnet. The curved magnetized portion 236 of the movable member 23 formed by magnetization extends from the upper side of the magnetic field detection portion 25 toward the lower magnetic field detection portion 25, and functions as a magnet that generates a magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection portion 25.

[0183] Furthermore, the bent magnetized portion 236 of the front end portion of the bent piece 233 of the movable member 23 is formed as shown in FIG. Fig.19 As shown, the S pole and the N pole are magnetized in a manner arranged in the left-right direction. The movable member 23 is pressed by the pressing member 21 and swings, so the curved magnetized portion 236 moves including a component in the left-right direction that is substantially orthogonal to the bending direction of the curved piece 233 of the movable member 23, that is, the up-down direction. Fig.19 In the figure, the movement of the component including the left-right direction is indicated by an arrow. By moving the curved magnetized portion 236 magnetized in such a way that the S pole and the N pole are arranged in the left-right direction in the left-right direction, the magnetic field detection portion 25 located below the curved magnetized portion 236 detects the change of the magnetic pole. That is, by moving the curved magnetized portion 236 on the second end 231 side of the movable member 23 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the bending direction of the curved piece 233 bent toward the magnetic field detection portion 25, the direction of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection portion 25 changes.

[0184] In the switch 2 of the fifth embodiment, it is preferable to use an alternating detection type Hall element for the magnetic field detection unit 25 .

[0185] Next, the operation of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application will be described. Fig. 20A and Fig. 20B It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application. Fig. 20A Indicates a state where the pressing member 21 has not been pressed from the outside. Fig. 20B This shows a state where the pressing member 21 is moved downward due to being pressed from the outside.

[0186] The pressing member 21 moves downward to press the movable member 23 downward, and the second end 231 side of the movable member 23 swings downward, and the movable member 23 reverses and abuts against the first abutting portion 223. The movable member 23 collides with the first abutting portion 223 with the momentum of the reverse movement, so the user recognizes the sound generated by the impact caused by the reverse movement and the collision and the change in the pressing load as a click sound and a click feeling.

[0187] Moreover, if Fig. 20A As illustrated, when the pressing member 21 is not pressed from the outside, the front end of the curved piece 233 of the movable member 23, namely the curved magnetized portion 236, is located on the right side, so the magnetic field detector 25 detects the magnetic field of the S pole on the left end side of the curved magnetized portion 236.

[0188] like Fig. 20B As illustrated, when the pressing member 21 is pressed from the outside, the curved magnetized portion 236 of the movable member 23 moves to the left direction and is located on the left side, so that the magnetic field detection unit 25 detects the magnetic field of the N pole on the right end side of the curved magnetized portion 236. The magnetic field change detected by the magnetic field detection unit 25 is output from the magnetic field detection unit 25 as an internal signal, and is output from the switch 2 to the operating device 1 as a conduction signal.

[0189] As described above, the switch 2 disclosed in the present application performs the following operation, that is, by the swing of the movable member 23 caused by the pressing of the pressing member 21, the movable member 23 moves relative to the magnetic field detection part 25 so that the close magnetic pole of the curved magnetized part 236 located on the second end 231 side changes. By making different magnetic poles approach the magnetic field detection part 25, the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection part 25 changes. In particular, as the magnetic field detection part 25, by using the magnetic field detection part 25 using the alternating detection type Hall element, the reliability of switching can be improved. Moreover, the switch 2 outputs a conduction signal due to the change in the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection part 25. Furthermore, when the movable member 23 swings, the pressing load changes and the collision sound is generated, so that the user recognizes the click feeling and the click sound.

[0190] <Sixth embodiment>

[0191] The sixth embodiment is a form in which the magnet is not integrated with the movable member 23 in the first embodiment, but the magnet is configured as a member independent of the movable member 23. In the following description, for the same structure as any one of the first to fifth embodiments, the same symbols as the first to fifth embodiments are marked, and the first to fifth embodiments are referred to, and detailed description is omitted.

[0192] Fig.21It is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application. Fig. 22 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application. Fig.23 It is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application. Fig.21 The internal components of the switch 2 with the housing 20 and the pressing member 21 removed are shown as a schematic perspective view. Fig.23 Arrows indicating the operating directions of various components and magnetic poles are schematically shown by superimposing them on a schematic perspective view in which the frame 20 is removed from the switch 2 .

[0193] The switch 2 of the sixth embodiment includes a plunger 26 (pressing member) that is pressed and moves downward by the swing of the movable member 23. The plunger 26 presses the permanent magnet 24 by moving in accordance with the pressure from the movable member 23. In the switch 2 of the sixth embodiment, the movable member 23 is not provided with a bent piece 233 on the second end 231 side, and is therefore formed into a substantially flat plate shape except for the force-applying portion 232. The plunger 26 is disposed below the second end 231 side of the movable member 23 so as to be movable up and down. In addition, Fig.23 In FIG. 1 , the moving direction of the plunger 26 is indicated by a hollow double-headed arrow.

[0194] The plunger 26 has a shape in which a pressing portion 261 is protruded from the side of a substantially rectangular main body 260. The pressing portion 261 is formed in a manner of protruding from the main body 260 toward the left in the figure, and a pressing surface 261a is formed on the pressing portion 261, which is inclined in a tapered shape from the center near the vertical direction toward the lower end.

[0195] On the left side of the pressing portion 261 protruding from the plunger 26, a permanent magnet 24 is arranged to be movable left and right so as to abut against the pressing surface 261a of the plunger 26. The permanent magnet 24 is substantially rectangular parallelepiped, with the long side direction being the left and right direction, and the left and right ends being the N pole and the S pole, respectively. Fig.23 In the figure, hollow double-headed arrows indicating the magnetic poles and the moving direction of the permanent magnet 24 are overlapped. On the upper surface of the permanent magnet 24, a pressed surface 240 is formed which is inclined in a conical shape from the center rightward toward the right end. The permanent magnet 24 is configured in such a way that the pressed surface 240 abuts against the pressing surface 261a of the plunger 26. On the left side of the permanent magnet 24, a force applying member 241 such as a compression coil spring is installed as a restoring spring that applies force to the right to make the permanent magnet 24 toward the plunger 26 side, and the left end side of the force applying member 241 is installed in the frame 20.

[0196] A magnetic field detector 25 is disposed below the permanent magnet 24. The magnetic field detector 25 is preferably formed using an alternating detection type Hall element. As the permanent magnet 24 moves left and right, different magnetic poles approach the magnetic field detector 25, thereby changing the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detector 25.

[0197] Next, the operation of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application will be described. Fig.24A and Fig. 24B It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application. Fig.24A Indicates a state where the pressing member 21 has not been pressed from the outside. Fig. 24B This shows a state where the pressing member 21 is moved downward due to being pressed from the outside.

[0198] The pressing member 21 moves downward to press the movable member 23 downward, and the second end 231 side of the movable member 23 swings downward, and the movable member 23 reverses and abuts against the first abutting portion 223. The movable member 23 collides with the first abutting portion 223 with the momentum of the reverse movement, so the user recognizes the sound generated by the impact caused by the reverse movement and the collision and the change in the pressing load as a click sound and a click feeling.

[0199] Moreover, if Fig.24A As shown in the example, when the pressing member 21 is not pressed from the outside, the second end 231 of the movable member 23 is located at the top. The permanent magnet 24 is located at the right side because it applies force to the force applying member 241 to the right, and the magnetic field detection unit 25 detects the magnetic field of the N pole on the left end side of the permanent magnet 24. As the permanent magnet 24 is located at the right side, the pressed surface 240 of the permanent magnet 24 and the plunger 26 abutted by the pressing surface 261a are pushed upward.

[0200] like Fig. 24BAs illustrated, when the pressing member 21 is pressed from the outside, the second end 231 of the movable member 23 moves downward, thereby pressing the plunger 26 downward. The plunger 26 pressed by the movable member 23 moves downward. When the plunger 26 moves downward, the pressing surface 261a formed in the pressing portion 261 of the plunger 26 slides while pressing the pressed surface 240 of the permanent magnet 24, thereby causing the permanent magnet 24 to act as a cam slider driven by the movement of the plunger 26, and the plunger 26 acts as a cam driver. The movement direction of the permanent magnet 24 acting as a cam slider is limited to the left and right directions, so the permanent magnet 24 acts in a manner of moving in the left direction. That is, the sliding cam mechanism formed by the plunger 26 and the permanent magnet 24 causes the permanent magnet 24 to move in a left-right direction different from the moving direction of the plunger 26, i.e., the up-down direction, more specifically, in a left direction substantially orthogonal to the downward direction of the moving direction of the plunger 26. Fig. 24B As shown, the permanent magnet 24 is located on the left, so that the magnetic field detector 25 detects the magnetic field of the S pole on the right end side of the permanent magnet 24. The magnetic field change detected by the magnetic field detector 25 is output from the magnetic field detector 25 as an internal signal, and is output from the switch 2 to the operating device 1 as an on signal.

[0201] As described above, the switch 2 disclosed in the present application performs the following operation, that is, by the swing of the movable member 23 caused by the pressing of the pressing member 21, the movable member 23 moves relative to the magnetic field detection unit 25, so as to press the permanent magnet 24 via the plunger 26, so that the magnetic pole of the permanent magnet 24 close to the magnetic field detection unit 25 changes. By making different magnetic poles close to the magnetic field detection unit 25, the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection unit 25 changes. In particular, as the magnetic field detection unit 25, by using the magnetic field detection unit 25 using an alternating detection type Hall element, the reliability of switching can be improved. Moreover, the switch 2 outputs a conduction signal due to the change in the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection unit 25. Moreover, when the movable member 23 swings, the pressing load changes and the collision sound is generated, so that the user recognizes the click feeling and the click sound.

[0202] <Seventh embodiment>

[0203] The seventh embodiment is different from the sixth embodiment in that the action of pressing other components by the plunger 26 is set to a different form. In the following description, for the same structure as any one of the first to sixth embodiments, the same symbols as the first to sixth embodiments are marked, and the first to sixth embodiments are referred to, and detailed description is omitted.

[0204] Fig.25It is a schematic exploded perspective view showing an example of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application. Fig.26 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the internal structure of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application. Fig.25 In FIG. 1 , the cover 20 b and the movable member 23 of the frame 20 are omitted.

[0205] The switch 2 of the seventh embodiment includes a plunger 26 that is pressed and moves downward by the swing of the movable member 23, and the plunger 26 presses the permanent magnet 24 arranged below downward by the movement caused by the pressing of the movable member 23. The permanent magnet 24 swings downward by the pressure from the plunger 26, and the magnetic field detection unit 25 arranged below the permanent magnet 24 detects the change in the magnetic field caused by the swing of the permanent magnet 24.

[0206] The plunger 26 disposed below the movable member 23 is in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a cylindrical pressing protrusion 262 is protruding from the lower end to press the permanent magnet 24. The permanent magnet 24 disposed below the movable member 23 is in a substantially flat rectangular parallelepiped shape, and is disposed in such a manner that the long side direction becomes the left-right direction, and the left and right ends become the N pole and the S pole, respectively. In addition, the left end side where one pole of the permanent magnet 24 is located is supported by an axis so as to be able to swing freely, and the left end side is used as the swing axis, and the right end side where the other pole is located is configured to be able to swing downward.

[0207] On the upper side of the permanent magnet 24, a magnetic plate 27 is provided as a connecting member that can be magnetically connected to the two poles located at both ends of the permanent magnet 24. The magnetic plate 27 is formed using a paramagnetic material such as SPCC, and is roughly rectangular and flat with the same shape as the permanent magnet 24. On the lower surface of the magnetic plate 27, at the left and right ends that become the long side direction, abutment protrusions 270 are protruding downward to abut the two poles of the left and right ends of the permanent magnet 24. In addition, near the right end of the magnetic plate 27, a through hole 271 is provided through which the pressing protrusion 262 of the plunger 26 that moves up and down can pass with clearance. When the plunger 26 pressed by the swing of the movable member 23 moves downward, the pressing protrusion 262 protruding at the lower end of the plunger 26 passes through the through hole 271 of the magnetic plate 27, and presses the right end of the permanent magnet 24 located below the magnetic plate 27.

[0208] When not pressed by the plunger 26, the two poles of the permanent magnet 24 abut against the abutting protrusions 270 of the magnet plate 27 by magnetic force. When the magnet plate 27 is magnetically connected to the two poles of the permanent magnet 24 by abutting or other states, a closed magnetic circuit is formed by the permanent magnet 24 and the magnet plate 27. When a closed magnetic circuit is formed, the magnetic flux caused by the permanent magnet 24 passes through the permanent magnet 24 and the magnet plate 27, and does not form a magnetic field that can be fully detected by the magnetic field detection unit 25 arranged below the permanent magnet 24. When the pressing protrusion 262 protrudingly provided at the lower end of the plunger 26 passes through the through hole 271 of the magnet plate 27 and presses the permanent magnet 24, the permanent magnet 24 swings downward with the left end side as the swing axis. As the permanent magnet 24 swings downward, the permanent magnet 24 moves away from the magnet plate 27, and the magnetic circuit is opened, so that the magnetic flux caused by the permanent magnet 24 forms a magnetic field that can be fully detected by the magnetic field detection unit 25.

[0209] As described above, the switch 2 of the seventh embodiment includes the magnetic plate 27 as a connecting member that can be magnetically connected to the two poles of the permanent magnet 24. The permanent magnet 24 and the magnetic plate 27 are arranged so that the permanent magnet 24 can contact / move away from the magnetic plate 27 by swinging, and when the permanent magnet 24 moves away from the magnetic plate 27, the magnetic field detection unit 25 detects the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 24. The plunger 26 moves the permanent magnet 24 with the pressure from the movable member 23 so that the permanent magnet 24 is magnetically away from the magnetic plate 27.

[0210] Next, the operation of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application will be described. Fig.27A and Fig.27B It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application. Fig.27A and Fig.27B The vicinity of the second end 231 of the movable member 23 in the switch 2 is shown in an enlarged manner. Fig.27A Indicates a state where the pressing member 21 has not been pressed from the outside. Fig.27B This shows a state where the pressing member 21 is moved downward due to being pressed from the outside.

[0211] The pressing member 21 moves downward to press the movable member 23 downward, and the second end 231 side of the movable member 23 swings downward, and the movable member 23 reverses and abuts against the first abutting portion 223. The movable member 23 collides with the first abutting portion 223 with the momentum of the reverse movement, so the user recognizes the sound generated by the impact caused by the reverse movement and the collision and the change in the pressing load as a click sound and a click feeling.

[0212] Moreover, if Fig.27AAs illustrated, when the pressing member 21 is not pressed from the outside, the second end 231 of the movable member 23 is located at the top. When the movable member 23 is located at the top and is not pressed from the plunger 26, the permanent magnet 24 is attracted to the magnet plate 27 by the gravitational force based on the magnetic force, and thus swings upward to a position where it abuts against the abutment protrusion 270 of the magnet plate 27. The plunger 26 is pushed upward by the upward swing of the permanent magnet 24. When the permanent magnet 24 abuts against the magnet plate 27, the magnet plate 27 is magnetically connected to the two poles of the permanent magnet 24, thereby forming a closed magnetic circuit. In a state where a closed magnetic circuit is formed, the magnetic field detection unit 25 cannot fully detect the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 24.

[0213] like Fig.27B As illustrated, when the pressing member 21 is pressed from the outside, the second end 231 of the movable member 23 moves downward, thereby pressing the plunger 26 downward. The plunger 26 pressed from the movable member 23 moves downward, and the pressing protrusion 262 of the plunger 26 penetrates the through hole 271 of the magnet plate 27 and presses the vicinity of the right end of the permanent magnet 24. The permanent magnet 24 pressed by the pressing protrusion 262 of the plunger 26 swings downward with the left end side as the swing axis and the right end side away from the magnet plate 27, thereby opening the closed magnetic circuit. As the magnetic circuit is opened, the magnetic field detection unit 25 detects the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 24. The magnetic field change detected by the magnetic field detection unit 25 is output from the magnetic field detection unit 25 as an internal signal, and is output from the switch 2 to the operating device 1 as a conduction signal.

[0214] As described above, the switch 2 disclosed in the present application performs the following operation, that is, the movable member 23 is swung by the pressing of the pressing member 21, and the movable member 23 presses the permanent magnet 24 via the plunger 26, and the pressed permanent magnet 24 moves to open the closed magnetic circuit formed by the magnetic plate 27, thereby changing the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection unit 25. Moreover, the switch 2 outputs a conduction signal due to the change in the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection unit 25. Moreover, when the movable member 23 swings, the pressing load changes and the collision sound is generated, so the user recognizes the click feeling and the click sound.

[0215] Furthermore, the permanent magnet 24 and the magnet plate 27 may be configured so that the magnet plate 27 contacts with and moves away from the permanent magnet 24 , and the magnetic circuit may be closed by pressing the plunger 26 .

[0216] <Eighth Embodiment>

[0217] The eighth embodiment is a form of a contact mechanism other than the instantaneous action mechanism in the first embodiment. In the following description, for the same structure as any one of the first to seventh embodiments, the same symbols as the first to seventh embodiments are marked, and the first to seventh embodiments are referred to, and detailed description is omitted.

[0218] Fig.28 It is a schematic exploded perspective view showing an example of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application. Fig.29 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the internal structure of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application.

[0219] The switch 2 of the eighth embodiment includes various members such as a locking member 22 , a movable member 23 , a permanent magnet 24 , and an adsorption member 28 as a contact mechanism in a contact chamber 201 , and a magnetic field detector 25 is disposed at the lower right side of a housing 20 .

[0220] The locking member 22 of the eighth embodiment is formed as a spacer for fixing the first end 230 side of the movable member 23 , and is fixed at the lower left side in the contact chamber 201 .

[0221] The movable member 23 of the eighth embodiment is a flexible member formed by molding a thin metal plate into a leaf spring shape, and is fixed at the first end 230 side, which is a fixed end, by the locking member 22 fixed as a gasket to the lower left in the contact chamber 201. The movable member 23 is formed into a shape that extends obliquely upward to the right from the first end 230, bends in a substantially horizontal direction in the middle, and extends to the right. The right end of the movable member 23 is the second end 231, which is a free end, and the permanent magnet 24 is mounted on the second end 231.

[0222] The permanent magnet 24 is molded by resin into a substantially cylindrical shape with an axial length, and is attached to the movable member 23 such that the axial direction is in the vertical direction. Below the permanent magnet 24, a magnetic field detector 25 surface-mounted on the substrate 3 is disposed.

[0223] An adsorption member 28 formed into an inverted L shape is installed along the upper top surface from the right side wall in the contact chamber 201. At least the portion of the adsorption member 28 located on the upper top surface is formed of a magnetic material such as a paramagnet or a ferromagnet that is attracted to the permanent magnet 24 installed on the second end 231 side of the movable member 23 by magnetic force.

[0224] Next, the operation of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application will be described. Fig. 30A and Fig. 30B It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application. Fig. 30A Indicates a state where the pressing member 21 has not been pressed from the outside. Fig. 30B This shows a state where the pressing member 21 is moved downward due to being pressed from the outside.

[0225] The pressing member 21 moves downward to press the movable member 23 downward, and the second end 231 side of the movable member 23 swings downward. The downward swinging of the movable member 23 is performed by overcoming the attractive force based on the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 24 and the adsorption member 28 installed on the second end 231 side of the movable member 23, so the user perceives the force that overcomes the attractive force as a click feeling.

[0226] Moreover, if Fig. 30A As shown in the example, when the pressing member 21 is not pressed from the outside, the second end 231 of the movable member 23 is located at the top, and the upper end of the permanent magnet 24 is pulled by the magnetic force to abut against the upper top surface of the adsorption member 28. Fig. 30A In the illustrated state, the permanent magnet 24 is sufficiently separated upward from the magnetic field detection unit 25 .

[0227] like Fig. 30B As illustrated, when the pressing member 21 is pressed from the outside, the second end 231 of the movable member 23 swings downward, and the permanent magnet 24 mounted on the second end 231 contacts or approaches the magnetic field detection unit 25. As the permanent magnet 24 contacts or approaches the magnetic field detection unit 25, the magnetic field detectable by the Hall element of the magnetic field detection unit 25 changes. The magnetic field change detected by the Hall element is output from the magnetic field detection unit 25 as an internal signal, and is output from the switch 2 to the operating device 1 as a conduction signal.

[0228] As described above, the switch 2 disclosed in the present application performs the following operation, that is, the permanent magnet 24 located on the second end 231 side of the movable member 23 approaches the magnetic field detection unit 25 due to the swing of the movable member 23 caused by the pressing of the pressing member 21. As the permanent magnet 24 approaches the magnetic field detection unit 25, the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection unit 25 changes. As the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection unit 25 changes, the switch 2 outputs an on signal. In addition, when the movable member 23 swings, a load that pulls the permanent magnet 24 away from the adsorption member 28 is generated, so that the user perceives a click feeling.

[0229] <Ninth embodiment>

[0230] The ninth embodiment is a form in which the permanent magnet 24 is installed on the pressing member 21 instead of the movable member 23 in the first embodiment. In the following description, for the same structure as any one of the first to eighth embodiments, the same symbols as the first to eighth embodiments are marked, and the first to eighth embodiments are referred to, and detailed description is omitted.

[0231] Fig.31 It is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application. Fig.32 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application. Fig.31 The internal components of the switch 2 with the housing 20 removed are shown in a schematic perspective view.

[0232] The switch 2 of the ninth embodiment has a support body 210 in the shape of a long strip formed on the side of the pressing member 21. The support body 210 extends downward from the side of the pressing member 21, passes through the opening formed in the movable member 23, and reaches the opening formed in the base 20a of the frame 20. A permanent magnet 24 is mounted on the lower end of the support body 210 of the pressing member 21, and a magnetic field detection unit 25 surface-mounted on the substrate 3 is arranged below the permanent magnet 24.

[0233] Next, the operation of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application will be described. Fig.33A and Fig.33B It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application. Fig.33A Indicates a state where the pressing member 21 has not been pressed from the outside. Fig.33B This shows a state where the pressing member 21 is moved downward due to being pressed from the outside.

[0234] The pressing member 21 moves downward to press the movable member 23 downward, and the second end 231 side of the movable member 23 swings downward, and the movable member 23 reverses and abuts against the first abutting portion 223. The movable member 23 collides with the first abutting portion 223 with the momentum of the reverse movement, so the user recognizes the sound generated by the impact caused by the reverse movement and the collision and the change in the pressing load as a click sound and a click feeling.

[0235] Moreover, if Fig.33A As illustrated, when the pressing member 21 is not pressed from the outside, the second end 231 of the movable member 23 is located upward. The permanent magnet 24 attached to the support 210 of the pressing member 21 is sufficiently separated upward from the magnetic field detector 25 .

[0236] like Fig.33B As illustrated, when the pressing member 21 is pressed from the outside, the pressing member 21 moves downward, and the permanent magnet 24 mounted on the support 210 of the pressing member 21 contacts or approaches the magnetic field detection unit 25. As the permanent magnet 24 contacts or approaches the magnetic field detection unit 25, the magnetic field detectable by the Hall element of the magnetic field detection unit 25 changes. The magnetic field change detected by the Hall element is output from the magnetic field detection unit 25 as an internal signal, and is output from the switch 2 to the operating device 1 as a conduction signal.

[0237] As described above, the switch 2 disclosed in the present application performs the following operation, that is, the pressing member 21 moves downward due to the external pressure, and the permanent magnet 24 installed on the support 210 of the pressing member 21 approaches the magnetic field detection unit 25. As the permanent magnet 24 approaches the magnetic field detection unit 25, the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection unit 25 changes. As the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection unit 25 changes, the switch 2 outputs a conduction signal. In addition, when the movable member 23 pressed by the pressing member 21 swings, the pressing load changes and a collision sound is generated, so the user recognizes the click feeling and the click sound.

[0238] <Tenth embodiment>

[0239] The tenth embodiment is a form in which the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection unit 25 is changed by shielding / transmitting between the permanent magnet 24 and the magnetic field detection unit 25 instead of changing the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection unit 25 by moving the permanent magnet 24 in the first embodiment. In the following description, the same symbols as those in the first to ninth embodiments are marked for the same structure as any one of the first to ninth embodiments, and the first to ninth embodiments are referred to, and detailed description is omitted.

[0240] Fig.34 It is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application. Fig.35 It is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the movable member 23 included in the switch 2 disclosed in the present application. Fig.36 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application. Fig.34 The internal components of the switch 2 with the housing 20 removed are shown as a schematic perspective view.

[0241] The switch 2 of the tenth embodiment includes various components such as a locking member 22, a movable member 23, a permanent magnet 24, and a magnetic field detection unit 25 as a contact mechanism in a contact chamber 201. The second end 231 side of the movable member 23 is a shielding piece 237 (shielding portion) whose front end portion is bent downward at a substantially right angle, and a transmission window 238 for transmitting a magnetic field is provided near the center of the shielding piece 237.

[0242] In the contact chamber 201, the permanent magnet 24 and the magnetic field detection unit 25 are separately arranged in a manner of sandwiching the shielding sheet 237 of the movable member 23. The permanent magnet 24 is arranged on the left side of the shielding sheet 237 near the center in the frame 20. The magnetic field detection unit 25 is arranged on the right side of the shielding sheet 237 which becomes the side wall side in the frame 20. The magnetic pole of the permanent magnet 24 and the Hall element of the magnetic field detection unit 25 are arranged in a manner of facing each other with the shielding sheet 237 sandwiched therebetween. The shielding sheet 237 is formed using a paramagnetic material, so when the shielding sheet 237 is located between the permanent magnet 24 and the magnetic field detection unit 25, the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 24 is shielded by the shielding sheet 237. When the transmission window 238 of the shielding sheet 237 is located between the permanent magnet 24 and the magnetic field detection unit 25, the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 24 passes through the transmission window 238 and reaches the magnetic field detection unit 25.

[0243] Next, the operation of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application will be described. Fig.37A and Fig.37B It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the switch 2 disclosed in the present application. Fig.38A and Fig.38B This is a schematic diagram schematically showing in an enlarged manner the vicinity of the shielding piece 237 of the movable member 23 included in the switch 2 disclosed in the present application. Fig.37A and Fig.38A Indicates a state where the pressing member 21 has not been pressed from the outside. Fig.37B and Fig.38B This shows a state where the pressing member 21 is moved downward due to being pressed from the outside.

[0244] The pressing member 21 moves downward to press the movable member 23 downward, and the second end 231 side of the movable member 23 swings downward, and the movable member 23 reverses and abuts against the first abutting portion 223. The movable member 23 collides with the first abutting portion 223 with the momentum of the reverse movement, so the user recognizes the sound generated by the impact caused by the reverse movement and the collision and the change in the pressing load as a click sound and a click feeling.

[0245] Moreover, if Fig.37A and Fig.38A As shown in the example, when the pressing member 21 is not pressed from the outside, Fig.38A The magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 24 , indicated by the hollow arrows in FIG. 2 , is shielded by the shielding sheet 237 .

[0246] like Fig.37B and Fig.38B As shown in the example, when the pressing member 21 is pressed from the outside, the shielding piece 237 on the second end 231 side of the movable member 23 moves downward, and the transparent window 238 of the shielding piece 237 is located between the magnetic pole of the permanent magnet 24 and the Hall element of the magnetic field detection unit 25. Fig.38B As shown by the hollow arrow in , the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 24 passes through the transmission window 238 and reaches the magnetic field detection unit 25. The magnetic field detection unit 25 detects the change in the magnetic field caused by the transmission of the shielded magnetic field. The change in the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection unit 25 is output from the magnetic field detection unit 25 as an internal signal, and is output from the switch 2 to the operating device 1 as a conduction signal. In addition, as long as the magnetic field can be shielded and transmitted, the shielding sheet 237 is not limited to a paramagnetic material, and can also be formed using a ferromagnetic material.

[0247] As described above, the switch 2 disclosed in the present application allows the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 24 to pass through or shield through the movement of the pressing member 21 caused by external pressure. The switch 2 outputs an on signal due to the change in the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection unit 25. In addition, when the movable member 23 pressed by the pressing member 21 swings, the pressing load changes and a collision sound is generated, so the user recognizes a click feeling and a click sound.

[0248] As described above, as shown in the first to tenth embodiments, the switch 2 disclosed in the present application includes a permanent magnet 24, a magnet such as a magnetized portion 234 that generates a magnetic field, and a magnetic field detection portion 25 using a Hall element. The magnetic field change detected by the magnetic field detection portion 25 becomes the contact of the switch 2, so no mechanical contact is required. That is, the switch 2 disclosed in the present application does not require a mechanical contact, and the application range of the switch 2 using a magnet can be expanded. Moreover, the contact using the magnetic field detection portion 25 is simpler in structure than the case of using a photoelectric contact such as a photoelectric sensor, and the cost required for the component can be expected to be suppressed. In addition, it can also be configured so that a click feeling is generated by a magnet used as a contact, and in this case, the simplification of the structure and the suppression of the cost of the component can be further expected. In the switch 2 disclosed in the present application, the click feeling is achieved by the instantaneous action mechanism of the movable member 23, the magnetic force of the magnet, and other phenomena.

[0249] The magnetic field detection unit 25 can be appropriately designed for the magnetic field detection condition of the pressing member 21, such as shielding the magnetic field when not pressed and allowing the magnetic field to pass when pressed.

[0250] The present invention is not limited to the first to tenth embodiments described above, and can be expanded into other various forms. Therefore, the embodiments described are simply illustrative in all aspects and should not be interpreted restrictively. The technical scope of the present invention is described by the claims and is not subject to any restrictions in the text of the specification. Furthermore, all modifications and changes within the equivalent scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention.

[0251] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the first to tenth embodiments are described as different forms, but these embodiments can be appropriately applied. For example, a contact mechanism other than the momentary action mechanism shown in the eighth embodiment can also be applied to other embodiments.

[0252] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a mouse is exemplified as the operating device 1 , but the present invention is not limited thereto, and can be applied to various devices such as an electric tool and a vehicle-mounted switch.

Claims

1. A switch comprising: A movable member, the first end side of which is fixed, and the second end side of which is pressed to swing; and a pressing member that presses the movable member, and outputs a signal due to the swing of the movable member caused by the pressing of the pressing member, wherein the switch is characterized in that it includes: magnet; A magnetic field detection unit, for detecting a magnetic field; a connecting member that is magnetically connectable relative to the two poles of the magnet; and The pressing member is pressed by the movable member to move, The magnet and the connecting member are arranged so that one of them can contact or move away from the other, and when they are away from each other, the magnetic field generated by the magnet can be detected by the magnetic field detection unit. As the pressing member is pressed, the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection unit changes due to the magnet. outputting a signal based on the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection unit, The swing of the movable member caused by the pressing of the pressing member causes the magnet to move relative to the magnetic field detection unit, thereby changing the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection unit. The movable member presses the pressing member by swinging. The pressing member presses the magnet by moving with the pressure from the movable member, so that one of the magnet and the connecting member moves relative to the other to magnetically connect or separate them. When the magnet is pressed and moves, the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detector changes.

2. The switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressing piece moves toward the magnetic field detection unit in response to the pressing from the movable member.

3. An operating device, characterized in that: include: The pressing operation unit receives a pressing operation from the outside. as well as The switch according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the pressing operation received by the pressing operation portion is transmitted as a pressing force from the outside, A signal based on the change in the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection unit is output.

Images