Push switch

Abstract

The invention provides a push switch which takes both short stroke and electrical stability into consideration. The push switch includes: a housing having an opening and a storage portion, the storage portion being connected to the opening; a fixed contact member mounted on the housing and arranged inside the storage portion; a movable contact member arranged inside the storage portion on the opening side relative to the fixed contact member, and having a dome portion protruding toward the opening side in a dome shape and capable of performing a reversing action; and a first pressing member arranged inside the storage portion on the opening side relative to the movable contact member, and the first pressing member includes: a first fulcrum portion provided on one end side and in contact with the housing; a first action point portion provided on the other end side and pressing the movable contact member; and a first force point portion provided between the first fulcrum portion and the first action point portion, and when the first force point portion is pressed via the opening portion, the first convex portion of the first action point portion presses the dome portion of the movable contact member to reverse it, so that the movable contact member contacts the fixed contact member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a push switch. Background Art

[0002] In the past, there is a push switch, which is composed of an insulator with exposed contacts, an electrical contact component connected to one contact, and a pressing component placed on the electrical contact component. By pressing the pressing component, the electrical contact component is deformed and contacts with another contact, and the contacts become conductive. The characteristic is that in the push switch, the electrical contact component is an electrical contact component formed by processing a metal plate having a nickel-plated layer formed on the surface of a thin plate-shaped substrate made of stainless steel, a copper-plated layer formed on the nickel-plated layer by flash plating, and a silver-plated layer formed on the copper-plated layer (for example, refer to patent document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-059820 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] However, in conventional push switches, if the stroke of the dome-shaped movable contact is reduced in order to achieve a shorter stroke, the distance between the fixed contact and the movable contact in the insulated state when the push switch is disconnected becomes close, so the withstand voltage and insulation resistance become smaller, and there is a risk that it will be difficult to maintain the insulation state.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a push switch that takes both short stroke and electrical stability into consideration.

[0009] Means used to solve problems

[0010] A push switch according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a housing having an opening and a storage portion, the storage portion being connected to the opening; a fixed contact member mounted on the housing and arranged inside the storage portion; a movable contact member arranged inside the storage portion closer to the opening than the fixed contact member, and having a dome portion protruding toward the opening in a dome shape and capable of performing a reversing action; and a first pressing member arranged inside the storage portion closer to the opening than the movable contact member, and the first pressing member having: a first fulcrum portion provided on one end side and in contact with the housing; a first action point portion provided on the other end side and pressing the movable contact member; and a first force point portion provided between the first fulcrum portion and the first action point portion, wherein when the first force point portion is pressed via the opening portion, the first convex portion of the first action point portion presses the dome portion of the movable contact member to reverse it, so that the movable contact member contacts the fixed contact member.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] The present invention can provide a push switch that takes both short stroke and electrical stability into consideration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing push switch 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0014] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the push switch 100 .

[0015] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the back side of the pressing member 140 .

[0016] Figure 4 Yes means Figure 1 A1-A1 section diagram.

[0017] Figure 5 Yes means Figure 1 The B1-B1 section diagram.

[0018] Figure 6 : is a graph showing the FS characteristics of the push switch 100 .

[0019] Figure 7 It is a perspective view showing push switch 200 according to Embodiment 2.

[0020] Figure 8 is an exploded view of the push switch 200 .

[0021] Fig. 9 It is a diagram showing the back side of the pressing member 240.

[0022] Fig.10It is a figure which shows the structure of the metal plates 220A, 220B, and 220C.

[0023] Fig.11A Yes means Figure 7 A-A section diagram in the figure.

[0024] Fig. 11B Yes means Figure 7 A-A section diagram in the figure.

[0025] Fig. 11C Yes means Figure 7 A-A section diagram in the figure.

[0026] Fig. 12A Yes means Figure 7 The B-B section diagram.

[0027] Fig. 12B Yes means Figure 7 The B-B section diagram.

[0028] Fig. 12C Yes means Figure 7 The B-B section diagram.

[0029] Fig.13 FS characteristics of push switch 200 are shown in FIG.

[0030] Fig.14 It is a perspective view showing a push switch 300 according to the third embodiment.

[0031] Fig.15 is an exploded view of the push switch 300 .

[0032] Fig.16A It is a diagram showing a pressing member 340B and a stem 350 .

[0033] Fig. 16B It is a diagram showing the pressing member 340B and the handle 350 .

[0034] Fig.17 Yes means Fig.14 A3-A3 section view.

[0035] Fig.18 Yes means Fig.14 A3-A3 section view.

[0036] Fig.19 It is a diagram showing the FS (Force-Stroke) characteristics of the push switch 300 .

[0037] Fig. 20 It is a perspective view showing a push switch 300A according to a modification of the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of a push switch to which the present invention is applied will be described.

[0039] <Implementation method 1>

[0040] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing push switch 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 1 is an exploded view of the push switch 100. Hereinafter, an XYZ coordinate system is defined for explanation. In addition, in the following, for the sake of convenience, the negative Z-axis side is referred to as the lower side or lower, and the positive Z-axis side is referred to as the upper side or upper, but this does not represent a general upper-lower relationship.

[0041] The push switch 100 includes a housing 110 , metal plates 120A and 120B, a metal contact 130A, a leaf spring 130B, a push member 140 , and an insulator 150 .

[0042] Next, regarding the pressing member 140, Figure 2 Use on the basis of Figure 3 Provide explanation. Figure 3 140 is a diagram showing the back side of the pressing member 140. Figure 1 The A1-A1 section Figure 4 and represents the B1-B1 section Figure 5 Provide explanation.

[0043] When the push switch 100 is disconnected (non-conductive state), the metal contact 130A contacts the metal plate 120B (peripheral fixed contacts 121B), but does not contact the metal plate 120A (central fixed contact 121A). That is, the metal plate 120A and the metal plate 120B are not electrically connected. In addition, the push switch 100 is a switch as follows: by pressing the insulator 150 in the downward direction, the metal contact 130A is pressed via the pressing component 140 and the leaf spring 130B, the metal contact 130A performs a reverse action and contacts the metal plate 120A, and the metal plate 120A and the metal plate 120B are electrically connected via the metal contact 130A, becoming connected (conductive state). The stroke of pressing the insulator 150 to make the metal contact 130A contact the metal plate 120A is very short, which is 0.05 mm. The operation load required to reverse the metal contact 130A is, for example, 3.3 N. This operation load is a load that makes it difficult to turn on the push switch 100 if the metal contact 130A accidentally contacts the insulator 150. In other words, it is a load that can suppress erroneous operation.

[0044] The housing 110 is made of resin and holds the metal plates 120A and 120B. The housing 110 and the metal plates 120A and 120B are integrally manufactured by insert molding. The housing 110 has an opening 111 and a housing 112 communicating with the opening 111. The opening 111 is formed on the surface on the positive side of the Z axis.

[0045] The storage part 112 is formed downward from the opening and includes a storage part 112A on the negative side of the X axis and a storage part 112B on the positive side of the X axis. The storage part 112B is deeper than the storage part 112A, and the bottoms of the storage parts 112A and 112B are stepped.

[0046] The central fixed contact 121A of the metal plate 120A and the peripheral fixed contact 121B of the metal plate 120B are arranged at the bottom of the storage portion 112B and exposed in the storage portion 112B. In the storage portion 112B, the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B are arranged in sequence and overlapped on the upper side of the central fixed contact 121A and the peripheral fixed contact 121B (see Figure 4 ), on which the pressing member 140 is accommodated throughout the accommodation portions 112A and 112B.

[0047] The metal plate 120A has a central fixed contact 121A and a terminal 122A. As an example, the metal plate 120A is made of copper. The central fixed contact 121A is in a state where the insulator 150 is not pressed downward (see Figure 4 ) is not in contact with the metal contact 130A, and the insulator 150 is pressed downward (refer to Figure 5 ) and contacts the metal contact 130A. The terminal 122A protrudes toward the negative side of the housing 110 in the X-axis direction.

[0048] The metal plate 120B has a peripheral fixed contact 121B and a terminal 122B. As an example, the metal plate 120B is made of copper. The peripheral fixed contact 121B is in a state where the insulator 150 is not pressed downward (see Figure 4 ) and contacts the end of the metal contact 130A on the positive side of the X axis, and insulator 150 is pressed downward (refer to Figure 5 ) and also contacts the metal contact 130A. The terminal 122B protrudes toward the positive X-axis direction of the housing 110.

[0049] The metal contact 130A is a metal spring made of a metal component, and has a dome portion 131A (see FIG. 1 ) at the center thereof that protrudes upward in a dome shape and can perform a reverse motion. Figure 2 , 4 ). The metal contact 130A is an example of a movable contact member. As an example, the metal contact 130A is made of stainless steel.

[0050] When the dome portion 131A is pressed from the upper side, the dome portion 131A reverses and bulges downward (see Figure 5 ). In this state, the metal contact 130A contacts the central fixed contact 121A, so that the central fixed contact 121A and the peripheral fixed contacts 121B are connected. The metal contact 130A is silver-plated on the lower surface. This is because the lower surface contacts the central fixed contact 121A and the peripheral fixed contacts 121B through which the current flows. In addition, the dome 131A performs a reverse action, which can give the operator an operational touch.

[0051] The metal contact 130A is produced by punching a sheet metal (Japanese: sheet metal) formed into a circular shape when viewed from above to produce a dome portion 131A, and then cutting off the Y-axis positive direction side and the Y-axis negative direction side along the X-axis. Therefore, the metal contact 130A has a cut-off portion 132A cut off the Y-axis positive direction side and the Y-axis negative direction side along the X-axis. The cut-off portion 132A is formed to miniaturize the push switch 100 in the Y-axis direction.

[0052] The leaf spring 130B has a structure in which the silver plating is removed from the metal contact 130A. Therefore, the leaf spring 130B has a dome portion 131B and a cutout portion 132B.

[0053] The pressing member 140 is housed throughout the interior of the housing portions 112A and 112B of the housing portion 112 (see Figure 4 The pressing member 140 is an example of a first pressing member. The pressing member 140 is a flat metal member (see Figure 2 , 3 , 4), having a main body 141, a fulcrum portion 142 (an example of a first fulcrum portion), an action point portion 143 (an example of a first action point portion), and a force point portion 144 (an example of a first force point portion). The pressing component 140 is a component that can perform a lever-like action, and the fulcrum portion 142, the action point portion 143, and the force point portion 144 function as a fulcrum, an action point, and a force point of the lever, respectively. As an example, the pressing component 140 is made by sheet metal processing. As an example, the pressing component 140 is made of stainless steel.

[0054] In order to utilize the lever principle, the pressing member 140 needs to be less flexible and have a certain degree of high rigidity. Therefore, the pressing member 140 is made of metal, has a certain degree of width in the Y-axis direction, and is also thicker in the Z-axis direction.

[0055] The main body 141 has a shape that is warped with respect to the power point portion 144 so that the fulcrum portion 142 and the application point portion 143 are bent downward in order to facilitate downward displacement of the application point portion 143 .

[0056] The fulcrum portion 142 is provided on the negative side of the X-axis and is in contact with the bottom surface of the storage portion 112A. The fulcrum portion 142 has a sufficient width in the Y-axis direction. This is because the fulcrum portion 142 is not easily tilted in the Y-axis direction when the pressing member 140 moves, so that the force can be efficiently transmitted to the leaf spring 130B and the metal contact 130A. In addition, here, the fulcrum portion 142 is provided on the entire width of the pressing member 140 in the Y-axis direction, but it can also be divided into several pieces.

[0057] In addition, the fulcrum 142 protrudes toward the negative Z-axis direction. Thus, by making the fulcrum 142 protrude toward the negative Z-axis direction, the pressing member 140 can be moved away from the bottom surface of the storage portion 112 toward the positive Z-axis direction, making it easier to move the pressing member 140.

[0058] The action point portion 143 is provided on the positive direction side of the X-axis and has a convex portion 143A (an example of a first convex portion) for pressing the metal contact 130A. Figure 3 As shown, the convex portion 143A is circular in a plan view and has a flat lower surface, and has a truncated cone shape.

[0059] The convex portion 143A is arranged in contact with the upper surface of the leaf spring 130B. When the pressing member 140 operates according to the lever principle and presses the action point portion 143 downward, the leaf spring 130B and the metal contact 130A are pressed downward. When the leaf spring 130B and the metal contact 130A perform a reverse operation, the metal contact 130A contacts the central fixed contact 121A.

[0060] The force point portion 144 is provided between the fulcrum portion 142 and the action point portion 143, and has a convex portion 144A. The convex portion 144A protrudes in a hemispherical shape. When the insulator 150 is not pressed, the convex portion 144A does not contact the insulator 150, and there is a gap in the middle. However, when the insulator 150 is pressed downward, it contacts the convex portion 144A, and the convex portion 144A is pressed downward. This is a state in which a force is applied to the force point of the pressing member 140 using the lever principle.

[0061] The insulator 150 is made of a resin sheet, is bonded to the upper surface of the housing 110, and covers the opening 111. The insulator 150 has a protrusion 151 located in the center when viewed from above (see FIG. Figure 1 , 2 4) The protrusion 151 is formed by heating the resin sheet.

[0062] The housing portion 112 of the housing 110 houses the metal plates 120A and 120B, the metal contact 130A, the leaf spring 130B, and the pressing member 140, and the insulator 150 is bonded to the housing 110. By bonding the insulator 150 to the housing 110, the metal plates 120A and 120B, the metal contact 130A, the leaf spring 130B, and the pressing member 140 are held in the housing portion 112 without shaking.

[0063] The protrusion 151 is arranged at a position overlapping with the power point portion 144 in a plan view, and can be bent and deformed in a manner of contacting with the power point portion 144 (see Figure 5 ), in Figure 4 As shown in the figure, in a state where no bending deformation occurs, it is separated from the force point portion 144.

[0064] Figure 6 It is a graph showing the FS (Force-Stroke) characteristics of the push switch 100. The horizontal axis is the stroke (S) for pressing the insulator 150 downward, and the vertical axis is the force (F) required to press the insulator 150 downward. The force (F) is the operation load.

[0065] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the insulator 150 is pushed in from the position of zero stroke, the operation load gradually increases until S1 and becomes a very small value. This means that the operation load required to push in the protrusion 151 of the insulator 150 is very small.

[0066] S is 0.1 mm. The push switch 100 is assumed to further include a button or the like on the insulator 150. The button is a component that is actually pressed and operated, such as a push-button switch in a vehicle cabin or a push-button switch of an electronic device.

[0067] For example, in a product that is easily subjected to vibration, such as a portable device, when there is a gap between the insulator 150 and the button, when vibration is applied to the product, the vibration may be transmitted to the button and produce an abnormal sound. Therefore, when not operated, the abnormal sound is sometimes suppressed by pressing the button against other components. When used for such a product, in order to avoid a gap between the button and other components, the insulator 150 is sometimes installed in a state where the button slightly presses the insulator 150 in advance (in a state where pre-tension is applied). In such a case, the insulator 150 is in a state where it is pressed by a stroke less than S1. Therefore, when operating the push button switch, there is also a case where the stroke starts from S1.

[0068] When the stroke reaches S1, the insulator 150 contacts the convex portion 144A of the force point portion 144. When the stroke exceeds S1, the pressing component 140 presses the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B. When the stroke reaches S2, the operating load becomes F3 (maximum value), and the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B reverse. At this time, the operating load begins to decrease sharply, thereby providing a click feeling to the user's fingertips. When the insulator 150 is further pressed, when the stroke reaches S3, the operating load is reduced to F2. At this time, the metal contact 130A contacts the central fixed contact 121A, and the push switch 100 is switched to the on state.

[0069] The push switch 100 utilizes the lever principle, such as Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, as an example, the distance between the fulcrum portion 142 and the action point portion 143 is set to 1 mm, and the distance between the action point portion 143 and the force point portion 144 is set to 1 mm.

[0070] Therefore, the stroke of pressing insulator 150 to turn on push switch 100 is 1 / 2 of the stroke required to press metal contact 130A and leaf spring 130B alone to reverse the metal contact 130A and leaf spring 130B. “Alone” means directly pressing metal contact 130A and leaf spring 130B without using pressing member 140 .

[0071] Furthermore, the operation load required to press the insulator 150 to turn on the push switch 100 is twice the operation load required to press the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B alone to reverse the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B.

[0072] Here, the stroke required to press the metal contact 130A alone and reverse it is 0.1 mm. This also applies to the state where the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B are overlapped.

[0073] When the push switch 100 is disconnected, the metal contact 130A is not connected to the central fixed contact 121A and maintains an insulating state. In this state, the interval between the central fixed contact 121A and the metal contact 130A is 0.1 mm. It can be seen that if it is 0.1 mm, the insulating state between the metal contact 130A and the central fixed contact 121A can be maintained. When the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B reverse and move downward by 0.1 mm, the metal contact 130A contacts the central fixed contact 121A.

[0074] On the other hand, the stroke of pressing the insulator 150 to turn on the push switch 100 is 1 / 2 of the stroke required to press the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B alone to reverse the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B, and is therefore 0.05 mm.

[0075] That is, the push switch 100 can ensure that the stroke of the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B is 0.1 mm by utilizing the lever principle, and can shorten the stroke required for switching on.

[0076] Here, if such a lever principle is not utilized and the stroke required to press the metal contact 130A alone and reverse it is set to 0.05 mm, the interval between the central fixed contact 121A and the metal contact 130A when the push switch 100 is in the disconnected state is 0.05 mm, the withstand voltage and insulation resistance become smaller, and there is a risk of difficulty in maintaining the insulation state.

[0077] Furthermore, when the stroke of the metal contact 130A is set to 0.05 mm, it may be difficult to set the insulator 150 to a state where a pre-tension is applied.

[0078] Furthermore, since the operating load required to press insulator 150 to turn on push switch 100 is twice the operating load required to press metal contact 130A and leaf spring 130B alone and reverse them, the click feeling when operating push switch 100 can be doubled.

[0079] Therefore, according to Embodiment 1, a push switch that achieves both short stroke and electrical stability can be provided. In addition, since the click feeling during operation can be increased, the operational feeling can be improved.

[0080] In addition, by utilizing the lever principle, even if the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B use components with a small operating load, it is easy to cope with the operating load required as a push switch. Generally speaking, compared with the metal contact 130A with a heavy operating load, the metal contact 130A with a light operating load tends to have a longer operating life. That is, the operating life of the push switch 100 can be extended.

[0081] In the present embodiment, the plate spring 130B is overlapped on the metal contact 130A to ensure a predetermined operation load. However, if the required operation load can be lighter, the number of plates can be reduced (the plate spring 130B can be omitted).

[0082] Furthermore, the pressing member 140 can be produced by press working a metal sheet, and therefore, each portion such as the fulcrum portion 142 , the action point portion 143 , and the power point portion 144 can be easily formed.

[0083] In the above, the distance between the fulcrum portion 142 and the action point portion 143 is set to 1 mm, and the distance between the action point portion 143 and the force point portion 144 is set to 1 mm. However, by adjusting these distances, the stroke and pressing load of the insulator 150 can be freely set.

[0084] In addition, although the above description has been given of an embodiment in which the push switch 100 includes the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B, the push switch 100 may also include only the metal contact 130A.

[0085] In the above, the pressing member 140 is described as including the convex portion 143A and the convex portion 144A, but the pressing member 140 may not include the convex portion 143A and / or the convex portion 144A.

[0086] <Implementation method 2>

[0087] Figure 7 It is a perspective view showing push switch 200 according to Embodiment 2. Figure 8 is an exploded view of the push switch 200 .

[0088] The push switch 200 includes a housing 210 , metal plates 220A, 220B, and 220C, a metal contact 130A, a leaf spring 130B, a push member 240 , and an insulator 150 .

[0089] Next, regarding the pressing member 240, Figure 8 Use on the basis of Fig. 9 For the metal plates 220A, 220B, and 220C, Figure 8 Use on the basis of Fig.10 Provide explanation. Fig. 9 2 is a diagram showing the back side of the pressing member 240. Fig.10 2 is a diagram showing the structure of metal plates 220A, 220B, and 220C. Fig.10 In FIG. 2 , the housing 210 is shown in perspective. Figure 7 The A-A section of Figures 11A to 11C and represents the B-B section Figures 12A to 12C Provide explanation.

[0090] Push switch 200 of Embodiment 2 has a configuration in which spring contact 245 is added to push member 140 of push switch 100 of Embodiment 1. Therefore, components identical to those of push switch 100 of Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

[0091] The housing 210 is made of resin and holds the metal plates 220A, 220B, and 220C. The housing 210 and the metal plates 220A, 220B, and 220C are integrally manufactured by insert molding. The housing 210 has an opening 111 and a storage portion 212 communicating with the opening 111. The opening 111 is formed on the surface on the positive side of the Z axis.

[0092] The storage portion 212 is formed from the opening toward the lower side, and includes a storage portion 212A on the negative side of the X-axis direction and a storage portion 212B on the positive side of the X-axis direction. The storage portion 212B is deeper than the storage portion 212A.

[0093] The central fixed contact 221A of the metal plate 220A, the peripheral fixed contacts 221B of the metal plate 220B, and the pre-sense terminal 223B are arranged at the bottom of the storage portion 212B and exposed in the storage portion 212B. In the storage portion 212B, the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B are arranged in sequence and overlapped on the upper side of the central fixed contact 221A and the peripheral fixed contact 221B (see Fig.11A ), on which the pressing member 240 is accommodated over the accommodation portions 212A and 212B. In addition, the spring contact 245 of the pressing member 240 is located above the pre-sensing terminal 223B.

[0094] The metal plate 220A has a central fixed contact 221A and a terminal 222A. Compared with the metal plate 120A of the first embodiment, the planar shape of the metal plate 220A is different due to the addition of the metal plate 220C, but the function is the same as that of the metal plate 120A of the first embodiment, and the central fixed contact 221A and the terminal 222A correspond to the central fixed contact 121A and the terminal 122A of the first embodiment, respectively.

[0095] The metal plate 220B has a peripheral fixed contact 221B, a terminal 222B, and a pre-sensing terminal 223B. The metal plate 220B has the following configuration: the shape of the metal plate 120B of the first embodiment is changed, the number of terminals 222B is increased to two, and two pre-sensing terminals 223B are added. Therefore, the peripheral fixed contact 221B and the terminal 222B are functionally equivalent to the peripheral fixed contact 221B and the terminal 222B of the first embodiment, respectively.

[0096] The two terminals 222B extend from the ends of the peripheral fixed contact 221B on the positive direction side of the Y axis and the ends on the negative direction side of the Y axis to the positive direction side of the X axis, respectively. In addition, the two pre-sensing terminals 223B extend from the ends of the peripheral fixed contact 221B on the positive direction side of the Y axis and the ends on the negative direction side of the Y axis to the negative direction side of the X axis, respectively. Therefore, the metal plate 220B has an H-shaped shape when viewed from above.

[0097] The metal plate 220C has a terminal 221C and a terminal 222C. As an example, the metal plate 220C is made of copper. The terminal 221C is exposed on the bottom surface of the storage portion 212A, and contacts the lower surface of the fulcrum portion 142 of the pressing member 240 inside the storage portion 212A. The terminal 222C protrudes from the negative direction side of the X axis of the housing 210. The terminal 221C is located closer to the positive direction side of the Z axis than the terminal 222C.

[0098] The pressing member 240 is housed throughout the interior of the housing portions 212A and 212B of the housing portion 212 (see Fig.11A ). The pressing member 240 is an example of a first pressing member. It has a main body 241, a fulcrum 142, a point of action 143, a force point 144, and a spring contact 245. The pressing member 240 is a member capable of performing a lever-like action. As an example, the pressing member 240 is made by sheet metal processing.

[0099] The main body 241 is the same as the main body 141 of the pressing member 140 of the first embodiment, but spring contacts 245 are provided on the Y-axis positive direction side and the Y-axis negative direction side of the central portion in the X-axis direction. In addition, the main body 241 has a shape that is warped in a manner such that the fulcrum portion 142 and the application point portion 143 are bent downward relative to the power point portion 144 in order to facilitate the displacement of the application point portion 143 downward.

[0100] The spring contact 245 extends from the Y-axis positive direction side and the Y-axis negative direction side of the central portion in the X-axis direction of the main body 241 to the X-axis positive direction side and the Z-axis negative direction side (diagonally downward). The spring contact 245 can be displaced in the Z-axis direction and exerts a restoring force against displacement in the Z-axis direction. The spring contact 245 is an example of a first elastic piece.

[0101] Here, use Figures 11A to 11C as well as Figures 12A to 12C The operation of the push switch 200 will be described. Fig.11A as well as Fig. 12A This is a state where the insulator 150 is not pressed, and the push switch 200 is in an OFF state.

[0102] Fig. 11B as well as Fig. 12B The insulator 150 is slightly pressed, the front end of the spring contact 245 is connected to the pre-sensing terminal 223B of the metal plate 220B, the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B are not reversed, and the metal contact 130A is not in contact with the central fixed contact 221A of the metal plate 220A.

[0103] Since the supporting point 142 of the pressing member 240 is in contact with the terminal 221C of the metal plate 220C, in this state, the pre-sensing terminal 223B of the metal plate 220B and the terminal 221C of the metal plate 220C are connected by the pressing member 240. That is, the terminal 222B and the terminal 222C are in conduction.

[0104] In this way, before the metal contact 130A contacts the central fixed contact 221A of the metal plate 220A, the front end of the spring contact 245 is connected to the pre-sensing terminal 223B of the metal plate 220B, thereby being able to detect a state in which the metal contact 130A is not in contact with the central fixed contact 221A although the insulator 150 is slightly pressed.

[0105] Through such a configuration, in an electronic device connected to the terminals 222A, 222B, and 222C of the push switch 200, it is possible to detect (pre-sensing) a state in which the terminals 222A and 222C are not connected although the insulator 150 is slightly pressed to make the terminals 222B and 222C conductive (the state before the metal contact 130A contacts the central fixed contact 221A).

[0106] Fig. 11C as well as Fig. 12C The insulator 150 is further pressed in, the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B are reversed, and the metal contact 130A contacts the central fixed contact 221A of the metal plate 220A. In this state, the front end of the spring contact 245 is maintained in a state of connection with the pre-sensing terminal 223B of the metal plate 220B. In this state, the terminal 222A and the terminal 222C are conductive.

[0107] Therefore, if Fig. 11B as well as Fig. 12B As shown, push switch 200 can realize two stages of states: a state in which insulator 150 is slightly pressed to bring terminal 222B and terminal 222C into conduction, and a state in which insulator 150 is further pressed to bring terminal 222A and terminal 222C into conduction.

[0108] Fig.13 The diagram shows the FS (Force-Stroke) characteristics of the push switch 200. The interval from the zero stroke position to S21 is different from the interval from the zero stroke position to S1 of the push switch 100 of the first embodiment (see Figure 6 That is, the strokes S1 and S21 are equal, and the operating loads F21 and F1 are equal.

[0109] When the stroke exceeds S21 and reaches S22, the spring contact 245 contacts the pre-sensing terminal 223B, and the terminal 222B and the terminal 222C are connected. The operation load at this time is F23.

[0110] When the insulator 150 is further pressed, the pressing component 240 presses the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B. When the stroke reaches S23, the operating load becomes F24 (maximum value), and the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B reverse. At this time, the operating load begins to decrease sharply, giving the user's fingertips a click feeling. When the insulator 150 is further pressed, when the stroke reaches S24, the operating load is reduced to F22. At this time, the metal contact 130A contacts the central fixed contact 221A, and the push switch 100 is switched to the on state.

[0111] Furthermore, the stroke S22 can be adjusted by adjusting the displacement amount of the spring contact 245 , and the operation load F23 can be adjusted by adjusting the elastic force of the spring contact 245 .

[0112] As described above, according to Embodiment 2, it is possible to provide push switch 200 that achieves both short stroke and electrical stability, similarly to Embodiment 1. In addition, since the click feeling during operation can be increased, the operational feeling can be improved.

[0113] In addition, by using spring contact 245, push switch 200 that realizes two-stage connection state can be provided. In addition, push switch 200 of Embodiment 2 is similar to push switch 100 of Embodiment 1, and also has effects other than those described above, and can be similarly modified.

[0114] In addition, at least one spring contact 245 is sufficient, and three or more spring contacts may be provided.

[0115] <Implementation method 3>

[0116] Fig.14 It is a perspective view showing a push switch 300 according to the third embodiment. Fig.15 is an exploded view of the push switch 300 .

[0117] The push switch 300 includes a housing 310, metal plates 320A and 320B, a metal contact 130A, push members 340A and 340B, a handle 350, and a frame 360. Fig.14 , Fig.15 Use on the basis of Fig.16A as well as Fig. 16B In addition, the cross-sectional structure and movement are shown using Fig.14 A3-A3 section Fig.17 , Fig.18 Provide explanation.

[0118] The push switch 300 is a switch that is turned on (conducting state) by pressing the handle 350 downward so that the metal contact 130A contacts the metal plate 320A. The stroke of the handle 350 used to press the metal contact 130A to contact the metal plate 320A is very short, which is 0.1 mm. In addition, as an example, the operating load required to press the handle 350 is 9N. In addition, the metal contact 130A is larger in size than in embodiments 1 and 2, and the stroke of the metal contact 130A itself is 0.3 mm. That is, the stroke of the push handle 350 is reduced to 1 / 3 relative to the stroke of the metal contact 130A itself.

[0119] The push switch 300 has a structure that achieves a shorter stroke and an increased operating load.

[0120] The housing 310 is made of resin and holds the metal plates 320A and 320B. The housing 310 and the metal plates 320A and 320B are integrally manufactured by insert molding. The housing 310 has an opening 311 and a storage portion 312 communicating with the opening 311. The opening 311 is formed on the surface on the positive side of the Z axis.

[0121] The storage portion 312 is formed from the opening portion 311 toward the lower side, and has a support portion 312A that supports the fulcrum portion 342A of the pressing member 340A, and a support portion 312B that supports the fulcrum portion 342B of the pressing member 340B. The support portions 312A and 312B are portions of the wall of the housing 310 that protrude inwardly around the storage portion 312. The support portion 312A is located on the positive direction side of the X-axis, and the support portion 312B is located on the negative direction side of the X-axis. The support portion 312A is located at a lower position than the support portion 312B.

[0122] The central fixed contact 321A of the metal plate 320A and the peripheral fixed contacts 321B of the metal plate 320B are arranged at the bottom of the storage portion 312 and exposed in the storage portion 312. The central fixed contact 321A is arranged at the central position of the bottom of the storage portion 312, and the peripheral fixed contacts 321B are arranged at the four corners of the bottom of the storage portion 312. In the storage portion 312, the metal contact 130A and the pressing members 340A and 340B are accommodated above the central fixed contact 321A and the peripheral fixed contacts 321B.

[0123] The metal plate 320A has a central fixed contact 321A and a terminal 322A. As an example, the metal plate 320A is made of copper. The central fixed contact 321A is in a state where the handle 350 is not pressed downward (see Fig.17) is not in contact with the metal contact 130A, and the handle 350 is pressed downward (refer to Fig.18 ) and contacts the metal contact 130A. The terminal 322A protrudes toward the negative side of the housing 310 in the X-axis direction.

[0124] The metal plate 320B has a peripheral fixed contact 321B and a terminal 322B. As an example, the metal plate 320B is made of copper. The peripheral fixed contact 321B is extended in a C-shape in a plan view so as to surround the central fixed contact 321A, and a portion of the peripheral fixed contact 321B is provided so as to be exposed at the four corners of the bottom of the storage portion 312. The peripheral fixed contact 321B contacts the end of the metal contact 130A when the handle 350 is not pressed downward, and contacts the end of the metal contact 130A when the handle 350 is pressed downward (see FIG. 1 ). Fig.18 ) and also contacts the metal contact 130A. This is the same as the relationship between the peripheral fixed contact 121B and the metal contact 130A in Embodiment 1. The terminal 322B protrudes toward the X-axis positive direction side of the housing 310.

[0125] The pressing member 340A is accommodated in the accommodation portion 312 (see Fig.17 The pressing member 340A is an example of a first pressing member. The pressing member 340A is a flat metal member (see Fig.15 , 17 , 18), having a main body 341, a fulcrum 342A (an example of a first fulcrum), an action point 343A (an example of a first action point), and a force point 344A (an example of a first force point). The pressing member 340A is a member capable of performing a lever-like action, and the fulcrum 342A, the action point 343A, and the force point 344A function as a fulcrum, an action point, and a force point of the lever, respectively. As an example, the pressing member 340A is made by sheet metal processing.

[0126] The pressing member 340A needs to be less flexible and have a certain degree of high rigidity in order to perform a lever-like action. Therefore, the pressing member 340A is made of metal, has a certain degree of width in the Y-axis direction, and is also thicker in the Z-axis direction.

[0127] The fulcrum portion 342A is provided on the positive direction side of the X-axis and is supported by the support portion 312A of the storage portion 312. The fulcrum portion 342A has a sufficient width in the Y-axis direction. This is to prevent the fulcrum portion 342A from tilting in the Y-axis direction when the pressing member 340A moves, thereby being able to efficiently transmit force to the metal contact 130A.

[0128] The action point portion 343A is provided on the negative side of the X-axis and has a convex portion 343A1 (an example of a first convex portion) for pressing the metal contact 130A. The convex portion 343A1 is circular in a plan view and has a flat lower surface and a truncated cone shape. The convex portion 343A1 is the same as the convex portion 143A of the first embodiment.

[0129] When the pressing member 340A operates by the lever principle and presses the action point 343A downward, the convex portion 343A1 presses the metal contact 130A downward, and the metal contact 130A reverses and contacts the central fixed contact 321A.

[0130] The force point portion 344A is provided between the fulcrum portion 342A and the action point portion 343A. When the handle 350 is pressed downward, the force point portion 344A is pressed by the action point portion 343B of the pressing member 340B. This is a state in which a force is applied to the force point of the pressing member 340A using the principle of a lever.

[0131] The pressing member 340B is stored in the storage portion 312 (see Fig.17 The pressing member 340B is an example of a second pressing member. The pressing member 340B is a flat metal member (see Fig.15 , 16A , 16B, 17, 18), having a main body 341, a fulcrum 342B (an example of a second fulcrum), an action point 343B (an example of a second action point), and a force point 344B (an example of a second force point). The pressing component 340B is a component that utilizes the principle of a lever, and the fulcrum 342B, the action point 343B, and the force point 344B function as a fulcrum, an action point, and a force point of the lever, respectively. As an example, the pressing component 340B is made by sheet metal processing.

[0132] In order to utilize the lever principle, the pressing member 340B needs to be less flexible and have a certain degree of high rigidity. Therefore, the pressing member 340B is made of metal, has a certain degree of width in the Y-axis direction, and is also thicker in the Z-axis direction.

[0133] The fulcrum portion 342B is provided on the negative direction side of the X-axis and is supported by the supporting portion 312B of the storage portion 312. The fulcrum portion 342B has a sufficient width in the Y-axis direction. This is because the fulcrum portion 342B is not easy to tilt in the Y-axis direction when the pressing member 340B moves, so that the force can be efficiently transmitted to the pressing member 340A.

[0134] The action point portion 343B is provided on the positive side of the X axis and has a convex portion 343B1 (an example of a second convex portion) for pressing the power point portion 344A of the pressing member 340A. The convex portion 343B1 is provided from the end on the negative side of the Y axis to the end on the positive side of the Y axis.

[0135] When the pressing member 340B operates by the lever principle to press the action point portion 343B downward, the convex portion 343B1 contacts the upper surface of the force point portion 344A of the pressing member 340A to press the force point portion 344A of the pressing member 340A downward.

[0136] The force point portion 344B is provided between the fulcrum portion 342B and the action point portion 343B. The force point portion 344B is provided with a spring portion 344B1. The negative direction side of the X-axis of the spring portion 344B1 is connected to the main body portion 341, and extends obliquely upward relative to the main body portion 341. When the handle 350 is not pressed downward, the spring portion 344B1 abuts against the convex portion 352 of the handle 350, and applies force to the handle 350 in the upward direction and presses it against the frame 360. The spring portion 344B1 is provided to achieve pretension.

[0137] When the handle 350 is pressed downward, Fig.18 As shown, the spring portion 344B1 is elastically deformed, and the point of action portion 343B is pressed by the convex portion 352, so that the force point portion 344B is pressed downward. This is a state in which a force is applied to the force point of the pressing member 340B using the lever principle.

[0138] The handle 350 has a plate-shaped main body 351 and convex parts 352 and 353. The handle 350 is made of resin. The convex part 352 is provided on the lower surface of the main body 351 and protrudes downward. The convex part 352 is provided from the end on the negative direction side of the Y axis to the end on the positive direction side of the Y axis. Fig.17 As shown, in a state where the handle 350 is not pressed downward, the projection 352 abuts against the spring portion 344B1 of the pressing member 340B.

[0139] The protrusion 353 is provided on the upper surface of the main body 351 and protrudes upward. The protrusion 353 is oval in plan view and has a flat upper surface. The protrusion 353 is exposed from the opening 361 of the frame 360.

[0140] The frame 360 ​​is made of metal and has an opening 361 provided on the upper surface and side walls 362 provided on both sides in the Y-axis direction. An engaging portion 362A bent inward (in the Y-axis direction) is provided at the lower end of the side wall 362. The engaging portion 362A is provided at the lower end of the four corners of the frame 360.

[0141] The frame 360 ​​accommodates the metal plates 320A, 320B, the metal contact piece 130A, and the pressing parts 340A, 340B in the storage part 312 of the housing 310. When the handle 350 is overlapped, the engaging part 362A is engaged with the concave parts 313 at the lower ends of the four corners of the housing 310, so that Fig.14 As shown, the housing 310, the metal plates 320A and 320B, the metal contact 130A, the pressing members 340A and 340B, and the handle 350 are held.

[0142] In this state, the housing 310 , the metal plates 320A and 320B, the metal contact 130A, the pressing members 340A and 340B, and the handle 350 are configured not to shake.

[0143] Fig.19 This is a graph showing the FS (Force-Stroke) characteristics of the push switch 300. The horizontal axis is the stroke (S) for pushing the handle 350 downward, and the vertical axis is the force (F) required to push the handle 350 downward. The force (F) is the operation load.

[0144] like Fig.19 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the handle 350 is pushed in from the position of zero stroke, the operation load gradually increases until S31 and becomes a very small value. This means that the operation load required to push in the spring portion 344B1 of the pressing member 340B is very small.

[0145] S31 is 0.1 mm. It is assumed that the push switch 300 is further equipped with a button or the like on the handle 350. The button refers to a component that is actually pressed, such as a push-button switch in a vehicle compartment, an electronic device, etc. For example, in a product that is easily subjected to vibration, such as a portable device, if there is a gap between the handle 350 and the button, when vibration is applied to the product, the vibration may also be transmitted to the button and produce an abnormal sound. Therefore, when not operated, the abnormal sound is sometimes suppressed by pressing the button against other components. When used for such a product, in order to prevent a gap from being generated between the handle 350 and the button, the handle 350 is sometimes installed in a state where the button slightly presses the handle 350 in advance (in a state where pre-tension is applied). In such a case, the handle 350 is in a state where it is pressed by a stroke less than S31. Therefore, when the button is operated, there is also a case where the stroke starts from S31.

[0146] When the stroke reaches S31, the handle 350 contacts the force point 344B. When the stroke exceeds S31, the pressing component 340B presses the pressing component 340A, and the pressing component 340A presses the metal contact 130A. When the stroke reaches S32, the operating load becomes F33 (maximum value), and the metal contact 130A reverses. When the handle 350 is further pressed, when the stroke reaches S33, the operating load is reduced to F32. At this time, Fig.18 As shown, the metal contact 130A contacts the central fixed contact 321A, and the push switch 300 is switched to the on state.

[0147] The push switch 300 as described above includes two levers, the push components 340A and 340B. When the handle 350 is pressed downward, the action point 343B of the push component 340B presses the force point 344A of the push component 340A downward, and the action point 343A of the push component 340A presses the metal contact 130A. Then, the metal contact 130A contacts the central fixed contact 321A, so that the central fixed contact 321A and the peripheral fixed contacts 321B are connected. This state is the state where the push switch 300 is turned on.

[0148] In this way, since the push members 340A and 340B constituting two levers are included, the stroke of the push switch 300 can be shortened and the operation load can be increased.

[0149] Therefore, according to Embodiment 3, a push switch 300 can be provided which can shorten the operation stroke of the switch without shortening the action stroke of the metal contact 130A and can also take electrical stability into consideration. In addition, by increasing the operation load, the click feeling during operation can be increased, thereby improving the operation feeling.

[0150] In addition, by using two levers (pressing parts 340A, 340B), even if the metal contact 130A uses a part with a small operating load, it is easy to cope with the operating load required as a push switch. Generally speaking, compared with the metal contact 130A with a heavy operating load, the metal contact 130A with a light operating load tends to have a longer operating life. That is, the operating life of the push switch 300 can be extended.

[0151] In the third embodiment, since the predetermined operation load can be ensured by using two levers (pressing members 340A, 340B), the predetermined operation load can be achieved by only the metal contact 130A without overlapping the leaf spring 130B. That is, the number of pieces can be reduced (leaf spring 130B can be omitted).

[0152] Furthermore, the pressing members 340A and 340B can be produced by press working a metal sheet, and thus the supporting point portion 342A, the action point portion 343A, the power point portion 344A and other portions can be easily formed.

[0153] In addition, the above description has been given of the configuration in which the push switch 300 includes the frame 360. However, it may also be Fig. 20The push switch 300A is configured as follows: the metal plates 320A and 320B, the metal contact 130A, the push members 340A and 340B, and the handle 350 (see FIG. 1 ) are housed in the housing 310A, excluding the frame 360. Fig.14 ) state, the insulator 360A is bonded to the upper surface of the housing 310A. The insulator 360A is similar to the insulator 150 (see Figure 1 )same.

[0154] The metal plates 320A, 320B, the metal contact 130A, the pressing members 340A, 340B, and the handle 350 are housed in the housing 310A and fixed in a non-shaking manner with the insulator 360A bonded thereto. The push switch 300A constructed in this way can achieve a short stroke and an increased operating load, similar to the push switch 300.

[0155] As mentioned above, the push switch according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiment, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0156] In addition, the present international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-167073 filed on September 6, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in the present international application.

[0157] Description of Reference Numerals

[0158] 100, 200, 300 Push switch

[0159] 110, 210, 310, 310A housing

[0160] 112, 212, 312 Storage Department

[0161] 120A, 120B, 220A, 220B, 220C, 320A, 320B Metal Plate

[0162] 121A, 221A, 321A Central fixed contact

[0163] 121B, 221B, 321B Peripheral fixed contacts

[0164] 130A Metal Contact

[0165] 130B Leaf Spring

[0166] 131A, 131B Dome

[0167] 140, 240, 340A, 340B Press components

[0168] 142, 342A, 342B Fulcrum

[0169] 143, 343A, 343B Action point

[0170] 143A convex part

[0171] 144, 344A, 344B force point part

[0172] 144A convex part

[0173] 150, 360A insulator

[0174] 245 Spring contacts

[0175] 350 handle

[0176] 360 Frame

Claims

1. A push switch, comprising: A housing having an opening and a receiving portion, the receiving portion being in communication with the opening; A fixed contact component is mounted on the housing and disposed inside the receiving portion; a movable contact member, arranged inside the housing portion closer to the opening than the fixed contact member, and having a dome portion protruding toward the opening in a dome shape and capable of performing a reverse motion; as well as The first pressing member is arranged inside the storage portion at a side closer to the opening portion than the movable contact member, and the first pressing member comprises: a first fulcrum portion provided at one end side of the first pressing member and connected to the housing; a first action point portion provided at the other end side of the first pressing member and pressing the movable contact member; and a first force point portion provided between the first fulcrum portion and the first action point portion. When the first force point portion is pressed through the opening portion, the first convex portion of the first action point portion presses the dome portion of the movable contact member to reverse it, so that the movable contact member contacts the fixed contact member. The first pressing member is made of a conductive metal plate. The first pressing member has a first elastic piece portion, the first elastic piece portion protruding to a side opposite to the opening portion, The fixed contact member has a central fixed contact portion and a pre-sensing terminal, wherein the central fixed contact portion can be in contact with and separated from the movable contact member, and the pre-sensing terminal can be in contact with and separated from the first elastic piece. When the first force point portion is pressed through the opening, after the first elastic piece portion contacts the pre-sensing terminal, the first convex portion of the first action point portion presses the dome portion of the movable contact member to reverse it, so that the movable contact member contacts the central fixed contact portion.

2. The push switch according to claim 1, wherein: The first action point portion has a first convex portion that presses the movable contact member.

3. The push switch according to claim 1, wherein: The first supporting point portion protrudes toward a side opposite to the opening portion relative to the first force point portion.

4. The push switch according to claim 1, wherein: The first supporting point portion has a rib shape having a predetermined length in a second direction, and the second direction is a direction orthogonal to a first direction in which the first supporting point portion, the first application point portion, and the first force point portion are arranged.

5. The push switch according to claim 1, wherein: A plurality of the first supporting point portions are provided over a predetermined length in a second direction, and the second direction is a direction orthogonal to a first direction in which the first supporting point portion, the first application point portion, and the first force point portion are arranged.

6. The push switch according to claim 1, wherein: The push switch further includes an insulator disposed so as to cover the opening.

7. The push switch according to claim 6, wherein: The insulator has a protrusion, which is arranged at a position overlapping with the first force point portion when viewed from above, protruding in a direction away from the shell, and can bend and deform to contact the first force point portion, and in a non-bent and deformed state, the protrusion is separated from the first force point portion.

8. The push switch according to claim 1, wherein: The push switch further includes a second push member, which is arranged inside the storage portion at a side closer to the opening portion than the first push member, and the second push member has: a second fulcrum portion, which is provided at one end side of the second push member and connected to the housing; a second action point portion, which is provided at the other end side of the second push member and presses the first force point portion of the first push member; and a second force point portion, which is provided between the second fulcrum portion and the second action point portion. When the second force point portion is pressed through the opening, the second force point portion presses the first force point portion, and the first convex portion of the first force point portion presses the dome portion of the movable contact member to reverse it, so that the movable contact member contacts the fixed contact member.

9. The push switch according to claim 8, wherein: The second action point portion has a second convex portion that presses the first force point portion.

10. The push switch according to claim 9, wherein: The second supporting point of the second pressing member is arranged on the opposite side of the dome portion of the movable contact member from the first supporting point of the first pressing member. The first action point portion of the first pressing member and the second force point portion of the second pressing member are arranged at positions overlapping with a dome portion of the movable contact member in a plan view.

11. The push switch according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The push switch further includes a handle member, a portion of which is accommodated inside the accommodation portion, is arranged closer to the opening portion than the second pressing member, and presses the second force point portion of the second pressing member. When the handle member is pressed, the handle member presses the second force point portion, the second force point portion presses the first force point portion, the first force point portion presses the dome portion of the movable contact member to reverse it, so that the movable contact member contacts the fixed contact member.

12. The push switch according to claim 11, wherein: The handle member has a third protrusion that presses the second force point portion.

13. The push switch according to claim 12, wherein: The second pressing member has a second elastic piece protruding toward the opening at the second force point portion, and the second elastic piece is pressed toward the first pressing member by the second protrusion of the handle member, thereby pressing the second force point portion.

14. The push switch according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: The handle member has a button portion that protrudes to a side opposite to the third protrusion.

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