Switches, optical units and operating devices

Abstract

The present invention provides a switch, an optical unit and an operating device, which can improve the corresponding degree of freedom according to various requirements such as use, design, assembly, specifications, etc. The switch (2) accommodates various components such as movable components that are actuated based on external pressure in a housing (20). The optical unit (23) that accommodates optical components such as light-emitting components and light-receiving components can be installed and removed relative to the housing (20) of the switch (2). When the optical unit (23) is installed in the housing (20) of the switch (2), the circuit can be opened and closed with the movement of the movable components.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a switch, an optical unit and an operating device. The switch comprises a housing, a movable component housed in the housing and actuated by external pressure, and an optical element acting on the opening and closing of a circuit in association with the movement of the movable component. The optical unit can be mounted on such a switch, and the operating device comprises such a switch. Background Art

[0002] As input devices for electronic devices such as computers, operating devices such as mice equipped with switches such as micro switches have become popular. In particular, recently, mice used in computer games called e-sports (electronic sports) require various characteristics. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a micro switch that can be used as a mouse switch. The micro switch disclosed in Patent Document 1 uses an optical element to open and close a circuit through the optical element.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2016 / 112842

[0005] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0006] In the micro switch disclosed in Patent Document 1, a circuit using an optical element is made inside a housing. In applications requiring quick response such as e-sports, for example, the characteristics required may differ depending on the type of game. However, the mouse disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem of not being able to fully cope with the various characteristics required. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a switch capable of increasing the degree of freedom in responding to various situations.

[0008] In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide an optical unit used in such a switch.

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

[0010] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the switch described in the present invention comprises a shell, a movable part housed in the shell and moved based on external pressure, and an optical element that acts on the opening and closing of the circuit in association with the movement of the movable part. The switch is characterized in that the optical element can be installed and removed relative to the shell, and when the optical element is installed in the shell, the optical element is associated with the movement of the movable part.

[0011] In addition, the switch is characterized in that it includes an optical unit that can be installed and removed relative to the housing, and the optical unit includes: the optical element and a connection terminal electrically connected to the optical element. By installing the optical unit on the housing, the optical element is installed on the housing.

[0012] Furthermore, in the switch, the optical unit includes a unit case that accommodates the optical element therein, and the connection terminal protrudes from the unit case.

[0013] Furthermore, in the switch, the housing is formed with a mounting opening for mounting the optical unit, and the optical element is mounted on the housing by fitting the optical unit into the mounting opening.

[0014] Furthermore, in the switch, the optical unit is a light emitting unit including a light emitting element that emits light as the optical element and / or a light receiving unit including a light receiving element that receives light as the optical element.

[0015] Furthermore, in the switch, the optical unit is an integrated light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, and the optical unit can be attached to and detached from the housing in an integrated state.

[0016] In addition, in the switch, it is characterized in that the optical unit is integrated with the abutted part along with the movement of the movable part, and the optical unit is installed in the housing in a state of being integrated with the abutted part, thereby, the abutted part is accommodated in the housing and abuts against the movable part.

[0017] Furthermore, the switch described in the present invention comprises a shell, a movable part housed in the shell and actuated based on external pressure, and a detection element that acts on the opening and closing of the circuit in association with the movement of the movable part, and is characterized in that the detection element can be installed and removed relative to the shell, and when the detection element is installed in the shell, the detection element is associated with the movement of the movable part.

[0018] Furthermore, the optical unit described in the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: an optical element with a light-emitting or light-receiving function; a connecting terminal electrically connected to the optical element, and is formed to be installable and detachable relative to a switch having a movable part that moves based on external pressure and a shell that accommodates the movable part. By being installed relative to the switch, the optical element acts on the opening and closing of the circuit in association with the movement of the movable part.

[0019] In addition, the operating device described in the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a pressing operation unit that receives a pressing operation from the outside; the switch that transmits the pressing operation received by the pressing operation unit as a pressing from the outside, and the switch outputs a signal for opening and closing the circuit based on the pressing from the outside that is transmitted.

[0020] The switch, optical unit and operating device of the present invention can install and remove detection elements such as optical elements.

[0021] The switch, optical unit and operating device of the present invention can install and remove detection elements such as optical elements, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in responding to various requirements such as use, design, assembly and specifications, and exerting excellent effects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the operating device according to the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the switch according to the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic bottom view showing an example of the appearance of the switch according to the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing an example of the switch according to the present invention.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section of the switch according to the present invention.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section of the switch according to the present invention.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic external view showing an example of an optical unit used in the switch of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic external view showing an example of an optical unit used in the switch of the present invention.

[0030] Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an optical unit used in the switch of the present invention.

[0031] Fig.10 This is a schematic external view showing an example of the switch and the optical unit according to the present invention.

[0032] Fig.11 This is a schematic external view showing an example of an optical unit mounted on the switch according to the present invention.

[0033] Fig.12 This is a schematic external view showing an example of an optical unit mounted on the switch according to the present invention.

[0034] Description of Reference Numerals

[0035] 1 Operating device

[0036] 2 Switches

[0037] 20 Shell

[0038] 201 Mounting port

[0039] 23 Optical unit

[0040] 23a Light emitting unit

[0041] 23b Light receiving unit

[0042] 230 Connection terminal

[0043] 230a First connection terminal

[0044] 230b Second connection terminal

[0045] 231 Optical element (detection element)

[0046] 231a Light emitting element

[0047] 231b Light receiving element

[0048] 232 Unit Housing

[0049] 26 Fixed member (abutted member)

[0050] 260 visor

[0051] 261 Through the hole

[0052] 27 Moving parts

[0053] 272 Shading Film

[0054] 273 Through the Window DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0056] (Application example)

[0057] The operating device described in the present invention is used as an operating device such as a mouse used to operate a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a personal computer). In addition, the switch described in the present invention is used as a micro switch of various electronic devices including the operating device. Hereinafter, the operating device 1 and the switch 2 shown in the drawings will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0058] (Operating device 1)

[0059] 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 according to the present invention. Figure 1 The operating device 1 of the present invention is applied to an example of a mouse used for operating an electronic device such as a personal computer. The operating device 1 includes a pressing operation portion 10 such as a mouse button that receives an operation of pressing with a user's finger, and a rotating operation portion 11 such as a mouse wheel that receives an operation of rotating with a user's finger. The rotating operation portion 11 is configured to receive not only a rotating operation but also a pressing operation, and also functions as the pressing operation portion 10. In addition, a signal line 12 that outputs an electrical signal to an external device such as a personal computer is connected to the operating device 1. In addition, the operating device 1 can output electrical signals not only by wired communication using the signal line 12, but also by various communication methods such as wireless communication.

[0060] Inside the operating device 1, switches 2 described later are housed in each of the push operation portion 10 and the rotation operation portion 11. When the push operation portion 10 is pushed, the internal portion of the push operation portion 10 pushes the corresponding switch 2. The switch 2 outputs a signal based on the push condition to an external electronic device such as a personal computer through a signal line 12.

[0061] That is, the operating device 1 of the present invention includes a push operation unit 10 for receiving a push operation from the outside and a rotation operation unit 11 for receiving an operation such as a rotation operation, and further includes a switch 2 inside. The operating device 1 transmits the push operation received by the push operation unit 10 and / or the rotation operation unit 11 to the switch 2 as a push from the outside, and outputs a signal based on the operation of the switch 2 to an external electronic device.

[0062] (Structure of switch 2)

[0063] Next, the switch 2 according to the present invention will be described. Figure 2 It is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the switch 2 according to the present invention. Figure 2 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the switch 2 according to the present invention. Figure 2 The left hand front side is front, the right hand back side is back, the left hand middle side is left, the right hand front side is right, the upper side is upper, and the lower side is lower. However, for the sake of convenience in explaining the direction, the assembly direction of the switch 2 is not limited. As described above, the switch 2 is accommodated in an electronic device such as the operating device 1 as a micro switch, and receives a pressing operation received by a pressing operation portion 10 of the operating device 1 as a pressing operation from the outside.

[0064] The switch 2 includes a housing 20 that is substantially in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The housing 20 is formed of a base 20a at a lower portion and a cover 20b at an upper portion. A rectangular insertion hole 200 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 20 at a position to the left of the center when viewed from the front, through which a pressing member 21 is inserted. The pressing member 21 inserted into the insertion hole 200 is a member that receives pressure from the outside of the housing 20 and moves up and down within a range from a first position at the upper end to a second position at the lower end, and the upper end of the pressing member 21 protrudes from the upper surface of the housing 20.

[0065] In addition, two fixed terminals 22 and four connecting terminals 230 protrude from the lower surface of the housing 20, and the two fixed terminals 22 fix the switch 2 to an external component such as a substrate. The fixed terminals 22 protrude from the left end side and the vicinity of the center of the lower surface of the housing 20. The connecting terminals 230 protrude from the right end side of the lower surface of the housing 20 in a front-back, left-right arrangement. The connecting terminals 230 extend from the optical unit 23 housed in the housing 20. The light emitting unit 23a and the light receiving unit 23b are housed in the housing 20 as the optical unit 23. Among the four connecting terminals 230 protruding from the lower surface of the housing 20, a pair of first connecting terminals 230a at the rear extend from the light emitting unit 23a, and a pair of second connecting terminals 230b at the front extend from the light receiving unit 23b.

[0066] The lower surface of the housing 20 of the switch 2 is provided with an installation opening 201 for inserting the optical unit 23. The optical unit 23 can be installed in the housing 20 of the switch 2 by inserting the optical unit 23 into the housing 20 through the installation opening 201 so that the optical unit 23 fits into the housing 20.

[0067] In the switch 2 formed in this way, the external pressing operation received by the operating device 1 is transmitted to the pressing member 21 as the pressing from the outside of the housing 20. The pressing member 21 receives the pressing from the outside and moves from the upper first position to the lower second position. When the pressing from the outside is released, the pressing member 21 moves from the lower second position to the upper first position.

[0068] Next, the internal structure of the switch 2 will be described. Figure 4 It is a schematic exploded perspective view showing an example of the switch 2 according to the present invention. Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section of the switch 2 according to the present invention. Figure 5 From the front viewpoint, it is shown in the Figure 2 The cross section is cut on the vertical plane of the AB line segment shown. Figure 6 Shown from the right viewpoint in the Figure 2 The cross section is cut on a plane perpendicular to the CD line segment shown. Figure 5 and Figure 6This figure shows a state where the pressing member 21 is pressed from the outside.

[0069] An area as a storage chamber for storing a switch mechanism of a switch circuit is ensured in the housing 20 of the switch 2. An insertion hole 200 penetrating from the outside of the housing 20 is opened on the upper surface of the storage chamber, and the pressing member 21 is inserted into the insertion hole 200.

[0070] The opening and closing mechanism stored in the storage chamber is described. In addition to the optical unit 23, the first locking piece 24, the second locking piece 25, the fixed component 26, and the movable component 27 are provided as the opening and closing mechanism in the storage chamber. The optical unit 23 is provided with a light receiving unit 23b and a light emitting unit 23a in front and behind the lower right side of the storage chamber. The first locking piece 24 is provided on the lower left side of the storage chamber, and the second locking piece 25 is provided on the lower center side of the storage chamber. The first locking piece 24 and the second locking piece 25 are integrally formed with the fixed terminal 22 protruding from the left end side of the lower surface of the housing 20. The fixed component 26 is provided between the light receiving unit 23b and the light emitting unit 23a on the right side of the storage chamber, and is integrally formed with the fixed terminal 22 protruding from the center of the lower surface of the housing 20. The movable component 27 is provided in a manner extending left and right in the storage chamber, and is locked by the first locking piece 24 and the second locking piece 25.

[0071] The switch 2 includes a light emitting unit 23a that emits light and a light receiving unit 23b that receives light emitted from the light emitting unit 23a as the optical unit 23. The light emitting unit 23a is configured using a light emitting element 231a such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) as the optical element 231, and has a pair of first connection terminals 230a. The light receiving unit 23b is configured using a light receiving element 231b such as a PD (Photo Diode) or a PT (Photo Transistor) as the optical element 231, and has a pair of second connection terminals 230b. The light emitting element 231a of the light emitting unit 23a and the light receiving element 231b of the light receiving unit 23b are positioned at positions opposite to each other so that the light receiving unit 23b receives the light emitted from the light emitting unit 23a. The optical element 231 of the optical unit 23 is molded in a unit housing 232 made of resin, and the connection terminal 230 protrudes from the unit housing 232. When the light emitting unit 23a is energized via the first connection terminal 230a, the light emitting element 231a of the light emitting unit 23a emits light. When the light receiving element 231b of the light receiving unit 23b detects light, the energization state changes, and therefore, the second connection terminal 230b outputs a conduction signal based on the change in the energization state of the light.

[0072] The fixing member 26 is formed in a thin plate shape so that the normal direction is the front-back direction, and is separated from the light emitting unit 23a and the light receiving unit 23b and is erected in a position in front of the light emitting unit 23a and behind the light receiving unit 23b. The upper part of the fixing member 26 is formed in a substantially U-shaped shape bent into an arm shape and open on the left side, and the lower part of the fixing member 26 is a light shielding plate 260 having a substantially circular through hole 261 through which the light of the optical unit 23 passes. The fixing member 26 is configured in such a way that the movable contact part 270 on the right end side of the movable member 27 is sandwiched from top to bottom at the U-shaped opening at the upper part. The inner upper part of the opening of the fixing member 26 is a first contact portion 262 with which the movable contact part 270 of the movable member 27 contacts when the pressing member 21 is in the first position and the movable member 27 is not pressed by the pressing member 21. The lower inner portion of the opening of the fixed member 26 becomes the second contact portion 263 with which the movable contact portion 270 of the movable member 27 contacts when the pressing member 21 is in the second position and the movable member 27 is pressed by the pressing member 21. The movable contact portion 270 of the movable member 27 extends so as to enter between the first contact portion 262 and the second contact portion 263 of the fixed member 26. The front end extending to the left of the first contact portion 262 of the fixed member 26 protrudes downward so that the movable member 27 that is not pressed can easily hit it, and the movable member 27 contacts the first contact portion 262 from below. The central portion of the second contact portion 263 of the fixed member 26 protrudes upward so that the movable member 27 that is pressed can easily hit it, and the movable member 27 contacts the second contact portion 263 from above. In order to produce an appropriate click sound and click feeling, it is preferred to use a metal material to form the fixing member 26, but it is also possible to use organic rubber, inorganic rubber, hard resin, etc. to form the fixing member 26. In addition, the fixing member 26 can be appropriately replaced, for example, to suit the click sound and click feeling.

[0073] The movable member 27 is a member made of metal such as SUS and formed in a plate shape extending in the left-right direction in the storage chamber. The left end side of the movable member 27 becomes a fixed end that is locked by the first locking piece 24 and acts as a swing fulcrum 271. The right end side of the movable member 27 becomes a movable contact portion 270 that moves up and down as a free end between the first contact portion 262 and the second contact portion 263 of the fixed member 26. In addition, the right end side of the movable member 27 becomes a roughly rectangular shading sheet 272 that is bent downward from the movable contact portion 270. The shading sheet 272 is formed with the normal direction as the front-back direction, and has a roughly rectangular transmission window 273 for light transmission of the optical unit 23. The shading sheet 272 is located in front of the fixed member 26 and behind the light receiving unit 23b, and enters between the fixed member 26 and the light receiving unit 23b in a state separated from the fixed member 26 and the light receiving unit 23b. In addition, a force applying portion 274 is formed on the movable member 27, and the force applying portion 274 acts as a return spring that is punched and bent into an arc shape near the center, and the front end of the force applying portion 274 is locked with the second locking piece 25 formed near the center of the storage chamber. The force applying portion 274 generates a reaction force to resist the pressing of the pressing member 21.

[0074] In the opening and closing mechanism thus constructed, the pressing member 21 receives pressure from the outside and moves downward, pressing the movable member 27. By pressing the movable member 27, the movable abutment portion 270 and the light shielding sheet 272 on the right end side of the free end of the movable member 27 descend. As the light shielding sheet 272 of the movable member 27 descends, the light path from the light emitting element 231a of the light emitting unit 23a to the light receiving element 231b of the light receiving unit 23b passes through the transmission window 273 opened in the light shielding sheet 272. Therefore, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown by the arrow in , the light emitted from the light emitting element 231a of the light emitting unit 23a passes through the through hole 261 provided on the light shielding plate 260 of the fixed component 26, and then passes through the through window 273 provided on the light shielding sheet 272 of the movable component 27, and reaches the light receiving element 231b of the light receiving unit 23b. When the light receiving element 231b receives the light from the light emitting element 231a, the circuit is in a closed state, and the switch 2 outputs a conduction signal to the external electronic device. In addition, the movable abutting portion 270 of the movable component 27 descends, and the movable abutting portion 270 abuts against the second abutting portion 263 of the fixed component 26. The movable abutting portion 270 of the metal movable component 27 abuts against the second abutting portion 263 of the fixed component 26, thereby generating a metallic sound. The user recognizes the metallic sound generated by the abutment of the movable component 27 against the fixed component 26 as a click sound. In addition, the user recognizes the feeling when the movable member 27 abuts against the fixed member 26 as a click feeling.

[0075] When the pressing of the pressing member 21 is released, the movable member 27 is forced upward due to the reaction force of the force applying portion 274. The pressing member 21 moves upward because the movable member 27 is forced upward. The movable member 27 is forced upward by the force applying portion 274, thereby causing the movable contact portion 270 and the light shielding sheet 272 located on the right end side of the movable member 27 to rise, and the light of the optical unit 23 is blocked by the light shielding sheet 272, resulting in an off state in which the circuit is opened. In addition, the movable contact portion 270 located on the right end side of the movable member 27 rises and abuts against the first abutting portion 262 of the fixed member 26. As described above, the optical element 231 of the optical unit 23 of the present invention has a function associated with the action of the movable member 27 when the circuit is opened and closed by being installed in the housing 20 of the switch 2.

[0076] The switch 2 and the optical unit 23 of the present invention are further described. Figure 7 and Figure 8 1 is a schematic external view showing an example of the optical unit 23 used in the switch 2 of the present invention. Figure 7 is a front view of the optical unit 23, Figure 8 2 is a perspective view of the optical unit 23. As described above, the optical unit 23 such as the light emitting unit 23a and the light receiving unit 23b is formed by molding the optical element 231 such as the light emitting element 231a and the light receiving element 231b with a sealing resin. The optical unit 23 formed by molding is in a shape in which the connection terminals 230 such as the first connection terminal 230a and the second connection terminal 230b protrude from the molded unit housing 232. The unit housing 232 is provided with an engaging protrusion 233 for engaging in the housing 20 of the switch 2.

[0077] Fig. 9 FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the optical unit 23 used in the switch 2 according to the present invention. Fig. 9 The appearance of the optical unit 23 during the manufacturing process is shown, and the state inside the unit housing 232 can be recognized. Fig. 9 As shown in the example, two substantially linear lead frames 34 are arranged inside the unit housing 232 of the optical unit 23. One end of the lead frame 234 protrudes outward from the inside of the unit housing 232 to form a connection terminal 230. The other end side of the lead frame 234 is located inside the unit housing 232, and optical elements 231 such as a light emitting element 231a and a light receiving element 231b are placed and connected by wires 235. The optical unit 23 as a finished product is Fig. 9 The illustrated unit case 232 is filled with resin and molded.

[0078] Fig.10 1 is a schematic external view showing an example of the switch 2 and the optical unit 23 according to the present invention. Fig.10A perspective view schematically shows the installation and removal of the optical unit 23 with respect to the housing 20 of the switch 2. As described above, the lower surface of the housing 20 of the switch 2 is provided with an installation port 201 for inserting the optical unit 23. The optical unit 23 is inserted into the housing 20 from the installation port 201, and the optical unit 23 is fitted into the housing 20, thereby the optical unit 23 is installed in the switch 2. In the housing 20, the inner diameter of the region where the optical unit 23 is fitted is formed to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the unit housing 232 of the optical unit 23, so that the optical unit 23 fitted into the housing 20 is positioned at an appropriate fitting position. When the optical unit 23 is fitted into the housing 20, the engaging protrusion 233 protruding from the unit housing 232 engages with the engaging recess (not shown) in the housing 20, so that the optical unit 23 is fixed at a predetermined position in the housing 20. In addition, the optical unit 23 can be removed by pulling out the fitted optical unit 23 from the housing 20. As described above, the optical unit 23 according to the present invention is formed to be attachable to and detachable from the housing 20 of the switch 2 .

[0079] As described above, the switch 2 of the present invention can install and remove the optical unit 23. Therefore, the optical unit 23 can be replaced not only in the assembly process when manufacturing the switch 2, but also after the switch 2 is completed, and even after it is assembled to the operating device 1. Therefore, for example, for the shape of the optical element 231 of the switch 2, the specifications such as the contact shape, output mode, and response performance can also be changed after the switch 2 is completed. In addition, in applications that require fast response speed such as e-sports, different optical elements 231 with different characteristics can be used for each game, and various utilization methods can be expanded. In addition, by assembling detection elements other than the optical element 231, such as magnetic sensors, acoustic wave sensors, vibration sensors, acceleration sensors, etc., instead of optical units 23, it can be expanded to switches 2 with various characteristics in the design or assembly stage. That is, the switch 2 described in the present invention can improve the corresponding degree of freedom for various requirements such as use, design, assembly, specifications, etc., and exert excellent effects.

[0080] The present invention is not limited to the various embodiments described above, but can be extended to other various modes. Therefore, the above-mentioned embodiments are only simple examples in all aspects and are not interpreted in a limiting manner. The technical scope of the present invention is described by the claims and is not subject to any restrictions in this specification. Furthermore, all deformations and changes belonging to the equivalent scope of the claims are included in the scope of the present invention.

[0081] For example, in the above embodiment, the optical units 23 are installed or removed one by one from the lower surface side of the housing 20 of the switch 2, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, various methods such as installing the optical units 23 from the side of the housing 20 can be expanded.

[0082] Fig.11 1 is a schematic external view showing an example of the optical unit 23 mounted on the switch 2 according to the present invention. Fig.11 FIG. 2 shows an example of an optical unit 23 in which a light emitting unit 23a and a light receiving unit 23b are integrated. Fig.11 As illustrated, the switch 2 according to the present invention can be expanded to various forms such as using an optical unit 23 in which a light emitting unit 23 a and a light receiving unit 23 b are integrated as the optical unit 23 . Fig.11 The optical unit 23 shown can be mounted and removed relative to the housing 20 of the switch 2 in an integrated state. By integrating the light emitting unit 23a and the light receiving unit 23b, the installation and removal can be performed in one operation, so the workability related to the installation and removal operation can be improved. In addition, for example, since the light emission, light reception, optical path, etc. between the light emitting unit 23a and the light receiving unit 23b can be checked in advance, it is not easy to cause problems due to compatibility, and it is possible to provide an optical unit 23 of stable quality, etc., and exert excellent effects.

[0083] Fig.12 1 is a schematic external view showing an example of the optical unit 23 mounted on the switch 2 according to the present invention. Fig.12 Relative to Fig.11 The optical unit 23 shown in the figure further integrates an example of a fixing member 26. Fig.12 As shown in the example, the switch 2 of the present invention can be expanded to use various forms such as the optical unit 23 in which the light emitting unit 23a, the light receiving unit 23b and the fixing member 26 are integrated as the optical unit 23. As described above, the movable member 27 abuts against the fixing member 26 as it moves. That is, the fixing member 26 has a function as an abutted member abutting against the movable member 27. The fixing member 26 that functions as the abutted member appropriately changes the material and shape, thereby changing the sound and impact when the movable member 27 abuts, that is, the click sound and click feeling for the user. Therefore, the optical unit 23 used in the switch 2 of the present invention can appropriately change the click feeling and click sound by integrating with the fixing member 26 (abutted member), and exerts excellent effects.

Claims

1. A switch comprising a housing, a movable member housed in the housing and actuated by external pressure, and an optical element that functions to open and close a circuit in association with the movement of the movable member, wherein: The switch includes a pair of optical units that can be attached to and detached from the housing. The first optical unit comprises: a light emitting element that emits light as the optical element; A first connecting terminal, which is used to be electrically connected to the light emitting element; a first unit housing that accommodates the light emitting element therein; The first optical unit is a light emitting unit, The second optical unit comprises: a light receiving element, which serves as the optical element to receive light; A second connecting terminal, which is used to be electrically connected to the light receiving element; a second unit housing that accommodates the light receiving element therein; The second optical unit is a light receiving unit separate from the first optical unit. The optical element can be installed and removed relative to the housing. By mounting each of the pair of optical units on the housing, the optical element is mounted on the housing. When the optical element is mounted on the housing, the optical element is associated with the movement of the movable member.

2. The switch according to claim 1, characterized in that The first connection terminal protrudes from the first unit case, and the second connection terminal protrudes from the second unit case.

3. The switch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The housing is provided with mounting openings for mounting the first optical unit and the second optical unit, respectively. The first optical unit and the second optical unit are each mounted on the shell by engaging the engaging protrusions respectively provided on the first optical unit and the second optical unit in the engaging recesses respectively provided in the mounting port and on the surface of the shell opposite to the light emitting surface of the first optical unit and on the surface of the shell opposite to the light receiving surface of the second optical unit.

4. A switch comprising a housing, a movable member housed in the housing and actuated by external pressure, and a first detection element and a second detection element acting on the opening and closing of a circuit in association with the movement of the movable member, characterized in that: The switch includes a pair of detection units that can be attached to and detached from the housing. The first detection unit comprises: the first detection element; A first connecting terminal, which is used to be electrically connected to the detection element; a first unit housing that accommodates the detection element therein; The second detection unit comprises: a second detection element; A second connecting terminal, which is used to be electrically connected to the detection element; A second unit housing contains the detection element therein, The second detection unit is a detection unit separate from the first detection unit, The detection element can be installed and removed relative to the housing. By mounting the pair of detection units respectively on the housing, the detection element is mounted on the housing. When the detection element is mounted on the housing, the detection element is associated with the movement of the movable member.

5. An optical unit, characterized in that: have: An optical element having only one of the functions of emitting light and receiving light; A connection terminal electrically connected to the optical element; A housing for accommodating the optical element. The optical unit is formed so as to be attachable to and detachable from a switch including a movable member that is actuated by external pressure and a housing that accommodates the movable member. By being mounted on the switch, the optical element acts on opening and closing of the circuit in association with the movement of the movable member.

6. An operating device, characterized in that: have: A pressing operation unit for receiving a pressing operation from the outside; The switch according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pressing operation received by the pressing operation portion is transmitted as a pressing from the outside, The switch outputs a signal for opening and closing a circuit based on a pressure transmitted from the outside.

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