Switch, switch assembly, and operating device

Abstract

The present application provides a switch, a switch assembly, and an operating device, which can expand functions. A switch (2) as a switch assembly mounted on a substrate is assembled into an operating device (1). The switch (2) assembled into the operating device (1) has a movable member (26) that swings with a first end side as a swing fulcrum (260) and a second end side. The switch (2) has a contacted member (23) that is contacted and separated by the movable member (26) swinging, and a light receiving element (251) that detects light. The switch (2) can open and close a first circuit by the movable member (26) swinging to contact and separate the contacted member (23). In addition, the switch (2) can open and close a second circuit by the movable member (26) swinging to pass through and block the light detected by the light receiving element (251).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a switch having a movable member, and to a switch assembly having such a switch, and to an operating device having such a switch. BACKGROUND

[0002] As a device for inputting to an electronic device such as a computer, an operating device such as a mouse having a switch such as a microswitch has become widespread. In particular in recent years, various properties are demanded for a mouse used in a computer game called e-sports. For example, in Patent Literature 1, a microswitch applicable as a switch of a mouse has been disclosed. The microswitch disclosed in Patent Literature 1 uses an optical element, and opens and closes a circuit by the optical element.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: International Publication No. 2016 / 112842

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] A switch that opens and closes a circuit without contact using an element such as an optical element disclosed in Patent Literature 1 is required to improve various properties and expand functions as new fields such as e-sports develop. SUMMARY

[0008] The present application has been made in view of the above problems, and a main object thereof is to provide a switch that can improve various properties and expand functions.

[0009] Further, another object of the present application is to provide a switch assembly using such a switch.

[0010] Further, another object of the present application is to provide an operating device using such a switch.

[0011] TECHNICAL SOLUTION FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0012] To solve the above problems, the switch described in the present application is a switch having a movable member that swings with a first end side as a swing fulcrum and a second end side, characterized by having a contacted member that is contacted and separated by the movable member swinging, and a light-receiving element that detects light, and by the movable member swinging to contact and separate the contacted member, a first circuit can be opened and closed, and by the movable member swinging to pass through / obstruct light detected by the light-receiving element, a second circuit can be opened and closed.

[0013] Further, the switch according to the present application is a switch having a movable member that swings with a first end side as a swing fulcrum and a second end side, and is characterized by having: a conductive support member that supports the first end side of the movable member so as to be swingable; a conductive contacted member that is contacted and separated by the movable member swinging; and a light-receiving element that detects light, the movable member having a light shield that shields light to be received by the light-receiving element, and the first circuit being opened and closed by the movable member contacting and separating the contacted member, and the second circuit being opened and closed by the light shield passing and shielding light in accordance with the swing of the movable member.

[0014] Further, the switch according to the present application is a switch having a movable member that swings with a first end side as a swing fulcrum and a second end side, and is characterized by having: a conductive support member that supports the first end side of the movable member so as to be swingable; a conductive contacted member that is contacted and separated by the movable member swinging; and a light-receiving element that detects light, the movable member having a light shield that shields light to be received by the light-receiving element, and the first circuit being opened and closed by the movable member contacting and separating the contacted member, and the second circuit being opened and closed by the light shield passing and shielding light in accordance with the swing of the movable member.

[0015] Further, the switch according to the present application is a switch having a movable member that swings with a first end side as a swing fulcrum and a second end side, and is characterized by having: a conductive support member that supports the first end side of the movable member so as to be swingable; a conductive contacted member that is contacted and separated by the movable member swinging; and a light-receiving element that detects light, the movable member having a light shield that shields light to be received by the light-receiving element, and the first circuit being opened and closed by the movable member contacting and separating the contacted member, and the second circuit being opened and closed by the light shield passing and shielding light in accordance with the swing of the movable member.

[0016] Further, the switch according to the present application is a switch having a movable member that swings with a first end side as a swing fulcrum and a second end side, and is characterized by having: a conductive support member that supports the first end side of the movable member so as to be swingable; a conductive contacted member that is contacted and separated by the movable member swinging; and a light-receiving element that detects light, the movable member having a light shield that shields light to be received by the light-receiving element, and the first circuit being opened and closed by the movable member contacting and separating the contacted member, and the second circuit being opened and closed by the light shield passing and shielding light in accordance with the swing of the movable member.

[0017] Further, the switch according to the present application is a switch having a movable member that swings with a first end side as a swing fulcrum and a second end side, and is characterized by having: a conductive support member that supports the first end side of the movable member so as to be swingable; a conductive contacted member that is contacted and separated by the movable member swinging; and a light-receiving element that detects light, the movable member having a light shield that shields light to be received by the light-receiving element, and the first circuit being opened and closed by the movable member contacting and separating the contacted member, and the second circuit being opened and closed by the light shield passing and shielding light in accordance with the swing of the movable member.

[0018] Further, the switch assembly according to the present application is a switch assembly having a switch having a movable member that swings with a first end side as a swing fulcrum and a second end side, and a substrate on which the switch is mounted, and is characterized by having a light-receiving element that detects light, the switch having a contacted member that is contacted and separated by the movable member swinging, the first circuit being opened and closed by the movable member contacting and separating the contacted member, and the second circuit being opened and closed by the movable member passing and shielding light to be detected by the light-receiving element in accordance with the swing of the movable member.

[0019] Further, the switch assembly according to the present application is a switch assembly having a switch having a movable member that swings with a first end side as a swing fulcrum and a second end side, and a substrate on which the switch is mounted, and is characterized by having a light-receiving element that detects light, the switch having a contacted member that is contacted and separated by the movable member swinging, the first circuit being opened and closed by the movable member contacting and separating the contacted member, and the second circuit being opened and closed by the movable member passing and shielding light to be detected by the light-receiving element in accordance with the swing of the movable member.

[0020] Further, the switch assembly described in the present application is a switch assembly having a switch provided with a movable member that operates based on a press from the outside, and a substrate on which the switch is mounted, characterized by having a detection unit that detects a detection object, the switch having a contacted member that is brought into contact with and separated from by swinging of the movable member, and having a contact mechanism that is capable of opening and closing a first circuit by contact and separation in accordance with operation of the movable member, and a contactless mechanism that is capable of opening and closing a second circuit by controlling detection by the detection unit in accordance with operation of the movable member.

[0021] Further, the operation device described in the present application is characterized by having a press operation unit that accepts a press operation from the outside, and the switch that transmits the press operation accepted by the press operation unit as a press from the outside, the switch outputting a signal that opens and closes a circuit based on the transmitted press from the outside.

[0022] Further, the operation device described in the present application is characterized by having a press operation unit that accepts a press operation from the outside, and the switch assembly that transmits the press operation accepted by the press operation unit as a press from the outside, the switch assembly outputting a signal that opens and closes a circuit based on the transmitted press from the outside.

[0023] The switch, the switch assembly, and the operation device described in the present application have a contact mechanism that is capable of opening and closing a first circuit, and a contactless mechanism that is capable of opening and closing a second circuit.

[0024] Effects of the Invention

[0025] The switch, the switch assembly, and the operation device described in the present application have a contact mechanism that is capable of opening and closing a first circuit, and a contactless mechanism that is capable of opening and closing a second circuit. Thus, the present application can apply each opening and closing mechanism to various uses, and therefore has a good effect of being able to expect improvement in various characteristics or functions of the switch, the switch assembly, and the operation device, and the like. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing one example of the appearance of the operation device described in the present application.

[0027] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view showing one example of the appearance of the switch described in the present application.

[0028] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective exploded view showing one example of the switch described in the present application.

[0029] Figure 4is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one example of a cross section of the switch described in the present application.

[0030] Figure 5 is a schematic appearance view showing one example of a support member and a contacted member possessed by the switch described in the present application.

[0031] Figure 6 is a schematic appearance view showing one example of a light emitting unit possessed by the switch described in the present application.

[0032] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one example of the switch described in the present application.

[0033] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one example of the switch described in the present application.

[0034] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one example of the switch described in the present application.

[0035] Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one example of the switch described in the present application.

[0036] Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view showing one example of an appearance of a first embodiment of the switch assembly described in the present application.

[0037] Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view showing one example of an appearance of a second embodiment of the switch assembly described in the present application.

[0038] Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view showing one example of an appearance of a third embodiment of the switch assembly described in the present application.

[0039] Figure 14 is a block diagram conceptually showing one example of a first embodiment of the operation device described in the present application.

[0040] Figure 15 is a block diagram conceptually showing one example of a second embodiment of the operation device described in the present application.

[0041] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0042] 1 operation device; 13 light emitting portion; 130 output load portion; 14 signal control portion; 15 load control portion; 2 switch; 20 housing; 21 pressing member; 22 supporting member; 23 contacted member; 231 contacted site; 232 light shielding plate; 233 transmission hole; 24 light emitting unit; 241 light emitting element; 25 light receiving unit; 251 light receiving element (detection portion); 26 movable member; 260 swing supporting point; 261 movable abutting portion; 262 light shielding sheet; 263 transmission window; 27 contact point mechanism; 28 non-contact point mechanism; 3 substrate; 4 switch assembly (switch component). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0044] <APPLICATION EXAMPLE>

[0045] The operation device described in the present application is used as, for example, an operation device such as a mouse for a personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as a personal computer). In addition, the switch described in the present application is assembled in a device such as various electronic devices including the operation device as a micro switch. The switch is assembled in the operation device as a switch component (hereinafter, referred to as a switch assembly) mounted on a substrate. Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, the operation device 1 and the switch 2 exemplified in the drawings, and further, the switch assembly 4 in which the switch 2 is mounted on the substrate 3 will be described.

[0046] <OPERATION DEVICE 1>

[0047] First, the operation device 1 will be described. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing one example of the appearance of the operation device 1 described in the present application. Figure 1 An example in which the operation device 1 described in the present application is applied to a mouse used for the operation of an electronic device such as a personal computer is shown. The operation device 1 has a push operation portion 10 such as a mouse button that receives an operation by a finger of a user being pushed, and a rotation operation portion 11 such as a mouse wheel that receives an operation by a finger of a user being rotated. Note that the rotation operation portion 11 is configured to receive not only a rotation operation but also a push operation, and also functions as the push operation portion 10. In addition, the signal line 12 that outputs an electric signal to an external device such as a personal computer is connected to the operation device 1. Note that the operation device 1 is not limited to wired communication using the signal line 12, and can output an electric signal using various communication methods such as wireless communication. Further, a light emitting portion 13 designed to be wavy is formed in a side portion of the operation device 1. The light emitting portion 13 has a translucent resin plate, and an output load portion 130 (refer to Figure 14The output load section 130 of the light emitting section 13 is formed using an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The light emitting section 13 emits light by the LED built in as the output load section 130.

[0048] In the inside of the operation device 1, in addition to the output load section 130, the switch 2 described later is housed in each of the push operation section 10 and the rotation operation section 11. In the case where the push operation section 10 is subjected to the push operation, the switch 2 corresponding to the position inside the push operation section 10 is pressed. The switch 2 outputs a signal based on the pressing condition from the signal line 12 to the electronic device such as a personal computer outside.

[0049] That is, the operation device 1 described in the present application has the push operation section 10 that receives the push operation from the outside, the rotation operation section 11 that receives the rotation operation and the like, and the light emitting section 13, and further has the switch 2 and the output load section 130 inside. Moreover, the operation device 1 transmits the push operation received by the push operation section 10 and / or the rotation operation section 11 to the switch 2 as the pressing from the outside, and outputs a signal based on the operation of the switch 2 from the signal line 12 to the electronic device outside.

[0050] Structure of Switch 2

[0051] Next, the switch 2 described in the present application will be described. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view showing one example of the appearance of the switch 2 described in the present application. Note that, in the present application, with respect to the direction of the switch 2, the direction facing the front is referred to as the front, the direction facing the back is referred to as the back, the direction facing the left is referred to as the left, the direction facing the right is referred to as the right, the direction facing the top is referred to as the top, and the direction facing the bottom is referred to as the bottom, which are directions for facilitating the description, and are not intended to limit the assembling direction of the switch 2. As described above, the switch 2 is a micro switch housed in the inside of the electronic device such as the operation device 1, and receives the push operation accepted by the push operation section 10 and the like of the operation device 1 as the push from the outside. Figure 2

[0052] The switch 2 has a housing 20 formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing 20 is formed of a lower base 20a and an upper cover 20b. In the upper surface of the housing 20, a rectangular insertion hole 200 through which a pressing member 21 is inserted is formed from the position on the left of the center in the front view. The pressing member 21 inserted in the insertion hole 200 is a member that moves up and down in the range from a first position on the top to a second position on the bottom by the pressing from the outside of the housing 20, and the upper end of the pressing member 21 protrudes from the upper surface of the housing 20.

[0053] Further, a support member 22 described later (refer to FIG. 6) protrudes from the lower surface of the housing 20.​Figure 3 a part of the contact member 23 (refer to FIG. 6) described later, a part of the light emitting unit 24 (refer to FIG. 6) described later, a part of the third terminal pair 240, and a part of the light receiving unit 25 (refer to FIG. 6) described later. The first terminal 220 protrudes from the left end side of the lower surface of the housing 20. The second terminal 230 protrudes from the vicinity of the center of the lower surface of the housing 20. The third terminal pair 240 and the fourth terminal pair 250 protrude from the right end side of the lower surface of the housing 20 in parallel in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. The two terminals protruding in parallel on the front side of the lower surface of the housing 20 are the third terminal pair 240, and the two terminals protruding in parallel on the rear side are the fourth terminal pair 250. Figure 3 Figure 3 Figure 3

[0054] In the switch 2 thus formed, the pressing operation received by the operation device 1 from the outside is transmitted to the pressing member 21 as a pressing from the outside of the housing 20. The pressing member 21 receives the pressing from the outside, moves from the first position on the upper side to the second position on the lower side, and moves from the second position on the lower side to the first position on the upper side when the pressing from the outside is released.

[0055] Next, the internal structure of the switch 2 will be described. Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective exploded view showing one example of the switch 2 described in the present application. Figure 4 FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one example of the cross section of the switch 2 described in the present application. Figure 4 FIG. 3 is a view showing a cross section taken by cutting with a vertical plane including the A-B line segment shown in FIG. 2, from the front perspective. Figure 2

[0056] A space as a housing chamber 201 in which various components of the on-off electronic circuit are accommodated can be ensured inside the housing 20 of the switch 2. A through hole 200 through which the pressing member 21 is inserted is formed in the upper surface of the housing chamber 201, and the pressing member 21 is inserted into the through hole 200.

[0057] ​​​​The various components housed in the housing chamber 201 will be described. In the housing chamber 201, in addition to the push member 21, the support member 22, the contacted member 23, the light emitting unit 24, and the light receiving unit 25 described above, various components such as the movable member 26 are provided. On the left side in the housing chamber 201, a portion of the support member 22, i.e., the first locking portion 221 is provided. In the vicinity of the center in the housing chamber 201, a portion of the support member 22, i.e., the second locking portion 222 is provided. On the right side in the housing chamber 201, the contacted member 23 is provided. In the lower right side in the housing chamber 201, in front of the contacted member 23, the light emitting unit 24 is provided, and behind the contacted member 23, the light receiving unit 25 is provided. The movable member 26 is provided extending left and right in the housing chamber 201, and is locked by the first locking portion 221 and the second locking portion 222 of the support member 22.

[0058] The support member 22 and the contacted member 23 will also be described. Figure 5 is a schematic external view showing one example of the support member 22 and the contacted member 23 possessed by the switch 2 described in the present application. Figure 5 is a front view from the front direction of the switch 2, illustrating only the support member 22 and the contacted member 23 provided in the switch 2. In Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The support member 22 and the contacted member 23 illustrated in,, and are formed of a metal plate having electrical conductivity, and are provided separately in the housing 20.

[0059] The support member 22 is formed in a thin plate shape, and is disposed standing with the normal direction being the front-rear direction. The lower portion of the support member 22 is formed as the first terminal 220 protruding from the lower surface of the housing 20. The upper portion of the support member 22 located in the housing chamber 201 is divided into two portions, the left side being formed as the first locking portion 221, and the right side being formed as the second locking portion 222. The first locking portion 221 and the second locking portion 222 are curved on the proximal side to facilitate locking of the movable member 26.

[0060] The contacted member 23 is formed in a thin plate shape standing up with the normal direction being the front-rear direction, and is provided standing up separately from the light emitting unit 24 and the light receiving unit 25 at a position behind the light emitting unit 24 and in front of the light receiving unit 25. The lower portion of the contacted member 23 is formed as a second terminal 230 that protrudes from the lower surface of the housing 20. The upper portion of the contacted member 23 located inside the accommodation chamber 201 becomes a contacted portion 231 that is contacted by the movable member 26 in the case where the pressing member 21 is located at the second position and the movable member 26 is pressed by the pressing member 21. In the contacted member 23, a light shielding plate 232 that shields light emitted from the light emitting unit 24 is formed below the contacted portion 231, and a through hole 233 that transmits light emitted from the light emitting unit 24 is formed in the light shielding plate 232.

[0061] Further, the light emitting unit 24 and the light receiving unit 25 will be described. Figure 6 is a schematic appearance view that shows one example of the light emitting unit 24 that the switch 2 described in the present application has. In Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 , the light emitting unit 24 emits light, and the light receiving unit 25 receives light emitted from the light emitting unit 24. The light emitting unit 24 is configured using a light emitting element 241 such as an LED. The light emitting element 241 of the light emitting unit 24 is molded inside a unit housing 242 made of resin, and a third terminal pair 240 protrudes from the unit housing 242. Two lead frames 243 in a substantially linear shape are arranged inside the unit housing 242. One end of the lead frame 243 protrudes from the inside of the unit housing 242 to the outside, and becomes the third terminal pair 240. The other end side of the lead frame 243 is located inside the unit housing 242, and the light emitting element 241 is placed thereon and is joined by a wire 244. The light emitting element 241, the lead frame 243, and the wire 244 are arranged at the bottom of a recess formed in the unit housing 242. In the recess formed in the unit housing 242, a resin with high transmittance such as epoxy resin is filled during the manufacturing process, and the components such as the light emitting element 241 are molded inside the unit housing 242 in a state where they are visible from the outside. Figure 6 is a schematic appearance view that shows the light emitting unit 24 in a state where a resin with high transmittance is filled inside the unit housing 242 and is visible from the inside. The light receiving unit 25 is configured using a light receiving element 251 such as a PD (Photo Diode) or a PT (Photo Transistor) as a detection portion that detects light. The structure of the light receiving unit 25 is actually the same as that of the light emitting unit 24, so the description of the light emitting unit 24 can be referred to, and detailed description will be omitted. Note that, in understanding the light receiving unit 25, the light emitting element 241 and the third terminal pair 240 described as the structure of the light emitting unit 24 can be interpreted as the light receiving element 251 and the fourth terminal pair 250.

[0062] Within the housing 20 of switch 2, the light-emitting unit 24 and the light-receiving unit 25 are arranged such that the light-emitting element 241 and the light-receiving element 251 are positioned opposite each other so that the light-receiving element 251 of the light-receiving unit 25 can receive light emitted from the light-emitting element 241 of the light-emitting unit 24. Power is supplied to the light-emitting unit 24 via the third terminal pair 240, thereby causing the light-emitting element 241 of the light-emitting unit 24 to emit light. The energizing state of the light-receiving element 251 of the light-receiving unit 25 changes upon detecting light, and an activation signal based on the change in energizing state caused by light reception is output from the fourth terminal pair 250.

[0063] Furthermore, the movable part 26 will be described in detail. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The movable member 26 illustrated is a component formed of a conductive metal plate, arranged in the storage chamber 201 with its length direction running left to right. The left end of the movable member 26 is engaged with the first locking part 221, serving as a fixed end for use as a swing fulcrum 260. The right end of the movable member 26 is a movable abutment part 261 that swings freely and contacts and separates from the contacted part 231 of the contacted component 23. In addition, the right end of the movable member 26 forms a generally rectangular light-shielding plate 262 that bends downward from the movable abutment part 261. The light-shielding plate 262 is formed with its normal direction running front to back and has a generally rectangular transmission window 263 through which light emitted from the light-emitting unit 24 passes. The light-shielding plate 262 is positioned in front of the contacted component 23 and behind the light-emitting unit 24. When separated from the contacted component 23 and the light-emitting unit 24, it is positioned between the contacted component 23 and the light-emitting unit 24. It should be noted that the movable component 26 has a force-applying part 264 formed near its center, which is stamped and bent into an arc shape and serves as a return spring. The front end of the force-applying part 264 is locked by a second locking part 222 formed near the center within the storage chamber 201. The force-applying part 264 generates a reaction force that opposes the pressing force of the pressing component 21.

[0064] The pressing member 21 of the switch 2 in the above-described manner receives a press from the outside and moves downward to press the movable member 26. As the movable member 26 is pressed, the free end, i.e., the movable abutting portion 261 on the right end side of the movable member 26 and the light shield 262 drop. As the movable abutting portion 261 of the movable member 26 drops, the movable abutting portion 261 comes into contact with the contacted portion 231 of the contacted member 23. As the movable abutting portion 261 of the movable member 26 comes into contact with the contacted portion 231 of the contacted member 23, the first terminal 220 of the support member 22 and the second terminal 230 of the contacted member 23 become in a conduction state. As a result of the conduction between the first terminal 220 and the second terminal 230, the first circuit outside the switch 2 can be closed, and an on signal is output. As the light shield 262 of the movable member 26 drops, the light path from the light emitting element 241 of the light emitting unit 24 to the light receiving element 251 of the light receiving unit 25 passes through the transmission window 263 formed in the light shield 262. Thus, the light emitted from the light emitting element 241 of the light emitting unit 24 passes through the transmission window 263 formed in the light shield 262 of the movable member 26, and further passes through the transmission hole 233 formed in the light shield 232 of the contacted member 23, and reaches the light receiving element 251 of the light receiving unit 25. As the light receiving element 251 receives the light from the light emitting element 241, the second circuit outside the switch 2 can be closed in an on state, and an on signal is output. In addition, as the movable abutting portion 261 of the movable member 26 drops, the movable abutting portion 261 comes into contact with the contacted portion 231 of the contacted member 23. As the movable abutting portion 261 of the movable member 26 made of metal comes into contact with the contacted portion 231 of the contacted member 23 made of metal, a metallic knocking sound is generated. The user recognizes the metallic knocking sound generated by the contact between the movable member 26 and the contacted member 23 as a click sound. In addition, the user recognizes the feeling of the contact between the movable member 26 and the contacted member 23 as a click feeling. Note that by appropriately designing the materials and shapes of the movable member 26 and the contacted member 23, the sound generated when the movable member 26 and the contacted member 23 come into contact and the feeling of the contact can be controlled, and the click sound and the click feeling can be adjusted. For example, by using materials and shapes that are difficult to generate a click sound, silence at the time of clicking can be achieved.

[0065] When the pressing of the pressing member 21 is released, the movable member 26 is forced upward by the reaction force of the force applying portion 264. As the movable member 26 is forced upward, the pressing member 21 moves upward. As the movable member 26 is forced upward by the force applying portion 264, the movable abutting portion 261 and the light shield 262 on the right end side of the movable member 26 rise. As the movable abutting portion 261 of the movable member 26 rises, the movable abutting portion 261 is separated from the contacted portion 231 of the contacted member 23. As the movable abutting portion 261 of the movable member 26 is separated from the contacted portion 231 of the contacted member 23, the first terminal 220 of the support member 22 and the second terminal 230 of the contacted member 23 become in an insulating state. As the first terminal 220 and the second terminal 230 are insulated, the first circuit is opened. As the light shield 262 of the movable member 26 rises, the light emitted from the light emitting element 241 of the light emitting unit 24 is shielded by the light shield 262, and the second circuit becomes in an open state.

[0066] Next, the opening and closing of the circuit formed by the switch 2 described in the present application will be described. Figure 7 and Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one example of the switch 2 described in the present application. Figure 7 and Figure 8 is a view showing the switch 2 from the front view, and shows the vertical plane including the A-B line segment shown in Figure 2 is a cross section after being cut by the vertical plane including the A-B line segment shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8 in FIGS. 1 to 3, the outer shapes of the support member 22 and the contacted member 23 hidden in the housing 20 are shown by dotted lines. Figure 7 shows a state in which the pressing member 21 does not receive the pressing from the outside, is in the upper first position, Figure 8 shows a state in which the pressing member 21 receives the pressing from the outside, is in the lower second position. As the state shown in Figure 7 transits to the state shown in Figure 8 , the right end side of the movable member 26 descends, and the movable member 26 comes into contact with the contacted member 23. As the movable member 26 comes into contact with the contacted member 23, the first terminal 220 of the support member 22 and the second terminal 230 of the contacted member 23 become in a conduction state. As the first terminal 220 and the second terminal 230 are in conduction, as shown by the solid arrow in Figure 8 , a current flows, and the first circuit is closed to become in an on state. When the pressing from the outside is released and returns to the state shown in Figure 7 , the current that has been flowing is cut off, and the first circuit is opened to become in an off state.

[0067] Figure 9 and Figure 10This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the switch 2 described in this application. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The view from the right side shows that it includes Figure 2 The cross-section after cutting the vertical plane of the CD line segment shown. Figure 9 This indicates that the pressing component 21 is not receiving pressure from the outside and is in the first position above. Figure 10 This indicates the second position where the pressing component 21 is lowered and located downwards after receiving pressure from the outside. Since it has never been pressed... Figure 9 The illustrated state transitions to accepting pressure. Figure 10 In the illustrated state, the right end of the movable part 26 is lowered, allowing the light path from the light-emitting element 241 of the light-emitting unit 24 to the light-receiving element 251 of the light-receiving unit 25 to pass through the transmission window 263 opened in the light-shielding plate 262. Therefore, as Figure 10 As shown by the solid arrow, light emitted from the light-emitting element 241 of the light-emitting unit 24 passes through the transmission window 263 opened in the light-shielding plate 262 of the movable member 26, and through the transmission hole 233 opened in the light-shielding plate 232 of the contacted member 23, reaching the light-receiving element 251 of the light-receiving unit 25. Since the light-receiving element 251 receives light from the light-emitting element 241, it becomes the closed state of the second circuit. When the external pressure is released and the circuit returns to normal... Figure 9 In the illustrated state, the optical path between the light-emitting element 241 and the light-receiving element 251 is cut off, and the second circuit is open and in an open state. For example, using... Figures 7 to 10 As explained, the switch 2 described in this application opens and closes the first circuit and the second circuit based on the action of the movable part 26, thereby enabling the opening and closing of the first circuit and the second circuit to be synchronized.

[0068] <Switch Assembly 4>

[0069] Next, an example of the implementation of the switch assembly 4 described in this application, in which the switch 2 is mounted on the substrate 3, will be described. The switch 2 described in this application is assembled into the operating device 1 as a switch assembly 4 mounted on the substrate 3. Figure 11 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the first embodiment of the switch assembly 4 described in this application. Figure 11For the sake of convenience, the switch 2 and the substrate 3 possessed by the switch assembly 4 are shown separately. The substrate 3 has a first terminal mounting hole 30 through which the first terminal 220 is inserted, a second terminal mounting hole 31 through which the second terminal 230 is inserted, a third terminal pair mounting hole 32 through which the third terminal pair 240 is inserted, and a fourth terminal pair mounting hole 33 through which the fourth terminal pair 250 is inserted. The switch assembly 4 is configured such that the first terminal 220, the second terminal 230, the third terminal pair 240, and the fourth terminal pair 250 of the switch 2 are inserted into the first terminal mounting hole 30, the second terminal mounting hole 31, the third terminal pair mounting hole 32, and the fourth terminal pair mounting hole 33 formed in the substrate 3, and are mounted on the substrate 3 by a mounting method such as soldering. On the substrate 3 possessed by the switch assembly 4, electronic components such as various circuits and elements are mounted in addition to the switch 2, and the electronic components are electrically connected to each other by wires formed on the substrate 3 by etching or the like.

[0070] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the second embodiment of the switch assembly 4. Figure 12 Another embodiment of the switch assembly 4 is shown. For the sake of convenience, the switch 2 and the substrate 3 possessed by the switch assembly 4 are shown separately. The substrate 3 has a first terminal mounting hole 30, a second terminal mounting hole 31, a third terminal pair mounting hole 32, and a fourth terminal pair mounting hole 33. The third terminal pair 240 of the light emitting unit 24 is pre-mounted in the third terminal pair mounting hole 32 formed in the substrate 3 by a mounting method such as soldering, and the fourth terminal pair 250 of the light receiving unit 25 is pre-mounted in the fourth terminal pair mounting hole 33 by a mounting method such as soldering. Then, in an assembly process, the switch 2 without the light emitting unit 24 and the light receiving unit 25 is mounted on the substrate 3 on which the light emitting unit 24 and the light receiving unit 25 are pre-mounted. The switch 2 is mounted so as to cover the light emitting unit 24 and the light receiving unit 25 on the substrate 3. In addition, the first terminal 220 of the switch 2 is inserted into the first terminal mounting hole 30, and the second terminal 230 is inserted into the second terminal mounting hole 31, and each is mounted on the substrate 3 by a mounting method such as soldering.

[0071] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the third embodiment of the switch assembly 4. Figure 13Another other embodiment of the switch assembly 4 is shown, and for the sake of convenience in understanding the relationship between the switch 2 and the substrate 3, the switch 2 and the substrate 3 possessed by the switch assembly 4 are shown separately. The substrate 3 has a first terminal mounting hole 30 and a second terminal mounting hole 31. A conductive metal wiring is formed on the substrate 3 in advance by etching or the like. The light emitting unit 24 and the light receiving unit 25 are mounted on the wiring of the substrate 3 in advance by surface mounting or the like. The switch 2 is mounted so as to cover the light emitting unit 24 and the light receiving unit 25 on the substrate 3. In addition, the first terminal 220 of the switch 2 is inserted into the first terminal mounting hole 30, and the second terminal 230 is inserted into the second terminal mounting hole 31, and each is mounted on the substrate 3 by soldering or the like. Figure 13 The light emitting unit 24 and the light receiving unit 25 exemplified in the above are surface-mounted optical units, and are directly mounted on the substrate 3. The switch 2 is mounted so as to cover the light emitting unit 24 and the light receiving unit 25 on the substrate 3. In addition, the first terminal 220 of the switch 2 is inserted into the first terminal mounting hole 30, and the second terminal 230 is inserted into the second terminal mounting hole 31, and each is mounted on the substrate 3 by soldering or the like.

[0072] In the above, the switch assembly 4 in which the switch 2 is mounted on the substrate 3 is formed by various methods as exemplified in the first to third embodiments.

[0073] Next, an example of mounting the operation device 1 in which the switch 2 described in the present application is mounted will be described. Figure 14 is a block diagram conceptually showing one example of the first embodiment of the operation device 1 described in the present application. The switch 2 has a contact mechanism 27 using a support member 22, a contacted member 23, and the like, and a non-contact mechanism 28 using a light emitting unit 24, a light receiving unit 25, and the like. The contact mechanism 27 opens and closes a first circuit, i.e., a signal control section 14, by swinging of a movable member 26, and outputs an electric signal to an external device such as a personal computer. The non-contact mechanism 28 opens and closes a second circuit, i.e., a load control section 15, by swinging of the movable member 26, and causes an output load section 130 of a light emitting section 13 to light up. In Figure 14 The first embodiment exemplified in the above is an embodiment in which the first circuit and the second circuit are constituted as different circuits, and in the first embodiment, a signal is output to an external device and the light emitting section 13 is caused to emit light by pressing the pressing operation section 10 of the operation device 1. Thus, when the operation device 1 is operated, an effect that the light emitting section 13 emits light can be produced, so that the characteristics such as expansion of the function of the operation device 1 and the switch 2 can be improved. Note that, as the output load section 130, not only light emission but also various electric power loads such as a speaker that outputs audio and a vibrator that vibrates can be applied. In addition, the circuit of the load control section 15 opened and closed by the contact mechanism 27, the circuit of the signal control section 14 opened and closed by the non-contact mechanism 28, and the like can be appropriately designed.

[0074] Figure 15is a block diagram conceptually showing one example of the second embodiment of the operation device 1 described in the present application. The second embodiment is an example in which the first circuit and the second circuit are configured as the same circuit. In the second embodiment, the signal control section 14 is used as the first circuit that is opened and closed by the contact mechanism 27 and the second circuit that is opened and closed by the non-contact mechanism 28. By making the first circuit and the second circuit the same circuit, the signal control section 14 is opened and closed by both the contact mechanism 27 and the non-contact mechanism 28, so even if a problem occurs in one of the contact mechanism 27 and the non-contact mechanism 28, the other can compensate. Therefore, it is possible to improve characteristics such as reliability of the operation device 1 and the switch 2.

[0075] The embodiments of the operation device 1 described in the present application can be developed in various ways regardless of whether they are used in the switch assembly 4 or the switch 2. Figure 14 and Figure 15 The implementation described above, for example, can be developed in various ways. For example, the mechanism that uses the optical element exemplified as the non-contact mechanism 28 to open and close the circuit needs to continuously or intermittently apply power to the optical element, and a problem of standby power can occur. To solve the above problem, by applying the contact mechanism 27 to the mechanism that opens and closes the circuit to which power is applied to the optical element, it is possible to suppress standby power. Specifically, in the switch 2, it can be developed in a manner in which, at the time of standby, the open state in which power is not applied to the non-contact mechanism 28 is made. Then, in the case where the contact mechanism 27 is in the closed state, power is applied to the non-contact mechanism 28 before a certain period elapses from the closed state or before a certain period elapses from the closed state, the closed state is made, and the non-contact mechanism 28 is operated. The non-contact mechanism 28 that is made in the closed state by the application of power can open and close the circuit in accordance with the operation of the operation device 1. Note that the power control of the optical element by the contact mechanism 27 is not limited to the power control of the non-contact mechanism 28 in accordance with the operation of the operation device 1, and can be developed in a power control of the optical element applied in the position detection (position operation of the mouse cursor) of the operation device 1. In this way, the operation device 1 and the switch 2 described in the present application can improve various characteristics such as suppression of standby power.

[0076] As described above, the operation device 1, the switch 2, and the switch assembly 4 described in the present application have the contact mechanism 27 that uses the support member 22, the contacted member 23, and the like, and the non-contact mechanism 28 that uses the light emitting unit 24, the light receiving unit 25, and the like. Thereby, it has a good effect of improving various characteristics such as expansion of functions, improvement of reliability, suppression of standby power, and the like.

[0077] The present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be developed in various other ways. Therefore, the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative in all respects, and are not restrictive. The technical scope of the present application is described by the scope of claims, and is not limited to the present specification. Furthermore, modifications and changes within the scope of the technical idea of the present application are included in the scope of the present application.

[0078] For example, in the described embodiment, as the non-contact mechanism 28, a configuration using a light emitting element 241 using light emission, and a light receiving element 251 as a detection unit that detects light as a detection object is described, but the present application is not limited thereto, and various mechanisms that do not have a contact can be used. For example, various configurations using a magnet that generates a magnetic field, and a Hall element as a detection unit that detects a magnetic field as a detection object can be applied to the non-contact mechanism 28.

[0079] In addition, for example, in the described embodiment, as the contact mechanism 27, a configuration using a conductive support member 22 and a contacted member 23, and opening and closing a first circuit by contacting and separating from a conductive movable member 26 is described, but as long as it is an opening and closing mechanism having a contact, it is not limited to a conductive member. That is, as long as the circuit can be opened and closed by the contact and separation of the movable member 26 that swings, a configuration in which the contacted member 23 pressed by the movable member 26 moves to open and close the circuit, and the like can be appropriately designed. Note that, with respect to the non-contact mechanism 28, the movable member 26 does not need to be a conductive member.

Claims

1. A switch having a movable member of electric conductivity that swings with a first end side as a swing fulcrum and a second end side, the switch characterized by comprising: a support member of electric conductivity that swingably supports the first end side of the movable member; a contacted member of electric conductivity that the second end side of the movable member contacts and separates from by swinging the movable member; a light receiving element that detects light; the movable member having a light shield that shields light to be received by the light receiving element, a first circuit that can be opened and closed by the movable member contacting and separating from the contacted member by swinging the movable member; and a second circuit that can be opened and closed by the light shield passing and shielding light as the movable member swings.

2. The switch according to claim 1, characterized in that the support member is formed using a material of electric conductivity, and the first circuit is closed by the support member and the contacted member being in conduction with each other by the movable member contacting the contacted member.

3. The switch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first circuit and the second circuit are different circuits.

4. The switch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first circuit and the second circuit are the same circuit.

5. A switch assembly having a switch having a movable member that swings with a first end side as a swing fulcrum and a second end side, and a substrate on which the switch is mounted, the switch assembly characterized by comprising: a light receiving element that detects light; the switch having: a support member of electric conductivity that swingably supports the first end side of the movable member; a contacted member of electric conductivity that the second end side of the movable member contacts and separates from by swinging the movable member; the movable member having a light shield that shields light to be received by the light receiving element; a first circuit that can be opened and closed by the movable member contacting and separating from the contacted member by swinging the movable member; and a second circuit that can be opened and closed by the light shield passing and shielding light as the movable member swings.

6. The switch assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that the light receiving element is mounted on the substrate by surface mounting. having: a push operation portion that receives a push operation from the outside; the switch according to any one of claims 1 to 4 that transmits the push operation received by the push operation portion as a press from the outside; and the switch that outputs a signal that opens and closes a circuit based on the press from the outside that is transmitted. having: a push operation portion that receives a push operation from the outside; the switch assembly according to claim 5 or 6 that transmits the push operation received by the push operation portion as a press from the outside; and the switch assembly that outputs a signal that opens and closes a circuit based on the press from the outside that is transmitted. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 7. An apparatus operable to, ​ ​ ​ ​ 8. An apparatus operable to, ​ ​ ​ ​

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