pressing switch

Abstract

A push switch (1) includes a housing (2) having a housing portion (23), a central contact (3), a first outer side contact (4a), and a second outer side contact (4b) disposed separately from each other in the housing portion (23), a pressure sensitive member (5) configured to contact the first outer side contact (4a) and the second outer side contact (4b) and not to contact the central contact (3), a dome-shaped movable contact (7a), and a pressing member (8) disposed on an upper side of the pressure sensitive member (5) and the movable contact (7a). The pressure sensitive member (5) is placed in a bottom plate (21) of the housing (2) in a manner that a pressing force is applied from above when a user performs a push operation. An electric signal flowing between the first outer side contact (4a) and the second outer side contact (4b) varies depending on the strength of the pressing force.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference with related applications

[0002] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-223295 (the invention is entitled "Push Switch") filed on December 28, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This invention generally relates to push switches, and more specifically to push switches that are responsive to a click action when pressed. Background Technology

[0004] As operation buttons for various electronic devices, most adopt push switches that utilize dome-shaped movable contacts. Such push switches can achieve miniaturization and low back coverage, and provide users with a good click feel (press operation feel) when the operation button is activated by the user.

[0005] Patent document 1 discloses Figure 1 The push-button switch 500 is shown. Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of push switch 500. (Example) Figure 1 As shown, the push-button switch 500 includes: a housing 502 that houses a central contact 501a and an outer contact 501b in a mutually insulated manner; a domed movable contact 503 disposed within the housing 502; a rubber sheet 504 mounted on the upper surface of the domed movable contact 503; a pressing member 505 mounted on the upper surface of the rubber sheet 504; and a cover 506 mounted above the housing 502 and covering the interior space of the housing 502 from above.

[0006] exist Figure 1 In the natural state where no external force is applied to the push-button switch 500, the central contact 501a and the outer contact 501b are held insulated from each other by the housing 502. Furthermore, in the natural state, the movable contact 503 contacts the outer contact 501b but not the central contact 501a. Also, in the natural state, the top of the movable contact 503 contacts the lower surface of the rubber sheet 504, and the upper surface of the rubber sheet 504 contacts the lower protrusion 505a of the pressing member 505, which protrudes downwards from its lower surface.

[0007] In its natural state, when a pressing operation is applied to the upper protrusion 505b of the pressing member 505 protruding upward from the cover 506, the lower protrusion 505a of the pressing member 505 presses the movable contact 503 downward via the rubber sheet 504. At this time, the central movable part of the movable contact 503 moves downward and contacts the central contact 501a. As a result, the central contact 501a and the outer contact 501b are connected via the movable contact 503. The device using the push switch 500 can determine the completion status of the pressing operation of the push switch 500 by detecting the continuity between the central contact 501a and the outer contact 501b.

[0008] Furthermore, the movable contact 503 is a metal component with an upwardly protruding dome shape in its natural state. Therefore, when a predetermined actuating force (the pressing force required to activate the push switch 500) or more is applied to the movable contact 503 from above, the central movable portion of the movable contact 503 elastically deforms sharply downwards. This sharp elastic deformation provides a click-like feel to the user performing the pressing operation on the push switch 500.

[0009] Thus, the push switch 500 can provide the user with a click sensation and can distinguish the completion of the user's press operation. However, the push switch 500 cannot distinguish the intensity of the pressure applied by the user to the push switch 500. On the other hand, there is a need to not only distinguish the completion of the user's press operation but also the intensity of the pressure applied by the user to the push switch 500, and to provide a function that corresponds to the intensity of the user's press pressure. However, the push switch 500 cannot meet this need.

[0010] Existing technical documents

[0011] Patent documents

[0012] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-200737 Summary of the Invention

[0013] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0014] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned existing problems, and its object is to provide a push switch that can not only distinguish the completion status of the user's pressing operation, but also distinguish the intensity of the pressing force from the user.

[0015] Solution for solving the problem

[0016] Such an objective is achieved by the present invention as specified in (1) to (3) below.

[0017] (1) A push-button switch, characterized in that it comprises:

[0018] The outer casing has a storage portion defined by a base plate and a wall extending upward from the base plate;

[0019] The central contact, the first outer contact, and the second outer contact are respectively disposed on the base plate inside the aforementioned storage section.

[0020] A pressure-sensitive component is disposed in the storage section in such a manner that it contacts the first outer contact and the second outer contact but does not contact the central contact.

[0021] The domed movable contact, within the aforementioned receiving portion, is movable between a first position protruding upwards without contacting the central contact and a second position protruding downwards and contacting the central contact; and

[0022] A pressing component, disposed above the pressure-sensitive component and the movable contact, performs a pressing operation from the user.

[0023] The pressure-sensitive component is mounted on the base plate of the housing in such a way that a pressing force is applied from above when the user performs the pressing operation on the pressing component.

[0024] The pressure-sensitive component described above is configured such that its resistance varies according to the intensity of the pressure applied to it from above.

[0025] During the period when the movable contact is displaced from the first position to the second position, the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact and the second outer contact changes according to the intensity of the pressing force applied to the pressure-sensitive component from above.

[0026] (2) A push-button switch, characterized in that it comprises:

[0027] The central contact, the first outer contact, and the second outer contact are arranged separately from each other;

[0028] The pressure-sensitive component is electrically connected to the first outer contact and the second outer contact; and

[0029] The movable contact is capable of shifting between a first position where it is not in contact with the central contact and a second position where it is in contact with the central contact, depending on the pressure applied by the user.

[0030] When the movable contact is in the second position, the central contact is connected to either the first outer contact or the second outer contact via the movable contact.

[0031] The pressing force applied by the user to the movable contact is transmitted to the pressure-sensitive component via the movable contact.

[0032] The aforementioned pressure-sensitive component is configured such that its resistance changes according to the intensity of the applied pressure.

[0033] During the period when the movable contact is displaced from the first position to the second position, the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact and the second outer contact changes according to the intensity of the pressing force.

[0034] (3) A push switch, characterized in that it comprises: a central contact, a first outer contact, a second outer contact, and a third outer contact, which are disposed separately from each other;

[0035] The pressure-sensitive component is electrically connected to the first outer contact and the second outer contact; and

[0036] The movable contact is capable of shifting between a first position where it is not in contact with the central contact and a second position where it is in contact with the central contact, depending on the pressure applied by the user.

[0037] When the movable contact is in the second position, the central contact and the third outer contact are connected via the movable contact.

[0038] The pressing force applied by the user to the movable contact is transmitted to the pressure-sensitive component via the movable contact.

[0039] The aforementioned pressure-sensitive component is configured such that its resistance changes according to the intensity of the applied pressure.

[0040] The electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact and the second outer contact is configured to vary according to the intensity of the pressing pressure applied to the pressure-sensitive component from above.

[0041] The effects of the invention are as follows.

[0042] In the push-button switch of the present invention, a pressure-sensitive component whose resistance changes according to the pressing force applied from above is mounted in a housing portion of the casing in contact with a first outer contact and a second outer contact. Furthermore, the pressure-sensitive component is mounted on the base plate of the casing such that a pressing force is applied from above when the user performs a pressing operation on the push-button component. Therefore, when the user performs a pressing operation on the push-button component, the resistance of the pressure-sensitive component changes according to the intensity of the pressing force applied by the user. As a result, the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact and the second outer contact changes according to the intensity of the pressing force applied by the user. Therefore, by detecting the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact and the second outer contact, the intensity (magnitude) of the pressing force from the user can be determined.

[0043] Furthermore, even if the movable contact is not in contact with the central contact, the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact and the second outer contact will produce a change corresponding to the intensity of the pressing force. Therefore, the push switch according to the present invention can detect user pressing operations performed under a force less than that required by the push switch.

[0044] Furthermore, in the push-button switch of the present invention, by detecting the continuity between the central contact and the outer contacts (first outer contact, second outer contact, or third outer contact), it is possible to determine that the user's pressing operation has been completed. Thus, the push-button switch according to the present invention can not only determine the completion of the user's pressing operation, but also the intensity of the user's pressing force.

[0045] Furthermore, in the push-button switch of the present invention, the pressure-sensitive component is disposed within the housing portion of the casing such that it contacts the first outer contact and the second outer contact but not the central contact. Therefore, even when the movable contact is not in contact with the central contact, the intensity of the pressing force applied by the user can be identified by detecting the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact and the second outer contact. Moreover, the completion of the user's pressing operation can be identified by detecting the continuity between the central contact and the outer contacts (the first outer contact, the second outer contact, or the third outer contact). Therefore, it is possible to identify whether a user's pressing operation has been performed regardless of changes in the resistance of the pressure-sensitive component. With this structure, the processing for identifying whether a user's pressing operation has been performed and the processing for identifying the intensity of the pressing force applied by the user can be clearly distinguished, simplifying the processing of devices using the push-button switch. Attached Figure Description

[0046] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a push-button switch in the prior art.

[0047] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the push switch according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The push-button switch shown is a three-dimensional view viewed from another angle.

[0049] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The diagram shown is an exploded perspective view of the push-button switch.

[0050] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The top view of the casing shown.

[0051] Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the central contact, the first outer contact, and the second outer contact.

[0052] Figure 7 It is used for explanation Figure 4 The diagram shows a simplified representation of the structure and operating principle of the pressure-sensitive component.

[0053] Figure 8 yes Figure 2 The circuit diagram of the push-button switch is shown.

[0054] Figure 9 It is the push-button switch in its natural state. Figure 2 The cross-sectional view shown along line AA.

[0055] Figure 10 It is the edge of the push switch in the pressed state. Figure 2 The cross-sectional view shown along line AA.

[0056] Figure 11 It is shown Figure 2 The diagram shows the feel curve and output waveform of the push-button switch.

[0057] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the push switch according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 The push-button switch shown is a three-dimensional view viewed from another angle.

[0059] Figure 14 yes Figure 12 The diagram shown is an exploded perspective view of the push-button switch.

[0060] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 The top view of the casing shown.

[0061] Figure 16 yes Figure 14 The diagram shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the outer casing.

[0062] Figure 17 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the central contact, the first outer contact, the second outer contact, and the third outer contact.

[0063] Figure 18 yes Figure 12 The circuit diagram of the push-button switch is shown.

[0064] Figure 19 It is the push-button switch in its natural state. Figure 12 The sectional view shown is along the BB line.

[0065] Figure 20 It is the edge of the push switch in the pressed state. Figure 12 The sectional view shown is along the BB line.

[0066] Figure 21 It is shown Figure 12 The diagram shows the feel curve and output waveform of the push-button switch.

[0067] Figure 22 This is a perspective view of the push switch according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 23 yes Figure 22 The diagram shown is an exploded perspective view of the push-button switch.

[0069] Figure 24 It is used for explanation Figure 23 The diagram shows a simplified structure of the pressure-sensitive component.

[0070] Figure 25 It is shown Figure 23 The diagram shows the feel curve and output waveform of the push-button switch. Detailed Implementation

[0071] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the push-button switch of the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the drawings referred to below are schematic diagrams prepared for explaining the present invention. The dimensions (length, width, thickness, etc.) of the constituent elements shown in the drawings do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensions. Also, in each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are labeled with the same symbols. In the following description, the positive direction of the Z-axis in each drawing is sometimes referred to as "above," and the negative direction of the Z-axis is sometimes referred to as "below."

[0072] <First Implementation>

[0073] First, refer to Figures 2 to 11 The push-button switch of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the push switch according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The push-button switch shown is a three-dimensional view viewed from another angle. Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The diagram shown is an exploded perspective view of the push-button switch. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The top view of the casing shown. Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the central contact, the first outer contact, and the second outer contact. Figure 7 It is used for explanation Figure 4 The diagram shows a simplified representation of the structure and operating principle of the pressure-sensitive component. Figure 8 yes Figure 2 The circuit diagram of the push-button switch is shown. Figure 9 It is the push-button switch in its natural state. Figure 2 The cross-sectional view shown along line AA. Figure 10 It is the edge of the push switch in the pressed state. Figure 2 The cross-sectional view shown along line AA. Figure 11 It is shown Figure 2 The diagram shows the feel curve and output waveform of the push-button switch.

[0074] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The push-button switch 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention shown is mounted on a circuit board disposed in any device. The push-button switch 1 is a switch that is turned on when a pressing force exceeding the operating force of the push-button switch 1 is applied by the user and turns off when the pressing force applied by the user is released. The terminals 33, 43a, and 43b of the push-button switch 1 (see reference 1) are connected via the circuit board. Figure 3 The electrically connected device can detect the completion of pressing the push-button switch 1 by detecting the continuity between terminals 33 and 43a or between terminals 33 and 43b. Furthermore, the electrical signal flowing between terminals 43a and 43b of the push-button switch 1 varies according to the magnitude of the pressing force applied by the user to the push-button switch 1. Therefore, the device electrically connected to terminals 33, 43a, and 43b via the circuit board can detect the magnitude of the pressing force applied to the push-button switch 1 by detecting the electrical signal flowing between terminals 43a and 43b.

[0075] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the push switch 1 has a low, rectangular overall shape. The push switch 1 is very small, for example, having dimensions of approximately 3mm (total length in the X direction) × approximately 2mm (total length in the Y direction) × 1.45mm (total length in the Z direction). Typically, the push switch 1 can be used as a power switch for a smartphone. In this case, for example, multiple operations of the smartphone's camera can be performed based on the pressing operation of the push switch 1 and the intensity of the pressing force applied to the push switch 1. In one example, the camera can perform zooming, focusing, and taking a picture when the pressing operation of the push switch 1 is completed, depending on the intensity of the pressing force applied to the push switch 1.

[0076] like Figure 4As shown, the push-button switch 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention includes: a housing 2 having a receiving portion 23 defined by a base plate 21 and an inner surface of a wall portion 22 extending upward from the outer periphery of the base plate 21; a central contact 3, a first outer contact 4a, and a second outer contact 4b, which are separately disposed on the base plate 21 of the receiving portion 23; a pressure-sensitive member 5 disposed within the receiving portion 23 in a manner that contacts the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b; a conductive spacer 6 disposed within the receiving portion 23 on the pressure-sensitive member 5; and an arched movable contact 7a disposed within the receiving portion 23 between the pressure-sensitive member 5 and the conductive spacer 6. The upper side of the spacer 6 is movable between a first position that protrudes upward and does not contact the central contact 3 and a second position that protrudes downward and contacts the central contact 3; three auxiliary springs 7b are stacked on the upper side of the movable contact 7a; a pressing member 8 is disposed on the upper side of the pressure-sensitive member 5, the movable contact 7a and the auxiliary springs 7b, and by pressing the movable contact 7a and the auxiliary springs 7b downward, the movable contact 7a and the auxiliary springs 7b are displaced from the first position to the second position; and a covering film 9 is disposed on the upper side of the movable contact 7a, the auxiliary springs 7b and the pressing member 8 in a manner that covers the storage part 23.

[0077] The outer casing 2 is made of insulating resin and is a box-shaped component with an opening facing upward. The outer casing 2 includes a base plate 21, a wall portion 22, a storage portion 23, a pair of lateral extension portions 24 extending outward from the outer surfaces of the wall portion 22 in the +X direction and the -X direction respectively, and two positioning protrusions 25 protruding downward from the base plate 21.

[0078] The base plate 21 is a planar plate-shaped component with a generally rectangular shape, serving as the base plate for the push-button switch 1. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the base plate 21 has a protrusion 211 formed so as to protrude upward from the upper surface of the base plate 21. The protrusion 211 is formed at approximately the center of the upper surface of the base plate 21 and is a generally cylindrical portion extending linearly in the height direction with a constant diameter. The upper surface of the protrusion 211 is a flat surface orthogonal to the height direction. Furthermore, the height of the protrusion 211 (the height from the upper surface of the base plate 21 to the upper surface of the protrusion 211) is lower than the height from the upper surface of the base plate 21 to the upper surface of the wall portion 22. The protrusion 211 is provided so that the contact surface 32 of the central contact 3 is exposed at a position higher than the upper surface of the base plate 21.

[0079] The wall portion 22 is integrally formed with the base plate 21. Furthermore, the wall portion 22 has a fusion-bonded portion 221 formed on the upper surface of the wall portion 22 in a manner that surrounds the receiving portion 23. The fusion-bonded portion 221 is a rectangular flange portion that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the wall portion 22, and the cover film 9 is laser-bonded to the upper surface of the fusion-bonded portion 221.

[0080] The storage section 23 is a recessed portion with a generally rectangular planar shape that opens upwards towards the upper surface defined by the upper surface of the base plate 21 and the inner surface of the wall section 22. The various components of the push-button switch 1 are housed within the storage section 23. Thus, the housing 2 functions as a enclosure for housing the various components of the push-button switch 1 within the storage section 23. Furthermore, the housing 2 holds the central contact 3, the first outer contact 4a, and the second outer contact 4b in a mutually insulated state.

[0081] A pair of lateral extensions 24 are block-shaped portions extending outward from the outer surfaces of the wall portion 22 in the +X and -X directions, respectively. The outer surface of each pair of lateral extensions 24 in the Y direction is continuous with the outer surface of the wall portion 22 in the Y direction. On the other hand, the upper surface of each pair of lateral extensions 24 is located lower than the upper surface of the wall portion 22, and the lower surface of each pair of lateral extensions 24 is located higher than the lower surface of the wall portion 22. Therefore, a step exists between the upper surface of each pair of lateral extensions 24 and the upper surface of the wall portion 22. In the manufacturing process of the push-button switch 1, this step is utilized in laser cutting to separate the cover film 9 from the carrier connecting the plurality of cover films 9 to each other. That is, the upper surface of each pair of lateral extensions 24 functions as a base for laser cutting the cover film 9 relative to the carrier in the manufacturing process of the push-button switch 1.

[0082] And, as Figure 3 As shown, the two positioning protrusions 25 are cylindrical portions that protrude downwards from the lower surface of the base plate 21. When the push switch 1 is mounted on the circuit board, the two positioning protrusions 25 are respectively inserted into corresponding positioning holes formed on the circuit board. This allows for positioning of the push switch 1 on the circuit board and prevents the push switch 1 from swinging on the circuit board. The housing 2 with the above structure is obtained by arranging a central contact 3, a first outer contact 4a, and a second outer contact 4b in a mold having an inner shape corresponding to the shape of the housing 2, injecting hot-molten insulating resin into the mold, and then cooling and curing it.

[0083] Figure 6 A perspective view is shown of the central contact 3, the first outer contact 4a, and the second outer contact 4b held by the housing 2. The central contact 3, the first outer contact 4a, and the second outer contact 4b are each formed of a conductive material, more specifically, of a metallic material such as copper (e.g., phosphor bronze). The central contact 3, the first outer contact 4a, and the second outer contact 4b are held in a mutually insulated state within the housing portion 23 of the housing 2, functioning as fixed electrodes.

[0084] The central contact 3, the first outer contact 4a, and the second outer contact 4b are obtained by punching and bending a metal plate that has undergone plating treatment on both sides to improve conductivity. The central contact 3 has a main body 31 embedded in the housing 2, a contact surface 32 that contacts the movable contact 7a, and a terminal portion 33 extending outward from the housing 2. The contact surface 32 is exposed upward within the housing 23 and contacts the movable contact 7a when the movable contact 7a is in the second position. Furthermore, the contact surface 32 is located above the upper surface of the main body 31. The terminal portion 33 extends outward from the outer surface of the wall portion 22 in the +X direction and functions as an external terminal for connection to the circuit board, etc.

[0085] The first outer contact 4a has a main body 41a embedded in the housing 2, a contact surface 42a that contacts the pressure-sensitive component 5, a terminal portion 43a extending outward from the housing 2, and an edge portion 44a protruding upward from the contact surface 42a. Similarly, the second outer contact 4b has a main body 41b embedded in the housing 2, a contact surface 42b that contacts the pressure-sensitive component 5, a terminal portion 43b extending outward from the housing 2, and an edge portion 44b protruding upward from the contact surface 42b. The contact surfaces 42a and 42b protrude upward within the housing portion 23 of the housing 2 at the same height as the upper surface of the base plate 21 of the housing 2. Therefore, when the pressure-sensitive component 5 is placed on the base plate 21 within the housing portion 23, the pressure-sensitive component 5 is placed on the contact surfaces 42a and 42b. The terminal portions 43a and 43b extend outward from the outer surface of the wall portion 22 in the -X direction and function as external terminals for connection to the circuit board. Edge portions 44a and 44b are longer protrusions in the Y direction that project upwards from contact surfaces 42a and 42b, respectively. When the pressure-sensitive component 5 is placed on contact surfaces 42a and 42b, the edge portions 44a and 44b engage with the pressure-sensitive component 5. With this structure, the contact between the pressure-sensitive component 5 and the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b becomes more secure.

[0086] like Figure 5 As shown, on the upper surface of the protrusion 211, a portion of the main body 31 of the central contact 3 and the contact surface 32 are exposed upwards. The upper surface of the portion of the main body 31 exposed upwards is on the same plane as the upper surface of the protrusion 211. Therefore, the contact surface 32 is located above the upper surface of the protrusion 211. Furthermore, the contact surface 42a of the first outer contact 4a is within the receiving portion 23. Figure 5 The lower left corner of the middle part is exposed upwards, and the contact surface 42b of the second outer contact 4b is inside the storage part 23. Figure 5The upper left corner of the part is exposed upwards. The contact surfaces 42a and 42b are on the same plane as the upper surface of the base plate 21. Therefore, within the storage section 23, the contact surface 32 is located above the contact surfaces 42a and 42b.

[0087] Moreover, such as Figure 3 As shown, the lower surface of the lateral extension 24 on the +X direction side is on the same plane as the lower surface of the terminal portion 33 of the central contact 3. Furthermore, the lower surface of the lateral extension 24 on the -X direction side is on the same plane as the lower surfaces of the terminal portions 43a of the first outer contact 4a and 43b of the second outer contact 4b. Therefore, when the push switch 1 is mounted on the circuit board and the bottom plate 21 of the housing 2 contacts the upper surface of the circuit board, a gap is created between the upper surface of the circuit board and the terminal portions 33, 43a, and 43b. By injecting solder into this gap, solder connection between the corresponding terminals of the circuit board and the terminal portions 33, 43a, and 43b of the push switch 1 can be easily achieved.

[0088] return Figure 4 The pressure-sensitive component 5 is a sheet-shaped main body 51 and an opening 52 formed in the main body 51. The pressure-sensitive component 5 is disposed in the storage part 23 such that the main body 51 contacts the contact surface 42a of the first outer contact 4a and the contact surface 42b of the second outer contact 4b, but does not contact the central contact 3 due to the opening 52.

[0089] The pressure-sensitive component 5 has the characteristic that its resistance changes according to the pressure applied to it. Typically, pressure-sensitive conductive rubber can be used as the pressure-sensitive component 5. Figure 7 The structure and operating principle of pressure-sensitive conductive rubber are briefly illustrated. For example... Figure 7As shown, the varistor-sensitive conductive rubber is a sheet-like component obtained by mixing conductive particles 54 formed of metallic or carbon materials into an insulating material 53, such as silicone rubber. In its natural state without pressure, the varistor-sensitive conductive rubber has no conductive paths, thus exhibiting extremely high resistance (tens of thousands of ohms or more), essentially functioning as an insulating component. When pressure is applied to the varistor-sensitive conductive rubber, it is compressed, and the conductive particles 54 within the insulating material 53 come into contact with each other, forming conductive paths. The resistance of the varistor-sensitive conductive rubber decreases depending on the magnitude of the applied pressure. As a result, the varistor-sensitive conductive rubber functions as a conductive component with resistance that varies according to the applied pressure. Furthermore, the varistor component 5 is not limited to varistor-sensitive conductive rubber; any component with its own resistance that varies according to the applied pressure can also be used as the varistor component 5. For example, a pressure-sensitive conductive sheet (such as the "I-SCAN series" sensor sheet manufactured by Nitta Corporation) can be used as the pressure-sensitive component 5: an upper electrode and a lower electrode covered with pressure-sensitive conductive ink are disposed between a pair of flexible resin sheets. When pressure is applied to the pair of flexible resin sheets, the distance between the upper electrode and the lower electrode decreases as they are compressed, thereby reducing the resistance between the upper electrode and the lower electrode.

[0090] return Figure 4 The main body 51 has a shape that fits snugly within the receiving portion 23. In the illustrated embodiment, the main body 51 has a generally rectangular planar shape, but the invention is not limited to this shape as long as it fits snugly within the receiving portion 23. For example, if the inner surface of the receiving portion 23 is formed into a planar shape other than a generally rectangular shape, such as a generally elliptical or generally polygonal shape, the main body 51 can also have a shape corresponding to the planar shape formed by the inner surface of the receiving portion 23 in order to fit snugly within the receiving portion 23. Furthermore, the upper and lower surfaces of the main body 51 are flat surfaces orthogonal to the height direction, and the thickness (length in the Z direction) of the main body 51 is constant. Additionally, the thickness of the main body 51 is smaller than the height of the protrusion 211 of the outer casing 2.

[0091] Since the main body 51 is mounted on the upper surface of the base plate 21, when pressure is applied to the main body 51 from above, the portion of the main body 51 under pressure is compressed. Therefore, the resistance of the pressure-sensitive component 5 changes according to the intensity of the pressure applied to the main body 51. The opening 52 is a straight opening extending through the height direction, formed approximately at the center of the main body 51. The opening 52 has a planar shape that allows the protrusion 211 of the outer casing 2 to pass through. Furthermore, the thickness of the main body 51 is smaller than the height of the protrusion 211 of the outer casing 2, therefore... Figure 9As shown, when the pressure-sensitive component 5 is placed on the upper surface of the base plate 21, the protrusion 211 inserts through the opening 52 and protrudes upward.

[0092] return Figure 4 A conductive spacer 6, a movable contact 7a, an auxiliary spring 7b, a pressing member 8, and a cover film 9 are disposed on the upper side of the pressure-sensitive component 5. Therefore, when the user presses the pressing member 8 via the cover film 9, the pressing force applied by the user to the pressing member 8 is applied from above to (transmitted to) the pressure-sensitive component 5 via the movable contact 7a, the auxiliary spring 7b, and the pressing member 8, causing a change in the resistance of the pressure-sensitive component 5. Thus, the pressure-sensitive component 5 is mounted on the base plate 21 of the housing 2 such that a pressing force is applied from above when the user performs a pressing operation. According to this structure, the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b changes according to the pressing force applied by the user to the pressing member 8.

[0093] The conductive spacer 6 is a rigid and conductive plate-shaped component mounted on the upper surface of the pressure-sensitive component 5. The conductive spacer 6 is obtained by punching a conductive plate (such as a metal plate) on both sides, which has undergone plating treatment to improve conductivity. Typically, the conductive spacer 6 is formed of a conductive material such as stainless steel or phosphor bronze. The conductive spacer 6 is mounted on the main body 51 to apply uniform pressing pressure to the main body 51, to press the main body 51 flat, and to stabilize the movable contact 7a positioned above the conductive spacer 6 within the receiving portion 23.

[0094] The conductive spacer 6 includes: a plate-shaped main body 61 having a planar shape corresponding to the main body 51 of the pressure-sensitive member 5; and an opening 62 formed in the main body 61, having a planar shape corresponding to the opening 52 of the pressure-sensitive member 5. The upper and lower surfaces of the main body 61 are flat surfaces orthogonal to the height direction, and the thickness (length in the Z direction) of the main body 61 is constant. Furthermore, the thickness of the main body 61 is set such that the combined thickness of the main body 51 and the main body 61 is greater than the height of the protrusion 211 of the outer casing 2. Therefore, as... Figure 9 As shown, when the pressure-sensitive component 5 and the conductive spacer 6 are disposed in the housing portion 23 of the housing 2, the upper surface of the main body portion 61 is positioned above the upper surface of the protrusion 211. Furthermore, the upper surface of the main body portion 61 is positioned above the upper surface of the contact surface 32 of the central contact point 3 that protrudes from the upper surface of the protrusion 211.

[0095] With this structure, when the movable contact 7a is placed on the upper surface of the main body 61 of the conductive spacer 6, one pair of outer edges 72 of the movable contact 7a can be positioned above the upper surface of the contact surface 32 exposed from the upper surface of the protrusion 211. As a result, the distance from which the central movable part 71 of the movable contact 7a contacts the contact surface 32, i.e., the amount of downward displacement of the central movable part 71, can be increased, thereby extending the stroke length of the push switch 1. Furthermore, by positioning one pair of outer edges 72 above the upper surface of the contact surface 32 contacted by the central movable part 71, the restoring force of the push switch 1 can be reduced. By reducing the restoring force of the push switch 1, the click rate of the push switch 1 can be increased, providing the user with a better click feel.

[0096] return Figure 4 The movable contact 7a and the three auxiliary springs 7b are elastic conductive components with an upwardly protruding dome shape in their natural state when no pressure is applied from above. The movable contact 7a and the three auxiliary springs 7b are disposed in the housing portion 23 above the pressure-sensitive component 5 and the conductive spacer 6, with the three auxiliary springs 7b overlapping on the upper side of the movable contact 7a.

[0097] The movable contact 7a and the auxiliary spring 7b each have a shape that fits within the housing portion 23 of the outer casing 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the movable contact 7a and the auxiliary spring 7b each have a planar shape that is approximately quadrilateral (more specifically, approximately rectangular) with rounded ends on the X-direction side; however, any shape that fits within the housing portion 23 is acceptable, and the invention is not limited to this. The movable contact 7a and the auxiliary spring 7b are respectively configured to be displaceable between a first position protruding upwards and a second position protruding downwards.

[0098] The movable contact 7a and the auxiliary spring 7b each have the same structure and are used in an overlapping manner. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, three auxiliary springs 7b are used in an overlapping manner with the movable contact 7a, but the invention is not limited to this. Depending on the required operating force and restoring force of the push switch 1, the auxiliary springs 7b can be omitted, or the number of overlapping auxiliary springs 7b can be appropriately changed. The movable contact 7a and the auxiliary spring 7b are formed of the same conductive material, but to improve corrosion resistance and conductivity, only the lower surface of the movable contact 7a, which contacts the contact surface 32 of the conductive spacer 6 and the central contact 3, is plated with a metal with high corrosion resistance and conductivity, such as silver.

[0099] The movable contact 7a and the auxiliary spring 7b each have a central movable portion 71 capable of elastic deformation in the height direction and a pair of outer edges 72 formed at both ends in the X-axis direction of the central movable portion 71. Figure 9As shown, the central movable part 71 has a generally quadrilateral (more specifically, a generally rectangular) planar shape, with both ends on the X-direction side being arc-shaped. In its natural state, the central movable part 71 has an upwardly protruding dome-shaped shape. When pressure is applied to the central movable part 71 from above, it can elastically deform downwardly in a downwardly protruding manner. One pair of outer edges 72 function as support legs for the movable contact 7a or the auxiliary spring 7b. The outer edges 72 extend linearly downward and outward from the arc-shaped ends of the central movable part 71 in the X-axis direction. The lower ends of one pair of outer edges 72 of the movable contact 7a contact the upper surface of the main body 61 of the conductive spacer 6, while the remaining portions of the movable contact 7a are opposed to the main body 61 or the opening 62 of the conductive spacer 6 via gaps. Furthermore, the central movable part 71 is positioned opposite a portion of the main body 31 and the contact surface 32 of the central contact 3 via the opening 62 of the conductive spacer 6.

[0100] Thus, the movable contact 7a is disposed on the upper side of the pressure-sensitive member 5 via the conductive spacer 6. The conductive spacer 6 is a rigid plate-shaped component, therefore, by placing the movable contact 7a on the pressure-sensitive member 5, the posture of the movable contact 7a and the auxiliary spring 7b within the storage portion 23 can be stabilized. Furthermore, when the user performs a pressing operation on the pressing member 8, the pressing force applied by the user is transmitted to the conductive spacer 6 via the pressing member 8, the movable contact 7a, and the auxiliary spring 7b, allowing the main body 61 of the conductive spacer 6 to press against the main body 51 of the pressure-sensitive member 5 with a uniform pressing force. This stabilizes the change in resistance of the conductive spacer 6 caused by the pressing force applied by the user. Moreover, by placing the movable contact 7a on the pressure-sensitive member 5, the lower ends of one pair of outer edges 72 of the movable contact 7a can be prevented from getting stuck in the pressure-sensitive member 5. With this structure, wear on the pressure-sensitive member 5 can be prevented, extending the product life of the push-button switch 1.

[0101] return Figure 4 The pressing member 8 is disposed within the housing portion 23 of the outer casing 2, between the lower surface of the cover film 9 and the upper surface of the uppermost of the three auxiliary springs 7b. More specifically, the pressing member 8 is fixed to the lower surface of the central portion 91 of the cover film 9 by laser fusion and is held by the cover film 9 on the upper surface of the auxiliary spring 7b. The pressing member 8 is used to efficiently transmit the pressing force applied by the user to the push switch 1 via the auxiliary spring 7b to the movable contact 7a, pressing the movable contact 7a downward.

[0102] The pressing member 8 is a circular plate-shaped component formed from a rigid resin material (such as nylon). Using a resin material that is lighter than metal materials to form the pressing member 8 allows for weight reduction. When the pressing member 8 is lightweight, the downward biasing force exerted on the movable contact 7a and the auxiliary spring 7b due to the weight of the pressing member 8 is reduced when the push switch 1 is in its natural state, thereby increasing the operating force of the push switch 1.

[0103] The cover film 9 is provided on the upper side of the movable contact 7a, the auxiliary spring 7b, and the pressing member 8, covering the storage portion 23 of the outer casing 2. The cover film 9 is formed of flexible resin material and is laser-fused onto the fusion portion 221 formed on the upper surface of the wall portion 22 of the outer casing 2, sealing the storage portion 23. The cover film 9 has a circular central portion 91 fused onto the pressing member 8, a skirt portion 92 extending obliquely downward from the central portion 91, and a peripheral portion 93 extending along the surface direction from the lower end of the skirt portion 92.

[0104] The lower surface of the central part 91 is fused to the upper surface of the pressing member 8 by laser-based surface fusion. Figure 9 In its natural state, the pressing component 8 is located within the space defined by the lower surface of the central portion 91 and the inner surface of the skirt portion 92. The peripheral portion 93 is laser-fused to the fused portion 221 of the housing 2, and the housing portion 23 of the housing 2 is sealed by the covering film 9. The laser fusion of the peripheral portion 93 relative to the fused portion 221 is not point fusion, but is performed in a manner that surrounds the fused portion 221, thereby sealing the housing portion 23 and realizing the dustproof function of the pressing switch 1.

[0105] The covering membrane 9 is formed of a flexible resin material, thus providing the same spring load as the movable contact 7a and the auxiliary spring 7b. Furthermore, as... Figure 9 As shown, the diameter of the central part 91 is larger than the diameter of the pressing member 8, and the skirt part 92 extends diagonally downward from the side of the pressing member 8.

[0106] Figure 8 A circuit diagram of a push-button switch 1 with the above-described structure is shown. (Example) Figure 8 As shown, the terminal portion 33 of the central contact 3, the terminal portion 43a of the first outer contact 4a, and the terminal portion 43b of the second outer contact 4b function as external terminals for electrical connection to other devices via the circuit board. Furthermore, the movable contact 7a functions as a normally open (NC) type mechanical switch connecting the central contact 3 and the first outer contact 4a, and between the central contact 3 and the second outer contact 4b. When the pressing force applied to the movable contact 7a exceeds the operating force of the push-button switch 1, Figure 8 When the mechanical switch is closed, the central contact 3 becomes conductive with either the first outer contact 4a or the second outer contact 4b. Furthermore, when the pressure applied to the movable contact 7a is released, Figure 8 When the mechanical switch is turned on, the connection between the central contact 3 and either the first outer contact 4a or the second outer contact 4b is cut off.

[0107] The pressure-sensitive component 5 is connected between the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b, functioning as a variable resistor whose resistance is very high in its natural state. It receives the pressing force applied to the movable contact 7a as input, and its resistance decreases according to the magnitude of the received pressing force. Therefore, when a pressing force is applied to the pressure-sensitive component 5 and its resistance decreases, the electrical signal between the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b, as well as the electrical signal between the central contact 3 and either the first outer contact 4a or the second outer contact 4b, increases. Furthermore, in the push-button switch 1 of this embodiment, the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b is mixed with the electrical signal flowing between the central contact 3 and either the first outer contact 4a or the second outer contact 4b. Other devices electrically connected to terminal 33, terminal 43a, and terminal 43b can identify the completion of the user's pressing operation by detecting the continuity between the central contact 3 and the first outer contact 4a or the second outer contact 4b, and can identify the intensity of the pressing force applied by the user by detecting the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b.

[0108] Next, refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 The operation of the push switch 1 in this embodiment will be described in detail. Figure 9 This shows a longitudinal sectional view of the push switch 1 in its natural state without any pressing force applied. Figure 2 (AA-line section view) Figure 10 This shows a longitudinal sectional view of the push switch 1 in a pressed state where a pressing force exceeding the operating force of the push switch 1 is applied. Figure 2 (AA-line sectional view).

[0109] like Figure 9As shown, in the natural state of the push switch 1, the movable contact 7a and the auxiliary spring 7b are respectively in a first position with their surfaces bulging upwards. In the first position, the outer edge 72 of the movable contact 7a is in contact with the upper surface of the main body 61 of the conductive spacer 6. Furthermore, in the natural state, the pressure-sensitive member 5 essentially functions as an insulating member. Therefore, in the natural state, the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b are substantially insulated from each other by the pressure-sensitive member 5, and the electrical signal flowing between the terminal portions 43a and 43b is zero or very small. Moreover, the movable contact 7a is substantially insulated from either the first outer contact 4a or the second outer contact 4b by the pressure-sensitive member 5, and is not conductive. Furthermore, in the natural state, the central movable portion 71 of the movable contact 7a faces the contact surface 32 of the central contact 3 through a gap and is not in contact. Therefore, in the natural state, the movable contact 7a is not conductive with the central contact 3. Therefore, under normal conditions, the central contact 3 and the first outer contact 4a, or the central contact 3 and the second outer contact 4b, are in a non-conductive state.

[0110] In its natural state, when a user presses the pressing member 8 via the covering film 9, the pressing force applied by the user to the pressing member 8 is transmitted from above to the main body 51 of the pressure-sensitive member 5 via the movable contact 7a, the auxiliary spring 7b, and the pressing member 8, causing the main body 51 to be compressed. As a result, depending on the intensity of the pressing force applied by the user to the pressing member 8, during the displacement of the movable contact 7a and the auxiliary spring 7b from the first position to the second position, the resistance of the pressure-sensitive member 5 decreases, and the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b changes. Even if the central movable part 71 of the movable contact 7a is not in contact with the contact surface 32 of the central contact 3, the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b will produce a change corresponding to the intensity of the pressing force. Therefore, according to the pressing switch 1 of the present invention, it is possible to detect a user's pressing operation performed with a force less than that of the pressing switch 1.

[0111] In its natural state, when a user presses the pressing member 8 with a pressing force greater than that of the pressing switch 1 via the covering film 9, the pressing member 8 presses the movable contact 7a and the auxiliary spring 7b downwards, thereby displacing the movable contact 7a and the auxiliary spring 7b to the second position, and the pressing switch 1 changes to... Figure 10 The pressed state is shown.

[0112] exist Figure 10In the pressed state shown, the movable contact 7a and the auxiliary spring 7b are in the second position. In the second position, the outer edge 72 of the movable contact 7a contacts the conductive spacer 6, and the resistance of the pressure-sensitive component 5 decreases due to the pressing force applied by the user. Therefore, the movable contact 7a is connected to the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b via the conductive spacer 6 and the pressure-sensitive component 5. Furthermore, the central movable portion 71 of the movable contact 7a contacts the contact surface 32 of the central contact 3. That is, when the movable contact 7a is in the second position, it is connected to the central contact 3, the first outer contact 4a, and the second outer contact 4b. Therefore, when the movable contact 7a is in the second position, the movable contact 7a, the conductive spacer 6, and the pressure-sensitive component 5 function as a conductive path between the central contact 3 and the first outer contact 4a or the second outer contact 4b, and the central contact 3 and the first outer contact 4a, or the central contact 3 and the second outer contact 4b, are in a conductive state. Therefore, by detecting the conductive state between the central contact 3 and the first outer contact 4a or the second outer contact 4b, it is possible to determine whether the user's pressing operation on the pressing component 8 has been completed.

[0113] When pressed, when the pressure on the pressing component 8 is released, the pressing switch 1 returns to its original position due to the restoring force provided by the elastic restoring force of the movable contact 7a, the auxiliary spring 7b, and the cover film 9. Figure 9 The natural state shown.

[0114] Figure 11 This is a graph showing the sensation curve (load characteristic) and output waveform of the push switch 1 in this embodiment. Figure 11 The horizontal axis of the curve corresponds to the stroke of the pressing component 8 (the downward movement distance). Figure 11 The left vertical axis of the curve corresponds to the load (pressing force) (N) applied to the pressing component 8. Figure 11 The right vertical axis of the graph corresponds to the voltage (V) of the pressure-sensitive component 5 and the voltage (V) of the movable contact 7a. The voltage of the pressure-sensitive component 5 corresponds to the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b. When the resistance of the pressure-sensitive component 5 decreases and the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b increases, the voltage of the pressure-sensitive component 5 changes. Similarly, the voltage of the movable contact 7a corresponds to the electrical signal flowing between the central contact 3 and either the first outer contact 4a or the second outer contact 4b. When the central contact 3 is connected to either the first outer contact 4a or the second outer contact 4b, the voltage of the movable contact 7a decreases.

[0115] Regarding the feel curve of the push switch 1, the load required to press the push member 8 gradually increases until the load applied by the user to the push member 8 reaches the actuating force of the push switch 1. When the load reaches the actuating force of the push switch 1, the load required to press the push member 8 decreases sharply. Therefore, when the load applied to the push member 8 reaches the actuating force of the push switch 1, the push member 8 is pressed down sharply, providing the user with a click sensation. Subsequently, when the load applied to the push member 8 is released, the push member 8 is pushed upward by the restoring force of the push switch 1, and the push switch 1 returns to its natural state.

[0116] Regarding the voltage of the movable contact 7a, the movable contact 7a does not contact the central contact 3 until the load applied by the user to the pressing member 8 reaches the actuating force of the pressing switch 1, thus the voltage of the movable contact 7a remains constant. Afterwards, when the load reaches the actuating force of the pressing switch 1 and the movable contact 7a contacts the central contact 3, the central contact 3 becomes conductive with the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b via the movable contact 7a, the pressure-sensitive member 5, and the conductive spacer 6. As a result, the voltage of the movable contact 7a decreases.

[0117] Regarding the voltage of the pressure-sensitive component 5, the voltage of the pressure-sensitive component 5 varies according to the intensity of the load until the load applied by the user to the pressing component 8 reaches the actuating force of the pressing switch 1. That is, the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b varies according to the intensity of the load. Then, when the load reaches the actuating force of the pressing switch 1 and the movable contact 7a contacts the central contact 3, the central contact 3 becomes conductive with the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b via the movable contact 7a and the pressure-sensitive component 5. As a result, the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b is mixed with the electrical signal flowing between the central contact 3 and either the first outer contact 4a or the second outer contact 4b.

[0118] Thus, in the push-button switch 1 of this embodiment, the pressure-sensitive component 5, whose resistance changes according to the pressing force applied from above, is mounted in the storage portion 23 of the housing 2 in contact with the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b. Furthermore, the pressure-sensitive component 5 is mounted on the base plate 21 of the housing 2 such that a pressing force is applied from above when the user performs a pressing operation on the push-button component 8. Therefore, when the user performs a pressing operation on the push-button component 8, the resistance of the pressure-sensitive component 5 changes during the displacement of the movable contact 7a and the auxiliary spring 7b from the first position to the second position, depending on the intensity of the pressing force applied by the user to the pressure-sensitive component 5. As a result, the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b changes according to the intensity of the pressing force applied by the user to the pressure-sensitive component 5. Therefore, by detecting the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b, the intensity (magnitude) of the pressing force from the user can be detected.

[0119] Furthermore, even if the central movable portion 71 of the movable contact 7a does not contact the contact surface 32 of the central contact 3, the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b will produce a change corresponding to the intensity of the pressing force. Therefore, according to the push switch 1 of the present invention, it is possible to detect user pressing operations performed under conditions less than the operating force of the push switch 1.

[0120] Furthermore, by detecting the continuity between the central contact 3 and either the first outer contact 4a or the second outer contact 4b, it is possible to determine whether the user's pressing operation on the pressing member 8 has been completed. Thus, the press switch 1 according to this embodiment can not only determine whether the user's pressing operation has been completed, but also determine the intensity of the pressing force applied by the user.

[0121] Furthermore, in the push-button switch 1 of this embodiment, the pressure-sensitive component 5 is disposed within the housing portion 23 of the housing 2 in such a manner that it contacts the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b but does not contact the central contact 3. Therefore, even when the movable contact 7a is not in contact with the central contact 3, the intensity of the pressing force applied by the user can be identified by detecting the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b. Moreover, the completion of the user's pressing operation can be identified by detecting the continuity between the central contact 3 and the first outer contact 4a or the second outer contact 4b. Therefore, the completion of the user's pressing operation can be identified regardless of changes in the resistance of the pressure-sensitive component 5. With this structure, the processing for identifying whether a user's pressing operation has been performed and the processing for identifying the intensity of the pressing force applied by the user can be clearly distinguished, simplifying the operation of the device using the push-button switch 1.

[0122] <Second Implementation>

[0123] Next, refer to Figures 12-21 The push switch of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the push switch according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 yes Figure 12 The push-button switch shown is a three-dimensional view viewed from another angle. Figure 14 yes Figure 12 The diagram shown is an exploded perspective view of the push-button switch. Figure 15 yes Figure 14 The top view of the casing shown. Figure 16 yes Figure 14 The diagram shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the outer casing. Figure 17 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the central contact, the first outer contact, the second outer contact, and the third outer contact. Figure 18 yes Figure 12 The circuit diagram of the push-button switch is shown. Figure 19 It is the push-button switch in its natural state. Figure 12 The sectional view shown is along the BB line. Figure 20 It is the edge of the push switch in the pressed state. Figure 12 The sectional view shown is along the BB line. Figure 21 It is shown Figure 12 The diagram shows the feel curve and output waveform of the push-button switch.

[0124] Hereinafter, the push-button switch 1 of the second embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the push-button switch 1 of the first embodiment, omitting descriptions of identical items. The push-button switch 1 of the second embodiment has the same structure as the push-button switch 1 of the first embodiment, except that the base 212 and the thick wall portion 213 are formed on the bottom plate 21 of the housing 2, the shape of the central contact 3 is changed, the push-button switch 1 also includes a third outer contact 4c held in the housing 2, the shape of the pressure-sensitive member 5 is changed, the portion of the conductive spacer 6 in contact with the pressure-sensitive member 5 is insulated, and the number of auxiliary springs 7b is changed to two.

[0125] Furthermore, although pressure-sensitive conductive rubber or pressure-sensitive conductive sheet is used as pressure-sensitive component 5 in the first embodiment described above, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, a strain gauge may also be used as pressure-sensitive component 5. The strain gauge includes: a plate-shaped strain gauge that deforms according to the applied pressure; a gate resistor disposed on the strain gauge; and a pair of terminals respectively connected to the two ends of the gate resistor. When the strain gauge deforms according to the applied pressure, the gate resistor disposed on the strain gauge elongates or compresses, and the resistance of the gate resistor changes. As a result, the electrical signal flowing between the pair of terminals changes according to the intensity of the pressure applied to the strain gauge. When the strain gauge described above is used as pressure-sensitive component 5, the main body 51 is a plate-shaped strain gauge, a gate resistor is disposed on the main body 51, and a pair of terminals respectively connected to the two ends of the gate resistor are exposed downwardly on the lower surface of the main body 51 in a separated state. The pressure-sensitive component 5 is disposed in the storage portion 23 such that a pair of terminals exposed on the lower surface of the main body 51 are in contact with the contact surface 42a of the first outer contact 4a and the contact surface 42b of the second outer contact 4b, respectively.

[0126] Furthermore, the pressure-sensitive component 5 is not limited to the aforementioned pressure-sensitive conductive rubber, pressure-sensitive conductive sheet, and strain gauge. Any component or element having a characteristic that its own resistance changes according to the pressure applied to the pressure-sensitive component 5 can be used as the pressure-sensitive component 5. For example, using a piezoelectric pressure sensor using a piezoelectric resistor element or a MEMS pressure sensor using MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) is also within the scope of this invention.

[0127] Figure 12 and Figure 13 The push-button switch 1 shown in the second embodiment of this invention is a switch that is turned on when a pressing force exceeding the operating force of the push-button switch 1 is applied by the user, and turned off when the pressing force applied by the user is released. The terminals 33, 43a, 43b, and 43c of the push-button switch 1 are connected via a circuit board (see reference 1). Figure 13 The electrically connected device can detect the completion of pressing the push-button switch 1 by detecting the continuity between terminals 33 and 43c. Furthermore, the electrical signal flowing between terminals 43a and 43b of the push-button switch 1 varies according to the magnitude of the pressing force applied by the user to the push-button switch 1. Therefore, the device electrically connected to terminals 33, 43a, 43b, and 43c via the circuit board can detect the magnitude of the pressing force applied to the push-button switch 1 by detecting the electrical signal flowing between terminals 43a and 43b.

[0128] like Figure 14As shown, the push-button switch 1 of this embodiment also includes a third outer contact 4c, which is separately disposed on the base plate 21 of the housing 2 from the central contact 3, the first outer contact 4a, and the second outer contact 4b. Furthermore, as... Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the bottom plate 21 of the outer casing 2 in this embodiment also includes a storage section 23. Figure 15 The upper right corner of the pedestal 212 protrudes upwards and extends from the storage section 23. Figure 15 The right-side region of the middle has a thick-walled portion 213 that protrudes upwards.

[0129] The base 212 is from the base plate 21 Figure 15 The upper right corner of the base 211 is a columnar portion protruding upwards. The upper surface of the base 212 is a flat surface orthogonal to the height direction. Furthermore, the height of the base 212 (the length in the Z direction from the upper surface of the base plate 21 to the upper surface of the base 212) is lower than the height of the protrusion 211. The main body 61 of the conductive spacer 6 is mounted on the base 212. The thick-walled portion 213 is provided to prevent the main body 31 of the central contact 3 from being exposed within the receiving portion 23. The upper surface of the thick-walled portion 213 is a flat surface orthogonal to the height direction. Furthermore, the height of the thick-walled portion 213 (the length in the Z direction from the upper surface of the base plate 21 to the upper surface of the thick-walled portion 213) is lower than the height of the protrusion 211.

[0130] The third outer contact 4c, like the central contact 3, the first outer contact 4a, and the second outer contact 4b, is formed of a conductive material, more specifically, of a metallic material such as copper (e.g., phosphor bronze). Figure 17 As shown, the third outer contact 4c includes a main body 41c embedded in the housing 2, a contact surface 42c that contacts the conductive spacer 6, and a terminal portion 43c extending outward from the housing 2. The contact surface 42c is the surface that protrudes upward from the housing portion 23 of the housing 2 and contacts the main body 61 of the conductive spacer 6. Furthermore, the contact surface 42c is located above the upper surface of the main body 41c. The terminal portion 43c extends outward from the outer surface of the wall portion 22 of the housing 2 in the +X direction and functions as an external terminal for connection to the circuit board, etc.

[0131] like Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, in the storage section 23 Figure 15In the lower right corner of the third outer contact 4c, a portion of the main body 41c and the contact surface 42c protrude upwards from the upper surface of the thick-walled portion 213. The upper surface of the portion of the main body 41c protruding upwards is on the same plane as the upper surface of the thick-walled portion 213. Therefore, the contact surface 42c is located above the upper surface of the thick-walled portion 213. Furthermore, the contact surface 42c is on the same plane as the upper surface of the base 212.

[0132] return Figure 14 In this embodiment, the pressure-sensitive component 5 has a rectangular main body 51 that is attached between the inner surface of the wall portion 22 on the -X direction side and the protrusion 211 within the storage portion 23 of the housing 2, and is longer in the Y direction. It does not have an opening 52. The pressure-sensitive component 5 is placed between the inner surface of the wall portion 22 on the -X direction side and the protrusion 211 in a manner that contacts the contact surface 42a of the first outer contact 4a and the contact surface 42b of the second outer contact 4b. Therefore, the pressure-sensitive component 5 is electrically connected to the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b. On the other hand, the pressure-sensitive component 5 is placed within the storage portion 23 in a manner that does not contact the central contact 3 and the third outer contact 4c. Therefore, the pressure-sensitive component 5 is not electrically connected to the central contact 3 and the third outer contact 4c. With the pressure-sensitive component 5 placed between the inner surface of the wall portion 22 in the -X direction and the protrusion 211, the upper surface of the pressure-sensitive component 5, the upper surface of the pedestal 212, and the contact surface 42c of the third outer contact 4c are located on the same plane. Therefore, within the housing portion 23, the conductive spacer 6 contacts the upper surface of the pressure-sensitive component 5, the upper surface of the pedestal 212, and the contact surface 42c, all located on the same plane, and is supported from below.

[0133] In the conductive spacer 6 of this embodiment, the portion of the lower surface of the conductive spacer 6 that contacts the main body 51 of the pressure-sensitive member 5 is subjected to insulation treatment. Examples of insulation treatment include applying insulating tape or coating with an insulating film. In one example, insulating double-sided tape is applied to the portion of the lower surface of the conductive spacer 6 that contacts the main body 51 of the pressure-sensitive member 5, and the pressure-sensitive member 5 is adhered to the lower surface of the conductive spacer 6 using the insulating double-sided tape. Through this insulation treatment, the conductive spacer 6 is insulated from the pressure-sensitive member 5. As described above, the conductive spacer 6 contacts the upper surface of the pressure-sensitive member 5, the upper surface of the base 212, and the contact surface 42c of the third outer contact 4c, thus the conductive spacer 6 is conductive to the third outer contact 4c. On the other hand, the conductive spacer 6 is insulated from the pressure-sensitive component 5 by an insulating treatment, so that even if the resistance of the pressure-sensitive component 5 changes due to the pressing pressure applied by the user, the conductive spacer 6 does not conduct with the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b.

[0134] Figure 18A circuit diagram of a push-button switch 1 with the above-described structure is shown. (Example) Figure 18 As shown, the terminal portion 33 of the central contact 3, the terminal portion 43a of the first outer contact 4a, the terminal portion 43b of the second outer contact 4b, and the terminal portion 43c of the third outer contact 4c function as external terminals for electrical connection to other devices via the circuit board. Furthermore, the movable contact 7a functions as a normally open (NC) type mechanical switch connected between the central contact 3 and the third outer contact 4c. When the pressing force applied to the movable contact 7a is greater than or equal to the operating force of the push-button switch 1, Figure 18 The mechanical switch in the middle is closed, and the central contact 3 and the third outer contact 4c are connected. Furthermore, when the pressure applied to the movable contact 7a is released, Figure 18 The mechanical switch in the middle is turned on, and the connection between the central contact 3 and the third outer contact 4c is cut off.

[0135] The pressure-sensitive component 5 is connected between the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b, functioning as a variable resistor such that, in its natural state, its resistance is very high; it receives the pressing force applied to the movable contact 7a as input, and its resistance changes according to the magnitude of the received pressing force. Therefore, when a pressing force is applied to the pressure-sensitive component 5 and its resistance changes, the electrical signal between the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b increases. Furthermore, as... Figure 18 As shown, in the push-button switch 1 of this embodiment, the central contact 3 and the third outer contact 4c are not electrically connected to the first outer contact 4a or the second outer contact 4b. Therefore, the electrical signal (on / off signal) flowing between the central contact 3 and the third outer contact 4c and the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b are completely separated and do not mix. Other devices electrically connected to the terminals 33, 43a, 43b, and 43c can detect the completion of the user's pressing operation by detecting the continuity between the central contact 3 and the third outer contact 4c, and can detect the intensity of the pressing force applied by the user by detecting the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b.

[0136] Next, refer to Figure 19 and Figure 20 The operation of the push switch 1 in this embodiment will be described in detail. Figure 19 This shows a longitudinal sectional view of the push switch 1 in its natural state without any pressing force applied. Figure 12 (BB line section view) Figure 20 This shows a longitudinal sectional view of the push switch 1 in a pressed state where a pressing force exceeding the operating force of the push switch 1 is applied. Figure 12 (BB line section view).

[0137] like Figure 19As shown, in the natural state of the push switch 1, the movable contact 7a and the auxiliary spring 7b are both in a first position with their surfaces bulging upwards. In the first position, the outer edge 72 of the movable contact 7a contacts the upper surface of the conductive spacer 6. The conductive spacer 6 contacts the contact surface 42c of the third outer contact 4c, so in the natural state, the movable contact 7a is connected to the third outer contact 4c via the conductive spacer 6. Moreover, in the natural state, the central movable portion 71 of the movable contact 7a is opposed to the contact surface 32 of the central contact 3 via a gap and is not in contact. Therefore, in the natural state, the movable contact 7a is not connected to the central contact 3, and the central contact 3 and the third outer contact 4c are in a non-conductive state.

[0138] Furthermore, the portion of the lower surface of the conductive spacer 6 that contacts the main body 51 of the pressure-sensitive component 5 is insulated. Therefore, the movable contact 7a is insulated from the pressure-sensitive component 5, and the movable contact 7a is not connected to the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b located on the lower side of the pressure-sensitive component 5.

[0139] In its natural state, when a user presses the pressing member 8 via the covering film 9, the pressing force applied by the user to the pressing member 8 is applied from above (transmitted) to the main body 51 of the pressure-sensitive member 5 via the movable contact 7a, the auxiliary spring 7b, and the pressing member 8, compressing the main body 51. As a result, depending on the intensity of the pressing force applied by the user to the pressing member 8, the resistance of the pressure-sensitive member 5 changes during the displacement of the movable contact 7a and the auxiliary spring 7b from the first position to the second position, and the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b changes. On the other hand, unlike the first embodiment, even though the resistance of the pressure-sensitive member 5 changes according to the pressing force applied by the user, since the pressure-sensitive member 5 is insulated from the conductive spacer 6 by an insulating treatment, the movable contact 7a is not connected to either the first outer contact 4a or the second outer contact 4b.

[0140] In its natural state, when a user presses the pressing member 8 with a pressing force greater than that of the pressing switch 1 via the covering film 9, the pressing member 8 presses the movable contact 7a and the auxiliary spring 7b downwards, thereby displacing the movable contact 7a and the auxiliary spring 7b to the second position, and the pressing switch 1 changes to... Figure 20 The pressed state is shown.

[0141] exist Figure 20In the pressed state shown, the movable contact 7a and the auxiliary spring 7b are in the second position. Even in the second position, the pressure-sensitive component 5 and the conductive spacer 6 are insulated from each other by an insulating treatment. Therefore, the movable contact 7a is not connected to either the first outer contact 4a or the second outer contact 4b. On the other hand, the central movable portion 71 of the movable contact 7a contacts the contact surface 32 of the central contact 3. That is, when the movable contact 7a is in the second position, it is connected to both the central contact 3 and the third outer contact 4c. Therefore, when the movable contact 7a is in the second position, the movable contact 7a and the conductive spacer 6 function as a conductive path between the central contact 3 and the third outer contact 4c, and the central contact 3 and the third outer contact 4c are in a conductive state. Therefore, by detecting the conductivity between the central contact 3 and the third outer contact 4c, it is possible to determine that the user's pressing operation on the pressing component 8 has been completed.

[0142] When pressed, when the pressure on the pressing component 8 is released, the pressing switch 1 returns to its original position due to the restoring force provided by the elastic restoring force of the movable contact 7a, the auxiliary spring 7b, and the cover film 9. Figure 19 The natural state shown.

[0143] Figure 21 This is a graph showing the feel curve (load characteristic) and output waveform of the push-button switch 1 in this embodiment. Furthermore, Figure 21 The graph shows the feel curve (load characteristic) and output waveform of the push switch 1 when pressure-sensitive conductive rubber or pressure-sensitive conductive sheet is used as pressure-sensitive component 5. Figure 21 The horizontal axis of the curve corresponds to the stroke of the pressing component 8 (the downward movement distance). Figure 21 The left vertical axis of the curve corresponds to the load (pressing force) (N) applied to the pressing component 8. Figure 21 The right vertical axis of the graph corresponds to the voltage (V) of the pressure-sensitive component 5 and the voltage (V) of the movable contact 7a. The voltage of the pressure-sensitive component 5 corresponds to the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b. When the resistance of the pressure-sensitive component 5 decreases and the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b increases, the voltage of the pressure-sensitive component 5 changes. Similarly, the voltage of the movable contact 7a corresponds to the electrical signal flowing between the central contact 3 and the third outer contact 4c. When the central contact 3 and the third outer contact 4c are connected, the voltage of the movable contact 7a is approximately zero.

[0144] Regarding the feel curve of the push switch 1, the load required to press the push member 8 gradually increases from the point where the load applied by the user to the push member 8 reaches the actuating force of the push switch 1. When the load reaches the actuating force of the push switch 1, the load required to press the push member 8 decreases sharply. Therefore, when the load applied to the push member 8 reaches the actuating force of the push switch 1, the push member 8 is pressed down sharply, providing the user with a click sensation. Subsequently, when the load applied to the push member 8 is released, the push member 8 is pushed upward by the restoring force of the push switch 1, and the push switch 1 returns to its natural state.

[0145] Regarding the voltage of the movable contact 7a, the movable contact 7a does not contact the central contact 3 until the load applied by the user to the pressing member 8 reaches the actuating force of the pressing switch 1, therefore the voltage of the movable contact 7a is constant. Then, when the load reaches the actuating force of the pressing switch 1 and the movable contact 7a contacts the central contact 3, the central contact 3 becomes conductive to the third outer contact 4c via the movable contact 7a and the conductive spacer 6. As a result, the voltage of the movable contact 7a is approximately zero.

[0146] Regarding the voltage of the pressure-sensitive component 5, the voltage of the pressure-sensitive component 5 varies according to the intensity of the load applied by the user to the pressing component 8. That is, the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b varies according to the intensity of the load. In the push switch 1 of this embodiment, the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b are not electrically connected to the central contact 3 and the third outer contact 4c. Therefore, even after the load reaches the actuating force of the push switch 1 and the movable contact 7a is connected to the central contact 3, the electrical signal (on / off signal) flowing between the central contact 3 and the third outer contact 4c and the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b will not mix and will be completely separated.

[0147] Thus, in the push-button switch 1 of this embodiment, the intensity (magnitude) of the pressing force from the user can be detected by detecting the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b. Furthermore, by detecting the continuity between the central contact 3 and the third outer contact 4c, it can be determined that the user's pressing operation on the pressing member 8 has been completed. Therefore, the push-button switch 1 according to this embodiment can not only determine whether the user's pressing operation has been completed, but also determine the intensity of the pressing force applied by the user.

[0148] Furthermore, in the push-button switch 1 of this embodiment, the on / off signal flowing between the central contact 3 and the third outer contact 4c for determining whether the user's pressing operation has been completed is completely separated from the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b, and they are not mixed. With this structure, the on / off signal used for determining whether the user's pressing operation has been performed can be completely separated from the electrical signal used for determining the intensity of the pressing force applied by the user, making the operation of the device using the push-button switch 1 simpler.

[0149] <Third Implementation Method>

[0150] Next, refer to Figures 22-25 The push switch of the third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. Figure 22 This is a perspective view of the push switch according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 23 yes Figure 22 The diagram shown is an exploded perspective view of the push-button switch. Figure 24 It is used for explanation Figure 23 The diagram shows a simplified structure of the pressure-sensitive component. Figure 25 It is shown Figure 23 The diagram shows the feel curve and output waveform of the push-button switch.

[0151] Hereinafter, the push-button switch 1 of the third embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the push-button switch 1 of the first embodiment, and descriptions of identical items will be omitted. The push-button switch 1 of the third embodiment has the same structure as the push-button switch 1 of the first embodiment, except that the pressure-sensitive component 5 is a strain gauge with a full-bridge circuit formed by four gate resistors, the push-button switch 1 also has a third outer contact 4c, a fourth outer contact 4d, a fifth outer contact 4e, an insulating film 11 disposed between the conductive spacer 6 and the pressure-sensitive component 5, a conductive support component 12 disposed between the conductive spacer 6 and the movable contact 7a, and the number of auxiliary springs 7b is changed to two.

[0152] like Figure 23 As shown, the push-button switch 1 of the present invention, in addition to having a central contact 3, a first outer contact 4a, and a second outer contact 4b, also has a third outer contact 4c, a fourth outer contact 4d, and a fifth outer contact 4e. The third outer contact 4c, the fourth outer contact 4d, and the fifth outer contact 4e are the same as the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b, respectively, and are obtained by punching and bending a metal plate that has undergone plating treatment on both sides to improve conductivity.

[0153] Similar to the second embodiment described above, the third outer contact 4c includes a main body 41c embedded in the housing 2, a contact surface 42c that contacts the conductive support member 12, and a terminal portion 43c extending outward from the housing 2. The fourth outer contact 4d includes a main body 41d embedded in the housing 2, and a terminal 57 (see reference 57) for contact with the pressure-sensitive member 5. Figure 24 The fifth outer contact 4e has a contact surface 42d connected to the pressure-sensitive component 5 and a terminal portion 43d extending outward from the housing 2. Similarly, the fifth outer contact 4e has a main body portion 41e embedded in the housing 2, a contact surface 42e connected to the terminal 57 of the pressure-sensitive component 5, and a terminal portion 43e extending outward from the housing 2. The contact surface 42d exposes upward at its corners on the +X and +Y directions within the housing portion 23. The contact surface 42e exposes upward at its corners on the +X and -Y directions within the housing portion 23. At the end on the +X direction side within the housing portion 23, the contact surface 42c exposes upward between the contact surface 42d and the contact surface 42e in a state separated from both the contact surfaces 42d and 42e. Furthermore, the terminal portion 33 of the central contact 3, the terminal portion 43a of the first outer contact 4a, and the terminal portion 43b of the second outer contact 4b extend from the wall portion 22 on the -X direction side of the housing 2 toward the -X direction side and are exposed. Terminal portions 43c, 43d, and 43e extend from the wall portion on the +X direction side of the housing 2 toward the +X direction side and are exposed.

[0154] In this embodiment, the pressure-sensitive component 5 is a strain gauge having a full-bridge circuit formed by four gate resistors. For example... Figure 23 and Figure 24 As shown, the pressure-sensitive component 5 includes: a sheet-like main body portion 51 having a shape that fits into the housing portion 23; an opening 52 having a planar shape that allows a protrusion 211 to be inserted through the housing 2; a pair of cuboid-shaped terminal portions 55 extending outward in a straight line from the two ends of the main body portion 51 in the X direction, respectively; four gate resistors 56 disposed on the main body portion 51 and interconnected in a manner that forms a bridge circuit; and four terminals 57 disposed on the four terminal portions 55 and connected to the bridge circuit formed by the four gate resistors 56.

[0155] Four terminals 57 are exposed downwards on the lower surface of their respective terminal portions 55. The pressure-sensitive component 5 is mounted on the base plate 21 of the housing 2 as follows: the two terminals 57 on the +X direction side are in contact with the contact surfaces 42d and 42e of the fourth outer contact 4d and the fifth outer contact 4e, respectively; and the two terminals 57 on the -X direction side are in contact with and electrically connected to the contact surfaces 42a and 42b of the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b, respectively. The terminal portion 33 of the central contact 3, the terminal portion 43a of the first outer contact 4a, the terminal portion 43b of the second outer contact 4b, the terminal portion 43c of the third outer contact 4c, the terminal portion 43d of the fourth outer contact 4d, and the terminal portion 43e of the fifth outer contact 4e are electrically connected to the device. A voltage is applied to the full-bridge circuit of the pressure-sensitive component 5 via the fourth outer contact 4d and the fifth outer contact 4e. On the other hand, the intensity of the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b varies according to the resistance of the four gate resistors 56 of the pressure-sensitive component 5. Furthermore, the pressure-sensitive component 5 is not in contact with the central contact 3 and the third outer contact 4c, and the pressure-sensitive component 5 is not electrically connected to the central contact 3 and the third outer contact 4c.

[0156] When the user presses the pressing member 8 via the covering film 9, the main body 51 deforms due to the applied pressing force, and the four gate resistors 56 stretch or compress respectively due to the deformation of the main body 51. As a result, the resistance of each of the four gate resistors 56 changes. Therefore, the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b, which are electrically connected via the pressure-sensitive member 5, changes according to the pressing force applied by the user to the pressing member 8 and transmitted to the pressure-sensitive member 5. Therefore, by detecting the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b, the device can distinguish the intensity of the pressing force applied by the user.

[0157] return Figure 23 The insulating film 11 is a component disposed between the upper surface of the main body of the pressure-sensitive component 5 and the lower surface of the conductive spacer 6, insulating the pressure-sensitive component 5 from the conductive spacer 6. The insulating film 11 is adhered to the lower surface of the conductive spacer 6. The insulating film 11 includes: a main body 111 having a planar shape corresponding to the planar shapes of the main body 51 of the pressure-sensitive component 5 and the main body 61 of the conductive spacer 6; and an opening 112 formed in the main body 111. The opening 112 has a planar shape corresponding to the opening 52 of the pressure-sensitive component 5 and the opening 62 of the conductive spacer 6.

[0158] The conductive support member 12 is formed of a conductive material such as metal and functions as an electrical path between the movable contact 7a and the third outer contact 4c. Furthermore, the conductive support member 12 is located between the conductive spacer 6 and the movable contact 7a, supporting the movable contact 7a from below. The conductive support member 12 includes: a plate-shaped main body 121 having a planar shape corresponding to the main body 61 of the conductive spacer 6; an opening 122 formed in the main body 121; and a pair of support legs 123 extending obliquely downward from both ends of the main body 121 in the X direction. The movable contact 7a is mounted on the conductive support member 12 such that one outer edge 72 of the movable contact 7a contacts the main body 121. Furthermore, the central movable portion 71 of the movable contact 7a faces the contact surface 32 of the central contact 3 via the opening 122. Therefore, when the movable contact 7a is in the second position, the central movable part 71 can contact the contact surface 32.

[0159] The pair of support legs 123 located on the +X direction side are plate-shaped portions extending obliquely downward from the +X direction end of the main body 121. Similarly, the pair of legs 123 located on the -X direction side are plate-shaped portions extending obliquely downward from the -X direction end of the main body 121. When the conductive support member 12 is placed on the base plate 21 of the housing 2, the lower ends of the pair of support legs 123 located on the +X direction side contact the contact surface 42c of the third outer contact 4c, and the lower ends of the pair of support legs 123 located on the -X direction side contact the base plate 21. As described above, one outer edge 72 of the movable contact 7a contacts the main body 121, thus the movable contact 7a and the third outer contact 4c are connected via the conductive support member 12.

[0160] In its natural state, the movable contact 7a and the auxiliary spring 7b are both in a first, upwardly protruding position. Furthermore, in this natural state, the movable contact 7a is connected to the third outer contact 4c via the conductive support member 12. On the other hand, the central movable portion 71 of the movable contact 7a faces the contact surface 32 of the central contact 3 via a gap and does not make contact. Therefore, in its natural state, the movable contact 7a is not connected to the central contact 3. Thus, in its natural state, the central contact 3 and the third outer contact 4c are in a non-conductive state.

[0161] In its natural state, when a user presses the pressing member 8 via the covering film 9, the pressing force applied by the user to the pressing member 8 is applied from above (transmitted) to the main body 51 of the pressure-sensitive member 5 via the movable contact 7a, the auxiliary spring 7b, and the pressing member 8, compressing the main body 51. As a result, the resistance of each of the four gate resistors 56 provided on the main body 51 varies according to the intensity of the pressing force applied by the user to the pressing member 8. Therefore, during the displacement of the movable contact 7a and the auxiliary spring 7b from the first position to the second position, the resistance of the pressure-sensitive member 5 changes, and the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b changes. Furthermore, unlike the first embodiment, the pressure-sensitive member 5 is insulated from the conductive spacer 6 by the insulating film 11, so the movable contact 7a is not conductive to either the first outer contact 4a or the second outer contact 4b.

[0162] In its natural state, when a user presses the pressing member 8 with a force greater than the operating force of the pressing switch 1 via the covering film 9, the movable contact 7a is in the second position, and the central movable part 71 of the movable contact 7a contacts the contact surface 32 of the central contact 3. As a result, the movable contact 7a and the conductive support member 12 function as a conductive path between the central contact 3 and the third outer contact 4c, and the central contact 3 and the third outer contact 4c are in a conductive state. Therefore, by detecting the conductivity between the central contact 3 and the third outer contact 4c, the device can identify that the user's pressing operation on the pressing member 8 has been completed. In the pressed state, when the pressing force on the pressing member 8 is released, the pressing switch 1 returns to its natural state due to the restoring force of the pressing switch 1 provided by the elastic restoring force of the movable contact 7a, the auxiliary spring 7b, and the covering film 9.

[0163] Figure 25 This is a graph showing the sensation curve (load characteristic) and output waveform of the push switch 1 in this embodiment. Figure 25 The horizontal axis of the curve corresponds to the stroke of the pressing component 8 (the downward movement distance). Figure 25 The left vertical axis of the curve corresponds to the load (pressing force) (N) applied to the pressing component 8. Figure 25 The left vertical axis of the curve corresponds to the output voltage (V) of the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b.

[0164] like Figure 25As shown, with the increase in the stroke of the pressing member 8, the load applied to the pressing member 8 and the output voltage of the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b increase. Then, when the pressing force applied by the user to the pressing member 8 reaches the operating force of the push switch 1, the movable contact 7a and the auxiliary spring 7b rapidly deform downwards, reaching the second position. As a result, the load applied to the pressing member 8 decreases sharply. Furthermore, with the sharp decrease in the load applied to the pressing member 8, the output voltage of the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b also decreases sharply. Figure 25 As shown in the graph, during the period when the movable contact 7a and the auxiliary spring 7b are displaced from the first position to the second position—that is, from the start of the stroke until the load applied to the pressing member 8 drops sharply—a high linearity is achieved between the load applied to the pressing member 8 and the output voltage of the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b. Therefore, by using the push switch 1 of this embodiment, during the period when the movable contact 7a and the auxiliary spring 7b are displaced from the first position to the second position, the intensity of the pressing force applied to the pressing member 8 can be calculated more accurately based on the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b.

[0165] Even with this structure, the intensity (magnitude) of the pressing force from the user can be detected by detecting the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact 4a and the second outer contact 4b. Furthermore, by detecting the continuity between the central contact 3 and the third outer contact 4c, it can be determined that the user's pressing operation on the pressing member 8 has been completed. Thus, the press switch 1 according to this embodiment can not only determine whether the user's pressing operation has been completed, but also determine the intensity of the pressing force applied by the user.

[0166] The push-button switch of the present invention has been described above based on the illustrated embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The structures of the present invention can be replaced with any structure that performs the same function, or any structure can be added to the structures of the present invention.

[0167] Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains can modify the structure of the push-button switch described herein without significantly departing from the principles, ideas, and scope of this invention, and the push-button switch with the modified structure is also within the scope of this invention.

[0168] and, Figures 2-25The number and type of components of the push-button switches in the illustrated embodiments are merely illustrative examples, and the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. Adding or combining any components, or deleting any components, without departing from the principles and intent of the present invention is also within the scope of the present invention.

[0169] Industrial availability

[0170] In the push-button switch of the present invention, a pressure-sensitive component whose resistance changes according to the pressing force applied from above is mounted in a housing portion of the casing in contact with a first outer contact and a second outer contact. Furthermore, the pressure-sensitive component is mounted on the base plate of the casing such that a pressing force is applied from above when the user performs a pressing operation on the push-button component. Therefore, when the user performs a pressing operation on the push-button component, the resistance of the pressure-sensitive component changes according to the intensity of the pressing force applied by the user. As a result, the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact and the second outer contact changes according to the intensity of the pressing force applied by the user. Therefore, by detecting the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact and the second outer contact, the intensity (magnitude) of the pressing force from the user can be determined. Therefore, the present invention is industrially usable.

Claims

1. A push-button switch, characterized in that, Include: The outer casing has a storage portion defined by a base plate and a wall extending upward from the base plate; The central contact, the first outer contact, and the second outer contact are respectively disposed on the base plate inside the aforementioned storage section. A pressure-sensitive component is disposed in the storage section in such a manner that it contacts the first outer contact and the second outer contact but does not contact the central contact. The domed movable contact, within the aforementioned receiving portion, is movable between a first position protruding upwards without contacting the central contact and a second position protruding downwards and contacting the central contact; and A pressing component, disposed above the pressure-sensitive component and the movable contact, performs a pressing operation from the user. The pressure-sensitive component is mounted on the base plate of the housing in such a way that a pressing force is applied from above when the user performs the pressing operation on the pressing component. The pressure-sensitive component described above is configured such that its resistance varies according to the intensity of the pressure applied to it from above. During the period when the movable contact is displaced from the first position to the second position, the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact and the second outer contact changes according to the intensity of the pressing force applied to the pressure-sensitive component from above.

2. The push-button switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a conductive spacer located between the pressure-sensitive component and the movable contact within the aforementioned storage portion of the housing. The aforementioned conductive spacer has a sheet-like main body and an opening formed in the main body. The main body portion of the conductive spacer is in contact with the pressure-sensitive component and the movable contact. The movable contact is opposite the central contact via the opening in the conductive spacer.

3. The push switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a third outer contact that is disposed separately from the central contact, the first outer contact, and the second outer contact on the bottom plate within the housing portion of the outer casing. When the movable contact is displaced from the first position to the second position due to the user's pressing operation on the pressing component, the central contact and the third outer contact are connected via the movable contact, and the central contact is not connected to the first outer contact or the second outer contact.

4. The push switch according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the movable contact is in the first position, it is connected to the third outer contact and does not contact the central contact. When the movable contact is in the second position, the movable contact is connected to the third outer contact and the central contact, and functions as a conduction path between the third outer contact and the central contact.

5. The push-button switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the user performs the pressing operation on the pressing component, the pressing force is applied to the pressure-sensitive component via the movable contact.

6. The push switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned pressure-sensitive component is a pressure-sensitive conductive rubber whose resistance decreases according to the pressure applied from above.

7. The push switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned pressure-sensitive component is a strain gauge comprising a strained body and a gate resistor disposed on the strained body. When the user performs the pressing operation on the pressing component, the strain gauge deforms according to the pressing force, the gate resistor stretches or compresses, thereby changing the resistance of the pressure-sensitive component.

8. A push-button switch, characterized in that, Include: The central contact, the first outer contact, and the second outer contact are arranged separately from each other; A pressure-sensitive component, which is electrically connected to the first outer contact and the second outer contact mentioned above; as well as The movable contact is capable of shifting between a first position where it is not in contact with the central contact and a second position where it is in contact with the central contact, depending on the pressure applied by the user. When the movable contact is in the second position, the central contact is connected to either the first outer contact or the second outer contact via the movable contact. The pressing force applied by the user to the movable contact is transmitted to the pressure-sensitive component via the movable contact. The aforementioned pressure-sensitive component is configured such that its resistance changes according to the intensity of the applied pressure. During the period when the movable contact is displaced from the first position to the second position, the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact and the second outer contact changes according to the intensity of the pressing force.

9. A push-button switch, characterized in that, Include: The central contact, the first outer contact, the second outer contact, and the third outer contact are arranged separately from each other; A pressure-sensitive component, which is electrically connected to the first outer contact and the second outer contact mentioned above; as well as The movable contact is capable of shifting between a first position where it is not in contact with the central contact and a second position where it is in contact with the central contact, depending on the pressure applied by the user. When the movable contact is in the second position, the central contact and the third outer contact are connected via the movable contact. The pressing force applied by the user to the movable contact is transmitted to the pressure-sensitive component via the movable contact. The aforementioned pressure-sensitive component is configured such that its resistance changes according to the intensity of the applied pressure. During the period when the movable contact is displaced from the first position to the second position, the electrical signal flowing between the first outer contact and the second outer contact changes according to the intensity of the pressing force.

Images