switching device

Abstract

The present application provides a switch device capable of receiving an operation of swinging and an operation of parallel moving an operation portion. The switch device is provided with an operation portion (130A), a first cam (140A), a second cam (140B), a plurality of plungers (150), a plurality of movable contacts (161), and a plurality of fixed contacts (171). The first cam (140A) engages with an elongated hole (132b) provided in the operation portion (130A) and extending in the front-rear direction (length direction L) of the operation portion (130A), and rotates by pressing and lifting the end portion of the operation portion (130A) in the front-rear direction. The second cam (140B) engages with the operation portion (130A), and rotates by moving the operation portion (130A) in the front-rear direction. The plurality of plungers (150) are individually pressed by the rotation of the first cam (140A) or the second cam (140B). The plurality of movable contacts (161) are individually pressed by the plurality of plungers (150). The plurality of fixed contacts (171) are provided opposite to the plurality of movable contacts (161), respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to switching devices. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a four-level switching interactive changeover device.

[0003] Existing technical documents Patent documents Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-290685 Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem that the invention aims to solve As with existing interleaved changeover switches, a switch that swings the operating section cannot handle operations that allow the operating section to move horizontally. Furthermore, a switch that allows the operating section to move horizontally cannot handle operations that allow the operating section to swing. Therefore, it is necessary to provide separate switch devices for swinging the operating section and for moving the operating section horizontally.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention provides a switching device capable of accepting operations that cause the operating part to swing and operations that cause the operating part to move in parallel.

[0006] Methods for solving problems One aspect of the present invention provides a switching device comprising: an operating part; a first cam that engages with an elongated hole disposed on the operating part and extending along the front-rear direction of the operating part, and rotates by pressing and lifting an end of the operating part in the front-rear direction; a second cam that engages with the operating part and rotates by parallel movement of the operating part in the front-rear direction; a plurality of plungers that are individually pressed by rotation of the first cam or the second cam; a plurality of movable contacts that are individually pressed by the plurality of plungers; and a plurality of fixed contacts that are respectively disposed opposite to the plurality of movable contacts.

[0007] Invention Effects According to the above method, a switching device can be provided that can accept operations that swing the operating part and operations that move the operating part in parallel. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a switching device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 2 It will constitute Figure 1 A perspective view of a part of the switching device after it has been disassembled.

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of the switching device.

[0011] Figure 4 It was assembled Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the state of a portion of the switching device.

[0012] Figure 5 It means Figure 2 A side view of the switching device when the operating part is not in operation.

[0013] Figure 6 It means Figure 2 A side view of the switch device when the operating part is pressed.

[0014] Figure 7 It means Figure 2 A side view of the switch device when the operating part is lifted.

[0015] Figure 8 It means Figure 2 A side view of the state when the operating part of the switching device moves in parallel.

[0016] Symbol Explanation 100 Switching device 110 Shell section 113 Swing support 130A Operations Section 131 Operating handle 132 Base section 132b elongated hole 132d concave part 140A First Cam 140B Second Cam 141 First Arm 142 Second Arm 143 Third Arm 144 Fourth Arm 145 The Fifth Arm 146 The Sixth Arm 147. Card-connecting section 150 plunger 151 First plunger 152 Second plunger 153 Third plunger 154 Fourth plunger 155 Fifth plunger 156 Sixth Piston 160 elastic sheet 161 Movable contact 161a First movable contact 161b Second movable contact 161c Third movable contact 161d Fourth movable contact 161e Fifth movable contact 161f Sixth movable contact 170 Printed Wiring Board 171 Fixed contact 171a First Fixed Contact 171b Second Fixed Contact 171c Third Fixed Contact 171d Fourth Fixed Contact 171e Fifth Fixed Contact 171f Sixth Fixed Contact L represents the length direction (front-to-back direction). W width direction Detailed Implementation

[0017] The embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, for ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are used to label the same constituent elements in each drawing, and repeated descriptions are omitted. Also, the scale of some parts in the drawings may differ from the actual scale.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a switch device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The switch device 100 of this embodiment is installed, for example, in a space-constrained part of a vehicle interior such as a seat, dashboard, or door panel, and can be used to adjust the height, fore-aft position, and reclining angle of the seat. Furthermore, the application of the switch device 100 is not limited to vehicles and can be used for operating various devices.

[0019] The figures show a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system with an X-axis parallel to the width direction W of the switching device 100, a Y-axis parallel to the length direction L of the switching device 100, and a Z-axis parallel to the height direction H of the switching device 100. In this embodiment, for example, one direction (positive Y-axis direction) in the length direction L of the switching device 100 is designated as the forward direction, and its opposite direction (negative Y-axis direction) is designated as the backward direction. That is, in this embodiment, the forward / backward direction of the switching device 100 is the length direction L (Y-axis direction) of the switching device 100. In the following description, the width direction W, length direction L, and height direction H of the switching device 100 will be simply referred to as the width direction W, length direction L, and height direction H.

[0020] The switching device 100 includes, for example, a housing portion 110, an outer frame 120, and an operating portion 130. The housing portion 110 is, for example, a cuboid-shaped housing with flange portions 110F at both ends in the length direction L, i.e., the front end and the rear end. The housing portion 110 supports, for example, the cam and the plunger described later, so that they can rotate and move linearly, and internally houses other components of the switching device 100, such as an elastic sheet with movable contacts and a printed wiring board with fixed contacts.

[0021] The external frame 120, for example, has a frame body 121 and support legs 122, 123 that support the front and rear ends of the frame body 121 from below. The frame body 121 is, for example, a groove-shaped or channel-shaped component extending in the front-rear direction. At the bottom of the frame body 121, an opening is provided at a position corresponding to each operating part 130.

[0022] The lower end of the support leg 122 at the front end of the support frame body 121 is supported from below by a flange 110F provided at the front end of the housing 110, and is fixed to the flange 110F from below by bolts. The lower end of the support leg 123 at the rear end of the support frame body 121 is supported from below by a flange 110F provided at the rear end of the housing 110, and is fixed to the flange 110F from below by bolts.

[0023] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the switching device 100 has three operating sections 130. Furthermore, the number of operating sections 130 in the switching device 100 is not particularly limited; it can be one, two, or more than three. Figure 1 The central operating unit 130A of the three operating units 130 shown can handle operations such as pressing or lifting the front or rear end of the operating handle 131 to swing the operating handle 131, as well as operations such as moving the operating handle 131 back and forth in parallel.

[0024] on the other hand, Figure 1 Of the three operating units 130 shown, the operating unit 130B located on the front side only accepts operations in one direction: pressing the operating handle 131B downwards in the height direction H (negative Z-axis direction). Furthermore, Figure 1 Of the three operating units 130 shown, the operating unit 130C located on the rear side only accepts the swinging operation of tilting the operating handle 131C back and forth. The structures of these operating units 130B and 130C are the same as those of known operating units, so descriptions are omitted.

[0025] The following is for reference Figures 2 to 8 The structure of the switch device 100, which has an operating section 130A capable of accepting operations such as swinging the operating handle 131 and moving it back and forth in parallel, will be described in detail.

[0026] Figure 2 From Figure 1 The diagram shows a perspective view of the switch device 100 with the outer frame 120, the front and rear operating parts 130B and 130C, and the corresponding cams, plungers, and other components removed. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of the switching device 100.

[0027] The switching device 100 has an operating section 130A, a first cam 140A, a second cam 140B, a plurality of plungers 150, a plurality of movable contacts 161, and a plurality of fixed contacts 171 as its main structures. Specifically, the switching device 100 also includes, for example, an elastic sheet 160 provided with the plurality of movable contacts 161. In addition, the switching device 100 includes, for example, a printed wiring board 170 provided with the plurality of fixed contacts 171.

[0028] Additionally, the switching device 100 may also include the aforementioned housing portion 110. The housing portion 110, for example, supports the first cam 140A and the second cam 140B so that they can rotate. Furthermore, the housing portion 110, for example, supports a plurality of plungers 150 so that they can move up and down. The housing portion 110, for example, is as follows... Figure 3 As shown, it has an upper housing 110A and a lower housing 110B.

[0029] The upper housing 110A has, for example, a box-shaped rectangular parallelepiped with an open bottom, and flanges 110F are provided on the front and rear surfaces. Additionally, the upper wall of the upper housing 110A has, for example, a first cam support 111 that supports the first cam 140A for rotation and a second cam support 112 that supports the second cam 140B for rotation. Furthermore, the upper surface of the upper housing 110A has, for example, a swing support 113 that supports the operating part 130A for swinging and a swing limiting part 114 that limits the swinging of the operating part 130A.

[0030] More specifically, the upper housing 110A has a second cam support 112 disposed at the center of the upper wall and two first cam supports 111 disposed before and after it. When viewing the housing 110 from the rear (negative direction) to the front (positive direction) in the longitudinal direction L (Y-axis direction), the front first cam support 111 of the two first cam supports 111 is positioned to the left (negative direction) of the center in the width direction W (X-axis direction). Furthermore, when viewing the housing 110 from the rear to the front in the longitudinal direction L, the rear first cam support 111 of the two first cam supports 111 is positioned to the right (positive direction) of the center in the width direction W (X-axis direction).

[0031] The lower housing 110B is a rectangular plate-shaped component that closes the opening at the lower end of the upper housing 110A. The lower housing 110B, for example, has multiple through holes through which bolts 181 are inserted. It is mounted to the upper housing 110A by screwing the bolts 181, which are inserted into the respective through holes, into the threaded holes of the upper housing 110A. The lower housing 110B, for example, has multiple columnar portions on the upper surface of its bottom wall that support each of a plurality of fixed contacts 171 disposed on the printed wiring substrate 170 from below.

[0032] The operating part 130A, for example, has an operating handle 131, a base part 132 connected to the lower part of the operating handle 131, and a recess 132d provided at the lower end of the base part 132 and engaging the second cam 140B (see reference). Figure 5 Regarding the recess 132d at the lower end of the base portion 132, refer to... Figure 5 As will be described later. The operating handle 131 has, for example, a shape that mimics the shape of a seat cushion. Specifically, the operating handle 131 has, for example, a dimension larger in the length direction L than in the width direction W, and a dimension smaller in the height direction H than in the width direction W. Furthermore, the operating handle 131 has a longitudinally elongated three-dimensional shape with rounded corners at the front and rear ends. Additionally, the shape of the operating handle 131 is not particularly limited as long as it is suitable for the operator's hand.

[0033] The base portion 132 has, for example, a rectangular plate-shaped tilting slider 132a, an elongated hole 132b provided on the side of the tilting slider 132a, and a connecting portion 132c provided on the upper surface of the tilting slider 132a.

[0034] A tilting slider 132a is disposed at the lower end of the operating section 130A. An elongated hole 132b is provided in the operating section 130A and extends along the length direction L, i.e., the front-to-back direction. Specifically, the elongated hole 132b is provided, for example, at the end of the operating section 130A in the front-to-back direction. More specifically, the elongated hole 132b is provided at one end in the width direction W of the front end portion of the tilting slider 132a constituting the base section 132 and at the other end in the width direction W of the rear end portion of the tilting slider 132a. Furthermore, the elongated hole 132b does not necessarily have to be provided at the end of the operating section 130A in the front-to-back direction; it may also be provided in the middle portion of the operating section 130A.

[0035] The connecting portion 132c is a columnar portion extending upward from the upper surface of the tilt slider 132a. The connecting portion 132c is provided at intervals from the front and rear portions of the tilt slider 132a in the longitudinal direction L. The upper end of each connecting portion 132c is inserted into and engaged with a recess provided at the lower end of the operating handle 131, thereby connecting the operating handle 131 and the base portion 132 via the connecting portion 132c.

[0036] The operating handle 131 is connected to the base portion 132 via the connecting portion 132c, so that the tilting slider 132a at the lower end of the operating portion 130A tilts back and forth relative to the housing portion 110 by pressing or lifting the front or rear end of the operating handle 131. In addition, the tilting slider 132a at the lower end of the operating portion 130A moves parallel to the housing portion 110 by sliding back and forth relative to it by moving the operating handle 131 parallel in the back and forth direction.

[0037] Figure 4 It is assembled into a structure Figure 2 A perspective view of the state of a portion of the components of the switching device 100. More specifically, Figure 4 It means in Figure 3 The diagram shows a perspective view of the upper housing 110A of the housing portion 110, in which the first cam 140A, the second cam 140B, and the plunger 150 are mounted.

[0038] Figure 5 It means Figure 2 A side view of the operating section 130A in the switching device 100 in its inactive state. More specifically, Figure 5 Is Figure 2 The shown switch device 100 is a side enlarged view omitting the upper housing 110A of the housing portion 110 and the operating handle 131 of the operating portion 130A. That is, in Figure 5 In the middle, the first cam 140A and the second cam 140B are supported by the first cam support 111 and the second cam support 112 of the upper housing 110A (not shown) so that they can rotate, and each plunger 150 is also supported by the upper housing 110A so that it can move up and down.

[0039] like Figure 4 As shown, the housing portion 110, for example, supports the first cam 140A rotatably via the first cam support portion 111 of the upper housing 110A. Specifically, as... Figure 5 As shown, the first cam 140A has a cylindrical recess in its central portion. The recess of the first cam 140A is, for example, provided on both sides in the width direction W. Furthermore, as... Figure 4 As shown, the first cam support portion 111 has a pair of support walls on both sides of the first cam 140A in the width direction W, and a pair of cylindrical shaft portions protruding in the width direction W on the inner side of the pair of support walls.

[0040] For example, the first cam 140A is inserted between a pair of support walls of the first cam support portion 111 from above the upper housing 110A. A pair of cylindrical shaft portions of the first cam support portion 111 engage with the circular recesses on both sides of the central portion of the first cam 140A. Thus, the housing portion 110 supports the first cam 140A via the first cam support portion 111 of the upper housing 110A, enabling it to rotate about a rotation axis parallel to the width direction W, which is orthogonal to the length direction L (front-to-back direction) and height direction H of the switching device 100. Furthermore, the structure by which the housing portion 110 supports the first cam 140A to enable rotation is not limited to the structure shown in the figure; any structure can be used.

[0041] Furthermore, the first cam 140A, for example, is supported by a first cam support portion 111 located at a front portion further forward than the center and a first cam support portion 111 located at a rear portion further backward than the center, with the center as the reference point in the length direction L. Thus, as... Figure 5 As shown, the first cam 140A is disposed at the front and rear of the operating part 130A in the longitudinal direction L.

[0042] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, the first cam 140A at the front of the operating part 130A has a first arm 141 and a second arm 142. The first arm 141 extends towards the front side (positive Y-axis direction side) of the operating part 130A and engages with the elongated hole 132b of the base part 132. The second arm 142 extends towards the rear side (negative Y-axis direction side) of the operating part 130A.

[0043] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, the first cam 140A at the rear of the operating part 130A has a third arm 143 and a fourth arm 144. The third arm 143 extends toward the rear side (negative Y-axis direction side) of the operating part 130A and engages with the elongated hole 132b of the base part 132. The fourth arm 144 extends toward the front side (positive Y-axis direction side) of the operating part 130A.

[0044] More specifically, the first cam 140A on the front side of the operating part 130A has an engaging protrusion 141a at the top end of the first arm 141, which engages with an elongated hole 132b at one end in the width direction W of the front end of the base part 132. Additionally, the first cam 140A on the rear side of the operating part 130A has an engaging protrusion 141a at the top end of the third arm 143 that engages with an elongated hole 132b at the other end in the width direction of the rear end of the base part 132.

[0045] Thus, the first cam 140A engages with an elongated hole 132b provided in the operating part 130A and extending along the longitudinal direction (length direction L) of the operating part 130A, thereby rotating by pressing and lifting the end of the operating part 130A in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the elongated hole 132b of the operating part 130A that engages the first cam 140A is provided, for example, at the end of the operating part 130A in the longitudinal direction along the longitudinal direction.

[0046] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, the housing portion 110 supports the second cam 140B so that it can rotate, for example, via the second cam support portion 112 of the upper housing 110A. Specifically, as Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the second cam 140B has a cylindrical rotating shaft protruding W in the width direction at its central portion. Additionally, as... Figure 4 As shown, the second cam support portion 112 has a groove provided in the center of the upper housing 110A and a shaft support portion provided at the lower end of the groove. The shaft support portion of the second cam support portion 112 is a pair of arc-shaped notches provided at the lower end of the sidewall of the groove that are opposite each other in the width direction W.

[0047] The second cam 140B is inserted into the groove of the second cam support portion 112 from below the upper housing 110A, for example. A cylindrical rotation axis disposed at the center of the second cam 140B engages with an arc-shaped shaft support portion disposed at the lower end of the sidewall constituting the groove of the second cam support portion 112. Thus, the housing portion 110 supports the second cam 140B via the second cam support portion 112 of the upper housing 110A, enabling it to rotate around a rotation axis that is parallel to the width direction W and orthogonal to the length direction L (front-to-back direction) and height direction H of the switching device 100. Furthermore, the structure in which the second cam 140B is supported by the housing portion 110 to enable rotation is not limited to the structure shown in the figure, and any structure can be adopted.

[0048] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, the second cam support portion 112 supporting the second cam 140B is disposed in the central portion of the upper housing 110A. Thus, as... Figure 5 As shown, the second cam 140B is disposed at the center of the operating part 130A in the longitudinal direction (length direction L). Additionally, as... Figure 5 As shown, the tilt slider 132a at the lower end of the operation unit 130A has a recess 132d. The recess 132d is provided at the center of the lower surface of the tilt slider 132a located at the lower end of the base portion 132 constituting the operation unit 130A.

[0049] The second cam 140B has a fifth arm 145 extending forward (positive Y-axis direction) and a sixth arm 146 extending rearward (negative Y-axis direction). Additionally, the second cam 140B has an engaging portion 147 extending upward in the height direction H (positive Z-axis direction), the front end of which engages with a recess 132d provided in the base portion 132 of the operating portion 130A.

[0050] The front end of the engaging portion 147 of the second cam 140B has, for example, a bowl-shaped concave shape with an open upper end. Additionally, the bottom of the concave portion 132d of the tilt slider 132a located at the lower end of the operating portion 130A has a protrusion that engages with the concave shape of the front end of the engaging portion 147. The front end of the engaging portion 147 of the second cam 140B and the concave portion 132d at the lower end of the operating portion 130A engage loosely and intermittently, allowing the tilt slider 132a to swing in conjunction with the operation of the operating portion 130A.

[0051] In this way, the second cam 140B engages with the operating part 130A, and rotates by the movement of the operating part 130A in the front-rear direction (length direction L). Specifically, the second cam 140B engages with a recess 132d provided at the lower end of the operating part 130A. Alternatively, the operating part 130A may have a protrusion or other structure that engages the second cam 140B, instead of the recess 132d.

[0052] Multiple plungers 150, for example, housed in Figure 3 and Figure 4 The recess or longitudinal hole provided in the upper housing 110A of the housing portion 110 shown is supported so that it can move in the vertical direction (height direction H). For example, as Figure 5 As shown, the lower ends of each plunger 150 are disposed on a plurality of movable contacts 161 provided on the elastic plate 160. The plurality of plungers 150 are individually pressed by rotation of the first cam 140A or the second cam 140B.

[0053] Specifically, the plurality of plungers 150 includes, for example, a first plunger 151 to a sixth plunger 156 corresponding to a first arm 141 to a sixth arm 146 of a first cam 140A and a second cam 140B, respectively.

[0054] More specifically, the first plunger 151 is positioned below the first arm 141 of the first cam 140A located at the front of the operating section 130A, and is pressed downward by the first arm 141 as the first cam 140A rotates forward. Furthermore, Figure 5 The rotation of the first cam 140A on the front side forward is the rotation of the first cam 140A to the left (counterclockwise).

[0055] Furthermore, the second plunger 152 is positioned below the second arm 142 of the first cam 140A located at the front of the operating section 130A, and is pressed downward by the second arm 142 as the first cam 140A rotates rearward. Additionally, Figure 5 The rearward rotation of the first cam 140A on the front side shown is a rightward (clockwise) rotation of the first cam 140A.

[0056] Furthermore, the third plunger 153 is positioned below the third arm 143 of the first cam 140A, which is located at the rear of the operating section 130A, and is pressed downward by the third arm 143 as the first cam 140A rotates rearward. Additionally, Figure 5 The rearward rotation of the first cam 140A shown is a rightward (clockwise) rotation of the first cam 140A.

[0057] Furthermore, the fourth plunger 154 is positioned below the fourth arm 144 of the first cam 140A, which is located at the rear of the operating section 130A, and is pressed downward by the fourth arm 144 as the first cam 140A rotates forward. Additionally, Figure 5 The rotation of the first cam 140A on the rear side forward is the rotation of the first cam 140A to the left (counterclockwise).

[0058] Furthermore, the fifth plunger 155 is positioned below the fifth arm 145 of the second cam 140B, which is located at the center of the operating section 130A in the front-rear direction. As the second cam 140B rotates forward, the fifth arm 145 presses it downward. Figure 5 The forward rotation of the second cam 140B shown is the leftward (counterclockwise) rotation of the second cam 140B.

[0059] Furthermore, the sixth plunger 156 is positioned below the sixth arm 146 of the second cam 140B, which is located at the center of the operating section 130A in the front-rear direction. As the second cam 140B rotates rearward, the sixth arm 146 presses it downward. Additionally, Figure 5 The rearward rotation of the second cam 140B shown is the rightward (clockwise) rotation of the second cam 140B.

[0060] Multiple movable contacts 161 are individually pressed by multiple plungers 150. As described above, multiple movable contacts 161 are disposed on an elastic plate 160. In this case, multiple movable contacts 161 are individually elastically pressed by multiple plungers 150. The elastic plate 160 is, for example, as... Figure 3As shown, the sheet, which is roughly rectangular in shape corresponding to the shape of the printed wiring substrate 170, is made of elastic rubber and is disposed opposite to the printed wiring substrate 170. Furthermore, the multiple movable contacts 161 can be pressed individually by the multiple plungers 150 without elastic deformation.

[0061] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, multiple fixed contacts 171 and multiple movable contacts 161 are respectively disposed opposite each other. As described above, the multiple fixed contacts 171 are disposed on the printed wiring substrate 170.

[0062] Each movable contact 161 includes, for example, a bulge provided on the elastic sheet 160 and a conductive metal portion disposed inside the bulge, opposite to the fixed contact 171. The bulge of the movable contact 161 is formed, for example, by bulging a portion of the elastic sheet 160 opposite to each fixed contact 171 in the opposite direction to the fixed contact 171. The conductive portion of the movable contact 161 is disposed inside the top of the bulge, opposite to the fixed contact 171.

[0063] With this structure, when a force is applied to the plunger 150 to press the movable contact 161 toward the fixed contact 171, the bulge of the movable contact 161 elastically deforms, and the conductive part comes into contact with the fixed contact 171, short-circuiting the fixed contact 171. Conversely, if no force is applied to the plunger 150 to press the movable contact 161 toward the fixed contact 171, the elastically deformed bulge of the movable contact 161 returns to its original position, pushing the plunger 150 back to its original position, thereby opening the fixed contact 171.

[0064] More specifically, the plurality of movable contacts 161 include first movable contacts 161a to sixth movable contacts 161f corresponding to the first plunger 151 to the sixth plunger 156, respectively. Additionally, the plurality of fixed contacts 171 include first fixed contacts 171a to sixth fixed contacts 171f corresponding to the first movable contacts 161a to the sixth movable contacts 161f, respectively.

[0065] When the first cam 140A, located at the front of the operating section 130A, rotates forward and the first plunger 151 is pressed down by the first arm 141, the first movable contact 161a elastically deforms from the bulge portion of the first plunger 151 toward the first fixed contact 171a. As a result, the conductive portion of the first movable contact 161a comes into contact with the first fixed contact 171a, causing the first fixed contact 171a to short-circuit.

[0066] When the first cam 140A, located at the front of the operating section 130A, rotates rearward and the second plunger 152 is pressed down by the second arm 142, the bulge of the second movable contact 161b, which is subjected to force from the second plunger 152, elastically deforms toward the second fixed contact 171b. As a result, the conductive part of the second movable contact 161b comes into contact with the second fixed contact 171b, causing the second fixed contact 171b to short-circuit.

[0067] When the first cam 140A, located at the rear of the operating section 130A, rotates rearward and the third plunger 153 is pressed down by the third arm 143, the third movable contact 161c elastically deforms from the bulge portion of the third plunger 153 toward the third fixed contact 171c. As a result, the conductive portion of the third movable contact 161c comes into contact with the third fixed contact 171c, causing the third fixed contact 171c to short-circuit.

[0068] When the first cam 140A, located at the rear of the operating section 130A, rotates forward and the fourth plunger 154 is pressed down by the fourth arm 144, the fourth movable contact 161d elastically deforms from the bulge portion of the fourth plunger 154 toward the fourth fixed contact 171d. As a result, the conductive portion of the fourth movable contact 161d comes into contact with the fourth fixed contact 171d, causing the fourth fixed contact 171d to short-circuit.

[0069] When the second cam 140B, located at the center of the operating section 130A, rotates forward and the fifth plunger 155 is pressed down by the fifth arm 145, the fifth movable contact 161e elastically deforms from the bulge portion of the fifth plunger 155 toward the fifth fixed contact 171e. As a result, the conductive portion of the fifth movable contact 161e comes into contact with the fifth fixed contact 171e, causing the fifth fixed contact 171e to short-circuit.

[0070] When the second cam 140B, located in the center of the operating section 130A, rotates rearward and the sixth plunger 156 is pressed down by the sixth arm 146, the sixth movable contact 161f elastically deforms from the bulge portion of the sixth plunger 156 toward the sixth fixed contact 171f. As a result, the conductive portion of the sixth movable contact 161f comes into contact with the sixth fixed contact 171f, causing the sixth fixed contact 171f to short-circuit.

[0071] The following is for reference Figures 6 to 8 The specific operation of the switching device 100 will be explained. Furthermore, in Figures 6 to 8 In, with Figure 5 Similarly, the first cam 140A and the second cam 140B are supported by the first cam support portion 111 and the second cam support portion 112 of the upper housing 110A (not shown) and are rotatable. In addition, a plurality of plungers 150 are also respectively housed in the recesses and longitudinal holes of the upper housing 110A (not shown) and are supported to move up and down.

[0072] Figure 6 It means in Figure 2 A side view of the operating unit 130A shown, in the state when the front end of the operating handle 131 is pressed. Figure 6 As shown by arrow A1, press Figure 2 The front end of the operating handle 131 of the operating unit 130A shown. Therefore, as... Figure 6 As shown, the base portion 132 of the operation unit 130A is connected to... Figure 2 and Figure 5 The upper surface of the housing 110 shown is parallel, and it tilts forward with the front lower and the back higher. As a result, the first cam 140A at the front of the operation part 130A, which engages with the elongated hole 132b provided at the front end of the operation part 130A, rotates forward.

[0073] When the front end of the operating unit 130A is pressed, the setting is... Figures 2 to 4 The swing support portion 113 of the housing portion 110 shown abuts against the lower surface of the inclined slider 132a provided at the lower end of the operating portion 130A, supporting the operating portion 130A so that it can swing. Furthermore, if the front end of the operating portion 130A is further pressed, the inclined slider 132a provided at the lower end of the operating portion 130A... Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 The swing limiting part 114 at the front of the housing part 110 shown abuts against the lower surface of the inclined slider 132a provided at the lower end of the operation part 130A, thereby limiting the swing of the operation part 130A.

[0074] Additionally, when pressing Figure 6 When the front end of the operating part 130A, as indicated by arrow A1, is located, the first cam 140A at the rear of the operating part 130A uses the engaging protrusion 141a of the fourth arm 144, which engages with the elongated hole 132b at the rear of the operating part 130A, as a fulcrum, allowing the operating part 130A to swing. Therefore, the first cam 140A located at the rear of the operating part 130A does not rotate. Similarly, the second cam 140B located at the center of the operating part 130A allows the operating part 130A to swing using the front end of the engaging part 147, which engages with the recess 132d at the center of the operating part 130A, as a fulcrum. Therefore, the second cam 140B located at the center of the operating part 130A also does not rotate.

[0075] Thus, when the front end of the operating part 130A is pressed, only the first cam 140A at the front of the operating part 130A rotates forward, thereby selectively pressing the first plunger 151 by the first arm 141 of the first cam 140A. As a result, the first plunger 151 moves the first movable contact 161a toward the first fixed contact 171a, causing the first movable contact 161a to selectively contact the first fixed contact 171a, enabling the first fixed contact 171a to be selectively short-circuited.

[0076] Figure 7 It means in Figure 2 This is a side view of the operating unit 130A when the front end of the operating handle 131 is lifted. Figure 7 As shown by arrow A2, Figure 2 The front end of the operating handle 131 of the operating unit 130A shown is lifted. Then, as... Figure 7 As shown, the base portion 132 of the operation unit 130A is connected to... Figure 2 and Figure 5 The upper surface of the housing 110 shown is parallel, and it tilts backward with the front higher than the back. As a result, the first cam 140A at the front of the operation part 130A, which engages with the elongated hole 132b provided at the front end of the operation part 130A, rotates backward.

[0077] In addition, Figure 7 When the front end of the operating part 130A, as indicated by arrow A2, is lifted, the first cam 140A located at the rear of the operating part 130A uses the engaging protrusion 141a of the fourth arm 144, which engages with the elongated hole 132b at the rear of the operating part 130A, as a fulcrum, allowing the operating part 130A to swing. Therefore, the first cam 140A located at the rear of the operating part 130A does not rotate. Furthermore, the second cam 140B located at the center of the operating part 130A is in a state where the front end of the engaging part 147 engages shallowly with the recess 132d at the center of the operating part 130A, allowing the operating part 130A to swing. Therefore, the second cam 140B located at the center of the operating part 130A also does not rotate.

[0078] Thus, when the front end of the operating section 130A is lifted, only the first cam 140A at the front of the operating section 130A rotates rearward, thereby selectively pressing the second plunger 152 by the second arm 142 of the first cam 140A. As a result, the second plunger 152 moves the second movable contact 161b toward the second fixed contact 171b, causing the second movable contact 161b to selectively contact the second fixed contact 171b, enabling the second fixed contact 171b to be selectively short-circuited.

[0079] Additionally, although the illustration is omitted, when the rear end of the operation unit 130A is pressed, it is similar to... Figure 6 In contrast to the example shown, the base portion 132 of the operating part 130A swings rearward with a lower rear and higher front. As a result, the first cam 140A at the rear of the operating part 130A, which engages with the elongated hole 132b provided at the rear end of the operating part 130A, rotates rearward.

[0080] When the rear end of the operating unit 130A is pressed, the setting is... Figure 3 and Figure 4The swing support portion 113 of the housing portion 110 shown abuts against the lower surface of the inclined slider 132a provided at the lower end of the operating portion 130A, supporting the operating portion 130A so that it can swing. Furthermore, when the rear end of the operating portion 130A is further pressed, the inclined slider 132a provided at the lower end of the operating portion 130A... Figures 2 to 4 The swing limiting part 114 at the rear of the housing part 110 shown abuts against the lower surface of the tilting slider 132a provided at the lower end of the operation part 130A, thereby limiting the swing of the operation part 130A.

[0081] Furthermore, unlike when the front end of the operation unit 130A is pressed, when the rear end of the operation unit 130A is pressed, the first cam 140A located at the front of the operation unit 130A does not rotate. Similarly, as when the front end of the operation unit 130A is pressed, the second cam 140B located at the center of the operation unit 130A also does not rotate.

[0082] Thus, when the rear end of the operating section 130A is pressed, only the first cam 140A at the rear of the operating section 130A rotates rearward, thereby selectively pressing the third plunger 153 by the third arm 143 of the first cam 140A. As a result, the third plunger 153 moves the third movable contact 161c toward the third fixed contact 171c, causing the third movable contact 161c to selectively contact the third fixed contact 171c, enabling the third fixed contact 171c to be selectively short-circuited.

[0083] Additionally, although the illustration is omitted, when lifting the rear end of the operation unit 130A, it is similar to... Figure 7 In contrast to the example shown, the base portion 132 of the operating part 130A swings forward with the rear higher than the front. As a result, the first cam 140A at the rear of the operating part 130A, which engages with the elongated hole 132b provided at the rear end of the operating part 130A, rotates forward.

[0084] Furthermore, when the rear end of the operating unit 130A is lifted, the first cam 140A located at the front of the operating unit 130A allows the operating unit 130A to swing around with the engaging protrusion 141a of the first arm 141, which engages with the elongated hole 132b at the front of the operating unit 130A, as a fulcrum. Therefore, the first cam 140A at the front of the operating unit 130A does not rotate. Additionally, the second cam 140B located at the center of the operating unit 130A is in a state where the front end of the engaging portion 147 engages shallowly with the recess 132d at the center of the operating unit 130A, allowing the operating unit 130A to swing. Therefore, the second cam 140B located at the center of the operating unit 130A also does not rotate.

[0085] Thus, when the rear end of the operating unit 130A is lifted, only the first cam 140A at the rear of the operating unit 130A rotates forward, thereby selectively pressing the fourth plunger 154 by the fourth arm 144 of the first cam 140A. As a result, the fourth plunger 154 moves the fourth movable contact 161d toward the fourth fixed contact 171d, causing the fourth movable contact 161d to selectively contact the fourth fixed contact 171d, enabling the fourth fixed contact 171d to be selectively short-circuited.

[0086] Figure 8 It means in Figure 2 A side view of the operating unit 130A in the state where the operating handle 131 is moved forward in parallel. Figure 2 The operating handle 131 of the operating unit 130A shown is as follows: Figure 8 As shown by arrow A3, it moves forward parallel to the target. Therefore, the base 132 of the operating unit 130A moves from... Figure 2 and Figure 5 The initial position shown is towards Figure 8 The base portion 132 moves forward to a sliding position as shown. As the base portion 132 moves forward in parallel, the second cam 140B, which engages with the front end of the engaging portion 147 and the recess 132d at the lower end of the operating portion 130A, rotates forward.

[0087] In addition, Figure 8 When the operating part 130A, indicated by arrow A3, moves forward in parallel, the first cam 140A provided at the front and rear of the operating part 130A allows the base part 132 to move parallel along the elongated hole 132b of the inclined slider 132a provided at the lower end of the operating part 130A. Therefore, the first cam 140A at the front and rear of the operating part 130A does not rotate.

[0088] Thus, when the operating section 130A moves forward in parallel, only the second cam 140B in the central part of the operating section 130A rotates forward, thereby selectively pressing the fifth plunger 155 by the fifth arm 145 of the second cam 140B. As a result, the fifth plunger 155 moves the fifth movable contact 161e toward the fifth fixed contact 171e, causing the fifth movable contact 161e to selectively contact the fifth fixed contact 171e, enabling the fifth fixed contact 171e to be selectively short-circuited.

[0089] Furthermore, although the illustration is omitted, when the operating unit 130A moves rearward in a parallel motion, the base portion 132 of the operating unit 130A moves from... Figure 2 as well as Figure 5 The initial position shown is in the direction of Figure 8The example shown moves to a position that slides backward in the opposite direction. As the base portion 132 moves backward in parallel, the second cam 140B, which engages with the recess 132d at the lower end of the operating portion 130A, rotates backward.

[0090] In addition, in relation to Figure 8 When the operating part 130A moves parallel to the rear, opposite to arrow A3, the first cam 140A provided at the front and rear of the operating part 130A allows the base part 132 to move parallel to the elongated hole 132b of the inclined slider 132a provided at the lower end of the operating part 130A. Therefore, the first cam 140A at the front and rear of the operating part 130A does not rotate.

[0091] Thus, when the operating section 130A moves rearward in parallel, only the second cam 140B in the central part of the operating section 130A rotates rearward. As a result, the sixth plunger 156 is selectively pressed by the sixth arm 146 of the second cam 140B. Consequently, the sixth plunger 156 moves the sixth movable contact 161f toward the sixth fixed contact 171f, causing the sixth movable contact 161f to selectively contact the sixth fixed contact 171f, thereby enabling the sixth fixed contact 171f to be selectively short-circuited.

[0092] The operation of the switching device 100 in this embodiment will be explained below.

[0093] As described above, conventional switching devices capable of handling operations that cause the operating part to swing cannot handle operations that cause the operating part to move horizontally. Furthermore, conventional switching devices capable of handling operations that cause the operating part to move horizontally cannot handle operations that cause the operating part to swing. Therefore, conventionally, it was necessary to separately provide a switching device for swinging the operating part and a switching device for moving the operating part horizontally.

[0094] In contrast, the switching device 100 of this embodiment includes an operating section 130A, a first cam 140A, a second cam 140B, a plurality of plungers 150, a plurality of movable contacts 161, and a plurality of fixed contacts 171. The first cam 140A engages with an elongated hole 132b provided in the operating section 130A and extending along the front-rear direction of the operating section 130A, and rotates by pressing and lifting the end of the operating section 130A in the front-rear direction. The second cam 140B engages with the operating section 130A and rotates by moving the operating section 130A in the front-rear direction. The plurality of plungers 150 are individually pressed by the rotation of the first cam 140A or the second cam 140B. The plurality of movable contacts 161 are individually pressed by the plurality of plungers 150. The plurality of fixed contacts 171 are respectively arranged opposite to the plurality of movable contacts 161.

[0095] According to this structure, when the front or rear end of the operating part 130A is pressed, at the pressed end, the first cam 140A, which engages with the elongated hole 132b of the operating part 130A along the front-rear direction, rotates forward or backward about a rotation axis parallel to the width direction W. On the other hand, the second cam 140B, which engages with the operating part 130A, does not rotate by allowing the oscillation accompanying the pressing of the front or rear end of the operating part 130A. Therefore, when the front or rear end of the operating part 130A is pressed, a plunger 150 is selectively pressed by the forward or backward rotation of the first cam 140A located at its end. In addition, a movable contact 161 corresponding to the pressed plunger 150 is pressed, contacting the fixed contact 171 opposite to the movable contact 161, causing the fixed contact 171 to be selectively short-circuited.

[0096] Similarly, when the front or rear end of the operating part 130A is lifted, the first cam 140A, which engages with the elongated hole 132b along the front-rear direction, rotates in the opposite direction to when it is pressed at the lifted end. On the other hand, the second cam 140B, which engages with the operating part 130A, does not rotate by allowing the swing accompanying the lifting of the front or rear end of the operating part 130A. Therefore, when the front or rear end of the operating part 130A is lifted, other plungers 150 are selectively pressed by the rearward or forward rotation of the first cam 140A located at its end, centered on a rotation axis parallel to the width direction W. In addition, another movable contact 161 corresponding to the pressed plunger 150 is pressed, contacting another fixed contact 171 opposite to the movable contact 161, selectively short-circuiting the fixed contact 171.

[0097] Furthermore, when the operating part 130A is moved forward in parallel, the second cam 140B, which engages with the operating part 130A, rotates forward about a rotation axis parallel to the width direction W. On the other hand, the first cam 140A, which engages with the elongated hole 132b along the front-rear direction of the operating part 130A, does not rotate by allowing the operating part 130A to move forward in parallel. Therefore, when the operating part 130A is moved forward in parallel, the rotation of the second cam 140B further selectively presses down other plungers 150. In addition, another movable contact 161 corresponding to the pressed plunger 150 is pressed down, contacting another fixed contact 171 opposite to the movable contact 161, selectively short-circuiting the fixed contact 171.

[0098] Similarly, when the operating part 130A is moved rearward in parallel, the second cam 140B, which engages with the operating part 130A, rotates rearward around a rotation axis parallel to the width direction W. On the other hand, the first cam 140A, which engages with the elongated hole 132b along the front-rear direction of the operating part 130A, does not rotate by allowing the operating part 130A to move rearward in parallel. Therefore, when the operating part 130A is moved rearward in parallel, the rearward rotation of the second cam 140B further selectively presses down other plungers 150. In addition, another movable contact 161 corresponding to the pressed plunger 150 is pressed down, contacting another fixed contact 171 opposite to the movable contact 161, selectively short-circuiting the fixed contact 171.

[0099] Therefore, the switching device 100 according to this embodiment can accept operations that cause the operating part 130A to swing by pressing or lifting the end of the operating part 130A in the front-to-back direction, and operations that cause the operating part 130A to move parallel in the front-to-back direction. In addition, the switching device 100 can detect at least four types of operation inputs by pressing the front or rear end of the operating part 130A, lifting its end, moving the operating part 130A forward, or moving the operating part 130A backward, thereby short-circuiting at least four other fixed contacts 171.

[0100] In addition, in the switching device 100 of this embodiment, the first cam 140A is respectively provided at the front and rear parts in the front-rear direction of the operation part 130A, and the second cam 140B is provided at the center part in the front-rear direction of the operation part 130A.

[0101] According to this structure, when the front end of the operating part 130A is pressed, the first cam 140A, which engages with the elongated hole 132b at the front of the operating part 130A, rotates forward. On the other hand, the first cam 140A, which engages with the elongated hole 132b at the rear of the operating part 130A, and the second cam 140B, which engages with the recess 132d at the lower end of the operating part 130A, do not rotate by allowing the oscillation accompanying the pressing of the front end of the operating part 130A. Therefore, when the front end of the operating part 130A is pressed, a plunger 150 is selectively pressed by the forward rotation of the first cam 140A at the front of the operating part 130A. In addition, a movable contact 161 corresponding to the pressed plunger 150 is pressed, contacting the fixed contact 171 opposite to the movable contact 161, causing the fixed contact 171 to be selectively short-circuited.

[0102] Similarly, when the front end of the operating part 130A is lifted, the first cam 140A, which engages with the elongated hole 132b at the front of the operating part 130A, rotates rearward. On the other hand, the first cam 140A, which engages with the elongated hole 132b at the rear of the operating part 130A, and the second cam 140B, which engages with the recess 132d at the lower end of the operating part 130A, do not rotate by allowing the swing that accompanies the lifting of the front end of the operating part 130A. Therefore, when the front end of the operating part 130A is lifted, the other plunger 150 is selectively pressed down by the rearward rotation of the first cam 140A at the front of the operating part 130A. In addition, another movable contact 161 corresponding to the pressed plunger 150 is pressed down, contacting another fixed contact 171 opposite to the movable contact 161, selectively short-circuiting the fixed contact 171.

[0103] Furthermore, when the rear end of the operating part 130A is pressed, the first cam 140A, which engages with the elongated hole 132b at the rear end of the operating part 130A, rotates rearward. On the other hand, the first cam 140A, which engages with the elongated hole 132b at the front end of the operating part 130A, and the second cam 140B, which engages with the recess 132d at the lower end of the operating part 130A, do not rotate by allowing the oscillation that accompanies the pressing of the rear end of the operating part 130A. Therefore, if the rear end of the operating part 130A is pressed, the rearward rotation of the first cam 140A at the rear end of the operating part 130A further selectively presses other plungers 150. In addition, another movable contact 161 corresponding to the pressed plunger 150 is pressed, contacting another fixed contact 171 opposite to the movable contact 161, causing the fixed contact 171 to be selectively short-circuited.

[0104] Similarly, when the rear end of the operating part 130A is lifted, the first cam 140A, which engages with the elongated hole 132b at the rear of the operating part 130A, rotates forward. On the other hand, the first cam 140A, which engages with the elongated hole 132b at the front of the operating part 130A, and the second cam 140B, which engages with the recess 132d at the lower end of the operating part 130A, do not rotate by allowing the swing that accompanies the lifting of the rear end of the operating part 130A. Therefore, when the rear end of the operating part 130A is lifted, the forward rotation of the first cam 140A at the rear of the operating part 130A further selectively presses down other plungers 150. In addition, another movable contact 161 corresponding to the pressed plunger 150 is pressed down, contacting another fixed contact 171 opposite to the movable contact 161, causing the fixed contact 171 to be selectively short-circuited.

[0105] Therefore, according to the switching device 100 of this embodiment, by pressing and lifting the front end of the operation section 130A, pressing and lifting the rear end of the operation section 130A, and moving the operation section 130A back and forth in parallel, six different fixed contacts 171 are short-circuited, and six types of operation inputs can be detected.

[0106] Furthermore, in the switching device 100 of this embodiment, the operating part 130A has an operating handle 131, a base part 132 connected to the lower part of the operating handle 131, and a recess 132d provided at the center of the lower end of the base part 132 for engaging the second cam 140B. Additionally, the elongated hole 132b of the operating part 130A is provided at one end in the width direction W of the front end of the base part 132 and at the other end in the width direction W of the rear end of the base part 132.

[0107] According to this structure, the first cam 140A disposed at the front of the operating part 130A can engage with the elongated hole 132b provided at one end of the width direction W of the front end of the base part 132 constituting the operating part 130A. Furthermore, the second cam 140B disposed at the rear of the operating part 130A can engage with the elongated hole 132b provided at the other end of the width direction W of the rear end of the base part 132 constituting the operating part 130A. Moreover, the second cam 140B can engage with the recess 132d between the two first cams 140A in both the longitudinal direction (length direction L) and the width direction W of the operating part 130A. Thus, by the two first cams 140A and the second cam 140B providing balanced and good support for the base part 132, the operating handle 131 can be operated stably.

[0108] Furthermore, in the switching device 100 of this embodiment, the first cam 140A at the front of the operating part 130A has a first arm 141 extending towards the front of the operating part 130A and engaging with an elongated hole 132b at the front end, and a second arm 142 extending towards the rear of the operating part 130A. The first cam 140A at the rear of the operating part 130A has a third arm 143 extending towards the rear of the operating part 130A and engaging with an elongated hole 132b at the rear end, and a fourth arm 144 extending towards the front of the operating part 130A. The second cam 140B has a fifth arm 145 extending towards the front of the operating part 130A, a sixth arm 146 extending towards the rear of the operating part 130A, and an engaging portion 147 extending towards the upper side of the operating part 130A and engaging with a recess 132d at its front end. The plurality of plungers 150 includes first plungers 151 to sixth plungers 156 corresponding to the first arm 141 to the sixth arm 146, respectively. The plurality of movable contacts 161 includes first movable contacts 161a to sixth movable contacts 161f corresponding to the first plungers 151 to the sixth plungers 156, respectively. The plurality of fixed contacts 171 includes first fixed contacts 171a to sixth fixed contacts 171f corresponding to the first movable contacts 161a to the sixth movable contacts 161f, respectively.

[0109] According to this structure, when the front end of the operating part 130A is pressed, the first cam 140A at the front of the operating part 130A rotates forward, the first plunger 151 is pressed down by the first arm 141, and the first movable contact 161a short-circuits the first fixed contact 171a. Conversely, when the front end of the operating part 130A is lifted, the first cam 140A at the front of the operating part 130A rotates backward, the second plunger 152 is pressed down by the second arm 142, and the second movable contact 161b short-circuits the second fixed contact 171b.

[0110] Furthermore, by pressing down the rear end of the operating unit 130A, the first cam 140A at the rear of the operating unit 130A rotates rearward, the third plunger 153 is pressed down by the third arm 143, and the third movable contact 161c short-circuits the third fixed contact 171c. Conversely, by lifting the rear end of the operating unit 130A, the first cam 140A at the rear of the operating unit 130A rotates forward, the fourth plunger 154 is pressed down by the fourth arm 144, and the fourth movable contact 161d short-circuits the fourth fixed contact 171d.

[0111] Furthermore, by moving the operating unit 130A forward in parallel, the second cam 140B in the center of the operating unit 130A rotates forward, the fifth plunger 155 is pressed down by the fifth arm 145, and the fifth movable contact 161e short-circuits the fifth fixed contact 171e. Additionally, by moving the operating unit 130A backward in parallel, the second cam 140B in the center of the operating unit 130A rotates backward, the sixth plunger 156 is pressed down by the sixth arm 146, and the sixth movable contact 161f short-circuits the sixth fixed contact 171f.

[0112] As described above, in the switching device 100 according to this embodiment, the first fixed contact 171a to the sixth fixed contact 171f are individually short-circuited by pressing and lifting the front end of the operation section 130A, pressing and lifting the rear end of the operation section 130A, and parallel movement of the operation section 130A back and forth. Therefore, the switching device 100 of this embodiment can detect six different operation inputs.

[0113] In addition, the switching device 100 of this embodiment also includes a housing portion 110 that supports the first cam 140A and the second cam 140B so that they can rotate.

[0114] According to this structure, the components of the switching device 100 can be housed within the housing portion 110, and the first cam 140A and the second cam 140B are supported by the housing portion 110 to allow rotation. Furthermore, the operating portion 130A is disposed on these first cam 140A and second cam 140B. Therefore, the switching device 100 according to this embodiment can achieve miniaturization, for example, it can be easily installed in limited spaces such as the interior of a car.

[0115] In addition, in the switch device 100 of this embodiment, the housing portion 110 has a swing support portion 113. When the end of the operation portion 130A in the front-rear direction is pressed, the swing support portion 113 abuts against the lower end of the operation portion 130A and supports the operation portion 130A so that it can swing.

[0116] According to this structure, when the front or rear end of the operating part 130A is pressed, the operating part 130A can be made to swing stably, suppressing the stress exerted on the first cam 140A and the second cam 140B that is necessary or excessive. Alternatively, as described above, a swing limiting part 114, with a dimension H smaller than that of the swing support part 113, can be provided adjacent to the swing support part 113 at the end side of the operating part 130A in the front-rear direction. In this case, excessive swinging of the operating part 130A is suppressed by the swing limiting part 114, thereby suppressing excessive stress exerted on the first cam 140A and the second cam 140B.

[0117] In addition, the switching device 100 of this embodiment also includes an elastic sheet 160 provided with a plurality of movable contacts 161.

[0118] According to this structure, a bulge can be provided on the elastic sheet 160, and a movable contact 161 can be provided on the bulge. Therefore, when the movable contact 161 is pressed by the plunger 150, a spring force can be applied to return the movable contact 161 to its original position. Furthermore, when the operating unit 130A is not in operation, each movable contact 161 can support each plunger 150. Thus, the first cam 140A and the second cam 140B can be supported by each plunger 150, and the operating unit 130A can be stably supported in its initial non-operating position by the first cam 140A and the second cam 140B.

[0119] In addition, the switching device 100 of this embodiment also includes a printed wiring board 170 provided with a plurality of fixed contacts 171.

[0120] According to this structure, when each movable contact 161 comes into contact with each fixed contact 171 and the fixed contact 171 is short-circuited, the short circuit of each fixed contact 171 can be detected by the electronic circuit provided on the printed wiring board 170. Therefore, the electronic circuit of the printed wiring board 170 can output a signal corresponding to the operation of the operation unit 130A to the outside.

[0121] As explained above, according to this embodiment, a switching device 100 is provided that can accept operations that cause the operating unit 130A to swing and operations that allow it to move in parallel.

[0122] The embodiments of the switching device of this disclosure have been described in detail above. However, the switching device according to this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications or substitutions can be applied to the above embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A switching device comprising: Operations Department; The first cam engages with an elongated hole provided in the operating part and extending in the front-rear direction of the operating part, and rotates by pressing and lifting the end of the operating part in the front-rear direction; The second cam engages with the operating part and rotates by the forward and backward movement of the operating part; Multiple plungers are individually pressed by rotation of the first cam or the second cam; Multiple movable contacts are individually pressed by the multiple plungers; as well as Multiple fixed contacts are respectively arranged opposite to the multiple movable contacts.

2. The switching device according to claim 1, wherein, The first cam is respectively disposed at the front and rear of the operating part in the front-rear direction. The second cam is disposed at the center of the operating part in the front-rear direction.

3. The switching device according to claim 2, wherein, The operating part includes: an operating handle; a base portion connected to the lower part of the operating handle; and a recess disposed at the center of the lower end of the base portion to engage the second cam. The elongated hole is provided at one end of the width direction of the front end of the base portion and at the other end of the width direction of the rear end of the base portion.

4. The switching device according to claim 3, wherein, The first cam at the front has: a first arm extending forward of the operating part and engaging with the elongated hole at the front end; and a second arm extending rearward of the operating part. The first cam at the rear has a third arm that extends toward the rear side and engages with the elongated hole at the rear end. And the fourth arm, extending towards the front side, The second cam has: a fifth arm extending toward the front side; The sixth arm extends to the rearward side; And a locking portion, extending upward toward the operating portion and having its front end engaged with the recess. The plurality of plungers includes a first plunger to a sixth plunger corresponding to the first arm to the sixth arm, respectively. The plurality of movable contacts include a first movable contact to a sixth movable contact corresponding to the first plunger to the sixth plunger, respectively. The plurality of fixed contacts include a first fixed contact to a sixth fixed contact that correspond to the first movable contact to the sixth movable contact, respectively.

5. The switching device according to claim 1, further comprising: The housing portion supports the first cam and the second cam so that they can rotate.

6. The switching device according to claim 5, wherein, The housing portion has a swing support portion that abuts against the lower end of the operating portion when the end of the operating portion is pressed, thereby supporting the operating portion to be able to swing.

7. The switching device according to claim 1, further comprising: The elastic sheet is provided with the aforementioned multiple movable contacts.

8. The switching device according to claim 1, further comprising: The printed wiring board is provided with the aforementioned plurality of fixed contacts.

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