PRESSURE SWITCH

Abstract

Pressure switch (100), comprising: a housing (110) with an opening (111) and a compartment (112) that is connected to the opening (111); a fixed contact element that is attached to the housing (110) and arranged in the compartment (112); a movable contact element (130A) which is arranged in the compartment (112) closer to the opening (111) than the fixed contact element and has a bulge (131A, 131B) wherein the bulge (131A, 131B) projects towards the opening (111) and is invertible; and a first pressure element (140) which is arranged closer to the opening (111) than the movable contact element within the compartment (112) and which has a first pivot section (142), a first load section (143) and a first force application section (144), wherein the first pivot section is arranged on one side of the first pressure element (140) to contact the housing (110), the first load section (143) is arranged on another side of the first pressure element to press the movable contact element, and the first force application section (144) is arranged between the first pivot section (142) and the first load section (143), wherein, when the first force application section is pressed through the opening (111), a first projection (144A) of the first force application section (144) presses and inverts the curvature (131A, 131B) of the movable contact element, and the movable contact element touches the fixed contact element, wherein the first pressure element has a first elastic section that projects towards one side opposite the opening (111), wherein the fixed contact element has a first fixed contact which is configured to be brought into contact with and separated from the movable contact element, and a second fixed contact which is configured to be brought into contact with and separated from the first elastic section, and When the first load section (143) is pressed through the opening (111), the first elastic section touches the second fixed contact, and subsequently the first projection (144A) of the first load section (143) presses the bulge (131A, 131B) of the movable contact element and inverts it, and the movable contact element touches the first fixed contact.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD 1. Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a pressure switch. BACKGROUND

[0002] A conventional pressure switch is known to comprise an insulator with exposed contacts, an electrical contact element arranged on one of the contacts, and a pressure element arranged on the electrical contact element. In the pressure switch described above, when the pressure element is pressed, the electrical contact element deforms and contacts the other contacts, thus electrically connecting the one contact to the other contacts. The electrical contact element is manufactured by processing a metal plate obtained by forming a nickel-plated layer on the surface of a thin, plate-shaped stainless steel substrate, forming a copper-plated layer on the nickel-plated layer by flash plating, and subsequently forming a silver-plated layer on the copper-plated layer (see patent document 1). ART RELATED DOCUMENTS PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0003] Patent document 1: Japanese publication no. JP 2006 - 059 820 A US 7 449 654 B2 describes a small and thin lateral pressure switch of the one- or two-stage actuation type, in which excellent actuation properties can be achieved by a dome-shaped metal which serves as a movable contact.

[0004] WO 2018 / 051 995 A1 describes a pressure switch which, despite its flatter profile, enables a variety of different tactile feedback during operation. SUMMARY OF THE PROBLEM THAT THE INVENTION IS INTENDED TO SOLVE.

[0005] In related prior art, however, to provide a short-stroke momentary switch, when the stroke of a dome-shaped movable contact is reduced, the distance between the movable contact and a fixed contact is decreased when the momentary switch is in an isolated state, i.e., when the momentary switch is off. Therefore, the withstand voltage and insulation resistance can be reduced, making it difficult to maintain the isolated state.

[0006] In view of the above, an objective of the present invention is to provide a short-stroke push button with electrical stability. MEANS TO SOLVENT THE PROBLEM

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a pressure switch comprises a housing, a fixed contact element, a movable contact element, and a first pressure element. The housing comprises an opening and a compartment that communicates with the opening. The fixed contact element is attached to the housing and arranged in the compartment. The movable contact element is arranged closer to the opening than the fixed contact element in the compartment and comprises a bulge (also referred to as a dome) that projects in a dome shape towards the opening and is invertible. The first pressure element is arranged closer to the opening than the movable contact element in the compartment and comprises a first pivot section, a first load section, and a first force section.The first pivot section is located on one side of the first pressure element to contact the housing, the first load section is located on the other side of the first pressure element to push the movable contact element, and the first force application section is located between the first pivot section and the first load section. When the first load section is pushed, it compresses and inverts the curvature of the movable contact element, and the movable contact element touches the fixed contact element. ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0008] A short-stroke push button with electrical stability can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a pressure switch 100 according to a first embodiment; Fig. Figure 2 is an exploded view of pressure switch 100; Fig. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the reverse side of a press element 140; Fig. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of pressure switch 100 through A1-A1 of Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the pressure switch 100 through B1-B1 of Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the force-displacement characteristics (FS) of pressure switch 100; Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective view of a pressure switch 200 according to a second embodiment; Fig. Figure 8 is an exploded view of the pressure switch 200; Fig. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the reverse side of a press element 240; Fig. Figure 10 is a diagram showing the structure of the metal plates 220A, 220B and 220C; Fig. 11A is a cross-sectional view of the pressure switch 200 through A2-A2 of Fig. 7; Fig. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the pressure switch 200 through A2-A2 of Fig. 7; Fig. 11C is a cross-sectional view of the pressure switch 200 through A2-A2 of Fig. 7; Fig. 12A is a cross-sectional view of the pressure switch 200 through B2-B2 of Fig. 7; Fig. 12B is a cross-sectional view of the pressure switch 200 through B2-B2 of Fig. 7; Fig. 12C is a cross-sectional view of the pressure switch 200 through B2-B2 of Fig. 7; Fig. Figure 13 is a diagram showing the force-displacement characteristics (FS) of the pressure switch 200; Fig. Figure 14 is a perspective view of a pressure switch 300 according to a third embodiment; Fig. Figure 15 is an exploded view of the pressure switch 300; Fig. 16A is a diagram showing a pressure element 340B and a shaft 350; Fig. 16B is a diagram showing the pressure element 340B and the shaft 350; Fig. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the pressure switch 300 through A3-A3 of Fig. 14; Fig. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the pressure switch 300 through A3-A3 of Fig. 14; Fig. Figure 19 is a diagram showing the force-displacement characteristics (FS) of the pressure switch 300; and Fig. Figure 20 is a perspective view of a pressure switch 300A according to a variant of the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXECUTION FORMS

[0009] The following describes a pressure switch according to embodiments of the present invention. <First embodiment>

[0010] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a pressure switch 100 according to a first embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is an exploded view of pressure switch 100. A Cartesian XYZ coordinate system is used for the following description. For simplicity, the negative Z-side is referred to as the bottom or lower part, and the positive Z-side as the top or upper part, but this positional relationship is not universally applicable.

[0011] The pressure switch 100 comprises a housing 110, metal plates 120A and 120B, a metal contact 130A, a leaf spring 130B, a pressure element 140 and an insulator 150.

[0012] The pressure element 140 is described below with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 described. Fig. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the back side of the press element 140. Furthermore, a cross-sectional structure is shown with reference to... Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 described. Fig. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of pressure switch 100 through A1-A1 of Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the pressure switch 100 through B1-B1 of Fig. 1.

[0013] When contact 130A is off (in an electrically isolated state), metal contact 130A contacts metal plate 120B (a peripheral fixed contact 121B) and does not contact metal plate 120A (a central fixed contact 121A). That is, metal plate 120A is not electrically connected to metal plate 120B. When insulator 150 is pressed downwards, metal contact 130A is forced downwards by pressure element 140 and leaf spring 130B. As a result, metal contact 130A is inverted and contacts metal plate 120A, thus electrically connecting metal plate 120A to metal plate 120B via metal contact 130A. In this state, pressure switch 100 is on (in an electrically connected state). One stroke for pressing the insulator 150 to bring the metal contact 130A into contact with the metal plate 120A is 0.05 mm, which is very short.Furthermore, an operating load is required to invert the metal contact 130A, e.g., 3.3 N. This operating load is sufficient to prevent the pressure switch 100 from being activated if the insulator 150 is accidentally touched. That is, this operating load is sufficient to reduce operator error.

[0014] The housing 110 is made of plastic and holds the metal plates 120A and 120B. The housing 110 and the metal plates 120A and 120B are molded as a single piece by overmolding. The housing 110 has an opening 111 and a compartment 112 that communicates with the opening 111. The opening 111 is formed on the surface on the positive Z-side of the housing 110.

[0015] Compartment 112 extends downwards from opening 111 and comprises compartment 112A on the negative X-side and compartment 112B on the positive X-side. Compartment 112B is deeper than compartment 112A, and the bottom surfaces of compartments 112A and 112B are stepped.

[0016] The central fixed contact 121A of the metal plate 120A and the peripheral fixed contact 121B of the metal plate 120B are arranged at the bottom of the compartment 112B and are freely accessible within the compartment 112B. The leaf spring 130B is stacked on the metal contact 130A, and the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B are arranged above the central fixed contact 121A and the peripheral fixed contact 121B within the compartment 112B (see Fig. 4) The pressure element 140 is arranged on the leaf spring 130B and is located above the compartments 112A and 112B.

[0017] The metal plate 120A includes the central fixed contact 121A and a terminal 122A. The metal plate 120A can be made of copper, for example. The central fixed contact 121A does not touch the metal contact 130A when the insulator 150 is not pressed down (see Fig. 4), and touches the metal contact 130A when the insulator 150 is pressed down (see Fig. 5). Terminal 122A protrudes from the negative X-side of housing 110.

[0018] The metal plate 120B comprises the peripheral fixed contact 121B and a terminal 122B. The metal plate 120B can be made of copper, for example. The peripheral fixed contact 121B contacts the end section on the positive X-side of the metal contact 130A when the insulator 150 is not depressed (see Fig. 4), and also contacts the metal contact 130A when the insulator 150 is pressed down (see Fig. 5). Terminal 122B protrudes from the positive X-side of housing 110.

[0019] The metal contact 130A is a metal spring and has a bulge 131A in its center (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 4) The metal contact 130A protrudes upwards in a dome shape and is invertible. The metal contact 130A is an example of a movable contact element. The metal contact 130A can be made of, for example, stainless steel.

[0020] The Dome 131A is inverted and points downwards when pressed from above (see Fig. 5) In this state, the metal contact 130A contacts the central fixed contact 121A, thereby electrically connecting the central fixed contact 121A to the peripheral fixed contact 121B. The lower surface of the metal contact 130A is silver-plated. This is because the lower surface of the metal contact 130A contacts both the central fixed contact 121A and the peripheral fixed contact 121B, through which the current flows. Furthermore, the inverted curvature of the 131A provides tactile feedback to the operator.

[0021] The metal contact 130A is manufactured by stamping a metal plate with a circular shape in top view to form the curvature 131A, and by cutting sections on the positive Y-side and the negative Y-side of the metal plate along the X-axis. Therefore, the metal contact 130A comprises cut sections 132A on the positive Y-side and the negative Y-side. The cut sections 132A are shaped such that the size of the pressure switch 100 is reduced in the direction of the Y-axis.

[0022] The leaf spring 130B has the same configuration as the metal contact 130A, except that the leaf spring 130B is not silver-plated. The leaf spring 130B comprises a convex section 131B and cut sections 132B.

[0023] The printing element 140 is located above compartments 112A and 112B of compartment 112 (see Fig. 4) The press member 140 is an example of a first press member. The press element 140 is a metal element with a flat plate shape (see Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) The pressure element 140 comprises a body section 141, a pivot section 142 (an example of a first pivot section), a load section 143 (an example of a first load section), and a force section 144 (an example of a first force section). The pressure element 140 can function as a lever, and the pivot section 142, the load section 143, and the force section 144 function like the pivot, load, and force of a lever. The pressure element 140 can be manufactured by machining a metal plate. For example, the pressure element 140 can be made of stainless steel.

[0024] Since the pressure element 140 utilizes the principle of leverage, it must exhibit low deflection and relatively high stiffness. For this reason, the pressure element 140 is made of metal and is relatively wide in the Y-axis direction and relatively thick in the Z-axis direction.

[0025] The body section 141 has a shape in which the pivot section 142 and the load section 143 are curved downwards with respect to the force application section 144, so that the load section 143 can be easily moved downwards.

[0026] The pivot section 142 is located on the negative X-side and contacts the bottom surface of compartment 112A. The width of the pivot section 142 in the Y-axis direction is sufficiently large. Therefore, the pivot section 142 does not readily tilt in the Y-axis direction when the pressure element 140 is moved, thus allowing a force to be efficiently transmitted to the leaf spring 130B and the metal contact 130A. In the present embodiment, the pivot section 142 is located along the entire side in the Y-axis direction of the pressure element 140, but the pivot section 142 can be subdivided into several sections.

[0027] The pivot section 142 projects in the negative Z direction. Because the pivot section 142 projects in the negative Z direction, the pressure element 140 can be positioned away from the bottom surface of the compartment 112 in the positive Z direction. Accordingly, the pressure element 140 can be easily moved.

[0028] The load section 143 is located on the positive X-side and includes a projection 143A (an example of a first projection) configured to press the metal contact 130A. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the projection 143A has a frustoconical shape and a flat underside, and furthermore, the projection 143A has a circular shape in the top view.

[0029] The projection 143A is in contact with the upper surface of the leaf spring 130B. The pressure element 140 uses the principle of leverage to cause the load section 143 to be pressed downwards, thereby pressing the leaf spring 130B and the metal contact 130A downwards. As a result, the leaf spring 130B and the metal contact 130A are reversed, and the metal contact 130A contacts the central fixed contact 121A.

[0030] The force section 144 is arranged between the pivot section 142 and the load section 143 and includes a projection 144A. The projection 144A extends upwards in a hemispherical shape. When the insulator 150 is not pressed, the insulator 150 does not touch the projection 144A, and a gap exists between the projection 144A and the insulator 150. When the insulator 150 is pressed down, it touches the projection 144A and presses it down. In this state, the force is exerted on the pressure element 140, which utilizes the principle of leverage.

[0031] The insulator 150 consists of a resin plate, is bonded to the top of the housing 110, and covers the opening 111. The insulator 150 has a projection 151 in its center when viewed from above (see figure). Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 4) The projection 151 is formed by heating the resin plate.

[0032] The metal plates 120A and 120B, the metal contact 130A, the leaf spring 130B, and the pressure element 140 are housed in compartment 112 of the casing 110, and the insulator 150 is bonded to the casing 110. Bonding the insulator 150 to the casing 110 ensures that the metal plates 120A and 120B, the metal contact 130A, the leaf spring 130B, and the pressure element 140 are held securely in compartment 112 without loosening.

[0033] The projection 151 is arranged in a position that overlaps with the force application section 144 in the top view, and is deflectable and deformable to contact the force application section 144 (see Fig. 5) If the projection 151 is not deflected and deformed, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the projection 151 is spaced away from the force application section 144.

[0034] Fig. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the force-displacement characteristics (FS) of the pressure switch 100. The horizontal axis represents a stroke (S) to depress the insulator 150, and the vertical axis represents a force (F) required to depress the insulator 150. The force (F) corresponds to the operating load.

[0035] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the operating load gradually increases as the insulator 150 is pushed downwards from a zero-stroke position until it reaches S1. During this time, the operating load is very low. This indicates that the operating load required to push the insulator 150 is very low.

[0036] S1 is 0.1 mm. The pressure switch 100 can include a push button on the insulator 150. The button can be a push-button switch used in a vehicle, a push-button switch used in an electronic device, or any button that is actually pressed.

[0037] For example, in a product that is easily subject to vibration, such as a portable device, if there is a gap between an isolator and a button, vibrations applied to the product would be transmitted to the button, resulting in noise. In such a case, the noise can be reduced by pressing the button against another component while the product is not in operation. For example, the button can be attached to the isolator while the isolator is slightly compressed (biased) so that there is no gap between the button and the isolator. In this state, the isolator is compressed by the stroke S1 or less. In this case, when the button is pressed, the stroke can begin at S1.

[0038] When the stroke reaches S1, the insulator 150 contacts the projection 144A of the force range 144. When the stroke exceeds S1, the pressure element 140 presses against the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B. When the stroke reaches S2, the operating load becomes F3 (a local maximum), and the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B reverse. At this point, the operating load begins to decrease rapidly, so the user's finger perceives a click. If the insulator 150 continues to be pressed, the stroke reaches S3 and the operating load decreases to F2. At this point, the metal contact 130A contacts the central fixed contact 121A, thereby activating the pressure switch 100.

[0039] As in Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, in order to utilize the principle of leverage, the distance between the pivot section 142 and the load section 143 can be set to 1 mm and the distance between the load section 143 and the force application section 144 can be set to 1 mm, for example, in the pressure switch 100.

[0040] Therefore, one stroke to press the insulator 150 to activate the pressure switch 100 is half a stroke to press and invert the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B alone. As used here, pressing the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B alone means directly pressing the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B.

[0041] Furthermore, the operating load required to push the insulator 150 to turn on the pressure switch 100 is twice as high as the operating load required to push and reverse the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B alone.

[0042] Note that the stroke for pressing and reversing the metal contact 130A alone is 0.1 mm. This stroke is the same as the stroke for pressing and reversing the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B when stacked.

[0043] When the pressure switch 100 is off, the metal contact 130A is not connected to the central fixed contact 121A and remains isolated from it. In this state, the distance between the central fixed contact 121A and the metal contact 130A is 0.1 mm. It is known that the metal contact 130A can remain isolated from the central fixed contact 121A when the distance between the central fixed contact 121A and the metal contact 130A is 0.1 mm. If the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B are reversed and moved downwards by 0.1 mm, the metal contact 130A makes contact with the central fixed contact 121A.

[0044] As described above, the stroke required to press the insulator 150 to activate the pressure switch 100 is half the stroke required to press and invert the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B alone. Therefore, the stroke required to press the insulator 150 to activate the pressure switch 100 is 0.05 mm.

[0045] This means that in the pressure switch 100 according to the first embodiment, the stroke required for the pressure switch 100 can be reduced by utilizing the lever principle without reducing the stroke of the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B.

[0046] Conversely, if the lever principle is not used and the stroke for pressing and converting the metal contact 130A is set to 0.05 mm, the distance between the central fixed contact 121A and the metal contact 130A would be set to 0.05 mm when the pressure switch 100 is off. In this configuration, the withstand voltage and insulation resistance would be reduced, making it more difficult to maintain insulation between the central fixed contact 121A and the metal contact 130A.

[0047] If the stroke of the metal contact 130A is set to 0.05 mm, the insulator 150 would also be difficult to pre-tension.

[0048] In the first embodiment, the operating load required to depress the insulator 150 to activate the pressure switch 100 is twice as high as the operating load required to depress and reverse the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B alone. Accordingly, a click can occur twice during the operation of the pressure switch 100.

[0049] Accordingly, in the first embodiment, the short-stroke push button 100 can be provided with electrical stability. Furthermore, the click sound during actuation can be increased, thereby improving the operating feel.

[0050] Furthermore, by utilizing the lever principle, the required operating load for the 100 pressure switch can be easily achieved by using a metal contact and a leaf spring with a low operating load. Generally, a metal contact with a high operating load has a longer service life than a metal contact with a low operating load. This means the service life of the 100 pressure switch can be extended.

[0051] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the leaf spring 130B is stacked on the metal contact 130A to achieve a predetermined operating load. However, if the required operating load is low, the number of stacked parts can be reduced (i.e., the leaf spring 130B need not be provided).

[0052] Furthermore, the pressure element 140 can be manufactured by stamping a metal plate. Therefore, the components, such as the pivot section 142, the load section 143, and the force application section 144, can be easily formed.

[0053] In the embodiment described above, the distance between the pivot section 142 and the load section 143 is set to 1 mm, and the distance between the load section 143 and the force application section 144 is also set to 1 mm. However, these distances can be adjusted, and the stroke and pressure load of the insulator 150 can be freely adjusted by changing these distances.

[0054] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the pressure switch 100 includes the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B, but the pressure switch 100 can also include only the metal contact 130A.

[0055] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the pressure element 140 includes the projection 143A and the projection 144A, but the pressure element 140 does not necessarily include one or both of the projections 143A and 144A. < Second embodiment>

[0056] Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective view of a pressure switch 200 according to a second embodiment. Fig. Figure 8 is an exploded view of the pressure switch 200.

[0057] The pressure switch 200 comprises a housing 210, metal plates 220A, 220B and 220C, a metal contact 130A, a leaf spring 130B and an insulator 150.

[0058] The following section refers to printing element 240 with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 described, and the metal plates 220A, 220B and 220C are described with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 10 described. Fig. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the back of the press element 240. Fig. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the metal plates 220A, 220B, and 220C. Fig. In Figure 10, the housing 210 is shown transparently. Furthermore, a cross-sectional structure is shown with reference to... Fig. 11A to Fig. 11C and Fig. 12A to Fig. 12C described. Fig. 11A to Fig. 11C are cross-sectional views of the pressure switch 200 by A2-A2 of Fig. 7. Fig. 12A to Fig. 12C are cross-sectional views of the pressure switch 200 by B2-B2 of Fig. 7.

[0059] The pressure switch 200 according to the second embodiment has a configuration in which spring contacts 245 are added to the pressure element 140 of the pressure switch 100 of the first embodiment. The elements similar to those of the pressure switch 100 of the first embodiment are designated with the same reference numerals, and any duplicate description of them is omitted.

[0060] The housing 210 is made of plastic and accommodates the metal plates 220A, 220B, and 220C. The housing 210 and the metal plates 220A, 220B, and 220C are molded as a single piece by injection molding. The housing 210 has an opening 111 and a compartment 212 that communicates with the opening 111. The opening 111 is formed on the surface on the positive Z-side of the housing 210.

[0061] Compartment 112 extends downwards from opening 111 and comprises compartment 212A on the negative X-side and compartment 212B on the positive X-side. Compartment 212B is deeper than compartment 212A.

[0062] A central fixed contact 221A of the metal plate 220A and a peripheral fixed contact 221B and pre-sensing terminals 223B of the metal plate 220B are arranged at the bottom of the compartment 212B and are freely accessible within the compartment 212B. The leaf spring 130B is stacked on the metal contact 130A, and the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B are arranged above the central fixed contact 221A and the peripheral fixed contact 221B within the compartment 212B (see Fig. 11A). The pressure element 240 is arranged on the leaf spring 130B and is located above the compartments 212A and 212B. Furthermore, the spring contacts 245 of the pressure element 240 are located above the pre-sensing terminals 223B.

[0063] The metal plate 220A has the central fixed contact 221A and a terminal 222A. Compared to the metal plate 120A of the first embodiment, the metal plate 220C is added to the metal plate 220A. Therefore, the shape of the metal plate 220A differs in plan view from the shape of the metal plate 120A of the first embodiment, but the metal plate 220A is functionally the same as the metal plate 120A of the first embodiment. The central fixed contact 221A and the terminal 222A correspond to the central fixed contact 121A and the terminal 122A of the first embodiment, respectively.

[0064] The metal plate 220B comprises the peripheral fixed contact 221B, the terminals 222B, and the pre-test terminals 223B. The shape of the metal plate 220B differs from the shape of the metal plate 120B of the first embodiment. The metal plate 220B has the two terminals 222B and also the two pre-test terminals 223B. The peripheral fixed contact 221B and the terminals 222B are functionally identical to the peripheral fixed contact 221B and the terminal 222B of the first embodiment, respectively.

[0065] The two terminals 222B extend in the positive X direction from their respective ends on the positive and negative Y sides of the peripheral fixed contact 221B. Furthermore, the two pre-sensing terminals 223B extend in the negative X direction from their respective ends on the positive and negative Y sides of the peripheral fixed contact 221B. The metal plate 220B has an H-shape in plan view.

[0066] The metal plate 220C includes a terminal 221C and a terminal 222C. The metal plate 220C can be made of copper, for example. The terminal 221C is exposed on the bottom surface of the compartment 212A and contacts the lower surface of the pivot section 142 of the pressure element 240 inside the compartment 212A. The terminal 222C projects towards the negative X-side of the housing 210. The terminal 221C is located on the positive Z-side relative to the terminal 222C.

[0067] The printing element 240 is located above compartments 212A and 212B of compartment 212 (see Fig. 11A). The press member 240 is an example of a first press member. The pressure element 240 comprises a body section 241, a pivot section 142, a load section 143, a force application section 144, and the spring contacts 245. The pressure element 240 can function as a lever. The pressure element 240 can be manufactured, for example, by machining a metal plate.

[0068] Body section 241 is similar to body section 141 of the pressure element 140 of the first embodiment, except that the spring contacts 245 are located on the positive and negative Y-sides in the center, in the direction of the X-axis of body section 241. Furthermore, body section 141 has a shape in which the pivot section 142 and the load section 143 are curved downwards with respect to the force application section 144, so that the load section 143 can be easily displaced downwards.

[0069] The spring contacts 245, which are provided centrally on the positive and negative Y sides in the X-axis direction of the body part 241, extend obliquely downwards towards the positive X side and the negative Z side. The spring contacts 245 are displaceable in the direction of the Z-axis and exert a restoring force against displacement in the Z-axis direction. Each of the spring contacts 245 is an example of a first elastic section.

[0070] The operation of the pressure switch 200 is described with reference to Fig. 11A to Fig. 11C and Fig. 12A to Fig. 12C described. Fig. 11A and Fig. 12A indicates a state in which the insulator 150 is not pressed and the pressure switch 200 is off.

[0071] Fig. 11B and Fig. Figure 12B shows a state in which the tips of the spring contacts 245 are connected to the sensing terminals 223B of the metal plate 220B when the insulator 150 is slightly depressed. In this state, the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B are not inverted, and the metal contact 130A does not touch the central fixed contact 221A of the metal plate 220A.

[0072] Since the pivot section 142 of the pressure element 240 touches the terminal 221C of the metal plate 220C, the pre-sensing terminals 223B of the metal plate 220B are connected to the terminal 221C of the metal plate 220C via the pressure element 240. That is, the terminals 222B are electrically connected to the terminal 222C.

[0073] As described above, the tips of the spring contacts 245 are connected to the pre-test terminals 223B of the metal plate 220B before the metal contact 130A contacts the central fixed contact 221A of the metal plate 220A. Accordingly, a state can be detected in which the insulator 150 is slightly depressed, but the metal contact 130A does not touch the central fixed contact 221A.

[0074] With the configuration described above, an electronic device connected to terminals 222A, 222B and 222C of the pressure switch 200 can detect (pre-feel) a state in which terminals 222B are electrically connected to terminal 222C when the insulator 150 is slightly pressed, but terminal 222A is not electrically connected to terminal 222C (i.e., a state before the metal contact 130A touches the central fixed contact 221A).

[0075] Fig. 11C and Fig. Figure 12C shows a state in which the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B are inverted, and the metal contact 130A contacts the central fixed contact 221A of the metal plate 220A when the insulator 150 is further pressed. In this state, the tips of the spring contacts 245 remain connected to the sensing terminals 223B of the metal plate 220B, and terminal 222A is electrically connected to terminal 222C.

[0076] Accordingly, the pressure switch 200 according to the present embodiment can be brought into a state in which terminals 222B are electrically connected to terminal 222C when the insulator 150 is lightly pressed, as shown in the Fig. 11B and Fig. 12B is shown, and into a state in which terminal 222A is electrically connected to terminal 222C when the insulator 150 is pressed further.

[0077] Fig. Figure 13 is a diagram showing the force-displacement (FS) characteristics of pressure switch 200. A section from a zero-stroke position to S21 in Fig. 13 is the same as the section from the zero-stroke position to S1 of the pressure switch 100 according to the first embodiment (see Fig. 6) That is, S21 is equal to the hub S1, and the operating load F21 is equal to F1.

[0078] When the stroke reaches S22 after passing S21, the spring contacts 245 contact the pre-test terminals 223B, and terminals 222B are electrically connected to terminal 222C. F23 indicates the operating load at this time.

[0079] As the insulator 150 is pressed further, the pressure element 240 presses on the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B. When the stroke reaches S23, the operating load F24 (a local maximum) is reached, and the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B are inverted. At this point, the operating load begins to decrease rapidly, so the user's finger perceives a click. By pressing the insulator 150 further, the stroke S24 is reached, and the operating load decreases to F22. At this point, the metal contact 130A touches the central fixed contact 221A, thereby activating the pressure switch 100.

[0080] Note that the stroke S22 can be adjusted by setting the deflection amount of the spring contacts 245 and the operating load F23 by adjusting the spring force of the spring contacts 245.

[0081] Accordingly, in the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the short-stroke push button 200 can be provided with electrical stability. Furthermore, the click sound during actuation can be increased, resulting in a better operating feel.

[0082] Furthermore, the spring contacts 245 can be used to provide the pressure switch 200, which can be brought into the two states described above. In addition to the effects described above, the push-button switch 200 according to the second embodiment can have any effects similar to those of the push-button switch 100 of the first embodiment. Moreover, similar variations can be made to the pressure switch 200 according to the second embodiment as to the pressure switch 100 of the first embodiment.

[0083] Note that the number of spring contacts can be one, but it can also be three or more. < Third embodiment>

[0084] Fig. Figure 14 is a perspective view of a pressure switch 300 according to a third embodiment. Fig. Figure 15 is an exploded view of the pressure switch 300.

[0085] The pressure switch 300 comprises a housing 310, metal plates 320A and 320B, a metal contact 130A, pressure elements 340A and 340B, a shaft 350, and a frame 360. The pressure element 340B and the shaft 350 are described below with reference to Fig. 14, Fig. 15 and Fig. 16A and Fig. 16B is described. Furthermore, the cross-sectional structure and the operating principle of the pressure switch 300 are described with reference to Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 described. Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 are cross-sectional views of the pressure switch 300 through A3-A3 of Fig. 14.

[0086] When the shaft 350 is pressed downwards, the metal contact 130A makes contact with the metal plate 320A, thereby activating the pressure switch 300 (in an electrically connected state). The stroke required to press the shaft 350 to bring the metal contact 130A into contact with the metal plate 320A is 0.1 mm, which is very short. Furthermore, the actuating force required to press the shaft 350 is, for example, 9 N. The metal contact 130A is larger than in the first and second embodiments, and its stroke is 0.3 mm. That is, the stroke required to press the shaft 350 is reduced to one-third of the stroke of the metal contact 130A itself.

[0087] The pressure switch 300 is configured so that the stroke of the pressure switch 300 is reduced as the operating load increases.

[0088] The housing 310 is made of plastic and holds the metal plates 320A and 320B. The housing 310 and the metal plates 320A and 320B are molded as a single piece by overmolding. The housing 310 has an opening 311 and a compartment 312 that communicates with the opening 311. The opening 311 is formed on the surface on the positive Z-side of the housing 310.

[0089] Compartment 312 extends downwards from opening 311 and includes a support section 312A and a support section 312B. Support section 312A supports a pivot section 342A of pressure element 340A, and support section 312B supports a pivot section 342B of pressure element 340B. Support sections 312A and 312B are sections that project inwards from the wall of housing 310. Support section 312A is located on the positive X-side, and support section 312B is located on the negative X-side of housing 310. Support section 312A is located at a lower position than support section 312B.

[0090] A central fixed contact 321A of the metal plate 320A and a peripheral fixed contact 321B of the metal plate 320B are arranged at the bottom of compartment 312 and are exposed within compartment 312. The central fixed contact 321A is located in the center of the bottom of compartment 312, and parts of the peripheral fixed contact 321B are located at the four corners of the bottom section of compartment 312. The metal contact 130A and the pressure elements 340A and 340B are located above the central fixed contact 321A and the peripheral fixed contact 321B within compartment 312.

[0091] The metal plate 320A comprises the central fixed contact 321A and a terminal 322A. The metal plate 320A can be made of copper, for example. The central fixed contact 321A does not touch the metal contact 130A when the shaft 350 is not pressed down (see Fig. 17), and touches the metal contact 130A when the shaft 350 is pressed down (see Fig. 18). Terminal 322A protrudes from the negative X-side of housing 110.

[0092] The metal plate 320B comprises the peripheral fixed contact 321B and a terminal 322B. The metal plate 320B can be made of copper, for example. The peripheral fixed contact 321B is U-shaped and is located in the top view around the central fixed contact 321A. The sections of the peripheral fixed contact 321B are located at the four corners of the bottom of the compartment 312, while remaining exposed within the compartment 312. The peripheral fixed contact 321B contacts the end sections of the metal contact 130A when the shaft 350 is not depressed (see Fig. 17), and also touches the metal contact 130A when the shaft 350 is pressed down (see Fig. 18) This relationship between the peripheral fixed contact 321B and the metal contact 130A is the same as the relationship between the peripheral fixed contact 121B and the metal contact 130A of the first embodiment. The terminal 322B projects towards the positive X-side of the housing 310.

[0093] The press element 340A is housed in compartment 312 (see Fig. 17). The press member 340A is an example of the first press member. The press element 340A is a metal element with a flat plate shape (see Fig. 15, Fig. 16 and Fig. 18) The pressure element 340A comprises a body section 341, the pivot section 342A (an example of the first pivot section), a load section 343A (an example of the first load section), and a force section 344A (an example of the first force section). The pressure element 340A can function as a lever, and the pivot section 342A, the load section 343A, and the force section 344A can function like the pivot, load, and force of a lever. The pressure element 340A can be manufactured, for example, by machining a metal plate.

[0094] For the pressure element 340A to function as a lever, it must exhibit low deflection and relatively high stiffness. Therefore, the pressure element 340A is made of metal and is relatively wide in the Y-axis direction and relatively thick in the Z-axis direction.

[0095] The pivot section 342A is located on the positive X-side and is supported by the support section 312A of compartment 312. The width of the pivot section 342A in the Y-axis direction is sufficiently large. Therefore, the pivot section 342A does not readily tilt in the Y-axis direction when the pressure element 340A is moved, thus allowing a force to be efficiently transmitted to the metal contact 130A.

[0096] The load section 343A includes a projection 343A1 (an example of the first projection). The projection 343A1 is located on the negative X-side and is configured to press against the metal contact 130A. The projection 343A1 is frustoconical with a flat bottom and, furthermore, has a circular shape in plan view. The projection 343A1 is similar to the projection 143A of the first embodiment.

[0097] The pressure element 340A uses the principle of leverage to cause the load section 343A to be pressed down. When the load section 343A is pressed, the projection 343A1 pushes the metal contact 130A downwards. As a result, the metal contact 130A is reversed and contacts the central fixed contact 321A.

[0098] The force application section 344A is arranged between the pivot section 342A and the load section 343A. When the shaft 350 is pressed downwards, a load section 343B of the pressure element 340B pushes the force application section 344A downwards. In this state, a force is exerted on the force application of the pressure element 340A, utilizing the principle of leverage.

[0099] The press element 340B is stacked on top of the press element 340A, and in this state the press element 340B is housed in the compartment 312 (see Fig. 17). The press member 340B is an example of a second press member. The press element 340B is a metal part with a flat plate shape (see Fig. 15, Fig. 16A, Fig. 16B, Fig. 17 and Fig. 18) The pressure element 340B comprises the body section 341, the pivot section 342B (an example of a second pivot section), the load section 343B (an example of a second load section), and a force section 344B (an example of a second force section). The pressure element 340B utilizes the principle of leverage, and the pivot section 342B, the load section 343B, and the force section 344B can function like the pivot, load, and force of a lever. The pressure element 340B can be manufactured, for example, by machining a metal plate.

[0100] In order for the pressure element 340B to utilize the principle of leverage, it must exhibit low deflection and relatively high stiffness. For this reason, the pressure element 140 is made of metal and is relatively wide in the Y-axis direction and relatively thick in the Z-axis direction.

[0101] The pivot section 342B is located on the negative X-side and is supported by the support section 312B of compartment 312. The width of the pivot section 342B in the Y-axis direction is sufficiently large. Therefore, the pivot section 342B does not readily tilt in the Y-axis direction when the pressure element 340A is moved, thus allowing a force to be efficiently transmitted to the metal contact 130A.

[0102] The load section 343B is located on the positive X-side and includes a projection 343B1 (an example of a second projection) configured to push the force application section 344A. The projection 343B1 extends from the end on the negative Y-side to the end on the positive Y-side of the load section 343B.

[0103] The pressure element 340B uses the principle of leverage to push the load section 343B downwards. When the load section 343B is pushed downwards, the projection 343B1 contacts the upper surface of the force area 344A of the pressure element 340A and pushes the force area 344A of the pressure element 340A downwards.

[0104] The force section 344B is arranged between the pivot section 342B and the load section 343B. The force application section 344B comprises a spring section 344B1. The negative X-side of the spring section 344B1 is connected to the body section 341, and the spring section 344B1 extends obliquely upwards with respect to the body section 341. When the shaft 350 is not pressed downwards, the spring section 344B1 contacts a projection 352 of the shaft 350, so that the shaft 350 is biased upwards and pressed against the frame 360. The spring section 344B1 is arranged to exert a bias.

[0105] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 18, when the shaft 350 is pressed down, the spring section 344B1 deforms elastically and the force section 343B is pressed through the projection 352. As a result, the force section 344B is pressed downwards. In this state, the force is applied to the force exerted by the pressure part 340B, which utilizes the principle of leverage.

[0106] The shaft 350 comprises a plate-shaped body section 351, a projection 352, and a projection 353. The shaft 350 is made of plastic. The projection 352 is formed on the lower surface of the body section 351 and projects downwards. The projection 352 extends from the end on the negative Y-side to the end on the positive Y-side of the body section 351. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 17, the projection 352 touches the spring section 344B1 of the pressure element 340B when the shaft 350 is not pressed downwards.

[0107] The projection 353 is formed on the upper surface of the body part 351 and extends upwards. In plan view, the projection 353 has an elliptical shape and a flat upper surface. The projection 353 is exposed by an opening 361 in the frame 360.

[0108] The frame 360 ​​is made of metal. The frame 360 ​​includes the opening 361 on its top and side walls 362 on both sides in the direction of the Y-axis. At the lower ends of the side walls 362 are engagement sections 362A, which bend inwards (in the direction of the Y-axis). The engagement sections 362A are located at the four lower corners of the frame 360.

[0109] The metal plates 320A and 320B, the metal contact 130A, and the pressure elements 340A and 340B are housed in compartment 312 of the housing 310, with the shaft 350 placed on the pressure element 340B. In this state, the engagement sections 362A of the frame 360 ​​engage in recesses 313 located at the four corners of the housing 310. Accordingly, the frame 360 ​​holds, as shown in Fig. Figure 14 shows the housing 310, the metal plates 320A and 320B, the metal contact 130A, the pressure elements 340A and 340B and the shaft 350.

[0110] With the configuration described above, the housing 310, the metal plates 320A and 320B, the metal contact 130A, the pressure elements 340A and 340B and the shaft 350 are held without play.

[0111] Fig. Figure 19 is a diagram showing the force-displacement characteristics (FS) of the pressure switch 300. The horizontal axis represents a stroke (S) to depress the shaft 350, and the vertical axis represents a force (F) required to depress the shaft 350. The force (F) corresponds to the operating load.

[0112] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 19, the operating load gradually increases as the spindle 350 is pushed from a zero-stroke position until it reaches S31. During this time, the operating load is very low. This indicates that the operating load required to compress the spring section 344B1 of the pressure element 340B is very low.

[0113] S31 is 0.1 mm. The push button 300 can include a button on the shaft 350. The button can be a push-button switch used in a vehicle, a push-button switch used in an electronic device, or any button that is actually pressed. In a product that is easily subject to vibration, such as a portable device, for example, a gap between the shaft and the button would cause vibration acting on the product to be transmitted to the button, thereby generating noise. In such a case, the noise can be reduced by pressing the button against another component while the product is not in operation. For example, the button can be attached to the spindle while the spindle is slightly compressed (preloaded) to eliminate any gap between the button and the spindle. In this state, the spindle is compressed by the stroke S31 or less.In this case, the stroke can begin from S31 when the button is pressed.

[0114] When the stroke reaches S31, the shaft 350 contacts the force section 344B. When the stroke exceeds S31, the pressure element 340B presses on the pressure element 340A, and the pressure element 340A presses on the metal contact 130A. When the stroke reaches S32, the operating load becomes F33 (a local maximum), and the metal contact 130A is inverted. By further pressing the spindle 350, the stroke reaches S33 and the operating load is reduced to F32. At this point, the metal contact 130A contacts, as shown in Fig. Figure 18 shows the central fixed contact 321A, which switches on the pressure switch 300.

[0115] The pressure switch 300, as described above, comprises pressure elements 340A and 340B, which function as two levers. When the shaft 350 is pressed downwards, the load section 343B of pressure element 340B pushes the force section 344A of pressure element 340A downwards, and the load section 343A of pressure element 340A pushes the metal contact 130A. Then, the metal contact 130A touches the central fixed contact 321A, thereby electrically connecting the central fixed contact 321A to the peripheral fixed contact 321B. In this state, the pressure switch 300 is switched on.

[0116] As described above, the pressure switch 300 comprises the pressure elements 340A and 340B, which function as the two levers. Accordingly, the stroke of the pressure switch 300 can be reduced while simultaneously increasing the operating load.

[0117] Accordingly, in the third embodiment, the stroke required for the push button 300 can be reduced without reducing the operating stroke of the metal contact 130A. Therefore, the short-stroke push button 300 can be provided with electrical stability. Furthermore, the click noise during operation can be increased, thus improving the operating feel.

[0118] Furthermore, by using the two levers (pressure elements 340A and 340B), the required operating load for the 300 pressure switch can easily be achieved when using a metal contact with a low operating load. Generally, a metal contact with a high operating load has a longer service life than a metal contact with a low operating load. This means the service life of the 300 pressure switch can be extended.

[0119] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, a predetermined operating load can be achieved by using the two levers (pressure elements 340A and 340B). Therefore, the metal contact 130A can be used alone without the leaf spring 130B. This means that the number of stacked parts can be reduced (i.e., the leaf spring 130B does not need to be provided).

[0120] Furthermore, the pressure elements 340A and 340B can be manufactured by stamping metal plates. Therefore, components such as the pivot section 342A, the load section 343A, and the force application section 344A can be easily formed.

[0121] In the embodiment described above, an example was given in which the pressure switch 300 has the frame 360. However, it is not necessary for the frame 360 ​​to be included. A Fig. The pressure switch 300A shown in Figure 20 does not include the frame 360. The pressure switch 300A contains the metal plates 320A and 320B, the metal contact 130A, the pressure elements 340A and 340B, and the shaft 350 (see Figure 20). Fig. 14) housed in a casing 310A, and in this state an insulator 360A is attached to the upper surface of the casing 310A. The insulator 360A is similar to the insulator 150 (see Fig. 1) of the first embodiment.

[0122] The metal plates 320A and 320B, the metal contact 130A, the pressure elements 340A and 340B, and the shaft 350 are housed in the casing 310A, and in this configuration, the insulator 360A is attached to the upper surface of the casing 310A to prevent it from coming loose. Similar to the pressure switch 300, the stroke of the pressure switch 300 can be reduced while increasing the operating load with the configuration described above.

[0123] Although the pressure switches according to the embodiments described above have been described, the present invention is not limited to the details of the embodiments described above. Variations and modifications can be made without deviating from the scope of the subject matter specified in the claims.

[0124] The present application is based on Japanese patent application No. 2018-167073, which was filed with the Japanese Patent Office on September 6, 2018, and claims priority therefrom, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. LIST OF REFERENCE MARKS 100, 200, 300 pressure switches 110, 210, 310, 310A Housing 112, 212, 312 Cases 120A, 120B, 220A, 220B, 220C, 320A, 320B Metal plate 121A, 221A, 321A central fixed contact 121B, 221B, 321B peripheral fixed contact 130A metal contact 130B leaf spring 131A, 131B Curvature 140, 240, 340A, 340B pressure element 142, 342A, 342B Pivot point section 143, 343A, 343B Load section 143A advantage 144, 344A, 344B Force Expenditure Section 144A advantage 150, 360A insulator 245 Spring contact 350 shaft 360 frame

Claims

[1] Pressure switch (100), comprising: a housing (110) with an opening (111) and a compartment (112) that is connected to the opening (111); a fixed contact element that is attached to the housing (110) and arranged in the compartment (112); a movable contact element (130A) which is arranged in the compartment (112) closer to the opening (111) than the fixed contact element and has a bulge (131A, 131B) wherein the bulge (131A, 131B) projects towards the opening (111) and is invertible; and a first pressure element (140) which is arranged closer to the opening (111) than the movable contact element within the compartment (112) and which has a first pivot section (142), a first load section (143) and a first force application section (144), wherein the first pivot section is arranged on one side of the first pressure element (140) to contact the housing (110), the first load section (143) is arranged on another side of the first pressure element to press the movable contact element, and the first force application section (144) is arranged between the first pivot section (142) and the first load section (143), wherein, when the first force application section is pressed through the opening (111), a first projection (144A) of the first force application section (144) presses and inverts the curvature (131A, 131B) of the movable contact element, and the movable contact element touches the fixed contact element, wherein the first pressure element has a first elastic section that projects towards one side opposite the opening (111), wherein the fixed contact element has a first fixed contact which is configured to be brought into contact with and separated from the movable contact element, and a second fixed contact which is configured to be brought into contact with and separated from the first elastic section, and When the first load section (143) is pressed through the opening (111), the first elastic section touches the second fixed contact, and subsequently the first projection (144A) of the first load section (143) presses the bulge (131A, 131B) of the movable contact element and inverts it, and the movable contact element touches the first fixed contact. [2] Pressure switch (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first load section comprises the first projection (134A) which is configured to press the movable contact element. [3] Pressure switch (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first pivot section projects towards one side opposite the opening (111) in relation to the first force application section (144). [4] Pressure switch (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first pivot section (142) has a rib shape having a predetermined length in a first direction, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to a second direction in which the first pivot section (142), the first load section (143) and the first force application section (144) are arranged. [5] Pressure switch (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first pivot section (142) comprises a plurality of first pivot sections and the plurality of first pivot sections are provided in a region with a predetermined length in a first direction, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to a second direction in which the first pivot sections, the first load section (143) and the first force application section (144) are arranged. [6] Pressure switch (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first pressure element (140) has a metal plate (120A, 120B) which is electrically conductive. [7] Pressure switch (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an insulator (150) arranged to cover the opening (111). [8] Pressure switch (100) according to claim 7, wherein the insulator (150) has a projection (144A) which is arranged in a position which overlaps in plan view with the first force application section (144), which projects in a direction away from the housing (110) and which is deflectable and deformable to contact the first force application section (144), and wherein the projection (144A) is spaced apart from the first force application section (144) in a state in which the projection (144A) is not deflected and deformed. [9] Pressure switch (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a second pressure element which is arranged closer to the opening (111) than the first pressure element within the compartment (112) and which has a second pivot section, a second load section and a second force application section, wherein the second pivot section is arranged at one end of the second pressure element to contact the housing (110), the second load section is arranged at a further end of the second pressure element to press the first force application section (144) of the first pressure section, and the second force application section is arranged between the second pivot section and the second load section, wherein, when the second load section is pressed through the opening (111), the second load section presses the first load section (143), the first projection (144A) of the first load section (143) forms the bulge (131A,131B) of the movable contact element presses and inverts, and the movable contact element touches the fixed contact element. [10] Pressure switch (100) according to claim 9, wherein the second load section has a second projection configured to press the first force application section (144). [11] Pressure switch (100) according to claim 10, wherein the second pivot section of the second pressure element is arranged opposite the first pivot section (142) of the first pressure element (140) with respect to the curvature (131A, 131B) of the movable contact element (130A), and the first load section (143) of the first pressure element and the second load section of the second pressure element are arranged at positions which overlap with the curvature (131A, 131B) of the movable contact element in the top view. [12] Pressure switch (100) according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising a shaft element that is partially housed in the compartment (112) that is located closer to the opening (111) than the second pressure element and that is configured to press the second force application section of the second pressure element, wherein when the shaft element is pressed the shaft element presses the second force application section, the second force application section presses the first force application section (144), the first force application section presses and inverts the curvature (131A, 131B) of the movable contact element, and the movable contact element contacts the fixed contact element. [13] Pressure switch (100) according to claim 12, wherein the shaft element has a third projection which is configured to press the second force application section. [14] Pressure switch (100) according to claim 13, wherein the second force section of the second pressure element has a second elastic section projecting towards the opening (111), and the second force application section is pressed in response to the second elastic section being pressed towards the first pressure element by the second projection of the shaft element. [15] Pressure switch (100) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the shaft element has a button section that projects from a side opposite the third projection.

Images