Push switch

Abstract

To provide a push switch with which a contact state of a contact can be identified by a visual sense or a tactile sense and complication in assembly work can be suppressed.SOLUTION: In a push switch 10, a position of a movable cam section 42 with respect to an inner housing section 46 is guided by a first guide section 56 to a first position where displacement of the movable cam section 42 to one side in a height direction and to one side in a circumferential direction is restricted and to a second position in which the displacement of the movable cam section 42 to one side in a height direction and to one side in the circumferential direction is restricted and which is at the other side of the first position in the height direction. The movable cam section 42 is rotated to one side in a second direction by a second guide section 58, such that a position of the movable cam section 42 with respect to the inner housing section 46 can be switched between the first position and the second position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a push switch. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses an invention related to a push switch. This push switch can identify the contact switching state by checking the protrusion amount of the operating body. In other words, the push switch according to the following Patent Document 1 can identify the state of the push switch by sight or touch. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-59578 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above prior art has two biasing members, more specifically, two coil springs, and the spring constants of these coil springs are set to different values. Therefore, in the above prior art, if a coil spring with a different spring constant is erroneously assembled, the push switch will become useless.

[0005] In other words, in the above-mentioned prior art, it is necessary to take care not to mix up the coil springs during the manufacturing process, which may complicate the assembly work of the push switch.

[0006] In consideration of the above, the present invention aims to provide a push switch that allows the contact state of the contacts to be identified visually or tactilely and that prevents the assembly work from becoming complicated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A push switch according to a first aspect includes a pressing portion including a main body portion that can be pressed from one side in a first direction and a shaft portion that extends from the main body portion to the other side in the first direction; a movable cam portion that is limited in displacement in the first direction relative to the shaft portion and is rotatable in a second direction about the shaft portion; and a fixed cam portion that is disposed on the other side in the first direction of the movable cam portion. the fixed cam portion is fixed to a first position where the movable cam portion is restricted from being displaced toward one side in the first direction and toward one side in the second direction, and a first guide portion is adapted to guide the position of the movable cam portion relative to the inner housing portion to a first position where displacement of the movable cam portion toward one side in the first direction and toward one side in the second direction is restricted and to a second position on the other side in the first direction relative to the first position, and a second guide portion is adapted to rotate the movable cam portion toward the one side in the second direction by moving the movable cam portion toward the fixed cam portion, thereby guiding the movable cam portion to a third position where the movable cam portion can take the second position when the movable cam portion is at the first position, and to a fourth position where the movable cam portion can take the first position when the movable cam portion is at the second position.

[0008] The push switch of the first aspect includes a pressing portion having a main body portion that can be pressed from one side in a first direction, and an axis portion that extends from the main body portion to the other side in the first direction.

[0009] In this embodiment, the movable cam portion is limited in displacement in a first direction relative to the shaft portion and is rotatable in a second direction around the shaft portion. A fixed cam portion is disposed on the other side of the movable cam portion in the first direction, and the fixed cam portion is fixed to an inner housing portion that houses a part of the movable cam portion and the fixed cam portion.

[0010] Meanwhile, a single biasing member is disposed between the inner housing portion and the pressing portion, and this biasing member is capable of biasing the pressing portion toward one side in the first direction relative to the inner housing portion. Therefore, in this aspect, when an operator presses the pressing portion toward the other side in the first direction, the biasing force of the biasing member acts as a reaction force against the operation input. Also, after the pressing portion is pressed toward the other side in the first direction, the pressing portion is displaced toward one side in the first direction by the biasing force of the biasing member.

[0011] Here, in this aspect, the first guiding portion guides the position of the movable cam portion relative to the inner housing portion to a first position in which displacement of the movable cam portion to one side in the first direction and to one side in the second direction is restricted, and to a second position in which displacement of the movable cam portion to one side in the first direction and to one side in the second direction is restricted and is on the other side in the first direction than the first position.

[0012] For this reason, in this aspect, when the pressing portion is displaced by the biasing force of the biasing member, the pressing portion is located closer to one side in the first direction when the position of the movable cam portion relative to the inner housing portion is in the first position than when it is in the second position. Therefore, it is possible to switch the contact state of the contact between the position of the pressing portion when the position of the movable cam portion relative to the inner housing portion is in the first position and the position of the pressing portion when the position of the movable cam portion relative to the inner housing portion is in the second position.

[0013] Incidentally, in order to change the position of the pressing portion as described above, it is necessary to switch the position of the movable cam portion relative to the inner housing portion between a first position and a second position.

[0014] Here, in this aspect, a second guide portion is provided, and the second guide portion rotates the movable cam portion toward one side in the second direction when the pressing portion is pressed toward one side in the first direction, causing the movable cam portion to move toward the fixed cam portion. When the movable cam portion is in the first position, the second guide portion guides the movable cam portion to a third position that can take the second position. Also, when the movable cam portion is in the second position, the second guide portion guides the movable cam portion to a fourth position that can take the first position.

[0015] That is, in this aspect, by rotating the movable cam portion to one side in the second direction by the second guide portion, the position of the movable cam portion relative to the inner housing portion can be switched between the first position and the second position.

[0016] As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to identify the contact switching state by the position of the pressing part. Also, in this embodiment, a single biasing member can be used to displace the pressing part and to provide a tactile sensation in response to the operation of the pressing part by the operator, and as a result, there is no need to pay attention to the mis-selection of the biasing member during the manufacturing process.

[0017] The push switch of the second aspect is the push switch of the first aspect, wherein the movable cam portion comprises a tubular portion arranged along the shaft portion and having a circular ring shape surrounding the shaft portion when viewed from the first direction, and a plate portion provided on the other side of the first direction of the tubular portion and having a circular outer periphery when viewed from the first direction, and the inner housing portion comprises a first accommodating portion whose inner surface is shaped like a ring surrounding the tubular portion when viewed from the first direction and accommodates a portion of the tubular portion, and a second accommodating portion provided integrally with the first accommodating portion on the other side of the first direction in which the fixed cam portion is accommodated and which abuts against the plate portion at a portion on one side of the first direction, thereby limiting displacement of the movable cam portion to one side in the first direction.

[0018] In the push switch according to the second aspect, the movable cam portion includes a cylinder portion and a plate portion. The cylinder portion is disposed along the shaft portion of the pressing portion and has an annular shape surrounding the shaft portion when viewed from the first direction, and the plate portion is provided on the other side of the cylinder portion in the first direction and has a circular outer periphery when viewed from the first direction.

[0019] In this aspect, the inner housing portion includes a first accommodating portion and a second accommodating portion provided integrally with the first accommodating portion on the other side of the first accommodating portion in the first direction. The first accommodating portion has an inner circumferential surface that is annular and surrounds the cylindrical portion of the movable cam portion when viewed from the first direction, and accommodates a portion of the cylindrical portion of the movable cam portion.

[0020] On the other hand, the second accommodating portion accommodates the fixed cam portion and abuts against the plate portion of the movable cam portion at a portion on one side in the first direction, thereby restricting displacement of the movable cam portion to one side in the first direction.

[0021] Therefore, in this aspect, the movable cam portion can be smoothly rotated around the shaft portion of the pressing portion. Also, when the movable cam portion is in the first position relative to the inner housing portion, the inner housing portion can limit the displacement of the pressing portion to one side in the first direction due to the biasing force of the biasing member.

[0022] A push switch according to a third aspect is the push switch according to the second aspect, wherein the first guide portion includes first protrusions provided on an outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion along the second direction, extending in the first direction, and having a first inclined surface portion whose surface on one side in the first direction slopes downward from one side in the second direction to the other side in the second direction; first recesses provided on an inner circumferential surface into which the first protrusions can be inserted in the first direction, and provided in a plurality of portions in the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface; The movable cam portion is provided with a second recess that is adjacent to the first recess, is capable of surface contact with the first inclined surface portion and has an end position on one side of the first direction that is located on the other side of the first direction relative to the end position of the first recess on the one side of the first direction, and is capable of engaging with the first protrusion portion to limit rotation of the movable cam portion to the one side in the second direction, and is provided with a second protrusion portion that is adjacent to the first recess on the other side of the second direction of the first recess and has a third inclined surface portion that is capable of surface contact with the first inclined surface portion on the other side in the first direction.

[0023] In the push switch of the third aspect, the first guide portion includes a first protrusion portion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion of the movable cam portion, a first recess portion provided on the inner peripheral surface of the first accommodating portion of the inner housing portion, a second recess portion provided on the inner peripheral surface of the first accommodating portion, and a second protrusion portion provided on the inner peripheral surface of the first accommodating portion.

[0024] In detail, the first protrusion extends in the first direction, and a surface on one side in the first direction is a first inclined surface portion that slopes downward from one side in the second direction to the other side in the second direction. A plurality of the first protrusions are provided along the second direction.

[0025] On the other hand, the first recess is configured so that the first protrusion can be inserted in the first direction, and a plurality of first recesses are provided in the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface of the first housing portion.

[0026] The second recess is provided adjacent to the first recess on one side in the second direction of the first recess. This second recess has a second inclined surface portion that is capable of surface contact with the first inclined surface portion of the first protrusion. The position of the end portion of this second inclined surface portion on one side in the first direction is located on the other side in the first direction relative to the position of the end portion of the first recess on one side in the first direction. The second recess can restrict rotation of the movable cam portion to one side in the second direction by engaging with the first protrusion.

[0027] The second protrusion is provided adjacent to the first recess on the other side in the second direction of the first recess, and includes a third inclined surface portion on the other side in the first direction capable of surface contact with the first inclined surface portion.

[0028] Therefore, in this aspect, the first protrusion portion provided on the movable cam portion can be inserted into the first recess portion provided in the first accommodating portion of the inner housing portion, thereby placing the movable cam portion in the first position.

[0029] In this aspect, when the pressing portion is displaced to one side in the first direction in a state in which the movable cam portion has been rotated from the first position to the third position by the second guide portion, the movable cam portion rotates to one side in the second direction while the first inclined surface portion of the first protrusion portion is guided along the second inclined surface portion of the second recess. Then, the second recess and the first protrusion portion engage with each other, limiting the rotation of the movable cam portion to one side in the second direction, and the movable cam portion can be placed in the second position.

[0030] In this embodiment, when the pressing portion is displaced to one side in the first direction in a state in which the movable cam portion has been rotated from the second position to the fourth position by the second guide portion, the first inclined surface portion of the first protrusion is guided along the third inclined surface portion of the second protrusion, causing the movable cam portion to rotate to one side in the second direction. As a result, the first protrusion is inserted into the first recess, and the position of the movable cam portion shifts to the first position.

[0031] The push switch of the fourth aspect is the push switch of the third aspect, wherein the second guide portion comprises third protrusions which are provided in a plurality of portions along the outer periphery of the plate portion, protrude from the plate portion toward the other side of the first direction, and have a fourth inclined surface portion whose surface on the other side of the first direction has an upward gradient from one side of the second direction to the other side of the second direction, and a fourth protrusion which is provided in a plurality of portions along the outer periphery of the plate portion when viewed from the first direction on the part of the fixed cam portion on one side of the first direction, has a fifth inclined surface portion capable of surface contact with the fourth inclined surface portion, and can engage with the third protrusions to limit the rotation of the movable cam portion toward the one side of the second direction.

[0032] In the push switch according to the fourth aspect, the second guide portion includes a third protrusion portion provided on the plate portion of the movable cam portion and a fourth protrusion portion provided on the fixed cam portion.

[0033] In detail, the third protrusions are provided in a plurality of portions along the outer periphery of the plate portion and protrude from the plate portion to the other side in the first direction. Also, the surface of the third protrusions on the other side in the first direction is a fourth inclined surface portion that has an upward gradient from one side in the second direction to the other side in the second direction.

[0034] Meanwhile, a plurality of fourth protrusions are provided on one side of the fixed cam in the first direction along the outer periphery of the plate when viewed from the first direction. The fourth protrusion has a fifth inclined surface portion capable of surface contact with the fourth inclined surface portion of the third protrusion, and is capable of restricting rotation of the movable cam to one side in the second direction by engaging with the third protrusion.

[0035] Therefore, in this aspect, when the movable cam portion moves together with the pressing portion toward the other side in the first direction, the fourth inclined surface portion of the third protrusion is guided along the fifth inclined surface portion of the fourth protrusion, causing the movable cam portion to rotate toward the one side in the second direction. Then, when the movable cam portion rotates until the third protrusion and the fourth protrusion are engaged with each other, the rotation toward the one side in the second direction is restricted.

[0036] Furthermore, in this aspect, as described above, when the movable cam portion is displaced to one side in the first direction by the biasing force of the biasing member, the movable cam portion is guided by the first inclined surface portion, the second inclined surface portion and the third inclined surface portion, thereby causing the movable cam portion to rotate to one side in the second direction, and the position of the movable cam portion is set to the first position or the second position.

[0037] Therefore, in this aspect, when the movable cam portion is in the first position and the movable cam portion is displaced to the other side in the first direction, the movable cam portion rotates to one side in the second direction while being guided by the second guide portion, thereby transitioning the position of the movable cam portion to the third position.

[0038] Furthermore, when the movable cam portion is in the second position and is displaced to the other side in the first direction, the movable cam portion rotates to one side in the second direction while being guided by the second guide portion, thereby shifting the position of the movable cam portion to the fourth position. Thus, in this aspect, the position of the movable cam portion can be shifted in the order of the first position, the third position, the second position, and the fourth position.

[0039] A push switch according to a fifth aspect is the push switch according to the fourth aspect, further comprising: a through portion that is provided in the fixed cam portion that is passed through in the first direction; a core portion that is fixed to the pressing portion and extends in the first direction at the center of the shaft portion and has a portion exposed on the other side of the shaft portion in the first direction; an outer shell portion that is disposed inside the through portion and has an outer diameter that increases from one side in the first direction to the other side in the first direction; and a core portion that is provided integrally with the outer shell portion inside the outer shell portion so as to overlap with the core portion when viewed from the first direction. the third protrusion and the fourth protrusion are engaged with each other, and the elastic body has a pillar portion extending in the first direction, and a support portion arranged on the other side of the elastic body in the first direction with a gap between the pillar portion and the elastic body so as to be able to support the elastic body and fixed to the inner housing portion, wherein a position of the pressing portion in the first direction relative to the fixed cam portion when the pillar portion abuts against the support portion is set to one side in the first direction of the pressing portion relative to the fixed cam portion when the third protrusion and the fourth protrusion are engaged with each other.

[0040] In the push switch according to the fifth aspect, a through-portion is provided in the fixed cam portion that penetrates in the first direction. Also, in this aspect, a core portion is provided that is fixed to the pressing portion, and this core portion extends in the first direction at the center of the shaft portion of the pressing portion, and a part of the core portion is exposed on the other side of the shaft portion in the first direction.

[0041] On the other hand, an elastic body is disposed inside the through-hole of the fixed cam part, and this elastic body includes an outer shell part and a pillar part provided integrally with the outer shell part. The outer diameter of the outer shell part increases from one side in the first direction to the other side in the first direction, and the pillar part extends in the first direction inside the outer shell part so as to overlap with the core part when viewed from the first direction.

[0042] In addition, in this embodiment, a support portion is provided which is fixed to the inner housing portion, and this support portion is arranged on the other side of the elastic body in the first direction with a gap therebetween from the column portion of the elastic body, and supports the elastic body.

[0043] In this embodiment, the position of the pressing part in the first direction relative to the fixed cam part when the pillar part abuts against the support part is set to one side in the first direction from the position of the pressing part in the first direction relative to the fixed cam part when the third protrusion part provided on the movable cam part and the fourth protrusion part provided on the fixed cam part engage with each other. As a result, in this embodiment, the pillar part of the elastic body abuts against the support part before the third protrusion part and the fourth protrusion part engage with each other.

[0044] Therefore, in this aspect, the load applied when the operator presses the pressing portion toward the other side in the first direction is transmitted to the column portion and the outer shell portion via the core portion before acting on the movable cam portion and the fixed cam portion. As a result, the load is absorbed by the elastic deformation of the elastic body, and it is possible to suppress the load from being applied to the movable cam portion and the fixed cam portion. Effect of the Invention

[0045] As described above, the push switch according to the present invention has the excellent effect of enabling the contact state of the contacts to be identified visually and tactilely, and of preventing the assembly work from becoming complicated. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a push switch according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the push switch according to the present embodiment (a cross-sectional view showing a state cut along line 2-2 in FIG. 1). [Diagram 3] 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a movable cam portion that constitutes a part of the push switch according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a fixed cam portion that constitutes a part of the push switch according to the embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an inner housing portion that constitutes a part of the push switch according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 6]6 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an inner housing portion that constitutes a part of the push switch according to the present embodiment (a cross-sectional view showing a state cut along line 6-6 in FIG. 5). [Figure 7] 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a first state during operation of a push switch according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a second state when the push switch according to the embodiment is operated. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a third state when the push switch according to the embodiment is operated. FIG. [Figure 10] 11 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a fourth state when the push switch according to the embodiment is operated. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is an image diagram showing the states of the push switch of this embodiment when it is operated, where (A) shows a first state of the push switch, (B) shows a second state of the push switch, (C) shows a third state of the push switch, and (D) shows a fourth state of the push switch. [Figure 12] 1A and 1B are image diagrams showing the conductive state of the push switch of this embodiment when it is operated, in which (A) shows the conductive state of the push switch in a first state, (B) shows the conductive state of the push switch in a second state, (C) shows the conductive state of the push switch in a third state, and (D) shows the conductive state of the push switch in a fourth state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0047] An example of an embodiment of the push switch according to the present invention will be described below with reference to Figs. 1 to 12. Note that an arrow X shown in each figure indicates one side in the front-rear direction of the "push switch 10" according to this embodiment, an arrow Y indicates one side in the width direction of the push switch 10, an arrow Z indicates one side in the height direction of the push switch 10, and an arrow R indicates one side in the circumferential direction of the height direction of the push switch 10. Note that these directions are used for convenience of explanation and do not absolutely define the posture of the push switch 10 when mounted, etc. In addition, hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the front-rear direction of the push switch 10 will be referred to as the front-rear direction, the width direction of the push switch 10 will be referred to as the width direction, the height direction of the push switch 10 will be referred to as the height direction, and the direction around the height direction of the push switch 10 will be referred to as the circumferential direction.

[0048] 1, push switch 10 includes a "pressing portion 12" that can be pressed by a user from one side in the height direction, and a switch base portion 14 that supports pressing portion 12. As will be described in detail later, this push switch 10 is used, for example, to switch between the operating state and the inoperable state of a vehicle's anti-skid device or a vehicle's idling stop device.

[0049] As also shown in FIG. 2, the pressing portion 12 is composed of a resin button portion 16 which constitutes one side of the pressing portion in the height direction, a resin knob portion 18 which constitutes the main portion of the pressing portion 12, a metal shaft portion 20, and a metal brush portion 22.

[0050] The button portion 16 as a whole is shaped like a rectangular box whose other side in the height direction is open and whose longitudinal direction as viewed from the height direction is the front-rear direction, and both ends in the front-rear direction are provided with locking pieces 16A used for attachment to the knob portion 18. Also, a through-hole 24 that penetrates in the height direction is formed in a portion of one front-rear direction side of the surface on one side in the height direction of the button portion 16.

[0051] The knob portion 18 includes a base portion 18A to which the button portion 16 is engaged, an insertion portion 18B to be inserted into the switch base portion 14, and an "axis portion 18C." The base portion 18A has a rectangular shape when viewed in the height direction such that its outer shape overlaps with the outer periphery of the button portion 16, and a recess 26 is formed in the center thereof, with the upper side in the height direction being open and into which a part of the shaft portion 20 is accommodated.

[0052] Furthermore, locking portions 18A1 are provided at both front-rear end portions of the base portion 18A, and locking pieces 16A of the button portion 16 are locked to the locking portions 18A1. In the following, the assembly of the button portion 16 and the base portion 18A will be referred to as the "main body portion 19."

[0053] Between base portion 18A and button portion 16, a light guide portion 28 that guides light from a light source (not shown), such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), is disposed.

[0054] On the other hand, the insertion portion 18B is formed into a square tube shape protruding from the base portion 18A to the other side in the height direction, and is inserted into the switch base portion 14 so as to be relatively movable in the height direction. Note that return portions (not shown) are provided on both sides in the width direction of the insertion portion 18B, and when the knob portion 18 is displaced to one side in the height direction relative to the switch base portion 14, the return portions are hooked on the switch base portion 14 at a predetermined position, thereby restricting the displacement of the knob portion 18 to one side in the height direction.

[0055] A light guiding section 30 having a similar configuration to light guiding section 28 is disposed on one side of knob section 18 in the front-rear direction, and a part of light guiding section 30 is inserted into through-section 24 of button section 16 and exposed when viewed from one side in the height direction. The light source is turned on when the controlled object of push switch 10 is in an activated state, and turned off when the controlled object is in an inactivated state.

[0056] The shaft portion 18C is generally cylindrical and extends from the center of the base portion 18A to the other side in the height direction inside the insertion portion 18B, and its inner circumferential side is connected to a recess 26 provided in the base portion 18A.

[0057] More specifically, the shaft portion 18C is branched into four parts at the other side in the height direction from the center of the shaft portion 18C in the height direction, and the other side in the height direction of the shaft portion 18C is provided with a pair of first elastic deformation pieces 18C1 (see Figure 7) opposed in the front-to-rear direction and a pair of second elastic deformation pieces 18C2 opposed in the width direction.

[0058] The tip of the first elastic deformation piece 18C1 is located on the other side in the height direction than the tip of the second elastic deformation piece 18C2. On the other hand, the tip of the second elastic deformation piece 18C2 is provided with a protrusion 18C3 that protrudes toward the outer periphery of the shaft portion 18C. The shaft portion 18C holds the shaft portion 20.

[0059] The shaft portion 20 includes a rectangular parallelepiped head portion 20A and a "shank portion 20B" that protrudes from the head portion 20A and extends in the height direction. The shaft portion 20 is supported by inserting the shaft portion 20B into the shaft portion 18C from one side in the height direction, and the head portion 20A is accommodated in the recess 26 of the knob portion 18. The position of the tip of the shaft portion 20B coincides with the position of the tip of the first elastic deformation piece portion 18C1 in the height direction, and a part of the shaft portion 20B is exposed on the other side in the height direction of the shaft portion 18C.

[0060] The brush portion 22 is attached to a surface on one widthwise side of the insertion portion 18B of the knob portion 18. In detail, as shown in Fig. 12, the brush portion 22 includes a fixed piece portion 22A attached to the insertion portion 18B and a plurality of contact pieces including a contact piece portion 22B and a contact piece portion 22C extending upward in the height direction from the fixed piece portion 22A.

[0061] On the other hand, the switch base portion 14 includes an outer housing portion 32 that forms its outer shell, and a resin frame portion 38 that holds a plurality of metal terminal portions including terminal portion 34 and terminal portion 36 (see FIG. 12).

[0062] The outer housing portion 32 includes an upper accommodating portion 32A that constitutes one side of the outer housing portion 32 in the height direction, and a lower accommodating portion 32B that constitutes the other side of the outer housing portion 32 in the height direction.

[0063] The upper storage section 32A is shaped like a rectangular box that is open on one side in the height direction and whose longitudinal direction is the front-rear direction when viewed from the height direction, and the insertion section 18B of the knob section 18 is inserted inside the box. A through-hole 40 is formed in the bottom wall section 32A1 that constitutes the other side in the height direction of the upper storage section 32A.

[0064] On the other hand, the lower accommodating portion 32B has a rectangular cylindrical shape extending from the bottom wall portion 32A1 of the upper accommodating portion 32A to the other side in the height direction, and is disposed so as to surround the through portion 40 when viewed in the height direction.

[0065] The frame portion 38 includes an insertion portion 38A, a base portion 38B, and a rising portion 38C. More specifically, the insertion portion 38A is inserted into one side of the lower storage portion 32B in the height direction through the through portion 40 of the upper storage portion 32A and is engaged with the lower storage portion 32B. The base portion 38B is plate-shaped with the thickness direction being the height direction, and is disposed along the surface of one side of the bottom wall portion 32A1 in the height direction. The rising portion 38C is plate-shaped with the thickness direction being the width direction, and is disposed along the surface of the other side of the width direction of the side wall portion 32A1 that constitutes the one side of the width direction of the upper storage portion 32A.

[0066] The frame portion 38 configured as described above is integrally molded with the terminal portion including the terminal portion 34 and the terminal portion 36. The upper piece portion 34A constituting the upper portion of the terminal portion 34 in the height direction is exposed inside the upper housing portion 32A and can come into contact with the contact piece portion 22B of the brush portion 22. Similarly, the upper piece portion 36A constituting the upper portion of the terminal portion 36 in the height direction is also capable of coming into contact with the contact piece portion 22C. The push switch 10 is capable of switching between an operating state and a non-operating state of the controlled object according to the contact state of the terminal portion 34, the terminal portion 36, and the brush portion 22, as described later.

[0067] Here, in this embodiment, a "movable cam portion 42," a "fixed cam portion 44," an "inner housing portion 46," and a "coil spring 47" serving as a single biasing member are interposed between the pressing portion 12 and the switch base portion 14, and these are characterized in that they enable the setting of a plurality of positions at which the pressing portion 12 is fixed to the switch base portion 14. Below, the explanation will be continued focusing on the configurations of the movable cam portion 42, the fixed cam portion 44, the inner housing portion 46, and the coil spring 47 which constitute the main portions of this embodiment.

[0068] The movable cam portion 42 is made of resin, and includes a tube portion 42A and a plate portion 42B as shown in Figures 2 and 3. More specifically, the tube portion 42A is cylindrical and extends in the height direction, and has a circular ring shape when viewed from the height direction. On the other hand, the plate portion 42B is provided on the outer periphery of the tube portion 42A at the other side of the height direction of the tube portion 42A, and has a plate shape with a circular outer periphery when viewed from the height direction.

[0069] Additionally, six "projections 42C" as first projections are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the tube portion 42A at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, i.e., at 60 degree intervals when viewed from the height direction. Although the projections 42C are shaped like a rectangular parallelepiped extending in the height direction as a whole, the surface on one side in the height direction is an "inclined surface portion 42C1" as a first inclined surface portion that slopes downward from one circumferential side to the other circumferential side.

[0070] On the other hand, on the other side of the outer periphery of the plate portion 42B in the height direction, 12 "protrusions 42D" as third protrusions are provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction, that is, at 30 degree intervals as viewed from the height direction. The protrusions 42D protrude from the plate portion 42B to the other side in the height direction, and the surface on the other side in the height direction is an "inclined surface portion 42D1" as a fourth inclined surface portion that has an upward gradient from one side in the circumferential direction to the other side in the circumferential direction. In addition, a clearance groove portion 42E recessed on one side in the height direction is provided at the boundary between the protrusions 42D.

[0071] Protrusions 42C are disposed so as to overlap with alternate protrusions 42D, and protrusions 42C are disposed so as to overlap with portions of protrusions 42D on the circumferential center side when viewed from the height direction.

[0072] The movable cam portion 42 configured as described above is sandwiched in the height direction between the base portion 18A of the knob portion 18 and the protrusion portion 18C3 of the knob portion 18 by inserting the shaft portion 18C of the knob portion 18 into the cylindrical portion 42A. That is, the movable cam portion 42 is restricted in displacement in the height direction relative to the shaft portion 18C, and is rotatable in the circumferential direction relative to the shaft portion 18C.

[0073] The fixed cam portion 44 is made of resin, and is disposed on the other side in the height direction of the movable cam portion 42 as shown in Figs. 2 and 4, and is configured to include a tube portion 44A and a plate portion 44B. More specifically, the tube portion 44A is cylindrical in shape extending in the height direction and having a circular ring shape when viewed from the height direction. On the other hand, the plate portion 44B is provided on one side of the tube portion 44A in the height direction, and is plate-shaped with the plate thickness direction being the height direction and a through portion penetrating through the center in the height direction. In the following, the inner circumferential side of the tube portion 44A and the through portion of the plate portion 44B will be collectively referred to as the "through portion 45".

[0074] In addition, on the surface of one side in the height direction of the plate portion 44B, 12 "protrusions 44C" as fourth protrusions are provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction, that is, at intervals of 30 degrees as viewed from the height direction. The protrusions 44C protrude from the plate portion 44B to one side in the height direction, and the surface on the other side in the height direction is a "slope portion 44C1" as a fifth slope portion that has an upward gradient from one side in the circumferential direction to the other side in the circumferential direction. The protrusions 44C are arranged so as to follow the outer periphery of the plate portion 42B of the movable cam portion 42 as viewed from the height direction, and the slope portion 44C1 is capable of surface contact with the slope portion 42D1 of the movable cam portion 42. In addition, at the boundary between the protrusions 44C, a recessed relief groove portion 44D is provided that is recessed on the other side in the height direction.

[0075] The fixed cam portion 44 configured as described above has its displacement in the vertical direction to one side restricted by the plate portion 44B being engaged with the inner housing portion 46, and is in a fixed state with respect to the switch base portion 14.

[0076] The inner housing portion 46 is made of resin, and as shown in Figures 2, 5, and 6, is configured to include a "first accommodating portion 46A" that constitutes a portion on one side in the height direction, and a "second accommodating portion 46B" that constitutes a portion on the other side in the height direction.

[0077] The first housing portion 46A is cylindrical with the axial direction being the height direction, and its "inner circumferential surface 46A1" is annular and surrounds the shaft portion 18C of the knob portion 18 when viewed from the height direction. A part of the tube portion 42A of the movable cam portion 42 is accommodated inside the first housing portion 46A.

[0078] Further, the inner circumferential surface 46A1 is provided with "groove portions 48" as a plurality of first recesses, "recess portions 50" as a plurality of second recesses, and "protrusion portions 46C" as a plurality of second protrusion portions.

[0079] The six grooves 48 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, that is, at intervals of 60 degrees when viewed from the height direction, and the protrusions 42C of the movable cam portion 42 can be inserted in the height direction.

[0080] The recess 50 is provided adjacent to the groove portion 48 on one circumferential side of the groove portion 48, and includes an "inclined surface portion 50A" as a second inclined surface portion and a vertical surface portion 50B extending in the height direction, and is approximately V-shaped with the lower side in the height direction open.

[0081] Specifically, the inclined surface portion 50A has a downward gradient from one circumferential side toward the other circumferential side, and is capable of surface contact with the inclined surface portion 42C1 of the protrusion portion 42C of the movable cam portion 42. In addition, the position of the end portion on one height direction side of the inclined surface portion 50A is located on the other height direction side of the position of the end portion on one height direction side of the groove portion 48.

[0082] On the other hand, the protrusion 46C is provided adjacent to the groove 48 on the other circumferential side of the groove 48, and is provided with an "inclined surface portion 46C1" as a third inclined surface portion on the other height direction side. This inclined surface portion 46C1 has a downward slope from one circumferential side to the other circumferential side, and is capable of surface contact with the inclined surface portion 42C1 of the protrusion 42C.

[0083] The second storage section 46B is integrally formed with the first storage section 46A on the other side in the height direction of the first storage section 46A, and is box-shaped when viewed from the height direction, capable of housing the first storage section 46A and having an open other side in the height direction.

[0084] The second housing portion 46B is in communication with the first housing portion 46A, and a part of the movable cam portion 42 is accommodated inside the second housing portion 46B on one side in the height direction. The second housing portion 46B is capable of restricting the displacement of the movable cam portion 42 to one side in the height direction by abutting the plate portion 42B of the movable cam portion 42 from the other side in the height direction against an upper wall portion 46B1 constituting one side in the height direction of the second housing portion 46B.

[0085] On the other hand, the fixed cam portion 44 is accommodated on the other side in the height direction inside the second storage portion 46B, and as described above, the fixed cam portion 44 is engaged with the second storage portion 46B and supported from the other side in the height direction by a resin "cover portion 52" serving as a support portion. The cover portion 52 is fixed to the second storage portion 46B by engaging its engaging portion (not shown) with the second storage portion 46B, and closes the lower side in the height direction of the second storage portion 46B. The base portion 38B of the frame portion 38 is disposed on the other side in the height direction of the cover portion 52.

[0086] 2, an "elastic body 54" made of rubber or the like is disposed inside the through-hole 45 of the fixed cam portion 44. This elastic body 54 includes an "outer shell portion 54A" whose outer diameter increases from one side in the height direction to the other side in the height direction, and a "pillar portion 54B" that is integrally provided with the outer shell portion 54A inside the outer shell portion 54A and extends in the height direction.

[0087] The elastic body 54 is arranged such that the other end in the height direction of the outer shell 54A is supported by the cover portion 52, and a gap is provided between the tip of the pillar portion 54B and the cover portion 52. The pillar portion 54B overlaps with the axis portion 20B of the shaft portion 20 when viewed from the height direction.

[0088] In addition, the pillar portion 54B is pressed toward the other side in the height direction by the pressing portion 12, which includes the shaft portion 20, and thereby comes into contact with the cover portion 52. When the pillar portion 54B is in contact with the cover portion 52, the movable cam portion 42 and the fixed cam portion 44 are spaced apart in the first direction.

[0089] The coil spring 47 is spirally shaped with its axial direction being the height direction, and is disposed between the upper wall portion 46B1 of the second housing portion 46B and the base portion 18A of the knob portion 18 in a state in which it surrounds the tube portion 42A of the movable cam portion 42 and the first housing portion 46A of the inner housing portion 46 as viewed in the height direction. The coil spring 47 is compressed when the pressing portion 12 is pressed toward the other side in the height direction, and is capable of biasing the pressing portion 12 toward one side in the height direction by its restoring force.

[0090] Next, the operation of the push switch 10 configured as above will be described mainly with reference to FIGS.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 7, when the protrusion 42C of the movable cam portion 42 is inserted into the groove 48 of the inner housing portion 46, the movable cam portion 42 together with the pressing portion 12 is biased to one side in the height direction by the coil spring 47.

[0092] At this time, the movable cam portion 42 is in a state in which its displacement to one side in the first direction and its displacement in the circumferential direction relative to the inner housing portion 46 are restricted.

[0093] Further, when viewed from the height direction, one circumferential side portion of the inclined surface portion 42D1 of the protrusion 42D of the movable cam portion 42 overlaps with the other circumferential side portion of the inclined surface portion 44C1 of the protrusion 44C of the fixed cam portion 44.

[0094] In the following, the position of the movable cam portion 42 relative to the inner housing portion 46 in this state will be referred to as a first position. Also, the above state of the push switch 10 will be referred to as a first state.

[0095] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11(A), in the first state, the pressing portion 12 of the push switch 10 is located furthest to one side in the height direction compared to second to fourth states of the push switch 10 described below.

[0096] At this time, as also shown in FIG. 12(A), terminal portion 34 and terminal portion 36 are not conductive, the control target of push switch 10 is in an inoperative state, and light-guiding portion 28 and light-guiding portion 30 are in an unlit state.

[0097] When the operator presses the pressing portion 12 toward the other side in the height direction in the first state of the push switch 10, the movable cam portion 42 moves toward the other side in the height direction, and the inclined surface portion 42D1 of the protrusion portion 42D abuts against the inclined surface portion 44C1 of the protrusion portion 44C.

[0098] As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, the movable cam portion 42 rotates to one side in the circumferential direction, and the protrusion 42D is engaged between the pair of protrusions 44C, thereby restricting the rotation of the movable cam portion 42.

[0099] At this time, when viewed from the height direction, the inclined surface portion 42C1 of the protrusion 42C overlaps with the portion of the inclined surface portion 50A of the recess 50 of the inner housing part 46 on the other circumferential side.

[0100] In the following, the position of the movable cam portion 42 relative to the inner housing portion 46 in this state will be referred to as a third position. Also, the above state of the push switch 10 will be referred to as a second state.

[0101] Specifically, in the second state of the push switch 10, as shown in FIG. 11(B), the position of the pressing portion 12 is located at the other most side in the height direction.

[0102] At this time, as also shown in FIG. 12(B), terminal portion 34 and terminal portion 36 are conductive via brush portion 22, the control object of push switch 10 is in an activated state, and light-guiding portion 28 and light-guiding portion 30 are in an illuminated state.

[0103] Then, when the operator stops pressing the pressing portion 12 in the second state of the push switch 10, the movable cam portion 42 moves to the other side in the height direction due to the biasing force of the coil spring 47, and the inclined surface portion 42C1 of the protrusion portion 42C abuts against the inclined surface portion 50A in the recess 50.

[0104] As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the movable cam portion 42 rotates to one side in the circumferential direction, and the tip end portion of the protrusion portion 42C is engaged between the inclined surface portion 50A and the vertical surface portion 50B of the recessed portion 50.

[0105] At this time, the movable cam portion 42 is in a state in which its displacement in the first direction and its circumferential displacement relative to the inner housing portion 46 are restricted, and its position relative to the inner housing portion 46 is located on the other side in the height direction than the first position.

[0106] Further, when viewed from the height direction, one circumferential side portion of the inclined surface portion 42D1 of the protrusion 42D of the movable cam portion 42 overlaps with the other circumferential side portion of the inclined surface portion 44C1 of the protrusion 44C of the fixed cam portion 44.

[0107] In the following, the position of the movable cam portion 42 relative to the inner housing portion 46 in this state will be referred to as a second position. Also, the above state of the push switch 10 will be referred to as a third state.

[0108] In detail, as shown in FIG. 11(C), in the third state, the position of the pressing portion 12 is located on the other side in the height direction than the position of the pressing portion 12 in the first state and on the other side in the height direction than the position of the pressing portion 12 in the second state.

[0109] At this time, as also shown in FIG. 12(C), terminal portion 34 and terminal portion 36 are conductive via brush portion 22, the control object of push switch 10 is in an activated state, and light-guiding portion 28 and light-guiding portion 30 are in an illuminated state.

[0110] When the operator presses the pressing portion 12 toward the other side in the height direction in the third state of the push switch 10, the movable cam portion 42 moves toward the other side in the height direction, and the inclined surface portion 42D1 of the protrusion portion 42D abuts against the inclined surface portion 44C1 of the protrusion portion 44C.

[0111] As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, the movable cam portion 42 rotates to one side in the circumferential direction, and the protrusion 42D is engaged between the pair of protrusions 44C, thereby restricting the rotation of the movable cam portion 42.

[0112] At this time, the inclined surface portion 42C1 of the protrusion 42C overlaps with the inclined surface portion 46C1 of the protrusion 46C of the inner housing part 46 when viewed in the height direction.

[0113] In the following, the position of the movable cam portion 42 relative to the inner housing portion 46 in this state will be referred to as a fourth position. Also, the above state of the push switch 10 will be referred to as a fourth state.

[0114] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11(D), in the fourth state, the position of the pressing portion 12 of the push switch 10 is located at the other most position in the height direction, similar to the second state of the push switch 10.

[0115] At this time, as also shown in FIG. 12(D), terminal portion 34 and terminal portion 36 are conductive via brush portion 22, the control object of push switch 10 is in an activated state, and light-guiding portion 28 and light-guiding portion 30 are in an illuminated state.

[0116] Then, when the operator stops pressing the pressing portion 12 in the fourth state of the push switch 10, the movable cam portion 42 moves to the other side in the height direction due to the biasing force of the coil spring 47, and the inclined surface portion 42C1 of the protrusion portion 42C abuts against the inclined surface portion 46C1 of the protrusion portion 46C of the inner housing portion 46.

[0117] As a result, the movable cam portion 42 rotates in one circumferential direction, the position of the movable cam portion 42 relative to the inner housing portion 46 moves to the first position, and the push switch 10 moves to the first state.

[0118] In the following, the assembly of the protrusion 42C of the movable cam portion 42, the groove portion 48, the recess 50 and the protrusion 46C of the inner housing portion 46, which are capable of guiding the position of the movable cam portion 42 relative to the inner housing portion 46 between a first position and a second position, will be referred to as the "first guide portion 56."

[0119] In addition, the assembly of protrusion 42D of movable cam portion 42 and protrusion 44C of fixed cam portion 44, which can guide the position of movable cam portion 42 relative to inner housing portion 46 to a third position where movable cam portion 42 can take the second position and a fourth position where movable cam portion 42 can take the first position, will be referred to as the "second guide portion 58."

[0120] (Actions and Effects of the Present Embodiment) Next, the operation and effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0121] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the pressing portion 12 includes a main body portion 19 that can be pressed from one side in the height direction, and an axis portion 18C that extends from the main body portion 19 to the other side in the height direction.

[0122] In this embodiment, a movable cam portion 42 is provided, and the movable cam portion 42 is limited in displacement in the height direction relative to the shaft portion 18C and is rotatable in the circumferential direction. A fixed cam portion 44 is disposed on the other side in the height direction of the movable cam portion 42, and the fixed cam portion 44 is fixed to an inner housing portion 46 that houses a part of the movable cam portion 42 and the fixed cam portion 44.

[0123] Meanwhile, a single coil spring 47 is disposed between the inner housing portion 46 and the pressing portion 12, and this coil spring 47 is capable of biasing the pressing portion 12 to one side in the height direction relative to the inner housing portion 46. Therefore, in this embodiment, when an operator presses the pressing portion 12 to the other side in the height direction, the biasing force of the coil spring 47 acts as a reaction force against the operation input. Moreover, after the pressing portion 12 is pressed to the other side in the height direction, the pressing portion 12 is displaced to one side in the height direction by the biasing force of the coil spring 47.

[0124] Here, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 7 and 9, the first guide portion 56 guides the position of the movable cam portion 42 relative to the inner housing portion 46 to a first position in which displacement of the movable cam portion 42 to one heightwise side and one circumferential side is restricted, and a second position in which displacement of the movable cam portion 42 to one heightwise side and one circumferential side is restricted and which is on the other heightwise side of the first position.

[0125] For this reason, in this embodiment, when the pressing portion 12 is displaced by the biasing force of the coil spring 47, the pressing portion 12 is located closer to one side in the height direction when the position of the movable cam portion 42 relative to the inner housing portion 46 is in the first position than when it is in the second position. Therefore, it is possible to switch the contact state of the contact points between the terminal portion 34 and the terminal portion 36 and the brush portion 22 depending on the position of the pressing portion 12 when the position of the movable cam portion 42 relative to the inner housing portion 46 is in the first position and the position of the pressing portion 12 when the position of the movable cam portion 42 relative to the inner housing portion 46 is in the second position.

[0126] Incidentally, in order to change the position of the pressing portion 12 as described above, it is necessary to switch the position of the movable cam portion 42 relative to the inner housing portion 46 between a first position and a second position.

[0127] Here, in this embodiment, the second guide portion 58 is provided, and the second guide portion 58 rotates the movable cam portion 42 to one side in the circumferential direction when the pressing portion 12 is pressed to one side in the height direction and the movable cam portion 42 moves toward the fixed cam portion 44. Then, as shown in FIG. 8, when the movable cam portion 42 is in the first position, the second guide portion 58 guides the movable cam portion 42 to a third position that can take the second position. Also, as shown in FIG. 10, when the movable cam portion 42 is in the second position, the second guide portion 58 guides the movable cam portion 42 to a fourth position that can take the first position.

[0128] That is, in this embodiment, by rotating the movable cam portion 42 to one side in the second direction by the second guide portion 58, the position of the movable cam portion 42 relative to the inner housing portion 46 can be switched between a first position and a second position.

[0129] 11, it is possible to identify the contact switching state by the position of the pressing portion 12. Also, in this embodiment, a single coil spring 47 can be used to both displace the pressing portion 12 and provide a tactile response to the operation of the pressing portion 12 by the operator, and as a result, there is no need to take care to mix up the coil springs 47 during the manufacturing process.

[0130] 2, in this embodiment, the movable cam portion 42 includes a cylinder portion 42A and a plate portion 42B. The cylinder portion 42A is disposed along the shaft portion 18C of the pressing portion 12 and has an annular shape surrounding the shaft portion 18C when viewed from the height direction, and the plate portion 42B is provided on the other side of the cylinder portion 42A in the height direction and has a circular outer periphery when viewed from the height direction.

[0131] In this embodiment, the inner housing portion 46 includes a first accommodating portion 46A and a second accommodating portion 46B provided integrally with the first accommodating portion 46A on the other height direction side of the first accommodating portion 46A. The first accommodating portion 46A has an inner circumferential surface that is annular and surrounds the tubular portion 42A of the movable cam portion 42 when viewed from the height direction, and accommodates a portion of the tubular portion 42A.

[0132] On the other hand, the second accommodating portion 46B accommodates the fixed cam portion 44 and abuts against the plate portion 42B of the movable cam portion 42 at one side in the height direction, thereby limiting the displacement of the movable cam portion 42 to one side in the height direction.

[0133] For this reason, in this embodiment, it is possible to smoothly rotate the movable cam portion 42 in the circumferential direction. Also, when the movable cam portion 42 is in the first position relative to the inner housing portion 46, the inner housing portion 46 can limit the displacement of the pressing portion 12 to one side in the first direction due to the biasing force of the coil spring 47.

[0134] Also, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the first guide portion 56 includes a protrusion portion 42C provided on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 42A of the movable cam portion 42, a groove portion 48 provided on the inner peripheral surface 46A1 of the first accommodating portion 46A of the inner housing portion 46, a recess 50, and the protrusion portion 46C.

[0135] More specifically, the protrusion 42C extends in the height direction, and a surface on one side in the height direction is an inclined surface portion 42C1 that slopes downward from one circumferential side to the other circumferential side. A plurality of the protrusions 42C are provided along the circumferential direction.

[0136] On the other hand, the grooves 48 are provided in a plurality in the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface 46A1 of the first housing portion 46A, into which the protrusions 42C can be inserted in the height direction.

[0137] The recess 50 is provided adjacent to the groove 48 on one circumferential side of the groove 48. The recess 50 has an inclined surface 50A that is capable of surface contact with the inclined surface 42C1 of the protrusion 42C. The position of the end of the inclined surface 50A on one height direction side is located on the other height direction side of the end of the groove 48 on one height direction side. The recess 50 engages with the protrusion 42C, thereby restricting the rotation of the movable cam 42 to one circumferential side.

[0138] The protrusion 46C is provided adjacent to the groove 48 on the other circumferential side of the groove 48, and includes an inclined surface 46C1 on the other heightwise side thereof that can come into surface contact with the inclined surface 42C1.

[0139] Therefore, in this embodiment, the protrusion 42C provided on the movable cam portion 42 can be inserted into the groove portion 48 provided in the first accommodating portion 46A of the inner housing portion 46, thereby placing the movable cam portion 42 in the first position.

[0140] 8, in the present embodiment, in a state in which the movable cam portion 42 has been rotated from the first position to the third position by the second guide portion 58, when the pressing portion 12 is displaced to one side in the first direction, the movable cam portion 42 rotates to one side in the circumferential direction while the inclined surface portion 42C1 of the protrusion portion 42C is guided along the inclined surface portion 50A of the recess 50. Then, the recess 50 and the protrusion portion 42C engage with each other, so that the rotation of the movable cam portion 42 to one side in the circumferential direction is restricted, and the movable cam portion 42 can be placed in the second position.

[0141] 10, in the state where the movable cam portion 42 is rotated from the second position to the fourth position by the second guide portion 58, when the pressing portion 12 is displaced to one side in the height direction, the inclined surface portion 42C1 of the protrusion 42C is guided along the inclined surface portion 46C1 of the protrusion 46C, so that the movable cam portion 42 rotates to one side in the circumferential direction. As a result, the protrusion 42C is inserted into the groove portion 48, and the position of the movable cam portion 42 moves to the first position.

[0142] In this embodiment, the second guide portion 58 includes a protrusion 42D provided on the plate portion 42B of the movable cam portion 42 and a protrusion 44C provided on the fixed cam portion 44.

[0143] 3, a plurality of protrusions 42D are provided along the outer periphery of plate portion 42B and protrude from plate portion 42B to the other side in the first direction. Also, the surface on the other side in the height direction of protrusions 42D is an inclined surface portion 42D1 that slopes upward from one circumferential side to the other circumferential side.

[0144] 2 and 4, a plurality of protrusions 44C are provided along the outer periphery of the plate portion 42B as viewed from the height direction on one side of the fixed cam portion 44 in the height direction. Also, as shown in Fig. 7 and 8, the protrusion 44C has an inclined surface portion 44C1 capable of surface contact with the inclined surface portion 42D1 of the protrusion 42D, and is capable of restricting rotation of the movable cam portion 42 to one side in the circumferential direction by engaging with the protrusion 42D.

[0145] For this reason, in this embodiment, when the movable cam portion 42 moves to the other side in the height direction together with the pressing portion 12, the inclined surface portion 42D1 of the protrusion 42D is guided along the inclined surface portion 44C1 of the protrusion 44C, causing the movable cam portion 42 to rotate to one side in the circumferential direction. Then, when the movable cam portion 42 rotates until the protrusion 42D and the protrusion 44C are engaged with each other, the rotation to one side in the circumferential direction is restricted.

[0146] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, when the movable cam portion 42 is displaced to one side in the height direction by the biasing force of the coil spring 47, the movable cam portion 42 is guided by the inclined surface portion 42C1, the inclined surface portion 50A and the inclined surface portion 46C1, thereby causing the movable cam portion to rotate to one side in the second direction, and the position of the movable cam portion 42 is set to the first position or the second position.

[0147] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the movable cam portion 42 is in the first position and the movable cam portion 42 is displaced to the other side in the height direction, the movable cam portion 42 rotates to one side in the circumferential direction while being guided by the second guide portion 58, thereby transitioning the position of the movable cam portion 42 to the third position.

[0148] 9 and 10, when the movable cam portion 42 is in the second position and is displaced to the other side in the height direction, the movable cam portion 42 rotates to one side in the circumferential direction while being guided by the second guide portion 58, thereby shifting the position of the movable cam portion 42 to the fourth position. In this manner, in this embodiment, the position of the movable cam portion 42 can be shifted in the order of the first position, the third position, the second position, and the fourth position.

[0149] 2, in this embodiment, a through-hole 45 is provided in the fixed cam portion 44, which penetrates in the height direction. Also, in this embodiment, a shaft portion 20B is provided which is fixed to the pressing portion 12, and this shaft portion 20B extends in the height direction at the center of the shaft portion 18C of the pressing portion 12, and a part of the shaft portion 20B is exposed on the other side in the height direction of the shaft portion 18C.

[0150] On the other hand, an elastic body 54 is disposed inside the through-hole 45 of the fixed cam portion 44, and this elastic body 54 includes an outer shell portion 54A and a pillar portion 54B provided integrally with the outer shell portion 54A. The outer diameter of the outer shell portion 54A increases from one side in the height direction to the other side in the height direction, and the pillar portion 54B extends in the height direction inside the outer shell portion 54A so as to overlap with the shaft portion 20B when viewed in the height direction.

[0151] In addition, in this embodiment, there is provided a cover portion 52 fixed to the inner housing portion 46, and this cover portion 52 is positioned on the other heightwise side of the elastic body 54 with a gap in the heightwise direction from the column portion 54B of the elastic body 54, and supports the elastic body 54.

[0152] 8 and 9, in this embodiment, the position of the pressing portion 12 in the height direction relative to the fixed cam portion 44 when the pillar portion 54B abuts against the cover portion 52 is set to one side in the first direction than the position of the pressing portion 12 in the height direction relative to the fixed cam portion 44 when the protrusion portion 42D provided on the movable cam portion 42 and the protrusion portion 44C provided on the fixed cam portion 44 engage with each other. As a result, in this embodiment, the pillar portion 54B of the elastic body 54 abuts against the cover portion 52 before the protrusion portion 42D and the protrusion portion 44C engage with each other.

[0153] For this reason, in this embodiment, the load generated when the operator presses the pressing portion 12 toward the other side in the height direction is transmitted to the pillar portion 54B and the outer shell portion 54A via the shaft portion 20B before acting on the movable cam portion 42 and the fixed cam portion 44. As a result, the load is absorbed by the elastic deformation of the elastic body 54, and it is possible to prevent the movable cam portion 42 and the fixed cam portion 44 from being subjected to a load. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the operation sound of the push switch 10 compared to a configuration in which the shaft portion 20B is in direct contact with the cover portion 52.

[0154] In this embodiment, as described above, the push switch 10 switches between the first and third states (switches between the activated and deactivated states of the controlled object) by a ratchet mechanism including the plastic movable cam portion 42, fixed cam portion 44, and inner housing portion 46. This makes it possible to reduce the operating noise of the push switch compared to a configuration in which the position of the push switch is switched by a heart cam mechanism including a metal fixture.

[0155] In addition, in this embodiment, light guiding portion 28 and light guiding portion 30 are provided for guiding light from a light source such as an LED, and elastic body 54 is provided for supporting a load from pressing portion 12. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if push switch 10 is placed in a position that cannot be directly seen by an operator, the operator can grasp the state of push switch 10 based on the light emission state of light guiding portion 28 and light guiding portion 30 and the operating feel of push switch 10, such as a clicking sensation.

[0156] 2, the brush portion 22 is attached to the surface of the insertion portion 18B of the knob portion 18. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which terminal portions are provided on the other height-most portion of the pressing portion 12 and on the surface of one height-most side of the cover portion 52, and the operating state and non-operating state of the controlled object are switched by contact between these terminal portions, it is possible to ensure a degree of freedom in setting the position of the pressing portion 12 when the controlled object is switched between the operating state and non-operating state. As a result, in this embodiment, it is possible to interpose an elastic body 54 between the pressing portion 12 and the cover portion 52.

[0157] In addition, in this embodiment, the power required to rotate the movable cam portion 42 when the movable cam portion 42 is displaced to one side in the height direction is provided only by the biasing force of the coil spring 47, and the overstroke of the operator to the pressing portion 12 is supported by the elastic body 54. Therefore, the driving force required when the pressing portion 12 is displaced to one side in the height direction can be provided by a single coil spring 47.

[0158] As described above, the push switch 10 according to this embodiment allows the contact state of the contacts to be identified visually and tactilely, and prevents the assembly work from becoming complicated.

[0159] <Supplementary explanation of the above embodiment> (1) In the above embodiment, the coil spring 47 is used as the biasing member. However, depending on the specifications of the push switch 10, a torsion spring or the like may be used as the biasing member.

[0160] (2) In the above embodiment, the groove 48 and the recess 50 of the inner housing portion 46 are separate, but a configuration in which the groove 48 and the recess 50 are integrated may be adopted as long as the functions of the groove 48 and the recess 50 can be fulfilled. The shapes of the groove 48 and the recess 50 may also be appropriately changed as long as the functions of the groove 48 and the recess 50 can be fulfilled. [Explanation of symbols]

[0161] 10 Push Switch 12 Pressing section 18C Shaft 19 Main body 20B Shaft (core) 42 Movable cam part 42C Projection (1st projection) 42C1 Inclined surface section (first inclined surface section) 42D Protrusion (3rd protrusion) 42D1 Inclined surface section (4th inclined surface section) 44 Fixed cam part 44C Projection (4th projection) 44C1 Inclined surface section (5th inclined surface section) 45 Penetration 46 Inner housing part 46A First Storage Unit 46A1 Inner surface 46B Second Storage Unit 46C Protrusion (2nd protrusion) 46C1 Inclined surface section (3rd inclined surface section) 47 Coil spring (biasing member) 48 Groove portion (first recess) 50 Recess (second recess) 50A Inclined surface section (second inclined surface section) 52 Cover part (support part) 54 Elastic Body 54A Outer shell 54B Column section 56 1st Information Department 58 2nd Information Department

Claims

1. a pressing portion including a main body portion that can be pressed from one side in a first direction and a shaft portion that extends from the main body portion to the other side in the first direction; a movable cam portion whose displacement in the first direction with respect to the shaft portion is limited and which is rotatable in a second direction around the shaft portion; a fixed cam portion disposed on the other side of the movable cam portion in the first direction; an inner housing portion capable of accommodating a part of the movable cam portion and the fixed cam portion and to which the fixed cam portion is fixed; a single biasing member disposed between the inner housing portion and the pressing portion and capable of biasing the pressing portion toward one side in the first direction relative to the inner housing portion; a first guide portion that can guide a position of the movable cam portion relative to the inner housing portion to a first position where displacement of the movable cam portion toward one side in the first direction and toward one side in the second direction is restricted, and to a second position where displacement of the movable cam portion toward one side in the first direction and toward one side in the second direction is restricted and the second position is located on the other side in the first direction than the first position; a second guide portion that rotates the movable cam portion toward one side in the second direction as the movable cam portion moves toward the fixed cam portion, thereby guiding the movable cam portion to a third position at which the movable cam portion can take the second position when the movable cam portion is at the first position, and that guides the movable cam portion to a fourth position at which the movable cam portion can take the first position when the movable cam portion is at the second position; Equipped with a push switch.

2. The movable cam portion is a cylindrical portion that is disposed along the shaft portion and has an annular shape surrounding the shaft portion when viewed from the first direction; a plate portion provided on the other side of the cylindrical portion in the first direction and having a circular outer periphery as viewed from the first direction, The inner housing portion is a first receiving portion having an inner circumferential surface that is annular and surrounds the cylindrical portion when viewed from the first direction, and receiving a portion of the cylindrical portion; a second housing portion provided integrally with the first housing portion on the other side in the first direction, into which the fixed cam portion is accommodated, and which abuts against the plate portion at a portion on the one side in the first direction to limit displacement of the movable cam portion toward the one side in the first direction; 2. The push switch according to claim 1.

3. The first guide portion is a first protrusion portion provided on an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion along the second direction, extending in the first direction, the first protrusion portion being a first inclined surface portion whose surface on one side in the first direction is inclined downward from the one side in the second direction toward the other side in the second direction; a first recess provided on the inner circumferential surface, the first protrusion being insertable into the first direction, and a plurality of first recesses provided in a circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface; a second recess provided adjacent to the first recess on one side in the second direction, capable of surface contact with the first inclined surface portion and having an end position on the one side in the first direction located on the other side in the first direction relative to an end position of the first recess on the one side in the first direction, and capable of engaging with the first protrusion portion to limit rotation of the movable cam portion to the one side in the second direction; a second protrusion provided adjacent to the first recess on the other side in the second direction of the first recess and having a third inclined surface portion on the other side in the first direction that can come into surface contact with the first inclined surface portion, 3. The push switch according to claim 2.

4. The second guide portion is a third protrusion portion provided along an outer periphery of the plate portion, protruding from the plate portion to the other side in the first direction, the third protrusion portion being a fourth inclined surface portion whose surface on the other side in the first direction has an upward gradient from the one side in the second direction toward the other side in the second direction; a fourth protrusion portion provided along an outer periphery of the plate portion as viewed from the first direction on a portion of the fixed cam portion on one side in the first direction, the fourth protrusion portion having a fifth inclined surface portion capable of surface-contacting with the fourth inclined surface portion and capable of engaging with the third protrusion portion to limit rotation of the movable cam portion to one side in the second direction; 4. The push switch according to claim 3.

5. The fixed cam portion is provided with a through-portion that penetrates in the first direction, a core portion fixed to the pressing portion, extending in the first direction at a center of the shaft portion and having a portion exposed on the other side of the shaft portion in the first direction; an elastic body including: an outer shell portion disposed inside the through portion, the outer diameter of which increases from one side in the first direction toward the other side in the first direction; and a column portion disposed inside the outer shell portion integrally with the outer shell portion so as to overlap with the core portion when viewed from the first direction, the column portion extending in the first direction; a support portion that is disposed on the other side of the elastic body in the first direction with a gap between it and the column portion in the first direction and is capable of supporting the elastic body, and that is fixed to the inner housing portion, a position of the pressing portion relative to the fixed cam portion in the first direction when the pillar portion abuts against the support portion is set to one side in the first direction with respect to a position of the pressing portion relative to the fixed cam portion in the first direction when the third protrusion portion and the fourth protrusion portion are engaged with each other; 5. The push switch according to claim 4.

Images