Switching device

Abstract

To suppress a tilt of a movable platen.SOLUTION: A switching device 1 includes a lever part 2 to be operated by a user. The lever part 2 includes: an annular knob 4 provided rotatably about a rotation axis X; a movable platen 9 that is inserted into the knob 4 and can rotate about the rotation axis X in conjunction with an operation of the rotation knob; a printed board 10 provided facing the movable platen 9 in an axial direction of the rotation axis X; a movable contact point 20 that is provided on a contact support part 96, the movable contact point being a part of the movable platen 9 that faces the printed substrate 10 and that has contact parts 203a, 204a in contact with the printed board 10; and a rib 98 that protrudes from a part of the movable platen 9 facing the printed board 10 toward the printed board 10 and faces the printed board 10 with an interval CL therebetween. When viewed from the axial direction of the rotational axis X, the rib 98 is provided with a phase being shifted in a circumferential direction around the rotational axis X with respect to the contact parts 203a, 204a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a switch device for a vehicle having a rotating knob that is operated by a user. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a switch device for a vehicle that includes a rotating knob. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4695310 Summary of the Invention

[0004] In this switch device, an annular rotating knob is provided on the tip side of a lever portion operated by a user. The rotating knob is rotatably supported via a movable platen on a shaft portion protruding from a cylindrical main body. In the switch device, the rotating knob and the main body are adjacent to each other in the axial direction of the shaft. A part of the annular rotating knob on the main body side is inserted into the main body so as to prevent a gap from being generated between the annular end of the main body and the rotating knob.

[0005] A printed circuit board is disposed inside the main body so as to face the movable platen. A plurality of contacts are exposed on the surface of the printed circuit board facing the movable platen. A movable contact that rotates integrally with the movable platen is provided on the portion of the movable platen facing the printed circuit board. The movable contact is in elastic contact with the printed circuit board in the axial direction of the shaft. When the movable platen rotates by turning the rotary knob, the contact on the printed circuit board that the movable contact comes into contact with switches. [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Here, when an operating force acts on the side of the rotating knob opposite the main body in the radial direction of the shaft, depending on the magnitude of the operating force, the rotating knob may bend with the part inserted into the main body as a fulcrum. In such a case, the movable platen connected to the rotating knob may tilt relative to the shaft portion, causing the movable contact supported by the movable platen to separate from the surface of the printed circuit board.

[0007] Therefore, it is required to suppress the tilt of the movable platen connected to the rotating knob. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention relates to An annular rotating knob provided rotatably around a first axis; a movable platen that is inserted into the rotating knob and rotates about the first axis in response to an operation of the rotating knob; a substrate disposed opposite the movable platen in an axial direction of the first shaft; a movable contact provided at a portion of the movable plate facing the substrate, the movable contact having a contact portion in contact with the substrate; a rib that protrudes toward the substrate from a portion of the movable platen that faces the substrate and faces the substrate with a gap therebetween, The switch device is configured such that, when viewed from the axial direction of the first shaft, the rib is provided with a phase shift in the circumferential direction around the first shaft with respect to the contact portion. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, tilt of the movable platen can be suppressed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4]FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating the positional relationship between a movable platen and a printed circuit board. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating the assembly of a rotating knob, a movable platen, and a movable contact. [Figure 11] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating the inclination of the movable platen and the function of the ribs. [Figure 12] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating the inclination of a movable platen according to a comparative example. [Figure 13] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a movable platen according to a modified example. [Figure 14] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a movable platen according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, a description will be given of an example in which the switch device according to the present invention is applied to a switch device 1 (lever switch device) having a lever portion 2 operated by a user. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a switch device 1. Fig. 1 specifically shows a lever portion 2 of the switch device 1, and also shows a simplified representation of a connection portion 100 with a steering column (not shown). Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the lever portion 2 of the switch device 1. Figs. 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views of the main parts of the lever portion 2. Fig. 3 shows a schematic cross-section of the lever portion 2 taken along plane A shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 4(A) shows a schematic cross-section of the lever portion 2 taken along line AA shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 4(B) is an enlarged view of region A in Fig. 4(A). Fig. 4(C) is an enlarged view of region B in Fig. 4(A).

[0012] 1, the switch device 1 has a lever portion 2 that is operated by a user. The lever portion 2 is a rod-shaped portion extending from a connection portion 100 with a steering column (not shown). The lever portion 2 has a main body case 3, a rotating knob 4, a push button 5, and a rotary slider 6.

[0013] 3, the main body case 3 is bent midway in the longitudinal direction. The main body case 3 is provided at its base end 3a, as viewed from the bent portion 3c, with an operating portion 36 to be inserted into the connection portion 100. The lever portion 2 is supported in the connection portion 100 so as to be rotatable about the axis Y. The tip 3b side of the main case 3 as viewed from the bent portion 3c is formed into a cylindrical shape. In the main case 3, the shaft member 7 is supported inside the region formed into a cylindrical shape.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the main body case 3 is formed by assembling a first case 31 and a second case 32 in the radial direction of the rotation axis X (axis line). As shown in FIG. 4, the region on one end 7a side of the shaft member 7 is positioned in a state where it is sandwiched between the first case 31 and the second case 32. In this state, the shaft member 7 is provided with the rotation axis X along the longitudinal direction of the shaft member 7 oriented along the longitudinal direction of the main body case 3. The other end 7b side of the shaft member 7 is located outside the main body case 3 (first case 31, second case 32). On the shaft member 7, in this order from one end 7a side, a rotary slider 6, a printed circuit board 10 (circuit board), a movable platen 9, and a moderation block 11 are fitted.

[0015] The rotary slider 6 has a cylindrical portion 61 that is fitted onto the shaft member 7. An outer peripheral wall 62 that surrounds the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 61 is located on the outer diameter side of the cylindrical portion 61. The cylindrical portion 61 and the outer peripheral wall 62 are connected to each other by a wall portion 63 that extends radially outward from the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 61. A protruding wall 65 extending radially outward is provided on the outer periphery of the outer periphery wall 62. The protruding walls 65 are provided with a phase shift of 180 degrees in the circumferential direction about the rotation axis X. The first case 31 and the second case 32 have openings 310, 320 for avoiding interference with the protruding wall 65. The rotary slider 6 is rotatably supported by a shaft member 7 that penetrates the cylindrical portion 61. In this state, a tip end 61a of the cylindrical portion 61 abuts against the printed circuit board 10 in the direction of the rotation axis X by the biasing force of a spring (not shown). Therefore, the printed circuit board 10 is brought into contact with the flange portion 75 of the shaft member 7 from the direction of the rotation axis X (the right direction in the figure) by the biasing force acting from the rotary slider 6.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 4, the printed circuit board 10 is supported by the main case 3 in a state where it is held between a first case 31 and a second case 32. The first case 31 and the second case 32 have recesses 313 and 323 on their inner peripheries, with their openings facing the rotation axis X side. The printed circuit board 10 is inserted into the recesses 313 and 323 at its outer periphery. The widths W313 and 323 of the recesses 313 and 323 in the direction of the rotation axis X are slightly larger than the thickness W10 of the printed circuit board 10. The widths W313 and 323 of the recesses 313 and 323 are the same (W313=W323). The movement of the printed circuit board 10 in the direction of the rotation axis X is restricted within the range of the widths W313 and 323 of the recesses 313 and 323.

[0017] The printed circuit board 10 is provided in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis X. A through hole 101 is provided in the center of the printed circuit board 10. The through hole 101 penetrates the printed circuit board 10 in the thickness direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 4A). The through hole 101 has an opening diameter that allows the shaft member 7 to pass through. Inside the main body case 3, the shaft member 7 penetrates the through hole 101 of the printed circuit board 10 in the thickness direction. In this state, the printed circuit board 10 is loosely fitted into the shaft member 7.

[0018] 10, the printed circuit board 10 is ring-shaped when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis X. In the printed circuit board 10, a fixed contact 102 is exposed on a surface 10a on the rotating knob 4 side. A movable contact 20 (contact portions 203a, 204a) supported by a movable platen 9 (described later) elastically contacts the surface 10a on the rotating knob 4 side. By rotating the rotating knob 4 in the circumferential direction about the rotation axis X, the fixed contact 102 with which the movable contact 20 (contact portions 203a, 204a) comes into contact is switched.

[0019] Fig. 5 to Fig. 7 are diagrams for explaining the movable platen 9. Fig. 5 is a plan view of the movable platen 9 seen from the printed circuit board 10 side. Fig. 6 is a plan view of the movable platen 9 seen from the push button 5 side. Fig. 7 is a side view of the movable platen 9 seen from the radial direction of the rotation axis X. For ease of explanation, the end face of the outer peripheral wall 92 on the near side of the page is hatched in Fig. 5. The end face of the rib 98 on the near side of the page is shown with cross hatching in Fig. 5. Furthermore, the legs 203, 204 (contact portions 203a, 204a) of the movable contact 20 supported by a contact support portion 96 (described later) are shown by virtual lines in Fig. 5. For ease of explanation, in Fig. 6, the end face of the outer peripheral wall 92 on the near side of the page is hatched. Furthermore, in Fig. 6, the end faces of the arc-shaped walls 941 and 942 on the near side of the page are shown with cross hatching. Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the movable platen 9 and the printed circuit board 10. Fig. 8 illustrates a schematic diagram of the movable platen 9 and the printed circuit board 10 inserted onto the shaft member 7, as viewed from the radial direction of the rotation axis X.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 4, the movable platen 9 has a cylindrical portion 91 that is fitted onto the shaft member 7. An outer peripheral wall 92 that surrounds the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 91 is located on the outer diameter side of the cylindrical portion 91. The cylindrical portion 91 and the outer peripheral wall 92 are connected to each other by a wall portion 93 that extends radially outward from the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 91 (see Figs. 5 and 6). As shown in Fig. 6, a ball B accommodating hole 940 is opened on the surface of the wall portion 93 opposite to the printed circuit board 10. As shown in Fig. 4, the accommodating hole 940 is a cylindrical space parallel to the rotation axis X. The spring Sp and the ball B are accommodated in the accommodating hole 940. The accommodating holes 940 are provided with a phase shift of 180 degrees in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis X (see Fig. 6).

[0021] As shown in Fig. 6, the wall portion 93 is provided with arc-shaped walls 941, 942 on the inner diameter side and the outer diameter side as viewed from the accommodation hole 940. As shown in Fig. 4, the moderation wall 112 of the moderation block 11 is inserted between the arc-shaped walls 941, 942 from the direction of the rotation axis X.

[0022] The moderation block 11 has a cylindrical portion 111 that is fitted onto the shaft member 7. A moderation wall 112 that surrounds the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 111 is located on the outer diameter side of the cylindrical portion 111. The moderation wall 112 and the cylindrical portion 111 are connected to a wall portion 114 that extends radially outward from the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 111. On the surface of the moderation wall 112 facing the movable platen 9, the peaks and valleys are continuous in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis X. A ball B supported by the movable platen 9 via a spring Sp is resiliently engaged with the moderation wall 112. Here, "ball B resiliently engages" means that ball B is in contact with the moderation wall 112 due to the biasing force applied by the spring Sp, and ball B is capable of being displaced in the direction of action of the biasing force of the spring Sp. Therefore, a reaction force from the spring Sp acts on the movable platen 9. The movable platen 9 is biased towards the printed circuit board 10 (right side in the figure). The end face 91a of the tubular portion 91 of the movable platen 9 abuts against a flange portion 75 provided on the outer periphery of the shaft member 7. In this state, the movable platen 9 is rotatably supported by the shaft member 7 that penetrates the tubular portion 91. Furthermore, the movable platen 9 is allowed to move slightly in the direction of the rotation axis X (left and right direction in the figure).

[0023] 3, in the moderation block 11, a pair of arms 115, 115 extend along the rotation axis X on an extension of the tube portion 111. A claw portion 115b provided on the inner periphery of a tip portion 115a of the arm portion 115 is engaged with a groove 72 provided on the outer periphery of the shaft member 7. The moderation block 11 receives the biasing force of a spring Sp from a ball B elastically engaged with the moderation wall 112 (see FIG. 4). At a tip end 115a of the arm portion 115, a claw portion 115b abuts against one side surface 721 of the groove 72 from the direction of the rotation axis X. The moderation block 11 is restricted in its relative rotation with respect to the shaft member 7 by the claw portion 115b engaged with the groove 72 on the shaft member 7 side, and is also positioned in the direction of the rotation axis X.

[0024] The cylinder portion 52 of the push button 5 is located on the outer diameter side of the arm portion 115. The cylinder portion 52 extends from a circular pressing portion 51 of the push button 5 toward the moderation block 11 (the right side in the figure) along the rotation axis X. A tip 52a of the cylinder portion 52 abuts against a cylindrical operator 55 from the direction of the rotation axis X. The operator 55 is supported by a support cylinder 116 provided on the moderation block 11 so as to be movable in the direction of the rotation axis X. The support cylinder 116 passes through an insertion hole 931 (see FIG. 6) provided in the movable platen 9 in the direction of the rotation axis X. A tip 55a of the operator 55 protrudes from the support cylinder 116 towards the printed circuit board 10. The tip 55a of the operator 55 abuts against a tact switch 15 on the printed circuit board 10 from the direction of the rotation axis X. The push button 5 is provided to be movable in the direction of the rotation axis X by a cylinder portion 42 provided on the turning knob 4. Therefore, when the pressing portion 51 of the push button 5 is pressed towards the printed circuit board 10 (the right side in the figure), the operator 55 is pressed by the cylindrical portion 52 of the push button 5 and displaced towards the printed circuit board 10. As a result, the operator 55 moves towards the printed circuit board 10 against the biasing force acting from the tact switch 15, and as a result, the tact switch 15 is turned on.

[0025] Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining the rotating knob 4. Fig. 9(A) is a plan view of the rotating knob 4 as viewed from the printed circuit board 10 side. Fig. 9(B) is a perspective view showing the rotating knob 4 in a cross section taken along line AA in Fig. 9(A). Fig. 9(C) is a cross section showing the locking claw 44 of the rotating knob 4 taken along line BB in Fig. 9(A). In Fig. 9(C), the area around the locking claw 94 on the movable platen 9 side and a part of the main body case 3 are shown by virtual lines.

[0026] Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining the assembly of the rotating knob 4, the movable platen 9, and the movable contact 20. Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of the rotating knob 4, the movable platen 9, and the movable contact 20 in a state in which they are separated in the direction of the rotation axis X. Also shown is a perspective view of the printed circuit board 10 arranged opposite the movable platen 9 in the direction of the rotation axis X, as viewed from the surface 10a on which the movable contact 20 slides.

[0027] As shown in (A) and (B) of FIG. 9, the rotating knob 4 has a cylindrical portion 42 and an outer circumferential wall 41 that surrounds the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 42. 4, the cylindrical portion 42 is formed with an inner diameter that allows the cylindrical portion 52 of the push button 5 to be inserted therein. The cylindrical portion 42 is formed in a cylindrical shape surrounding the rotation axis X. A base end 42a of the cylindrical portion 42 is connected to the inner circumference of the outer circumferential wall 41. The outer peripheral wall 41 is formed in a shape such that the outer diameter increases with increasing distance from the push button 5 and with increasing distance from the printed circuit board 10 . A ring-shaped protruding wall 411 is provided at the tip 41a of the outer peripheral wall 41. The protruding wall 411 protrudes from the tip 41a of the outer peripheral wall 41 toward the printed circuit board 10 along the rotation axis X. A step 41b is provided on the inner periphery of the protruding wall 411. The step 41b is provided at a position farther away from the printed circuit board 10 than the tip 41a. The step 41b and the tip 41a are flat surfaces perpendicular to the rotation axis X. An inner wall 311 extending from the inner diameter side of the first case 31 abuts against the step portion 41b from the direction of the rotation axis X, and an inner wall 321 extending from the inner diameter side of the second case 32 abuts against the step portion 41b from the direction of the rotation axis X (see Figures 4B and 4C).

[0028] 4, in the first case 31, an outer wall 312 is formed on the outer diameter side of the inner wall 311. In the second case 32, an outer wall 322 is formed on the outer diameter side of the inner wall 321. When the first case 31 and the second case 32 are joined, the inner wall 311 on the first case 31 side and the inner wall 321 on the second case 32 side are connected, and the outer wall 312 on the first case 31 side and the outer wall 322 on the second case 32 side are connected. As a result, when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis X, a ring-shaped inner wall formed by the inner walls 311, 321 and a ring-shaped outer wall formed by the outer walls 312, 322 are formed. In the switch device 1, the protruding wall 411 on the rotating knob 4 side is inserted from the direction of the rotation axis X into the ring-shaped gap formed between the ring-shaped inner wall and the ring-shaped outer wall, so that no gap is generated in the direction of the rotation axis X between the rotating knob 4 and the main body case 3.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 9, the outer peripheral wall 41 is provided on its inner periphery with a locking claw 44 and a rib 45 that engage with the movable platen 9. The locking claw 44 has a locking portion 441 provided in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis X and reinforcing ribs 442, 442 provided on both sides of the locking portion 441 in the width direction, and is formed integrally with the outer peripheral wall 41 of the rotating knob 4. The locking claws 44 have a surface 441a (see FIG. 9C) opposite to the protruding wall 411, which serves as an engagement surface with the locking claws 94 on the movable platen 9. The locking claws 44, 44 on the rotating knob 4 engage with the locking claws 94, 94 on the movable platen 9, thereby restricting the movement of the rotating knob 4 and the movable platen 9 in directions away from each other in the direction of the rotation axis X. An inner peripheral surface 442a of the reinforcing rib 442 is an inclined surface in such a direction that the protruding height from the outer peripheral wall 41 decreases toward the protruding wall 411 side.

[0030] The ribs 45 are located on both sides of the locking claw 44 in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis X. When the movable platen 9 is assembled to the rotary knob 4, side surfaces 951, 951 of the ribs 95, 95 on the movable platen 9 side (see FIG. 7) come into contact with the opposing surfaces 451, 451 of the circumferentially adjacent ribs 45, 45. The ribs 45, 45 on the rotating knob 4 side come into contact with the ribs 95, 95 on the movable platen 9 side in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis X, thereby restricting the relative rotation between the rotating knob 4 and the movable platen 9 around the rotation axis X.

[0031] 6 and 7, in the movable platen 9, a locking claw 94 and a rib 95 are provided on the outer periphery of the outer periphery wall 92. The locking claw 94 and the rib 95 are formed integrally with the outer periphery wall 92. The locking claw 94 protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential wall 92. As shown in Fig. 9C, a side surface 94a on the right side of the locking claw 94 in the figure (the side facing the printed circuit board 10) is a flat surface perpendicular to the rotation axis X. An inclined surface 94b is provided on the outer periphery of the locking claw 94 at a position offset from the side surface 94a. The inclined surface 94b is inclined such that its radial thickness decreases with increasing distance from the side surface 94a.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 6, the ribs 95 are located on both sides of the locking claws 94 in the circumferential direction about the rotation axis X. The ribs 95 have a predetermined length in the direction of the rotation axis X (see Fig. 7). A side surface 951 of the rib 95 opposite the locking claws 94 serves as a contact surface with the rib 45 on the rotating knob 4 side described above.

[0033] 5, the movable platen 9 is provided with a contact support portion 96 on the inner diameter side of the outer peripheral wall 92. The contact support portion 96 is located on the front side of the outer peripheral wall 92 on the page surface. In the contact support portion 96, a portion on the inner diameter side of the outer circumferential wall 92 serves as a support surface 961 for the movable contact 20. The support surface 961 is a flat surface perpendicular to the rotation axis X. The support surface 961 is provided with a protrusion 96a for positioning the movable contact 20. The protrusion 96a protrudes from the support surface 961 toward the front side of the page.

[0034] A gap 963 is provided on the outer diameter side of the contact support portion 96. A pair of abutment pieces 962, 962 are provided on the outer diameter side of the gap 963 when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis X. The abutment pieces 962, 962 are provided at an interval in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis X. In this embodiment, the connection piece 201 of the movable contact 20 shown in Fig. 10 is inserted from the direction of the rotation axis X into the gap 963 of the contact support portion 96 and positioned. In this state, the pair of abutment pieces 962, 962 restrict the movement of the connection piece 201 outward in the radial direction.

[0035] 10, the movable contact 20 is formed by bending a punched metal plate. In the movable contact 20, a support portion 202 is connected to one end of a plate-shaped connecting piece 201. The support portion 202 is substantially perpendicular to the connecting piece 201. The support portion 202 is provided with a through hole 202a. In this embodiment, when the connection piece 201 is inserted into the gap 963 (see FIG. 5 ) of the contact support portion 96, the support portion 202 is in contact with the support surface 961 of the contact support portion 96 and is supported by the support surface 961. In this state, the protrusion 96a on the contact support portion 96 fits into the through hole 202a of the support portion 202, and the movable contact 20 is positioned by the contact support portion 96.

[0036] Legs 203 and 204 are connected to the support portion 202. The legs 203 and 204 are bifurcated at a position away from the support portion 202. Contact portions 203a and 204a for contacting the printed circuit board 10 are provided at the tip sides of the legs 203 and 204. The contact portions 203a and 204a are formed by curving the tip sides of the legs 203 and 204 in the same direction. The base ends of the legs 203 and 204 are cantilevered by the support portion 202. The tip sides of the legs 203 and 204 where the contact portions 203a and 204a are provided are elastically deformable.

[0037] 5, when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis X, the legs 203, 204 are formed in an arc shape along the outer periphery of the tube portion 91. When the movable contact 20 is supported by the contact support portion 96, the legs 203, 204 are arranged along the circumferential direction about the rotation axis X between the tube portion 91 and the outer circumferential wall 92. In this state, the legs 203, 203 on the inner diameter side have a longer circumferential length than the legs 204, 204 on the outer diameter side. The contact portion 203a of the leg 203 is arranged to be shifted in position in the circumferential direction with respect to the contact portion 204a of the leg 204. In the switch device 1 according to this embodiment, the tip side of each of the legs 203, 204 of the movable contact 20, where the contact portions 203a, 204a are provided, is located closer to the printed circuit board 10 in the direction of the rotation axis X than the base end side (the support portion 202 side). Each of the legs 203, 204 of the movable contact 20 is disposed with the contact portions 203a, 204a in contact with the surface of the printed circuit board 10.

[0038] In this state, the legs 203, 204 of the movable contact 20 are disposed between the movable platen 9 and the printed circuit board 10 in a state where they are compressed in the direction of the rotation axis X. Therefore, the legs 203 and 204 of the movable contact 20 are arranged with the contact portions 203 a and 204 a on the tip side in elastic contact with the printed circuit board 10 . Here, "contact portions 203a, 204a elastically contact the surface of printed circuit board 10" means that the tip sides (contact portions 203a, 204a sides) of legs 203, 204 are in contact with printed circuit board 10 while being displaceable in the direction of rotation axis X. In the switch device 1, when the rotating knob 4 is rotated around the rotation axis X, the movable platen 9, which rotates integrally with the rotating knob 4, also rotates around the rotation axis X. As a result, the movable contact 20 switches the fixed contact 102 on the printed circuit board 10 side with which the contact portions 203a, 204a of the legs 203, 204 come into contact.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 5, a rib 98 is provided on the outer peripheral wall 92 of the movable platen 9. As shown in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, the rib 98 protrudes from one end 92a of the outer peripheral wall 92, which is a portion facing the printed circuit board 10, toward the printed circuit board 10 along the rotation axis X. The height h98 of the rib 98 in the direction of the rotation axis X is set to a height at which the rib 98 faces the facing surface 10a of the printed circuit board 10 with a gap CL therebetween when the movable platen 9 and the printed circuit board 10 are abutted against the flange portion 75 of the shaft member 7, respectively. A tip 98a of the rib 98 is located closer to the printed circuit board 10 (to the right in FIG. 8) than the contact support portion 96 and the cylindrical portion 91.

[0040] 5, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis X, the rib 98 has a length L98 in the circumferential direction about the rotation axis X. When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis X, the rib 98 forms an arc shape.

[0041] As described above, the legs 203, 204 of the movable contact 20 are in a state of being compressed in the direction of the rotation axis X, with the contact portions 203a, 204a in contact with the printed circuit board 10 (see FIG. 8). Therefore, a reaction force is applied to the movable platen 9 from the movable contact 20. The contact support portion 96 is located radially outward as viewed from the rotation axis X. Therefore, a biasing force is constantly applied to the movable platen 9 from the movable contact 20 in a direction that tilts the movable platen 9 with respect to the rotation axis X.

[0042] In this embodiment, the position of the rib 98 is determined taking into consideration the position where the reaction force from the movable contact 20 acts. As shown in FIG. 5, when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis X, the position of the movable platen 9 overlapping with the contact portions 203a, 204a of the movable contact 20 is the point of action of the reaction force. In the case of the movable platen 9 in FIG. 5, a reaction force acts on a position between the contact support portion 96 and the insertion hole 931, which overlaps with the contact portions 203a and 204a. Here, a straight line L1 (diameter line) connecting the contact portion 203a and the rotation axis X, and a straight line L2 (diameter line) connecting the contact portion 204a of the movable contact 20 and the rotation axis X are defined. If a straight line L (diameter line) passing through the midpoint of these straight lines L1 and L2 in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis X is defined, it can be considered that the reaction force acting from the movable contact 20 to the movable platen 9 acts on a region on the straight line L between the contact support portion 96 in the movable platen 9 and the insertion hole 931 (hereinafter referred to as the action region).

[0043] In this embodiment, a rib 98 is provided on the opposite side of the action area with the rotation axis X in between. This is because, when the movable platen 9 is tilted with respect to the rotation axis X and the opposite side of the action area approaches the printed circuit board 10, the contact portions 203a, 204a of the movable contact 20 move away from the printed circuit board 10 (see FIG. 12). As shown in FIG. 5, when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis X, the rib 98 is provided at a position shifted in phase in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis X with respect to the contact portions 203a, 204a of the movable contact 20. Specifically, when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis X, the rib 98 is provided in a range that crosses the straight line L in the circumferential direction.

[0044] Here, the reaction force acting on the movable platen 9 from the movable contact 20 acts on the region on the straight lines L1 and L2 between the contact support portion 96 and the insertion hole 931. Therefore, the rib 98 is formed in a range extending from the straight line L1 to the straight line L2, more preferably, with a length L98 that is longer than the circumferential length Lx from the straight line L1 to the straight line L2 (L98>Lx).

[0045] 11(A) and 11(B) are diagrams for explaining the inclination of the movable platen 9 with respect to the rotation axis X and the function of the rib 98. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the inclination of a movable platen 9' according to a comparative example. In FIGS. 11 and 12, the turning knob 4, the push button 5, and the main body case 3 are shown by virtual lines. Note that in the main body case 3' shown in FIG. 12, the shape of the engagement portion with the turning knob 4 is different from that of the main body case 3 shown in FIG. 11.

[0046] The function of the rib 98 will now be described. 2 and 3, the lever portion 2 of the switch device 1 is displaceable in the circumferential direction about the axis Y. When a user operates the lever portion 2, an operating force may act on the rotating knob 4 located on the tip side of the lever portion 2. As shown in FIG. 11(A), the rotating knob 4 has a protruding wall 411 protruding toward the main body case 3 side inserted into a groove between the inner walls 311, 321 and the outer walls 312, 322 on the main body case 3 side. Therefore, when an overload acts on the outer periphery of the rotating knob 4 on the push button 5 side, the rotating knob 4 may bend in a direction tilting with respect to the rotation axis X with the protruding wall 411 as a fulcrum due to the input overload. As a result, the movable platen 9 inserted into the rotating knob 4 also tilts with respect to the rotation axis X.

[0047] As described above, in the switch device 1, the movable platen 9 connected to the rotary knob 4 has the rib 98 extending toward the printed circuit board 10 side. Therefore, when the rotating knob 4 tries to tilt with respect to the rotation axis X, the tip 98a of the rib 98 abuts against the printed circuit board 10, restricting excessive tilt of the movable platen 9 with respect to the rotation axis X (see FIG. 11B). In this embodiment, the height h98 of the rib 98 in the direction of the rotation axis X is determined so that the inclination of the movable platen 9 with respect to the rotation axis X when the tip 98a of the rib 98 abuts against the printed circuit board 10 is within an inclination that does not cause the contact portions 203a, 204a of the movable contact 20 to move away from the printed circuit board 10.

[0048] In addition, in the main body case 3, inner walls 311, 321 and outer walls 312, 322 are positioned with a ring-shaped gap in the radial direction at the portion facing the rotating knob 4. These inner walls 311, 321 and outer walls 312, 322 ensure the rigidity of the connecting portion side (left side in the figure) with the rotating knob 4 in the main body case 3. Therefore, even if the outer diameter side of the movable platen 9 tries to tilt in the direction away from the printed circuit board 10 (left side in the figure), the degree of tilt of the movable platen 9 is suppressed.

[0049] In contrast, in the case of a movable platen 9' (see FIG. 12) that does not have the rib 98, the inclination of the movable platen 9' with respect to the rotation axis X is not restricted, so the contact portions 203a, 204a of the movable contact 20 move away from the printed circuit board 10. Then, ultimately, there is a possibility that the area of ​​the protruding wall 411 of the rotating knob 4 on the movable contact 20 side may come off the main case 3.

[0050] In the movable platen 9 according to this embodiment, the rib 98 faces the printed circuit board 10 with a gap CL in the direction of the rotation axis X between the movable platen 9 and the printed circuit board 10. Therefore, the rib 98 exerts a function of restricting the tilt only when the movable platen 9 is tilted with respect to the rotation axis X, and does not affect the rotation operation of the rotating knob 4.

[0051] 13 and 14 are diagrams illustrating movable platens 9A and 9B according to modified examples. In the embodiment described above, a case has been illustrated in which, as viewed from the axial direction of the rotation axis X, one rib 98 is provided based on a position that is shifted by 180° in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis X with respect to the contact portions 203a, 204a (see FIG. 5). As shown in FIG. 13, a movable platen 9A having a plurality of ribs 98 may be used. The movable platen 9A has two ribs 98. When viewed in the axial direction of the rotation axis X, the ribs 98 are provided at positions that are out of phase with one another in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis X with respect to the contact portions 203a and 204a. Specifically, the rib 98 is provided with respect to a straight line L passing through the middle of the contact portions 203a, 204a in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis X, a straight line La passing through a position shifted 120° phase to one side, and a straight line Lb passing through a position shifted 120° phase to the other side. These ribs 98, 98 are provided in ranges that cross the straight lines La, Lb in the circumferential direction, respectively. Each of these ribs 98, 98 is formed in an arc shape with a length L98 in the circumferential direction.

[0052] When the ribs 98, 98 are provided in this manner, the contact portions 203a, 204a and the ribs 98, 98 are disposed approximately evenly at intervals of 120° in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis X when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis X. The two ribs 98, 98 are disposed in a symmetrical positional relationship with respect to the straight line L therebetween. As a result, even if an operating force acting on the rotating knob 4 acts in a direction that tilts the movable platen 9 to one side or the other side of the straight line L when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis X, the rib 98 comes into contact with the printed circuit board 10 to regulate the tilt of the movable platen 9. This reduces the possibility that the contact portions 203a, 204a of the movable contact 20 will come off the printed circuit board.

[0053] It is not necessary that the circumferential lengths of the ribs 98, 98 are the same. The circumferential lengths of the ribs 98, 98 may be different.

[0054] In the embodiment described above, the contact portions 203a, 204a of the movable contact 20 are arranged at positions shifted from each other in the circumferential direction (see FIG. 5). As shown in FIG. 14, a movable platen 9B may be provided with a movable contact 20 in which contact portions 203a, 204a are positioned at the same position in the circumferential direction.

[0055] In this case, when viewed in the axial direction of the rotation axis X, the rib 98 is provided based on a position that is shifted in phase by 180° in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis X with respect to the contact portions 203a, 204a. Specifically, the rib 98 is provided with respect to a position that is shifted in phase by 180° with respect to a straight line L that passes through the contact portions 203a, 204a in the circumferential direction about the rotation axis X. The rib 98 is formed in an arc shape with a length L98 in a range that crosses the straight line L in the circumferential direction.

[0056] With this arrangement, even if an operating force acts in a direction that tilts the movable platen 9, the rib 98 comes into contact with the printed circuit board 10 to regulate the tilt of the movable platen 9. This reduces the possibility that the contact portions 203a, 204a of the movable contact 20 will come off the board.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the movable platen 9 is provided with one movable contact 20. However, the lever switch device may have a movable platen with two movable contacts 20. In such a case, the above-mentioned straight line L is set based on the position of the contact portions 203a, 204a of each movable contact 20 as a reference, and a rib is provided in the range that crosses the set straight line L in the circumferential direction, thereby reducing the possibility that the contact portions 203a, 204a of each movable contact 20 will come off the substrate.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the switch device 1 has a push button 5. However, the switch device may not have the push button 5.

[0059] As described above, the switch device 1 according to the present embodiment has the following configuration. (1) The switch device 1 has a lever portion 2 that is operated by a user. The lever portion 2 is An annular rotating knob 4 rotatably provided around a rotation axis X (first axis); a movable platen 9 inserted into the rotary knob 4 and rotated around a rotation axis X in response to the operation of the rotary knob 4; A printed circuit board 10 (substrate) arranged opposite the movable platen 9 in the axial direction of the rotation axis X; a movable contact 20 provided on a contact support portion 96 of the movable platen 9 that faces the printed circuit board 10, and having contact portions 203a, 204a elastically abutting against the printed circuit board 10; The movable platen has a rib that protrudes toward the printed circuit board from a portion of the movable platen that faces the printed circuit board and faces the printed circuit board with a gap therebetween. When viewed in the axial direction of the rotation axis X, the rib 98 is provided at a circumferential position around the rotation axis X with respect to the contact portions 203a, 204a.

[0060] An operating force in a direction to tilt the movable platen 9 with respect to the rotation axis X and move the contact portions 203a, 204a away from the printed circuit board 10 may act on the lever portion 2. With the above configuration, even if the operating force acting on the lever portion 2 causes the movable platen 9 to tilt with respect to the rotation axis X, the rib 98 comes into contact with the printed circuit board 10, thereby suppressing the degree to which the movable platen 9 tilts with respect to the rotation axis X. This reduces the possibility that the contact portions 203a, 204a of the movable contact 20 will come off the printed circuit board 10. Furthermore, during normal operation when the movable platen 9 is not tilted with respect to the rotation axis X, the rib 98 is not in contact with the printed circuit board 10, and therefore the rotation operation of the rotating knob 4 is not hindered by the rib 98.

[0061] (2) In (1) above, When viewed in the axial direction of the rotation axis X, the rib 98 is provided based on a position that is shifted in phase by 180° in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis X with respect to the contact portions 203a, 204a.

[0062] When viewed from the axial direction of the rotation axis X, the movable platen 9 has a maximum displacement of the contact portions 203a, 204a in the direction away from the printed circuit board 10 when an area that is 180° out of phase with the contact portions 203a, 204a in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis X tilts toward the printed circuit board 10. With the above configuration, the rib 98 comes into contact with the printed circuit board 10 to regulate the tilt of the movable platen 9. This limits the degree to which the movable platen 9 tilts with respect to the rotation axis X, thereby reducing the possibility that the contact portions 203a, 204a of the movable contact 20 will come off the printed circuit board 10.

[0063] (3) In (1) above, When viewed in the axial direction of the rotation axis X, the ribs 98 are provided at positions that are out of phase with one another in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis X with respect to the contact portions 203a and 204a.

[0064] For example, the rib 98 is provided based on a line La passing through a position shifted by 120° on one side and a line Lb passing through a position shifted by 120° on the other side, using a line L passing through the middle between the contact portions 203a, 204a in the circumferential direction about the rotation axis X as a reference. In this case, the contact portions 203a, 204a and the ribs 98, 98 are disposed approximately evenly at 120° intervals in the circumferential direction about the rotation axis X, as viewed from the direction of the rotation axis X. The two ribs 98, 98 are disposed in a symmetrical positional relationship with respect to the line L. As a result, even if the operating force acting on the rotating knob 4 acts in a direction that tilts the movable platen 9 to one side or the other side of the straight line L when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis X, the rib 98 comes into contact with the printed circuit board 10 to regulate the tilt of the movable platen 9. This reduces the possibility that the contact portions 203a, 204a of the movable contact 20 will come off the board.

[0065] (4) In any one of the above (1) to (3), When viewed from the direction of the rotation axis X, the rib 98 is provided with reference to a straight line L that passes through the middle between the contact portions 203a and 204a in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis X. The rib 98 is provided in a range that crosses the straight line L in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis X.

[0066] When the movable platen 9 inclines in a direction approaching the printed circuit board 10 in a region that is 180° out of phase with the contact portions 203a, 204a, the amount of displacement of the contact portions 203a, 204a in a direction away from the printed circuit board 10 becomes maximum. With the above configuration, when the movable platen 9 tilts with respect to the rotation axis X, the rib 98 comes into contact with the printed circuit board 10 to regulate the tilt of the movable platen 9. This limits the degree to which the movable platen 9 tilts with respect to the rotation axis X, thereby reducing the possibility that the contact portions 203a, 204a of the movable contact 20 will come off the printed circuit board 10. Furthermore, by providing the rib 98 in a range that crosses the straight line L in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis X, the inclination of the movable platen 9 can be restricted even when the operating force acting on the turning knob 4 acts in a direction that tilts the movable platen 9 to one side or the other side across the straight line L. This reduces the possibility that the contact portions 203a, 204a of the movable contact 20 will come off the board.

[0067] (5) In any one of the above (1) to (4), The movable contact 20 is A support portion 202 supported by the contact support portion 96; The support portion 202 has legs 203 and 204 extending in a circumferential direction around the rotation axis X and aligned in a radial direction of the rotation axis X. The contact portions 203a, 203a of the leg portion 203 and the contact portions 204a, 204a of the leg portion 204 are provided at different positions in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis X. When viewed from the rotation axis direction, the rib 98 is provided in a range that crosses a straight line L1 passing through the contact parts 203a, 203a of the leg part 203 on the inner diameter side and the rotation axis X, and a straight line L2 passing through the contact parts 204a, 204a of the leg part 204 on the outer diameter side and the rotation axis X, in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis X.

[0068] With this configuration, the rib 98 is formed with a range in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis X. As a result, when the movable platen 9 tilts in a direction to bring the region that is 180° out of phase with the contact portions 203a, 204a closer to the printed circuit board 10, the rib 98 abuts against the printed circuit board 10, thereby restricting the tilt of the movable platen 9. This reduces the possibility that the contact portions 203a, 204a of the movable contact 20 will separate from the board.

[0069] (6) In any one of the above (1) to (5), The rib 98 is provided on the outer periphery of the movable platen 9 in an area overlapping with the printed circuit board 10 when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis X.

[0070] With this configuration, the degree to which the movable platen 9 is tilted with respect to the rotation axis X can be suppressed. When the movable platen 9 is tilted with respect to the rotation axis X, the rib provided on the outer periphery of the movable platen 9 as viewed from the radial direction of the rotation axis X comes into contact with the printed circuit board 10 before the rib provided on the rotation axis X side. Therefore, with the above-mentioned configuration, the inclination of the movable platen 9 with respect to the rotation axis X can be suppressed, and the possibility that the contact portions 203a, 204a of the movable contact 20 will come off the printed circuit board 10 can be reduced.

[0071] (I) In any one of the above (1) to (6), The shaft member 7 penetrates the printed circuit board 10 and the movable platen 9 in the direction of the rotation axis X. The movable platen 9 is rotatably supported by the shaft member 7, and has a play in the direction of the rotation axis X between the movable platen 9 and the rotary knob 4. The printed circuit board 10 is fitted on the shaft member 7 with a play.

[0072] When an excessive load acts on the rotating knob 4 from the radial direction of the rotation axis X, the rotating knob 4 tilts relative to the rotation axis X, and the movable platen 9 inserted into the rotating knob 4 also tilts relative to the rotation axis X, causing the rib 98 to abut against the outer periphery of the printed circuit board 10. With the above configuration, the printed circuit board 10 can also tilt in accordance with the tilt of the movable platen 9, so that the possibility that the contact portions 203a, 204a of the movable contact 20 will come off the printed circuit board 10 can be further reduced.

[0073] (II) In any one of (1) to (6) or (I) above, The main body case 3 has inner walls 311, 321 extending toward the rotating knob 4 on the inner diameter side of the protruding wall 411 of the outer circumferential wall 41 of the rotating knob 4.

[0074] With this configuration, the inner walls 311, 321 restrict the displacement of the region of the rotating knob 4 inserted into the main body case 3 (the protruding wall 411) toward the rotation axis X, so that bending of the rotating knob 4 can be more reliably suppressed.

[0075] (III) In any one of (1) to (6), (I), or (II) above, The main body case 3 is composed of a first case 31 located on one side in the radial direction of the rotation axis X, and a second case 32 located on the other side. The printed circuit board 10 and the shaft member 7 are held between the first case 31 and the second case 32.

[0076] With this configuration, the movable platen 9, the printed circuit board 10, and the shaft member 7 are reliably positioned in the direction of the rotation axis X, so that the relative positional relationship between the movable platen 9 and the printed circuit board 10 is maintained. This makes it possible to maintain the contact state between the movable contact 20 and the printed circuit board 10.

[0077] (IV) In any one of (1) to (6) or (I) to (III) above, In the movable platen 9, a locking claw 94 and a rib 95 are provided on the outer periphery of the outer periphery wall 92. The rotating knob 4 has an outer circumferential wall 41 provided with a locking claw 44 and a rib 45 on the inner periphery thereof. With the movable platen 9 inserted into the rotating knob 4, the locking claws 44 on the rotating knob 4 side and the locking claws 94 on the movable platen 9 side are arranged adjacent to each other in the direction of the rotation axis X, thereby restricting the relative displacement between the rotating knob 4 and the movable platen 9 in the direction of the rotation axis X. When the movable platen 9 is inserted into the rotating knob 4, the side surfaces 951, 951 of the ribs 95, 95 on the movable platen 9 are engaged with the opposing surfaces 451, 451 of the ribs 45, 45 on the rotating knob 4, thereby restricting the relative rotation between the rotating knob 4 and the movable platen 9.

[0078] With this configuration, the rotating knob 4 and the movable platen 9 can be connected to each other so as to be rotatable together while preventing separation in the direction of the rotation axis X.

[0079] Although the embodiment and modifications of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical concept of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1 Switching device 2 Lever section 20 Movable contacts 201 Connection piece 202 Support part 203, 204 Legs 203a, 204a contact part 3, 3' Main body case 31 Case 1 311 Inner wall 312 Outside wall 313 Recess 32 Case 2 321 Inner Wall 322 Outside wall 333 Recess 4 Rotating Knob 41 Peripheral wall 411 Projecting wall 42 Cylinder part 44 Locking claw 45 Ribs 5 Push Button 6 Rotary Slider 7 Shaft member 75 Flange part 9, 9'9A, 9B Movable plate 91 Cylinder part 92 Outer wall 93 Wall section 94 Locking claw 95 Ribs 96 Contact support part 98 Ribs 98a Tip 10 Printed circuit board 101 Through hole 102 Fixed contacts 11. Moderation Block CL Gap L, L1, L2, La, Lb straight line X Rotation Axis

Claims

1. An annular rotating knob provided rotatably around a first axis; a movable platen that is inserted into the rotary knob and rotates about the first axis in response to an operation of the rotary knob; a substrate disposed opposite the movable platen in an axial direction of the first shaft; a movable contact provided at a portion of the movable plate facing the substrate, the movable contact having a contact portion in contact with the substrate; a rib that protrudes toward the substrate from a portion of the movable platen that faces the substrate and faces the substrate with a gap therebetween, A switch device, wherein, when viewed in an axial direction of the first shaft, the rib is arranged out of phase with the contact portion in a circumferential direction around the first shaft.

2. In claim 1, A switch device, wherein, when viewed in the axial direction of the first shaft, the rib is provided at a position that is 180° out of phase with the contact portion in a circumferential direction around the first shaft.

3. In claim 1, a switch device, wherein, when viewed from the axial direction of the first axis, the rib is provided at a position that is 120° phase-shifted to one side in the circumferential direction about the first axis with respect to the contact portion, and at a position that is 120° phase-shifted to the other side in the circumferential direction about the first axis with respect to the contact portion.

4. In any one of claims 1 to 3, A switch device, wherein when viewed in the axial direction of the first shaft, the rib is provided in a range that intersects a straight line passing through the contact portion and the first shaft in a circumferential direction around the first shaft.

5. In any one of claims 1 to 3, The movable contact is a first contact portion that contacts the substrate on an inner diameter side in a radial direction of the first shaft, and a second contact portion that contacts the substrate on an outer diameter side, the first contact portion and the second contact portion are provided at different positions in a circumferential direction around the first axis, A switch device wherein, when viewed in the axial direction of the first shaft, the rib is provided in a range that intersects, in a circumferential direction around the first shaft, a straight line passing through the contact portion of the leg on the inner diameter side and the first shaft, and a straight line passing through the contact portion of the leg on the outer diameter side and the first shaft.

6. In claim 4, A switch device, wherein the rib is provided on the outer periphery of the movable platen in an area overlapping with the substrate when viewed in the axial direction of the first shaft.

7. In claim 5, A switch device, wherein the rib is provided on the outer periphery of the movable platen in an area overlapping with the substrate when viewed in the axial direction of the first shaft.

Images