Switch device

Abstract

To provide a small multistage switch capable of switching on a plurality of switches in stages with a relatively simple structure.SOLUTION: A case having a longitudinal shape with a first direction as a longitudinal direction, an operation member provided inside the case so as to be partially exposed from an upper surface of the case, an actuator plate 130 provided below the operation member inside the case and having a longitudinal shape with the first direction as the longitudinal direction, a first push switch 141 provided below one end portion of the actuator plate inside the case, a second push switch 142 provided below the other end portion of the actuator plate inside the case, and a third push switch 143, wherein the operation member 120 has a longitudinal shape whose longitudinal direction is the first direction, and is supported by the case so as to be swingable about an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction as a swing center.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a clickable three-stage seesaw switch 1 configured so that three switches are turned on in sequence when the end of a pivotally provided key top is pressed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Publication number 7-16269 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technology of Patent Document 1 requires three switches for each of the two swing directions of the keytop, which makes the configuration complex and the size large, which may make it difficult to implement in small devices (such as smartphones). [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A switch device according to one embodiment comprises a longitudinal case with a first direction as its longitudinal direction, an operating member provided inside the case so that a portion thereof is exposed from the top surface of the case, an actuator plate provided inside the case below the operating member and having a longitudinal shape with the first direction as its longitudinal direction, a first push switch provided inside the case below one end of the actuator plate and capable of generating a clicking sensation, a second push switch provided inside the case below the other end of the actuator plate and capable of generating a clicking sensation, and a third push switch provided inside the case below an intermediate portion of the actuator plate and capable of generating a clicking sensation, wherein the operating member has a longitudinal shape with the first direction as its longitudinal direction and is supported by the case so as to be swingable around an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction as its swing center. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the switch device of one embodiment, it is possible to realize a small-sized multi-stage switch that can switch on a plurality of switches in stages with a relatively simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is an external perspective view of a switch device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a switch device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a switch device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a switch device (in a non-operated state) according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a switch device according to a first embodiment (first switch-on state); [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a switch device according to a first embodiment (second switch-on state); FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an external perspective view of a switch device according to a second embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a switch device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a switch device according to a second embodiment; [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a switch device (in a non-operated state) according to a second embodiment; [Figure 11] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a switch device according to a second embodiment (in a first switch-on state when the center of the operating member is pressed down); [Figure 12] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a switch device according to a second embodiment (a second switch-on state when the center of the operating member is pressed down); [Figure 13] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a switch device according to a second embodiment (in a first switch-on state when the left end of the operating member is pressed down); FIG. [Figure 14] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a switch device according to a second embodiment (a second switch-on state when the left end of the operating member is pressed down); FIG. [Figure 15] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a switch device (in a non-operated state) according to a first modified example; [Figure 16] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a switch device according to a first modified example (first switch-on state); [Figure 17] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a switch device according to a first modified example (second switch-on state); [Figure 18] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a switch device (in a non-operated state) according to a second modified example; [Figure 19] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a switch device according to a second modified example (first switch-on state); [Figure 20] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a switch device according to a second modified example (second switch-on state); DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for convenience, the height direction of the switch device 100 will be referred to as the up-down direction and Z-axis direction, the longitudinal direction of the switch device 100 will be referred to as the left-right direction and Y-axis direction, and the short side direction of the switch device 100 will be referred to as the front-rear direction and X-axis direction. However, the positive Z-axis direction will be referred to as the upward direction, the positive X-axis direction will be referred to as the forward direction, and the positive Y-axis direction will be referred to as the rightward direction.

[0009] [First embodiment] (Overview of the switch device 100) Fig. 1 is an external perspective view of a switch device 100 according to a first embodiment. The switch device 100 shown in Fig. 1 is a small switch device that is provided on the side of a smartphone, etc. As shown in Fig. 1, the switch device 100 is thin in the front-to-rear direction (X-axis direction) and has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape with the left-to-right direction (X-axis direction) as its longitudinal direction.

[0010] In the switch device 100, a part (upper part) of the operating member 120 is exposed from an opening 112A formed in the top surface of the case 110. The operating member 120 can be pressed by an operator.

[0011] The operation member 120 is supported by the case 110 at a central portion in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) so as to be swingable to the left (Y-axis negative side) and right (Y-axis positive side).

[0012] The switch device 100 is configured such that when the left side (negative side of the Y axis) of the operating member 120 is pressed by the operator, the operating member 120 swings so that the left side (negative side of the Y axis) lowers, allowing the first push switch 141 and the third push switch 143 (see Figures 2 and 3) provided inside the case 110 to be pressed in two stages.

[0013] In addition, the switch device 100 is configured such that when the right side (positive side of the Y axis) of the operating member 120 is pressed by the operator, the operating member 120 swings so that the right side (positive side of the Y axis) lowers, allowing the second push switch 142 and the third push switch 143 (see Figures 2 and 3) provided inside the case 110 to be pressed in two stages.

[0014] The switch device 100 can provide the operator with a clicking sensation when any of the three push switches 141, 142, and 143 is pressed.

[0015] (Configuration of the switch device 100) Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the switch device 100 includes a case 110, an operating member 120, an actuator plate 130, a first push switch 141, a second push switch 142, and a third push switch 143.

[0017] Case 110 is a hollow, box-shaped resin member. Case 110 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with its short sides extending in the front-to-rear direction (X-axis direction) and its long sides extending in the left-to-right direction (Y-axis direction) (an example of a "first direction").

[0018] Case 110 has a main body 111 and a cover member 112 that are separable from each other. Main body 111 is a container-like member that has a storage space 111A and is open at the top. Cover member 112 is a member that forms the top surface of case 110. Cover member 112 is a horizontal, flat-plate-like member that is attached to the top of main body 111 to close the opening at the top of main body 111.

[0019] An opening 112A is formed in the center of the cover member 112 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) to expose a part (upper part) of the operating member 120. In a plan view from above (positive direction of the Z-axis), the opening 112A has substantially the same shape as the operating member 120 (i.e., an oval shape).

[0020] The operating member 120 is a resin member that is pressed down by an operator. The operating member 120 has a longitudinal shape with its longitudinal direction extending in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). Specifically, the operating member 120 has an oval shape with its longitudinal direction extending in the left-right direction (left-right direction) when viewed from above (positive Z-axis direction). The operating member 120 is provided inside the housing space 111A of the case 110, but a portion (top) of the operating member 120 is exposed upward (positive Z-axis direction) from the opening 112A of the cover member 112, allowing the operator to press it down.

[0021] The operating member 120 has flanges 121 protruding outward at the bottom end of each of its left and right sides. The flanges 121 are provided to regulate the swing angle of the operating member 120. For example, when the operating member 120 swings to the left (negative side of the Y axis), the flange 121 on the right side (positive side of the Y axis) comes into contact with the periphery of the opening 112A in the underside of the cover member 112, thereby regulating the swing angle of the operating member 120. Conversely, when the operating member 120 swings to the right (positive side of the Y axis), the flange 121 on the left side (negative side of the Y axis) comes into contact with the periphery of the opening 112A in the underside of the cover member 112, thereby regulating the swing angle of the operating member 120.

[0022] The operation member 120 has shafts 122 protruding outward at the lower end of the center of the front side surface in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) and the center of the rear side surface in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). The shafts 122 function as swing axes of the operation member 120. The pair of front and rear shafts 122 fit into a pair of front and rear recesses 112B formed in the cover member 112, so that the operation member 120 is supported by the case 110 so as to be swingable around the pair of front and rear shafts 122 as a swing center. As an example, the shafts 122 have a flat plate shape with the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) as the longitudinal direction, and the recesses 112B have a rectangular shape with the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) as the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, by attaching the cover member 112 to the main body 111, the opening on the lower side (negative side of the Z axis) of the recesses 112B of the cover member 112 is closed by the upper end of the front wall or rear wall of the main body.

[0023] The actuator plate 130 is provided below the operating member 120 (Z-axis negative side) inside the housing space 111A of the case 110. The actuator plate 130 is a horizontal, flat member having a certain width in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) and a longitudinal shape with its longitudinal direction in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). The actuator plate 130 is made of a metal material.

[0024] The actuator plate 130 is longer in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) than the operating member 120. The left end of the actuator plate 130 is provided above the first push switch 141 (positive side of the Z axis). The right end of the actuator plate 130 is provided above the second push switch 142 (positive side of the Z axis). The middle part of the actuator plate 130 is provided above the third push switch 143 (positive side of the Z axis).

[0025] The actuator plate 130 has a first lower protrusion 133 , a second lower protrusion 134 , and a third lower protrusion 135 .

[0026] The first lower protrusion 133 is provided to protrude downward from the left end of the lower surface of the actuator plate 130. The first lower protrusion 133 is provided in a position where the top of the first push switch 141 can be pressed.

[0027] The second lower protrusion 134 is provided to protrude downward from the right end of the lower surface of the actuator plate 130. The second lower protrusion 134 is provided in a position where it can press the top of the second push switch 142.

[0028] The third lower protrusion 135 is provided to protrude downward from the center of the lower surface of the actuator plate 130. The third lower protrusion 135 is provided at a position where the top of the third push switch 143 can be pressed.

[0029] The downward protrusion amount of first lower protrusion 133 and second lower protrusion 134 is smaller than the downward protrusion amount of third lower protrusion 135.

[0030] The actuator plate 130 also has a first upper protrusion 131 and a second upper protrusion 132 .

[0031] The first upper protrusion 131 is provided to protrude upward between the left end and the middle part of the upper surface of the actuator plate 130. The first upper protrusion 131 abuts against the left end of the lower surface of the operating member 120. When the operating member 120 swings toward the left end, the first upper protrusion 131 is pressed by the left end of the lower surface of the operating member 120.

[0032] The second upper protrusion 132 is provided to protrude upward between the right end and the middle part of the upper surface of the actuator plate 130. The second upper protrusion 132 abuts against the right end of the lower surface of the operating member 120. When the operating member 120 swings toward the right end, the second upper protrusion 132 is pressed by the right end of the lower surface of the operating member 120.

[0033] The three push switches 141, 142, and 143 are arranged on an inner bottom surface 111B of the housing space 111A of the case 110, and are aligned in a straight line in the left-right direction.

[0034] The first push switch 141 is provided below the left end of the actuator plate 130. The second push switch 142 is provided below the right end of the actuator plate 130. The third push switch 143 is provided below the middle part of the actuator plate 130 and supports the middle part of the actuator plate 130.

[0035] Each of the three push switches 141, 142, and 143 is a normally-off switch that is turned off when its top is not pressed and turned on when its top is pressed. When the top is released, the switch automatically returns to the off state.

[0036] In addition, each of the three push switches 141, 142, and 143 has a built-in click sensation generating member such as a metal reversal spring, and when the top is pressed down to switch to the on state, a click sensation can be generated by the action of the click sensation generating member.

[0037] In this embodiment, the first push switch 141 and the second push switch 142 have the same operating load, and the third push switch 143 has a larger operating load than the first push switch 141 and the second push switch 142.

[0038] In particular, in this embodiment, the ratio of the operating load of the third push switch 143 to the operating loads of the first push switch 141 and the second push switch 142 is 2:1.

[0039] The switch device 100 may include a circuit board inside the housing space 111A of the case 110, and in this case, each of the three push switches 141, 142, and 143 may be provided on the circuit board.

[0040] In addition, the switch device 100 actually includes wiring members (terminals, cables, flexible boards, etc.) for electrically connecting each of the three push switches 141, 142, and 143 to the outside, but for convenience, the wiring members are not shown in the figure.

[0041] (Operation of the switch device 100) Next, the operation of the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 4 to 6. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment (non-operated state). Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment (first switch-on state). Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment (second switch-on state).

[0042] As shown in FIG. 4, when the operating member 120 is in a non-operated state, the actuator plate 130 is urged from below (the negative side of the Z axis) by the third push switch 143. The left and right ends of the operating member 120 are equally urged upward (in the positive direction of the Z axis) by the first upper protrusion 131 and the second upper protrusion 132 of the actuator plate 130. This causes the operating member 120 to maintain a horizontal posture and its initial height position (i.e., the position furthest toward the positive side of the Z axis). At this time, the actuator plate 130 maintains its horizontal posture. Each of the three push switches 141, 142, and 143 is in a switch-off state. The first push switch 141 is spaced apart from the first lower protrusion 133 of the actuator plate 130. The second push switch 142 is spaced apart from the second lower protrusion 134 of the actuator plate 130.

[0043] Then, as shown in Figure 5, when the operator presses down on the left side (negative side of the Y axis) of the upper surface of the operating member 120 and the operating force of the operator pressing down on the operating member 120 reaches a first operating force, the left end of the lower surface of the operating member 120 presses against the first upper protrusion 131 of the actuator plate 130.

[0044] At this time, the actuator plate 130 presses both the first push switch 141 and the third push switch 143, but because the operation load of the third push switch 143 is greater than that of the first push switch 141, the third push switch 143 is not pressed down, and only the first push switch 141 is pressed down, so that only the first push switch 141 is switched on. In other words, the switch device 100 is in the first switch-on state, where only the first push switch 141 is switched on.

[0045] As a result, the actuator plate 130 swings downward on its left side (negative side of the Y axis) around the third lower protrusion 135 supported by the third push switch 143. The operating member 120 also swings downward on its left side (negative side of the Y axis) around the shaft 122 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0046] Next, as shown in FIG. 6, when the operating force of the operator pressing the operating member 120 reaches a second operating force that is greater than the first operating force, the left end of the underside of the operating member 120 further presses the first upper protrusion 131 of the actuator plate 130.

[0047] At this time, when the actuator plate 130 presses down the first push switch 141, the third push switch 143 is further pressed down, which further switches the third push switch 143 to the switched-on state. That is, the switch device 100 enters a second switched-on state in which the first push switch 141 and the third push switch 143 are switched-on.

[0048] As a result, by pressing down third push switch 143, the position of third lower protrusion 135, which is the center of swing, is lowered, and actuator plate 130 assumes a state that is closer to horizontal than the swing state shown in Fig. 5. However, because the downward protrusion amount of first lower protrusion 133 is smaller than the downward protrusion amount of third lower protrusion 135, actuator plate 130 is in a state in which it swings slightly with the left side (negative side of the Y axis) lowered, with third lower protrusion 135 as the swing center, and as a result, second push switch 142, which is provided on the opposite side (positive side of the Y axis) from first push switch 141, is not pressed.

[0049] Furthermore, operating member 120 swings further downward on its left side (negative side of the Y axis) around shaft 122 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, flange 121 on the right side (positive side of the Y axis) of operating member 120 abuts against the periphery of opening 112A on the underside of cover member 112, thereby restricting the swing angle of operating member 120.

[0050] 4 to 6, the operation of the switch device 100 when the operator presses down on the left side (negative side of the Y axis) of the top surface of the operating member 120 has been described. However, when the operator presses down on the right side (positive side of the Y axis) of the top surface of the operating member 120, the switch device 100 performs the same operation, except that the left and right sides are reversed.

[0051] That is, when the operator presses the right side (positive side of the Y axis) of the upper surface of the operating member 120 and the operating force of the operator pressing the operating member 120 reaches the first operating force, the right end of the lower surface of the operating member 120 presses the second upper protrusion 132 of the actuator plate 130.

[0052] At this time, the actuator plate 130 presses both the second push switch 142 and the third push switch 143, but because the operating load of the third push switch 143 is greater than that of the second push switch 142, the third push switch 143 is not pressed down, and only the second push switch 142 is pressed down, so that only the second push switch 142 is switched on. In other words, the switch device 100 is in the first switch-on state, in which only the second push switch 142 is switched on.

[0053] As a result, the actuator plate 130 swings downward on its right side (positive side of the Y axis) around the third lower protrusion 135 supported by the third push switch 143. The operating member 120 also swings downward on its right side (positive side of the Y axis) around the shaft 122 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0054] Subsequently, when the operating force of the operator pressing the operating member 120 reaches a second operating force that is greater than the first operating force, the right end of the underside of the operating member 120 further presses the second upper protrusion 132 of the actuator plate 130.

[0055] At this time, when the actuator plate 130 presses down the second push switch 142, the third push switch 143 is further pressed down, causing the third push switch 143 to be further switched on. That is, the switch device 100 is in a second switched on state in which the second push switch 142 and the third push switch 143 are both switched on.

[0056] As a result, by pressing down third push switch 143, the position of third lower protrusion 135, which is the center of swing, is lowered, and actuator plate 130 is placed in a state that is closer to horizontal than the swing state when only second push switch 142 is pressed down. However, because the downward protrusion amount of second lower protrusion 134 is smaller than the downward protrusion amount of third lower protrusion 135, actuator plate 130 is placed in a state where it swings slightly with the right side (positive side of the Y axis) lowered, with third lower protrusion 135 as the swing center, and as a result, first push switch 141, which is provided on the opposite side (negative side of the Y axis) from second push switch 142, is not pressed.

[0057] Furthermore, operating member 120 swings further downward on its right side (positive side of the Y axis) around shaft 122 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). At this time, flange 121 on the left side (negative side of the Y axis) of operating member 120 abuts against the periphery of opening 112A on the underside of cover member 112, thereby restricting the swing angle of operating member 120.

[0058] As described above, the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment comprises a case 110 having a longitudinal shape with a first direction as its longitudinal direction, an operating member 120 provided inside the case 110 so that a portion of the operating member 120 is exposed from the top surface of the case 110, an actuator plate 130 provided inside the case 110 below the operating member 120 and having a longitudinal shape with the first direction as its longitudinal direction, a first push switch 141 provided inside the case 110 below one end of the actuator plate 130 and capable of generating a clicking sensation, a second push switch 142 provided inside the case 110 below the other end of the actuator plate 130 and capable of generating a clicking sensation, and a third push switch 143 provided inside the case 110 below a middle portion of the actuator plate 130 and capable of generating a clicking sensation, and the operating member 120 has a longitudinal shape with the first direction as its longitudinal direction and is supported by the case 110 so as to be swingable around a middle portion in the longitudinal direction as a swing center.

[0059] As a result, the switch device 100 of the first embodiment has a relatively simple configuration in which only three general small push switches are provided, and can realize a small multi-stage switch in which two of the three push switches can be switched on in two stages regardless of whether one end or the other end of the operating member 120 is pressed.

[0060] Furthermore, in the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment, when one end of the operating member 120 is pressed down, the actuator plate 130 presses the first push switch 141 and then the third push switch 143, and when the other end of the operating member 120 is pressed down, the actuator plate 130 presses the second push switch 142 and then the third push switch 143.

[0061] As a result, the switch device 100 of the first embodiment has a relatively simple configuration in which only three general small push switches are provided, and can realize a small multi-stage switch in which two of the three push switches can be switched on in two stages regardless of whether one end or the other end of the operating member 120 is pressed.

[0062] Furthermore, the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment can detect that one end of the operating member 120 has been pressed down when the first push switch 141 is switched on first, and can detect that the other end of the operating member 120 has been pressed down when the second push switch 142 is switched on first.

[0063] In the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment, the operating member 120 has a shaft 122 serving as the center of swing in the middle in the longitudinal direction, and is supported by the case 110 at the shaft 122 so as to be swingable.

[0064] As a result, in the switch device 100 of the first embodiment, the middle part in the longitudinal direction of the operating member 120 is fixed by the shaft part 122, so that the operating member 120 can be swung reliably, and the third push switch 143 can be prevented from being pressed down before the first push switch 141 or the second push switch 142.

[0065] Furthermore, in the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment, the first push switch 141 and the second push switch 142 have the same operating load, and the third push switch 143 has a larger operating load than the first push switch 141 and the second push switch 142.

[0066] As a result, the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment can prevent the third push switch 143 from being pressed down before the first push switch 141 or the second push switch 142 when the operating member 120 swings.

[0067] Furthermore, this allows the switch device 100 of the first embodiment to provide the same operating feel when it is swung to one end to press the first push switch 141 and when it is swung to the other end to press the second push switch 142.

[0068] In the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment, the ratio of the operating load of the third push switch 143 to the operating loads of the first push switch 141 and the second push switch 142 is 2:1.

[0069] As a result, the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment can prevent the third push switch 143 from being pressed down before the first push switch 141 or the second push switch 142 when the operating member 120 swings.

[0070] Furthermore, in the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment, the actuator plate 130 has a first upper protrusion 131 between one end and the middle part that protrudes upward and is pressed by one end of the operating member 120 when the operating member 120 swings toward the one end, and a second upper protrusion 132 between the other end and the middle part that protrudes upward and is pressed by the other end of the operating member 120 when the operating member 120 swings toward the other end.

[0071] As a result, in the switch device 100 of the first embodiment, regardless of whether one end or the other end of the operating member 120 is pressed, the operating member 120 presses the first upper protrusion 131 or the second upper protrusion 132 provided at a predetermined position on the actuator plate 130 (the intermediate position between the two push switches), thereby enabling the actuator plate 130 to reliably press down the two push switches.

[0072] As a result, in the switch device 100 of the first embodiment, regardless of whether one end or the other end of the operating member 120 is pressed, the operating member 120 presses the first upper protrusion 131 or the second upper protrusion 132 located in the middle position of the two push switches, so that the same operating feel can be obtained when pressing the first switch (first push switch 141 or second push switch 142) and when pressing the second switch (third push switch 143).

[0073] Second Embodiment The following describes the changes made to the switch device 100-2 according to the second embodiment from the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0074] (Outline of the switch device 100-2) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the appearance of a switch device 100-2 according to the second embodiment.

[0075] In the switch device 100-2, the operating member 120 is supported by the case 110 so as to be movable downward (negative direction of the Z axis) and swingable to the left (negative side of the Y axis).

[0076] The switch device 100-2 is configured such that when the left side (negative side of the Y axis) of the operating member 120 is pressed by an operator, the operating member 120 swings so that the left side (negative side of the Y axis) lowers, allowing the first push switch 141 and the second push switch 142 (see Figures 8 and 9) provided inside the case 110 to be pressed in two stages.

[0077] In addition, the switch device 100-2 is configured such that when an operator presses the center of the operating member 120 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction), the operating member 120 moves downward (negative Z-axis direction), allowing the first push switch 141 and the second push switch 142 provided inside the case 110 to be pressed in two stages.

[0078] In other words, the switch device 100-2 is configured so that the first push switch 141 and the second push switch 142 can be pressed in two stages regardless of which part of the operating member 120 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) is pressed.

[0079] In the switch device 100-2, the operation member 120 is provided with an electrostatic sensor 123 (see FIG. 9) as an example of a "position detection sensor," and the electrostatic sensor 123 can detect the position of the operation member 120 pressed by the operator. Note that the "position detection sensor" may be an infrared sensor, a pressure sensor, or the like other than the electrostatic sensor 123 to detect the pressed position.

[0080] The switch device 100-2 can provide the operator with a clicking sensation when either of the two push switches 141, 142 is pressed.

[0081] (Configuration of switch device 100-2) Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a switch device 100-2 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 9 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the switch device 100-2 according to the second embodiment.

[0082] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the switch device 100-2 includes a case 110, an operating member 120, an actuator plate 130, a first push switch 141, and a second push switch 142.

[0083] The case 110 is similar to the case 110 of the first embodiment.

[0084] The operating member 120 is similar to the operating member 120 of the first embodiment. However, the operating member 120 differs from the operating member 120 of the first embodiment in that it does not have a shaft portion 122 and has an electrostatic sensor 123.

[0085] The actuator plate 130 has a first upper protrusion 131, a first lower protrusion 133, and a second lower protrusion 134.

[0086] The first upper protrusion 131 is provided to protrude upward from the center in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the upper surface of the actuator plate 130. The first upper protrusion 131 abuts against the center in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the lower surface of the operating member 120. When the operating member 120 swings toward the left end or moves downward (in the negative Z-axis direction), the first upper protrusion 131 is pressed by the center in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the lower surface of the operating member 120.

[0087] The first lower protrusion 133 is provided to protrude downward from the left end of the lower surface of the actuator plate 130. The first lower protrusion 133 is provided in a position where the top of the first push switch 141 can be pressed.

[0088] The second lower protrusion 134 is provided to protrude downward from the right end of the lower surface of the actuator plate 130. The second lower protrusion 134 is provided in a position where it can press the top of the second push switch 142.

[0089] The first push switch 141 is provided below the left end of the actuator plate 130 and supports the left end of the actuator plate 130. The second push switch 142 is provided below the right end of the actuator plate 130 and supports the right end of the actuator plate 130.

[0090] In this embodiment, the second push switch 142 has a larger operating load than the first push switch 141.

[0091] (Operation of switch device 100-2) Next, the operation of the switch device 100-2 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 14. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the switch device 100-2 according to the second embodiment (in a non-operated state). FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the switch device 100-2 according to the second embodiment (in a first switch-on state when the center of the operation member 120 is pressed). FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the switch device 100-2 according to the second embodiment (in a second switch-on state when the center of the operation member 120 is pressed). FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the switch device 100-2 according to the second embodiment (in a first switch-on state when the left end of the operation member 120 is pressed). FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the switch device 100-2 according to the second embodiment (in a second switch-on state when the left end of the operation member 120 is pressed).

[0092] As shown in FIG. 10, when the operating member 120 is in a non-operated state, the actuator plate 130 is urged from below (negative side of the Z axis) by the first push switch 141 and the second push switch 142. The middle part of the operating member 120 in the left-right direction is urged upward (positive direction of the Z axis) by the first upper protrusion 131 of the actuator plate 130. This causes the operating member 120 to maintain a horizontal posture and a state where it is at its initial height position (i.e., the position furthest to the positive side of the Z axis). At this time, the actuator plate 130 maintains a horizontal posture. Furthermore, each of the two push switches 141, 142 is in a switch-off state.

[0093] Then, as shown in FIG. 11, when the operator presses the center of the top surface of the operating member 120 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction), the operating member 120 moves downward (negative Z-axis direction) while remaining horizontal, and presses the first upper protrusion 131 of the actuator plate 130.

[0094] Furthermore, when the operating force of the operator pressing down the operating member 120 reaches a first operating force, the left end of the lower surface of the actuator plate 130 presses down the first push switch 141.

[0095] At this time, the operating load of the second push switch 142 is greater than that of the first push switch 141, so the second push switch 142 is not pushed down, and only the first push switch 141 is pushed down, so that only the first push switch 141 is switched on. That is, the switch device 100-2 is in the first switch-on state, in which only the first push switch 141 is switched on.

[0096] As a result, the actuator plate 130 swings around the second lower protrusion 134 supported by the second push switch 142 as the swing center, with the left side (negative side of the Y axis) lowering.

[0097] 12, when the operating force of the operator pressing down the operating member 120 reaches a second operating force that is greater than the first operating force, the right end of the lower surface of the actuator plate 130 further presses down the second push switch 142, causing the second push switch 142 to further switch-on. That is, the switch device 100-2 enters a second switch-on state in which the first push switch 141 and the second push switch 142 are switched-on.

[0098] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13, when the operator presses the left end of the top surface of the operating member 120, the operating member 120 swings with the right flange 121 as the swing center so that the left side (negative side of the Y axis) lowers, thereby pressing against the first upper protrusion 131 of the actuator plate 130.

[0099] When the operating force of the operator pressing down the operating member 120 reaches a first operating force, the left end of the lower surface of the actuator plate 130 presses down the first push switch 141.

[0100] At this time, the operating load of the second push switch 142 is greater than that of the first push switch 141, so the second push switch 142 is not pushed down, and only the first push switch 141 is pushed down, so that only the first push switch 141 is switched on. That is, the switch device 100-2 is in the first switch-on state, in which only the first push switch 141 is switched on.

[0101] As a result, the actuator plate 130 swings around the second lower protrusion 134 supported by the second push switch 142 as the swing center, with the left side (negative side of the Y axis) lowering.

[0102] 14, when the operating force of the operator pressing down the operating member 120 reaches a second operating force that is greater than the first operating force, the right end of the lower surface of the actuator plate 130 further presses down the second push switch 142, causing the second push switch 142 to further switch on. That is, the switch device 100-2 enters a second switch on state in which the first push switch 141 and the second push switch 142 are both switched on.

[0103] In this way, in the switch device 100-2 of the second embodiment, regardless of which part of the operating member 120 in the longitudinal direction is pressed, the actuator plate 130 can press the first push switch 141 and then the second push switch 142.

[0104] In other words, the switch device 100-2 of the second embodiment has a relatively simple configuration in which only two general small push switches are provided, and can realize a small multi-stage switch that can switch on two push switches 141, 142 in two stages regardless of which part of the operating member 120 in the longitudinal direction is pressed.

[0105] Furthermore, the switch device 100-2 according to the second embodiment cannot detect the position at which the operator presses the operating member 120 based on the outputs of the two push switches 141 and 142 alone. However, since the operating member 120 is provided with an electrostatic sensor 123, the electrostatic sensor 123 can detect the position at which the operator presses the operating member 120.

[0106] In the switch device 100-2 according to the second embodiment, the second push switch 142 has a larger operating load than the first push switch 141.

[0107] As a result, the switch device 100-2 according to the second embodiment can prevent the second push switch 142 from being pressed before the first push switch 141.

[0108] In addition, in the switch device 100-2 of the second embodiment, the actuator plate 130 has a first upper protrusion 131 at the center in the longitudinal direction that protrudes upward and is pressed by the center of the underside of the operating member 120 when the operating member 120 is pressed down.

[0109] As a result, the switch device 100-2 according to the second embodiment can prevent the second push switch 142 from being pressed before the first push switch 141.

[0110] [First Modified Example] Next, a first modified example of the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 15 to 17. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the switch device 100-3 according to the first modified example (non-operated state). Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the switch device 100-3 according to the first modified example (first switch-on state). Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the switch device 100-3 according to the first modified example (second switch-on state).

[0111] Compared to switch device 100, switch device 100-3 of the first variant has a first lower protrusion 133 and a first push switch 141 located closer to first upper protrusion 131, and a second upper protrusion 132 and a second push switch 142 located closer to second upper protrusion 132.

[0112] The operation of the switch device 100-3 according to the first modification is similar to that of the switch device 100.

[0113] That is, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, when an operator presses the left side (negative side of the Y axis) of the top surface of the operating member 120 of the switch device 100-3, the operating member 120 and the actuator plate 130 swing downward to the left, similar to the switch device 100, and first the first push switch 141 is switched on, and then the third push switch 143 is switched on.

[0114] However, in switch device 100-3, the positions of first lower protrusion 133 and first push switch 141 are different from those in switch device 100, and therefore the timing at which first push switch 141 is turned on is different from that in switch device 100.

[0115] Conversely, when the operator presses the right side (positive Y-axis side) of the top surface of the operating member 120 of the switch device 100-3, the operating member 120 and the actuator plate 130 swing downward to the right, similar to the switch device 100, and first the second push switch 142 is switched on, and then the third push switch 143 is switched on.

[0116] However, in the switch device 100-3, the positions of the second upper protrusion 132 and the second push switch 142 are different from those in the switch device 100, and therefore the timing at which the second push switch 142 is turned on is different from that in the switch device 100.

[0117] [Second Modification] Next, a second modified example of the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 18 to 20. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a switch device 100-4 according to the second modified example (non-operated state). Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a switch device 100-4 according to the second modified example (first switch-on state). Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a switch device 100-4 according to the second modified example (second switch-on state).

[0118] In switch device 100-4 according to the second modification, first lower protrusion 133 and first push switch 141 are provided at positions closer to first upper protrusion 131 than in switch device 100.

[0119] The operation of the switch device 100-4 according to the second modification is similar to that of the switch device 100.

[0120] That is, as shown in Figures 19 and 20, when an operator presses the left side (negative side of the Y axis) of the top surface of the operating member 120 of the switch device 100-4, the operating member 120 and the actuator plate 130 swing downward to the left, similar to the switch device 100, and first the first push switch 141 is switched on, and then the third push switch 143 is switched on.

[0121] However, in switch device 100-4, the positions of first lower protrusion 133 and first push switch 141 are different from those in switch device 100, and therefore the timing at which first push switch 141 is turned on is different from that in switch device 100.

[0122] Conversely, when the operator presses the right side (positive Y-axis side) of the top surface of the operating member 120 of the switch device 100-4, the operating member 120 and the actuator plate 130 swing downward to the right, similar to the switch device 100, and first the second push switch 142 is switched on, and then the third push switch 143 is switched on.

[0123] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 100, 100-2, 100-3, 100-4 Switching device 110 cases 111 Main body 111A Storage Space 111B Inner bottom surface 112 Cover member 112A opening 112B Recess 120 Operating member 121 Tsuba 122 Shaft 123 Electrostatic Sensor 130 Actuator plate 131 first upper protrusion 132 second upper protrusion 133 First lower protrusion 134 Second lower protrusion 135 Third lower protrusion 141 First push switch 142 Second push switch 143 Third Push Switch

Claims

1. a case having an elongated shape with a first direction as a longitudinal direction; an operating member provided inside the case so that a portion of the operating member is exposed from the top surface of the case; an actuator plate provided inside the case below the operation member and having a longitudinal shape with the first direction as a longitudinal direction; a first push switch provided inside the case below one end of the actuator plate and capable of producing a clicking sensation; a second push switch provided inside the case below the other end of the actuator plate and capable of producing a clicking sensation; a third push switch that is provided inside the case below the middle portion of the actuator plate and that is capable of producing a clicking sensation; Equipped with The operating member is The housing has a longitudinal shape with the first direction as its longitudinal direction, and is supported by the case so as to be swingable around a middle portion in the longitudinal direction as a swing center. A switch device characterized by:

2. When one end of the operating member is pressed down, the actuator plate presses the first push switch and then the third push switch; When the other end of the operating member is pressed down, The actuator plate presses the second push switch and then the third push switch.

2. The switch device according to claim 1.

3. The operating member is The shaft portion serving as the swing center is provided at the middle portion in the longitudinal direction, and the shaft portion is supported by the case so as to be swingable.

3. The switch device according to claim 2.

4. The first push switch and the second push switch have the same operating load, The third push switch has a larger operating load than the first push switch and the second push switch.

4. The switch device according to claim 3.

5. The ratio of the operating load of the third push switch to the operating loads of the first push switch and the second push switch is 2:

1.

5. The switch device according to claim 4.

6. The actuator plate includes: a first upper protrusion that protrudes upward between the one end and the intermediate portion and is pressed by the one end of the operating member when the operating member swings toward the one end, A second upper protrusion protrudes upward between the other end and the intermediate portion, and is pressed by the other end of the operating member when the operating member swings toward the other end.

2. The switch device according to claim 1.

7. a case having an elongated shape with a first direction as a longitudinal direction; an operating member provided inside the case so that a portion of the operating member is exposed from the top surface of the case; an actuator plate provided inside the case below the operation member and having a longitudinal shape with the first direction as a longitudinal direction; a first push switch provided inside the case below one end of the actuator plate and capable of producing a clicking sensation; a second push switch provided inside the case below the other end of the actuator plate and capable of producing a clicking sensation; Equipped with The operating member is A position detection sensor is provided to detect the position where the operator presses the operating member. A switch device characterized by:

8. The position detection sensor is an electrostatic sensor.

8. The switch device according to claim 7.

9. No matter which part of the operating member in the longitudinal direction is pressed down, The actuator plate presses the first push switch and then the second push switch.

8. The switch device according to claim 7.

10. The second push switch has a larger operating load than the first push switch.

10. The switch device according to claim 9.

11. The actuator plate includes: A first upper protrusion protrudes upward from the center in the longitudinal direction and is pressed by the center of the lower surface of the operating member when the operating member is pressed down. The switch device according to claim 10 .

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