Push switch

Abstract

An object of the present disclosure is to suppress malfunction of a push switch due to an increase in contact resistance between terminals.SOLUTION: Movable contact member 4 of push switch 1 is deformable from the initial state to the ON state by application of a force toward fixed contact part 51. In the initial state, the movable contacts 411 are not in contact with the fixed contacts 51, the permanent supports 440 are in contact with the corresponding permanent receptacles 610, and the emergency support terminals 44A face the emergency receptacle terminals 61A with a gap therebetween. In the ON state, the movable contacting point part 411 contacts the fixed contacting point part 51, the normal supporting part 440 contacts the corresponding normal receiving part 610, and the emergency supporting part 44A contacts the emergency receiving part 61A.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to push switches, and more particularly to a push switch including a movable contact body having a movable contact portion and a case having a fixed contact. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a push switch having the following configuration. The push switch includes a case with a fixed contact portion, a movable member having a movable contact portion and positioned opposite the fixed contact portion, movable between an ON position where the movable contact portion contacts the fixed contact portion and an OFF position where the movable contact portion is separated from the fixed contact portion, a presser positioned opposite the movable member and pressing the movable member with an external force, and a support portion connected to the presser and supporting the presser against the case. The support portion has a characteristic that the load acting from the support portion to the presser increases until the amount of movement of the presser reaches a first threshold, and then decreases when the amount of movement of the presser reaches the first threshold. The movable member has a characteristic that the load acting from the movable member to the presser increases until the amount of movement of the presser reaches a second threshold, and then decreases when the amount of movement of the presser reaches the second threshold. The movable member is formed in a dome shape curved upward with a convex central portion. Four contact pieces are provided at intervals around the outer periphery of the movable member. When the movable member is housed in the recess of the case, these contact pieces come into contact with contact points on the bottom surface of the recess. The movable member is electrically connected to fixed contacts exposed on the bottom surface at least at the four locations (four contact pieces) that come into contact with the contact points on the bottom surface. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 225635 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, when the movable member is pressed and the movable contact portion comes into contact with the fixed contact portion, the movable member deforms, causing the four contact pieces to move across the contact area while rubbing against it.

[0005] According to the inventor's own research, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, metal powder is generated when the contact piece and the contact area rub against each other, and this metal powder can oxidize to generate electrically insulating metal oxide powder. If this metal oxide powder is present between the contact piece and the contact area, the contact resistance between the contact piece and the contact area increases, which can cause the push switch to malfunction.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to suppress malfunction of a push switch due to an increase in contact resistance between terminals. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A push switch according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a case, a movable contact element held in the case, a fixed contact element held in the case and facing the movable contact element, a conductive member held in the case and positioned on the fixed contact element side relative to the movable contact element, and a plurality of receiving portions held in the case and positioned on the fixed contact element side relative to the movable contact element. The receiving portion includes at least one conductive emergency receiving terminal that is a part of the conductive member and at least three constant-contact receiving portions. The movable contact element has a movable contact portion and a plurality of support portions around the movable contact portion. The support portion is electrically connected to the movable contact portion and includes at least one conductive emergency support terminal corresponding to the emergency receiving terminal and at least three constant-contact support portions each corresponding to the constant-contact receiving portions. Each of the support portions faces the corresponding receiving portion. The fixed contact element has a fixed contact portion facing the movable contact portion. The movable contact element is deformable from an initial state to an ON state when a force is applied toward the fixed contact portion. In the initial state, the movable contact portion does not contact the fixed contact portion, all of the constant support portions contact the corresponding constant receptacles, and the emergency support terminals face the emergency receptacle terminals with a gap therebetween. In the on state, the movable contact portion contacts the fixed contact portion, all of the constant support portions contact the corresponding constant receptacles, and the emergency support terminals contact the emergency receptacle terminals. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, because the emergency support terminal is not in contact with the emergency receiving terminal when the movable contact body is in the initial state, the section over which the emergency support terminal moves over the emergency receiving terminal while rubbing against it can be shortened while the movable contact body is deforming from the initial state to the on state. This prevents electrically insulating powder generated by the emergency support terminal rubbing against the emergency receiving terminal from being interposed between the emergency support terminal and the emergency receiving terminal, thereby preventing malfunction of the push switch. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a push switch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the push switch. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the push switch. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the push switch. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the push switch, omitting the cover, the pressing body, and the movable contact body. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the movable contact unit in the push switch. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the push switch of the same embodiment, with the cover and the pressing body omitted. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the push switch. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the push switch. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the push switch. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the push switch. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the stroke and load of the push button when a load is applied to the push button to move it downward in the same push switch. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A push switch 1 according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment described below is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment described below can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Furthermore, each figure described in the embodiment described below is a schematic diagram, and the ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of the components in the figures do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0011] 1. Overview The push switch 1 of the embodiment includes a member that deforms when an external force is applied to it. Unless otherwise specified, the following description of the configuration of the push switch 1 will be given assuming that no external force is being applied to the push switch 1, that is, that the push switch 1 is not being operated (a state in which the pusher 31 of the push switch 1 is not being pressed).

[0012] The push switch 1 of this embodiment includes a case 7, a movable contact body 4 held in the case 7, a fixed contact body 5 held in the case 7 and facing the movable contact body 4, a conductive member 6 held in the case 7 and positioned on the fixed contact body 5 side relative to the movable contact body 4, and a plurality of receiving portions 61 held in the case 7 and positioned on the fixed contact body 5 side relative to the movable contact body 4. The receiving portion 61 includes at least one conductive emergency receiving terminal 61A that is a part of the conductive member 6, and at least three constant-contact receiving portions 610. The movable contact body 4 has a movable contact portion 411 and a plurality of support portions 44 around the movable contact portion 411. The support portion 44 is electrically connected to the movable contact portion 411 and includes at least one conductive emergency support terminal 44A that corresponds to the emergency receiving terminal 61A, and at least three constant-contact support portions 440 that each correspond to the constant-contact receiving portions 610. Each support portion 44 faces a corresponding receiving portion 61. The fixed contact unit 5 has a fixed contact portion 51 facing the movable contact portion 411. The movable contact unit 4 can be deformed from an initial state to an ON state by applying a force toward the fixed contact portion 51. In the initial state, the movable contact portion 411 is not in contact with the fixed contact portion 51, all of the constant-contact support portions 440 are in contact with the corresponding constant-contact receptacles 610, and the emergency support terminal 44A faces the emergency receptacle terminal 61A with a gap therebetween. In the ON state, the movable contact portion 411 is in contact with the fixed contact portion 51, all of the constant-contact support portions 440 are in contact with the corresponding constant-contact receptacles 610, and the emergency support terminal 44A is in contact with the emergency receptacle terminal 61A.

[0013] According to the embodiment, in the initial state, at least three constant-contact support portions 440 are each disposed on the constant-contact receiving portion 610, thereby supporting the movable contact unit 4 at three or more locations. This allows the emergency support terminal 44A to stably maintain a state in which it faces the emergency receiving terminal 61A at a distance. When a force toward the fixed contact portion 51 is applied to the movable contact unit 4 in the initial state and it deforms to the ON state, a section is first generated in which the emergency support terminal 44A faces the emergency receiving terminal 61A at a distance. This section can shorten the section in which the emergency support terminal 44A moves over the emergency receiving terminal 61A while rubbing against it, while the movable contact unit 4 is deforming from the initial state to the ON state. This prevents the generation of conductive powder caused by the emergency contact support terminal 44A rubbing against the emergency contact receiving terminal 61A, and prevents the electrically insulating powder that is generated by the oxidation of this conductive powder from being interposed between the emergency contact support terminal 44A and the emergency contact receiving terminal 61A. This prevents an increase in contact resistance between the emergency contact support terminal 44A and the emergency contact receiving terminal 61A, and can prevent malfunction of the push switch 1.

[0014] 2.Details (1) Overall structure The push switch 1 of the embodiment will be described in detail below. In the following description, the direction in which the movable contact portion 411 and the fixed contact portion 51 face each other is defined as the up-down direction, with the fixed contact portion 51 side relative to the movable contact portion 411 defined as the down direction and the movable contact portion 411 side relative to the fixed contact portion 51 defined as the up direction. The direction in which the first external terminal 54 and the second external terminal 64 (described later) are aligned is defined as the left direction, with the second external terminal 64 side relative to the first external terminal 54 defined as the left direction, and the first external terminal 54 side relative to the second external terminal 64 defined as the right direction. The front, rear, and front-to-back directions for an observer when the up, down, left, and right directions for the observer are defined as described above are defined as the front, rear, and front-to-back directions in this embodiment. However, the above definitions of up, down, left, right, front, and rear are for convenience and do not define the directions or orientations when the push switch 1 is used.

[0015] The push switch 1 is used in the operating section of various devices such as mobile information terminals, in-vehicle devices, and home appliances. The push switch 1 is mounted on, for example, a printed circuit board and built into the housing of the device. In this case, an operation button (not shown) is disposed as an intermediate member at a position on the housing corresponding to the push switch 1. When an operator presses the operation button, the pusher 31 is indirectly pressed via the operation button. Alternatively, the operator may press the pusher 31 directly without using the operation button. Hereinafter, the pusher 31 being pressed via the operation button or the pusher 31 being pressed directly will be referred to as being pressed.

[0016] As shown in Figures 1 to 4 and 8, the push switch 1 includes a cover 2, a pressing body 3, a movable contact body 4, a fixed contact body 5, a conductive member 6, and a case 7. When viewed from above, the case 7 has a rectangular shape, and the cross section of Figure 8 is a cross section taken along a diagonal line of the case 7 when viewed from above. In the embodiments, the term "rectangle" is a concept that encompasses squares and oblongs.

[0017] (2) Cover The cover 2 is made of, for example, metal, and covers the case 7 as shown in FIGS.

[0018] The cover 2 includes a cover main body 21, a plurality (two in the embodiment) of first protrusions 22, and a plurality (two in the embodiment) of second protrusions 23. The cover main body 21 is shaped like a rectangular plate. The thickness direction of the cover main body 21 is aligned with the vertical direction.

[0019] The cover body 21 has a through hole 210. The through hole 210 is provided in the center of the cover body 21. The through hole 210 has a circular shape in a plan view. The upper end of the plunger 31 passes through the through hole 210 and protrudes above the cover body 21.

[0020] First protrusions 22 protrude downward from the front and rear ends of the cover body 21. The case 7 is held between the two first protrusions 22. This restricts the cover 2 from moving in the front-to-rear direction relative to the case 7.

[0021] Each of the first protruding pieces 22 has a plurality of (two in this embodiment) hooking claws 221. The two hooking claws 221 are hooked onto the case 7. As a result, the cover 2 is held onto the case 7.

[0022] A second protrusion 23 protrudes downward from each of the left and right ends of the cover body 21. The case 7 is held between the two second protrusions 23.

[0023] (3) Pressing body As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and 8, the pressing body 3 includes a pressing element 31, a support portion 32, a connecting portion 33, and an extension portion .

[0024] The pressing body 3 has elasticity. The pressing body 3 also has electrical insulation properties. The pressing body 3 is formed of an elastomer material. For example, the pressing body 3 is formed of a synthetic rubber material. In the embodiment, the pusher 31, the support portion 32, the connecting portion 33, and the extension portion 34 of the pressing body 3 are integrally formed of a synthetic rubber material. For example, silicone rubber may be used as the synthetic rubber. The pressing body 3 may be manufactured by, for example, injection molding, or alternatively, by compression molding.

[0025] The pusher 31 includes a first portion 311 and a second portion 312. The first portion 311 is a portion that includes an upper surface 31U of the pusher 31. The first portion 311 is a portion that receives a pushing operation. The second portion 312 is a portion that includes a lower surface 31L of the pusher 31. The second portion 312 is a portion that presses the movable contact body 4. The second portion 312 protrudes downward from the first portion 311.

[0026] The shape of the upper surface 31U of the pusher 31 is circular. The shape of the first portion 311 is a truncated cone. The diameter of the first portion 311 becomes smaller toward the upper side.

[0027] The lower surface 31L of the pusher 31 is circular. The second portion 312 is frustum-shaped. The diameter of the second portion 312 increases toward the upper side.

[0028] The diameter of the upper end of the second portion 312 is shorter than the diameter of the lower end of the first portion 311. In other words, the maximum diameter of the second portion 312 is shorter than the maximum diameter of the first portion 311. In addition, the diameter of the lower surface 31L of the plunger 31 is shorter than the diameter of the upper surface 31U.

[0029] The support unit 32 has a support base 321 and a plurality of (four in this embodiment) protrusions 322. The support base 321 is shaped like a rectangular plate. The thickness direction of the support base 321 is aligned with the up-down direction. The support base 321 has an upper surface 321U and a lower surface 321L.

[0030] Support base 321 is placed on case 7. Support base 321 is supported by being sandwiched between case 7 and cover 2. That is, upper surface 321U of support base 321 is in contact with cover 2, and lower surface 321L is in contact with case 7.

[0031] The support base 321 may be located between the case 7 and the cover 2 with the upper surface 321U of the support base 321 separated from the cover 2. In this case, when the pusher 31 is pushed, the force of the pushing operation may move the upper surface 321U of the support base 321 upward and bring it into contact with the cover 2. This prevents the support base 321 from being pulled toward the pusher 31 when the pusher 31 is pushed, and prevents the position of the support base 321 from fluctuating significantly.

[0032] The support part 32 has an opening 320. The opening 320 is circular in shape. The opening 320 is provided at the center of the support base 321. The connecting part 33 is connected to the inner edge of the opening 320 of the support part 32. When viewed from above, the connecting part 33 is positioned inside the inner edge of the opening 320.

[0033] The plurality of protruding bases 322 protrude downward from the support base 321. The plurality of protruding bases 322 are arranged around the opening 320 in a line in the circumferential direction of the opening 320.

[0034] Each of the multiple protrusions 322 has a smaller area at its lower end. When the plunger 31 is pressed hard, the lower end portions of the multiple protrusions 322 come into contact with the structure located below the multiple protrusions 322 and elastically deform, thereby dissipating the stress applied to the plunger 31. In this embodiment, the movable contact body 4 and the case 7 are located below the multiple protrusions 322. When the plunger 31 is pressed hard, the lower end portions of the multiple protrusions 322 press against the bottom surface of the case 7 via the movable contact body 4.

[0035] The connecting portion 33 connects the pusher 31 and the support portion 32. The connecting portion 33 has a cylindrical shape. Inside the connecting portion 33, the second portion 312 of the pusher 31 is disposed.

[0036] The fact that the connecting portion 33 is cylindrical does not necessarily mean that the connecting portion 33 is continuous over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction, and the connecting portion 33 may have a notch or the like in a part thereof.

[0037] The external shape of the connecting portion 33 is a truncated cone. The external shape of the configuration made up of the connecting portion 33 and the first portion 311 of the plunger 31 is also a truncated cone. The diameter of this configuration is shorter towards the upper side.

[0038] The extension 34 protrudes downward from the lower end of the connecting portion 33. The shape of the extension 34 is annular. When the plunger 31 is pressed, the extension 34 elastically deforms together with the connecting portion 33, and the extension 34 comes into contact with the side surface of the recess 710 in the case 7.

[0039] The connecting portion 33 has a bent portion 331, a first adjacent portion 332, and a second adjacent portion 333. The first adjacent portion 332 is provided above the bent portion 331. The second adjacent portion 333 is provided below the bent portion 331. The bent portion 331, the first adjacent portion 332, and the second adjacent portion 333 are each cylindrical. The bent portion 331 is seamlessly connected to the first adjacent portion 332 and the second adjacent portion 333. The second portion 312 of the pusher 31 is disposed inside the bent portion 331. The bent portion 331 is provided near the center of the connecting portion 33 in the up-down direction. The bent portion 331 is provided at a position aligned with the upper surface 321U of the support base 321 (see FIG. 8 ) in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction. The connecting portion 33 is connected to the pusher 31 at a portion above the bent portion 331. Furthermore, the connecting portion 33 is connected to the support portion 32 at a location below the bent portion 331. The outer surface of the connecting portion 33 is recessed at the bent portion 331 relative to the first adjacent portion 332 and the second adjacent portion 333. The inner surface of the connecting portion 33 protrudes at the bent portion 331 relative to the first adjacent portion 332 and the second adjacent portion 333. The first adjacent portion 332 is provided between the upper end of the bent portion 331 and the pusher 31 and adjacent to the bent portion 331. The second adjacent portion 333 is provided between the lower end of the bent portion 331 and the support portion 32 and adjacent to the bent portion 331. The connecting portion 33 is bent at the bent portion 331 toward the center of the pusher 31. Therefore, when the pusher 31 is pressed, the connecting portion 33 is likely to bend at the bent portion 331. Specifically, when the pusher 31 is pressed, the connecting portion 33 is likely to bend as shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 .

[0040] (4) Fixed contact body The fixed contact body 5 is conductive. The fixed contact body 5 is made of a metal plate. More specifically, the fixed contact body 5 is made of a single metal plate. The fixed contact body 5 is embedded in the bottom surface of the recess 710 of the case 7. The fixed contact body 5 and the case 7 are integrated by insert molding. That is, the case 7 is insert molded with the fixed contact body 5 as an insert part.

[0041] The fixed contact body 5 has a fixed contact portion 51, a base portion 52, a connecting portion 53, and a first external terminal .

[0042] The base 52 is embedded in the bottom surface of the recess 710 of the case 7. The fixed contact portion 51 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the base 52. At least the upper surface of the fixed contact portion 51 is exposed and not embedded in the bottom surface of the recess 710 of the case 7. The movable contact portion 411 is disposed above the fixed contact portion 51. In other words, the fixed contact portion 51 faces the movable contact portion 411.

[0043] The connecting portion 53 is provided between the base portion 52 and the first external terminal 54, and connects the base portion 52 and the first external terminal 54. The connecting portion 53 is embedded in the bottom surface of the recess 710 of the case 7. The first external terminal 54 protrudes from the side surface of the case 7.

[0044] (5) Conductive material The conductive member 6 is conductive. The conductive member 6 is made of a metal plate such as a brass plate. More specifically, the conductive member 6 is made of a single metal plate. The conductive member 6 is embedded in the bottom surface of the recess 710 of the case 7. The conductive member 6 and the case 7 are integrated by insert molding. That is, the case 7 is insert molded with the conductive member 6 as an insert part.

[0045] The conductive member 6 has a plurality of (four in this embodiment) receiving portions 61, a plurality of (two in this embodiment) first connecting portions 62, a second connecting portion 63, and a second external terminal 64.

[0046] The multiple receiving portions 61 are exposed to a space that forms a recess 710 in the case 7. In the embodiment, the multiple receiving portions 61 include one emergency receiving terminal 61A that is a part of the conductive member 6, and three constant receiving portions 610. In the embodiment, all three constant receiving portions 610 are constant receiving terminals 61B that are also part of the conductive member 6. In the embodiment, the upper surfaces of the multiple receiving portions 61 are all on a single imaginary plane that is perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0047] In this embodiment, the four receiving portions 61 are arranged around the fixed contact portion 51 and are arranged in a matrix in the front-rear and left-right directions. The four receiving portions 61 include two pairs of two receiving portions 61 arranged side by side in the left-right direction, and in each pair, the two receiving portions 61 are connected by a first connecting portion 62. The left receiving portions 61 in each of the two pairs are connected by a second connecting portion 63. The second connecting portion 63 is connected to a second external terminal 64. The second external terminal 64 protrudes from a side surface of the case 7. The second external terminal 64 is provided on the opposite side to the first external terminal 54. The first external terminal 54 and the second external terminal 64 are mechanically coupled and electrically connected to a conductive member on a printed circuit board, for example, by soldering.

[0048] (6) Movable contact body The movable contact unit 4 is electrically conductive. The movable contact unit 4 is made of, for example, metal. In the embodiment, the movable contact unit 4 is made of an elastic plate material. The movable contact unit 4 is made of, for example, a metal plate such as stainless steel (SUS). In the embodiment, the movable contact unit 4 is made of a single leaf spring. Note that the movable contact unit 4 may also be made of a plurality of leaf springs stacked on top of each other.

[0049] The movable contact 4 is a so-called metal dome. The movable contact 4 is formed in a dome shape that is curved so that the center is convex upward. Preferably, at least a portion of the lower surface of the movable contact 4 is formed with a conductive film that has conductivity, for example, by gold (Au) plating or silver (Ag) plating.

[0050] The movable contact unit 4 has a main body 40 and a plurality of (four in this embodiment) support portions 44. Each support portion 44 protrudes outward from the outer periphery of the main body 40.

[0051] The main body portion 40 has a pressure-receiving portion 41 , a bent portion 42 , and an outer peripheral portion 43 .

[0052] The pressure-receiving portion 41 is located in the center of the movable contact body 4. The pressure-receiving portion 41 is a portion to which force is applied from the lower surface 31L of the pusher 31. In other words, when the pusher 31 is pressed, the pusher 31 pushes the pressure-receiving portion 41 downward, causing the movable contact body 4 to elastically deform so that the pressure-receiving portion 41 moves downward.

[0053] The lower surface of the pressure receiving portion 41 functions as a movable contact portion 411. That is, the pressure receiving portion 41 has the movable contact portion 411. When the pusher 31 is pressed, the movable contact portion 411 comes into contact with the fixed contact portion 51.

[0054] The bending portion 42 is provided around the pressure-receiving portion 41. When viewed from above, the area occupied by the bending portion 42 is annular. When the pressure-receiving portion 41 is pressed downward, the bending portion 42 bends (i.e., bends) and the movable contact portion 411 comes into contact with the fixed contact portion 51.

[0055] The outer peripheral portion 43 is provided around the bent portion 42. The outer peripheral portion 43 has an annular shape.

[0056] In the embodiment, each of the four support portions 44 protrudes outward from the outer peripheral edge of the outer peripheral portion 43. In the embodiment, the four support portions 44 are arranged so as to surround the periphery of the movable contact portion 411, and are arranged in a matrix in the front-rear and left-right directions.

[0057] In the embodiment, the support portion 44 includes one conductive emergency support terminal 44A electrically connected to the movable contact portion 411 and three constant-contact support portions 440. The emergency support terminal 44A corresponds to the emergency receiving terminal 61A. The three constant-contact support portions 440 correspond to the three constant-contact receiving portions 610, respectively. Furthermore, in the embodiment, all three constant-contact support portions 440 are conductive constant-contact support terminals 44B electrically connected to the movable contact portion 411. The lower ends of the three constant-contact support portions 440 are on a common imaginary plane perpendicular to the up-down direction. The lower end of the emergency support terminal 44A is above the imaginary plane. In other words, the lower end of the emergency support terminal 44A is above the lower ends of all of the three constant-contact support portions 440.

[0058] Each support portion 44 has a base portion 442 that protrudes from the outer circumferential edge of the main body portion 40 (the outer circumferential edge of the outer circumferential portion 43) at an angle toward the fixed contact portion 51 (i.e., downward), and a tip portion 441 that protrudes from the tip of the base portion 442 at an angle toward the opposite side of the fixed contact portion 51 (i.e., upward). As a result, each support portion 44 has a V-shaped bent shape. In the embodiment, the protruding length of the base portion 442 of the emergency-contact support terminal 44A is shorter than the protruding length of the base portion 442 of the constant-contact support portion 440. Therefore, even if the inclination angle of the base portion 442 of the emergency-contact support terminal 44A and the inclination angle of the base portion 442 of the constant-contact support portion 440 are the same, the lower end of the emergency-contact support terminal 44A can be located higher than the lower end of the constant-contact support portion 440. Therefore, by varying the bending position of the support portion 44, the emergency contact support terminal 44A and the constant contact support portion 440 can be produced, which can improve the efficiency of producing the movable contact body 4 having the emergency contact support terminal 44A and the constant contact support portion 440.

[0059] The angle of inclination of the base 442 of the emergency support terminal 44A diagonally downward may be smaller than the angle of inclination of the base 442 of the constant-contact support portion 440. In this case, even if the protruding length of the base 442 of the emergency support terminal 44A and the protruding length of the base 442 of the constant-contact support portion 440 are the same, the lower end of the emergency support terminal 44A may be positioned higher than the lower end of the constant-contact support portion 440. Therefore, by varying the bending angle of the support portion 44, the emergency support terminal 44A and the constant-contact support portion 440 can be produced, and the efficiency of producing the movable contact unit 4 having the emergency support terminal 44A and the constant-contact support portion 440 can be improved.

[0060] The movable contact unit 4 is arranged in the recess 710 of the case 7 so as to rest on the bottom surface of the recess 710. The movable contact portion 411 of the movable contact unit 4 is located above the fixed contact portion 51, and the movable contact portion 411 and the fixed contact portion 51 face each other in the vertical direction. The four support portions 44 are located above the corresponding receiving portions 61, and the support portions 44 and the receiving portions 61 face each other in the vertical direction. In other words, the emergency contact support terminal 44A and the corresponding emergency contact receiving terminal 61A face each other in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the constant contact support portion 440 and the corresponding constant contact receiving portion 610 face each other in the vertical direction.

[0061] The movable contact unit 4 disposed in the recess 710 of the case 7 can be deformed from an initial state to an ON state by application of a force toward the fixed contact portion 51.

[0062] The initial state is a state in which the movable contact body 4 is not deformed by the application of force toward the fixed contact portion 51. In the initial state, the movable contact portion 411 is positioned above the fixed contact portion 51 without contacting it, all of the constant-contact support portions 440 are in contact with the corresponding constant-contact receiving portions 610, and the emergency support terminal 44A faces the emergency receiving terminal 61A with a gap between them. In the initial state, the movable contact body 4 is stably supported by the three constant-contact support portions 440.

[0063] When the movable contact unit 4 is in the initial state, the fixed contact unit 5 and the conductive member 6 are electrically insulated.

[0064] In the ON state, a downward force of a predetermined magnitude or greater acts on the pressure-receiving portion 41, causing the bending portion 42 to deform (bend), and the movable contact body 4 to bend downward, as shown in FIG. 11 . This causes the center of the movable contact body 4 to deform into a dome shape that is convex downward. As a result, the movable contact portion 411 formed on the lower surface of the pressure-receiving portion 41 comes into contact with the fixed contact portion 51, and the movable contact portion 411 and the fixed contact portion 51 are electrically connected. In other words, the movable contact portion 411 and the fixed contact portion 51 form a contact portion C1. The contact portion C1 switches from OFF to ON when the pressure-receiving portion 41 is pressed in a direction (downward) toward the fixed contact portion 51, causing the movable contact body 4 to deform. When the contact portion C1 is OFF, the movable contact portion 411 and the fixed contact portion 51 are electrically insulated from each other. In the initial state, the contact portion C1 is OFF. When the contact C1 is ON, the movable contact 411 and the fixed contact 51 are electrically connected.

[0065] Furthermore, in the ON state, a downward load is applied to the movable contact body 4, causing the constant support portion 440 to elastically deform, and the emergency support terminal 44A moves toward the emergency receiving terminal 61A, and the emergency support terminal 44A comes into contact with the emergency receiving terminal 61A. This electrically connects the emergency support terminal 44A and the emergency receiving terminal 61A. In the embodiment, in the ON state, all of the constant support portions 440 (constant support terminals 44B) are electrically connected to the corresponding constant receiving portions 610 (constant receiving terminals 61B).

[0066] As a result, in the on state, the fixed contact unit 5 and the conductive member 6 are electrically connected via the movable contact unit 4.

[0067] When the downward force acting on the pressure-receiving portion 41, which is equal to or greater than a predetermined magnitude, is released, the movable contact unit 4 elastically returns to its initial state.

[0068] (7) Case The case 7 includes a case main body 71, a plurality of (four in this embodiment) base portions 72, and a plurality of (four in this embodiment) protrusions 73. The case main body 71, the plurality of base portions 72, and the plurality of protrusions 73 are integrally formed. The case 7 is electrically insulating and is made of, for example, synthetic resin.

[0069] The case body 71 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. A recess 710 is formed on the top surface of the case body 71. When viewed from above, the recess 710 has a rectangular shape. A pedestal portion 72 is provided at each of the four corners of the recess 710 when viewed from above. Each pedestal portion 72 protrudes upward from the bottom surface of the recess 710. A receiving portion 61 for the conductive member 6 is disposed on each pedestal portion 72. The case 7 accommodates the movable contact unit 4 in the recess 710.

[0070] On the upper surface of the case body 71, on the periphery of the recess 710, the support portion 32 of the pressing body 3 is arranged.

[0071] Two protrusions 73 protrude from the front surface of the case body 71. Two protrusions 73 protrude from the rear surface of the case body 71. A first protrusion 22 of the cover 2 is hooked onto each of the protrusions 73. In other words, the first protrusion 22 is sandwiched between the two protrusions 73, thereby restricting left-right movement of the cover 2 relative to the case body 71.

[0072] (8) Example of operation An example of the operation of the push switch 1 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 8 to 12. The push switch 1 operates by sequentially passing through the states shown in Figures 8, 9, 10, and 11. Figure 12 shows an example of the relationship between the amount of downward movement (stroke) of the pusher 31 and the load required to move the pusher 31 when the push switch 1 is in operation. Note that this relationship is merely an example, and the specific numerical values ​​of the stroke and the load are also merely examples.

[0073] When no external force is being applied to the push switch 1, that is, when the push switch 1 is not being operated (when the pusher 31 of the push switch 1 is not being pressed), as shown in Figure 8, the pusher 31 of the pressing body 3 is positioned above the movable contact body 4, and there is a gap in the vertical direction between the lower surface 31L of the pusher 31 and the pressure-receiving portion 41 of the movable contact body 4. Since no load is being applied to the movable contact body 4, the movable contact body 4 is in its initial state.

[0074] When an operator presses the pusher 31 of the push switch 1 downward with a force greater than a certain level, the pusher 31 first deforms the connecting portion 33 and moves downward until the lower surface 31L of the pusher 31 contacts the pressure-receiving portion 41 of the movable contact body 4. Since an upward elastic force is applied to the pusher 31 from the connecting portion 33, the load for moving the pusher 31 gradually increases, as shown in the section between stroke 0 and stroke T1 in FIG. 12. T1 in FIG. 12 indicates the stroke at which the lower surface 31L of the pusher 31 contacts the pressure-receiving portion 41 of the movable contact body 4. At this point, the movable contact body 4 is in its initial state, as shown in FIG. 9.

[0075] When the operator presses the plunger 31 of the push switch 1 further downward, a downward operating force acts on the pressure-receiving portion 41 of the movable contact body 4 via the plunger 31. This presses the pressure-receiving portion 41 downward, gradually deforming the movable contact body 4 from its initial state. Since the plunger 31 is subjected to an elastic force from the connecting portion 33 as well as an elastic force from the movable contact body 4, the load for moving the plunger 31 gradually increases at a greater gradient than before the lower surface 31L of the plunger 31 comes into contact with the pressure-receiving portion 41 of the movable contact body 4, as shown in the section of the stroke from T1 to T2 in Figure 12.

[0076] When the stroke of the pusher 31 exceeds a predetermined value (T2 in FIG. 12 ), the movable contact 4 is bent forcefully at the bending portion 42 and deforms significantly, as shown in FIG. 11 . In other words, when the magnitude of the operating force acting on the movable contact 4 exceeds a predetermined value, the movable contact 4 buckles at the bending portion 42, as shown in FIG. 11 . That is, the movable contact 4 deforms into a dome shape with a curved central portion (pressure-receiving portion 41) convex downward, as shown in FIG. 12 . An operator who presses the push switch 1 feels a click as the movable contact 4 deforms. When the movable contact 4 deforms as described above, the movable contact 4 enters the ON state, as shown in FIG. 12 . Because the movable contact 4 deforms forcefully, the load required to move the pusher 31 decreases rapidly during the period from when the stroke of the pusher 31 exceeds the predetermined value until the movable contact 4 enters the ON state (the period from T2 to T3 in FIG. 12 ).

[0077] Once the movable contact 4 is in the on state, the movable contact 4 does not deform even if a further downward load is applied to the movable contact 4, so when the operator tries to press the plunger 31 of the push switch 1 further downward, the plunger 31 elastically deforms. As a result, the load required to move the plunger 31 increases (from T3 in FIG. 12 onwards).

[0078] When the pushing operation is released and the operating force acting on the pressure-receiving portion 41 is no longer applied while the movable contact unit 4 is in the ON state, the restoring force of the movable contact unit 4 causes the movable contact unit 4 to restore (deform) into a dome-like shape with the central portion (pressure-receiving portion 41) curved upward and convex, returning to its initial state. Then, when the movable contact unit 4 returns to its initial state, the movable contact portion 411 formed on the lower surface of the movable contact unit 4 moves away from the fixed contact portion 51, as shown in Fig. 8. This switches the contact portion C1 from ON to OFF.

[0079] In the embodiment, when the movable contact unit 4 deforms from its initial state so that the movable contact portion 411 moves toward the fixed contact portion 51, its own elasticity first applies a force to the movable contact portion 411 in the direction away from the fixed contact portion 51, and this force increases as the amount of movement of the movable contact portion 411 increases. Therefore, the load required to move the pusher 31 increases, as shown in the section from T1 to T2 in FIG. 12. Next, the movable contact unit 4 buckles and deforms suddenly, reducing the force applied to the movable contact portion 411, and then the movable contact portion 411 comes into contact with the fixed contact portion 51, resulting in an ON state. Therefore, the load required to move the pusher 31 suddenly decreases, as shown in the section from T2 to T3 in FIG. 12.

[0080] In the embodiment, the emergency support terminal 44A of the movable contact unit 4 comes into contact with the emergency receiving terminal 61A as shown in FIG. 10 after the movable contact portion 411 starts to move (a time corresponding to T1 in FIG. 12 ) and before the movable contact portion 411 comes into contact with the fixed contact portion 51 (a time corresponding to T3 in FIG. 12 ). Therefore, during the section in which the movable contact unit 4 is deforming (the section from T1 to T3 in FIG. 12 ), from the time when the movable contact unit 4 starts to deform (corresponding to T1 in FIG. 12 ) until the emergency support terminal 44A comes into contact with the emergency receiving terminal 61A ( FIG. 10 ), the emergency support terminal 44A does not move over the emergency receiving terminal 61A so as to rub against the emergency receiving terminal 61A. In other words, the section in which the emergency support terminal 44A moves over the emergency receiving terminal 61A so as to rub against the emergency receiving terminal 61A can be shortened. This prevents the generation of conductive powder (metal powder, etc.) caused by the emergency contact support terminal 44A rubbing against the emergency contact receiving terminal 61A, and prevents electrically insulating powder (metal oxide powder, etc.) generated by oxidation of the conductive powder from being interposed between the emergency contact support terminal 44A and the emergency contact receiving terminal 61A. This prevents an increase in contact resistance between the emergency contact support terminal 44A and the emergency contact receiving terminal 61A, and can prevent malfunction of the push switch 1.

[0081] 10, the emergency support terminal 44A comes into contact with the emergency receiving terminal 61A after the point in time when the movable contact portion 411 starts to move (a point in time corresponding to T1 in FIG. 12) and before the point in time when the force applied to the movable contact portion 411 starts to decrease (a point in time corresponding to T2 in FIG. 12). In this case, the movable contact body 4 suddenly deforms and the emergency support terminal 44A and the emergency receiving terminal 61A are electrically connected before the movable contact portion 411 comes into contact with the fixed contact portion 51, so that the operation of the push switch 1 to electrically connect the fixed contact body 5 and the conductive member 6 can be stabilized.

[0082] 10, the emergency contact support terminal 44A may come into contact with the emergency contact receiving terminal 61A after the force applied to the movable contact portion 411 begins to decrease (time corresponding to T2 in FIG. 12) and before the movable contact portion 411 comes into contact with the fixed contact portion 51 (time corresponding to T3 in FIG. 12). In this case, the section in which the emergency contact support terminal 44A moves over the emergency contact receiving terminal 61A, rubbing against the emergency contact receiving terminal 61A, can be particularly shortened. This can further reduce malfunction of the push switch 1.

[0083] 10, the emergency contact support terminal 44A preferably contacts the emergency contact receiving terminal 61A after the distance from the point at which the movable contact 411 starts to move (time corresponding to T1 in FIG. 12) reaches preferably 10%, more preferably 30%, and even more preferably 50% of the distance from the point at which the movable contact 411 starts to move to the point at which the force applied to the movable contact 411 starts to decrease (time corresponding to T2 in FIG. 12). In this case, a sufficiently long period can be ensured during the deformation of the movable contact unit 4 during which the emergency contact support terminal 44A is not in contact with the emergency contact receiving terminal 61A. This can further improve the operational stability of the push switch 1.

[0084] Furthermore, it is desirable that the vertical dimension between the emergency contact support terminal 44A and the emergency contact receiving terminal 61A in the initial state be adjusted appropriately so that a sufficiently long section is secured where the emergency contact support terminal 44A is not in contact with the emergency contact receiving terminal 61A during deformation of the movable contact body 4. This dimension is preferably 25 μm or more, more preferably 50 μm or more, and even more preferably 100 μm or more. It is also preferable that this dimension be at least half the thickness of the emergency contact support terminal, more preferably at least one time this thickness, and even more preferably at least two times this thickness.

[0085] 3. Variations Modifications of the present disclosure will be described below. Note that descriptions of the same configurations as those in the embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. The following modifications may be realized in appropriate combination.

[0086] The shapes of the components described in the embodiments are merely examples and can be changed.

[0087] For example, although the number of support portions 44 and the number of receiving portions 61 in the embodiment are both four, the number of support portions 44 and the number of receiving portions 61 may be any appropriate number equal to or greater than four.

[0088] In the embodiment, the number of emergency contact support terminals 44A and the number of emergency contact receiving terminals 61A are each one, but the number of emergency contact support terminals 44A and the number of emergency contact receiving terminals 61A may be any appropriate number equal to or greater than one.

[0089] In the embodiment, the number of constant-contact support portions 440 and the number of constant-contact receiving portions 610 are both three, but the number of constant-contact support portions 440 and the number of constant-contact receiving portions 610 may be any appropriate number equal to or greater than three. If the number of constant-contact support portions 440 and the number of constant-contact receiving portions 610 are three or greater, the constant-contact support portions 440 and the constant-contact receiving portions 610 can stably maintain the movable contact body 4 in its initial state so that the emergency support terminal 44A does not come into contact with the emergency receiving terminal 61A.

[0090] In the embodiment, all of the multiple constant support portions 440 are constant support terminals 44B and all of the multiple constant receiving portions 610 are constant receiving terminals 61B, but it is also possible for at least one of the multiple constant support portions 440 to be the constant support terminal 44B and at least one of the multiple constant receiving portions 610 to be the constant receiving terminal 61B. In this case, since the movable contact body 4 and the conductive member 6 are electrically connected by the constant support terminal 44B and the constant receiving terminal 61B in the initial state, the operation of the push switch 1 to electrically connect the fixed contact body 5 and the conductive member 6 via the movable contact body 4 can be performed stably.

[0091] It is noted that none of the multiple constant-contact support portions 440 need to be constant-contact support terminals 44B, and none of the multiple constant-contact receiving portions 610 need to be constant-contact receiving terminals 61B. For example, the multiple constant-contact support portions 440 and the multiple constant-contact receiving portions 610 may all be made of an electrically insulating material such as resin. That is, none of the multiple constant-contact support portions 440 and the multiple constant-contact receiving portions 610 may be involved in the electrical connection between the movable contact unit 4 and the conductive member 6. Even in this case, in the on state, electrical connection between the movable contact unit 4 and the conductive member 6 can be achieved by the emergency support terminal 44A and the emergency receiving terminal 61A.

[0092] In the embodiment, the support portion 44 has a V-shaped bent shape having the base portion 442 and the tip portion 441, but the shape of the support portion 44 is not limited to this. For example, the entire support portion 44 may have a shape that protrudes obliquely downward from the outer peripheral edge of the main body portion 40 of the movable contact unit 4.

[0093] In the embodiment, the lower end of the emergency support terminal 44A is located above the lower ends of all the constant-contact support portions 440, so that the emergency support terminal 44A faces the emergency receiving terminal 61A at a distance in the initial state. However, for example, the upper surface of the emergency receiving terminal 61A may be located below the upper surfaces of all the constant-contact receiving portions 610, so that the emergency support terminal 44A faces the emergency receiving terminal 61A at a distance in the initial state.

[0094] The configuration of the pressing body 3 in the push switch 1 is not limited to that in the embodiment. The pressing body 3 may have any appropriate structure as long as it presses the movable contact body 4 toward the fixed contact body 5 in response to a pressing operation by an operator.

[0095] For example, the shape of the connecting portion 33 is not limited to a cylindrical shape and may be, for example, a rectangular tube shape. The shape of the first portion 311 of the pusher 31 is not limited to a truncated cone shape and may be, for example, a truncated pyramid shape, a cylindrical shape, or a rectangular prism shape. The shape of the second portion 312 of the pusher 31 is not limited to a truncated cone shape and may be, for example, a truncated pyramid shape, a cylindrical shape, or a rectangular prism shape.

[0096] In the embodiment, the connecting portion 33 protrudes outward and downward from the plunger 31. However, the connecting portion 33 may protrude outward from the plunger 31 on a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction, for example.

[0097] Furthermore, the extension portion 34 is not an essential component of the pressing body 3.

[0098] The pressing body may also be configured by a soft sheet material held by the case body, and a pusher interposed between the sheet material and the movable contact body.

[0099] Furthermore, the push switch 1 may not have a pressing body, and when the push switch 1 is operated, a load may be applied to the movable contact body by means other than the pressing body.

[0100] The stroke length of the push switch 1 can be set as appropriate. For example, the push switch 1 may be a short-stroke type with a relatively short stroke length, a long-stroke type with a relatively long stroke length, or a medium-stroke type that is intermediate between the short-stroke type and the long-stroke type.

[0101] The push switch 1 is not limited to a configuration in which it is used in an operating section of a device and operated by a person, but may also be used, for example, to detect the position of the device. In this case, when the device moves to a predetermined position, When the pusher 31 of the push switch 1 installed at a predetermined position is pressed by a device, the push switch 1 outputs a signal.

[0102] 4. Aspects As represented by the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications, the present disclosure includes the following aspects.

[0103] The push switch (1) of the first embodiment includes a case (7), a movable contact element (4) held in the case (7), a fixed contact element (5) held in the case (7) and facing the movable contact element (4), a conductive member (6) held in the case (7) and positioned on the fixed contact element (5) side relative to the movable contact element (4), and a plurality of receiving portions (61) held in the case (7) and positioned on the fixed contact element (5) side relative to the movable contact element (4). The receiving portion (61) includes at least one conductive emergency receiving terminal (61A) that is a part of the conductive member (6) and at least three normal contact receiving portions (610). The movable contact element (4) has a movable contact element (411) and a plurality of support portions (44) surrounding the movable contact element (411). The support portion (44) is electrically connected to the movable contact portion (411) and includes at least one conductive emergency support terminal (44A) corresponding to the emergency receiving terminal (61A) and at least three constant-contact support portions (440) corresponding to the constant-contact receiving portions (610). The support portions (44) face the corresponding receiving portions (61). The fixed contact body (5) has a fixed contact portion (51) facing the movable contact portion (411). The movable contact body (4) can be deformed from an initial state to an ON state by applying a force toward the fixed contact portion (51). In the initial state, the movable contact portion (411) is not in contact with the fixed contact portion (51), all of the constant-contact support portions (440) are in contact with the corresponding constant-contact receiving portions (610), and the emergency support terminal (44A) faces the emergency receiving terminal (61A) at a distance. In the on state, the movable contact portion (411) contacts the fixed contact portion (51), the constant contact support portions (440) contact the corresponding constant contact receiving portions (610), and the emergency contact support terminal (44A) contacts the emergency contact receiving terminal (61A).

[0104] According to this embodiment, the section over which the emergency support terminal (44A) moves on the emergency receiving terminal (61A) while rubbing against the emergency receiving terminal (61A) can be shortened while the movable contact body (4) is deforming from the initial state to the on state, which prevents insulating powder generated by the emergency support terminal (44A) rubbing against the emergency receiving terminal (61A) from being interposed between the emergency support terminal (44A) and the emergency receiving terminal (61A), thereby preventing malfunction of the push switch (1).

[0105] In the second aspect, at least one of the constant receiving portions (610) in the first aspect is a constant receiving terminal (61B) that is a part of the conductive member (6). The constant support portion (440) corresponding to the constant receiving terminal (61B) is a constant support terminal (44B) that is electrically connected to the movable contact portion (411).

[0106] According to this embodiment, the operation of the push switch (1) can be made more stable.

[0107] In a third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the movable contact unit (4) has a characteristic that, when the movable contact portion (411) deforms from its initial state so as to move toward the fixed contact portion (51), as the amount of movement of the movable contact portion (411) increases, first a force is applied to the movable contact portion (411) in a direction away from the fixed contact portion (51), and this force increases, and then the force applied to the movable contact portion (411) decreases before the movable contact portion (411) comes into contact with the fixed contact portion (51). The emergency contact support terminal (44A) comes into contact with the emergency contact receiving terminal (61A) after the movable contact portion (411) starts to move and before the movable contact portion (411) comes into contact with the fixed contact portion (51).

[0108] According to this embodiment, malfunction of the push switch (1) can be further suppressed.

[0109] In the fourth mode, the emergency contact support terminal (44A) comes into contact with the emergency contact receiving terminal (61A) before the force applied to the movable contact portion (411) in the third mode starts to decrease.

[0110] According to this embodiment, the operation of the push switch (1) to electrically connect the fixed contact body (5) and the conductive member (6) can be made more stable.

[0111] In the fifth aspect, in the third aspect, the emergency contact support terminal (44A) comes into contact with the emergency contact receiving terminal (61A) after the force applied to the movable contact portion (411) starts to decrease.

[0112] According to this embodiment, the section in which the emergency contact support terminal (44A) moves on the emergency contact receiving terminal (61A) while rubbing against the emergency contact receiving terminal (61A) can be further shortened.

[0113] In a sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the movable contact unit (4) has a main body (40) having a movable contact portion (411). Each of the plurality of support portions (44) has a base portion (442) that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral edge of the main body (40) at an angle toward the fixed contact portion (51), and a tip portion (441) that protrudes outward from the tip of the base portion (442) at an angle opposite to the fixed contact portion (51). The protruding length of the base portion (442) of the emergency contact support terminal (44A) is shorter than the protruding length of the base portion (442) of the constant contact support portion (440).

[0114] According to this embodiment, it is possible to easily realize that the emergency contact support terminal (44A) faces the normal contact receiving terminal (61A) with a gap therebetween in the initial state.

[0115] In a seventh aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the movable contact unit (4) has a main body (40) having a movable contact portion (411). Each of the plurality of support portions (44) has a base portion (442) that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral edge of the main body (40) so as to be inclined toward the fixed contact portion (51), and a tip portion (441) that protrudes outward from the tip of the base portion (442) so as to be inclined toward the opposite side from the fixed contact portion (51). The inclination angle of the base portion (442) of the emergency contact support terminal (44A) is smaller than the inclination angle of the base portion (442) of the constant contact support portion (440).

[0116] According to this embodiment, it is possible to easily realize that the emergency contact support terminal (44A) faces the normal contact receiving terminal (61A) with a gap therebetween in the initial state.

[0117] In an eighth aspect, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the push switch (1) further includes a pressing body (3) that, when pressed, presses the movable contact body (4) toward the fixed contact body (5).

[0118] According to this embodiment, the push switch (1) can be operated by pressing the pressing body (3). [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1 push switch 3 Pressing body 4 Movable contact body 40 Main body 411 Movable contact section 44 Support part 44A emergency support terminal 440 Permanent support part 44B Permanent support terminal 441 Tip 442 Base 5 Fixed contact body 51 Fixed contact section 6 Conductive materials 61 Receiving part 61A emergency terminal 610 Permanent contact receiving part 61B permanently connected terminal

Claims

1. Case and a movable contact unit held in the case; a fixed contact body held in the case and facing the movable contact body; a conductive member held by the case and positioned on the fixed contact body side with respect to the movable contact body; a plurality of receiving portions held by the case and positioned on the fixed contact body side with respect to the movable contact body, The receiving portion includes at least one conductive emergency receiving terminal that is a part of the conductive member, and at least three normal receiving portions; The movable contact body has a movable contact portion and a plurality of support portions around the movable contact portion, the support portion is electrically connected to the movable contact portion and includes at least one conductive emergency support terminal corresponding to the emergency receiving terminal, and at least three constant support portions corresponding to the constant receiving portions, respectively; The support portions face the corresponding receiving portions, the fixed contact body has a fixed contact portion facing the movable contact portion, the movable contact body is deformable from an initial state to an ON state when a force toward the fixed contact portion is applied, In the initial state, the movable contact portion is not in contact with the fixed contact portion, the constant contact support portions are in contact with the corresponding constant contact receiving portions, and the emergency contact support terminal faces the emergency contact receiving terminal with a gap therebetween; In the on-state, the movable contact portion contacts the fixed contact portion, the constant contact support portions contact the corresponding constant contact receiving portions, and the emergency contact support terminal contacts the emergency contact receiving terminal. Push switch.

2. At least one of the permanently connected receiving portions is a permanently connected receiving terminal that is a part of the conductive member, The constant support portion corresponding to the constant receiving terminal is a constant support terminal electrically connected to the movable contact portion. The push switch according to claim 1 .

3. the movable contact body has a characteristic that, when the movable contact portion is deformed from the initial state so as to move toward the fixed contact portion, as the amount of movement of the movable contact portion increases, a force is first applied to the movable contact portion in a direction opposite to the fixed contact portion, and the force increases, and then the force applied to the movable contact portion decreases before the movable contact portion comes into contact with the fixed contact portion; the emergency support terminal comes into contact with the emergency receiving terminal after the movable contact portion starts to move and before the movable contact portion comes into contact with the fixed contact portion; The push switch according to claim 1 .

4. the emergency contact support terminal comes into contact with the emergency contact receiving terminal before the force applied to the movable contact portion begins to decrease; The push switch according to claim 3 .

5. the emergency contact support terminal comes into contact with the emergency contact receiving terminal after the force applied to the movable contact portion begins to decrease; The push switch according to claim 3 .

6. the movable contact body has a main body portion having the movable contact portion, Each of the plurality of support portions has a base portion that protrudes from a periphery of the main body portion at an angle toward the fixed contact portion, and a tip portion that protrudes from a tip of the base portion at an angle toward the opposite side to the fixed contact portion, a protruding length of the base of the emergency support terminal is shorter than a protruding length of the base of the constant support terminal; The push switch according to claim 1 .

7. the movable contact body has a main body portion having the movable contact portion, Each of the plurality of support portions has a base portion that protrudes from a periphery of the main body portion at an angle toward the fixed contact portion, and a tip portion that protrudes from a tip of the base portion at an angle toward the opposite side to the fixed contact portion, the inclination angle of the base of the emergency support terminal is smaller than the inclination angle of the base of the constant support terminal; The push switch according to claim 1 .

8. The switch further includes a pressing body that receives a pressing operation and presses the movable contact body toward the fixed contact body. The push switch according to claim 1 .

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