Switch Structure

Abstract

To provide a switch structure that maintains an internal push button switch damage prevention function, while reducing the number of components.SOLUTION: A switch structure comprises a button switch 31, a front cover 10, and a reset button 20. The reset button 20 has an operation part 21, and a rod-like part 22 that extends from the operation part 21 toward the button switch 31. The front cover 10 has a rear opening part through which the rod-like part 22 is inserted, and an outer guide G1 and an inner guide G3 around the rear opening. The outer guide G1 projects frontward at a position separated from the rear opening, and the inner guide G3 projects frontward at a position in proximity to the rear opening compared with the outer guide G1. When the operation part 21 is pushed rearward and the rod-like part 22 is brought into contact with the button switch 31, the operation part 21 is brought into contact with the outer guide G1. When the operation part 21 is further pushed and brought into contact with the inner guide G3, a rearward displacement of the rod-like part 22 is regulated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] The gas meter is provided with a reset button for opening the shutoff valve in the gas meter when the shutoff valve is closed. The reset button has a switch structure including a reset button body having an operating part pressed by an operator's finger and a rod-shaped part extending from the operating part toward a push button switch in the gas meter, and a reset button guide covering the outer periphery of the rod-shaped part and guiding the movement of the rod-shaped part in the stroke direction. In this switch structure, when an operator presses the reset button, the reset button guide acts as a stopper to prevent the operator from pressing the operating part (reset button body) too hard. Also, in electronic devices, there is a mechanism for preventing damage to the push switch by providing two parallel slide guide ribs across a key hole in which a snap-in push key is attached (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-162283 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The reset button has a two-part structure, with the reset button body made of rubber because it needs to be elastic, and the reset button guide made of resin because it needs to be strong. This means that each part incurs a part price and management costs, which is a factor in increasing costs. Therefore, it is possible to do away with the reset button guide and attach the reset button directly to the reset button opening in the gas meter housing.

[0005] However, if the reset button guide is eliminated, the reset button can be pressed without repeating, which can lead to destruction of the push button switch.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has an object to provide a switch structure that maintains the function of preventing damage to the internal push button switch while reducing the number of parts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the switch structure according to the present invention is characterized by the following (1) to (6). (1) A switch structure including a switch, a housing that houses the switch, and a switch actuator that is inserted into and supported by the housing and displaceable in the insertion direction to contact the switch, The switch driving unit is Made of elastic rubber material an operating portion and a rod-shaped portion extending from the operating portion toward the switch, The housing includes: an opening through which the rod-shaped portion is inserted; a first guide protruding toward an outside of the housing at a position around the opening and spaced from the opening; a second guide protruding toward the outside at a position in the periphery closer to the opening than the first guide; having The operation unit a main body portion connected to the rod-shaped portion, covering the opening, and extending outward from the position of the first guide, and a peripheral portion surrounding the main body portion, The peripheral portion extends rearward in the insertion direction from an outer circumferential edge of the main body portion and covers the first guide at a distance from the outer circumferential side. Switch structure. (2 )before The switch structure described in (1) above, wherein the housing further has a third guide erected around the periphery of the opening at a position farther away from the opening than the first guide so as to surround the periphery. (3) The switch structure according to (2) above, wherein the third guide holds the peripheral portion between itself and the first guide. (4) A switch structure described in any one of (1) to (3) above, in which the first guides and the second guides are each provided in multiple numbers, and the first guides and the second guides are provided alternately and continuously around the outer periphery of the opening, forming a ring shape along the outer periphery of the opening. (5) The first guide is an annular member that fits along an outer periphery of the opening, The switch structure according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the second guide is a plurality of protrusions each protruding toward the opening at positions spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction on the inner surface of the annular member. (6) The second guide is an annular member that fits along an outer periphery of the opening, The switch structure according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the first guide is a plurality of protrusions each protruding in a radial direction at positions spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction on the outer circumferential surface of the annular member.

[0008] According to the switch structure of the above (1), the number of parts of the switch drive unit can be reduced by simplifying the configuration of the switch drive unit and providing the housing with a stopper function. When the operator presses the operating part and the operating part comes into contact with the first guide, the operator feels a click that indicates that the switch has been pressed. In addition, when the operating part comes into contact with the second guide, the displacement of the rod-shaped part in the insertion direction is restricted, so that the operator can prevent the rod-shaped part from damaging the switch by continuing to press the operating part indefinitely.

[0009] By applying this switch structure to a gas meter, the reset button, which previously required a separate reset button guide, can be made compact and made from a single part. By making the reset button out of a single part, the overall height can be made smaller than that of a conventional two-part reset button, each of which has an anti-disconnect mechanism in the insertion direction (stroke direction). In this way, this configuration makes it possible to reduce the number of parts and cut the cost of the gas meter. Furthermore, because the configuration of the reset button is simplified, it is easier to disassemble and easier to recycle.

[0010] According to the switch structure having the configuration (2) above, the opening is covered by the operating part, and the periphery of the operating part is surrounded by the third guide, making it easier to prevent water from entering the opening.

[0011] According to the switch structure having the configuration (3) above, the third guide holds the peripheral portion of the operating portion between itself and the first guide, thereby improving waterproofing and enabling the switch drive portion to be easily assembled to the housing.

[0012] According to the switch structure having the above configurations (4) to (6), the functions of the first guide and the second guide can be realized in a limited space, and the productivity is good.

[0013] According to the switch structure of the above configuration (5), the first guide is an annular member that fits along the outer periphery of the opening, and therefore has a shape specialized for the role of the first guide, compared to the switch structure of the above configuration (4) in which the first guide is part of the outer periphery of the opening. Specifically, the first guide of the above configuration (5) can contact the operating part over a larger area than the first guide of the above configuration (4), making it easier to obtain a clicking sensation.

[0014] According to the switch structure of the above configuration (6), the second guide is an annular member that fits along the outer periphery of the opening, and therefore has a shape specialized for the role of the second guide, compared to the switch structure of the above configuration (4) in which the second guide is part of the outer periphery of the opening. Specifically, the second guide of the above configuration (6) contacts the operating part over a larger area than the second guide of the above configuration (4) and can regulate the displacement of the rod-shaped part in the insertion direction, so that it is possible to reliably prevent the rod-shaped part from damaging the switch when the operating part is continuously pressed. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a switch structure that maintains the function of preventing damage to the internal push button switch while reducing the number of parts.

[0016] The present invention has been briefly described above. Furthermore, the details of the present invention will be further clarified by reading the following description of the embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as "embodiment") with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a reset button is attached to a front cover of a gas meter according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the front cover in FIG. 1 with the reset button removed. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view showing a return button insertion portion of the front cover. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the operation portion and the button switch before being pressed inside the return button insertion portion. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the operation portion and the button switch after being pressed inside the return button insertion portion. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between the operation portion and the button switch before being pressed inside the return button insertion portion according to the reference example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between the operation portion and the button switch before being pressed inside the return button insertion portion according to the reference example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view showing a reset button insertion portion according to the first modification. [Figure 11] 11 is a front view of the reset button insertion portion shown in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. [Figure 14]FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view showing a reset button insertion portion according to the second modification. [Figure 15] 15 is a front view of the reset button insertion portion shown in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line FF in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A specific embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. An example in which the switch structure of the present invention is applied to a reset button portion of a gas meter will be described below.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a reset button 20 is attached to a front cover 10 of a gas meter according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the front cover 10 in FIG. 1 with the reset button 20 removed. FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view showing a reset button insertion part of the front cover, FIG. 4 is an AA cross-sectional view in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a BB cross-sectional view in FIG. 3. FIGS. 6 and 7 are diagrams showing the relationship between the operation part and the button switch before and after pressing inside the reset button insertion part, respectively. For the sake of convenience, "front", "rear", "left", "right", "upper", and "lower" are defined below as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The "front-rear direction", "left-right direction", and "up-down direction" are mutually perpendicular.

[0020] The front cover 10 (housing) is combined with a back cover (not shown) to form the housing of the gas meter, and a gas flow path is formed inside. Between the front cover 10 and the back cover, a board 30 on which a button switch 31 is mounted is provided (see FIG. 6). The front cover 10 has a substantially rectangular shape, and a reset button 20 (switch drive unit) is disposed in a reset button insertion opening 11 provided in the upper right part.

[0021] As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the return button insertion opening 11 (return button insertion portion) is a through hole having a front opening 12 provided on the front side of the front cover 10 and a rear opening 13 provided on the rear side (inside the housing) of the front cover 10. The return button insertion opening 11 is fitted with a return button 20. A tapered portion 14 is provided on the front side of the front opening 12, which facilitates insertion of the return button 20 (operation portion 21, see Figs. 6 and 7) into the front opening 12. The front opening 12 is formed by an outer circumferential guide G2 (third guide). An outer guide G1 (first guide) and an inner guide G3 (second guide) protruding forward from the base surface 10a are provided on the inner circumferential side of the outer circumferential guide G2. The base surface 10a extends in the left-right direction and the up-down direction, and a tapered portion 15 is provided between the base surface 10a and the rear opening 13. The tapered portion 15 makes it easy to insert the return button 20 (rod-shaped portion 22, see Figs. 6 and 7) into the rear opening 13. The inner peripheral surface of the rear opening 13 functions as a guide surface 13a that abuts against the peripheral wall of the rod-shaped portion 22 when an operator presses the return button 20 and guides the displacement of the return button 20 in the insertion direction (see Figs. 6 and 7).

[0022] The reset button 20 is an operating button for opening a shutoff valve in the gas meter when the shutoff valve is closed. The reset button 20 is inserted and supported in the front cover 10, and can be displaced in the insertion direction (front-rear direction) to come into contact with a button switch 31 (see Figs. 6 and 7). The reset button 20 is made of a rubber material that is elastic and waterproof, and as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, has an operating part 21 that is circular when viewed in the front-rear direction and bulges forward toward the center, and a rod-shaped part 22 that extends from the operating part 21 toward the button switch 31. The bulging part of the operating part 21 acts as a spring, and the rear end surface (pressing surface 22a, see Figs. 6 and 7) of the rod-shaped part 22 presses the button switch 31.

[0023] The operating unit 21 has a main body 211 that is connected to the rod-shaped portion 22, covers a rear opening 13 described below, and is pressed by an operator's finger, and a peripheral portion 212 that surrounds the periphery of the main body 211. The peripheral portion 212 is an annular member that extends rearward from the outer periphery of the main body 211. The rod-shaped portion 22 has, as an example, a cylindrical shape, and has a hollow portion 23 that extends from the rear end face to the center. The rod-shaped portion 22 has a claw 24 at the rear, the diameter of which is partially enlarged.

[0024] 6 and 7, with the operation portion 21 facing the front and the rod-shaped portion 22 facing the rear, the rod-shaped portion 22 is inserted from front to rear (insertion direction) into the front opening 12 and the rear opening 13 in that order. At this time, when the rod-shaped portion 22 is pushed into the rear opening 13, the claws 24 of the rod-shaped portion 22 are pressed against the peripheral wall of the rear opening 13, collapsing the hollow portion 23 and temporarily shrinking, passing through the rear opening 13, and after passing through the rear opening 13, the claws 24 return to their original shape. The claws 24 come into contact with the rear opening 13 at the rear of the front cover 10, thereby preventing the return button 20 from slipping out of the front cover 10 in the forward direction.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the front cover 10 has, at the return button insertion opening 11, an outer guide G1, an outer circumferential guide G2, and an inner guide G3.

[0026] The outer guide G1, the outer periphery guide G2, and the inner guide G3 will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 5. The outer guide G1, the outer periphery guide G2, and the inner guide G3 are provided on the base surface 10a of the front cover 10 within the return button insertion opening 11.

[0027] The outer guide G1 is a rib that protrudes forward (to the outside of the front cover 10) from the base surface 10a at a position around the rear opening 13 away from the rear opening 13 and has a sector-shaped arc shape when viewed in the front-rear direction. A plurality of outer guides G1 (four in FIG. 3) are provided around the rear opening 13.

[0028] The outer periphery guide G2 is an annular rib erected around the rear opening 13 at a position farther from the rear opening 13 than the outer guide G1 is so as to surround the peripheral portion 212 of the operation unit 21. The outer periphery guide G2 holds the peripheral portion 212 between itself and the outer guide G1.

[0029] The inner guide G3 is a rib that protrudes forward (to the outside of the front cover 10) at a position around the rear opening 13 closer to the rear opening 13 than the outer guide G1 and has a fan-shaped arc shape when viewed in the front-rear direction. A plurality of inner guides G3 (four in FIG. 3) are provided around the rear opening 13.

[0030] The outer guide G1 and the inner guide G3 are provided alternately and continuously on the outer periphery of the rear opening 13, and are configured in a ring shape along the outer periphery of the rear opening 13 as a whole.

[0031] The outer guide G1 and the inner guide G3 have the same height from the base surface 10a, and the height is, for example, approximately half the height of the outer periphery guide G2 from the base surface 10a. The peripheral portion 212 of the operation unit 21 is held between the outer periphery guide G2 and the outer guide G1 (see Figs. 6 and 7). With this configuration, the rear opening 13 is covered by the main body 211 of the operation unit 21, and the peripheral portion 212 is surrounded by the outer periphery guide G2, making it easier to prevent water from entering the rear opening 13. In addition, since the peripheral portion 212 is held between the outer periphery guide G2 and the outer guide G1, waterproofing can be improved. Furthermore, when the reset button 20 is attached to the reset button insertion opening 11, if the peripheral portion 212 is held between the outer guide G1 and the outer periphery guide G2, the operation unit 21 can be attached in the correct position, so that the reset button 20 can be easily assembled to the front cover 10.

[0032] In the normal state shown in Fig. 6, when an operator pushes the main body 211 of the operation unit 21 backward, the operation unit 21 is pushed in the insertion direction (backward) and the pressing surface 22a of the rod-shaped portion 22 comes into contact with the front end surface of the pin 31a of the button switch 31. When the operation unit 21 is further pushed backward from this state, the pressing surface 22a of the rod-shaped portion 22 pushes the pin 31a backward and into the case 31b of the button switch 31, resulting in the state shown in Fig. 7, where the pin 31a establishes electrical continuity between the internal connection terminals (the pin 31a reaches the ON position). At this time, the main body 211 of the operation unit 21 is in contact with the outer guide G1.

[0033] 6, in the normal state, a space is provided between the outer guide G1 and the return button 20, specifically, between the front surface of the outer guide G1 and the rear surface of the main body 211. The distance in the front-rear direction in this space approximately coincides with the distance between the position of the pressing surface 22a of the rod-shaped portion 22 in the normal state and the position of the pressing surface 22a when the pin 31a of the button switch 31 reaches the ON position (see FIG. 7).

[0034] In this way, by providing an appropriate space between the outer guide G1 and the main body 211, when the operator presses the operation unit 21 with his / her finger, the finger (main body 211) presses the space until the pin 31a of the button switch 31 reaches the ON position, and the operator does not feel a reaction force. In contrast, when the operator presses the operation unit 21 further with his / her finger and the pin 31a of the button switch 31 reaches the ON position, the main body 211 abuts against the outer guide G1 and the finger feels a reaction force. In other words, when the main body 211 abuts against the outer guide G1, the operator feels the sensation of pressing the outer guide G1. Therefore, a return button 20 with an excellent clicking feeling can be realized.

[0035] In the button pressed state shown in FIG. 7, the main body 211 is pushed rearward, causing the peripheral portion 212 to be pressed against the base surface 10a and the inner wall of the outer periphery guide G2, resulting in contact with no gaps, thereby reliably preventing water from entering from the outside.

[0036] When the operator tries to press the operation unit 21 further from the switch pressed state shown in FIG. 7, the main body 211 of the operation unit 21 comes into contact with the inner guide G3. The inner guide G3 is provided at an appropriate position closer to the rear opening 13 than the outer guide G1, and the height (the distance between the base surface 10a and the front end surface of the inner guide G3) is appropriately set, so that the rearward displacement of the operation unit 21 is restricted at a position close to the rod-shaped portion 22. This configuration realizes a stopper function that restricts the rearward (insertion direction) displacement of the rod-shaped portion 22. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the operator from continuing to press the operation unit 21 endlessly, and to prevent the rod-shaped portion 22 from damaging the button switch 31. When the operator releases his / her finger from the main body 211 and the pressing of the operation unit 21 is released, the operation unit 21 elastically returns to its original shape and returns to its original position (the normal state shown in FIG. 6).

[0037] 8 and 9 are diagrams showing the relationship between the operation unit and the button switch before and after pressing in the return button insertion unit according to a reference example. FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 according to a reference example show a switch structure in which the inner guide G3 is not provided in the switch structure of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. When an operator presses the return button 20 in the normal state shown in FIG. 8, the body part 211 comes into contact with the outer guide G1, so that the operator feels a click and can reliably turn on the button switch 31. However, if the operator continues to press the return button 20 after the button switch 31 is turned on, as shown in FIG. 9, the pin 31a may be completely pushed into the case 31b by the rod-shaped part 22, and the button switch 31 may be destroyed.

[0038] In contrast to the switch structure according to the above-mentioned reference example, which may damage the button switch 31, the switch structure according to this embodiment has an inner guide G3 with a stopper function, which makes it possible to prevent the button switch 31 from being damaged by endlessly pressing the reset button 20 while still maintaining the clicking sensation of the outer guide G1.

[0039] As described above, the switch structure of the present embodiment includes the button switch 31, the front cover 10 that houses the button switch 31, and the return button 20. In this switch structure, when the operating portion 21 is pushed in the insertion direction and the rod-shaped portion 22 comes into contact with the button switch 31, the operating portion 21 comes into contact with the outer guide G1, and when the operating portion 21 is further pushed and comes into contact with the inner guide G3, the displacement of the rod-shaped portion 22 in the insertion direction is restricted.

[0040] According to the switch structure of this embodiment, the number of parts of the reset button 20 can be reduced by simplifying the configuration of the reset button and providing the front cover 10 with a stopper function. When the operator presses the operation part 21 and the operation part 21 comes into contact with the outer guide G1, the operator feels a click that the button switch 31 has been pressed. In addition, when the operation part 21 comes into contact with the inner guide G3, the displacement of the rod-shaped part 22 in the insertion direction is restricted, so that the rod-shaped part 22 can be prevented from damaging the button switch 31 due to the operator continuing to press the operation part endlessly. Thus, according to the switch structure of this embodiment, it is possible to provide a switch structure that maintains the damage prevention function of the internal button switch 31 while reducing the number of parts.

[0041] Furthermore, by applying this switch structure to a gas meter, the reset button, which previously required a separate reset button guide, can now be configured as a single component, reducing the number of components and the cost of the gas meter. Also, the simple configuration of the reset button 20 improves disassembly and recyclability. Furthermore, the outer guide G1 and the inner guide G3 are provided alternately and continuously on the outer periphery of the rear opening 13, and are configured as a ring along the outer periphery of the rear opening 13 as a whole, so that the functions of the outer guide G1 and the inner guide G3 can be realized in a limited space, and productivity is good.

[0042] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified, improved, etc. as appropriate. The material, shape, size, numerical value, form, number, arrangement location, etc. of each component in the above-described embodiment are arbitrary as long as they can achieve the present invention, and are not limited. For example, the outer guide G1 and inner guide G3 described above may have other shapes.

[0043] Fig. 10 is an enlarged perspective view showing the return button insertion portion according to Modification 1. Fig. 11 is a front view of the return button insertion portion shown in Fig. 10, Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Fig. 11, and Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in Fig. 11. In the switch structure of Modification 1 shown in Figs. 10 to 13, the outer guide G1 and the inner guide G3 in the switch structure of the above-described embodiment are replaced with an outer guide G1A and an inner guide G3A.

[0044] The outer guide G1A is an annular member that fits along the outer periphery of the rear opening 13, and its diameter is larger than the diameter of the rear opening 13. The inner guide G3A is a plurality of protrusions that protrude toward the rear opening 13 at positions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface of the outer guide G1A. As an example, each of the inner guides G3A has a rectangular column shape that tapers from the rear to the front, and is located on the base surface 10a from the inner peripheral surface of the outer guide G1A to the immediate vicinity of the rear opening 13. The outer guide G1A and the inner guide G3A have the same height (the distance from the base surface 10a to the front end face).

[0045] When the operator presses the reset button 20, the operator feels a click when the operation unit 21 is pressed with a finger and reaches the outer guide G1A. Also, when the operator tries to press the operation unit 21 further, the main body 211 comes into contact with the inner guide G3A, restricting the rearward displacement of the rod-shaped unit 22, and thus preventing the rod-shaped unit 22 from damaging the button switch 31.

[0046] Fig. 14 is an enlarged perspective view showing a return button insertion portion according to Modification 2. Fig. 15 is a front view of the return button insertion portion shown in Fig. 14, Fig. 16 is an E-E sectional view in Fig. 15, and Fig. 17 is an F-F sectional view in Fig. 15. In the switch structure of Modification 2 shown in Figs. 14 to 17, the outer guide G1 and the inner guide G3 in the switch structure of the above-mentioned embodiment are replaced with an outer guide G1B and an inner guide G3B.

[0047] The inner guide G3B is an annular member that fits along the outer periphery of the rear opening 13, and its diameter is slightly larger than the diameter of the rear opening 13. The outer guide G1B is a plurality of protrusions that protrude radially from positions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction on the outer circumferential surface of the inner guide G3B. The outer guides G1B each have a rectangular parallelepiped shape that extends forward from the base surface 10a. The inner guide G3B and the outer guide G1B have the same height (the distance from the base surface 10a to the front end face).

[0048] When the operator presses the reset button 20, the operator feels a click when the operation unit 21 reaches the outer guide G1B by pressing the operation unit 21 with his / her finger. Also, when the operator tries to press the operation unit 21 further, the main body 211 comes into contact with the inner guide G3B, restricting the rearward displacement of the rod-shaped unit 22, and thus preventing the rod-shaped unit 22 from damaging the button switch 31.

[0049] Since the outer guide G1A has a circular shape when viewed in the front-to-back direction, it receives force from the main body portion 211 over a larger area than the outer guide G1 or outer guide G1B, which have multiple arc shapes or multiple rectangular shapes, so that the operator is more likely to feel the reaction force when pressing it with his / her finger and is most likely to get a clicking sensation. In addition, since the inner guide G3B has a circular shape when viewed in the front-rear direction, it can receive force from the main body 211 over a larger area than the inner guide G3 or the inner guide G3B, which have multiple arc shapes or multiple rectangular shapes, and can regulate the displacement of the rod-shaped portion 22 in the insertion direction. This can most reliably prevent the rod-shaped portion 22 from damaging the button switch 31 due to continued pressing of the main body 211.

[0050] In the above description, the outer guides G1, G1A, G1B and the inner guides G3, G3A, G3B have the same height, but they may have different heights. For example, the height of the inner guides G3, G3A, G3B may be lower than that of the outer guides G1, G1A, G1B. However, if the heights of G1, G1A, G1B and the inner guides G3, G3A, G3B differ and a step occurs, the step may have a protrusion-like shape and may scratch the inside of the reset button 20, so it is preferable that there is no difference in height. In addition, the shape of the rear opening 13 is not limited to a circle, and may be a rectangle, etc.

[0051] Here, the features of the switch structure according to the embodiment of the present invention described above will be briefly summarized and listed in the following [1] to [6]. [1] A switch structure including a switch (button switch 31), a housing (front cover 10) that houses the switch, and a switch actuator (return button 20) that is inserted and supported in the housing and displaceable in the insertion direction to contact the switch, The switch drive unit has an operating portion (21) and a rod-shaped portion (22) extending from the operating portion toward the switch, The housing includes: An opening (rear opening 13) through which the rod-shaped portion is inserted; a first guide (outer guides G1, G1A, G1B) protruding toward the outside of the housing at a position around the opening and spaced from the opening; A second guide (inner guide G3, G3A, G3B) protruding toward the outside at a position closer to the opening than the first guide in the periphery; having When the operating portion is pushed in the insertion direction and the rod-shaped portion comes into contact with the switch, the operating portion comes into contact with the first guide, and when the operating portion is pushed further and comes into contact with the second guide, displacement of the rod-shaped portion in the insertion direction is restricted. [2] The operation unit (21) has a main body portion (211) connected to the rod-shaped portion and covering the opening, and a surrounding portion (212) surrounding the main body portion, The switch structure described in [1] above, wherein the housing further has a third guide (peripheral guide G2) erected around the periphery of the opening at a position farther away from the opening than the first guide so as to surround the periphery. [3] The switch structure according to [2] above, wherein the third guide (outer peripheral guide G2) holds the peripheral portion between itself and the first guide. [4] The switch structure described in any one of [1] to [3] above, wherein the first guide (outer guide G1) and the second guide (inner guide G3) are each provided in multiple numbers, and the first guides and the second guides are provided alternately and continuously around the outer periphery of the opening, forming a ring shape along the outer periphery of the opening. [5] The first guide (outer guide G1A) is an annular member that fits along the outer periphery of the opening, The second guide (inner guide G3A) is a plurality of protrusions each protruding toward the opening at positions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction on the inner surface of the annular member. A switch structure according to any one of [1] to [3] above. [6] The second guide (inner guide G3B) is an annular member that fits along the outer periphery of the opening, The switch structure described in any one of [1] to [3] above, wherein the first guide (outer guide G1B) is a plurality of protrusions that protrude radially at positions spaced apart from each other circumferentially on the outer circumferential surface of the annular member. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 10 Front cover 10a Base surface 11 Reset button insertion opening 12 Front opening 13 Rear opening 14, 15 Tapered section 20 Return button 21 Control section 22 Rod-shaped part 22a Pressing surface 23 Hollow part 24 Claws 30 Substrate 31 Button Switch 31a Pin 31b Case 211 Main body 212 Surrounding area G1, G1A, G1B outer guide G2 Outer periphery guide G3, G3A, G3B internal guide

Claims

1. A switch structure including a switch, a housing that houses the switch, and a switch actuator that is inserted and supported in the housing and displaceable in an insertion direction to contact the switch, the switch drive unit has an operating portion made of a rubber material having elasticity and a rod-shaped portion extending from the operating portion toward the switch, The housing includes: an opening through which the rod-shaped portion is inserted; a first guide protruding toward an outside of the housing at a position around the opening and spaced from the opening; a second guide protruding toward the outside at a position in the periphery closer to the opening than the first guide; having the operation unit has a main body portion connected to the rod-shaped portion, covering the opening, and extending outward from the position of the first guide, and a peripheral portion surrounding the main body portion; The peripheral portion extends rearward in the insertion direction from an outer circumferential edge of the main body portion and covers the first guide at a distance from the outer circumferential side. Switch structure.

2. A switch structure as described in claim 1, wherein the housing further has a third guide erected around the periphery of the opening at a position farther away from the opening than the first guide, so as to surround the periphery.

3. The switch structure according to claim 2 , wherein the third guide holds the peripheral portion between itself and the first guide.

4. The switch structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first guide and the second guide are each provided in multiples, and the first guides and the second guides are provided alternately and continuously around the outer periphery of the opening, forming a ring shape along the outer periphery of the opening.

5. the first guide is an annular member that is arranged along an outer periphery of the opening, The switch structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second guide is a plurality of protrusions each protruding toward the opening at positions spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction on the inner surface of the annular member.

6. The second guide is an annular member that is arranged along an outer periphery of the opening, The switch structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first guide is a plurality of protrusions each protruding in a radial direction at positions spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction on the outer circumferential surface of the annular member.

Images