Switches, switch assemblies and operating devices

Abstract

To provide a switch, a switch assembly, and an operating device that can extend a function.SOLUTION: A switch 2 comprises: a movable member 26 in which a second end side oscillates with a first end side as an oscillation fulcrum; a contact target member 23 that is brought into contact with and separates from the movable member 26 as the movable member oscillates; and a light receiving element 251 that detects light. The switch 2 can open and close a first circuit by the contact target member 23 being brought into contact with and separates from the movable member 26 as the movable member oscillates, can open and close a second circuit by the movable member 26 oscillating to transmit / block the light detected by the light receiving element 251, and can bring the second circuit into a closed state for a certain period after the first circuit is brought into a closed state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a switch having a movable member, a switch assembly having such a switch, and an operating device having such a switch. [Background technology]

[0002] Operating devices such as mice equipped with switches such as microswitches are widely used as input devices for electronic devices such as computers. In particular, various characteristics are now being demanded of mice used in computer games known as e-sports. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a microswitch that can be used as a mouse switch. The microswitch disclosed in Patent Document 1 uses an optical element, which opens and closes a circuit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 112842 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Switches that open and close circuits without contact using elements such as optical elements, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, are required to have various improved characteristics and expanded functions due to the development of new fields such as e-sports.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its main object to provide a switch that allows various improvements in characteristics and expansion of functions.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a switch assembly using such a switch.

[0007] A further object of the present invention is to provide an operating device using such a switch. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, the switch described in the present application is a switch having a movable member that operates based on external pressure, and is equipped with a detection unit that detects the detection object, a contact mechanism that can open and close a first circuit by contacting and separating in accordance with the operation of the movable member, and a contactless mechanism that can open and close a second circuit by controlling the detection by the detection unit in accordance with the operation of the movable member, and is characterized in that the contactless mechanism can close the second circuit for a certain period of time after the contact mechanism closes the first circuit.

[0009] Furthermore, the switch described in the present application is a switch having a movable member whose second end side swings around a first end side as a swing fulcrum, and is equipped with a contacted member that moves toward or away from the movable member as it swings, and a light-receiving element that detects light, and is capable of opening and closing a first circuit as the movable member swings toward or away from the contacted member, and of opening and closing a second circuit as the movable member swings to transmit or block light detected by the light-receiving element, and is characterized in that the second circuit can be kept in a closed state for a certain period of time after the first circuit is closed.

[0010] In addition, in the switch, the second circuit is characterized in that it maintains the open state until the first circuit next closes after a certain period of time has elapsed since both the first circuit and the second circuit were opened.

[0011] In the switch, the first circuit and the second circuit are different circuits.

[0012] In the switch, the first circuit and the second circuit are the same circuit.

[0013] The switch is also characterized in that it is a switch having a movable member whose second end side swings around a first end side as a swing fulcrum, and is equipped with a contacted member that moves toward and away from the movable member as it swings, and a light-receiving element that detects light, and is capable of outputting an ON signal when the movable member swings and comes into contact with the contacted member, and is capable of outputting an ON signal when the movable member swings and transmits / blocks the light detected by the light-receiving element after outputting an ON signal due to contact between the movable member and the contacted member.

[0014] In addition, the switch is characterized in that the output of an ON signal based on the detection of light by the light receiving element is possible only for a certain period of time after the movable member and the contacted member come into contact with each other.

[0015] Furthermore, the switch assembly described in the present application is a switch assembly comprising a switch having a movable member that operates based on external pressure, and a substrate on which the switch is mounted, and a detection unit that detects an object to be detected, and the switch comprises a contact mechanism that can open and close a first circuit by making and breaking contact in accordance with the operation of the movable member, and a contactless mechanism that can open and close a second circuit by controlling detection by the detection unit in accordance with the operation of the movable member, and is characterized in that the contactless mechanism can close the second circuit for a certain period of time after the contact mechanism closes the first circuit.

[0016] Furthermore, the switch assembly described in the present application is a switch assembly comprising a switch having a movable member whose second end side swings around a first end side as a swing fulcrum, and a substrate on which the switch is mounted, and is equipped with a light-receiving element that detects light, and the switch has a contacted member that moves toward and away from the movable member as it swings, and is capable of opening and closing a first circuit as the movable member swings toward and away from the contacted member, and is capable of opening and closing a second circuit as the movable member swings to transmit / block light detected by the light-receiving element, and is capable of keeping the second circuit in a closed state for a certain period of time after the first circuit is closed.

[0017] Furthermore, the switch assembly described in the present application is a switch assembly comprising a switch having a movable member whose second end side swings around a first end side as a swing fulcrum, and a substrate on which the switch is mounted, and is characterized in that it comprises a light-receiving element that detects light, and the switch has a contacted member that moves toward and away from the movable member as the movable member swings, and is capable of outputting an ON signal when the movable member swings and comes into contact with the contacted member, and is capable of outputting an ON signal when the movable member swings and transmits / blocks the light detected by the light-receiving element after the ON signal is output due to contact between the movable member and the contacted member.

[0018] In the switch assembly, the light receiving element is attached to the substrate by surface mounting.

[0019] Furthermore, the operating device described in the present application includes a pressing operation unit that accepts a pressing operation from outside, and the switch to which the pressing operation accepted by the pressing operation unit is transmitted as a pressing force from outside, and the switch outputs a signal to open or close a circuit based on the transmitted pressing force from outside.

[0020] Furthermore, the operating device described in the present application includes a pressing operation unit that accepts a pressing operation from outside, and the switch assembly to which the pressing operation accepted by the pressing operation unit is transmitted as a pressing force from outside, and the switch assembly outputs a signal to open or close a circuit based on the transmitted pressing force from outside. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] The switch, switch assembly, and operating device according to the present invention comprise a contact mechanism capable of opening and closing a first circuit, and a contactless mechanism capable of opening and closing a second circuit. As a result, the present invention allows each opening and closing mechanism to be used for various purposes, thereby achieving excellent effects such as the possibility of improving various characteristics or functions of the switch, switch assembly, and operating device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of an operating device described in the present application. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a switch described in the present application. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing an example of a switch described herein. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section of a switch described in the present application. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic external view showing an example of a support member and a contacted member included in a switch described in the present application. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic external view showing an example of a light-emitting unit included in a switch described in the present application. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a switch described herein. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a switch described herein. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a switch described herein. [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a switch described herein. [Figure 11] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a first embodiment of a switch assembly described in the present application. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a second embodiment of a switch assembly described in the present application. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a third embodiment of a switch assembly described in the present application. [Figure 14] 1 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating an example of a first embodiment of an operating device described in the present application. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating an example of a second embodiment of an operating device described in the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0024] <Application example> The operating device described in the present application is used, for example, as an operating device such as a mouse for operating a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC). The switch described in the present application is incorporated as a microswitch into various electronic devices including the operating device. The switch is incorporated into the operating device as a switch assembly (hereinafter referred to as a switch assembly) mounted on a board. Below, with reference to the drawings, an operating device 1 and a switch 2 illustrated in the drawings will be described, as well as a switch assembly 4 in which the switch 2 is mounted on a board 3.

[0025] <Control device 1> First, the operating device 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the operating device 1 described herein. FIG. 1 shows an example in which the operating device 1 described herein is applied to a mouse used to operate an electronic device such as a personal computer. The operating device 1 includes a pressing operation unit 10, such as a mouse button, that receives pressing operations by the user's finger, and a rotation operation unit 11, such as a mouse wheel, that receives rotation operations by the user's finger. The rotation operation unit 11 is configured to receive not only rotation operations but also pressing operations, and thus also functions as the pressing operation unit 10. The operating device 1 is also connected to a signal line 12 that outputs an electrical signal to an external device such as a personal computer. The operating device 1 can output electrical signals not only via wired communication using the signal line 12, but also via various communication methods such as wireless communication. Furthermore, a wave-shaped light-emitting unit 13 is formed on the side of the operating device 1. The light-emitting unit 13 includes a translucent resin plate and a built-in output load unit 130 (see FIG. 14, etc.), which will be described later. The output load section 130 included in the light emitting section 13 is formed using an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The LED built in as the output load section 130 emits light internally, causing the light emitting section 13 to emit light.

[0026] Inside the operating device 1, in addition to the output load unit 130, a switch 2 (described later) is housed for each of the pressing operation units 10 and the rotating operation units 11, and when a pressing operation is performed on a pressing operation unit 10, a part inside the pressing operation unit 10 presses the corresponding switch 2. The switch 2 outputs a signal based on the pressing state via a signal line 12 to an external electronic device such as a personal computer.

[0027] That is, the operating device 1 described in the present application includes a pressing operation unit 10 that receives pressing operations from the outside, a rotation operation unit 11 that receives operations such as rotation operations, and a light-emitting unit 13, and further includes a switch 2 and an output load unit 130 inside. The operating device 1 transmits the pressing operations received by the pressing operation unit 10 and / or the rotation operation unit 11 to the switch 2 as pressure from the outside, and outputs a signal based on the operation of the switch 2 from a signal line 12 to an external electronic device.

[0028] <Switch 2 structure> Next, the switch 2 described in the present application will be described. Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the switch 2 described in the present application. In this specification, the directions of the switch 2 are expressed as follows: the left front side as viewed in Fig. 2 is the front, the right rear side is the rear, the left rear side is the left, the right front side is the right, the upper side is the top, and the lower side is the bottom; however, these directions are for convenience of explanation and do not limit the mounting direction of the switch 2. As described above, the switch 2 is housed as a microswitch inside an electronic device such as the operating device 1, and receives a pressing operation received by a portion such as the pressing operation unit 10 of the operating device 1 as an external pressure.

[0029] The switch 2 includes a housing 20 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing 20 is formed by a lower base 20a and an upper cover 20b. A rectangular insertion hole 200, through which a pressing member 21 is inserted, is formed on the top surface of the housing 20 at a position slightly left of the center when viewed from the front. The pressing member 21 inserted into the insertion hole 200 is a member that moves up and down within a range from a first position above to a second position below when pressed from outside the housing 20. The upper end of the pressing member 21 protrudes from the top surface of the housing 20.

[0030] Furthermore, from the bottom surface of the housing 20, there protrude a first terminal 220 which is part of a support member 22 (see FIG. 3, etc.) which will be described later, a second terminal 230 which is part of a contacted member 23 (see FIG. 3, etc.) which will be described later, a third terminal pair 240 which is part of a light-emitting unit 24 (see FIG. 3, etc.) which will be described later, and a fourth terminal pair 250 which is part of a light-receiving unit 25 (see FIG. 3, etc.) which will be described later. The first terminal 220 protrudes from the left end side of the bottom surface of the housing 20. The second terminal 230 protrudes from near the center of the bottom surface of the housing 20. The third terminal pair 240 and the fourth terminal pair 250 protrude side by side in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions from the right end side of the bottom surface of the housing 20. The two terminals protruding side by side from the front side of the bottom surface of the housing 20 are the third terminal pair 240, and the two terminals protruding side by side from the rear side are the fourth terminal pair 250.

[0031] In the switch 2 thus formed, an external pressing operation received by the operating device 1 is transmitted to the pressing member 21 as a pressure from outside the housing 20. The pressing member 21 moves from an upper first position to a lower second position when pressed from the outside, and moves from the lower second position to the upper first position when the external pressure is released.

[0032] Next, the internal structure of the switch 2 will be described. Fig. 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing an example of the switch 2 described in the present application. Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the cross-section of the switch 2 described in the present application. Fig. 4 shows a cross-section cut along a vertical plane including line AB shown in Fig. 2 as viewed from the front.

[0033] A space is provided within the housing 20 of the switch 2 as a housing chamber 201 for accommodating various components for opening and closing an electric circuit. An insertion hole 200 is formed in the top surface of the housing 201, penetrating from the outside of the housing 20, and a pressing member 21 is inserted into the insertion hole 200.

[0034] The various components accommodated in the accommodation chamber 201 will now be described. In addition to the aforementioned pressing member 21, supporting member 22, contacted member 23, light-emitting unit 24, and light-receiving unit 25, various components such as a movable member 26 are disposed in the accommodation chamber 201. A first locking portion 221, which is a part of the supporting member 22, is disposed on the left side of the accommodation chamber 201, and a second locking portion 222, which is also a part of the supporting member 22, is disposed near the center of the accommodation chamber 201. The contacted member 23 is disposed on the right side of the accommodation chamber 201. The light-emitting unit 24 is disposed in front of the contacted member 23 on the lower right side of the accommodation chamber 201, and the light-receiving unit 25 is disposed behind the contacted member 23. The movable member 26 is disposed so as to extend laterally within the accommodation chamber 201, and is locked by the first locking portion 221 and the second locking portion 222 of the supporting member 22.

[0035] The support member 22 and the contacted member 23 will be further described. Fig. 5 is a schematic external view showing an example of the support member 22 and the contacted member 23 included in the switch 2 described in the present application. Fig. 5 is a front view showing only the support member 22 and the contacted member 23 arranged in the switch 2 as viewed from the front of the switch 2. The support member 22 and the contacted member 23 shown in Figs. 3, 4, and 5 are all formed from conductive metal plates, and are arranged at a distance from each other within the housing 20.

[0036] The support member 22 is thin and erected so that its normal direction is the front-to-rear direction. The lower part of the support member 22 is formed as a first terminal 220 that protrudes from the bottom surface of the housing 20. The upper part of the support member 22, which is positioned inside the accommodation chamber 201, is bifurcated into two parts, with the left part formed as a first locking portion 221 and the right part formed as a second locking portion 222. The first locking portion 221 and the second locking portion 222 are bent toward the front to make it easier to lock the movable member 26.

[0037] The contacted member 23 has a thin plate shape that is erected so that its normal direction is the front-to-rear direction, and is erected at a position rearward of the light-emitting unit 24 and forward of the light-receiving unit 25, at a distance from the light-emitting unit 24 and the light-receiving unit 25. A lower portion of the contacted member 23 is formed as a second terminal 230 that protrudes from the lower surface of the housing 20. An upper portion of the contacted member 23 located within the accommodation chamber 201 forms a contacted portion 231 that comes into contact with the movable member 26 when the pressing member 21 is located at the second position and the movable member 26 is pressed by the pressing member 21. A light-shielding plate 232 that blocks light emitted from the light-emitting unit 24 is formed below the contacted portion 231 of the contacted member 23, and the light-shielding plate 232 has a transmission hole 233 that transmits the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 24.

[0038] The light-emitting unit 24 and the light-receiving unit 25 will be further described. FIG. 6 is a schematic external view showing an example of the light-emitting unit 24 included in the switch 2 described herein. The light-emitting unit 24 illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6 emits light, and the light-receiving unit 25 receives the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 24. The light-emitting unit 24 is configured using a light-emitting element 241 such as an LED. The light-emitting element 241 of the light-emitting unit 24 is molded in a resin unit housing 242, and a third terminal pair 240 protrudes from the unit housing 242. Two substantially linear lead frames 243 are disposed inside the unit housing 242. One end of the lead frame 243 protrudes from the inside to the outside of the unit housing 242 to form the third terminal pair 240. The other end of the lead frame 243 is located inside the unit housing 242, and the light-emitting element 241 is mounted thereon and bonded thereto by a wire 244. The light-emitting element 241, lead frame 243, and wire 244 are disposed at the bottom of a recess formed in the unit housing 242. The recess formed in the unit housing 242 is filled with a highly transmittance resin such as epoxy resin during the manufacturing process, and components such as the light-emitting element 241 are molded into the unit housing 242 in a state that is visible from the outside. FIG. 6 shows the light-emitting unit 24 in a state in which the unit housing 242 is filled with a highly transmittance resin so that the interior can be seen. The light-receiving unit 25 is configured using a light-receiving element 251 such as a PD (Photo Diode) or a PT (Photo Transistor) as a detection unit that detects light. Since the configuration of the light-receiving unit 25 is substantially similar to that of the light-emitting unit 24, the description of the light-emitting unit 24 should be taken into consideration and a detailed description will be omitted. Note that the light-emitting element 241 and third terminal pair 240 described as components of the light-emitting unit 24 should be read as the light-receiving element 251 and fourth terminal pair 250 when understanding the light-receiving unit 25.

[0039] Within the housing 20 of the switch 2, the light-emitting unit 24 and the light-receiving unit 25 are disposed in opposing positions such that the light-emitting element 241 and the light-receiving element 251 of the light-receiving unit 25 receive light emitted from the light-emitting element 241 of the light-emitting unit 24. When electricity is applied to the light-emitting unit 24 through the third terminal pair 240, the light-emitting element 241 of the light-emitting unit 24 emits light. When the light-receiving element 251 of the light-receiving unit 25 detects light, the electricity-carrying state of the electricity-carrying state changes, and an ON signal based on the change in electricity-carrying state due to the reception of light is output from the fourth terminal pair 250.

[0040] The movable member 26 will be further described. The movable member 26 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 is a member formed from a conductive metal plate and is disposed in the accommodation chamber 201 so that its longitudinal direction coincides with the left-right direction. The left end of the movable member 26 is a fixed end that is engaged with the first engaging portion 221 and functions as a swing fulcrum 260. The right end of the movable member 26 is a movable abutment portion 261 that swings as a free end and moves toward and away from the contacted portion 231 of the contacted member 23 as a result of the swing. In addition, the right end of the movable member 26 is a substantially rectangular light-shielding piece 262 that is bent downward from the movable abutment portion 261. The light-shielding piece 262 is formed so that its normal direction coincides with the front-rear direction, and is provided with a substantially rectangular transmission window 263 through which light emitted from the light-emitting unit 24 passes. The light-shielding piece 262 is located in front of the contacted member 23 and behind the light-emitting unit 24, spaced apart from the contacted member 23 and the light-emitting unit 24, and is positioned between the contacted member 23 and the light-emitting unit 24. The movable member 26 is formed with a biasing portion 264 that functions as a return spring and is punched out near the center and bent into an arc, and the tip of the biasing portion 264 is engaged with a second engaging portion 222 formed near the center of the accommodation chamber 201. The biasing portion 264 generates a reaction force that resists the pressing force of the pressing member 21.

[0041] In the switch 2 configured as described above, when the pressing member 21 receives external pressure, it moves downward and presses down the movable member 26. When the movable member 26 is pressed down, the movable contact portion 261 and the light-shielding piece 262 on the right end side, which is the free end of the movable member 26, move down. When the movable contact portion 261 of the movable member 26 moves down, the movable contact portion 261 comes into contact with the contacted portion 231 of the contacted member 23. When the movable contact portion 261 of the movable member 26 comes into contact with the contacted portion 231 of the contacted member 23, electrical continuity is established from the first terminal 220 of the support member 22 to the second terminal 230 of the contacted member 23. When electrical continuity is established between the first terminal 220 and the second terminal 230, a first circuit external to the switch 2 is closed, making it possible to output an ON signal. When the light-shielding piece 262 of the movable member 26 is lowered, the optical path from the light-emitting element 241 of the light-emitting unit 24 to the light-receiving element 251 of the light-receiving unit 25 passes through a transparent window 263 opened in the light-shielding piece 262. Therefore, light emitted from the light-emitting element 241 of the light-emitting unit 24 passes through the transparent window 263 opened in the light-shielding piece 262 of the movable member 26, and further passes through the transparent hole 233 opened in the light-shielding plate 232 of the contacted member 23, to reach the light-receiving element 251 of the light-receiving unit 25. When the light-receiving element 251 receives light from the light-emitting element 241, a second circuit external to the switch 2 is closed, resulting in an ON state and enabling the output of an ON signal. Furthermore, when the movable abutting portion 261 of the movable member 26 is lowered, the movable abutting portion 261 comes into contact with the contacted portion 231 of the contacted member 23. A metallic sound is generated when the movable abutment portion 261 of the metallic movable member 26 hits the contacted portion 231 of the metallic contacted member 23. The user recognizes the metallic sound generated when the movable member 26 hits the contacted member 23 as a clicking sound. The user also recognizes the feeling of the movable member 26 hitting the contacted member 23 as a clicking sensation. Note that by appropriately designing the materials and shapes of the movable member 26 and the contacted member 23, it is possible to control the sound generated when the movable member 26 hits the contacted member 23 and the feeling of the contact, thereby adjusting the clicking sound and the clicking sensation. For example, by using a material and shape that is less likely to produce a clicking sound, it is possible to achieve quieter clicking.

[0042] When the pressure of the pressing member 21 is released, the movable member 26 is urged upward by the reaction force of the urging portion 264. As the movable member 26 is urged upward, the pressing member 21 moves upward. As the urging portion 264 urges the movable member 26 upward, the movable abutment portion 261 and the light-shielding piece 262 located on the right end side of the movable member 26 rise. As the movable abutment portion 261 of the movable member 26 rises, the movable abutment portion 261 moves away from the contacted portion 231 of the contacted member 23. As the movable abutment portion 261 of the movable member 26 moves away from the contacted portion 231 of the contacted member 23, an insulating state is established between the first terminal 220 of the support member 22 and the second terminal 230 of the contacted member 23. As the first terminal 220 and the second terminal 230 are insulated from each other, the first circuit opens. When the light blocking piece 262 of the movable member 26 is raised, the light emitted from the light emitting element 241 of the light emitting unit 24 is blocked by the light blocking piece 262, and the second circuit is opened to enter an OFF state.

[0043] Next, the opening and closing of a circuit by the switch 2 described herein will be described. FIGS. 7 and 8 are schematic cross-sectional views showing an example of the switch 2 described herein. FIGS. 7 and 8 show a cross-section taken along a vertical plane including line AB shown in FIG. 2, as viewed from the front. In FIGS. 7 and 8, the outlines of the support member 22 and the contacted member 23 hidden by the housing 20 are indicated by dashed lines. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the pressing member 21 is not subjected to external pressure and is positioned at an upper first position. FIG. 8 shows a state in which the pressing member 21 is subjected to external pressure and has descended to a lower second position. By transitioning from the state illustrated in FIG. 7 in which no pressure is applied to the state illustrated in FIG. 8 in which pressure is applied, the right end of the movable member 26 descends, and the movable member 26 comes into contact with the contacted member 23. Contact between the movable member 26 and the contacted member 23 establishes electrical continuity from the first terminal 220 of the support member 22 to the second terminal 230 of the contacted member 23. When first terminal 220 and second terminal 230 are electrically connected, a current flows as shown by the solid arrow in Fig. 8, and the first circuit closes, resulting in an ON state. When the external pressure is released and the state returns to that shown in Fig. 7, the flowing current is interrupted, the first circuit opens, and the device enters an OFF state.

[0044] 9 and 10 are schematic cross-sectional views showing an example of the switch 2 described herein. Each of FIGS. 9 and 10 shows a cross section cut along a vertical plane including line CD shown in FIG. 2, viewed from the right. FIG. 9 shows a state in which the pressing member 21 is not subjected to external pressure and is positioned at an upper first position, and FIG. 10 shows a state in which the pressing member 21 is subjected to external pressure and has descended to a lower second position. By transitioning from the state shown in FIG. 9 in which no pressure is applied to the state shown in FIG. 10 in which pressure is applied, the right end of the movable member 26 descends, and the optical path from the light-emitting element 241 of the light-emitting unit 24 to the light-receiving element 251 of the light-receiving unit 25 passes through a transmission window 263 opened in the light-shielding piece 262. 10, light emitted from the light-emitting element 241 of the light-emitting unit 24 passes through the transparent window 263 formed in the light-shielding piece 262 of the movable member 26, passes through the transparent hole 233 formed in the light-shielding plate 232 of the contacted member 23, and reaches the light-receiving element 251 of the light-receiving unit 25. When the light-receiving element 251 receives the light from the light-emitting element 241, the second circuit is closed, resulting in an ON state. When the external pressure is released and the state returns to the state illustrated in FIG. 9, the optical path between the light-emitting element 241 and the light-receiving element 251 is interrupted, the second circuit is opened, resulting in an OFF state. As described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10, the switch 2 described herein opens and closes the first circuit and the second circuit based on the operation of the movable member 26, and therefore, it is possible to synchronize the opening and closing timings of the first circuit and the second circuit.

[0045] <Switch assembly 4> Next, an example of mounting the switch assembly 4 described herein in which the switch 2 is attached to the substrate 3 will be described. The switch 2 described herein is incorporated into the operating device 1 as the switch assembly 4 mounted on the substrate 3. FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a first embodiment of the switch assembly 4 described herein. In FIG. 11, the switch 2 and the substrate 3 provided in the switch assembly 4 are shown separated from each other so that the relationship between the switch 2 and the substrate 3 can be easily understood. The substrate 3 is provided with a first terminal mounting hole 30 through which the first terminal 220 is inserted, a second terminal mounting hole 31 through which the second terminal 230 is inserted, a third terminal pair mounting hole 32 through which the third terminal pair 240 is inserted, and a fourth terminal pair mounting hole 33 through which the fourth terminal pair 250 is inserted. The switch assembly 4 is configured such that the first terminal 220, the second terminal 230, the third terminal pair 240, and the fourth terminal pair 250 of the switch 2 are inserted into the first terminal mounting hole 30, the second terminal mounting hole 31, the third terminal pair mounting hole 32, and the fourth terminal pair mounting hole 33 formed in the substrate 3, and are attached to the substrate 3 by a mounting method such as soldering. In addition to the switch 2, various electronic components such as circuits and elements are attached on the substrate 3 provided in the switch assembly 4, and the electronic components are electrically connected by wiring formed on the substrate 3 by a method such as etching.

[0046] FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a second embodiment of a switch assembly 4 described herein. FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of the switch assembly 4, in which the switch 2 and the substrate 3 included in the switch assembly 4 are shown separated from each other to facilitate understanding of the relationship between the switch 2 and the substrate 3. The substrate 3 is provided with a first terminal mounting hole 30, a second terminal mounting hole 31, a third terminal pair mounting hole 32, and a fourth terminal pair mounting hole 33. The third terminal pair 240 of the light-emitting unit 24 is previously mounted in the third terminal pair mounting hole 32 in the substrate 3 by a mounting method such as soldering, and the fourth terminal pair 250 of the light-receiving unit 25 is previously mounted in the fourth terminal pair mounting hole 33 by a mounting method such as soldering. Then, in an assembly process, a switch 2 without the light-emitting unit 24 and the light-receiving unit 25 is mounted on the substrate 3 to which the light-emitting unit 24 and the light-receiving unit 25 are previously mounted. The switch 2 is mounted so as to cover the light-emitting unit 24 and the light-receiving unit 25 on the substrate 3. The first terminal 220 of the switch 2 is inserted into the first terminal mounting hole 30, and the second terminal 230 is inserted into the second terminal mounting hole 31, and they are mounted on the substrate 3 by a mounting method such as soldering.

[0047] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a third embodiment of a switch assembly 4 described herein. FIG. 13 shows yet another embodiment of the switch assembly 4, in which the switch 2 and the substrate 3 of the switch assembly 4 are shown separated from each other to make it easier to understand the relationship between the switch 2 and the substrate 3. The substrate 3 has a first terminal mounting hole 30 and a second terminal mounting hole 31. A conductive metal is pre-wired on the substrate 3 by etching or other methods, and a light-emitting unit 24 and a light-receiving unit 25 are pre-mounted on the wiring of the substrate 3 by surface mounting or other methods. The light-emitting unit 24 and the light-receiving unit 25 illustrated in FIG. 13 are optical units for surface mounting and are mounted directly on the substrate 3. The switch 2 is mounted so as to cover the light-emitting unit 24 and the light-receiving unit 25 on the substrate 3. The first terminal 220 of the switch 2 is inserted into the first terminal mounting hole 30, and the second terminal 230 is inserted into the second terminal mounting hole 31, and they are each attached to the substrate 3 by a mounting method such as soldering.

[0048] As described above with reference to the first to third embodiments, the switch assembly 4 in which the switch 2 is attached to the substrate 3 can be formed by various methods.

[0049] Next, an implementation example of a controller device 1 equipped with the switch 2 described herein will be described. FIG. 14 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating an example of a first embodiment of the controller device 1 described herein. The switch 2 includes a contact mechanism 27 using components such as a support member 22 and a contacted member 23, and a non-contact mechanism 28 using components such as a light-emitting unit 24 and a light-receiving unit 25. The contact mechanism 27 opens and closes the first circuit (signal control unit 14) by swinging the movable member 26, outputting an electrical signal to an external device such as a personal computer. The non-contact mechanism 28 opens and closes the second circuit (load control unit 15) by swinging the movable member 26, lighting the output load unit 130 of the light-emitting unit 13. The first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14 is an embodiment in which the first circuit and the second circuit are configured as different circuits. In this first embodiment, pressing the pressing operation unit 10 of the controller device 1 outputs a signal to an external device and causes the light-emitting unit 13 to emit light. This allows the light-emitting unit 13 to emit light when the operating device 1 is operated, thereby improving the characteristics of the operating device 1 and the switch 2, such as expanding the functions of the operating device 1 and the switch 2. Note that the output load unit 130 is not limited to light emission, and various power loads such as a speaker that outputs sound and a vibrator that vibrates can be applied. Also, it is possible to design it appropriately, such as opening and closing the circuit of the load control unit 15 with the contact mechanism 27 and opening and closing the circuit of the signal control unit 14 with the contactless mechanism 28.

[0050] FIG. 15 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating an example of a second embodiment of the operating device 1 described in the present application. The second embodiment is an example in which the first circuit and the second circuit are configured as the same circuit. In the second embodiment, the signal control unit 14 is used as a first circuit that opens and closes using a contact mechanism 27 and a second circuit that opens and closes using a contactless mechanism 28. By configuring the first circuit and the second circuit as the same circuit, the signal control unit 14 is opened and closed by both the contact mechanism 27 and the contactless mechanism 28. Therefore, even if a malfunction occurs in one of the contact mechanism 27 or the contactless mechanism 28, the other can compensate. This enables improvements in the characteristics, such as the reliability, of the operating device 1 and the switch 2.

[0051] The embodiment of the operating device 1 described herein can be developed into various forms, regardless of the implementation examples described using FIGS. 14 and 15 . For example, a mechanism that opens and closes a circuit using an optical element, such as the non-contact mechanism 28, requires continuous or intermittent energization of the optical element, which can result in standby power problems. To solve this problem, the contact mechanism 27 can be used as a mechanism that opens and closes the current-carrying circuit to the optical element, thereby reducing standby power consumption. Specifically, in the switch 2, during standby, the non-contact mechanism 28 is turned off, with power cut off. When the contact mechanism 27 is turned on, power is supplied to the non-contact mechanism 28, keeping it in the on state, for the duration of the on state or until a certain period has elapsed since the contact mechanism 27 was turned on, thereby activating the non-contact mechanism 28. The non-contact mechanism 28, which is turned on and energized, can open and close a circuit in response to an operation of the pressing operation unit 10 of the operating device 1. Note that the control of energization to the optical element by the contact mechanism 27 is not limited to the control of energization to the contactless mechanism 28 in response to an operation on the pressing operation unit 10, but can also be expanded to control energization to an optical element used to detect the position of the operation device 1 (operation of the mouse cursor position). In this way, the operation device 1 and switch 2 described in the present application can improve various characteristics, such as reducing standby power consumption.

[0052] As described above, the operating device 1, switch 2, and switch assembly 4 described in the present application include a contact mechanism 27 using members such as the support member 22 and contacted member 23, and a contactless mechanism 28 using members such as the light-emitting unit 24 and light-receiving unit 25. This provides excellent effects such as the ability to expand functionality, improve reliability, reduce standby power consumption, and improve various other characteristics.

[0053] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be expanded into various other forms. Therefore, the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative in all respects and should not be interpreted as limiting. The technical scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and is not limited in any way by the description. Furthermore, all modifications and variations within the equivalent scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention.

[0054] For example, in the above embodiment, the non-contact mechanism 28 is configured as an optical mechanism using the light-emitting element 241 that emits light and the light-receiving element 251 as a detector that detects the light as the detection target, but the present invention is not limited to this and various mechanisms that do not have contacts can be used. For example, the non-contact mechanism 28 can be applied to various forms, such as configuring the non-contact mechanism 28 using a magnet that generates a magnetic force and a Hall element as a detector that detects the magnetic force as the detection target.

[0055] Furthermore, for example, in the above embodiment, a configuration was shown in which conductive support member 22 and contacted member 23 were used as contact mechanism 27, and the first circuit was opened and closed by moving conductive movable member 26 in contact with and away from each other. However, any opening and closing mechanism having contacts is sufficient, and is not limited to conductive members. In other words, as long as the circuit can be opened and closed by moving oscillating movable member 26 in contact with and away from each other, it is possible to appropriately design a configuration in which contacted member 23 pressed by movable member 26 moves to open and close the circuit. Note that, in contactless mechanism 28, movable member 26 does not need to be a conductive member. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1 Operating device 13 Light-emitting part 130 Output load section 14 Signal control section 15 Load control section 2 Switch 20 Case 21 Pressing member 22 Support member 23 Contacted member 231 Contacted part 232 Shade 233 Transmission hole 24 Lighting Unit 241 Light-emitting element 25 Light receiving unit 251 Light receiving element (detection part) 26 Movable parts 260 Swinging fulcrum 261 Movable contact part 262 Light shielding piece 263 Transparent window 27 Contact mechanism 28 Non-contact mechanism 3. Circuit Board 4 Switch assembly

Claims

1. A switch having a movable member that operates based on external pressure, a detection unit that detects a detection target; a contact mechanism that opens and closes the first circuit by contacting and separating in response to the operation of the movable member; a contactless mechanism capable of opening and closing a second circuit by controlling detection by the detection unit in accordance with the operation of the movable member; Equipped with The second circuit can be closed by the contactless mechanism for a certain period of time after the first circuit is closed by the contact mechanism. A switch characterized by:

2. A switch having a movable member whose second end side swings around a first end side as a swing fulcrum, a contacted member that moves toward and away from the movable member by swinging; a light receiving element for detecting light; Equipped with The movable member swings to come into contact with or separate from the contacted member, thereby opening and closing the first circuit, the movable member swings to transmit / block light detected by the light receiving element, thereby opening and closing a second circuit; The second circuit can be closed for a certain period of time after the first circuit is closed. A switch characterized by:

3. 3. The switch according to claim 1 or 2, The second circuit maintains the open state until the first circuit is closed after a certain period of time has elapsed since both the first circuit and the second circuit were opened. A switch characterized by:

4. 4. The switch according to claim 1, wherein: The first circuit and the second circuit are different circuits. A switch characterized by:

5. 4. The switch according to claim 1, wherein: The first circuit and the second circuit are the same circuit. A switch characterized by:

6. A switch having a movable member whose second end side swings around a first end side as a swing fulcrum, a contacted member that moves toward and away from the movable member by swinging; a light receiving element for detecting light; Equipped with The movable member swings and comes into contact with the contacted member, thereby turning on the device. After the movable member and the contacted member come into contact with each other to bring into an ON state, the movable member swings to transmit or block light to be detected by the light-receiving element, thereby causing the light-receiving element to output or not output a signal. A switch characterized by:

7. 7. The switch of claim 6, The signal output based on the detection of light by the light receiving element can be output only for a certain period of time after the movable member and the contacted member come into contact with each other. A switch characterized by:

8. A switch assembly including a switch having a movable member that operates based on external pressure and a substrate on which the switch is mounted, a detection unit for detecting a detection target, The switch is a contact mechanism that opens and closes the first circuit by contacting and separating in response to the operation of the movable member; a contactless mechanism capable of opening and closing a second circuit by controlling detection by the detection unit in accordance with the operation of the movable member; Equipped with The second circuit can be closed by the contactless mechanism for a certain period of time after the first circuit is closed by the contact mechanism. A switch assembly characterized by:

9. A switch assembly including a switch having a movable member whose second end side swings around a first end side as a swing fulcrum, and a substrate on which the switch is mounted, a light receiving element for detecting light; The switch includes a contacted member that is brought into contact with and separated from the movable member by the swinging of the movable member, The movable member swings to come into contact with or separate from the contacted member, thereby opening and closing the first circuit, the movable member swings to transmit / block light detected by the light receiving element, thereby opening and closing a second circuit; The second circuit can be closed for a certain period of time after the first circuit is closed. A switch assembly characterized by:

10. A switch assembly including a switch having a movable member whose second end side swings around a first end side as a swing fulcrum, and a substrate on which the switch is mounted, a light receiving element for detecting light; The switch includes a contacted member that is brought into contact with and separated from the movable member by the swinging of the movable member, The movable member swings and comes into contact with the contacted member, thereby turning on the device. After the movable member and the contacted member come into contact with each other to bring into an ON state, the movable member swings to transmit or block light to be detected by the light-receiving element, thereby causing the light-receiving element to output or not output a signal. A switch assembly characterized by:

11. 11. The switch assembly according to claim 9 or claim 10, The light receiving element is attached to the substrate by surface mounting. A switch assembly characterized by:

12. a pressing operation unit that accepts pressing operations from an external device; The switch according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the pressing operation received by the pressing operation unit is transmitted as a pressing force from an external source; Equipped with The switch outputs a signal to open or close a circuit based on the transmitted pressure from the outside. An operating device characterized by:

13. a pressing operation unit that accepts pressing operations from an external device; The switch assembly according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein a pressing operation received by the pressing operation unit is transmitted as a pressing force from an external source; Equipped with The switch assembly outputs a signal to open or close a circuit based on the transmitted pressure from the outside. An operating device characterized by:

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