Switching device

Abstract

To provide a switch device capable of simplifying a device configuration.SOLUTION: A switch device 8 includes a movable terminal 18, a first fixed terminal 19, and a second fixed terminal 20. The first fixed terminal 19 is in contact with the movable terminal 18 when a spring portion 22 of a snap action mechanism 23 of the movable terminal 18 is not reversed. The movable terminal 18 is brought into contact with the second fixed terminal 20 by reversal of the spring portion 22 when an operation reaches a specified operation amount. The second fixed terminal 20 has a fixed contact portion 53 formed by processing a part of the second fixed terminal 20 as a portion with which the movable terminal 18 comes into contact.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a switch device in which contacts are switched by a snap action mechanism. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a switch device equipped with a snap action mechanism that operates in response to a pressing operation on an operating member has been well known, as disclosed in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 includes a housing, an operating member, a fixed contact, a movable contact, and a snap action mechanism. The snap action mechanism drives the movable contact when the operating member is pressed to a predetermined position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-73662 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] This type of switch device requires various parts such as a snap action mechanism, and therefore there is a strong need to simplify the device configuration by reducing the number of parts as much as possible. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The switch device that solves the above problem is configured to include a movable terminal having a snap action mechanism in which a spring portion is reversed based on operation of an operating portion by a user, a first fixed terminal with which the movable terminal comes into contact when the spring portion is not reversed, and a second fixed terminal with which the movable terminal comes into contact when the spring portion reverses when the operating portion reaches a specified operating amount, and the second fixed terminal has a fixed contact portion formed by processing a part of the second fixed terminal as the part with which the movable terminal comes into contact. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The present invention can simplify the device configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the switch unit according to the embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] 10(a) and 10(b) are diagrams showing the operation of the switch device. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing assembly of a first fixed terminal to a case. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the inside of the case showing the fixed contact portion. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the inside of the case showing the fixed contact portion. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fixed contact portion as viewed from the front. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fixed contact portion as seen from the back. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is an electrical configuration diagram of the switch unit. [Figure 16] 10 is a table summarizing how to determine the contact state. [Figure 17] 10(a) and 10(b) are explanatory views showing a molding procedure for the fixed contact portion. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the movable terminal in contact with the second fixed terminal. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the movable terminal in contact with the second fixed terminal. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the movable terminal in contact with the first fixed terminal. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the movable terminal in contact with the first fixed terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. (Overview of Switch Unit 1) 1, the switch unit 1 is, for example, an electric parking brake switch 2 that electrically switches a parking brake of a vehicle on or off by a hand operation. The switch unit 1 is disposed, for example, inside the vehicle (such as the driver's seat).

[0009] The switch unit 1 includes a frame 3 and an operating unit 4 movably attached to the frame 3. The operating unit 4 is rotatably attached to the frame 3, for example, by a shaft 5 provided on the frame 3 or the operating unit 4. The operating unit 4 rotates in both directions (first operating direction R1 and second operating direction R2) around the axis La of the shaft 5. The operating unit 4 is rotated, for example, from a neutral position in the first operating direction R1 or the second operating direction R2. The operating unit 4 is of a momentary type, which automatically returns to the original neutral position when the hand releases the operating unit 4 after rotating it from the neutral position.

[0010] To turn on the parking brake, for example, the brake pedal is depressed while the operating unit 4 is operated from the neutral position in the first operating direction R1. Operating the operating unit 4 in the first operating direction R1 is, for example, an operation to pull up the operating unit 4. At this time, when the operating unit 4 is operated to the innermost first operating position (electric parking brake ON position) in the first operating direction R1, the parking brake is turned on.

[0011] To turn off the parking brake, for example, the operating unit 4 is operated from the neutral position in the second operating direction R2 while depressing the brake pedal. Operating the operating unit 4 in the second operating direction R2 is, for example, an operation of pushing down the operating unit 4. At this time, when the operating unit 4 is operated to the innermost second operating position (electric parking brake off position) in the second operating direction R2, the parking brake is turned off. Note that the parking brake may be automatically turned off, for example, when the vehicle's shift position is placed in drive and driving begins.

[0012] (Overview of Switching Device 8) As shown in FIG. 2, the switch unit 1 includes a switch device 8 that detects operation of the operating part 4. The switch device 8 in this example includes a first switch device 8a that detects operation of the operating part 4 in a first operating direction R1, and a second switch device 8b that detects operation of the operating part 4 in a second operating direction R2. The two switch devices 8 are, for example, arranged side by side. These switch devices 8 basically have the same configuration. Therefore, hereinafter, the configurations of these switch devices 8 will be described together.

[0013] The switch device 8 includes a housing 9 that houses device components. The housing 9 is substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped. The housing 9 includes a case 11 having an opening 10 and a cover 12 that closes the opening 10. The case 11 is, for example, an insulator that insulates the electrical components of the switch device 8. The case 11 is, for example, formed in the shape of a bottomed box with the opening 10 on one plane (the upper surface of the drawing in this example) facing the cover 12. The case 11 has a pair of opposing side walls 13. The cover 12 is fixed to the case 11 by, for example, welding. The welding is, for example, laser welding.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 3, legs 14 are formed at the four corners of the back surface of cover 12. Engagement portions 15 are recessed at the four corners of the opening edge of case 11 so as to form pairs with the legs 14 of cover 12. Cover 12 is assembled to case 11 by engaging each of the legs 14 with the engagement portions 15 of case 11.

[0015] The switch device 8 includes a movable terminal 18 that moves based on the operation of the operating unit 4 by the user, and a first fixed terminal 19 and a second fixed terminal 20 that the movable terminal 18 selectively comes into contact with. The movable terminal 18 has a movable terminal body 18a and a movable terminal connection pin 18b that is mounted on a substrate 21. The movable terminal connection pins 18b are provided in pairs, for example, on both sides in the width direction of the switch device 8 (device width direction: Y-axis direction in FIG. 3).

[0016] Note that "18c" next to the movable terminal connection pin 18b is a connection before separation that is necessary when press-forming the movable terminal 18. Therefore, this connection portion 18c does not have a terminal function and can be omitted.

[0017] The movable terminal connection pin 18b is drawn out to the outside of the case 11 through an opening 11a formed in the side wall 13 of the case 11. The connecting portion 18c is drawn out to the outside of the case 11 through an opening 11b formed in the side wall 13 of the case 11.

[0018] The movable terminal 18 has a snap action mechanism 23 that reverses the spring portion 22 based on the user's operation of the operating unit 4. The base end of the spring portion 22 is fixed to a pair of engagement pieces 24, 25 formed on the movable terminal main body 18a. The spring portion 22 has a movable contact portion 26 of the movable terminal 18 at its tip. The movable contact portion 26 is, for example, a rivet. The rivet in this example is formed by, for example, crimping. The diameter of the rivet is set to the minimum value that allows crimping.

[0019] Spring portion 22 has tension portion 27 that applies tension toward the base end of spring portion 22, and compression portion 28 that applies a reaction force in the opposite direction to the tension. The base end of tension portion 27 is engaged with engagement piece 24 located near the end inside case 11. The base end of compression portion 28 is engaged with engagement piece 25 located near the center inside case 11.

[0020] A pressing portion 31 that moves in conjunction with the operating portion 4 is disposed opposite the base end of the pulling portion 27. A head portion 31a of the pressing portion 31 is exposed to the outside of the housing 9 through a hole 32 formed in the cover 12. The pressing portion 31 is provided so as to move linearly back and forth along the height direction of the switch device 8 (device height direction: Z-axis direction in FIG. 3). The spring portion 22 reverses direction when the pressing amount of the pressing portion 31 reaches a specified amount.

[0021] The first fixed terminal 19 includes a first fixed terminal body 19a that contacts the movable terminal 18, and a first fixed terminal connection pin 19b formed at an end of the first fixed terminal body 19a. The first fixed terminal 19 is disposed closer to the cover 12 than the movable terminal 18. The first fixed terminal body 19a is formed, for example, in a U-shape. The first fixed terminal body 19a is disposed in a position facing the movable terminal 18.

[0022] The first fixed terminal connection pins 19b are formed, for example, on both ends of the first fixed terminal main body 19a. The first fixed terminal connection pins 19b are formed in a pin shape with a width smaller than that of the first fixed terminal main body 19a. The first fixed terminal connection pins 19b are drawn out of the case 11 from grooves 33 formed in the side walls 13 of the case 11. The first fixed terminal connection pins 19b are mounted on the substrate 21.

[0023] The second fixed terminal 20 includes a second fixed terminal body 20a that contacts the movable terminal 18, and a second fixed terminal connection pin 20b formed at an end of the second fixed terminal body 20a. The second fixed terminal 20 is disposed closer to the bottom of the case 11 than the movable terminal 18. The second fixed terminal body 20a is disposed in a position facing the movable terminal 18. The second fixed terminal connection pin 20b is formed, for example, on both ends of the second fixed terminal body 20a. The second fixed terminal connection pin 20b is mounted on the substrate 21.

[0024] Note that "20c" next to the second fixed terminal connection pin 20b is a connection before separation that is necessary when press-forming the second fixed terminal 20. Therefore, this connection portion 20c does not have a terminal function and can be omitted.

[0025] The second fixed terminal connection pin 20b is drawn out to the outside of the case 11 through an opening 11d formed in the side wall 13 of the case 11. The linking portion 20c is drawn out to the outside of the case 11 through an opening 11e formed in the side wall 13 of the case 11.

[0026] The movable terminal 18 (excluding the spring portion 22) and the second fixed terminal 20 may be assembled by being fixed to the case 11 from the back side, for example. Alternatively, the movable terminal 18 (excluding the spring portion 22) and the second fixed terminal 20 may be insert-molded into the case 11, for example.

[0027] (Contact switching operation of switch device 8) 4(a), when the operating unit 4 is in a neutral position where it is not being operated, the spring portion 22 of the snap action mechanism 23 is not reversed. At this time, the combined force of the tension of the tension portion 27 of the spring portion 22 and the reaction force of the compression portion 28 acts on the movable contact portion 26 in an upward direction in the plane of the drawing. As a result, the movable contact portion 26 of the movable terminal 18 comes into contact with the first fixed terminal 19.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 4(b), assume that the operating unit 4 is rotated in the first operating direction R1 (second operating direction R2) and the pressing portion 31 is pressed. At this time, when the operating unit 4 reaches a specified operating amount, a combined force of the tension and reaction force acts on the movable contact portion 26 in a downward direction in the plane of the drawing. As a result, the movable contact portion 26 moves away from the first fixed terminal 19 and comes into contact with the second fixed terminal 20. In other words, the connection of the movable terminal 18 switches from the first fixed terminal 19 to the second fixed terminal 20.

[0029] Furthermore, when the hand is released from the operating unit 4 after the pressing operation, the spring portion 22 reverses to return to its original state, and the movable contact portion 26 returns to a state in which it is in contact with the first fixed terminal 19. In this way, the contact of the movable contact portion 26 with the first fixed terminal 19 and the second fixed terminal 20 is selectively switched based on the amount of operation of the operating unit 4.

[0030] (Structure of the first fixed terminal 19) 3, the first fixed terminal 19 in this example is formed as a separate part from, for example, the cover 12. For example, when the opening 10 is closed by the cover 12, the first fixed terminal 19 is positioned inside the case 11 by the cover 12. Specifically, the first fixed terminal 19 is positioned by being pressed from above by the cover 12 during assembly.

[0031] The first fixed terminal connection pin 19b is bent in advance in a direction along the mounting surface 34 of the substrate 21 before the first fixed terminal 19 is assembled to the case 11. In this way, the first fixed terminal connection pin 19b is bent in advance. In this example, the first fixed terminal connection pin 19b protrudes horizontally (in the XY-axis plane direction in FIG. 3) relative to the mounting surface 34 of the substrate 21. Therefore, the first fixed terminal 19 is assembled and fixed to the case 11 with the first fixed terminal connection pin 19b bent in advance.

[0032] (Structure of groove portion 33) 5 and 6, the groove 33 is provided to allow the first fixed terminal connection pin 19b to pass through when the first fixed terminal 19 is assembled. In this example, the groove 33 is provided on both of the pair of side walls 13. The groove 33 has a guide groove 37 that allows the first fixed terminal connection pin 19b to pass through when the first fixed terminal 19 is assembled. The guide groove 37 is formed, for example, in a tapered shape such that the groove width narrows in the assembly direction of the first fixed terminal 19 (the direction of arrow A1 in FIG. 6). In this way, at least a portion of the groove 33 is formed in a tapered shape.

[0033] The groove portion 33 has a notched groove 38 that serves as a space for arranging the first fixed terminal connection pin 19b of the first fixed terminal 19 after assembly to the case 11 is completed. The notched groove 38 is formed, for example, at the lower end of the guide groove 37 so as to communicate with the guide groove 37. The groove portion 33 (the guide groove 37 and the notched groove 38) is formed in a band from the upper end to the lower end of the side wall 13 of the case 11.

[0034] (Measures to prevent foreign matter from entering the groove 33) As shown in FIG. 6 , the cover 12 has a protruding wall 39 that fits into at least a portion of the groove 33 when the cover 12 is assembled to the case 11. The protruding wall 39 is formed to protrude from the rear edge of the cover 12 toward the case 11. A pair of protruding walls 39 is provided to form a pair with each groove 33. The protruding wall 39 fits into at least a portion of the groove 33, thereby preventing foreign matter from entering the housing 9 from the groove 33. The protruding wall 39 in this example is formed in a shape that fits into the guide groove 37 of the groove 33. In this case, the protruding wall 39 is formed in a tapered shape that matches the shape of the guide groove 37.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 7 , the switch device 8 includes a restriction wall 40 disposed on the rear surface of the groove portion 33 inside the case 11. In this example, two restriction walls 40 are provided to form pairs with the pair of groove portions 33. In this example, the restriction walls 40 are erected on the case 11 so as to cover, for example, a portion of the lower end of the guide groove 37 and the entire cutout groove 38 from the rear surface. The restriction wall 40 partitions the groove portion 33 (guide groove 37, cutout groove 38) from the interior of the case 11, thereby preventing foreign matter from entering the interior of the case 11 through the groove portion 33.

[0036] (arrangement of connection pins) 6, the movable terminal connection pins 18b and the second fixed terminal connection pins 20b are provided so as to protrude in the same direction (horizontal direction) as the first fixed terminal connection pins 19b. That is, the protruding directions of the movable terminal connection pins 18b and the second fixed terminal connection pins 20b are set so as to protrude in the same direction as the bent first fixed terminal connection pins 19b. This makes it possible to use a surface mounting method for mounting the switch device 8 on the substrate 21.

[0037] In this example, the linking portions 18c and 20c are also formed to protrude in the same direction (horizontal direction) as the first fixed terminal connection pin 19b, so that the movable terminal connection pin 18b, the first fixed terminal connection pin 19b, the second fixed terminal connection pin 20b, and the linking portions 18c and 20c are all located on the same plane.

[0038] (Press-fit structure of first fixed terminal 19) As shown in FIG. 8, the switch device 8 includes a press-fit mechanism 43 that temporarily fixes the first fixed terminal 19 to the case 11 by press-fitting. The press-fit mechanism 43 of this example has a press-fit portion 44 formed in the groove portion 33 of the case 11. The press-fit portion 44 of this example is disposed in the groove portion 33 and is arranged alongside the guide groove 37. The press-fit portion 44 is a recessed portion into which the base end 19c of the first fixed terminal main body 19a is inserted, and has a pair of first uneven portions 45 on opposing surfaces. The first uneven portions 45 have a predetermined uneven shape.

[0039] The press-fit mechanism 43 has a pair of second uneven portions 46 on the base end 19c of the first fixed terminal 19. The second uneven portions 46 are provided on each side surface of the base end 19c, and are formed in a shape in which the unevenness is staggered relative to the first uneven portions 45. The press-fit mechanism 43 temporarily fixes the first fixed terminal 19 to the case 11 by press-fitting the base end 19c of the first fixed terminal body 19a into the press-fit portions 44 formed in the case 11. That is, the first fixed terminal 19 is No. 2 Uneven part 46 Case 11 No. 1 Uneven part 45The connector is temporarily fixed to the case 11 by being press-fitted into the case 11.

[0040] (How to temporarily fasten the cover 12 to the case 11) 9, the switch device 8 includes a temporary fastening portion 48 that temporarily fastens the cover 12, which is attached to the case 11 so as to close the opening 10, to the case 11. The temporary fastening portion 48 in this example has, for example, a plurality of crushing ribs 49 formed on the side surface of the engagement portion 15 of the case 11.

[0041] The crushing ribs 49 in this example are provided to provide a reference for the device width direction (Y-axis direction in FIG. 9) and the device length direction (X-axis direction in FIG. 9) of the case 11. Specifically, the crushing ribs 49 have a pair of first crushing ribs 49a that provide a reference for the device width direction of the case 11, and a pair of second crushing ribs 49b that provide a reference for the device length direction of the case 11. The cover 12 is temporarily fixed to the case 11 by the crushing ribs 49, and then is permanently fixed by welding (for example, laser welding).

[0042] (Pressing of the first fixed terminal 19 by the cover 12) As shown in Figure 10, the cover 12 has crushable and deformable ribs 50 on the back surface thereof that press down on the first fixed terminal 19 from above when the cover 12 is temporarily fixed to the case 11. In this example, three ribs 50 are provided. The ribs 50 press down on the first fixed terminal 19 from above when the cover 12 is temporarily fixed to the case 11. It is sufficient for the ribs 50 to be able to position the first fixed terminal 19 until the cover 12 is welded to the case 11, for example.

[0043] (Detailed shape of the second fixed terminal 20) 11 and 12, the second fixed terminal 20 has a fixed contact portion 53 formed by processing a part of the second fixed terminal 20 as a portion with which the movable terminal 18 comes into contact. The second fixed terminal 20 comes into contact with the movable contact portion 26 of the movable terminal 18 at the fixed contact portion 53. The fixed contact portion 53 is formed by processing the base material of the second fixed terminal 20 by cutting and bending.

[0044] 11, the fixed contact portion 53 is formed in a shape that protrudes in a curved manner from the base portion 54 of the second fixed terminal body 20a toward the movable terminal 18. The fixed contact portion 53 is also formed in a shape that describes an arch when viewed from the side (the Y-axis direction in FIG. 11). The second fixed terminal 20 has a notch hole 55 below the fixed contact portion 53.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 13, the movable contact portion 26 has a first surface 58 that contacts the first fixed terminal 19. The first surface 58 has, for example, a plurality of grooves 59 that intersect with each other. In this example, the groove 59 has a groove 59a that extends in the device width direction (the Y-axis direction in FIG. 13) and a groove 59b that intersects with groove 59a. The groove 59 is, for example, a cross groove in which grooves 59a and 59b intersect at right angles. The groove 59 is, for example, arranged so that a groove intersection K1 is offset from the center of the first surface 58. The first surface 58 has, for example, a curved surface.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 14, the movable contact portion 26 has a second surface 60 that contacts the second fixed terminal 20. The second surface 60 is, for example, the surface opposite the first surface 58, i.e., the back surface of the movable contact portion 26. The second surface 60 has, for example, a plurality of grooves 61 that intersect with each other. In this example, the groove 61 has a groove 61a that extends in the device width direction (the Y-axis direction in FIG. 14) and a groove 61b that intersects with the groove 61a. The groove 61 is, for example, a cross groove in which the grooves 61a and 61b intersect at right angles. The groove 61 is, for example, arranged so that a groove intersection K2 coincides with the center of the second surface 60. The second surface 60 has, for example, a curved surface.

[0047] (Electrical configuration of switch unit 1) 15, the switch unit 1 includes a control unit 80 that detects operation of the operating part 4 based on the output of the switch device 8. The control unit 80 is connected to a first switch device 8a that detects operation of the operating part 4 in a first operation direction R1, and a second switch device 8b that detects operation of the operating part 4 in a second operation direction R2. The control unit 80 in this example is connected to the first switch device 8a and the second switch device 8b by a plurality of first to fourth ports P1 to P4.

[0048] Specifically, in the first switch device 8a, the movable terminal connection pin 18b is connected to the first port P1, the first fixed terminal connection pin 19b is connected to the fourth port P4, and the second fixed terminal connection pin 20b is connected to the second port P2. In the second switch device 8b, the movable terminal connection pin 18b is connected to the third port P3, the first fixed terminal connection pin 19b is connected to the second port P2, and the second fixed terminal connection pin 20b is connected to the fourth port P4.

[0049] 16, when the operating unit 4 is in the neutral position, the movable terminals 18 of the first switch device 8a and the second switch device 8b are both connected to the first fixed terminal 19, so that the first port P1 is connected to the fourth port P4 and the second port P2 is connected to the fourth port P4. When the control unit 80 detects this connected state, it determines that the operating unit 4 is in the neutral position.

[0050] When the operating unit 4 is operated in the first operating direction R1 to take the first operating position, of the first switch device 8a and the second switch device 8b, the movable terminal 18 of only the first switch device 8a switches connection from the first fixed terminal 19 to the second fixed terminal 20. Therefore, when the operating unit 4 is operated to the first operating position, the first port P1, the second port P2, and the third port P3 are connected. When the control unit 80 detects this connected state, it determines that the operating unit 4 has been operated to the first operating position. Therefore, this operation is detected as an ON operation of the electric parking brake switch 2.

[0051] When the operating unit 4 is operated in the second operating direction R2 to take the second operating position, of the first switch device 8a and the second switch device 8b, the movable terminal 18 of only the second switch device 8b switches connection from the first fixed terminal 19 to the second fixed terminal 20. Therefore, when the operating unit 4 is operated to the second operating position, the first port P1, the third port P3, and the fourth port P4 are connected. When the control unit 80 detects this connected state, it determines that the operating unit 4 has been operated to the second operating position. Therefore, this operation is detected as an OFF operation of the electric parking brake switch 2.

[0052] (Operation of the embodiment) Next, the operation of the switch device 8 of this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 17(a), when forming the fixed contact portion 53, first, a workpiece 85 formed by, for example, pressing is prepared as the base material of the second fixed terminal 20. Then, two slits 86 are made parallel to each other in the workpiece 85. Next, as shown in FIG. 17(b), while a pair of support portions 87 located on both sides of the slit 86 are held down with a jig (not shown), the area between the slits 86 is pressed upward from the back surface and bent. As a result, the fixed contact portion 53 protruding in a curved shape is formed in the center of the workpiece 85.

[0053] In this way, the fixed contact portion 53 of the second fixed terminal 20 is formed by cutting a notch in the base material of the second fixed terminal 20 and bending it. That is, the fixed contact portion 53 of the second fixed terminal 20 is formed by stamping out the base material of the second fixed terminal 20 to form a contact. This makes it possible to use the base material of the second fixed terminal 20 itself as a contact, eliminating the need to use a rivet as a separate member as a contact. This allows for a simplified device configuration of the switch device 8.

[0054] Furthermore, the support portions 87 are set to the minimum width W1 that allows them to be pressed down with a jig in order to reduce the size of the second fixed terminal 20. This makes it possible to both reduce the size of the second fixed terminal 20 and enable the support portions 87 to be pressed down with a jig. In particular, if the widths W2 of the rivet (movable contact portion 26) and the fixed contact portion 53, which have the minimum diameter, are made substantially the same, and the pair of support portions 87 are set to the minimum width W1, the second fixed terminal 20 becomes sufficiently small.

[0055] 18 and 19, intersecting grooves 61 are provided on the second surface 60 of the movable contact portion 26, so that there can be multiple contact points T2 when the movable contact portion 26 comes into contact with the fixed contact portion 53. In other words, it becomes possible to have multiple contact points between the second fixed terminal 20 and the movable contact portion 26. Note that the contact points T2 are, for example, corners of the boundaries between the surface of the second surface 60 of the movable contact portion 26 and the grooves 61.

[0056] In this way, by making the movable contact portion 26 and the fixed contact portion 53 contact at multiple points, it becomes possible to create multiple patterns of contact when the movable contact portion 26 contacts the fixed contact portion 53. As a result, the contact portion of the movable contact portion 26 and the fixed contact portion 53 does not need to be fixed at one point. This reduces the possibility of poor conductivity occurring between the movable contact portion 26 and the fixed contact portion 53, which contributes to improving robustness.

[0057] Furthermore, since the second surface 60 of the movable contact portion 26 is curved, when the second surface 60 of the movable contact portion 26 comes into contact with the fixed contact portion 53, the movable contact portion 26 can slide on the fixed contact portion 53. Therefore, even if an adhesion layer such as an oxide film is formed on at least one of the movable contact portion 26 and the fixed contact portion 53, it can be removed by sliding.

[0058] 20 and 21, intersecting grooves 59 are provided on the first surface 58 of the movable contact portion 26, so that even when the movable contact portion 26 comes into contact with the first fixed terminal 19, multi-point contact is possible, whereby contact is made at multiple contact points T1. Therefore, even when the movable contact portion 26 comes into contact with the first fixed terminal 19, the possibility of poor conduction occurring is reduced, which contributes to improved robustness.

[0059] Furthermore, since the first surface 58 of the movable contact portion 26 is also curved, even when the first surface 58 of the movable contact portion 26 comes into contact with the first fixed terminal 19, the movable contact portion 26 can slide on the first fixed terminal 19. Therefore, even if an adhesion layer such as an oxide film is formed on at least one of the first fixed terminal 19 and the movable contact portion 26, it can be removed by sliding.

[0060] (Effects of the embodiment) According to the switch device 8 of the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) The switch device 8 includes a movable terminal 18, a first fixed terminal 19, and a second fixed terminal 20. The movable terminal 18 has a snap action mechanism 23 in which a spring portion 22 is reversed based on an operation of the operating unit 4 by a user. The movable terminal 18 comes into contact with the first fixed terminal 19 when the spring portion 22 is not reversed. The movable terminal 18 comes into contact with the second fixed terminal 20 when the spring portion 22 is reversed when the operating unit 4 reaches a specified operation amount. The second fixed terminal 20 has a fixed contact portion 53 formed by processing a part of the second fixed terminal 20 as a portion with which the movable terminal 18 comes into contact.

[0061] According to this configuration, the fixed contact portion 53 is formed by processing a portion of the second fixed terminal 20, so there is no need to prepare the fixed contact portion 53 as a separate part. This makes it possible to reduce the number of parts required for the fixed contact portion 53, and therefore to keep the number of parts of the switch device 8 small. This simplifies the device configuration of the switch device 8.

[0062] (2) The second fixed terminal 20 has a second fixed terminal body 20a having a fixed contact portion 53 and a second fixed terminal connection pin 20b formed at an end of the second fixed terminal body 20a. The fixed contact portion 53 is formed in a curved shape that protrudes from a base portion 54 of the second fixed terminal body 20a toward the movable terminal 18.

[0063] According to this configuration, when the movable terminal 18 comes into contact with the fixed contact portion 53, the fixed contact portion 53 is deformed in a crushing manner, so that the movable terminal 18 can slide relative to the fixed contact portion 53. Therefore, even if an adhesion layer such as an oxide film is formed on at least one of the movable terminal 18 and the fixed contact portion 53, it can be removed by sliding.

[0064] (3) The movable terminal 18 has a button-shaped movable contact portion 26 that is the portion that comes into contact with the first fixed terminal 19 and the second fixed terminal 20. The movable contact portion 26 has a first surface 58 that comes into contact with the first fixed terminal 19 and a second surface 60 that comes into contact with the second fixed terminal 20. The second surface 60 is the surface opposite the first surface 58. At least one of the first surface 58 and the second surface 60 has a plurality of grooves 59 that intersect with each other.

[0065] According to this configuration, the corners on both sides of the groove 59 become the contact points T1 (T2) with the first fixed terminal 19 (second fixed terminal 20). This makes it possible for the movable contact portion 26 to come into contact with the first fixed terminal 19 (second fixed terminal 20) at multiple points. This makes it possible to create multiple patterns of contact between the movable contact portion 26 and the first fixed terminal 19 (second fixed terminal 20). This reduces the possibility of poor conductivity occurring during contact, thereby improving robustness.

[0066] (4) At least one of the first surface 58 and the second surface 60 has a curved surface. With this configuration, when the movable contact portion 26 comes into contact with the fixed contact portion 53, the curved surface of the first surface 58 (second surface 60) of the movable contact portion 26 makes it easier for the movable contact portion 26 to slide on the fixed contact portion 53. Therefore, even if an adhesion layer such as an oxide film is formed on at least one of the movable contact portion 26 and the fixed contact portion 53, it can be removed by sliding.

[0067] (5) The first fixed terminal 19 has a first fixed terminal connection pin 19b mounted on the electrically connected substrate 21. The second fixed terminal 20 has a second fixed terminal connection pin 20b mounted on the substrate 21. The movable terminal 18 has a movable terminal connection pin 18b mounted on the substrate 21. The movable terminal connection pin 18b, the first fixed terminal connection pin 19b, and the second fixed terminal connection pin 20b are formed to protrude in the same direction along the mounting surface 34 of the substrate 21.

[0068] This configuration makes it possible to use a planar mounting method for mounting on the mounting surface 34 of the substrate 21. This improves the degree of freedom in mounting. Furthermore, coplanarity with respect to the mounting surface 34 can also be improved.

[0069] (Other embodiments) This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0070] The first fixed terminal 19 does not necessarily have to be a separate component from the cover 12, but may be an integral component with the cover 12. The first fixed terminal 19 is not limited to a shape having connection pins on both sides, but may have a shape having connection pins on only one side.

[0071] The first fixed terminal connection pin 19b is not limited to a substantially L-shape, but may be shaped to extend linearly laterally from the base end 19c, for example. The first fixed terminal 19 does not necessarily have to be press-fitted into the case 11 at the base end 19c, but may be press-fitted at other locations, such as the main body or the connection pin.

[0072] The first fixed terminal 19 does not necessarily have to have the first fixed terminal connection pin 19b bent in advance. For example, the first fixed terminal connection pin 19b may be bent after the housing 9 is assembled.

[0073] The movable contact portion 26 is not limited to a rivet, but may be a portion formed by processing a part of the plate material of the movable terminal 18. The fixed contact portion 53 is not limited to an arch shape with both ends connected to the base portion 54, but may have any shape that protrudes toward the movable terminal 18.

[0074] The fixed contact portion 53 may be formed, for example, only by pressing a base material. In this way, various methods can be applied to form the fixed contact portion 53. The groove shape of the fixed contact portion 53 is not limited to a cross shape, but may be any shape in which a plurality of grooves 59 intersect.

[0075] The number of grooves 59 may be three or more. The grooves 59 may be formed on only one of the first surface 58 and the second surface 60. The first surface 58 and the second surface 60 are not limited to being curved surfaces, and may be flat surfaces, for example.

[0076] The movable terminal 18 may be any member having a snap action mechanism 23. The shape of the guide groove 37 (groove portion 33) is not limited to a tapered shape, and may be changed to another shape, such as a linear shape.

[0077] The groove portion 33 may have a structure that includes only the guide groove 37, for example. The groove 33 may have a shape that does not include the press-fit portion 44. In other words, the press-fit mechanism 43 may be omitted.

[0078] The projecting wall 39 may be shaped to cover the entire groove 33 . The restricting wall 40 may be formed on the cover 12 instead of the case 11 . The height of the restricting wall 40 may be changed as needed.

[0079] The cover 12 may be made up of multiple parts, and the first fixed terminal 19 may be positioned by one of the parts. The movable terminal 18, the first fixed terminal 19, and the second fixed terminal 20 may be formed from a single metal plate by press working or the like.

[0080] The method of mounting the contacts on the substrate 21 is not limited to the planar mounting method, but may be, for example, a through-hole mounting method. The switch device 8 is not limited to being used in an electric parking brake, but may also be used in other devices or equipment.

[0081] The switch device 8 is not limited to being used in a vehicle, but may also be used in other devices, equipment, and systems. While the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to those embodiments or structures. The present disclosure also encompasses various modifications and equivalent modifications. In addition, various combinations and forms, including only one element, more than one element, or less than one element, are also within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 4...operating portion, 8...switch device, 10...opening, 11...case, 12...cover, 18...movable terminal, 18b...connecting pin for movable terminal, 22...spring portion, 23...snap action mechanism, 19...first fixed terminal, 19a...first fixed terminal main body, 19b...connecting pin for first fixed terminal, 20...second fixed terminal, 20a...second fixed terminal main body, 20b...connecting pin for second fixed terminal, 21...substrate, 26...movable contact portion, 34...mounting surface, 53...fixed contact portion, 54...base, 58...first surface, 59...groove, 60...second surface, 61...groove.

Claims

1. A switch device comprising: a movable terminal having a snap action mechanism in which a spring part is reversed based on an operation of an operating part by a user; a first fixed terminal with which the movable terminal comes into contact when the spring part is not reversed; and a second fixed terminal with which the movable terminal comes into contact due to the reversal of the spring part when the operating part reaches a specified operation amount, the second fixed terminal has a fixed contact portion formed by processing a part of the second fixed terminal as a portion with which the movable terminal comes into contact, A switch device, wherein the second fixed terminal includes a pair of support portions located on both sides of the fixed contact portion.

2. the second fixed terminal has a second fixed terminal body having the fixed contact portion, and a second fixed terminal connection pin formed at an end of the second fixed terminal body, 2. The switch device according to claim 1, wherein the fixed contact portion is formed in a curved shape that protrudes from a base of the second fixed terminal body toward the movable contact portion of the movable terminal.

3. the movable terminal has a button-shaped movable contact portion that comes into contact with the first fixed terminal and the second fixed terminal, the movable contact portion has a first surface that contacts the first fixed terminal and a second surface that is a surface opposite to the first surface and contacts the second fixed terminal, At least one of the first surface and the second surface has a plurality of grooves that intersect with each other. The switch device according to claim 1 .

4. At least one of the first surface and the second surface is formed into a curved surface. The switch device according to claim 3 .

5. the first fixed terminal has a first fixed terminal connection pin mounted on a substrate to be electrically connected; the second fixed terminal has a second fixed terminal connection pin mounted on the substrate, the movable terminal has a movable terminal connection pin mounted on the substrate, The movable terminal connection pin, the first fixed terminal connection pin, and the second fixed terminal connection pin are formed to protrude in the same direction along the mounting surface of the board. The switch device according to claim 1 .

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