Press switch device

Abstract

A press switch device allowing for continuous pressing and rotating operations and having a simple structure, comprising: an operation body, provided with an operation part allowing for a pressing operation, and capable of ascending and descending in a first direction; a driven member, provided with a through hole, and capable of rotating around an axis parallel to the first direction when the operation body ascends and descends; a housing, accommodating parts of the driven member and the operation body therein; a reset spring, arranged between the housing and the operation body, and providing the operation body with a restoring force in an opposite direction to the pressing operation; a movable contact, arranged at the bottom of the driven member; and a fixed contact, arranged on the housing and opposite to the movable contact. The driven member is provided with a linkage column protruding from the side wall of the through hole towards part of the operation body, the operation body is provided with a guide part, and the guide part is in contact with the linkage column when the operation body ascends and descends in the first direction, so as to convert the pressing force in the first direction into the force in the circumferential direction around the axis, so that the driven member rotates around the axis, and the contact position between the movable contact and the fixed contact is changed.

Description

Push switch device Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a push switch device that can rotate a follower and perform contact switching when an operating body is pressed, and in particular to a push switch device in which an operating body is alternately maintained at different heights when a pressing operation is repeated. Background Art

[0002] Conventional push-button switch devices have numerous components. For example, the push-button switch device disclosed in Patent Document 1 comprises 11 components, including a housing, an operating body, a cam follower, an elastic member, an actuating member, a return spring, a thin plate, a mounting plate, a movable contact, a fixed contact, and an anti-slip portion (annular member). The housing has a hollow interior, the operating body can be raised and lowered along the axis (up and down), the cam follower can be raised and lowered along the axis as the operating body is raised and lowered, and can rotate in a circumferential direction. The elastic member is sandwiched between the operating body and the cam follower, the actuating member is splined to the cam follower and can rotate integrally therewith, the return spring is sandwiched between the cam follower and the actuating member, the thin plate rotatably supports the actuating member and covers the lower open end of the housing, and the mounting plate is mounted so as to hold the housing and the thin plate.

[0003] Patent Document 1: CN101377982A

[0004] However, such a push switch device not only has a large number of components but also has complex connections between them. As a result, many steps are required to assemble such a push switch device, resulting in low production costs and assembly efficiency.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problem, and provides a push switch device which can perform a continuous push-and-turn operation and has a simple structure.

[0007] The push switch device of the present invention is characterized by comprising: an operating body having an operating portion capable of being pressed and operable to be raised and lowered in a first direction when pressed; a follower having a through-hole into which a portion of the operating body is inserted and capable of rotating about an axis parallel to the first direction when the operating body is raised and lowered; a housing internally accommodating the follower and a portion of the operating body; a return spring disposed between the housing and the operating body and providing a restoring force to the operating body in a direction opposite to the pressing operation; a movable contact disposed at a bottom of the follower; and a fixed contact disposed in the housing and opposed to the movable contact, the follower having an interlocking post protruding from a side wall of the through-hole toward a portion of the operating body; the operating body having a guide portion that contacts the interlocking post when the operating body is raised and lowered in the first direction, thereby converting a pressing force in the first direction into a force in a circumferential direction about the axis, thereby rotating the follower about the axis and changing the contact position between the movable contact and the fixed contact.

[0008] The push-button switch device of the present invention achieves continuous push-and-turn operation simply by driving the linked post of the follower through the guide portion of the operating body. Compared to conventional push-button switch devices, the number of components is significantly reduced, the structure of the operating body and follower is simpler, and the production cost of components is reduced. Furthermore, fewer assembly steps are required, improving the production efficiency of the push-button switch device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG1 is a front view of a push switch device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the push switch device viewed from obliquely above.

[0011] FIG3 is a perspective view of the push switch device as viewed obliquely from below.

[0012] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the push switch device.

[0013] FIG5 is a perspective view of a movable contact and a fixed contact.

[0014] FIG6 is a top view of the operating body.

[0015] FIG7 is a top view of the follower.

[0016] FIG8 is a perspective view of a portion of a follower.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a front view of the follower.

[0018] FIG10 is a front view of the operating body.

[0019] FIG11 is a perspective view of the housing.

[0020] FIG12 is a top view of the housing.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relative positional relationship between the operating body and the follower in the first state.

[0022] FIG14 is a bottom view of the operating body and the follower in the first state.

[0023] FIG15 is a front view of the push switch device in the second state.

[0024] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the relative positional relationship between the operating body and the follower in the second state.

[0025] FIG17 is a front view of the push switch device in a third state.

[0026] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the relative positional relationship between the operating body and the follower in the third state.

[0027] FIG19 is a front view showing the relative positions of the movable contact and the fixed contact in the first state.

[0028] FIG. 20 is a plan view showing the relative positions of the movable contact and the fixed contact in the first state.

[0029] FIG21 is a front view showing the relative position of the movable contact and the fixed contact in the third state.

[0030] FIG22 is a plan view showing the relative positions of the movable contact and the fixed contact in the third state.

[0031] Reference numerals

[0032] 1 Push switch device, 2 operating body, 2a bottom surface, 21 operating portion, 22 guide portion, 22a upper surface, 23 connecting portion, 24 first cam, 241 upper tooth, 241a first side, 241b second side, 241c upper tooth root, 25 second cam, 251 lower tooth, 251a third side, 251b fourth side, 251c lower tooth root, 251c1 first lower tooth root, 251c2 second lower tooth root, 26 third protrusion, 3 follower, 31 through hole, 32 linkage column, 33 upper portion, 34 lower portion, 3 5 Step surface, 36 First protrusion, 37 Second protrusion, 4 Housing, 41 Engaging protrusion, 42 Stop surface, 43 Bottom protrusion ring, 5 Return spring, 6 Movable contact, 61 First contact portion, 62 Second contact portion, 7 Fixed contact, 71 First fixed contact, 71a First external terminal, 72 Second fixed contact, 72a Second external terminal, 73 Third fixed contact, 73a Third external terminal, 73b Fourth external terminal, 8 Cover, 81 Top surface, 81a Opening, 82 Side wall, 82a Engaging opening, L axis, S space DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Next, the overall structure of the push switch device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0034] Figure 1 is a front view of a push switch device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the push switch device 1 as viewed from obliquely above. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the push switch device 1 as viewed from obliquely below. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the push switch device 1. Figure 5 is a perspective view of movable contact 6 and fixed contact 7 in Figure 2. Figures 1 to 5 illustrate the positions of the various components in the first state (free state) of the push switch device 1, when no pressure is applied.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5 , a push switch device 1 of the present invention includes an operating body 2 , a follower 3 , a housing 4 , a return spring 5 , a movable contact 6 , a fixed contact 7 , and a cover 8 .

[0036] The operating body 2 is formed from a synthetic resin material. As shown in Figure 4 , the operating body 2 includes a push-operated operating portion 21. When the operating portion 21 is pushed downward, the operating body 2 can be raised and lowered in the vertical direction (first direction). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4 , the operating body 2 includes a guide portion 22 that guides the rotation of the follower 3, and a connecting portion 23 located between the operating portion 21 and the guide portion 22.

[0037] Figure 6 is a top view of the operating body 2. In top view, the operating portion 21 is a roughly square shape, the connecting portion 23 is a roughly square shape with four chamfered corners and a side length greater than the side length of the operating portion 21, and the guide portion 22 is a roughly circular shape, with the circular outer periphery of the guide portion 22 overlapping the chamfered arcuate outer periphery of the connecting portion 23.

[0038] The follower 3 is formed of a synthetic resin material having excellent sliding properties. As shown in FIG4 , the follower 3 has a through hole 31 for inserting a portion of the operating body 2 and can rotate around an axis L parallel to the vertical direction when the operating body 2 is raised or lowered.

[0039] More specifically, when push switch device 1 is not being pressed, guide portion 22 is fully inserted into through-hole 31, while connector 23 is partially inserted into through-hole 31 (see FIG1 ). During the process of pressing push switch device 1, as operating body 2 moves up and down, at least a portion of connector 23 can enter through-hole 31 of follower 3 (see FIG15 ).

[0040] The housing 4 is formed of a synthetic resin material and has a bottomed hollow shape. The housing 4 accommodates the follower 3 and a portion of the operating body 2 accommodated in the through hole 31 .

[0041] Return spring 5 is a coil spring provided between housing 4 and operating body 2 , and provides an upward restoring force (ie, a direction opposite to the pressing operation) to operating body 2 .

[0042] Movable contact 6 is provided at the bottom of follower 3. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, movable contact 6 is a generally annular metal member fixed to the bottom of follower 3, for example, by thermal caulking. Movable contact 6 has a first contact portion 61 and a second contact portion 62 that protrude toward fixed contact 7.

[0043] The fixed contact 7 is insert-molded into the housing 4 and is located opposite the movable contact 6. The fixed contact 7 is a metal component and, as shown in Figure 5, includes a first fixed contact 71, a second fixed contact 72, and a third fixed contact 73. The first fixed contact 71 has a first external terminal 71a extending outward, the second fixed contact 72 has a second external terminal 72a extending outward, and the third fixed contact 73 has a third external terminal 73a and a fourth external terminal 73b extending outward.

[0044] The cover 8 is disposed outside the housing 4. As shown in FIG4 , the cover 8 has a substantially square top surface 81 that covers the upper surface of the housing 4. An opening 81a is provided on the top surface 81 of the cover 8. The portion of the operating body 2 not inserted into the through hole 31 (the operating portion 21 and the connecting portion 23) is exposed through the opening 81a. In addition, as shown in FIG4 , the cover 8 also has four side walls 82 extending downward from the four sides of the top surface 81. A snap-fit ​​opening 82a is formed on at least one of the side walls 82. The snap-fit ​​opening 82a engages with the snap-fit ​​protrusion 41 formed on the side wall of the housing 4, thereby achieving relative fixation between the cover 8 and the housing 4.

[0045] Furthermore, the cross-section of the connecting portion 23 of the operating body 2 is formed into a non-circular shape that is substantially the same as the opening shape of the opening portion 81a. For example, in this embodiment, the cross-section of the connecting portion 23 and the opening shape of the opening portion 81a are substantially the same in the positive direction (see FIG6 ). The non-circular shape herein may also include other polygonal shapes such as a triangle, a pentagon, or a hexagon. This structure prevents the operating body 2 from rotating about the axis L.

[0046] Furthermore, when operating body 2 is not pressed, upper surface 22a of guide portion 22 (see FIG. 6 ) abuts vertically against a portion of top surface 81 of cover 8 near opening 81a, thereby defining the height of the portion of operating body 2 exposed from cover 8. Thus, when operating body 2 is not pressed, cover 8 restricts upward movement and escape of operating body 2.

[0047] Figure 7 is a top view of the follower 3. As shown in Figure 7, the follower 3 has two linkage columns 32 that protrude from the side wall of the through hole 31 toward the center of the circle. In the assembled state, the linkage columns 32 protrude from the side wall of the through hole 31 toward the side of the inserted guide portion 22. Figure 8 is a three-dimensional view of a portion of the follower 3. In order to facilitate observation of the shape of the linkage columns 32, a portion of the follower 3 is cut away along a plane parallel to the axis L in Figure 8. As shown in Figure 8, the linkage column 32 is a columnar body having a cross-section in the shape of a sports track, wherein the straight portion of the sports track is along the up-down direction, and the curved portions are located on the upper and lower sides.

[0048] Figure 9 is a front view of the follower 3. As shown in Figures 7 and 9, the upper surface of the follower 3 is provided with two first protrusions 36 that project upward. The two first protrusions 36 are arranged at positions approximately symmetrical with each other when viewed from above, and each extends in a circumferential direction about the axis L. In addition, the outer side surface of the follower 3 is provided with four second protrusions 37 that project radially outward. The four second protrusions 37 are arranged at positions approximately symmetrical with each other when viewed from above, and each extends in a vertical direction parallel to the axis L.

[0049] The first protrusion 36 is used to limit the shaking of the follower 3 housed in the housing 4 along the axis L, and can also reduce the contact area between the follower 3 and the housing 8 during rotation, thereby reducing frictional resistance. The second protrusion 37 is used to limit the shaking of the follower 3 in a plane perpendicular to the axis L, and can also reduce the contact area between the follower 3 and the housing 4 during rotation, thereby reducing frictional resistance.

[0050] During the pressing operation of the push switch device 1, when the operating body 2 is raised and lowered in the up and down directions, the guide portion 22 contacts the linkage column 32, and through this contact, the pressing force in the up and down directions is converted into a force in the circumferential direction around the axis L, causing the follower 3 to rotate around the axis L, thereby changing the contact position between the movable contact 6 and the fixed contact 7.

[0051] Figure 10 is a front view of the operating body. As shown in Figure 10, the guide portion 22 includes a first cam 24 and a second cam 25, which are arranged vertically on the outer side of the operating body 2. The first cam 24, located on the side closer to the operating portion 21 (the upper side in Figure 10), has a plurality of upper teeth 241 arranged circumferentially and projecting toward the fixed contact 7 (the lower side in Figure 10). The second cam 25, located on the side closer to the fixed contact 7 (the lower side in Figure 10), has a plurality of lower teeth 251 arranged circumferentially and projecting toward the operating portion 21 (the upper side in Figure 10). The plurality of upper teeth 241 and the plurality of lower teeth 251 are opposed to each other with corresponding concave and convex portions, and a space S is formed between the plurality of upper teeth 241 and the plurality of lower teeth 251 for accommodating the linkage post 32.

[0052] As shown in Figure 10, each upper tooth 241 has a first side 241a extending substantially in the up-down direction and a second side 241b extending in a second direction intersecting the up-down direction. Each lower tooth 251 has a third side 251a extending substantially in the up-down direction and a fourth side 251b extending in a third direction intersecting the up-down direction and the second direction.

[0053] Furthermore, the extending direction of the first side 241a and the extending direction of the third side 251a are not limited to being substantially along the vertical direction. When the vertical spacing and horizontal spacing between the upper teeth 241 and the lower teeth 251, as well as the width of the linkage post 32, are changed, the angle between the extending direction of the first side 241a and the vertical direction will change, and the angle between the extending direction of the third side 251a and the vertical direction will also change.

[0054] The upper tooth root portion 241c formed by the upper end portions of the first side 241a and the second side 241b of the adjacent upper tooth is opposite to the portion of the fourth side 251b close to the upper tooth 241 along the up-down direction, and the lower tooth root portion 251c formed by the lower end portions of the third side 251a and the fourth side 251b of the adjacent lower tooth 251 is opposite to the portion of the second side 241b close to the lower tooth 251 along the up-down direction.

[0055] In addition, the multiple lower tooth root portions 251c of the second cam 25 include a first lower tooth root portion 251c1 with an opening k set between the third side 251a and the fourth side 251b, and a second lower tooth root portion 251c2 formed by connecting the third side 251a and the fourth side 251b. The first lower tooth root portion 251c1 and the second lower tooth root portion 251c2 are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction.

[0056] The opening k of the first lower tooth root 251c1 is set to a width that allows the interlocking post 32 to pass through the opening k in the vertical direction (see FIG14 ). The first lower tooth root 251c1 serves as an entrance for inserting the interlocking post 32 between the upper tooth 241 and the lower tooth 251 during assembly.

[0057] Furthermore, eight third protrusions 26 are provided on the outer sides of the first and second cams 24, 25, projecting radially outward. Four of these protrusions 26 are provided on the outer sides of the upper teeth 241, and four of these protrusions 26 are provided on the outer sides of the lower teeth 251. The plurality of third protrusions 26 are arranged substantially evenly along the circumference when viewed from above, and each extends parallel to the axis L.

[0058] The third protrusion 26 is used to limit the shaking of the operating body 2 in a plane perpendicular to the axis L, and can reduce the contact area between the operating body 2 and the driven member 3 during rotation, thereby reducing friction resistance.

[0059] In addition, as shown in Figure 8, the follower 3 is divided into an upper part 33 close to the operating part 21 and a lower part 34 to which the movable contact 6 is fixed. The outer diameter of the upper part 33 is larger than the outer diameter of the lower part 34, and an annular step surface 35 with a step difference is formed between the outer wall of the upper part 33 and the outer wall of the lower part 34.

[0060] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the housing 4. Figure 12 is a top view of the housing 4. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the inner sidewall of the housing 4 has a stop surface 42 that opposes the stepped surface 35 of the follower 3. This stop surface 42 is used to limit the movement of the follower 3 toward the bottom side of the housing 4. This allows the follower 3 to be positioned downwardly with a simple structure.

[0061] Next, a pressing operation process of the push switch device 1 will be described.

[0062] Figure 1 shows a first state of the push switch device 1, in which the operating body 2 is not being pressed. Figure 13 illustrates the relative positional relationship between the operating body 2 and the follower 3 in the first state. Figure 14 is a bottom view of the operating body and follower in the first state. For ease of illustration, Figures 13 and 14 only show the operating body 2 and the follower 3, and follower 3 is transparent in Figure 13.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 , in the first state, the interlocking column 32 is located in the opening k of the first lower tooth root portion 251 c 1 .

[0064] When the operating body 2 is pressed, it moves downward, and the distance between the second side 241b and the interlocking post 32 gradually decreases, until they come into contact. After contact, as the operating body 2 continues to move downward, the vertical pressing force is converted into a circumferential force on the follower 3 about the axis L, causing the follower 3 to rotate in a clockwise direction when viewed from above.

[0065] When the bottom surface 2a of the operating body 2 (see Figure 10) contacts the bottom protruding ring 43 of the housing 4 (see Figure 12), the push switch device 1 enters the second state (the ultimate push state), and the rotation of the follower 3 stops. Figure 15 is a front view of the push switch device 1 in the second state. Figure 16 shows the relative positional relationship between the operating body 2 and the follower 3 in the second state.

[0066] In this second state, the pressing force applied to the operating body 2 ceases, and the operating body 2 moves upward due to the restoring force of the return spring 5. The distance between the fourth side 251b and the interlocking column 32 gradually decreases, and the operating body 2 contacts the fourth side 251b. After contact, while the operating body 2 continues to move upward, the restoring force provided by the return spring 5 in the vertical direction is converted into a force in the circumferential direction of the follower 3 around the axis L, and the follower 3 begins to rotate in the clockwise circumferential direction when viewed from above. When the interlocking column 32 is located at the second lower tooth root portion 251c2 adjacent to the first lower tooth root portion 251c1 in the direction of rotation of the follower 3, the push switch device 1 enters the third state (locked state), and the rotation of the follower 3 stops. Figure 17 is a front view of the push switch device 1 in the third state. Figure 18 is a diagram showing the relative positional relationship between the operating body 2 and the follower 3 in the third state.

[0067] When the operating body 2 is pressed in this third state, the operating body 2 will move downward, and the distance between the second side 241b and the linkage column 32 will gradually decrease and contact. When the bottom surface 2a of the operating body 2 contacts the bottom convex ring 43 of the shell 4 (refer to Figure 12), the press switch device 1 changes to the above-mentioned second state, and the rotation of the follower 3 stops.

[0068] Next, in the second state, the pressing force on the operating body 2 ceases. Due to the restoring force of the return spring 5, the operating body 2 moves upward, and the distance between the fourth side 251b and the interlocking post 32 gradually decreases, leading to contact. After contact, as the operating body 2 continues to move upward, the vertical restoring force provided by the return spring 5 is converted into a circumferential force on the follower 3 about the axis L, causing the follower 3 to resume its clockwise circumferential rotation in the top view. When the interlocking post 32 is located at the first lower tooth root 251c1, which is adjacent to the second lower tooth root 251c2 in the third state in the rotational direction of the follower 3, the push switch device 1 enters the first state, and rotation of the follower 3 ceases.

[0069] In addition, as shown in Figures 1 and 17, the height of the operating body 2 in the first state is slightly higher than the height of the operating body 2 in the third state. In other words, the portion of the connecting portion 23 exposed from the cover body 8 in the first state is larger than the portion of the connecting portion 23 exposed from the cover body 8 in the second state. This is because when the linkage column 32 is located at the second lower tooth root portion 251c2 in the third state, the contact between the linkage column 32 and the second lower tooth root portion 251c2 restricts the upward movement of the operating body 2. In contrast, when the linkage column 32 is located at the first lower tooth root portion 251c1 in the first state, the linkage column 32 is located in the opening k of the second lower tooth root portion 251c2, and at this time, the upward movement of the operating body 2 is not restricted. Since the height of the operating body 2 in the first state is different from the height of the operating body 2 in the third state, different working states of the push switch device 1 can be identified based on the height of the operating body 2.

[0070] Next, the different operating states of the push switch device 1 are described with reference to Figures 19 to 22. Figure 19 is a front view showing the relative positions of the movable contact 6 and the fixed contact 7 in the first state. Figure 20 is a top view showing the relative positions of the movable contact 6 and the fixed contact 7 in the first state. Figure 21 is a front view showing the relative positions of the movable contact 6 and the fixed contact 7 in the third state. Figure 22 is a top view showing the relative positions of the movable contact 6 and the fixed contact 7 in the third state. For ease of explanation, Figures 19 to 22 only show the movable contact 6 and the fixed contact 7, and other components are omitted.

[0071] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, in the first state, the first contact portion 61 contacts the second fixed contact 72 of the fixed contact 7, and the second contact portion 62 contacts the third fixed contact 73 of the fixed contact 7. Figures 19 and 20 illustrate only one example of the first and second contact portions 61, 62 contacting the fixed contact 7 in the first state. As the follower 3 continues to rotate, the first contact portion 61 may contact other parts of the second fixed contact 72, in which case the second contact portion 62 contacts the third fixed contact 73 of the fixed contact 7. Furthermore, as the follower 3 continues to rotate, the first contact portion 61 may contact the third fixed contact 73, in which case the second contact portion 62 contacts the second fixed contact 72 of the fixed contact 7. In summary, in the first state, it is sufficient that the second and third fixed contacts 72, 73 of the fixed contact 7 are electrically connected via the movable contact 6.

[0072] As shown in Figures 21 and 22, in the third state, the first contact portion 61 contacts the first fixed contact 71 of the fixed contact 7, and the second contact portion 62 contacts the third fixed contact 73 of the fixed contact 7. Figures 21 and 22 illustrate only one example of the first and second contact portions 61, 62 contacting the fixed contact 7 in the third state. As the follower 3 continues to rotate, the first contact portion 61 may contact other parts of the first fixed contact 71, in which case the second contact portion 62 contacts the third fixed contact 73 of the fixed contact 7. Furthermore, as the follower 3 continues to rotate, the first contact portion 61 may contact the third fixed contact 73, in which case the second contact portion 62 contacts the first fixed contact 71 of the fixed contact 7. In summary, in the third state, it is sufficient that the first and third fixed contacts 71, 73 of the fixed contact 7 are electrically connected via the movable contact 6.

[0073] Next, the technical effects of the push switch device 1 of the present invention will be described.

[0074] The push-button switch device 1 of the present invention achieves continuous push-and-turn operation simply by driving the linkage post 32 of the follower 3 via the guide portion 22 of the operating body 2. Compared to conventional push-button switch devices, the number of components is significantly reduced, simplifying the structure of the operating body 2 and follower 3 and reducing component production costs. Furthermore, fewer assembly steps are required, improving assembly efficiency of the push-button switch device 1.

[0075] Furthermore, in the aforementioned push switch device 1, the linkage post 32 is disposed between the plurality of upper teeth 241 of the first cam 24 and the plurality of lower teeth 251 of the second cam. When a pressing force is applied, the upper teeth 241 drive the follower 3 to rotate based on the pressing force, while when no pressing force is applied, the lower teeth 251 drive the follower 3 to rotate based on the restoring force of the return spring 5. In the present invention, the first cam 24 and the second cam 25, which drive the follower 3 to rotate, are both disposed on the operating body 2. Compared to disposing the first and second cams on separate components, this reduces assembly tolerances, ensures the relative positional accuracy between the first and second cams 24, 25, and facilitates a more stable and smooth pressing operation.

[0076] Since the upper tooth root 241c is opposite to the portion of the fourth side 251b close to the upper teeth 241, and the lower tooth root 251c is opposite to the portion of the second side 241b close to the lower teeth 251, continuous rotation of the follower 3 caused by the descent and ascent of the operating body 2 can be achieved.

[0077] (Other Modifications)

[0078] The above embodiment is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited thereto. For the above embodiment, those skilled in the art can appropriately add, delete, or change the design of the constituent elements, and appropriately combine the features of each embodiment. As long as they possess the technical concept of the present invention, they are all included in the scope of the present invention.

[0079] For example, in the above embodiment, the cross-section of the connecting portion 23 of the operating body 2 located at the opening 81a is formed into a non-circular shape that is substantially the same as the opening shape of the opening 81a, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the cross-section of the connecting portion 23 of the operating body 2 and the opening shape of the opening 81a can both be formed into circular shapes, and the connecting portion 23 and the opening 81a can be provided with a specific shape that can engage with each other, thereby also preventing the operating body 2 from rotating about the axis L.

Claims

1. A push switch device, characterized in that: include: An operating body having an operating portion that can be pressed and operated, and can be raised and lowered along a first direction when pressed; A follower having a through hole for inserting a part of the operating body, and capable of rotating around an axis parallel to the first direction when the operating body is raised or lowered; A housing, accommodating the follower and a portion of the operating body; A return spring, disposed between the housing and the operating body, and providing a restoring force to the operating body in a direction opposite to the pressing operation; A movable contact point is arranged at the bottom of the follower; as well as A fixed contact is disposed on the housing and is opposite to the movable contact. The follower has a linkage column protruding from the side wall of the through hole toward a part of the operating body, and the operating body has a guide portion. When the operating body is lifted or lowered along the first direction, the guide portion contacts the linkage column, and through this contact, the pressing force along the first direction is converted into a force in the circumferential direction around the axis, so that the follower rotates around the axis, and the contact position between the movable contact and the fixed contact changes.

2. The push switch device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide portion includes a first cam and a second cam arranged on the outer side surface of the operating body along the first direction, the first cam is close to the side of the operating portion, and has a plurality of upper teeth arranged along the circumferential direction and protruding toward the side of the fixed contact, the second cam is close to the side of the fixed contact, and has a plurality of lower teeth arranged along the circumferential direction and protruding toward the side of the operating portion, the plurality of upper teeth and the plurality of lower teeth are opposite to each other in a concave-convex corresponding manner, and a space for accommodating the linkage column is formed between the plurality of upper teeth and the plurality of lower teeth.

3. The push switch device according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each of the upper teeth has a first side extending along the first direction and a second side extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and each of the lower teeth has a third side extending along the first direction and a third side extending along a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction. The fourth side, An upper tooth root portion formed by the ends of the first and second sides away from the lower teeth is opposite to a portion of the fourth side close to the upper teeth along the first direction, and a lower tooth root portion formed by the ends of the third and fourth sides away from the upper teeth is opposite to a portion of the second side close to the lower teeth along the first direction.

4. The push switch device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The plurality of lower tooth root portions of the second cam include a first lower tooth root portion having an opening between the third side and the fourth side and a second lower tooth root portion formed by connecting the third side and the fourth side, wherein the first lower tooth root portion and the second lower tooth root portion are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction. The opening of the first lower tooth root portion is set to a width that allows the linkage post to pass through the opening along the first direction.

5. The push switch device according to claim 4, characterized in that: In a first state where the operating body is not pressed, the linkage column is located at the root of the first lower tooth. When the operating body is pressed, the operating body moves downward and the second side contacts the linkage column. When the bottom surface of the operating body contacts the housing, the push switch device changes to the second state. In the second state, based on the restoring force of the return spring, the operating body moves upward and the fourth side contacts the linkage column. When the linkage column is located at the second lower tooth root portion adjacent to the first lower tooth root portion along the rotation direction of the follower, the push switch device changes to the third state. When the operating body is pressed in the third state, the operating body moves downward and the second side contacts the linkage column. When the bottom surface of the operating body contacts the housing, the push switch device changes to the second state. In the second state, based on the restoring force of the return spring, the operating body moves upward and the fourth side contacts the linkage column. When the linkage column is located at the first lower tooth root portion adjacent to the second lower tooth root portion along the rotation direction of the follower, the push switch The device changes to the first state, A height of the operating body in the first state is higher than a height of the operating body in the third state.

6. The push switch device according to claim 1, characterized in that: There is also a cover body which is arranged on the outside of the shell, and an opening is arranged on the top surface of the cover body. Another part of the operating body which is not inserted into the through hole is exposed from the opening part. When the operating body is not pressed, the opening part determines the height of the part of the operating body exposed from the cover body.

7. The push switch device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The opening shape of the opening portion and the cross-section of a portion of the operation body located in the opening portion are formed in substantially the same non-circular shape.

8. The push switch device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The follower is divided into an upper portion close to the operating portion and a lower portion to which the movable contact is fixed, the outer diameter of the upper portion is larger than the outer diameter of the lower portion, and a stepped surface with a step difference is formed between the outer side wall of the upper portion and the outer side wall of the lower portion. The inner side wall of the housing has a stopper surface opposite to the step surface, and the stopper surface is used to limit the movement of the follower toward the bottom side of the housing.

9. The push switch device according to claim 8, characterized in that: One or more first protrusions are provided on the top surface of the upper portion of the follower facing the cover body, One or more second protrusions are arranged on the outer side surface of the upper portion of the follower opposite to the housing.

10. The push switch device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A plurality of third protrusions are provided on the outer side surfaces of the first cam and the second cam and protrude toward one side of the follower.

Images