Switch device and operation device

Abstract

A switch device 1 comprises: a pusher 2 that is displaced from an initial position P to a first-stage on-position P1 and a second-stage on-position P2 in accordance with a load F accompanying a push operation which has been performed; a first switch part 4 having a first load characteristic G1; a second switch part 5 having a second load characteristic G2; and a third switch part 6 having a third load characteristic G3. Since the first switch part 4 to the third switch part 6 have different load characteristics, the switch device 1, as compared to a case in which this configuration is not adopted, can easily adjust the load characteristics from the initial position to the first-stage on-position and from the first-stage on-position to the second-stage on-position, thus enabling improvement in operability.

Description

Switching devices and operating devices CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-174540, filed on October 6, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a switch device and an operating device.

[0003] A push button switch is known that includes a pressing operation unit having a first pusher portion and a second pusher portion formed spaced apart from the first pusher portion, a first operating unit formed opposite the first pusher portion and having a first main body portion, a first skirt portion, and a first movable contact, and a second operating unit formed opposite the second pusher portion and having a second main body portion with a cavity therein, a second skirt portion, and a second movable contact (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] In the push button switch, resistance to first-stage operation is generated by buckling of the second skirt portion of the second operating portion, and resistance to second-stage operation is generated by compressive resistance of the second body portion of the second operating portion and buckling resistance of the first skirt portion and the connecting portion. The first operating portion and second operating portion are integrally formed as a switch operating body which is a rubber-like elastic body.

[0005] International Publication No. 2017 / 204341

[0006] In the push button switch disclosed in Patent Document 1, the second operating portion buckles in the first stage, so resistance to operation continues to increase up to the second stage, and the resistance to operation in the second stage becomes too great, reducing operability, or the cavity provided in the second main body portion may make the resistance to operation in the second stage too low, reducing operability.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a switch device and an operating device that can improve operability.

[0008] A switch device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a pusher that is displaced from an initial position to a first-stage ON position and a second-stage ON position in response to a load applied by a push operation; at least one first displacement section having a first load characteristic in which the increase in load required for displacement of the pusher from the initial position to the first-stage ON position is smaller than the increase in other load characteristics in this section, and the increase in load required for displacement of the pusher between the first-stage ON position and the second-stage ON position is smaller than the increase in other load characteristics in this section; The actuator has at least one second displacement section having a second load characteristic in which the rate of increase in the load changes from positive to negative and the rate of increase in the load required for displacement of the plunger after the second-stage on position is positive and the required load continues to increase, and at least one third displacement section having a third load characteristic in which the rate of increase in the load required for displacement of the plunger from the initial position to the first-stage on position is positive and the rate of increase in the load required for displacement of the plunger between the first-stage on position and the second-stage on position is negative and the rate of increase in the load required for displacement of the plunger after the second-stage on position becomes positive and the required load continues to increase.

[0009] An operating device according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a pusher that moves from an initial position to a first-stage ON position and a second-stage ON position in response to a load applied by a push operation; at least one first displacement unit having a first contact unit that switches from a non-conductive state to a conductive state at the first-stage ON position, the first contact unit having a first load characteristic in which the increase in the load required to displace the pusher from the initial position to the first-stage ON position is smaller than the increase in other load characteristics in this section and the increase in the load required to displace the pusher between the first-stage ON position and the second-stage ON position is smaller than the increase in other load characteristics in this section; and a second contact unit that switches from a non-conductive state to a conductive state at the second-stage ON position, the second load characteristic in which the increase rate of the load required to displace the pusher between the first-stage ON position and the second-stage ON position changes from positive to negative and the increase rate of the load required to displace the pusher from the second-stage ON position onwards is positive and the required load continues to increase. at least one third displacement unit having a third contact portion that switches from a non-conductive state to a conductive state at the second-stage on position; at least one operation unit that accepts an operation; and a control unit that enables a first function of the first controlled object to be operated by the at least one operation unit when the pusher is displaced to the first-stage on position and the first contact portion to be in a conductive state, and enables a second function of the second controlled object to be operated by the at least one operation unit when the pusher is displaced to the second-stage on position and the second contact portion to be in a conductive state.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a switch device and an operating device that improve operability.

[0011] FIG. 1A is a side view showing a switch device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1B is a top view showing the switch device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the switch device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the switch device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the switch device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3A is a diagram showing a first load characteristic of the switch device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3B is a diagram showing a second load characteristic of the switch device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3C is a diagram showing a third load characteristic of the switch device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3D is a diagram showing the load characteristic of the switch device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4A is a top view showing a switch device according to a modified example. FIG. 4B is a top view showing a switch device according to a modified example. FIG. 4C is a top view showing a switch device according to a modified example. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing an operating device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 5B is a block diagram showing an operating device according to the second embodiment.

[0012] (Summary of the embodiment) A switch device according to the embodiment includes a pusher that is displaced from an initial position to a first-stage ON position and a second-stage ON position in response to a load applied when the pusher is operated, at least one first displacement section having a first load characteristic in which the increase in the load required to displace the pusher from the initial position to the first-stage ON position is smaller than the increase in the other load characteristics in this section, and the increase in the load required to displace the pusher between the first-stage ON position and the second-stage ON position is smaller than the increase in the other load characteristics in this section, and a first displacement section having a first load characteristic in which the increase in the load required to displace the pusher between the first-stage ON position and the second-stage ON position is smaller than the increase in the other load characteristics in this section. and at least one second displacement section having a second load characteristic in which the rate of increase in the load required for displacement of the plunger from the initial position to the first-stage on position is positive and the rate of increase in the load required for displacement of the plunger from the first-stage on position onwards is negative, and the rate of increase in the load required for displacement of the plunger from the second-stage on position onwards becomes positive and the required load continues to increase.

[0013] The operating device also includes a pusher that moves from an initial position to a first-stage ON position and a second-stage ON position in response to the load applied when the push operation is performed; at least one first displacement unit having a first contact portion that switches from a non-conductive state to a conductive state at the first-stage ON position; and a second load characteristic in which the increase rate of the load required to displace the pusher from the initial position to the first-stage ON position is smaller than the increase rate of other load characteristics in this section and the increase rate of the load required to displace the pusher between the first-stage ON position and the second-stage ON position is smaller than the increase rate of other load characteristics in this section, and the second contact portion that switches from a non-conductive state to a conductive state at the second-stage ON position. and a control unit that enables a first function of the first controlled object to be operated by the at least one operation unit when the pusher is displaced to the first on position and the first contact unit is in a conductive state, and that enables a second function of the second controlled object to be operated by the at least one operation unit when the pusher is displaced to the second on position and the second contact unit is in a conductive state.

[0014] In this switch device and operating device, the first displacement section to the third displacement section have different load characteristics, so compared to when this configuration is not adopted, it is easier to adjust the load characteristics between the initial position and the first stage on position, and between the first stage on position and the second stage on position, thereby improving operability.

[0015] [First embodiment] (Overview of switch device 1) FIG. 1A is a side view showing a switch device according to a first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a top view showing the switch device according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are cross-sectional views of the switch device according to the first embodiment taken along line A-A in FIG. 1B, as viewed from the direction of the arrows. FIG. 3A is a diagram for explaining a first load characteristic of a first switch unit according to the first embodiment, FIG. 3B is a diagram for explaining a second load characteristic of a second switch unit according to the first embodiment, FIG. 3C is a diagram for explaining a third load characteristic of a third switch unit according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 3D is a diagram for explaining the load characteristic of the switch device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view when the pusher is in an initial position, FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view when the pusher is in a first-stage ON position, and FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view when the pusher is in a second-stage ON position. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D, the horizontal axis represents the stroke amount S of the plunger, and the vertical axis represents the load F.

[0016] In the drawings relating to the embodiments described below, the ratios and shapes of figures may differ from the actual ratios and shapes. Also, in Figure 5B described later, arrows indicate the flow of main signals and information.

[0017] As shown in Figures 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, and 2C, the switch device 1 of this embodiment has one first switch portion 4 as a first displacement portion, one second switch portion 5 as a second displacement portion, and one third switch portion 6 as a third displacement portion, which are arranged adjacent to and below the push rod 2.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D, the switch device 1 moves from an initial position P to a first-stage ON position P in response to a load F caused by a push operation. １ , and the second stage ON position P ２ and the plunger 2 is displaced from the initial position P to the first stage ON position P １ The increase in load F required to displace the plunger 2 up to １ is made smaller than the increase in the other load characteristics in this section, and the first stage ON position P１ and the second stage ON position P ２ The increase in load F required for the displacement of the plunger 2 between ２ The first load characteristic G is set to be smaller than the increase in the other load characteristics in this section. １ and a first switch section 4 having a first stage ON position P １ and the second stage ON position P ２ The rate of increase in the load F required for the displacement of the plunger 2 between the first and second stages changes from positive to negative, and the second stage reaches the on position P ２ The rate of increase of the load F required for the subsequent displacement of the plunger 2 is positive, and the required load F is the second load characteristic G ２ and a second switch unit 5 having an ON position P １ The load F increases with the displacement between the first stage and the on position P １ and the second stage ON position P ２ The rate of increase in the load F required for the displacement of the plunger 2 between the first and second stages is negative, and the second stage is the ON position P ２ The third load characteristic G in which the rate of increase of the load F required for the displacement of the plunger 2 thereafter becomes positive and the required load F continues to increase. ３ and a third switch unit 6 having a positive increase rate. Note that a positive increase rate indicates that the slope of the graphs of the load characteristics shown in Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C is positive, and a negative increase rate indicates that the slope of the graphs is negative. In the following, a positive increase rate will be referred to as an increase in the load F, and a negative increase rate will be referred to as a decrease in the load F.

[0019] Also, "from the initial position P to the first stage ON position P １ The increase in load F required to displace the plunger 2 up to １ is made smaller than the increase amount of the other load characteristics in this section" means, for example, that the third load characteristic G in which the load F occurs in this section as shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C. ３ The increase in t ４ Furthermore, the first stage ON position P １ and the second stage ON position P ２ The increase in load F required for the displacement of the plunger 2 between ２is made smaller than the increase amount of the other load characteristics in this section" means that, as an example, as shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, the second load characteristic G ２ The increase in t ３ This shows that the value is smaller than that of the

[0020] (Configuration of the pusher 2) As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, this switch device 1 includes a housing 10 and a pusher 2. The housing 10 is formed in a box shape using, for example, a metal material or a resin material. As shown in Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C, a substrate 7 is disposed inside the housing 10. This substrate 7 is, for example, a printed wiring board. The first switch unit 4 to the third switch unit 6 are disposed on a surface 70 of the substrate 7.

[0021] The pusher 2 is formed in a rectangular prism shape using, for example, a metal material, a resin material, or wood. As shown by the arrow in Fig. 1A, the pusher 2 is configured to be displaced toward the housing 10 by a push operation performed on the surface 20. The pusher 2 may be arranged below the push button to be pushed, and configured to be displaced integrally with the push button.

[0022] 2A, 2B, and 2C, the pusher 2 has a recess 22 on the lower surface 21 corresponding to the second switch portion 5. Therefore, since the second switch portion 5 is provided with the recess 22, when the pusher 2 is in the first step ON position P １ The pusher 2 does not come into contact with the pusher 2 until it is displaced to the position indicated by the arrow A. The pusher 2 may be formed so that the lower surface 21 is flat and the upper surface 510 of the second switch unit 5 comes into contact with the pusher 2 later than the upper surface 410 of the first switch unit 4 and the upper surface 610 of the third switch unit 6.

[0023] (Configuration of the first switch section 4 to the third switch section 6) The first switch section 4, the second switch section 5, and the third switch section 6 are integrally formed on a sheet-like elastic member. This sheet-like elastic member is a rubber sheet 3. As an example, this rubber sheet 3 is formed using an elastomer such as silicone. Therefore, the rubber sheet 3 is an insulator.

[0024] The first switch unit 4, the second switch unit 5, and the third switch unit 6 have a first contact portion 41, a second contact portion 51, and a third contact portion 61 that come into contact with the push rod 2 and undergo elastic deformation in response to a push operation. The first contact portion 41 of the first switch unit 4 has a hole 44 on an upper surface 410 that comes into contact with the push rod 2.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, the first switch section 4 is in the first stage ON position P １ The first switch unit 4 has a first contact portion 42 that switches from a non-conductive state to a conductive state at a position corresponding to the dome portion 40. The first switch unit 4 also has a dome portion 40 that protrudes in a conical shape from the surface 31 of the base portion 30 of the rubber sheet 3, and a protrusion 43 that protrudes inside the dome portion 40 toward the substrate 7. In other words, the first switch unit 4 is configured to include the dome portion 40, the first contact portion 41, the first contact portion 42, and the protrusion 43.

[0026] The first contact portion 42 has a movable contact 420 provided at the tip of the protruding portion 43 and a fixed contact 421 provided on the surface 70 of the substrate 7. The fixed contact 421 is divided and in a non-conductive state, but becomes conductive when the movable contact 420 comes into contact with it. The movable contact 420 may be provided on the first contact portion 41 without forming the protruding portion 43, or the protruding portion 43 may be made conductive.

[0027] The second switch section 5 is in the second stage ON position P ２ The second switch section 5 has a second contact portion 52 that switches from a non-conductive state to a conductive state at the dome portion 50. The second switch section 5 also has a dome portion 50 and a protrusion 53. In other words, the second switch section 5 is configured to include the dome portion 50, the second contact portion 51, the second contact portion 52, and the protrusion 53.

[0028] The second contact portion 52 has a movable contact 520 on the dome portion 50 side and a fixed contact 521 on the substrate 7 side. The fixed contact 521 is divided and in a non-conductive state, but becomes conductive when the movable contact 520 comes into contact with it. The movable contact 520 may be provided on the second contact portion 51 without forming the protrusion 53, or the protrusion 53 may be made conductive.

[0029] The third switch section 6 is in the second stage ON position P ２ The third switch unit 6 has a third contact portion 62 that switches from a non-conductive state to a conductive state at . The third switch unit 6 also has a dome portion 60 and a protrusion 63. That is, the third switch unit 6 is configured to include the dome portion 60, the third contact portion 61, the third contact portion 62, and the protrusion 63.

[0030] The third contact portion 62 has a movable contact 620 on the dome portion 60 side and a fixed contact 621 on the substrate 7 side. The fixed contact 621 is divided and in a non-conductive state, but becomes conductive when the movable contact 620 comes into contact with it. The movable contact 620 may be provided on the third contact portion 61 without forming the protrusion 63, or the protrusion 63 may be made conductive.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 2A, the first switch portion 4 and the third switch portion 6 are in contact with the pusher 2 at the initial position P. As shown in Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B, the second switch portion 5 is not in contact with the pusher 2 at the initial position P, and is in the first-stage ON position P. １ This configuration corresponds to the first load characteristic G １ ~Third load characteristic G ３ is related to.

[0032] (First load characteristic G １ Regarding the first switch part 4, a hole 44 is provided in the first contact part 41. This hole 44 is provided to make the first contact part 41 easy to elastically deform. As shown in FIG. 3A, the first switch part 4 has the hole 44, which makes it possible to easily deform the first contact part 41 at the first-stage ON position P compared to the third switch part 6 that contacts the push piece 2 at the initial position P. １ From the second stage ON position P ２ The increase in load F due to displacement up to t １ In addition, the ON position P of the first stage is set to be smaller than the initial position P. １ The increase in load F up to t １ In order to reduce the load F, the dome portion 40 is different in shape and material from the other dome portions. １In order to reduce the increase t １ The first switch section 4 does not have the hole 44, and the first contact section 41 is made to be easily elastically deformable, thereby reducing the first load characteristic G １ The optical fiber 10 may be configured to have the following configuration.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the first switch section 4 is in the first stage ON position P １ At this point, the movable contact 420 comes into contact with the fixed contact 421, and the state switches from a non-conductive state (OFF state) to a conductive state (ON state). １ The displacement of the plunger 2 to the initial position P causes the dome portion 40 and the first contact portion 41 to be elastically deformed. １ is the distance from the initial position P of the push rod 2 to the first stage ON position P １ It is determined based on the stroke amount.

[0034] As the stroke of the push rod 2 further increases, the first switch section 4 is mainly elastically deformed at the first contact section 41 because the movable contact 420 and the fixed contact 421 are in contact with each other. This elastic deformation requires a larger load F than before, as shown in FIG. 3A. However, after the larger load F is required, the stroke of the first switch section 4 increases with a substantially constant load F. In other words, the first switch section 4 is in the first stage ON position P １ and the second stage ON position P ２ The increase in load F due to the displacement between ２ has been made smaller.

[0035] As an example, the first switch portion 4 is in the first stage ON position P １ Low load F, first stage on position P １ A larger load F and the first stage on position P １ From the second stage ON position P ２ The first load characteristic G becomes a stable load F between１ It has the following characteristics.

[0036] (Second load characteristic G ２ 2A and 2B, in the initial position P, the upper surface 510 of the second contact portion 51 does not contact the push piece 2, and the second switch portion 5 is in the first stage ON position P. １ At this point, the upper surface 510 of the second contact portion 51 comes into contact with the recess 22 of the push rod 2. The contact between the second contact portion 51 and the push rod 2 occurs precisely at the first stage ON position P １ However, it may be closer to or closer to that within an acceptable range.

[0037] The second switch section 5 is in the first stage ON position P １ The distance L from the movable contact 520 to the fixed contact 521 ２ The distance L from the movable contact 620 to the fixed contact 621 of the third switch unit 6 that has been elastically deformed is ３ is equal to

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3B, the second switch portion 5 is turned on when the push rod 2 is in the first stage ON position P １ 2B and 2C , after the pusher 2 comes into contact with the second contact portion 51, the dome portion 50 of the second switch portion 5 is mainly elastically deformed. When the pusher 2 is further displaced, the dome portion 50 of the second switch portion 5 buckles, and the load F changes from increasing to decreasing.

[0039] The second switch section 5 is turned to the second stage ON position P after the rate of increase of the load F changes from positive to negative, that is, after the load F changes from increasing to decreasing. ２ At this point, the movable contact 520 comes into contact with the fixed contact 521, and the state switches from a non-conductive state (OFF state) to a conductive state (ON state).

[0040] When the stroke of the push rod 2 further increases, the second switch portion 5 is mainly elastically deformed in the second contact portion 51 since the movable contact 520 and the fixed contact 521 are in contact with each other.

[0041] As an example, the second switch portion 5 is in the first stage ON position P １ The load F generated from the first stage is the on position P. １From the second stage ON position P ２ The load F that increases and decreases between this and the second stage ON position P ２ A second load characteristic G, such as an increasing load F from ２ It has the following characteristics.

[0042] (Third load characteristic G ３ 2A, in the third switch unit 6, the upper surface 610 of the third contact portion 61 is in contact with the pusher 2 at the initial position P. At this time, the distance L from the movable contact 620 to the fixed contact 621 is ３ is the distance L of the first switch unit 4 １ , and the distance L of the second switch unit 5 ２ It is bigger than that.

[0043] The third switch section 6 does not have a hole that reduces the rigidity of the third contact section 61, i.e., that makes it easier to elastically deform, as in the first switch section 4. Therefore, compared to the first switch section 4, the third switch section 6 has a longer rotational speed from the initial position P to the first-stage ON position P １ The load F increases.

[0044] The third switch section 6 is in the first stage ON position P １ Therefore, the third switch unit 6 is configured so that the dome portion 60 buckles at the first stage ON position P １ The load F changes from increasing to decreasing at this boundary. The position where the load F changes from increasing to decreasing is exactly the first stage ON position P １ However, it may be closer to or closer to that within an acceptable range.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2B, the third switch section 6 is in the first stage ON position P １ The distance L from the movable contact 620 to the fixed contact 621 ３ is the distance L from the movable contact 520 to the fixed contact 521 of the second switch section 5. ２ The distance L of the third switch unit 6 is equal to ３ is the first stage ON position P １ exactly at distance L ２ It is preferable that they are equal to each other, but they may deviate within an allowable range.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 2C and 3C, the third switch section 6 is in the first stage ON position P １ From the second stage ON position P ２ The dome portion 60 is mainly elastically deformed until the second stage ON position P ２ When the movable contact 620 comes into contact with the fixed contact 621 at this point, the load F changes from decreasing to increasing. As shown in FIG. 3C, the third switch unit 6 is in the second stage ON position P ２ When the load F exceeds this value, mainly the third contact portion 61 is elastically deformed, and therefore a larger load F than before is required.

[0047] As an example, the third switch unit 6 moves from the initial position P to the first stage ON position P as the stroke amount of the push rod 2 increases. １ The load F increases to the on position P of the first stage. １ From the second stage ON position P ２ The load F that decreases between the two stages and the on position P ２ A third load characteristic G, such as a load F increasing beyond ３ It has the following characteristics.

[0048] (The load characteristic G of the switch device 1 ４ Regarding the load characteristic G of the switch device 1 ４ As shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D, the first load characteristic G １ -Third load characteristic G of the third switch unit 6 ３ It is a superposition of the above.

[0049] The switch device 1 is turned from the initial position P to the first stage ON position P １ The load F is formed by the first switch part 4 and the third switch part 6. Therefore, the switch device 1 can be moved from the initial position P to the first stage ON position P １ The third load characteristic G ３ Load characteristics G according to ４ It is as follows.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 3D, the switch device 1 is in the first stage ON position P １ The dome portion 40 of the first switch portion 4 buckles, giving the operator a clicking sensation.

[0051] The switch device 1 is in the second stage ON position P ２ In this case, the operator is given a clicking sensation due to the buckling of the second switch portion 5 and the third switch portion 6.

[0052] As an example, the switch device 1 is configured such that, as the stroke amount of the push rod 2 increases, the first stage ON position P １ Low load F, first stage on position P １ From the second stage ON position P ２ The load F that increases and decreases between this and the second stage ON position P ２ Load characteristics such as load F increasing beyond G ４ It has the following characteristics.

[0053] (Modifications) FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are top views showing switch devices according to modifications.

[0054] 4A shows a modified switch device 1 in which two sets of first to third switch units 4 to 6 are arranged below a pusher 2 having a rectangular prism shape. This switch device 1 includes a plurality of first switch units 4, a plurality of second switch units 5, and a plurality of third switch units 6. Furthermore, in the switch device 1, the first switch units 4 having holes 44 are arranged diagonally, and the third switch units 6 are also arranged diagonally, thereby suppressing variation in the operational feel.

[0055] In the switch device 1 of the modified example shown in FIG. 4B, a first switch unit 4 to a third switch unit 6 are arranged in a line below a pusher 2 having a cylindrical shape.

[0056] In the switch device 1 of the modified example shown in FIG. 4C, the first switch unit 4 to the third switch unit 6 are arranged at the vertices of an equilateral triangle below the pusher 2 having a cylindrical shape.

[0057] In another modified example of the switch device 1, either the second switch unit 5 or the third switch unit 6 may have a contact unit. That is, in the switch device 1, when the second switch unit 5 has the second contact unit 52, the third switch unit 6 may not have the third contact unit 62, and when the third switch unit 6 has the third contact unit 62, the second switch unit 5 may not have the second contact unit 52.

[0058] In the switch device 1 of the other modified example, the hardness of the dome portion 40 to the dome portion 60 of the first switch portion 4 to the third switch portion 6 and the hardness of the first contact portion 41 to the third contact portion 61 are separately adjusted, thereby achieving the first load characteristic G １ ~Third load characteristic G ３ You can also adjust the

[0059] In still another modified example of the switch device 1, the first switch unit 4 to the third switch unit 6 are configured to have a first load characteristic G １ ~Third load characteristic G ３ The switch may be configured by a microswitch having the following.

[0060] (Advantages of the First Embodiment) The switch device 1 according to the present embodiment can improve operability. Specifically, the switch device 1 can combine the first switch unit 4 to the third switch unit 6, which have different load characteristics. Therefore, compared to when this configuration is not adopted, the switch device 1 can easily move from the initial position P to the first-stage ON position P. １ and the first stage ON position P １ From the second stage ON position P ２ Load characteristics G ４ The switch device 1 can be easily adjusted at the first stage ON position P １ Load F and second stage on position P ２ The load F at the position can be set to a load that is easy to operate.

[0061] Since the switch device 1 has the third switch section 6, the second stage ON position P ２ While suppressing the increase in the load F at the first stage ON position P １In other words, it is possible to adjust the load F so that it does not become too low.

[0062] The switch device 1 allows for two-stage operation and is mainly composed of the push rod 2 and the rubber sheet 3, which has a simple structure, so compared to a device that does not employ this configuration, the number of parts is reduced and it can be made smaller. Furthermore, because the number of parts in the switch device 1 is reduced, the manufacturing cost is also reduced.

[0063] The switch device 1 can be set to the first stage ON position P without changing the hardness of the rubber sheet 3 partially or changing the shape thereof. １ , and the second stage ON position P ２ The load F can be easily adjusted.

[0064] The switch device 1 has the second contact portion 52 of the second switch portion 5 and the third contact portion 62 of the third switch portion 6, and therefore, compared to a case where a contact portion is provided only on one of the switch portions, it is possible to suppress the stop of operation caused by an increase in load due to one of the switch portions being turned on first.

[0065] Second Embodiment The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a switch device is applied to an operating device.

[0066] Fig. 5A is a diagram showing an operating device according to a second embodiment, and Fig. 5B is a block diagram of the operating device. In the embodiments described below, parts having the same functions and configurations as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0067] 5A, the combination switch device 90 has a main body 91, and operation devices 8 are attached to the left and right sides of the main body 91. The combination switch device 90 is arranged so that it can be operated by gripping a steering wheel 92 of a vehicle. The operation device 8 attached to the left side of the main body 91 will be described below.

[0068] As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B , the operating device 8 moves from an initial position P to a first-stage ON position P in response to a load F caused by a push operation. １ , and the second stage ON position P２ and the first load characteristic G １ and the first stage ON position P １ At least one first switch unit 4 having a first contact unit 42 that switches from a non-conductive state to a conductive state at a second load characteristic G ２ and the second stage ON position P ２ At least one second switch unit 5 having a second contact unit 52 that switches from a non-conductive state to a conductive state at a third load characteristic G ３ and the second stage ON position P ２ At least one third switch unit 6 having a third contact unit 62 that switches from a non-conductive state to a conductive state at １ When the first contact portion 42 is displaced to the second stage and the first function of the first control object is made operable by at least one operation portion, the pusher 2 is set to the second stage ON position P ２ and when the second contact portion 52 and the third contact portion 62 are displaced to the first position and become conductive, a control portion 84 enables a second function of the second control object to be operated by at least one operation portion.

[0069] The operating unit in this embodiment is a lever operating unit 80 shown in Fig. 5A. The first control object and the second control object may be the same or different. In this embodiment, as an example, the first control object is a light device of a vehicle, and the second control object is a wiper device, but this is not limiting.

[0070] As an example, the lever operating unit 80 includes a rotatable first rotary switch 81, a second rotary switch 82 provided adjacent to the first rotary switch 81, and a switch device 1. The switch device 1 is disposed at the tip of the lever operating unit 80.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 5A, the first rotary switch 81 is configured to be rotatable in the direction of arrow B and the opposite direction of arrow C, and generates rotary switch information S indicating the rotation direction and rotation position. ４ is output to the control unit 84.

[0072] The second rotary switch 82 is configured to be rotatable in the directions of arrows B and C, similarly to the first rotary switch 81, and generates rotary switch information S ５ is output to the control unit 84.

[0073] When the first switch unit 4 to the third switch unit 6 are turned on, the switch device 1 outputs a switch signal S １ ~ Switch signal S ３ is output to the control unit 84.

[0074] The lever operation unit 80 can be operated in the up and down direction on the paper surface of Fig. 5A, and in the forward and backward directions that intersect with the up and down direction. The operation detection unit 83 detects the operation of the lever operation unit 80 in the up and down direction, forward direction, and backward direction, and outputs lever operation information S ６ is output to the control unit 84.

[0075] The control unit 84 is a microcomputer including, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs calculations and processing on acquired data in accordance with a stored program, and semiconductor memories such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). The ROM stores, for example, programs for operating the control unit 84. The RAM is used, for example, as a storage area for temporarily storing calculation results and the like.

[0076] The control unit 84 receives the switch signal S １ ~ Switch signal S ３ Based on this, the switch device 1 is turned to the first stage ON position P １ When it is determined that the switch has been operated to the ON position P ２ If it is determined that the operation has been performed, operation information S is sent to the connected electronic device. ７ The electronic device in this embodiment is, but is not limited to, a vehicle control device 93. This vehicle control device 93 comprehensively controls the vehicle.

[0077] Also, the operation information S ７includes information regarding the first and second stage operations of the switch device 1, and information regarding the operations of the first rotary switch 81, the second rotary switch 82 and the lever operating portion 80.

[0078] When the combination switch device 90 is capable of operating a function such as turning on and off the light device as a first function and a function such as turning on and off the wiper device as a second function, the operator can switch between the first function and the second function by operating the switch device 1.

[0079] The control unit 84 sets the switch device 1 to the first stage ON position P １ When the operation of the first function is performed, operation information S ７ and outputs the operation information S ７ Based on this, the first function, such as turning on or off the light device, is accepted.

[0080] The control unit 84 also sets the switch device 1 to the second stage ON position P ２ When the operation of the second function is performed, operation information S ７ and outputs it to the vehicle control device 93. Note that, as an example, when the power supply of the vehicle is turned on, the combination switch device 90 enables operation of either the first function or the second function, and switches between the controllable functions by two-stage operation of the switch device 1.

[0081] (Effects of the second embodiment) The operating device 8 of this embodiment can switch the function to be controlled by two-stage operation of the switch device 1, so that more functions can be operated with one lever operating unit 80 than in a case where this configuration is not adopted.

[0082] Although several embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments and modifications are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claimed invention. These novel embodiments and modifications can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc. can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, not all combinations of features described in these embodiments and modifications are necessarily essential to the means for solving the problems of the invention. Furthermore, these embodiments and modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0083] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Switch device 2 Push piece 3 Rubber sheet 4 First switch portion 5 Second switch portion 6 Third switch portion 22 Recess 40 Dome portion 41 First contact portion 42 First contact point portion 44 Hole 50 Dome portion 51 Second contact portion 52 Second contact point portion 60 Dome portion 61 Third contact portion 62 Third contact point portion G １ First load characteristic G ２ Second load characteristic G ３ Third load characteristic G ４ Load characteristics P Initial position P １ First stage on position P ２ Second stage on position

Claims

1. A pusher which moves from an initial position to a first step on position and a second step on position in response to the load applied when a push operation is performed; at least one first displacement section having first load characteristics in which an increase in the load required for the displacement of the pusher from the initial position to the first step on position is smaller than an increase in other load characteristics in this section, and an increase in the load required for the displacement of the pusher between the first step on position and the second step on position is smaller than an increase in other load characteristics in this section; at least one second displacement section having second load characteristics in which an increase rate of the load required for the displacement of the pusher between the first step on position and the second step on position turns from positive to negative, and further an increase rate of the load required for the displacement of the pusher after the second step on position is positive, so that the required load continues to increase; at least one third displacement portion having a third load characteristic in which an increase rate of the load required for the displacement of the pusher between the initial position and the first-stage on position is positive, an increase rate of the load required for the displacement of the pusher between the first-stage on position and the second-stage on position is negative, and an increase rate of the load required for the displacement of the pusher after the second-stage on position becomes positive so that the required load continues to increase.

2. A switch device as described in claim 1, wherein at least one of the first displacement portions has a first contact portion that switches from a non-conductive state to a conductive state in the first stage on position, at least one of the second displacement portions has a second contact portion that switches from a non-conductive state to a conductive state in the second stage on position, and at least one of the third displacement portions has a third contact portion that switches from a non-conductive state to a conductive state in the second stage on position.

3. The switch device according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the first displacement portions and at least one of the third displacement portions contact the push rod in the initial position, and at least one of the second displacement portions does not contact the push rod in the initial position and contacts the push rod in the first stage on position.

4. A switch device as described in claim 3, wherein the pusher has a recess on its underside at a position corresponding to at least one of the second displacement portions, and the at least one of the first displacement portion, the at least one of the second displacement portion, and the at least one of the third displacement portion are formed so that their upper surfaces with which the pusher comes into contact are at the same height.

5. The switch device according to claim 3, wherein the lower surface of the pusher is flat, and the upper surface of the at least one second displacement portion is formed lower than the upper surface of the at least one first displacement portion and the upper surface of the at least one third displacement portion.

6. The switch device according to claim 3, wherein the first displacement portion, the second displacement portion and the third displacement portion are each one, and are disposed adjacent to and below the pusher.

7. The switch device according to claim 6, wherein the first displacement portion, the second displacement portion and the third displacement portion have a first contact portion, a second contact portion and a third contact portion that come into contact with the push rod and undergo elastic deformation in response to the push operation, and the first contact portion of the first displacement portion has a hole on its upper surface that comes into contact with the push rod.

8. A switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first displacement portion, the second displacement portion and the third displacement portion are integrally formed on a sheet-like elastic member.

9. The switch device according to claim 8, wherein the first displacement portion, the second displacement portion and the third displacement portion each have a dome portion that protrudes in a conical shape from a surface of a base portion of the elastic member.

10. A pusher which moves from an initial position to a first step on position and a second step on position in response to a load applied when a push operation is performed; at least one first displacement part having a first load characteristic in which an increase in the load required for the displacement of the pusher from the initial position to the first step on position is smaller than an increase in other load characteristics in this section and an increase in the load required for the displacement of the pusher between the first step on position and the second step on position is smaller than an increase in other load characteristics in this section, and having a first contact part which switches from a non-conductive state to a conductive state at the first step on position; at least one second displacement part having a second load characteristic in which an increase rate of the load required for the displacement of the pusher between the first step on position and the second step on position turns from positive to negative and further an increase rate of the load required for the displacement of the pusher after the second step on position is positive and the required load continues to increase, and having a second contact part which switches from a non-conductive state to a conductive state at the second step on position; at least one third displacement unit having a third load characteristic in which a rate of increase in the load required for the displacement of the pusher from the initial position to the first step on position is positive, a rate of increase in the load required for the displacement of the pusher between the first step on position and the second step on position is negative, and a rate of increase in the load required for the displacement of the pusher from the second step on position onward becomes positive so that the required load continues to increase, and having a third contact portion that switches from a non-conductive state to a conductive state at the second step on position; at least one operation unit that accepts an operation; and a control unit that enables a first function of a first controlled object to be operated by the at least one operation unit when the pusher is displaced to the first step on position and the first contact portion becomes conductive, and enables a second function of a second controlled object to be operated by the at least one operation unit when the pusher is displaced to the second step on position and the second contact portion and the third contact portion become conductive.

Images