Component, second component, and switch device

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of maintaining the functionality of a component for a longer time. This component comprises a sliding portion (9). The component further comprises an unevenly shaped portion (10). The sliding portion (9) is a portion that is provided in a part of the component and on which at least a part of another component moves relatively in a rubbing manner. The unevenly shaped portion (10) is a part of the component, is provided in a portion different from the sliding portion (9), and can hold oil.

Description

Component, second component, and switch device

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a component, a second component, and a switch device, and more particularly to a component and a second component that form at least a portion of a switch device, and a switch device that includes the component or the second component.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a switch. The switch in Patent Document 1 has a switch mechanism that includes an operating spring, a movable contact, and a fixed contact. The switch in Patent Document 1 has a lubricant filling portion formed around each contact, the lubricant filling portion having a hole through which a vapor-phase lubricant serving as a lubricant for increasing the contact stability of each contact is dripped.

[0003] In devices such as switches (switch devices), it is desirable to maintain the functionality of the components (first components) included in the devices for as long as possible.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-120851

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a component, a second component, and a switch device that can maintain the functionality of the component for a longer period of time.

[0006] A component according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a component including a sliding portion. The component further includes a concave-convex portion. The sliding portion is provided on a portion of the component, and is a portion with which at least a portion of another component moves relative to the sliding portion in a rubbing manner. The concave-convex portion is provided on a portion of the component that is different from the sliding portion, and is capable of retaining oil.

[0007] A component according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a conductive component having a contact portion. The component further includes a concave-convex portion. The contact portion is provided on a portion of the component and is a portion that is electrically connected to another component in response to movement of at least one of the component and the other component. The concave-convex portion is provided on a portion of the component that is different from the contact portion and is capable of retaining conductive oil.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a second component constitutes at least a part of a device together with a first component. The first component has at least one of a sliding portion and a contact portion. The second component has a concave-convex portion. When the first component has the sliding portion, the sliding portion is provided on a part of the first component, and is a portion with which at least a part of a third component, which is a component separate from the first component, moves relative to the sliding portion so as to rub against the third component. When the first component has the contact portion, the contact portion is provided on a part of the first component, and is a portion that is electrically connected to the fourth component in response to movement of at least one of a fourth component, which is a component separate from the first component, and the first component. The concave-convex portion is capable of holding conductive oil. The second component is accommodated in an accommodation space together with the first component.

[0009] A second component according to one aspect of the present disclosure accommodates a first component. The first component includes at least one of a sliding portion and a contact portion. The second component includes an uneven portion. When the first component includes the sliding portion, the sliding portion is provided on a portion of the first component and is a portion that moves relative to the first component by rubbing against at least a portion of a third component that is a component separate from the first component. When the first component includes the contact portion, the contact portion is provided on a portion of the first component and is a portion that is electrically connected to the fourth component in response to movement of at least one of the first component and a fourth component that is a component separate from the first component. The uneven portion is formed on at least a portion of a surface that forms an accommodation space that accommodates the first component, and is capable of retaining conductive oil.

[0010] A switch device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes the component and a housing that houses the component, the component being housed in the housing with the oil applied to the concave-convex portion.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a switch device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing one aspect of a main part of the switch device. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing another aspect of the main part of the switch device. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the main part of the switch device. FIG. 5 is an end view showing the shape of a component of the switch device. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the shape of a concave-convex portion of the switch device. FIG. 7 is an end view showing the shape of a concave-convex portion of the switch device. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the shape of a concave-convex portion of a switch device according to a first modified example. FIGS. 9A to 9C are end views showing the shape of a contact portion of a switch device according to a second modified example.

[0012] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Common elements in the embodiments described below are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions of the common elements may be omitted. The following embodiments and modifications are merely a portion of the various embodiments of the present disclosure. Various modifications of the following embodiments and modifications can be made depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. The configurations of the modifications can also be combined as appropriate.

[0013] The drawings described in this disclosure are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of the components in the drawings do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. The arrows indicating the directions in the drawings are merely examples and are not intended to define the directions in which the switch device 1 should be used. The arrows indicating the directions in the drawings are merely for explanatory purposes and have no substance. The "up-down direction" in this disclosure refers to a direction along (or parallel to) the direction of gravity.

[0014] In addition, the term "orthogonal (perpendicular)" as used herein not only refers to a state in which the angle between two things is exactly 90 degrees, but also refers to a state in which two things intersect within a certain range of difference. In other words, the angle between two orthogonal things falls within a certain range of difference from 90 degrees (for example, 10 degrees or less). In other words, the term "orthogonal" as used herein includes cases in which the angle between two things is between 80 degrees and 100 degrees. Similarly, the term "parallel" as used herein also includes not only a state in which two things do not strictly intersect, but also a state in which two things are lined up within a certain range of difference. For example, the term "parallel" as used herein includes cases in which one thing is inclined at an angle of 10 degrees or less relative to the other. In other words, the term "parallel" as used herein includes cases in which the angle between one thing and the other is between -10 degrees and 10 degrees.

[0015] (Embodiment) (1) Overview An overview of a switch device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG.

[0016] The switch device 1 includes a movable part 4 (part or first part) and a housing 2 .

[0017] The housing 2 houses the moving parts 4 .

[0018] The movable part 4 includes a sliding portion 9 (or a sliding surface) and an uneven portion 10 (shown by dots in FIG. 4).

[0019] The sliding portion 9 is provided on a part of the movable part 4. The sliding portion 9 is a part with which at least a part of the pressing part 8 (see FIG. 2), which is another part, moves relatively in a rubbing manner.

[0020] The uneven portion 10 is provided in a part of the movable part 4, different from the sliding part 9. The uneven portion 10 is capable of holding oil 7. The movable part 4 is housed in the housing 2 with the oil 7 applied to the uneven portion 10.

[0021] As in this embodiment, the movable part 4 is accommodated in, for example, the accommodation space SP1 (see FIG. 2 ). Therefore, as the oil 7 held by the concave-convex portion 10 evaporates, the accommodation space SP1 becomes an oil atmosphere. As the accommodation space SP1 becomes an oil atmosphere, the oil 7 is continuously applied to the sliding portion 9.

[0022] Conventionally, lubricants such as grease have been applied to the sliding parts to ensure smooth sliding of the sliding parts. However, in conventional products, the grease applied to the sliding parts is removed because a pressing part or the like rubs against the sliding parts, which can lead to poor sliding of the sliding parts. According to the switch device 1 or movable part 4 of this embodiment, by providing the uneven portion 10 to which oil 7 is applied, oil 7 is continuously applied to the sliding part 9, thereby maintaining good sliding of the sliding part 9. In other words, according to the switch device 1 or movable part 4 of this embodiment, it is possible to maintain the function of the movable part 4 for a longer period of time.

[0023] (2) Details The detailed configuration of the switch device 1 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0024] (2.1) Overall Structure As shown in FIG. 1 , the switch device 1 according to this embodiment is a seesaw switch (or a rocker switch). The switch device 1 is installed on a building material such as a wall 200. Note that the "front-rear direction" in this disclosure is a direction along (or parallel to) the normal direction of the wall 200. The "front-rear direction" is also perpendicular to the up-down direction. The switch device 1 includes a housing 2 and a handle 3.

[0025] The housing 2 is formed in the shape of a rectangular box that is long in the vertical direction. The housing 2 is made of metal such as aluminum. However, the housing 2 may be made of synthetic resin or the like. The housing 2 has a case 21 and a cover 22.

[0026] The case 21 is formed in a vertically elongated rectangular box shape with an open front. The cover 22 is formed in a vertically elongated rectangular box shape with an open rear. When combined with the case 21, the cover 22 closes the opening of the case 21. A rectangular opening 222 is formed in the front surface 221 of the cover 22 to expose the handle 3. When the case 21 and the cover 22 are combined, the case 21 and the cover 22 form a storage space SP1 (see FIG. 2 ). The storage space SP1 is a sealed space. Note that "sealed" in this disclosure can include being closed with no gaps and being closed with some gaps. The storage space SP1 houses the movable parts 4, etc. In other words, the housing 2 is a second part that houses the movable parts 4, etc. (first part).

[0027] When viewed from the front of the switch device 1, the handle 3 is attached to the front surface of the switch device 1 so as to be able to swing up and down. As shown in Figures 2 and 3 , the switch device 1 has a switching mechanism for the contacts 45, 54 therein. When an upper region or a lower region of the front surface 31 of the handle 3 is pressed, the handle 3 swings, and the contacts 45, 54 of the switch device 1 are switched between a closed state and an open state. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2 , when the upper region of the front surface 31 of the handle 3 is pressed, the contacts 45, 54 are closed (ON state). Conversely, as shown in Figure 3 , when the lower region of the front surface 31 of the handle 3 is pressed, the contacts 45, 54 are opened (OFF state).

[0028] The switch device 1 is connected to a power supply path that electrically connects a power source (e.g., a commercial power source) and a load (e.g., a lighting load). When the contacts 45 and 54 of the switch device 1 are turned on, power is supplied to the load, and if the load is a lighting load, the load is turned on. When the contacts 45 and 54 of the switch device 1 are turned off, the power supply to the load is cut off, and if the load is a lighting load, the load is turned off.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the switch device 1 further includes a movable part 4, a first fixed part 5, a second fixed part 6, and a pushing part 8.

[0030] The pressing element 8 is provided on the rear surface of the handle 3. The pressing element 8 is provided so as to protrude in a direction normal to the rear surface (or front surface 31) of the handle 3. In this embodiment, the handle 3 and the pressing element 8 are separate components, but the handle 3 and the pressing element 8 may be integrally formed. The pressing element 8 includes a main body 81, a shaft 82, and a spring 83. In this embodiment, the main body 81 is formed, for example, from a synthetic resin and is not conductive. The main body 81 receives a force from the spring 83, which is arranged to be wound around the shaft 82, in a direction toward the movable part 4. As a result, the tip 811 (rear end) of the main body 81 is pressed against the sliding part 9 (see FIG. 4 ) of the movable part 4. When the handle 3 is operated, the pressing element 8 moves while rubbing against the sliding part 9. The movable part 4 is displaced in accordance with the movement of the pressing element 8, thereby switching the contacts 45, 54 between a closed state and an open state. The tip 811 of the pushing element 8 in this embodiment is a part that moves relatively so that at least a part of the movable element 4, which is another element, rubs against it. In other words, the tip 811 of the pushing element 8 functions as a sliding part. That is, the pushing element 8 in this embodiment is a part that includes a sliding part.

[0031] The second fixing part 6 is made of a metal such as copper and is electrically conductive. In this embodiment, the second fixing part 6 is fixed to the housing 2. The second fixing part 6 is disposed behind the movable part 4 and above the first fixing part 5. The second fixing part 6 is disposed so as to be elongated in the vertical direction when viewed from the front of the switch device 1. The second fixing part 6 has a plate part 61, a bent part 62, and a wiring part 63.

[0032] The plate portion 61 is formed in the shape of a long rectangular plate. The second fixed component 6 is arranged so that the plate portion 61 is long in the vertical direction when viewed from the front of the switch device 1. The plate portion 61 has a front surface 611 and a rear surface 612. The front surface 611 is the surface facing the movable component 4. The rear surface 612 is the surface opposite the front surface 611.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 4, the uneven portion 10 is formed on the front surface 611 of the plate portion 61 of this embodiment. That is, the second fixing component 6 of this embodiment includes the uneven portion 10. The uneven portion 10 is made of copper or the like and is conductive. The uneven portion 10 may also be formed on the rear surface 612 of the plate portion 61. The uneven portion 10 may be provided in a position different from the vertex portion 621 that functions as a contact portion.

[0034] The bent portion 62 is formed in a V-shape (or U-shape) that is convex toward the movable part 4 when viewed from the left or right of the switch device 1. The bent portion 62 protrudes diagonally downward and forward from the first end (lower end) of the plate part 61, and then bends and protrudes diagonally downward and backward. The apex 621 of the bent portion 62 functions as a contact part that comes into contact with the movable part 4. Since the movable part 4 and the second fixed part 6 in this embodiment are conductive, the bent portion 62 functions as a contact part that is electrically connected to the movable part 4. The apex 621 of the bent portion 62 is in contact with the movable part 4 regardless of the operation of the movable part 4.

[0035] The wiring portion 63 is provided at the second end (upper end) of the plate portion 61. The wiring portion 63 is formed in a cylindrical shape with an axial direction along the thickness direction of the plate portion 61. To the wiring portion 63, for example, a wire for electrically connecting a power source and the switch device 1 is connected.

[0036] The first fixing component 5 is made of a metal such as copper and is electrically conductive. The first fixing component 5 of this embodiment is fixed to the housing 2. The first fixing component 5 of this embodiment is disposed behind the movable component 4 and below the second fixing component 6. The first fixing component 5 is disposed so as to be elongated in the vertical direction when viewed from the front of the switch device 1. The first fixing component 5 includes a first plate portion 51, a second plate portion 52, and a wiring portion 53.

[0037] The first plate portion 51 is formed in the shape of a long rectangular plate. The first fixing component 5 is arranged so that the first plate portion 51 is long in the vertical direction when viewed from the front of the switch device 1. The first plate portion 51 has a front surface 511 and a rear surface 512. The front surface 511 is the surface facing the cover 22 of the housing 2. The rear surface 512 is the surface opposite the front surface 511.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 4, the uneven portion 10 is formed on the front surface 511 of the first plate portion 51 of this embodiment. That is, the first fixing component 5 of this embodiment includes the uneven portion 10. The uneven portion 10 is made of copper or the like and is conductive. The uneven portion 10 may also be formed on the rear surface 512 of the first plate portion 51. The uneven portion 10 may be provided in a location different from the contact portion 54.

[0039] The second plate portion 52 is formed in the shape of a long rectangular plate. It protrudes obliquely upward and rearward from a first end (upper end) of the second plate portion 52. The second plate portion 52 has a front surface 521 and a rear surface 522. The front surface 521 is the surface facing the movable part 4. The rear surface 522 is the surface opposite the front surface 521.

[0040] A contact portion 54 is provided on the front surface 521 of the second plate portion 52. That is, the first fixing component 5 of this embodiment includes the contact portion 54.

[0041] The contact portion 54 is formed in a cylindrical shape with its axial direction aligned with the thickness direction of the second plate portion 52. The contact portion 54 is a portion that is electrically connected to the contact portion 45 of the movable part 4 in response to the movement of the movable part 4.

[0042] The wiring portion 53 is provided at the second end (lower end) of the first plate portion 51. The wiring portion 53 is formed in a cylindrical shape with an axial direction along the thickness direction of the first plate portion 51. A wire for electrically connecting, for example, a load and the switch device 1 is connected to the wiring portion 53.

[0043] The movable part 4 is made of a metal such as copper and is electrically conductive. In this embodiment, the movable part 4 is disposed in front of the first fixed part 5 and the second fixed part 6. The movable part 4 is formed in a curved plate shape. The movable part 4 is disposed so as to be elongated in the vertical direction when viewed from the front of the switch device 1. The movable part 4 is formed in a curved plate shape. The movable part 4 includes a first plate portion 41, a second plate portion 42, a third plate portion 43, and a fourth plate portion 44.

[0044] The first plate portion 41 and the second plate portion 42 are formed in a rectangular plate shape. A first end (upper end) of the first plate portion 41 is the upper end of the movable part 4. The second plate portion 42 protrudes from a second end (lower end) of the first plate portion 41 so as to be perpendicular to the first plate portion 41 when viewed from the left or right of the switch device 1. The first plate portion 41 and the second plate portion 42 are continuous so as to form an L-shape that protrudes forward when viewed from the left or right of the switch device 1.

[0045] The third plate portion 43 and the fourth plate portion 44 are formed in a rectangular plate shape. The third plate portion 43 protrudes diagonally downward from the lower end of the second plate portion 42. The fourth plate portion 44 protrudes diagonally downward from the lower end of the third plate portion 43. The first plate portion 41, the second plate portion 42, the third plate portion 43, and the fourth plate portion 44 are continuous to form an S-shape when viewed from the left or right of the switch device 1.

[0046] The third plate portion 43 has a front surface 431 and a rear surface 432. The front surface 431 is the surface facing the main body portion 81 of the pressing component 8. The rear surface 432 is the surface opposite the front surface 431 and facing the second fixing component 6.

[0047] A sliding portion 9 is formed on the front surface 431 of the third plate portion 43. That is, the movable part 4 of this embodiment is provided with the sliding portion 9. The sliding portion 9 is a smooth flat surface. The sliding portion 9 is provided on a part of the movable part 4, and is a portion that moves relatively by rubbing against at least a part of another part. More specifically, the sliding portion 9 is a portion that moves relatively by rubbing against the tip 811 of the main body 81 of the pushing part 8.

[0048] The rear surface 432 of the third plate portion 43 functions as a contact portion that comes into contact with the bent portion 62 of the second fixed component 6. Because the movable component 4 and the second fixed component 6 of this embodiment are conductive, the rear surface 432 of the third plate portion 43 functions as a contact portion that is electrically connected to the second fixed component 6. The rear surface 432 of the third plate portion 43 is in contact with the bent portion 62 of the second fixed component 6 regardless of the operation of the movable component 4.

[0049] The fourth plate portion 44 has a front surface 441 and a rear surface 442. The front surface 441 is the surface facing the handle 3. The rear surface 442 is the surface opposite the front surface 441 and facing the first fixing component 5.

[0050] The uneven portion 10 is formed on the front surface 441 of the fourth plate portion 44. That is, the movable part 4 of this embodiment includes the uneven portion 10. The uneven portion 10 is made of copper or the like and has conductivity. The uneven portion 10 may be provided in a portion different from the contact portion 45 and the sliding portion 9.

[0051] A contact portion 45 is provided on a rear surface 442 of the fourth plate portion 44. That is, the fourth plate portion 44 of this embodiment includes the contact portion 45.

[0052] The contact portion 45 is formed in a cylindrical shape with its axial direction aligned with the thickness direction of the fourth plate portion 44. The contact portion 45 is a portion that is electrically connected to the contact portion 54 of the first fixed component 5 in response to the movement of the movable component 4.

[0053] (2.2) Concave-convex portion Next, the concave-convex portion 10 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 are schematic diagrams showing the shape of the concave-convex portion 10.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 6 , the uneven portion 10 has a plurality of convex portions 11 and a plurality of concave portions 12. The uneven portion 10 is an undulating surface having a fine concave-convex shape. The uneven portion 10 is a microstructured surface. The plurality of convex portions 11 and the plurality of concave portions 12 are extremely small, for example, so that they cannot be individually distinguished with the naked eye. One uneven portion 10 includes many convex portions 11 and concave portions 12. In other words, the convex portions 11 and concave portions 12 are finer than the entire uneven portion 10. The uneven portion 10 is formed by cutting, laser processing, press processing, or the like.

[0055] In this embodiment, each of the multiple convex portions 11 and each of the multiple concave portions 12 has a linear stripe shape along a direction (extension direction) perpendicular to the protruding direction of the convex portions 11. The multiple convex portions 11 and the multiple concave portions 12 are alternately arranged in the protruding direction of the convex portions 11 and in an arrangement direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the convex portions 11. In other words, a concave portion 12 is sandwiched between two convex portions 11 in the arrangement direction, and a convex portion 11 is sandwiched between two concave portions 12 in the arrangement direction. In other words, the multiple concave portions 12 are valley portions of the multiple convex portions 11. As shown in FIG. 5 , the convex portions 11 have a triangular cross-sectional shape. Note that FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a cross section (transverse cross-section) of the concave-convex portion 10 in the arrangement direction. In the concave-convex portion 10, the cross-sectional shapes of the convex portions 11 and the concave portions 12 are symmetrical. The distance between two adjacent convex portions 11 is, for example, smaller than the diameter of an oil droplet.

[0056] The oil 7 is applied to the uneven portion 10. In other words, the uneven portion 10 holds the oil 7. In this embodiment, the oil 7 is an electrically conductive oil. The uneven portion 10, which has a fine uneven shape, has lipophilicity (or superlipophilicity). In other words, the oil 7 easily spreads on the uneven portion 10.

[0057] The oil contact angle θ1 of the uneven portion 10 of this embodiment is 10° or less. The oil contact angle θ1 can be calculated by the following formulas (1) and (2). "θ" in formula (1) is simply the oil contact angle in a plane. "X1" in formula (2) is the width of the convex portion 11 in the cross section, and "X2" is the width of the concave portion 12 in the cross section.

[0058] θ1=COS-1(1+R×(COSθ-1)) (1)

[0059] R=X1 / (X1+X2) (2)

[0060] As described above, the oil contact angle θ1 of the uneven portion 10 of this embodiment is 10° or less, and the oil 7 easily spreads on the uneven portion 10. As a result, the uneven portion 10 can have a larger contact surface area with the oil 7 than, for example, a simple flat surface, thereby increasing the amount of oil 7 evaporated per unit time. In other words, the uneven portion 10 can improve the evaporation rate of the oil 7 compared to a simple flat surface, making it easier to maintain an oil atmosphere. The evaporation rate of the evaporated substance on the surface can be calculated, for example, using the "Kawamura and Macky equation" (Equation (3)). In Equation (3), "E" represents the evaporation rate per unit time. Furthermore, "PV" represents the vapor pressure, "Ar" represents the liquid surface area, "KM" represents the mass transfer coefficient, "MW" represents the molecular weight of the evaporated substance, "R" represents the gas constant, and "T" represents the thermodynamic temperature of the gas phase [K].

[0061] E=Ar×KM×{(MW×PV) / (R×T)} (3)

[0062] (3) Effects As described above, the movable part 4 (part) of this embodiment includes the sliding part 9 and the contact part 45. The movable part 4 also includes the concave-convex part 10. The concave-convex part 10 holds conductive oil 7. By including the concave-convex part 10 in the movable part 4, the accommodation space SP1 can be made into an oil atmosphere. By creating an oil atmosphere in the accommodation space SP1, the sliding of the sliding part 9 can be maintained well. Furthermore, by creating an oil atmosphere in the accommodation space SP1, an oxide film A1 (see Figures 9A to 9C) is less likely to form on the surface of the contact part 45. This makes it possible to suppress contact failure at the contact part 45.

[0063] The first fixing component 5 (component) of this embodiment includes a contact portion 54. The first fixing component 5 also includes an uneven portion 10. The uneven portion 10 holds conductive oil 7. This can prevent poor contact at the contact portion 54.

[0064] In this embodiment, the second fixed component 6 (second component) constitutes at least a part of the switch device 1 together with the movable component 4 (first component) including the sliding component 9 and the contact component 45, and the first fixed component 5 (first component) including the contact component 54. The second fixed component 6 also includes the concave-convex portion 10. This allows the sliding component 9 to slide smoothly, and prevents contact failures at the contact components 45 and 54.

[0065] In this embodiment, the movable part 4 (part), the first fixed part 5 (part), and the second fixed part 6 (part) are electrically conductive. When the contact parts 45, 54 are in the closed state (on state), the movable part 4, the first fixed part 5, and the second fixed part 6 generate heat when electricity is applied. As a result, the uneven part 10 provided on each of the movable part 4, the first fixed part 5, and the second fixed part 6 also generates heat. By increasing the temperature of the part in contact with the oil 7, the evaporation rate of the oil 7 can be improved, making it easier to maintain an oil atmosphere.

[0066] (4) Modifications Modifications of the above embodiment are listed below.

[0067] (4.1) Modification 1 As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the uneven portion 10 may have a plurality of convex portions 11A and a plurality of concave portions 12A instead of a plurality of convex portions 11 and a plurality of concave portions 12. The plurality of convex portions 11A and the plurality of concave portions 12A are extremely small, for example, so that they cannot be individually distinguished with the naked eye. One uneven portion 10 includes a large number of convex portions 11A and concave portions 12A. In other words, the convex portions 11A and concave portions 12A are smaller than the entire uneven portion 10. The uneven portion 10 of modification 1 is formed by cutting, laser processing, press processing, or the like.

[0068] The convex portions 11A are formed in a conical shape. The concave portions 12A are sandwiched between two adjacent convex portions 11A, and the convex portions 11A are sandwiched between two concave portions 12A in the arrangement direction. In other words, the multiple concave portions 12A are valley portions of the multiple convex portions 11A. Note that FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a cross section (transverse cross section) of the concave-convex portion 10 in the arrangement direction. The distance between two adjacent convex portions 11A is smaller than the diameter of an oil droplet, for example.

[0069] The uneven portion 10 of Modification 1 has lipophilicity (or superlipophilicity) similarly to the uneven portion 10 of the above embodiment. That is, the oil 7 easily spreads on the uneven portion 10 of Modification 1.

[0070] As a result, the uneven portion 10 of Modification 1 can have a larger surface area in contact with the oil 7 than a simple flat surface, for example, and can increase the amount of evaporation of the oil 7 per unit time. In other words, the uneven portion 10 of Modification 1 can improve the evaporation rate of the oil 7 compared to a simple flat surface, making it easier to maintain an oil atmosphere.

[0071] (4.2) Modification 2 As shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C , the movable part 4 may include a contact part 45A instead of the contact part 45. The contact part 45A has multiple (three in the example of FIGS. 9A to 9C ) protrusions 451. Here, an oxide film may already be formed on the surface of a part made of copper or the like when the part is shipped or assembled into a device. The protrusions 451 destroy the oxide film A1 formed on the surface of the contact part 54 when the contact part 45A and the contact part 54 come into contact in response to the movement of the movable part 4.

[0072] The surface of contact portion 54 is plastically deformed by contact with contact portion 45A having a plurality of protrusions 451 (see FIG. 9B ). In conventional products, when an oxide film is formed on the plastically deformed portion of contact portion 54, it is difficult for protrusions 451 to destroy the oxide film.

[0073] However, in the switch device 1 of Modification 2, since the accommodation space SP1 is filled with oil, the oil 7 is also applied to the plastically deformed portion of the contact portion 54 (see FIG. 9C ). This makes it difficult for the oxide film A1 to form on the plastically deformed portion of the contact portion 54. This makes it possible to suppress contact failure at the contact portions 45A and 54.

[0074] (4.3) Other Modifications The uneven portion 10 may be formed on at least a part of the surface that forms the accommodation space SP1 that accommodates the movable component 4 and the first fixed component 5. For example, the uneven portion 10 may be formed on at least a part of the inner surface of the case 21. Furthermore, the uneven portion 10 may be formed on at least a part of the inner surface of the cover 22.

[0075] The pressing part 8 may have an uneven portion 10. For example, the uneven portion 10 is formed on the side surface of the main body 81 of the pressing part 8. The uneven portion 10 may also be formed on the rear surface (the surface opposite to the front surface 31) of the handle 3. The uneven portion 10 may also be formed on the side surface of the wiring part 53 of the first fixing part 5 or the wiring part 63 of the second fixing part 6, etc.

[0076] The uneven portion 10 may be made of a synthetic resin or the like.

[0077] The contact portion 54 of the first fixed component 5 may have a plurality of protrusions. The plurality of protrusions destroy the oxide film A1 formed on the surface of the contact portion 45 when the contact portion 45 and the contact portion 54 come into contact in response to the movement of the movable component 4.

[0078] In the first modification, the convex portions 11A of the uneven portion 10 are formed in a conical shape, but the convex portions 11A may be formed in a pyramidal shape. In other words, it is sufficient that the convex portions 11A are formed in a cone shape.

[0079] (Summary) As is clear from the above-described embodiments and modifications, the part (movable part 4) according to the first aspect is a part that includes a sliding part (9). The part further includes an uneven part (10). The sliding part (9) is provided on a part of the part, and is a part that moves relative to the sliding part (9) by rubbing against at least a part of another part (pressing part 8). The uneven part (10) is provided on a part of the part that is different from the sliding part (9), and is capable of retaining oil (7).

[0080] According to this aspect, it is possible to maintain the functionality of the parts for a longer period of time.

[0081] The component (first fixed component 5) according to the second aspect is a component having a contact portion (54) and having electrical conductivity. The component further has an uneven portion (10). The contact portion (54) is provided on a portion of the component, and is a portion that is electrically connected to another component in response to movement of at least one of the component and another component (movable component 4). The uneven portion (10) is provided on a portion of the component that is different from the contact portion (54), and is capable of holding conductive oil (7).

[0082] According to this aspect, it is possible to maintain the functionality of the parts for a longer period of time.

[0083] A component (movable component 4) according to another second aspect is a conductive component having a contact portion (45). The component further includes a concave-convex portion (10). The contact portion (45) is provided on a portion of the component, and is a portion that is electrically connected to another component in response to movement of at least one of the component and another component (first fixed component 5). The concave-convex portion (10) is provided on a portion of the component that is different from the contact portion (45), and is capable of holding conductive oil (7).

[0084] According to this aspect, it is possible to maintain the functionality of the parts for a longer period of time.

[0085] The second component (second fixed component 6) according to the third aspect constitutes at least a part of the device together with the first component (movable component 4). The first component has at least one of a sliding component (9) and a contact component (45). The second component has a concave-convex component (10). When the first component has the sliding component (9), the sliding component (9) is provided on a part of the first component, and is a component with which at least a part of a third component (pressing component 8), which is a component separate from the first component, moves relative to the sliding component so as to rub against the third component. When the first component has the contact component (45), the contact component (45) is provided on a part of the first component, and is a component that is electrically connected to the fourth component in response to movement of at least one of a fourth component (first fixed component 5), which is a component separate from the first component, and the first component. The concave-convex component (10) is capable of retaining conductive oil (7). The second component is accommodated in the accommodation space (SP1) together with the first component.

[0086] According to this aspect, it is possible to maintain the function of the first component for a longer period of time.

[0087] According to another third aspect, a second component (second fixed component 6) constitutes at least a part of the device together with a first component (first fixed component 5). The first component has a contact portion (54). The second component has a concave-convex portion (10). The contact portion (54) is provided on a part of the first component and is a portion that is electrically connected to a fourth component (movable component 4), which is a component separate from the first component, in response to movement of at least one of the first component and the fourth component. The concave-convex portion (10) is capable of holding conductive oil (7). The second component is accommodated in an accommodation space (SP1) together with the first component.

[0088] According to this aspect, it is possible to maintain the function of the first component for a longer period of time.

[0089] The second component (housing 2) according to the fourth aspect accommodates the first component (movable component 4). The first component includes at least one of a sliding portion (9) and a contact portion (45). The second component includes a concave-convex portion (10). When the first component includes the sliding portion (9), the sliding portion (9) is provided on a portion of the first component, and is a portion with which at least a portion of a third component (pressing component 8), which is a component separate from the first component, moves relative to the sliding portion (9) in a rubbing manner. When the first component includes the contact portion (45), the contact portion (45) is provided on a portion of the first component, and is a portion electrically connected to the fourth component in response to movement of at least one of a fourth component (first fixed component 5), which is a component separate from the first component, and the first component. The concave-convex portion (10) is formed on at least a portion of a surface forming an accommodation space (SP1) that accommodates the first component, and is capable of retaining conductive oil (7).

[0090] According to this aspect, it is possible to maintain the function of the first component for a longer period of time.

[0091] The part (movable part 4) according to the fifth aspect has electrical conductivity in the first aspect.

[0092] According to this aspect, it is possible to energize the components, and when energized, the components generate heat, which makes it easier to create an oil atmosphere.

[0093] The components (movable component 4; first fixed component 5) according to the sixth aspect generate heat when energized in the second or fifth aspect.

[0094] According to this embodiment, it becomes easier to create an oil atmosphere.

[0095] In the part (movable part 4; first fixed part 5) according to the seventh aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the oil contact angle of the uneven portion (10) is 10° or less.

[0096] According to this embodiment, the evaporation rate of the oil (7) can be improved, and the oil (7) atmosphere can be easily maintained.

[0097] In the part (movable part 4; first fixed part 5) according to the eighth aspect, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the shape of the convex part of the uneven part (10) is cone-shaped.

[0098] In the part (movable part 4; first fixed part 5) according to the ninth aspect, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the concave and convex parts of the uneven part (10) have a streak-like shape.

[0099] A switch device (1) according to a tenth aspect includes a component (movable component 4; first fixed component 5) according to any one of the first to third aspects and a housing (2) that houses the component. The component is housed in the housing (2) with oil (7) applied to the concave-convex portion (10).

[0100] According to this aspect, it is possible to maintain the functionality of the parts for a longer period of time.

[0101] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Switch device 2 Housing (second part) 4 Movable part (part, other part, first part) 45 Contact part 5 First fixed part (part, other part, first part, fourth part) 54 Contact part 6 Second fixed part (second part) 7 Oil 8 Push part (other part, third part) 10 Concave and recessed part 11, 11A Convex part 12, 12A Concave part SP1 Storage space θ1 Oil contact angle

Claims

1. A component having a sliding part, further comprising a concavo-convex shaped part, wherein the sliding part is provided on a part of the component and is a part that moves relatively so that at least a part of another component rubs against it, and the concavo-convex shaped part is provided on a part of the component that is different from the sliding part and can hold oil.

2. A component having a contact part and having conductivity, further comprising a concavo-convex shaped part, wherein the contact part is provided on a part of the component and is a part that is electrically connected to another component in response to the movement of at least one of the component and another component, and the concavo-convex shaped part is provided on a part of the component that is different from the contact part and can hold conductive oil.

3. A second component that constitutes at least a part of a device together with a first component having at least one of a sliding part and a contact part, the second component comprising a concavo-convex shaped part, wherein when the first component has the sliding part, the sliding part is provided on a part of the first component and is a part that moves relatively so that at least a part of a third component, which is a component different from the first component, rubs against it; when the first component has the contact part, the contact part is provided on a part of the first component and is a part that is electrically connected to the fourth component, which is a component different from the first component, in response to the movement of at least one of the fourth component and the first component; the concavo-convex shaped part can hold conductive oil; and the second component is housed in a housing space together with the first component.

4. A second component that houses a first component having at least one of a sliding part and a contact part, the second component comprising a concavo-convex shaped part, wherein when the first component has the sliding part, the sliding part is provided on a part of the first component and is a part that moves relatively so that at least a part of a third component, which is a component different from the first component, rubs against it; when the first component has the contact part, the contact part is provided on a part of the first component and is a part that is electrically connected to the fourth component, which is a component different from the first component, in response to the movement of at least one of the fourth component and the first component; the concavo-convex shaped part is formed on at least a part of the surface that forms the housing space for housing the first component and can hold conductive oil.

5. The component according to claim 1, having conductivity.

6. The component according to claim 2 or 5, which generates heat when energized.

7. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the oil contact angle of the concavo-convex shaped portion is 10° or less.

8. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the shape of the convex portion of the concavo-convex shaped portion is conical.

9. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the shapes of the concave and convex portions of the concavo-convex shaped portion are rib-shaped.

10. A switch device comprising the component according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and a housing for housing the component, wherein the component is housed in the housing with the oil applied to the concavo-convex shaped portion.

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