Push switch

Abstract

The purpose of the present disclosure is to increase the impact resistance of a push switch. This push switch (1) includes: a case (2); a fixed contact (3); a movable contact (5); and an operating member (7). The case (2) has a recess (200) that opens upward. The fixed contact (3) has a fixed contact part (31) disposed on the bottom surface of the recess (200). The movable contact (5) has a movable contact part (51) disposed above the fixed contact part (31). The operating member (7) has an actuating part (71), a support end (72), and a pressing part (73). When the pressing part (73) receives an operation force to be displaced downward toward the case (2), the actuating part (71) presses the movable contact part (51) toward the fixed contact part (31).

Description

Push switch

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to push switches, and more particularly to push switches including a fixed contact portion and a movable contact portion.

[0002] The push switch described in Patent Document 1 includes a center contact, outer contacts, a movable contact, a case, a protective sheet, and a pressing body. The center contact and outer contacts are fixed to the inner bottom surface of the case by insert molding. The protective sheet is placed on the case. A pressing body made of insulating resin is fixed to the underside of the protective sheet, and the underside of the pressing body rests on the central apex of the movable contact.

[0003] In such a push switch, if the push switch is accidentally dropped, the movable contacts and other components inside the case may be subjected to an impact.

[0004] JP 2013-58380 A

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide a push switch with improved impact resistance.

[0006] A push switch according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a case, a fixed contact body, a movable contact body, and an operating member. The case has a recess that is open at the top. The fixed contact body has a fixed contact portion disposed on the bottom surface of the recess. The movable contact body has a movable contact portion disposed above the fixed contact portion. The operating member has an acting portion, a support end, and a pressing portion. The acting portion is disposed above the movable contact portion. The support end is connected to a first end of the acting portion and is fixed to the case. The pressing portion is connected to a second end of the acting portion. The second end is the end opposite the first end. When the pressing portion receives an operating force and is displaced downward relative to the case, the acting portion presses the movable contact portion toward the fixed contact portion.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a push switch according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of the same push switch. FIG. 3 is a front cross-sectional view of the same push switch, showing the push switch in an unoperated state. FIG. 4 is a front cross-sectional view of the same push switch, showing the push switch in an operated state. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the same push switch. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fixed contact body and a conductive member of the same push switch. FIG. 7 is a front cross-sectional view of a main part of the same push switch. FIG. 8 is a front cross-sectional view of a main part of the same push switch. FIG. 9 is a front cross-sectional view of a main part of the same push switch.

[0008] (Embodiment) A push switch 1 according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment described below is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment described below can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Furthermore, each figure described in the embodiment described below is a schematic diagram, and the ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of the components in the figures do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0009] The X-axis direction shown in each drawing is defined as the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction as the front-rear direction, and the Z-axis direction as the up-down direction. Furthermore, the positive direction of the X-axis direction is defined as the right side, the positive direction of the Y-axis direction as the front side, and the positive direction of the Z-axis direction as the top side. However, these directions are merely examples. In other words, the directions described in this disclosure merely indicate relative directions and are not intended to limit the directions in which the push switch 1 is used. Furthermore, the arrows indicating the directions in the drawings are merely shown for explanatory purposes and have no substance.

[0010] (Overview) As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 , a push switch 1 of this embodiment includes a case 2, a fixed contact body 3, a movable contact body 5, and an operating member 7. The case 2 has a recess 200 that is open at the top. The fixed contact body 3 has a fixed contact portion 31 that is disposed on a bottom surface 204 of the recess 200. The movable contact body 5 has a movable contact portion 51 that is disposed above the fixed contact portion 31. The operating member 7 has an acting portion 71, a support end 72, and a pressing portion 73. The acting portion 71 is disposed above the movable contact portion 51. The support end 72 is connected to a first end (right end) of the acting portion 71 and is fixed to the case 2. The pressing portion 73 is connected to a second end (left end) of the acting portion 71. The second end is the end opposite the first end. When the pressing portion 73 receives an operating force and is displaced downward relative to the case 2 , the acting portion 71 presses the movable contact portion 51 toward the fixed contact portion 31 .

[0011] According to the above configuration, when the pressing portion 73 receives an operating force, the acting portion 71 presses the movable contact portion 51 toward the fixed contact portion 31. In other words, the push switch 1 can be operated without directly applying an operating force to the acting portion 71. Because the acting portion 71 faces the movable contact body 5, applying an excessive force to the acting portion 71 may result in an excessive force being applied to the movable contact body 5 and other components, potentially causing a malfunction of the push switch 1. In contrast, because the pressing portion 73 does not face the movable contact body 5, applying an excessive force to the pressing portion 73 is unlikely to cause a malfunction of the push switch 1. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the push switch 1 is less likely to malfunction when subjected to an excessive force. In other words, according to the above configuration, the impact resistance of the push switch 1 can be improved.

[0012] Even if the acting portion 71 receives an operating force, the movable contact portion 51 is pushed toward the fixed contact portion 31. When using the push switch 1, it is advisable to cover the acting portion 71 with a cover, for example, to prevent the acting portion 71 from receiving an operating force. This reduces the possibility of excessive force being applied to the acting portion 71. Alternatively, the push switch 1 may be provided with a cover.

[0013] (Details) (1) Overall Configuration The push switch 1 of this embodiment will be described in detail below. The push switch 1 is used in the operation units of various devices, such as mobile information terminals, in-vehicle devices, and home appliances. The mobile information terminal is, for example, a wearable device such as a smart watch or an activity tracker, or a mobile phone such as a smartphone.

[0014] The pressing portion 73 of the push switch 1 receives an operating force from, for example, a person. The pressing portion 73 receives the operating force via, for example, an operating button or a plunger.

[0015] Unless otherwise specified, the following describes the configuration of the push switch 1 when it is not being operated, that is, when the pressing portion 73 is not receiving an operating force. Figures 1 to 3 show the push switch 1 when it is not being operated, and Figures 4 and 7 to 9 show the push switch 1 when it is being operated.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the push switch 1 includes a case 2, a fixed contact body 3, a conductive member 4, a movable contact body 5, a protective sheet 6, an operating member 7, and a cushion member 8.

[0017] (2) Case The case 2 is made of, for example, synthetic resin. As shown in Fig. 5, the fixed contact body 3 and the conductive member 4 are embedded in the case 2. More specifically, the case 2, the fixed contact body 3, and the conductive member 4 are integrated by insert molding.

[0018] The case 2 includes a case body 20 and a rib 21. The case body 20 is the portion of the case 2 excluding the rib 21. The rib 21 protrudes upward from the case body 20.

[0019] The case body 20 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the longitudinal direction of the case body 20 is aligned with the left-right direction.

[0020] The case body 20 has a recess 200. The case body 20 is recessed downward at the recess 200. When viewed from above, the recess 200 is provided in the center of the case body 20.

[0021] The case body 20 has a base 205 that protrudes upward from the bottom surface 204 of the recess 200. The entire base 205 exists in the internal space of the recess 200. When viewed from above, the base 205 has a ring shape that surrounds the center of the recess 200. The base 205 is provided on the outer periphery of the internal space of the recess 200.

[0022] The case body 20 further includes a lower portion 201 , a base portion 202 , and a peripheral portion 203 of the recess 200 .

[0023] The peripheral edge portion 203 is a portion that protrudes above the bottom surface 204 and the base portion 205 of the recess 200. When viewed from above, the peripheral edge portion 203 surrounds the recess 200. A rib 21 protrudes upward from a region of the peripheral edge portion 203 to the left of the recess 200. When viewed from above, the rib 21 extends from a first end (front end) in the short-side direction (front-rear direction) of the case body 20 to a second end (rear end) opposite the first end. Therefore, when viewed from above, the rib 21 is provided in a region that includes the center of the case body 20 in the short-side direction (front-rear direction).

[0024] The low land portion 201 and the base portion 202 are recessed below the peripheral edge portion 203. In other words, the upper surface of the low land portion 201 and the upper surface of the base portion 202 are located below the upper surface of the peripheral edge portion 203. The upper surfaces of the low land portion 201 and the base portion 202 are located above the bottom surface 204 and the platform portion 205 of the recess 200.

[0025] The low land portion 201 is provided to the right of the peripheral edge portion 203. The base portion 202 is provided to the left of the peripheral edge portion 203. The base portion 202 is provided to the left of the rib 21.

[0026] The case body 20 further has a protrusion 206. The protrusion 206 protrudes upward from the lower portion 201. The protrusion 206 is configured to fix the operating member 7 by crimping.

[0027] (3) Fixed Contact Body In FIG. 5, in order to make it easier to distinguish between the fixed contact body 3 and the case 2, the portion of the fixed contact body 3 that is exposed from the case 2 is shown cross-hatched.

[0028] The fixed contact body 3 is made of, for example, copper or a copper alloy. The fixed contact body 3 is manufactured, for example, from a single piece of sheet metal by punching, bending, etc. Alternatively, the fixed contact body 3 may be formed by providing a conductive layer containing silver (Ag) plating or the like on the surface of a base material such as copper or a copper alloy.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the fixed contact body 3 has a fixed contact portion 31 , an enclosure portion 32 , a connection portion 33 , a connection portion 34 , and a terminal portion 35 .

[0030] The fixed contact portion 31 is exposed from the bottom surface 204 of the recess 200. The fixed contact portion 31 protrudes upward from the bottom surface 204 of the recess 200. When viewed from above, the fixed contact portion 31 has a circular shape. The fixed contact portion 31 has a cross-shaped groove on its upper surface.

[0031] The surrounding portion 32 has an annular shape when viewed from above. The surrounding portion 32 is connected to the fixed contact portion 31. The surrounding portion 32 is provided so as to surround the fixed contact portion 31 when viewed from above.

[0032] The connecting portion 33 extends rightward from the surrounding portion 32. A portion of the connecting portion 33 is embedded in the case 2 and is covered and hidden by the case 2.

[0033] The connecting portion 34 extends rightward from the connecting portion 33. The connecting portion 34 is embedded in the case 2 and is covered and hidden by the case 2. The length of the connecting portion 34 in the front-rear direction is longer than the length of the connecting portion 33 in the front-rear direction.

[0034] The terminal portion 35 extends rightward from the connection portion 34. The terminal portion 35 protrudes outward from the case 2. The terminal portion 35 protrudes obliquely upward from the side surface of the case 2.

[0035] (4) Conductive Member In FIG. 5, in order to easily distinguish the conductive member 4 from the case 2, the portion of the conductive member 4 that is exposed from the case 2 is shown cross-hatched.

[0036] The conductive member 4 is made of, for example, copper or a copper alloy. The conductive member 4 is manufactured, for example, from a single piece of sheet metal by punching, bending, or the like. Alternatively, the conductive member 4 may be formed by providing a conductive layer containing silver (Ag) plating or the like on the surface of a base material such as copper or a copper alloy.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the conductive member 4 has an arm portion 41 , an arm portion 42 , a connecting portion 43 , a connecting portion 44 , and a terminal portion 45 .

[0038] The arm 41 is disposed in front of the fixed contact portion 31. The arm 42 is disposed behind the fixed contact portion 31. The longitudinal direction of the arm 41 and the arm 42 is along the left-right direction. The arm 41 and the arm 42 are exposed from the upper surface of the base portion 205 of the case 2. The arm 41 and the arm 42 are in contact with the movable contact body 5. This electrically connects the conductive member 4 to the movable contact body 5.

[0039] The connecting portion 43 is connected to the arm portion 41 and the arm portion 42. The connecting portion 43 extends leftward from the arm portion 41 and the arm portion 42. The connecting portion 43 is embedded in the case 2 and is covered and hidden by the case 2.

[0040] The connecting portion 44 extends leftward from the connecting portion 43. The connecting portion 44 is embedded in the case 2 and is covered and hidden by the case 2. The length of the connecting portion 44 in the front-rear direction is longer than the length of the connecting portion 43 in the front-rear direction.

[0041] The terminal portion 45 extends leftward from the connection portion 44. The terminal portion 45 protrudes outward from the case 2. The terminal portion 45 protrudes obliquely upward from the side surface of the case 2.

[0042] When the fixed contact portion 31 is in contact with the movable contact portion 51, the conductive member 4 is electrically connected to the fixed contact body 3 via the movable contact unit 5. When the fixed contact portion 31 is not in contact with the movable contact portion 51, the conductive member 4 is electrically insulated from the fixed contact unit 3.

[0043] The surrounding portion 32, connecting portion 33, and connecting portion 34 of the fixed contact body 3, and the arm portions 41, 42, connecting portion 43, and connecting portion 44 of the conductive member 4 electrically connect the fixed contact portion 31 and the terminal portions 35, 45. More specifically, when the fixed contact portion 31 is in contact with the movable contact portion 51, a path is formed that electrically connects the terminal portions 35 and 45 via the fixed contact portion 31 and the movable contact portion 51. The path passes through the terminal portion 35, connecting portion 34, connecting portion 33, surrounding portion 32, fixed contact portion 31, movable contact body 5, arm portions 41 and 42, connecting portion 43, connecting portion 44, and terminal portion 45 in this order.

[0044] (5) Movable Contact Unit The movable contact unit 5 is a so-called metal dome. As shown in Fig. 5, the movable contact unit 5 has a leaf spring 50. The leaf spring 50 has elasticity. The leaf spring 50 is made of a metal plate such as stainless steel (SUS).

[0045] In the illustrated example, the movable contact unit 5 has one leaf spring 50. However, the movable contact unit 5 may have a plurality of leaf springs 50 stacked on top of each other.

[0046] The movable contact unit 5 includes a portion on its lower surface that faces the fixed contact portion 31. This portion corresponds to the movable contact portion 51. When viewed from below, the movable contact portion 51 is provided in the center of the movable contact unit 5.

[0047] The movable contact unit 5 is electrically conductive. More specifically, a conductive film having electrical conductivity is formed on the lower surface of the movable contact unit 5 by, for example, gold plating or silver plating.

[0048] The movable contact body 5 is disposed in the recess 200 of the case 2. The movable contact body 5 is provided above the fixed contact body 3. When viewed from above, the shape of the movable contact body 5 is oval. The length of the movable contact body 5 in the left-right direction is longer than the length in the front-rear direction. The shape of the movable contact body 5 conforms to the recess 200.

[0049] The right end of the movable contact unit 5 is placed on the base 205 of the case 2. The left end of the movable contact unit 5 is placed on the arms 41 and 42 of the conductive member 4 exposed from the base 205.

[0050] When the push switch 1 is not in operation, i.e., when the pressing portion 73 is not receiving an operating force, the movable contact body 5 has a shape in which the center portion is convex upward (see FIG. 3). At this time, the movable contact portion 51 is separated from the fixed contact portion 31.

[0051] When the pressing portion 73 receives an operating force and the center of the movable contact body 5 is pressed from above, the movable contact body 5 is deformed so that the center becomes convex downward (see FIG. 4). At this time, the movable contact portion 51 is in contact with the fixed contact portion 31.

[0052] (6) Protective Sheet The protective sheet 6 is a flexible sheet made of synthetic resin. The protective sheet 6 is bonded to the peripheral edge 203 of the recess 200 of the case 2. The protective sheet 6 covers the entire recess 200. As a result, the protective sheet 6 keeps the inside of the recess 200 in a sealed state.

[0053] (7) Operating Member As shown in FIG. 5 , the operating member 7 has an action portion 71 , a support end 72 , a pressing portion 73 , a main body portion 74 , and a contact portion 75 .

[0054] The operating member 7 is made of a metal plate such as stainless steel (SUS). The operating member 7 is manufactured, for example, by punching and bending a single piece of metal sheet. The acting portion 71, the support end 72, the pressing portion 73, the main body 74, and the abutment portion 75 are seamlessly connected. The operating member 7 has an overall rectangular plate shape. When an operating force is applied to the pressing portion 73, the acting portion 71, the pressing portion 73, the main body 74, and the abutment portion 75 are displaced relative to the case 2. More specifically, the acting portion 71, the pressing portion 73, the main body 74, and the abutment portion 75 are displaced integrally.

[0055] The main body 74 is shaped like a rectangular plate. The action portion 71 is provided at the center of the main body 74. The action portion 71 protrudes downward from the center of the main body 74. In other words, the action portion 71 protrudes downward further than the portion of the operating member 7 surrounding the action portion 71 (main body 74). The action portion 71 is shaped like a truncated cone with a diameter that decreases downward. The action portion 71 is disposed above the movable contact 51.

[0056] When the pressing portion 73 is not receiving an operating force, the action portion 71 may or may not be in contact with the protective sheet 6 .

[0057] The contact portion 75 has a rectangular plate shape. The contact portion 75 extends leftward from the main body portion 74. The upper surface of the contact portion 75 is flush with the upper surface of the main body portion 74. The lower surface of the contact portion 75 is flush with the lower surface of the main body portion 74.

[0058] The contact portion 75 is a portion of the operating member 7 between the action portion 71 and the pressing portion 73. The contact portion 75 is disposed above the rib 21 of the case 2. In other words, the rib 21 is provided below the contact portion 75.

[0059] The pressing portion 73 has a rectangular plate shape. The pressing portion 73 extends leftward from the abutting portion 75. The portion between the pressing portion 73 and the abutting portion 75 is bent. The pressing portion 73 is disposed below the main body portion 74 and the abutting portion 75. More specifically, the upper surface of the pressing portion 73 is disposed below the upper surface of the main body portion 74 and the upper surface of the abutting portion 75. The lower surface of the pressing portion 73 is disposed below the lower surface of the main body portion 74 and the lower surface of the abutting portion 75. The pressing portion 73 is disposed above the base portion 202 of the case 2. In other words, the pressing portion 73 is disposed above the base portion 202, which is recessed below the peripheral portion 203 of the recess 200. The pressing portion 73 protrudes downward toward the base portion 202. More specifically, the pressing portion 73 protrudes downward from the abutting portion 75.

[0060] Since the pressing portion 73 protrudes downward from the contact portion 75 , there is an advantage that a person can easily distinguish the position of the pressing portion 73 from the position of the contact portion 75 .

[0061] The support end 72 has a rectangular plate shape. The support end 72 extends rightward from the main body portion 74. The portion between the support end 72 and the main body portion 74 (bent portion 700) is bent. The support end 72 is positioned below the main body portion 74. More specifically, the upper surface of the support end 72 is positioned below the upper surface of the main body portion 74. The lower surface of the support end 72 is positioned below the lower surface of the main body portion 74.

[0062] The support end 72 has a through hole 720. The protrusion 206 of the case 2 is inserted into the through hole 720, thereby crimping and fixing the operating member 7 to the case 2. The support end 72 is placed on a low land portion 201 of the case 2. In other words, the support end 72 is disposed in the low land portion 201 that is recessed below the peripheral edge portion 203 of the recess 200.

[0063] The operating member 7 is fixed to the case 2 at the support end 72, and is open on the side opposite the support end 72. In other words, the pressing portion 73 on the side opposite the support end 72 is a free end. In this way, the operating member 7 has a cantilever shape. The operating member 7 is fixed to the case 2 at the support end 72, and other portions are unfixed.

[0064] When viewed from above, the acting portion 71, the support end 72, and the pressing portion 73 are aligned on a straight line L1 (see FIG. 5) that is parallel to the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the operating member 7. The main body 74 and the abutment portion 75 are also arranged on the straight line L1, together with the acting portion 71, the support end 72, and the pressing portion 73.

[0065] Furthermore, when viewed from above, the pressing portion 73 is provided in an area including the center C1 (see FIG. 5) in the short side direction (front-rear direction) of the operating member 7. More specifically, when viewed from above, the pressing portion 73 is provided on a straight line L1 that divides the operating member 7 into two equal parts, front and rear.

[0066] (8) Cushion Member The cushion member 8 is a member that is softer than the case 2. The cushion member 8 is, for example, a rubber such as silicone rubber, an elastomer, a sponge, or a resin molded product that has a lower elastic modulus than the case 2.

[0067] The cushion member 8 has a rectangular plate shape. The cushion member 8 is fixed to the base portion 202 of the case 2. The cushion member 8 is, for example, adhered to the base portion 202.

[0068] The pressing portion 73 is disposed above the base portion 202. Therefore, the cushion member 8 is disposed between the pressing portion 73 and the case 2. More specifically, the cushion member 8 is disposed between the pressing portion 73 and the base portion 202 of the case 2.

[0069] The upper surface 80 of the cushion member 8 is located lower than the upper surface 2030 of the peripheral portion 203 of the recess 200 of the case 2 (see FIG. 7). The upper surface 80 of the cushion member 8 is also located lower than the upper surface 210 of the rib 21 (see FIG. 7).

[0070] (9) Operation of the Movable Contact Body The movable contact portion 51 and the fixed contact portion 31 constitute a contact portion. The operating portion 71 presses the movable contact body 5 downward, causing the movable contact body 5 to deform, switching the contact portion from OFF to ON. Specifically, when no force is applied from the operating portion 71 to the movable contact body 5, the movable contact portion 51 is separated from the fixed contact portion 31, and the contact portion is OFF. At this time, the fixed contact body 3 and the conductive member 4 are electrically insulated, and therefore, there is no conduction between the terminal portion 35 and the terminal portion 45. On the other hand, when a force is applied from the operating portion 71 to the movable contact body 5, and the movable contact portion 51 comes into contact with the fixed contact portion 31, the contact portion is turned ON. At this time, the fixed contact body 3 and the conductive member 4 are electrically connected via the movable contact body 5, and therefore, there is conduction between the terminal portion 35 and the terminal portion 45.

[0071] Furthermore, if the magnitude of the operating force acting on the movable contact element 5 exceeds a predetermined value during the process of switching the contact from OFF to ON, the movable contact element 5 will buckle and deform forcefully. At this time, the elastic force of the movable contact element 5 changes suddenly. This so-called reversal action of the movable contact element 5 causes the movable contact element 5 to deform into a dome-like shape that is curved downward with the center portion convex, as shown in Figure 4. Therefore, an operator who presses the push switch 1 will feel a click as the movable contact element 5 deforms.

[0072] On the other hand, when the force acting on the movable contact body 5 from the operating portion 71 is removed while the movable contact body 5 has been deformed into a downwardly convex dome shape, the restoring force of the movable contact body 5 causes the movable contact body 5 to return (deform) to a curved dome shape with an upwardly convex central portion (see FIG. 3). At this time, the elastic force of the movable contact body 5 changes suddenly, so the movable contact body 5 returns (deforms) with great force to its original shape (a dome shape with an upwardly convex central portion). Therefore, an operator who presses the push switch 1 feels a click as the movable contact body 5 deforms, even when the push operation is released.

[0073] (10) Operation of Operating Member When the pressing portion 73 of the operating member 7 is pressed downward by an operating force, the operating member 7 bends at the bending portion 700 (a portion between the support end 72 and the main body portion 74) so ​​that the acting portion 71, the pressing portion 73, the main body portion 74, and the abutting portion 75 of the operating member 7 rotate about the bending portion 700 (a portion between the support end 72 and the main body portion 74). Alternatively, when the pressing portion 73 of the operating member 7 is pressed downward by an operating force, at least a portion of the acting portion 71, the pressing portion 73, the main body portion 74, and the abutting portion 75 of the operating member 7 deforms so as to bend downward. When the pressing portion 73 of the operating member 7 receives an operating force, at least one of the bending and deformation of the operating member 7 causes the acting portion 71, the pressing portion 73, the main body portion 74, and the abutting portion 75 to be displaced downward (see FIG. 4 ). When the state in which an operating force is applied to the pressing portion 73 changes to a state in which no operating force is applied, the restoring force of the operating member 7 causes the operating member 7 to return to the state it was in before the operating force was applied to the pressing portion 73 (see Figure 3).

[0074] When the pressing portion 73 is subjected to an operating force, the acting portion 71 presses the movable contact body 5 downward via the protective sheet 6, deforming the movable contact body 5. This causes the movable contact portion 51 to come into contact with the fixed contact portion 31. When the acting portion 71 begins to press the movable contact body 5 downward (when the movable contact body 5 begins to deform), the lower surface 710 (see FIG. 4 ) of the acting portion 71 is along a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction (that is, parallel or approximately parallel to the plane perpendicular to the vertical direction).

[0075] As the operating force applied to the pressing portion 73 increases, the state of the push switch 1 changes in the order of FIG. 7, FIG. 8 and FIG.

[0076] As an example, from the time when an operating force is applied to the pressing portion 73 until the pressing portion 73 hits the cushion member 8, the action portion 71, the pressing portion 73, the main body portion 74, and the abutment portion 75 rotate around the bending portion 700.

[0077] Before the pressing portion 73 comes into contact with the cushion member 8, the acting portion 71 starts to press the movable contact body 5 downward.

[0078] Before the pressing portion 73 hits the cushion member 8, or when the pressing portion 73 starts to hit the cushion member 8, the movable contact portion 51 comes into contact with the fixed contact portion 31. Furthermore, when the pressing portion 73 starts to hit the cushion member 8, as shown in Fig. 7 , the portion of the operating member 7 between the acting portion 71 and the pressing portion 73 (contact portion 75) is out of contact with the case 2. More specifically, when the pressing portion 73 starts to hit the cushion member 8, as shown in Fig. 7 , there is a gap between the portion of the operating member 7 between the acting portion 71 and the pressing portion 73 (contact portion 75) and the rib 21 of the case 2.

[0079] When the pressing portion 73 begins to come into contact with the cushion member 8, the lower surface 730 (see FIG. 7) of the pressing portion 73 is along a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction. The upper surface 80 of the cushion member 8 is along a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0080] When the operating force applied to the pressing portion 73 increases further after the pressing portion 73 begins to contact the cushion member 8, the operating member 7 bends, causing the contact portion 75 to come into contact with the rib 21, as shown in Fig. 8. The contact of the contact portion 75 with the rib 21 prevents the action portion 71 from being displaced further downward. Therefore, excessive force is prevented from being applied to the movable contact body 5.

[0081] When the contact portion 75 contacts the rib 21, the lower surface 750 (see FIG. 8) of the contact portion 75 is along a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction. The upper surface 210 of the rib 21 is along a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0082] When the operating force applied to the pressing portion 73 increases further after the abutting portion 75 comes into contact with the rib 21, the operating member 7 bends so that the pressing portion 73 compresses and deforms the cushion member 8, as shown in Fig. 9. Meanwhile, the acting portion 71 is prevented from being further displaced downward. Therefore, excessive force is prevented from being applied to the movable contact body 5.

[0083] In other words, the push switch 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the movable contact body 5 can be operated by applying an operating force to the pressing portion 73 rather than the acting portion 71 facing the movable contact body 5, thereby preventing excessive force from being applied to the movable contact body 5 due to the operating force.

[0084] When the pressing portion 73 receives an operating force, the base portion 202 of the case 2 receives a force from the pressing portion 73. More specifically, at this time, the base portion 202 receives the force from the pressing portion 73 via the cushion member 8.

[0085] The connection portions 43 and 44 of the conductive member 4 electrically connect the fixed contact portion 31 and the terminal portion 45 (via the movable contact body 5). As shown in Fig. 7 , a part of the case 2 (bottom wall 207) is provided below the portion of the connection portions 43 and 44 that overlaps with the base portion 202 in the up-down direction (connection portion 44). The bottom wall 207 includes a part of the lower surface of the case 2. By providing the bottom wall 207, the connection portion 44 is positioned without being exposed from the lower surface of the case 2.

[0086] When the base portion 202 receives a force from the pressing portion 73, the base portion 202 is supported by the bottom wall 207. This makes it possible to prevent the case 2 from being deformed by sinking downward or tilting.

[0087] Note that the connection portion 34 of the fixed contact body 3, rather than the connection portion 44 of the conductive member 4, may be disposed at a position overlapping the base portion 202 in the vertical direction. In this case, it is preferable that a part of the case 2 is provided below the connection portion 34.

[0088] (Modifications of the embodiment) Modifications of the embodiment are listed below. The following modifications may be implemented in appropriate combination. Hereinafter, the configuration of the above-described embodiment will be referred to as a basic example.

[0089] The push switch 1 is not limited to a configuration in which it is used in an operating section of a device and operated by a person, but may also be used, for example, to detect the position of the device. In this case, when the device moves to a predetermined position, the pressing section 73 installed at the predetermined position receives an operating force from the device, and the movable contact section 51 comes into contact with the fixed contact section 31. This causes the push switch 1 to output a signal.

[0090] In the basic example, the operating member 7 is fixed to the case 2 by inserting the protrusion 206 of the case 2 into the through-hole 720 of the support end 72. Here, the support end 72 may have a recess into which the protrusion 206 is inserted, instead of the through-hole 720. Alternatively, a protrusion may be provided on the support end 72, and the protrusion of the support end 72 may be inserted into the recess or through-hole of the case 2.

[0091] Instead of being fixed to the case 2 by crimping, the operating member 7 may be fixed to the case 2 by other means, for example, by screwing.

[0092] It is not essential that the action portion 71 protrudes downward from the main body portion 74. The action portion 71 may be, for example, a part of the flat plate-shaped main body portion 74.

[0093] A member for transmitting force (hereinafter referred to as an actuator) may be disposed between the acting portion 71 and the movable contact body 5. The actuator is, for example, a resin molded product. The actuator is, for example, cylindrical in shape. The actuator may be disposed between the acting portion 71 and the protective sheet 6, or may be disposed between the protective sheet 6 and the movable contact body 5. Even when the acting portion 71 is a part of the flat body portion 74, providing an actuator makes it possible to transmit the force from the acting portion 71 locally to the central portion of the movable contact body 5.

[0094] (Summary) The above-described embodiments and the like disclose the following aspects.

[0095] The push switch (1) according to the first aspect includes a case (2), a fixed contact body (3), a movable contact body (5), and an operating member (7). The case (2) has a recess (200) that is open at the top. The fixed contact body (3) has a fixed contact portion (31) disposed on the bottom surface (204) of the recess (200). The movable contact body (5) has a movable contact portion (51) disposed above the fixed contact portion (31). The operating member (7) has an acting portion (71), a support end (72), and a pressing portion (73). The acting portion (71) is disposed above the movable contact portion (51). The support end (72) is connected to a first end of the acting portion (71) and is fixed to the case (2). The pressing portion (73) is connected to a second end of the acting portion (71). The second end is the end opposite the first end. When the pressing portion (73) receives an operating force and is displaced downward relative to the case (2), the acting portion (71) presses the movable contact portion (51) toward the fixed contact portion (31).

[0096] According to the above configuration, the impact resistance of the push switch (1) can be improved.

[0097] The push switch (1) according to the second aspect is the first aspect, further comprising a cushion member (8) that is softer than the case (2). The cushion member (8) is disposed between the pressing portion (73) and the case (2).

[0098] The above-described configuration reduces the possibility of excessive force being applied to the case (2), thereby further improving the impact resistance of the push switch (1).

[0099] In addition, in the push switch (1) according to the third aspect, in the second aspect, the upper surface (80) of the cushion member (8) is located below the upper surface (2030) of the peripheral portion (203) of the recess (200).

[0100] According to the above configuration, the possibility that contact between the pressing portion (73) and the cushion member (8) will affect the operation of the acting portion (71) is reduced, thereby stabilizing the operation of the push switch (1).

[0101] In addition, in the push switch (1) according to the fourth aspect, in the second or third aspect, when the pressing portion (73) begins to hit the cushion member (8), the portion of the operating member (7) between the action portion (71) and the pressing portion (73) (the abutment portion (75)) is not in contact with the case (2).

[0102] According to the above configuration, the possibility of excessive force being applied to the case (2) is further reduced.

[0103] In addition, in the push switch (1) according to a fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the case (2) includes a case body (20) having a recess (200) and a rib (21) protruding upward from the case body (20). The rib (21) is provided below a portion (contact portion (75)) of the operating member (7) between the acting portion (71) and the pressing portion (73).

[0104] According to the above configuration, the action portion (71) can be prevented from moving downward from the position where the action portion (71) is located when the operating member (7) contacts the rib (21), thereby preventing excessive force from being applied to components such as the movable contact unit (5).

[0105] In addition, in a push switch (1) according to a sixth aspect, in any one of the second to fourth aspects, the case (2) includes a case body (20) having a recess (200) and a rib (21) protruding upward from the case body (20). The rib (21) is provided below a portion (contact portion (75)) of the operating member (7) between the acting portion (71) and the pressing portion (73). When the pressing portion (73) begins to contact the cushion member (8), a gap is formed between the rib (21) and the portion of the operating member (7) between the acting portion (71) and the pressing portion (73).

[0106] According to the above configuration, the possibility of excessive force being applied to the case (2) is further reduced.

[0107] In addition, in the push switch (1) according to the seventh aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the operating member (7) is fixed to the case (2) at the support end (72) and is cantilever-shaped with the opposite side of the support end (72) being open.

[0108] According to the above configuration, the action portion (71) is more likely to move when the pressing portion (73) receives an operating force, thereby stabilizing the operation of the push switch (1).

[0109] In addition, the push switch (1) according to an eighth aspect is any one of the first to seventh aspects, and further includes a terminal portion (45) protruding outside the case (2) and a connecting portion (44) electrically connecting the fixed contact portion (31) and the terminal portion (45). The case (2) includes a base portion (202) that receives a force from the pressing portion (73) when the pressing portion (73) receives an operating force. A part of the case (2) (a bottom wall (207)) is provided below a portion of the connecting portion (44) that overlaps with the base portion (202) in the vertical direction.

[0110] The above configuration can prevent the case (2) from sinking downward or tilting when the pressing portion (73) receives an operating force, thereby stabilizing the operation of the push switch (1).

[0111] In addition, in the push switch (1) according to the ninth aspect, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, when viewed from above, the action portion (71), the support end (72), and the pressing portion (73) are aligned on a straight line (L1) parallel to the longitudinal direction of the operating member (7).

[0112] According to the above configuration, the action portion (71) is more likely to move when the pressing portion (73) receives an operating force, thereby stabilizing the operation of the push switch (1).

[0113] In addition, in the push switch (1) according to the tenth aspect, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, when viewed from above, the pressing portion (73) is provided in an area including the center (C1) of the short side of the operating member (7).

[0114] According to the above configuration, an operating force can be applied to the center (C1) of the operating member (7) in the lateral direction, thereby stabilizing the operation of the push switch (1).

[0115] In addition, in the push switch (1) according to an eleventh aspect, in any one of the first to tenth aspects, the case (2) has a low-lying portion (201) recessed below the peripheral edge (203) of the recess (200). The support end (72) is disposed in the low-lying portion (201).

[0116] According to the above configuration, the action portion (71) is more likely to move when the pressing portion (73) receives an operating force, thereby stabilizing the operation of the push switch (1).

[0117] In addition, in the push switch (1) according to a twelfth aspect, in any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the case (2) has a base portion (202) recessed below the peripheral portion (203) of the recess (200). The pressing portion (73) is disposed above the base portion (202).

[0118] According to the above configuration, the stroke length (movement distance) of the pressing portion (73) can be increased.

[0119] In addition, in the push switch (1) according to the thirteenth aspect, in the twelfth aspect, the pressing portion (73) protrudes downward toward the base portion (202).

[0120] According to the above configuration, it is easy to design the operating member (7) so that the direction of the action portion (71) is in the desired direction (for example, the direction in which the lower surface (710) of the action portion (71) is horizontal) when the pressing portion (73) begins to apply force to the base portion (202).

[0121] In addition, in the push switch (1) according to the fourteenth aspect, in any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, the action portion (71) protrudes downward from the portion of the operating member (7) surrounding the action portion (71) (main body portion (74)).

[0122] According to the above configuration, the force is transmitted locally from the acting portion (71) to the movable contact body (5), so that the operation of the push switch (1) can be stabilized.

[0123] The configurations other than the first aspect are not essential for the push switch (1) and can be omitted as appropriate.

[0124] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Push switch 2 Case 3 Fixed contact body 5 Movable contact body 7 Operating member 8 Cushion member 20 Case body 21 Rib 31 Fixed contact portion 44 Connection portion 45 Terminal portion 51 Movable contact portion 71 Action portion 72 Support end 73 Pressing portion 74 Main body portion (region surrounding the action portion) 75 Contact portion (region between the action portion and the pressing portion) 80 Top surface 200 Recess 201 Low-lying portion 202 Base portion 203 Peripheral portion 204 Bottom surface 207 Bottom wall (part of case) 2030 Top surface C1 Center L1 Straight line

Claims

1. A push switch comprising: a case having a recess that is open at the top; a fixed contact body having a fixed contact portion located on the bottom surface of the recess; a movable contact body having a movable contact portion located above the fixed contact portion; and an operating member, wherein the operating member has an acting portion located above the movable contact portion, a support end connected to a first end of the acting portion and fixed to the case, and a pressing portion connected to a second end of the acting portion opposite the first end, wherein when the pressing portion is displaced downward relative to the case due to an operating force, the acting portion presses the movable contact portion towards the fixed contact portion.

2. The push switch according to claim 1, further comprising a cushion member that is disposed between the pressing portion and the case and is softer than the case.

3. The push switch according to claim 2, wherein the upper surface of the cushion member is located lower than the upper surface of the peripheral edge of the recess.

4. The push switch according to claim 2 or 3, wherein when the pressing portion begins to contact the cushion member, the portion of the operating member between the acting portion and the pressing portion is not in contact with the case.

5. A push switch as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the case comprises a case body having the recessed portion, and a rib protruding upward from the case body, the rib being provided below a portion of the operating member between the acting portion and the pressing portion.

6. A push switch as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the case comprises a case body having the recessed portion, and a rib protruding upward from the case body, the rib being provided below a portion of the operating member between the acting portion and the pressing portion, and when the pressing portion begins to hit the cushion member, there is a gap between the portion of the operating member between the acting portion and the pressing portion and the rib.

7. The push switch according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the operating member is fixed to the case at the support end and has a cantilever shape with the opposite end to the support end being open.

8. A push switch as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: a terminal portion protruding outside the case; and a connection portion electrically connecting the fixed contact portion and the terminal portion, wherein the case comprises a base portion that receives force from the pressing portion when the pressing portion receives the operating force, and a part of the case is provided below a portion of the connection portion that overlaps with the base portion in the vertical direction.

9. A push switch according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, when viewed from above, the action portion, the support end, and the pressing portion are aligned on a straight line parallel to the longitudinal direction of the operating member.

10. A push switch according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the pressing portion is provided in an area including the center of the short side of the operating member when viewed from above.

11. The push switch according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the case has a depression recessed below the peripheral edge of the recess, and the support end is disposed in the depression.

12. A push switch according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the case has a base portion recessed below the peripheral edge of the recess, and the pressing portion is disposed above the base portion.

13. The push switch according to claim 12, wherein the pressing portion protrudes downward toward the base portion.

14. A push switch according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the action portion protrudes downward from a portion of the operating member surrounding the action portion.

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