Push switch

Abstract

One objective of this disclosure is to reduce the possible occurrence of variation in a push switch operation sensation. A push switch (1) is provided with a case (2), a fixed contact body (3), a movable contact body (5), a pusher (7), and a protective sheet (6). The pusher (7) is provided with a flange part (71), a transmission part (72), and an operation part (73). The flange part (71) has an upper surface (711) joined to the protective sheet (6). The transmission part (72) has a transmission surface (720) that transmits an operation force to the movable contact body (5), and protrudes downward from the flange part (71). The operation part (73) has an operation surface (730) and protrudes upward from the flange part (71). The operation surface (730) has an area larger than that of the transmission surface (720) and is subject to external operation force.

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 switch contact portion, a case in which the switch contact portion is disposed, a protective sheet disposed on the case, and a pressing body fixed to the underside of the protective sheet. The protective sheet is welded and fixed to the case by laser irradiation. The switch contact portion includes a movable contact. When a pressing force is applied to an operated portion of the protective sheet, the pressing force is transmitted to the center of the movable contact via the pressing body.

[0003] However, when a user applies an operating force (depressing force) to the operated portion of the push switch described in Patent Document 1 via an elastic member made of, for example, rubber, the operating force may deform the elastic member and cause the elastic member to come into contact with the case. The operating feel felt by the user may differ depending on whether the elastic member is in contact with the case or not. Therefore, the push switch described in Patent Document 1 may experience variations in operating feel.

[0004] JP 2013-058380 A

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide a push switch that can reduce the possibility of variations in operational feel.

[0006] A push switch according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a case, a fixed contact body, a movable contact body, a pusher, and a protective sheet. 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 and is disposed in the internal space of the recess. The pusher is disposed above the movable contact body. The protective sheet is bonded to the periphery of the recess of the case and to the pusher, covering the recess. The movable contact body deforms in response to an operating force transmitted from the pusher, bringing the movable contact portion into contact with the fixed contact portion. The pusher includes a flange portion, a transmission portion, and an operating portion. The flange portion has an upper surface bonded to the protective sheet. The transmission portion has a transmission surface that transmits the operating force to the movable contact body and protrudes downward from the flange portion. The operating portion has an operating surface and protrudes upward from the flange portion. The operation surface has an area larger than that of the transmission surface, and the operation force is applied to the operation surface from the outside.

[0007] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a push switch according to one embodiment when not in operation. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the push switch when in operation. Fig. 3 is a front cross-sectional view of the push switch when not in operation. Fig. 4 is a front cross-sectional view of the push switch when in operation. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the push switch. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a pusher of the push switch. Fig. 7 is a plan view of a fixed contact body and a conductive member of the 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 7 , a push switch 1 according to this embodiment includes a case 2, a fixed contact body 3, a movable contact body 5, a pusher 7, and a protective sheet 6. The case 2 includes a recess 200 that is open at the top. The fixed contact body 3 includes a fixed contact portion 31 disposed on a bottom surface 204 of the recess 200. The movable contact body 5 includes a movable contact portion 51 disposed above the fixed contact portion 31 and is disposed in the internal space of the recess 200. The pusher 7 is disposed above the movable contact body 5. The protective sheet 6 is bonded to a peripheral portion 203 of the recess 200 of the case 2 and to the pusher 7, covering the recess 200. The movable contact body 5 deforms due to an operating force transmitted from the pusher 7, bringing the movable contact portion 51 into contact with the fixed contact portion 31. The pusher 7 includes a flange portion 71, a transmission portion 72, and an operating portion 73. The flange portion 71 has an upper surface 711 joined to the protective sheet 6. The transmission portion 72 has a transmission surface 720 that transmits an operating force to the movable contact body 5, and protrudes downward from the flange portion 71. The operation portion 73 has an operation surface 730 that protrudes upward from the flange portion 71. The operation surface 730 has a larger area than the transmission surface 720, and an operating force is applied to the operation surface 730 from the outside.

[0011] With the above configuration, the area of ​​the operation surface 730 is relatively large, so even if a user applies an operating force to the operation surface 730 via the elastic member 8 (see FIGS. 3 and 4 ) made of rubber or the like, the elastic member 8 is unlikely to deform to the extent that it comes into contact with the case 2 (e.g., the peripheral portion 203 of the recess 200 of the case 2). This reduces the possibility of changes in the operational feel due to the elastic member 8 coming into contact with the case 2. In other words, with the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the possibility of variations in the operational feel of the push switch 1.

[0012] Furthermore, as described above, the protective sheet 6 is bonded to the peripheral edge 203 of the recess 200 and the upper surface 711 of the flange portion 71. Therefore, compared to when the only portion of the pusher 7 to which the protective sheet 6 is bonded is the operation surface 730 of the operation unit 73, the rise angle θ (see FIG. 3 ) of the protective sheet 6 from the upper surface 2030 of the peripheral edge 203 of the recess 200 can be made smaller. This reduces the force that deforms the protective sheet 6 to reduce the rise angle θ (the tension of the protective sheet 6, the force that causes the protective sheet 6 to return to its original shape as shown in FIG. 3 ) when an operation force is applied to the operation surface 730, thereby reducing the possibility that this force will affect the operation feel.

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

[0014] The operating portion 73 of the push switch 1 receives an operating force, for example, from a person. The operating portion 73 receives the operating force, for example, via an operating button or a plunger. The following description will be given assuming that the operating portion 73 receives the operating force via an elastic member 8 serving as an operating button, as shown in Figures 3 and 4 .

[0015] Unless otherwise specified, the following describes the configuration of the push switch 1 when it is not being operated, that is, when the operating portion 73 is not receiving any operating force. Figures 1 and 3 show the push switch 1 when it is not being operated, and Figures 2 and 4 show the push switch 1 when it is being operated.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, 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, and a pusher 7.

[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 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the longitudinal direction of the case 2 is aligned with the left-right direction.

[0019] The case 2 has a recess 200. The case 2 is recessed downward at the recess 200. When viewed from above, the recess 200 is provided in the center of the case 2. A portion of the fixed contact body 3 and a portion of the conductive member 4 are exposed from a bottom surface 204 of the recess 200.

[0020] The recess 200 includes a first region 201 and two second regions 202. The first region 201 is a cylindrical region provided in the center of the case 2. Each of the two second regions 202 is a rectangular parallelepiped region. One of the two second regions 202 protrudes to the left from the first region 201. The other of the two second regions 202 protrudes to the right from the first region 201. The movable contact body 5 is disposed in the first region 201. The flange portion 71 and the operating portion 73 of the pusher 7 face the first region 201 in the up-down direction. The two extension portions 74 of the pusher 7 are disposed in the two second regions 202, respectively.

[0021] The case 2 has a peripheral edge 203 of the recess 200. The peripheral edge 203 is a portion that protrudes above a bottom surface 204 of the recess 200. When viewed from above, the peripheral edge 203 surrounds the recess 200. An upper surface 2030 of the peripheral edge 203 is flat.

[0022] (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, dots are added to the portions of the fixed contact body 3 that are exposed from the case 2.

[0023] 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.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 , the fixed contact body 3 has a fixed contact portion 31 , an enclosure portion 32 , a connection portion 33 , a terminal portion 34 , and a terminal portion 35 .

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] The connecting portion 33 connects the surrounding portion 32 to the terminal portion 34. The connecting portion 33 also connects the surrounding portion 32 to the terminal portion 35. The connecting portion 33 is embedded in the case 2 and is covered and hidden by the case 2.

[0028] The terminal portion 34 protrudes to the outside of the case 2. The terminal portion 34 protrudes from the left side surface of the case 2.

[0029] The terminal portion 35 protrudes to the outside of the case 2. The terminal portion 34 protrudes from the right side surface of the case 2.

[0030] (4) Conductive Member In FIG. 5, in order to make it easier to distinguish between the conductive member 4 and the case 2, the portion of the conductive member 4 that is exposed from the case 2 is marked with a dot.

[0031] 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.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the conductive member 4 has a contact portion 41, a contact portion 42, a connecting portion 43, a terminal portion 44, and a terminal portion 45.

[0033] The contact portion 41 is disposed to the left of the fixed contact portion 31. The contact portion 42 is disposed to the right of the fixed contact portion 31. The contact portions 41 and 42 are exposed from the bottom surface 204 of the recess 200. The contact portions 41 and 42 protrude upward from the connection portion 43 exposed from the bottom surface 204 of the recess 200. The movable contact body 5 is in contact with the contact portions 41 and 42. This electrically connects the conductive member 4 to the movable contact body 5.

[0034] The connecting portion 43 connects the contact portions 41 and 42 to the terminal portions 44 and 45. A portion of the connecting portion 43 is embedded in the case 2 and is covered and hidden by the case 2.

[0035] The terminal portion 44 protrudes to the outside of the case 2. The terminal portion 44 protrudes from the left side surface of the case 2.

[0036] The terminal portion 45 protrudes to the outside of the case 2. The terminal portion 44 protrudes from the right side surface of the case 2.

[0037] 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. Therefore, when the fixed contact portion 31 is in contact with the movable contact portion 51, the terminal portion 34, the terminal portion 35, the terminal portion 44, and the terminal portion 45 are electrically connected to each other. 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.

[0038] (5) Movable Contact Unit The movable contact unit 5 is a so-called metal dome. As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the movable contact unit 5 has a plurality of leaf springs 50 (three in the illustrated example). The leaf springs 50 have elasticity. The leaf springs 50 are made of metal plates such as stainless steel (SUS).

[0039] In the illustrated example, the movable contact unit 5 has three overlapping leaf springs 50. However, the movable contact unit 5 may have two overlapping leaf springs 50 or four or more overlapping leaf springs 50. Alternatively, the movable contact unit 5 may have one leaf spring 50.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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 circular. The shape of the movable contact body 5 follows the shape of the first region 201 of the recess 200.

[0043] The left end of the movable contact unit 5 is placed on the contact portion 41 of the conductive member 4. The right end of the movable contact unit 5 is placed on the contact portion 42 of the conductive member 4.

[0044] When the push switch 1 is not in operation, i.e., when the operating 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.

[0045] When the operating 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.

[0046] (6) Pusher The pusher 7 is made of rubber such as silicone rubber. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the pusher 7 includes a flange portion 71, a transmission portion 72, an operation portion 73, and two extension portions 74.

[0047] The flange portion 71 has a disk shape. The flange portion 71 has an upper surface 711 and a lower surface 712. The upper surface 711 of the flange portion 71 is flat. The upper surface 711 is circular. The lower surface 712 of the flange portion 71 is flat and parallel to the upper surface 711. The lower surface 712 is circular.

[0048] The transmission portion 72 protrudes downward from the center of the lower surface 712 of the flange portion 71. The shape of the transmission portion 72 is a truncated cone with a diameter that decreases toward the bottom. The transmission portion 72 has a transmission surface 720 that faces the movable contact body 5. The transmission surface 720 is the lower surface of the transmission portion 72. The shape of the transmission surface 720 is circular. The transmission portion 72 contacts the movable contact body 5 at the transmission surface 720, thereby transmitting an operating force to the movable contact body 5.

[0049] The operation portion 73 protrudes upward from the center of the upper surface 711 of the flange portion 71. The operation portion 73 is cylindrical in shape. The operation portion 73 has an operation surface 730. The operation surface 730 is the upper surface of the operation portion 73. The operation surface 730 is circular in shape. The operation surface 730 has a larger area than the transmission surface 720. The operation surface 730 has a larger diameter than the transmission surface 720.

[0050] Furthermore, the upper surface 711 of the flange portion 71 has a larger diameter than the operation surface 730 .

[0051] The flange portion 71, the transmission portion 72, and the operation portion 73 are concentric. The upper surface 711 of the flange portion 71, the lower surface 712 of the flange portion 71, the transmission surface 720, and the operation surface 730 are concentric.

[0052] Each of the two extensions 74 has a rectangular prism shape with parallelogram-shaped bases (upper and lower bases). The upper base corresponds to the front surface of the extension 74, and the lower base corresponds to the rear surface of the extension 74. One of the two extensions 74 extends leftward from the left end of the flange 71, and the other extends rightward from the right end of the flange 71. Each of the two extensions 74 protrudes obliquely downward from the flange 71 so that the farther the extension 74 is from the flange 71, the lower it is located. In other words, the extension 74 protrudes obliquely downward from the flange 71 in a direction that appears to move away from the flange 71 when viewed from above.

[0053] When no operating force is applied to the operating surface 730, as shown in Fig. 3, at least a portion of the flange portion 71 and the transmission portion 72 are inserted into the recess 200 (first region 201; see Fig. 5). Also, at this time, at least a portion of the two extension portions 74 are inserted into the recess 200 (two second regions 202; see Fig. 5).

[0054] That is, the recess 200 includes a first region 201 into which the flange portion 71 is inserted, and two second regions 202 protruding from the first region 201 and into which two extension portions 74 are respectively inserted.

[0055] An external operating force is applied to the pusher 7. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 , with the elastic member 8 in contact with the operation surface 730, a downward operating force is applied from the elastic member 8 to the operation surface 730. This causes the pusher 7 to push the movable contact body 5, deforming the movable contact body 5 and bringing the movable contact portion 51 into contact with the fixed contact portion 31.

[0056] (7) Protective Sheet The protective sheet 6 is a flexible sheet made of synthetic resin and is joined to the pusher 7 and the case 2 by, for example, laser welding.

[0057] The protective sheet 6 has a through-hole 60 into which the operating portion 73 of the pusher 7 is inserted.

[0058] The lower surface of the protective sheet 6 is bonded to the upper surface 2030 of the peripheral portion 203 of the recess 200. Furthermore, the lower surface of the protective sheet 6 is bonded to the upper surface 711 of the flange portion 71. The entire recess 200 is covered by the protective sheet 6 and the pusher 7. As a result, the protective sheet 6 and the pusher 7 seal the inside of the recess 200.

[0059] The lower surface of protective sheet 6 is bonded to upper surface 2030 of peripheral portion 203 of recess 200 over the entire upper surface 2030. In other words, protective sheet 6 is bonded to upper surface 2030 of peripheral portion 203 over the entire periphery of a ring-shaped region that surrounds recess 200.

[0060] Furthermore, the lower surface of the protective sheet 6 is bonded to the entire upper surface 711 of the flange portion 71. That is, the protective sheet 6 is bonded to the upper surface 711 of the flange portion 71 over the entire circumference of the annular region of the upper surface 711 of the flange portion 71 that surrounds the operation portion 73. In other words, the protective sheet 6 is bonded to the upper surface 711 of the flange portion 71 over the entire circumference of the annular region that surrounds the through-hole 60.

[0061] The transmission portion 72 , the operating portion 73 , and the two extension portions 74 of the pusher 7 are not joined to the protective sheet 6 .

[0062] When no force is applied to the protective sheet 6, the shape of the protective sheet 6 is flat, as shown in Fig. 4. When no operating force is applied to the operation surface 730, the protective sheet 6 is lifted by the pusher 7, as shown in Fig. 3, and tension is generated in the protective sheet 6. The greater the rise angle θ (see Fig. 3) of the protective sheet 6 from the upper surface 2030 of the peripheral portion 203 of the recess 200, the greater the tension in the protective sheet 6. The tension in the protective sheet 6 acts in a direction that moves the pusher 7 downward. When no operating force is applied to the operation surface 730, the force that the movable contact unit 5 exerts to maintain its shape and the tension in the protective sheet 6 are balanced.

[0063] (8) Elastic Member The elastic member 8 is, for example, a flat plate-shaped member as shown in Fig. 3. The elastic member 8 has a smaller elastic modulus than the case 2. In other words, the elastic member 8 is a member that is easily elastically deformed.

[0064] 4, when an operating force is applied to the operation surface 730 via the elastic member 8, there is a possibility that the portion of the elastic member 8 that is outside the operation surface 730 will bend downward and be positioned below the operation surface 730. Furthermore, when an operating force is applied to the operation surface 730 obliquely downward, there is a particular possibility that the portion of the elastic member 8 that is outside the operation surface 730 will bend downward and be positioned below the operation surface 730.

[0065] The smaller the area of ​​the operation surface 730, the more likely it is that the elastic member 8 will protrude downward from the operation surface 730. However, in the push switch 1 of this embodiment, the area of ​​the operation surface 730 is relatively large, and is at least larger than the area of ​​the transmission surface 720. Therefore, the elastic member 8 is less likely to protrude downward from the operation surface 730. This reduces the possibility that the elastic member 8 will come into contact with a part of the case 2 (such as the peripheral edge 203).

[0066] That is, in the push switch 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the elastic member 8 will come into contact with a part of the case 2, causing a change in the operational feel.

[0067] (9) Operation of the Movable Contact Body The movable contact portion 51 and the fixed contact portion 31 constitute a contact portion. When the transmission portion 72 presses the movable contact body 5 downward, the movable contact body 5 deforms, and the contact portion switches from OFF to ON. Specifically, when no force is applied from the transmission portion 72 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 set of terminal portion 34 and terminal portion 35 and the set of terminal portion 44 and terminal portion 45. On the other hand, when a force is applied from the transmission portion 72 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 set of terminal portion 34 and terminal portion 35 and the set of terminal portion 44 and terminal portion 45.

[0068] 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.

[0069] On the other hand, when the force acting on the movable contact body 5 from the transmission unit 72 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.

[0070] (10) Operation of the Pusher When an operating force is applied to the operating surface 730, the pusher 7 moves downward and pushes the movable contact body 5 downward via the transmission surface 720, deforming the movable contact body 5. When the operating surface 730 changes from a state in which an operating force is being applied to the operating surface 730 to a state in which no operating force is being applied, the pusher 7 is pushed by the restoring force of the movable contact body 5, and the pusher 7 returns to its original position.

[0071] The extension portion 74 protrudes obliquely downward from the flange portion 71, thereby making it possible to reduce the rising angle θ.

[0072] Furthermore, because the extension 74 protrudes obliquely downward from the flange 71, when the pusher 7 receives an operating force and moves downward, the pusher 7 is less likely to ride up onto the upper surface 2030 of the peripheral portion 203. For example, when an operating force is applied obliquely downward to the operating surface 730, the extension 74 moves obliquely downward and approaches the peripheral portion 203, but because the position of the extension 74 is low, there is little chance that the extension 74 will ride up onto the upper surface 2030 of the peripheral portion 203. Therefore, the problem of the pusher 7 riding up onto the upper surface 2030 can be suppressed.

[0073] If the pusher 7 climbs up onto the upper surface 2030 while a person is applying an operating force to the operating portion 73, the movement of the pusher 7 is hindered, resulting in a change in the operating feel. By preventing the pusher 7 from climbing up, the change in the operating feel can be suppressed.

[0074] 3 , when no operating force is applied to the operating surface 730, the tip 741 of the extension 74 is located below the upper surface 2030 of the peripheral edge 203 of the recess 200. This makes it difficult for the pusher 7 to ride up onto the upper surface 2030. In the illustrated example, only a portion of the tip 741 (at least the lower end of the tip 741) is located below the upper surface 2030 of the peripheral edge 203. However, the entire tip 741 may be located below the upper surface 2030 of the peripheral edge 203.

[0075] 3 , when no operating force is applied to the operating surface 730, the upper surface 711 of the flange portion 71 is located above the upper surface 2030 of the peripheral portion 203 of the recess 200. Therefore, the rising angle θ of the protective sheet 6 from the upper surface 2030 satisfies θ > 0, and the pusher 7 can be stably operated by the tension of the protective sheet 6. Furthermore, compared to when the upper surface 711 of the flange portion 71 is located below the upper surface 2030 of the peripheral portion 203 of the recess 200, the stroke length (movement distance) of the pusher 7 when an operating force is applied to the operating surface 730 can be made longer.

[0076] As an example, when no operating force is applied to the operation surface 730, the vertical distance between the upper surface 711 of the flange portion 71 and the upper surface 2030 of the peripheral portion 203 is 0.05 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less. The distance is more preferably 0.15 mm or more. The distance is more preferably 0.3 mm or less. Furthermore, the distance is preferably equal to or greater than the stroke length of the pusher 7 and equal to or less than the stroke length plus 0.1 mm. The stroke length of the pusher 7 is the vertical distance from the position of the operation surface 730 when no operating force is applied to the operation surface 730 to the position of the operation surface 730 when an operating force is applied to the operation surface 730 and the movable contact 51 contacts the fixed contact 31.

[0077] 3 , when no operating force is applied to the operating surface 730, the lower surface 712 of the flange portion 71 is located lower than the upper surface 2030 of the peripheral portion 203 of the recess 200. This reduces the possibility that the pusher 7 will ride up on the upper surface 2030.

[0078] 4 , when the movable contact portion 51 begins to contact the fixed contact portion 31 due to the operating force, the upper surface 711 of the flange portion 71 is at the same height as the upper surface 2030 of the peripheral portion 203 of the recess 200, or is positioned higher than the upper surface 2030 of the peripheral portion 203. In other words, at this time, the rise angle θ of the protective sheet 6 from the upper surface 2030 satisfies θ≧0. When the protective sheet 6 is lowered from the upper surface 2030, that is, when θ<0, the tension of the protective sheet 6 pulls the pusher 7 upward, changing the operational feel; however, by moving the pusher 7 within a range that maintains θ≧0, the change in the operational feel can be suppressed.

[0079] (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.

[0080] The push switch 1 is not limited to being used as an operating member for 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 operating unit 73 installed at the predetermined position receives an operating force from the device, and the movable contact 51 comes into contact with the fixed contact 31. This causes the push switch 1 to output a signal.

[0081] The transmission portion 72 of the pusher 7 does not have to be in direct contact with the movable contact body 5. In other words, a member may be interposed between the transmission portion 72 and the movable contact body 5.

[0082] The number of extensions 74 of the pusher 7 is not limited to two, and may be one, or three or more. Also, the pusher 7 does not have to be provided with the extensions 74.

[0083] 3, the extension 74 of the basic example protrudes in one direction from the flange 71. However, the extension 74 may have one or more bent portions. In other words, the extension 74 may have a stepped shape.

[0084] (Summary) The above-described embodiments and the like disclose the following aspects.

[0085] The push switch (1) according to the first aspect includes a case (2), a fixed contact body (3), a movable contact body (5), a pusher (7), and a protective sheet (6). 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) and is disposed in the internal space of the recess (200). The pusher (7) is disposed above the movable contact body (5). The protective sheet (6) is bonded to the peripheral portion (203) of the recess (200) of the case (2) and to the pusher (7), and covers the recess (200). The movable contact body (5) deforms due to the operating force transmitted from the pusher (7), bringing the movable contact portion (51) into contact with the fixed contact portion (31). The pusher (7) includes a flange portion (71), a transmission portion (72), and an operating portion (73). The flange portion (71) has an upper surface (711) joined to the protective sheet (6). The transmission portion (72) has a transmission surface (720) that transmits the operating force to the movable contact body (5) and protrudes downward from the flange portion (71). The operating portion (73) has an operating surface (730) that protrudes upward from the flange portion (71). The operating surface (730) has a larger area than the transmission surface (720), and an operating force is applied to the operating surface (730) from the outside.

[0086] According to the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the possibility of variations in the operational feel of the push switch (1).

[0087] In the push switch (1) according to the second aspect, the pusher (7) in the first aspect further includes an extension (74). The extension (74) projects from the flange (71) obliquely downward and away from the flange (71) when viewed from above.

[0088] According to the above configuration, the extension (74) protrudes obliquely downward from the flange (71), so the extension (74) is less likely to ride up on the peripheral edge (203) of the recess (200). Therefore, even if the operation surface (730) is pushed obliquely downward, the possibility of the pusher (7) riding up on the peripheral edge (203) of the recess (200) can be reduced.

[0089] In addition, in the push switch (1) according to the third aspect, in the second aspect, when no operating force is applied to the operating surface (730), the tip (741) of the extension portion (74) is located below the upper surface (2030) of the peripheral portion (203) of the recess (200).

[0090] According to the above configuration, the possibility that the extension (74) rides on the peripheral edge (203) of the recess (200) can be further reduced.

[0091] In addition, in the push switch (1) according to the fourth aspect, in the second or third aspect, the recess (200) includes a first region (201) into which the flange portion (71) is inserted, and a second region (202) that protrudes from the first region (201) and into which the extension portion (74) is inserted.

[0092] According to the above configuration, the pusher (7) can be positioned by inserting the extension (74) into the second region (202).

[0093] In addition, in the push switch (1) according to the fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, when no operating force is applied to the operating surface (730), the upper surface (711) of the flange portion (71) is located above the upper surface (2030) of the peripheral portion (203) of the recess (200).

[0094] According to the above configuration, the stroke length (movement distance) of the pusher (7) can be increased.

[0095] In addition, in the push switch (1) according to the sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, when no operating force is applied to the operating surface (730), the lower surface (712) of the flange portion (71) is located below the upper surface (2030) of the peripheral portion (203) of the recess (200).

[0096] According to the above configuration, the possibility that the pusher (7) will ride up on the peripheral edge (203) of the recess (200) can be reduced.

[0097] In addition, in the push switch (1) according to the seventh aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, when the movable contact portion (51) begins to contact the fixed contact portion (31) due to the operating force, the upper surface (711) of the flange portion (71) is at the same height as the upper surface (2030) of the peripheral portion (203) of the recess (200) or is located higher than the upper surface (2030) of the peripheral portion (203).

[0098] According to the above configuration, when an operating force is applied to the operating surface (730), the tension of the protective sheet (6) is reduced, thereby reducing the possibility that the tension will affect the operating feel.

[0099] In addition, in the push switch (1) according to an eighth aspect, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the protective sheet (6) has a through-hole (60) into which the operating portion (73) is inserted.

[0100] According to the above configuration, the tension of the protective sheet (6) is smaller than when the protective sheet (6) is bonded to the operation surface (730), thereby reducing the possibility that the tension will affect the operation feel.

[0101] In addition, in the push switch (1) according to the ninth aspect, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the protective sheet (6) is joined to the upper surface (711) of the flange portion (71) over the entire circumference of a ring-shaped area that surrounds the operating portion (73) on the upper surface (711) of the flange portion (71).

[0102] According to the above configuration, the sealing performance of the case (2) can be improved.

[0103] The configurations other than the first aspect are not essential for the push switch (1) and can be omitted as appropriate.

[0104] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 push switch 2 case 3 fixed contact body 5 movable contact body 6 protective sheet 7 pusher 31 fixed contact portion 51 movable contact portion 60 through hole 71 flange portion 72 transmission portion 73 operation portion 74 extension portion 200 recess 201 first region 202 second region 203 peripheral portion 204 bottom surface 711 upper surface 712 lower surface 720 transmission surface 730 operation surface 741 tip portion 2030 upper surface

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 located in the internal space of the recess; a pusher located above the movable contact body; and a protective sheet bonded to the periphery of the recess of the case and to the pusher, and covering the recess, wherein the movable contact body deforms in response to an operating force transmitted from the pusher, bringing the movable contact portion into contact with the fixed contact portion, and the pusher comprises: a flange portion having an upper surface bonded to the protective sheet; a transmission portion having a transmission surface that transmits the operating force to the movable contact body and protruding downward from the flange portion; and an operating portion having an operating surface that is larger in area than the transmission surface and to which the operating force is applied from outside, and protruding upward from the flange portion.

2. The push switch according to claim 1, wherein the pusher further comprises an extension portion that projects from the flange portion in a direction that faces diagonally downward and away from the flange portion when viewed from above.

3. The push switch according to claim 2, wherein when no operating force is applied to the operating surface, the tip of the extension is positioned below the upper surface of the peripheral edge of the recess.

4. The push switch according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the recess includes a first region into which the flange portion is inserted, and a second region that protrudes from the first region and into which the extension portion is inserted.

5. The push switch according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when no operating force is applied to the operating surface, the upper surface of the flange portion is positioned higher than the upper surface of the peripheral edge of the recess.

6. The push switch according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when no operating force is applied to the operating surface, the lower surface of the flange portion is positioned lower than the upper surface of the peripheral edge portion of the recess.

7. A push switch as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein when the operating force causes the movable contact portion to begin to contact the fixed contact portion, the upper surface of the flange portion is at the same height as the upper surface of the peripheral edge of the recess, or is located higher than the upper surface of the peripheral edge.

8. The push switch according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the protective sheet has a through hole into which the operating portion is inserted.

9. The push switch according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the protective sheet is bonded to the upper surface of the flange portion over the entire periphery of an annular region that surrounds the operating portion.

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