Push switch
The push switch design with dual circuits and movable contact bodies ensures continuous operation by maintaining functionality even if one circuit fails, addressing the issue of single-circuit failure in conventional switches.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-25
AI Technical Summary
Conventional push switches with a single switch circuit fail to function if a defect occurs, necessitating a redundant switch design that maintains functionality even when one circuit malfunctions.
A push switch design featuring two independent circuits with two movable contact bodies and fixed contacts, allowing simultaneous operation and redundancy, maintaining functionality even if one circuit fails, while maintaining a compact size comparable to a single conventional switch.
The redundant push switch design ensures continuous operation by enabling both circuits to function simultaneously, providing redundancy without increasing the switch's size, thus enhancing reliability and durability.
Smart Images
Figure JP2025036633_25062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Push switch
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a push switch.
[0002] Conventionally, push switches used in electronic devices are known. As an example of this type of push switch, Patent Document 1 discloses a push switch including a plurality of fixed contacts exposed in a recess of a case and a movable contact body disposed in the recess of the case. In this push switch, the switch is turned on by pushing the central portion of the movable contact body toward the fixed contact located at the center while the outer peripheral portion of the movable contact body is in contact with the fixed contact located on the outside.
[0003] International Publication No. 2024 / 029141
[0004] Since the push switch disclosed in Patent Document 1 is composed of one switch circuit, for example, if a defect occurs in one switch circuit, it cannot function as a switch. Therefore, there is a demand for a switch having redundancy that can maintain its function as a switch even when a defect occurs in one switch circuit.
[0005] The present disclosure provides a push switch having redundancy.
[0006] A push switch according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a case having a concave housing portion, two first fixed contacts and two second fixed contacts provided in the housing portion, and two movable contact bodies disposed above the two first fixed contacts and the two second fixed contacts in the housing portion. Each of the two movable contact bodies has a first end portion having a first contact that contacts the first fixed contact, a second end portion facing the second fixed contact and provided with a second contact that can be switched between contact and non-contact with the second fixed contact, a first extension portion drawn out from the first end portion and extending along the inner surface of the housing portion, a second extension portion drawn out from the second end portion in a direction different from the first end portion and extending toward the inner surface of the housing portion, and a connection portion connecting the first extension portion and the second extension portion. The distance between the first contact and the connection portion is longer than the distance between the first contact and the second contact.
[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a redundant push switch can be provided.
[0008] Figure 1 is a circuit diagram of a push switch according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the push switch according to an embodiment. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the push switch according to an embodiment. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the push switch according to an embodiment. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the case of the push switch. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the first electrode member and the second electrode member of the push switch. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the movable contact body arranged on the case of the push switch. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the movable contact body of the push switch. Figure 9 is a plan view of the movable contact body of the push switch. Figure 10A is a schematic diagram showing cross-sections of the movable contact body, the first fixed contact, and the second fixed contact when the push switch is in the off state. Figure 10B is a schematic diagram showing a cross-section of the contact state when the push switch is pressed and the movable contact body contacts the second fixed contact. Figure 10C is a schematic diagram showing a cross-section of the pressed state when the push switch is pressed further and the movable contact body is pushed in. Figure 11A is a schematic diagram showing cross-sections of the movable contact body and the rib portion when the push switch is in the off state. Figure 11B is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the movable contact body and rib portion when the push switch is pressed and in contact. Figure 11C is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the movable contact body and rib portion when the push switch is further pressed and in a pressed-in state.
[0009] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.
[0010] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, components, arrangement positions of components, and connection configurations shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Furthermore, any components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.
[0011] Furthermore, each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Therefore, for example, the scale may not necessarily match in each figure. Also, in each figure, substantially identical components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted or simplified.
[0012] Furthermore, in this specification, the terms "on top of (e.g., on a fixed contact body)", "above", and "below" do not refer to the upward (vertically upward) and downward (vertically downward) directions in absolute spatial perception, but rather are used as terms defined by the relative positional relationship based on the stacking order in a stacked configuration. In addition, the terms "on top of (e.g., on a fixed contact body)", "above", and "below" apply not only when two components are spaced apart and another component exists between them, but also when two components are placed in contact with each other.
[0013] Furthermore, in this specification and drawings, the X, Y, and Z axes represent the three axes of a right-handed three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. In the embodiment, the Z-axis direction is the direction of movement of the push switch's operating part. Viewing from the positive side of the Z-axis toward the negative side of the Z-axis is also referred to as a plan view.
[0014] Furthermore, in this specification, terms indicating relationships between elements such as parallel and identical, terms indicating the shape of elements such as rectangle and circle, and numerical values and numerical ranges do not represent only strict meanings, but also include substantially equivalent ranges, such as differences of a few percent (or about 10%).
[0015] Furthermore, in this specification, ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc., do not mean the number or order of components unless otherwise specified, but are used to avoid confusion and to distinguish similar components.
[0016] (Embodiment) [Configuration of the push switch] The general configuration of the push switch according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4.
[0017] Figure 1 is a circuit diagram of a push switch 1 according to an embodiment.
[0018] As shown in Figure 1, the push switch 1 is composed of two circuits, circuit A and circuit B, connected in parallel. The two circuits, circuit A and circuit B, perform the same operation and are configured to be turned on or off simultaneously. With this configuration, even if one circuit malfunctions, the switch can maintain its function. This provides a switch with redundancy.
[0019] While the circuit shown in Figure 1 can also be implemented by connecting two conventional push switches in parallel, simply connecting two conventional push switches in parallel would result in a larger switch. Therefore, this embodiment provides a compact push switch that is approximately the same size as a single conventional push switch while offering redundancy.
[0020] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the push switch 1. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the push switch 1.
[0021] Push switch 1 is, for example, a normally open switch that turns on only when pressed.
[0022] The push switch 1 shown in Figures 2 and 3 comprises a metal cover 10, a rubber cap 20, a movable member 30, a film 35, two movable contact bodies, two first electrode members, two second electrode members, and a case 70.
[0023] The two movable contact bodies consist of one movable contact body 40A and the other movable contact body 40B. The two movable contact bodies 40A and 40B are insulated from each other.
[0024] The two first electrode members are composed of one first electrode member 61A and the other first electrode member 61B, and the two second electrode members are composed of one second electrode member 62A and the other second electrode member 62B. The two first electrode members 61A and 61B are insulated from each other, and the two second electrode members 62A and 62B are insulated from each other. When the push switch 1 is in a stable position, the first electrode member 61A is electrically connected to the movable contact body 40A, and the first electrode member 61B is electrically connected to the movable contact body 40B.
[0025] In this example, the first circuit A is formed by the movable contact body 40A, the first electrode member 61A, and the second electrode member 62A, and the second circuit B is formed by the movable contact body 40B, the first electrode member 61B, and the second electrode member 62B.
[0026] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the push switch 1.
[0027] Figure 4(a) shows the cross-section of the push switch 1 cut along the line IV-IV shown in Figure 2, and Figure 4(b) shows the push switch 1 shown in (a) in the downward pressed position. In Figure 4, the operation of one of the movable contact bodies 40A and 40B is shown as an example. The operation of the other movable contact body 40B is similar.
[0028] The push switch 1 is activated when the operating part 21 of the rubber cap 20 is pressed downward (in the negative Z-axis direction), causing the movable member 30 to elastically deform (see Figure 4(b)). As a result of the elastic deformation of the movable member 30, some of the contacts of the movable contact body 40A move in the negative Z-axis direction and come into contact with the second electrode member 62A. This causes the movable contact body 40A and the second electrode member 62A to conduct electricity, turning on circuit A. Similarly, the movable contact body 40B and the second electrode member 62B conduct electricity, turning on circuit B.
[0029] On the other hand, when the operation of pressing the operating unit 21 is released, the operating unit 21 and the movable member 30 move back upward (towards the positive Z-axis) (see Figure 4(a)). As a result, the elastically deformed movable contact body 40A returns to its original shape, and some of the contacts of the movable contact body 40A separate from the second electrode member 62A. As a result, the movable contact body 40A and the second electrode member 62A become non-conductive, and circuit A is turned off. Similarly, the movable contact body 40B and the second electrode member 62B become non-conductive, and circuit B is turned off. With this structure, both circuits A and B can be turned on or off simultaneously.
[0030] The following describes in detail each component of the push switch 1, with reference to Figures 5 to 9.
[0031] As described above, the push switch 1 comprises a metal cover 10, a rubber cap 20, a movable member 30, a film 35, two movable contact bodies 40A and 40B, two first electrode members 61A and 61B, two second electrode members 62A and 62B, and a case 70 (see Figures 2 and 3).
[0032] The metal cover 10 is a metal component formed from a plate-shaped member. The metal cover 10 covers the flange portion 23 of the rubber cap 20 and is fixed to the case 70.
[0033] The rubber cap 20 is a rubber elastic body provided above the case 70. The rubber cap 20 has an operating section 21, an intermediate section 22, and a flange section 23. The operating section 21, the intermediate section 22, and the flange section 23 are integrally molded. The operating section 21 is positioned above the movable contact bodies 40A, 40B, the film 35, and the movable member 30. The operating section 21 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction.
[0034] The movable member 30 is dome-shaped and positioned between the rubber cap 20 and the film 35. In other words, the movable member 30 is positioned above the movable contact bodies 40A, 40B and the film 35. The movable member 30 may be made of an elastic plate-shaped metal member, such as SUS. The movable member 30 is also called a metal dome. The movable member 30 may be made of a conductive material or an insulating material. The movable member 30 has four corner portions 31 on its outer circumference. The movable member 30 is placed on the case 70 with its four corner portions 31 positioned in four rotation-restricting holes 79 formed in the case 70.
[0035] The movable member 30 continuously elastically deforms to have three states: an off state in which the movable contact bodies 40A and 40B are separated from the second electrode members 62A and 62B; a contact state in which the movable contact bodies 40A and 40B begin to make contact with the second electrode members 62A and 62B; and a pressed state in which the movable contact bodies 40A and 40B are pushed against the second electrode members 62A and 62B. The movable member 30 has a shape that is convex towards the positive Z-axis side in the off state, and elastically deforms to have a shape that is convex towards the negative Z-axis side in the pressed state in which force is applied from the operating part 21.
[0036] The film 35 is an insulating resin sheet member and is placed between the movable contact bodies 40A and 40B and the movable member 30. The film 35 is fixed to the upper surface 75 of the case 70 so as to cover the movable contact bodies 40A and 40B and also cover the housing portion 71 of the case 70, which will be described later. The film 35 may be in contact with the movable contact bodies 40A and 40B when the push switch 1 is assembled, for example.
[0037] Figure 5 shows the case 70 of the push switch 1. Figure 5 also shows the first electrode members 61A, 61B and the second electrode members 62A, 62B, which are integrally molded with the case 70.
[0038] The case 70 shown in Figure 5 is made of an insulating resin material. The case 70 is made of a material harder than the rubber cap 20. The case 70 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and a concave housing portion 71 is formed therein. The concave housing portion 71 has a cylindrical (or octagonal prism) counterbore shape and is recessed in the negative Z-axis direction from the top surface 75. The housing portion 71 has an inner bottom surface 72, an opening 73 located on the opposite side of the inner bottom surface 72, and an inner surface 74 connecting the inner bottom surface 72 and the opening 73.
[0039] An annular base 77 is formed on the inner side of the inner surface 74, rising towards the opening 73 from the inner bottom surface 72. The plane of the base 77 is formed parallel to the inner bottom surface 72. The base 77 is provided with support portions 78a and 78b, which will be described later, and first fixed contacts f1a and f1b of the first electrode members 61A and 61B. The inner bottom surface 72 is provided with second fixed contacts f2a and f2b of the second electrode members 62A and 62B. The inner bottom surface 72 is also provided with a protruding rib portion R. The rib portion R will be described later.
[0040] Above the housing section 71, the film 35, the movable member 30, and the rubber cap 20 are arranged, and inside the housing section 71, the movable contact bodies 40A and 40B, the first fixed contacts f1a and f1b, and the second fixed contacts f2a and f2b are provided.
[0041] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the first electrode members 61A, 61B and the second electrode members 62A, 62B of the push switch 1.
[0042] The first electrode members 61A, 61B and the second electrode members 62A, 62B shown in Figure 6 are formed from an alloy such as phosphor bronze or a single metal. The first electrode members 61A, 61B and the second electrode members 62A, 62B are conductive fixed electrodes and are fixed to the case 70. The first electrode members 61A, 61B and the second electrode members 62A, 62B are integrally molded together with the case 70, which is made of resin material (see Figure 5). However, the first electrode members 61A, 61B and the second electrode members 62A, 62B do not necessarily have to be integrally molded with the case 70; they may be formed separately from the case 70 and then assembled and fixed to the case 70.
[0043] A part of the first electrode members 61A and 61B and the second electrode members 62A and 62B protrudes outward from the side surface of the case 70. Among the first electrode members 61A and 61B and the second electrode members 62A and 62B, the parts protruding outside the case 70 serve as external terminals and are connected to an external circuit board or the like.
[0044] The first electrode members 61A and 61B and the second electrode members 62A and 62B are exposed in the accommodating portion 71. Among the first electrode members 61A and 61B and the second electrode members 62A and 62B, the parts exposed in the accommodating portion 71 serve as fixed terminals and contact the movable contact bodies 40A and 40B.
[0045] One of the first electrode members 61A has a first fixed contact f1a, and one of the second electrode members 62A has a second fixed contact f2a. The other first electrode member 61B has a first fixed contact f1b, and the other second electrode member 62B has a second fixed contact f2b. Thus, the push switch 1 has two first fixed contacts f1a and f1b and two second fixed contacts f2a and f2b.
[0046] The first fixed contacts f1a and f1b and the second fixed contacts f2a and f2b are provided in the accommodating portion 71. Specifically, the first fixed contacts f1a and f1b are provided on the pedestal 77 of the accommodating portion 71 and protrude from the pedestal 77 toward the opening 73 side. The second fixed contacts f2a and f2b are provided on the inner bottom surface 72 of the accommodating portion 71 and protrude from the inner bottom surface 72 toward the opening 73 side.
[0047] The planar view shapes of the first fixed contacts f1a and f1b and the second fixed contacts f2a and f2b may be, for example, rectangular, circular, polygonal, or the like. The first fixed contacts f1a and f1b and the second fixed contacts f2a and f2b are not conceptual points without an area, but have a predetermined area. In this example, the second fixed contact f2a is composed of a plurality of contacts, and the second fixed contact f2b is composed of a plurality of contacts. Each fixed contact may be composed of a plurality of contact groups.
[0048] In this embodiment, the first fixed contacts f1a and the second fixed contacts f2a are provided in one semi-circular region within the housing portion 71, and the first fixed contacts f1b and the second fixed contacts f2b are provided in the other remaining semi-circular region. When viewed from the direction along the depth direction (Z-axis direction) of the housing portion 71, the two first fixed contacts f1a and f1b are arranged point-symmetrically. Specifically, the two first fixed contacts f1a and f1b are arranged with 180° rotational symmetry about the central axis of the columnar housing portion 71 as the axis of rotational symmetry. Also, when viewed from the direction along the depth direction of the housing portion 71, the two second fixed contacts f2a and f2b are arranged point-symmetrically. Specifically, the two second fixed contacts f2a and f2b are arranged with 180° rotational symmetry about the central axis of the columnar housing portion 71 as the axis of rotational symmetry.
[0049] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the movable contact bodies 40A and 40B disposed on the case 70 of the push switch 1. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the movable contact bodies 40A and 40B of the push switch 1.
[0050] The movable contact bodies 40A and 40B shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 are formed of a material having elasticity and conductivity, for example, a metallic material such as SUS. The movable contact bodies 40A and 40B are formed, for example, by punching or cutting a plate-like metal member.
[0051] The movable contact bodies 40A and 40B are housed in the housing portion 71 of the case 70. Specifically, the movable contact bodies 40A and 40B are disposed above the two first fixed contacts f1a, f1b and the two second fixed contacts f2a, f2b within the housing portion 71, that is, on the opening 73 side of the housing portion 71 with respect to the two first fixed contacts f1a, f1b and the two second fixed contacts f2a, f2b.
[0052] Each of the movable contact bodies 40A and 40B has a semicircular shape. Movable contact body 40A is positioned in one semicircular region of the housing 71, and movable contact body 40B is positioned in the other semicircular region of the housing 71. When viewed from a direction along the depth direction of the housing 71, the two movable contact bodies 40A and 40B are positioned point-symmetrically. Specifically, the two movable contact bodies 40A and 40B are positioned 180° rotationally symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the columnar housing 71 as the axis of rotational symmetry.
[0053] Of the two movable contact bodies, we will first describe one of them, the movable contact body 40A.
[0054] As shown in Figure 8, the movable contact body 40A has a first end portion 41, a second end portion 42, a first extension portion 43, a second extension portion 44, and a connecting portion 45. The movable contact body 40A is formed by connecting the first end portion 41, the first extension portion 43, the connecting portion 45, the second extension portion 44, and the second end portion 42 in this order.
[0055] The first end 41 is the end located on the outer circumference of the movable contact body 40A. The first end 41 is located closer to the inner surface 74 of the housing 71 than the second end 42 (see Figure 7). Specifically, the first end 41 is located on a base 77 near the inner surface 74, not in the center of the housing 71. The first end 41 is arranged parallel to the base 77 of the housing 71 and faces the exposed area of the first electrode member 61A in the housing 71. The first end 41 has a first contact p1a that contacts the first fixed contact f1a. The first contact p1a is located on the first fixed contact f1a and is always in contact with the first fixed contact f1a.
[0056] The second end 42 is the end located on the opposite side from the first end 41. The second end 42 is located further inside the housing 71 than the first end 41. When the push switch 1 is in the off state, the second end 42 is positioned parallel to the inner bottom surface 72 of the housing 71 and faces the exposed area of the second electrode member 62A in the housing 71. The second end 42 has a second contact p2a that faces the second fixed contact f2a. The second contact p2a is provided so as to be switchable between contact and non-contact with respect to the second fixed contact f2a.
[0057] In other words, the movable contact body 40A is arranged such that the first contact p1a contacts the first fixed contact f1a, and the second contact p2a is located above the second fixed contact f2a.
[0058] The first extension portion 43 is a part that is drawn out from the first end portion 41 and extends along the inner surface 74 of the housing portion 71. The first extension portion 43 is arranged parallel to the base 77 of the housing portion 71. The first extension portion 43 has an arc shape and extends in a curved manner from the first end portion 41 along the inner surface 74 of the housing portion 71. The angle of the sector formed by the first extension portion 43 as an arc (the opening angle of the arc) is, for example, 90° or more and 180° or less.
[0059] The first extension portion 43 is provided with a lateral displacement restricting portion 48 that restricts the lateral displacement (direction perpendicular to the Z-axis) of the movable contact body 40A. The lateral displacement restricting portion 48 is provided perpendicular to the first extension portion 43 on a part of the outer edge of the first extension portion 43. When the lateral displacement restricting portion 48 is inserted into the guide hole 76 provided in the housing portion 71, the lateral displacement of the movable contact body 40A is restricted.
[0060] The second extension portion 44 is the part that is drawn out from the second end portion 42 in a direction different from that of the first end portion 41 and extends toward the inner surface 74 of the housing portion 71. Specifically, the second extension portion 44 is drawn out from the second end portion 42 located near the center of the housing portion 71 and extends linearly toward the inner surface 74 of the housing portion 71.
[0061] The connecting portion 45 is the part that connects the first extension portion 43 and the second extension portion 44. The connecting portion 45 is located closer to the inner surface 74 of the housing portion 71 than to the second end portion 42 (see Figure 7). In this example, the connecting portion 45 is a turning point where the extension portion 43 folds back to the second extension portion 44, or a turning point where the extension portion 44 folds back to the first extension portion 43.
[0062] The movable contact body 40A is supported by the first fixed contact f1a and the support portion 78a within the housing portion 71. The support portion 78a is a protruding base provided within the housing portion 71 and is located closer to the connecting portion 45 than to the first end portion 41. Specifically, the movable contact body 40A is supported by the first end portion 41 contacting the first fixed contact f1a and the first extension portion 43 contacting the support portion 78a.
[0063] The second end portion 42 has a cantilever structure with the support portion 78a as a fulcrum and the connecting portion 45 and the second extension portion 44 forming a beam. The second end portion 42 is movable up and down, and the second contact p2a contacts the second fixed contact f2a when the operating portion 21 is pressed down, and separates from the second fixed contact f2a when the operating portion 21 is released.
[0064] Next, the other movable contact body 40B will be described. The other movable contact body 40B has the same configuration as the first movable contact body 40A.
[0065] As shown in Figure 8, the movable contact body 40B has a first end portion 41, a second end portion 42, a first extension portion 43, a second extension portion 44, and a connecting portion 45. The movable contact body 40B is formed by connecting the first end portion 41, the first extension portion 43, the connecting portion 45, the second extension portion 44, and the second end portion 42 in this order.
[0066] The first end 41 is the end located on the outer circumference of the movable contact body 40B. The first end 41 is located closer to the inner surface 74 of the housing 71 than the second end 42 (see Figure 7). Specifically, the first end 41 is located on a base 77 near the inner surface 74, not in the center of the housing 71. The first end 41 is arranged parallel to the base 77 of the housing 71 and faces the exposed area of the first electrode member 61B in the housing 71. The first end 41 has a first contact p1b that contacts the first fixed contact f1b. The first contact p1b is located on the first fixed contact f1b and is always in contact with the first fixed contact f1b.
[0067] The second end 42 is the end located on the opposite side from the first end 41. The second end 42 is located further inside the housing 71 than the first end 41. When the push switch 1 is in the off state, the second end 42 is positioned parallel to the inner bottom surface 72 of the housing 71 and faces the exposed area of the second electrode member 62B in the housing 71. The second end 42 has a second contact p2b that faces the second fixed contact f2b. The second contact p2b is provided so as to be switchable between contact and non-contact with respect to the second fixed contact f2b.
[0068] In other words, the movable contact body 40B is arranged such that the first contact p1b contacts the first fixed contact f1b, and the second contact p2b is located above the second fixed contact f2b.
[0069] The first extension portion 43 is a part that is drawn out from the first end portion 41 and extends along the inner surface 74 of the housing portion 71. The first extension portion 43 is arranged parallel to the base 77 of the housing portion 71. The first extension portion 43 has an arc shape and extends in a curved manner from the first end portion 41 along the inner surface 74 of the housing portion 71. The angle of the sector formed by the first extension portion 43 as an arc (the opening angle of the arc) is, for example, 90° or more and 180° or less.
[0070] The first extension portion 43 is provided with a lateral displacement restricting portion 48 that restricts the lateral displacement (direction perpendicular to the Z-axis) of the movable contact body 40B. The lateral displacement restricting portion 48 is provided perpendicular to the first extension portion 43 on a part of the outer edge of the first extension portion 43. When the lateral displacement restricting portion 48 is inserted into the guide hole 76 provided in the housing portion 71, the lateral displacement of the movable contact body 40B is restricted.
[0071] The second extension portion 44 is the part that is drawn out from the second end portion 42 in a direction different from that of the first end portion 41 and extends toward the inner surface 74 of the housing portion 71. Specifically, the second extension portion 44 is drawn out from the second end portion 42 located near the center of the housing portion 71 and extends linearly toward the inner surface 74 of the housing portion 71.
[0072] The connecting portion 45 is the part that connects the first extension portion 43 and the second extension portion 44. The connecting portion 45 is located closer to the inner surface 74 of the housing portion 71 than to the second end portion 42 (see Figure 7). In this example, the connecting portion 45 is a turning point where the extension portion 43 folds back to the second extension portion 44, or a turning point where the extension portion 44 folds back to the first extension portion 43.
[0073] The movable contact body 40B is supported by the first fixed contact f1b and the support portion 78b within the housing portion 71. The support portion 78b is a protruding base provided within the housing portion 71 and is located closer to the connection portion 45 than to the first end portion 41. Specifically, the movable contact body 40B is supported by the first end portion 41 abutting against the first fixed contact f1b and the first extension portion 43 abutting against the support portion 78b.
[0074] The second end portion 42 has a cantilever structure with the support portion 78b as a fulcrum and the connecting portion 45 and the second extension portion 44 forming a beam. The second end portion 42 is movable up and down, and the second contact p2b contacts the second fixed contact f2b when the operating portion 21 is pressed down, and separates from the second fixed contact f2b when the operating portion 21 is released.
[0075] Here, we will further describe the arrangement of the first end 41, the second end 42, and the connecting portion 45 of the movable contact bodies 40A and 40B.
[0076] Figure 9 is a plan view of the movable contact bodies 40A and 40B of the push switch 1.
[0077] As shown in Figure 9, the second end 42 of each movable contact body 40A, 40B is provided between the first end 41 and the connecting portion 45. The connecting portion 45 is provided in the direction opposite to the direction in which the first end 41 is located with respect to the second end 42. In other words, the first end 41 is provided in the direction opposite to the direction in which the connecting portion 45 is located with respect to the second end 42. That is, the connecting portion 45, the second end 42, and the first end 41 are arranged in the order of connecting portion 45, second end 42, and first end 41 in the straight line direction from the connecting portion 45 to the first end 41.
[0078] In the movable contact body 40A, the distance D1 between the first contact p1a and the connection part 45 is longer than the distance D2 between the first contact p1a and the second contact p2a. Similarly, in the movable contact body 40B, the distance D1 between the first contact p1b and the connection part 45 is longer than the distance D2 between the first contact p1b and the second contact p2b. Distance D1 is the straight-line distance between the center of the first contact p1a (or p1b) and the center of the connection part 45. Distance D2 is the straight-line distance between the center of the first contact p1a and the center of the second contact p2a, or the straight-line distance between the center of the first contact p1b and the center of the second contact p2b. The distances shown in Figure 9 are the distances in the direction perpendicular to both the direction in which the movable contact bodies 40A and 40B are aligned (X-axis direction) and the direction along the depth direction of the housing part 71 (Z-axis direction) (Y-axis direction).
[0079] According to the above arrangement configuration, it is possible to effectively suppress the first contacts p1a and p1b from floating away from the first fixed contacts f1a and f1b and becoming non-conductive. This effective mechanism will be explained with reference to Figures 10A to 10C.
[0080] Figure 10A is a schematic diagram showing cross-sections of the movable contact body 40B, the first fixed contact f1b, and the second fixed contact f2b when the push switch 1 is in the off state. Figure 10B is a schematic diagram showing a cross-section of the contact state when the push switch 1 is pressed and the movable contact body 40B makes contact with the second fixed contact f2b. Figure 10C is a schematic diagram showing a cross-section of the pressed state when the push switch 1 is pressed further and the movable contact body 40B is pushed in.
[0081] Figures 10A to 10C show schematic diagrams of the movable contact body 40B, the first fixed contact f1b, and the second fixed contact f2b when crossed along the line X-X shown in Figure 7, in the off state, the contact state, and the pressed state. In Figures 10A to 10C, the operation of the other movable contact body 40B, 40A and 40B, is used as an example for explanation. The other movable contact body 40A operates in the same manner.
[0082] For example, when the rubber cap 20 is pressed in the off state shown in Figure 10A, the pressing force is transmitted via the movable member 30 and the film 35, causing some of the contacts of the movable contact body 40B to move downward (see Figure 10B). Specifically, the second end portion 42 of the movable contact body 40A moves downward using the support portion 78b of the housing portion 71 as a pivot point, and the second contact p2b of the second end portion 42 comes into contact with the second fixed contact f2b of the housing portion 71.
[0083] Furthermore, when the rubber cap 20 is pressed down and pushed in, the entire surface of the second end portion 42 comes into contact with the second fixed contact f2b.
[0084] For example, if the second end 42 is a cantilevered structure that connects to both the connector 45 and the first end 41, when the second end 42 is pushed downward, a downward pulling force acts on both the connector 45 and the first end 41, causing both outer edges of the first end 41 and the connector 45 to lift up. In order to maintain stable switch operation, the first contact p1b of the first end 41 needs to be in contact with the first fixed contact f1b, but when the first end 41 lifts up, the conductivity between the first contact p1b and the first fixed contact f1b becomes insufficient.
[0085] In contrast, in this embodiment, the second end portion 42 is not directly connected to the first end portion 41 via the shortest distance, but rather the second end portion 42 is connected to the first end portion 41 in a roundabout way via the second extension portion 44, the connecting portion 45, and the first extension portion 43. Therefore, the second end portion 42 has a cantilever structure with one side free. Consequently, as shown in Figure 10C, even if the second end portion 42 is pushed downward, no diagonally downward pulling force acts on the first end portion 41, and the occurrence of floating at the first end portion 41 and the first contact point p1b can be suppressed.
[0086] Furthermore, even if, for example, the pulling force described above causes the connection portion 45 to lift up (see Figure 10C), the first end portion 41 is located far from the connection portion 45, specifically at a distance D1 from the connection portion 45, and is therefore less affected by the lifting that occurs in the connection portion 45. Also, even if the connection portion 45 lifts up and tilts with the support portion 78b as a fulcrum, the first end portion 41 will receive a downward force via the first extension portion 43. As a result, the first contact p1b is pressed against the first fixed contact f1b, ensuring contact between the first contact p1b and the first fixed contact f1b.
[0087] Furthermore, the push switch 1 of this embodiment has the following configuration to improve the durability of the components. Here, the effect of the rib portion R provided in the housing portion 71 will be explained with reference to Figures 11A to 11C.
[0088] Figure 11A is a schematic diagram showing cross-sections of the movable contact bodies 40A, 40B and rib portion R when the push switch 1 is in the off state. Figure 11B is a schematic diagram showing cross-sections of the movable contact bodies 40A, 40B and rib portion R when the push switch 1 is pressed and in contact state. Figure 11C is a schematic diagram showing cross-sections of the movable contact bodies 40A, 40B and rib portion R when the push switch 1 is further pressed and in the pressed-in state.
[0089] Figures 11A to 11C show schematic diagrams of the movable contact bodies 40A and 40B, the second fixed contacts f2a and f2b, and the rib portion R when cut along the line XI-XI shown in Figure 7, in the off state, contact state, and pressed state. Figures 11A to 11C also show cross-sections of the movable member 30 and the film 35.
[0090] As shown in Figure 11A, the push switch 1 is provided with a rib portion R in the housing portion 71 to suppress damage to the film 35 and the movable member 30. The rib portion R is provided between the two second fixed contacts f2a and f2b and protrudes from the inner bottom surface 72 of the housing portion 71.
[0091] As shown in Figure 11B, when the push switch 1 is pressed, the movable member 30 moves the second ends 42 of the movable contact bodies 40A and 40B downward. As the second ends 42 move, the second contacts p2a and p2b simultaneously make contact with the second fixed contacts f2a and f2b, respectively.
[0092] For example, in a structure without a rib portion R, if the movable member 30 is pushed in further, the film 35 and the movable member 30 will penetrate deeply between the two second ends 42 of the movable contact bodies 40A and 40B and rub against the edges of each second end 42. As a result, the film 35 and the movable member 30 may be damaged and broken.
[0093] Therefore, in this embodiment, a rib portion R is provided between the two second fixed contacts f2a and f2b. As shown in the enlarged view of Figure 11B, the height dimension h1 from the top surface (uppermost surface) ft of the second fixed contacts f2a and f2b to the top surface (uppermost surface) Rt of the rib portion R is smaller than the thickness dimension t1 of the movable contact bodies 40A and 40B (h1 < t1). With the provision of the rib portion R in this way, as shown in Figure 11C, even when the movable member 30 is pushed in, the film 35 and the movable member 30 come into contact with the rib portion R, preventing them from going in deeper than necessary. This prevents the film 35 and the movable member 30 from being damaged and broken.
[0094] (Summary) An example of a push switch relating to one aspect of this disclosure is given below.
[0095] The push switch 1 of Example 1 comprises a case 70 having a concave housing portion 71, two first fixed contacts f1a, f1b and two second fixed contacts f2a, f2b provided in the housing portion 71, and two movable contact bodies 40A, 40B positioned above the two first fixed contacts f1a, f1b and the two second fixed contacts f2a, f2b within the housing portion 71. Each of the two movable contact bodies 40A (40B) has a first end 41 having a first contact p1a (p1b) that contacts a first fixed contact f1a (f1b), a second end 42 facing a second fixed contact f2a (f2b) and having a second contact p2a (p2b) that can be switched between contacting and not contacting the second fixed contact f2a (f2b), a first extension 43 extending from the first end 41 and along the inner surface 74 of the housing 71, a second extension 44 extending from the second end 42 in a direction different from the first end 41 and toward the inner surface 74 of the housing 71, and a connecting portion 45 connecting the first extension 43 and the second extension 44. The distance D1 between the first contact p1a (p1b) and the connection part 45 is longer than the distance D2 between the first contact p1a (p1b) and the second contact p2a (p2b).
[0096] Thus, by providing the push switch 1 with two first fixed contacts f1a and f1b, two second fixed contacts f2a and f2b, and two movable contact bodies 40A and 40B, the push switch 1 can be provided with two circuits, circuit A and circuit B. This makes it possible to provide a push switch 1 with redundancy.
[0097] Furthermore, by making the distance D1 between the first contact p1a (p1b) and the connection part 45 longer than the distance D2 between the first contact p1a (p1b) and the second contact p2a (p2b), the first contact p1a (p1b) can be positioned farther away from the connection part 45. Therefore, for example, even if the second contact p2a (p2b) moves downward and the connection part 45 is subjected to a force that causes it to lift, the lifting of the first contact p1a (p1b) can be suppressed. This ensures conductivity between the first contact p1a (p1b) and the first fixed contact f1a (f1b).
[0098] The push switch 1 in Example 2 is the push switch described in Example 1, and when the movable contact body 40A (40B) is viewed from a direction along the depth direction of the housing 71, the first end portion 41 and the connecting portion 45 may be located closer to the inner surface 74 of the housing 71 than the second end portion 42.
[0099] In this way, the first end portion 41 and the connecting portion 45 are positioned closer to the inner surface 74 of the housing portion 71 than the second end portion 42, allowing the first end portion 41 and the connecting portion 45 to be moved further away from the second end portion 42. Therefore, for example, even if the second contact p2a (p2b) moves downward and the connecting portion 45 is subjected to a force that causes it to lift up, the lifting of the first contact p1a (p1b) can be suppressed. This ensures conductivity between the first contact p1a (p1b) and the first fixed contact f1a (f1b).
[0100] The push switch 1 in Example 3 is the push switch described in Example 2, and the connecting portion 45 may be provided in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first end portion 41 is located, with reference to the second end portion 42.
[0101] In this way, since the connecting portion 45 is provided in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first end portion 41 is located with respect to the second end portion 42, the connecting portion 45 can be positioned away from the first end portion 41. Therefore, for example, even if the second contact p2a (p2b) moves downward and the connecting portion 45 is subjected to a force that causes it to lift up, the lifting of the first contact p1a (p1b) can be suppressed. This ensures conductivity between the first contact p1a (p1b) and the first fixed contact f1a (f1b).
[0102] The push switch 1 in Example 4 is the push switch described in Example 3, and the connecting portion 45, the second end portion 42, and the first end portion 41 may be arranged in the order of connecting portion 45, second end portion 42, and first end portion 41 in the linear direction connecting the connecting portion 45 to the first end portion 41.
[0103] In this way, since the connection portion 45 is arranged with the second end portion 42 and the first end portion 41 in that order, the first end portion 41 can be positioned away from the connection portion 45. Therefore, for example, even if the second contact p2a (p2b) moves downward and the connection portion 45 is subjected to a force that causes it to lift up, the lifting of the first contact p1a (p1b) can be suppressed. This ensures conductivity between the first contact p1a (p1b) and the first fixed contact f1a (f1b).
[0104] The push switch 1 in Example 5 is the push switch described in Example 2, wherein the second end portion 42 is not connected to the first end portion 41 by the shortest distance, but may be connected to the first end portion 41 via the second extension portion 44, the connecting portion 45, and the first extension portion 43.
[0105] In this way, because the second end portion 42 is not connected to the first end portion 41 by the shortest distance, the second end portion 42 is connected to the connection portion 45 in a cantilevered, free state. As a result, even if the second end portion 42 is pushed in, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a gap in the first end portion 41.
[0106] The push switch 1 in Example 6 is a push switch described in any of Examples 1 to 4, wherein, when viewed from a direction along the depth direction of the housing 71, the two first fixed contacts f1a and f1b are arranged point-symmetrically, and the two second fixed contacts f2a and f2b are arranged point-symmetrically.
[0107] According to this design, the force applied when the push switch 1 is pressed is evenly distributed across the two first fixed contacts f1a and f1b and the two second fixed contacts f2a and f2b. Therefore, a decrease in reliability against eccentric pressing can be suppressed.
[0108] The push switch 1 in Example 7 is the push switch described in Example 6, and the two movable contact bodies 40A and 40B may be arranged point-symmetrically.
[0109] According to this design, the force applied when the push switch 1 is pressed is evenly distributed across the two movable contact bodies 40A and 40B. Therefore, a decrease in reliability against eccentric pressing can be suppressed.
[0110] The push switch 1 in Example 8 is the push switch described in Example 6, wherein the case 70 has a rib portion R protruding from the inner bottom surface 72 of the housing portion 71, and the height dimension h1 from the top surface ft of the two second fixed contacts f2a, f2b to the top surface Rt of the rib portion R may be smaller than the thickness dimension t1 of the movable contact bodies 40A, 40B.
[0111] According to this, for example, the member that pushes in the movable contact bodies 40A and 40B is stopped by the rib portion R, preventing it from going in too deeply. This prevents the member that pushes in the movable contact bodies 40A and 40B from being damaged and broken.
[0112] The push switch 1 in Example 9 is the push switch described in Example 8, and the rib portion R may be provided between the two second fixed contacts f2a and f2b.
[0113] According to this, for example, a component that fits between two second fixed contacts f2a and f2b is stopped by the rib portion R, preventing it from penetrating too deeply. This prevents the component that fits between the two second fixed contacts f2a and f2b from being damaged and broken.
[0114] The push switch 1 in Example 10 is the push switch described in Example 9, further comprising a movable member 30 that presses the second contact p2a (p2b) against the second fixed contact f2a (f2b) via the second end 42, and the movable member 30 may simultaneously press the respective second ends 42 of the two movable contact bodies 40A and 40B.
[0115] In this way, the movable member 30 simultaneously presses the second end 42 of each of the two movable contact bodies 40A and 40B, thereby providing a redundant push switch 1.
[0116] (Other Embodiments) Although the embodiments have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Without departing from the spirit of this disclosure, various modifications that a person skilled in the art could conceive of may be applied to these embodiments, and forms constructed by combining components from different embodiments may also be included in this disclosure.
[0117] For example, in the above embodiments, an example was described in which the plan view shape of the push switch is rectangular, but the plan view shape is not limited to this and may be circular, polygonal, or the like.
[0118] Furthermore, although the above embodiments describe an example in which the cover provided on the push switch is a metal cover 10, the invention is not limited to this, and a resin cover or the like may also be used.
[0119] Furthermore, although the above embodiments describe an example in which the rubber cap 20 is composed of three components with different thicknesses (operating portion 21, intermediate portion 22, and flange portion 23), it is not limited to this. The rubber cap 20 may also be a sheet-like material such as a rubber sheet.
[0120] Furthermore, although the above embodiments describe an example in which the push switch is equipped with a rubber cap 20, it is not limited to this, and may be equipped with an operating part made of a material other than rubber, such as resin.
[0121] In the above embodiment, it was explained that the distance D1 between the first contact and the connection part is longer than the distance D2 between the first contact and the second contact. However, the same thing can be explained in another way. That is, it can also be said that the distance D1 between the first contact and the connection part is longer than the distance (D1-D2) between the second contact and the connection part.
[0122] This disclosure is applicable to redundant push switches.
[0123] 1 Push switch 10 Metal cover 20 Rubber cap 21 Operating part 22 Middle part 23 Flange part 30 Movable member 31 Corner part 35 Film 40A, 40B Movable contact body 41 First end 42 Second end 43 First extension part 44 Second extension part 45 Connection part 48 Lateral displacement restricting part 61A, 61B First electrode member 62A, 62B Second electrode member 70 Case 71 Housing part 72 Inner bottom surface 73 Opening 74 Inner side surface 75 Top surface 76 Guide hole 77 Base 78a, 78b Support part 79 Rotation restricting hole Circuit A, Circuit B Circuit D1, D2 Distance f1a, f1b First fixed contact f2a, f2b Second fixed contact ft Top surface h1 Height dimension p1a, p1b First contact point p2a, p2b Second contact point R Rib section Rt Top surface t1 Thickness dimension
Claims
1. A push switch comprising: a case having a concave housing; two first fixed contacts and two second fixed contacts provided in the housing; and two movable contact bodies positioned above the two first fixed contacts and the two second fixed contacts within the housing, wherein each of the two movable contact bodies has: a first end having a first contact that contacts the first fixed contact; a second end facing the second fixed contact and having a second contact that is switchable between contacting and not contacting the second fixed contact; a first extension extending from the first end and along the inner surface of the housing; a second extension extending from the second end in a direction different from the first end and toward the inner surface of the housing; and a connecting portion connecting the first extension and the second extension, wherein the distance between the first contact and the connecting portion is longer than the distance between the first contact and the second contact.
2. The push switch according to claim 1, wherein, when the movable contact body is viewed from a direction along the depth direction of the housing, the first end and the connecting portion are located closer to the inner surface of the housing than the second end.
3. The push switch according to claim 2, wherein the connecting portion is provided in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first end is located, with reference to the second end.
4. The push switch according to claim 3, wherein the connecting portion, the second end, and the first end are arranged in the order of the connecting portion, the second end, and the first end in a linear direction connecting the connecting portion to the first end.
5. The push switch according to claim 2, wherein the second end is not connected to the first end by the shortest distance, but is connected to the first end via the second extension, the connecting portion, and the first extension.
6. The push switch according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, when viewed from a direction along the depth direction of the housing, the two first fixed contacts are arranged point-symmetrically, and the two second fixed contacts are arranged point-symmetrically.
7. The push switch according to claim 6, wherein the two movable contact bodies are arranged point-symmetrically.
8. The push switch according to claim 6, wherein the case has a rib portion protruding from the inner bottom surface of the housing portion, and the height dimension from the top surface of the two second fixed contacts to the top surface of the rib portion is smaller than the thickness dimension of the movable contact body.
9. The push switch according to claim 8, wherein the rib portion is provided between the two second fixed contacts.
10. The push switch according to claim 9, further comprising a movable member that presses the second contact against the second fixed contact via the second end, wherein the movable member simultaneously presses the second ends of each of the two movable contact bodies.