Switch Mechanism With Pressing-Down Member For Switch Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switch mechanisms in electronic devices, such as image forming apparatuses, face challenges in enhancing the flexibility of switch and operation member arrangement while maintaining stability, especially with small-sized tactile switches that are prone to damage from excessive pressing.
Innovation Solution
A switch mechanism that includes a pressing-down member with a regulation portion to restrict the pressing amount and an anti-drop member to prevent damage, combined with an operation member that guides the center portion to the pressing-down member, ensuring reliable contact and stability even with small-sized switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the operation member is provided in the cover member that can be opened and closed with respect to the apparatus main body, then the flexibility of arrangement of the power supply switch and the button member is enhanced, but the accuracy of assembly of the power supply switch and the button member is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A pressing-down member is introduced as an intermediary component between the button member and the power supply switch. The pressing-down member includes a pressing portion that contacts the button member and a pressed portion that contacts the power supply switch, thereby mediating the force transmission and compensating for assembly inaccuracies.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch mechanism is divided into separate functional components: the button member for user operation, the pressing-down member for force transmission, and the power supply switch for electrical function. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled with greater flexibility.
2Volume of moving object
If a small-sized switch such as a tactile switch is used, then the device size is reduced, but the switch is prone to damage when the amount of pressing of the operation member is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing-down member is designed with elastic properties to provide beforehand cushioning. When the button member is pressed, the pressing-down member elastically deforms to absorb excess pressing force, preventing direct transmission of damaging forces to the small-sized power supply switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing-down member changes its physical state (elastic deformation) in response to applied force, allowing it to adapt the amount of force transmitted to the switch based on the user's pressing intensity, thereby protecting the switch from excessive force.
3Manufacturing precision
If the center portion guiding structure is provided, then the assembly accuracy is improved, but the device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The center portion guiding structure is merged with the pressing-down member itself. The pressing-down member includes a pressing portion with a guiding structure that directly guides the center portion of the button member, combining the pressing function and the guiding function into a single component.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A switch mechanism of the present disclosure includes a first member (2), a second member (10), a switch (11), a pressing-down member (13) and an operation member (18). The second member (10) can be moved with respect to the first member (2). The switch (11) is provided in the first member (2). The pressing-down member (13) is provided in the first member (2) so as to press down the switch (11), and in the pressing-down member (13), a regulation portion (13b) that restricts the amount of pressing of the switch (11) is formed. The operation member (18) is provided in the second member (10) such that the operation member (18) can be operated by a user and is pressed down by the user so as to press the pressing-down member (13).