JP6467287B2 - Push switch - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a push switch in which an operation member is held at a plurality of operation positions by an artificial pushing operation.

  As a push switch configured as described above, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique including a key top and a slider that can move up and down with respect to a box-shaped housing. This technology includes a spring that urges the key top in the protruding direction and a spring that urges the slider in the direction to contact the key top, and includes a switch contact that is operated in accordance with the operation of the slider to lock the slider. A locking mechanism is provided.

  In Patent Document 1, the lock mechanism is configured by a heart-shaped cam groove formed on a slider and a hook pin whose one end is engaged with the cam groove. As a result, when the key top is pressed, the slider is actuated by the pressing force from the key top, the switch contact becomes conductive, the slider is held in the locked position by the lock mechanism, and the key top is moved by the biasing force of the spring. Restore to non-operating position.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a technique that includes a movable member that is spring-biased in a protruding direction with respect to a housing, a switch element that interlocks with the movable member, and a lock unit that locks the movable member at a predetermined position. Has been.

  In this patent document 2, the movable member is urged by a spring in the projecting direction, and as a locking means, a heart-shaped cam groove formed in the movable member and a lock member inserted into the cam groove are configured. .

JP 2007-323829 A JP2007-103201A

  In the push switch disclosed in Patent Document 1, after the key top is pressed, the key top is restored to the original position regardless of the state of the switch portion. Since the state of the switch part cannot be grasped from the position of the key top in this way, the state of the switch part can be grasped by switching the LED inside the key top to lit or unlit corresponding to the state of the switch part. Yes.

  However, in the configuration in which the state of the switch unit is notified by turning on / off the LED as in Patent Document 1, an electrical circuit for controlling the LED is required in the switch unit, which increases the number of components. In addition, when the LED or the electric circuit fails, it is considered that the state of the switch unit cannot be grasped, and there is room for improvement.

  In the push switches shown in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the state of the switch unit is determined by the slide position of the slider that directly operates the switch unit. Accordingly, when the ON / OFF timing of the switch unit is arbitrarily set, the cam groove shape is changed and the degree of freedom in design is limited. In addition, in this configuration, when releasing the lock, a pressing operation is always required. Therefore, it is necessary to set the ON / OFF state of the switch unit in consideration of the stroke corresponding to the pressing operation. The point also restricts the degree of freedom of design.

  Further, in order to increase the degree of freedom in designing the push switch, it is effective to separate the configuration for determining the position of the slider that is linked to the switch unit from the lock mechanism. However, this configuration requires a configuration that determines the position of the slider in addition to the lock mechanism. For example, two lock mechanisms are required, which increases the number of parts and leaves room for improvement.

  That is, a push switch that can visually grasp the state of the switch unit and has a high degree of design freedom is required.

The feature of the present invention is that the operation member movable along the operation line, the operation member movable along the operation line by the pressing force from the operation member, and the electrical corresponding to the position of the operation member A switch unit that obtains a conductive state and a housing that supports them are provided,
The first urging mechanism for urging the operation member in a direction protruding from the housing, the second urging mechanism for urging the operating member in a direction to approach the operation member, and the artificial pressing operation When the operation member and the actuating member move, the operation member is held at a predetermined operation holding position against the urging force of the first urging mechanism, and against the urging force of the second urging mechanism. A holding mechanism for holding the operating member in a predetermined operating holding position,
The holding mechanism includes a heart-shaped cam groove formed in the operation member, and an engagement member whose base end is supported by the housing and whose engagement end engages with the cam groove, The cam groove has an engagement holding portion for holding the operation member in the operation holding position by engaging the engagement end portion,
The holding mechanism is to hold the operating member at the operating holding position based on the position of the engaging end.

  According to this configuration, when the operation member and the operation member move along the operation straight line by the pressing operation, the engagement end portion engaged with the cam groove engages with the engagement holding portion, whereby the first The operation member can be held at the operation holding position against the urging force of the urging mechanism. Further, the operation member can be held at the operation holding position against the urging force of the second urging mechanism based on the position of the engagement end portion. Accordingly, when the operation member is operated, the operation position can be held, and the state of the switch unit can be grasped from the outer end position of the operation member.

Further, according to this configuration, in the state where the engagement end portion of the engagement member is in the engagement holding portion, for example, in the configuration in which the holding state is released by the push operation of the operation member, the engagement member is accompanied by the push operation. However, since the operation direction is different from the operation direction of the operating member and the amount of operation is reduced, the influence on the detection state of the switch unit is small, and the switch unit is not enlarged.
Therefore, a push switch having a high degree of freedom in design that can visually grasp the state of the switch portion is configured.

In the present invention, the cam groove includes a first guide portion in a posture along the operation straight line, and the engagement holding portion formed at a position separated from the first guide portion,
In a state where the engagement member engages with the first guide part, the movement of the operation member due to the urging force of the second urging mechanism is limited by contacting the engagement end part, and the operation holding is performed. A contact holding portion that holds the engagement end portion, and the engagement end portion is disengaged from the contact holding portion when the engagement end portion engages with the engagement holding portion. You may have the structure which cancels | releases the restriction | limiting of the movement of the said operation member.

  According to this, in a state where the engagement end portion is engaged with the first guide portion, the operation member can be protruded by the urging force of the first urging mechanism, and the contact holding portion is brought into contact with the engagement end portion. By contacting, the movement of the operation member by the urging force of the second urging mechanism is limited. Further, in a state where the engagement end portion is engaged with the engagement holding portion, the operation of the operation member in the protruding direction is restricted, and the engagement end portion is separated from the abutment holding portion, so that the second biasing is performed. The movement of the operating member by the urging force of the mechanism is allowed. That is, the movement of the actuating member is restricted by utilizing the phenomenon that the position of the engagement end changes between the state in which the engagement end engages with the first guide portion and the state in which the engagement end engages with the engagement holding portion. And to achieve unrestricted movement.

In the present invention, the cam groove includes a first guide portion in a posture along the operation straight line, and the engagement holding portion formed at a position separated from the first guide portion,
In a state where the engagement member is engaged with the engagement holding portion, the movement of the operation member due to the urging force of the second urging mechanism is limited by contacting the engagement end portion, and the operation holding. And a contact holding portion that holds the engagement end portion in a state in which the engagement end portion engages with the first guide portion. You may have the structure which cancels | releases the restriction | limiting of the movement of the said operation member.

  According to this, in a state where the engagement end portion engages with the engagement holding portion, the protrusion of the operation member due to the urging force of the first urging mechanism is limited, and the contact holding portion abuts on the engagement end portion. This restricts the movement of the operating member by the urging force of the second urging mechanism. Further, in a state where the engagement end portion is engaged with the first guide portion, the operation member can move without limitation in the protruding direction, and the engagement end portion is separated from the contact holding portion, whereby the second urging mechanism. Movement of the actuating member by the biasing force is allowed. That is, the movement of the actuating member is restricted by utilizing the phenomenon that the position of the engagement end changes between the state in which the engagement end engages with the first guide portion and the state in which the engagement end engages with the engagement holding portion. And to achieve unrestricted movement.

  In the present invention, a restriction wall formed on the operating member is disposed at a position overlapping the cam groove, and an opening through which the engagement end portion is inserted is formed with respect to the restriction wall. The abutment holding portion may be formed.

  According to this, the position of the operating member can be switched by inserting the engaging end portion of the engaging member into the opening formed in the restriction wall and engaging the engaging end portion with the cam groove. The operation member can be held by the contact holding portion of the opening edge coming into contact with the engagement end portion.

According to the present invention, the cam groove has a first guide part in a posture along the operation straight line, the engagement holding part formed at a position away from the first guide part, and an extension of the first guide part. And a fourth guide portion that continues to the first guide portion, and a third guide portion that guides the engagement end portion in the engagement holding portion to the fourth guide portion in accordance with the pressing operation of the operation member. And
The groove depth of the fourth guide part may be set deeper than the groove depth of the third guide part, and an inclined surface may be formed at the boundary between the third guide part and the fourth guide part.

  When the operating member is artificially pressed with the engaging end engaged with the engaging holding portion, the engaging end moves from the third guide portion to the fourth guide portion. In such a configuration, for example, in the case where a step is formed at the boundary between the fourth guide portion and the third guide portion, when the engaging end moves along the step, the engaging end falls. This may cause an impact and generate an impact sound. On the other hand, since the engaging end moves along the inclined surface at the boundary between the third guide portion and the fourth guide portion, no impact or impact sound is generated.

  According to the present invention, an island-shaped separating portion is formed to protrude in an area surrounded by at least the third guide portion and the fourth guide portion, and the engagement end portion is guided with respect to the fourth guide portion. After that, when the pressing operation of the operation member is released, the operation member is moved in the protruding direction by the urging force of the first urging mechanism, and the engagement end portion is moved by the fourth guide portion, A guide surface for guiding the engagement end portion in a direction away from the inclined surface may be formed on the separation portion.

  According to this, in a state where the engagement end portion is in the fourth guide portion, the artificial pressing operation of the operation member is released, and the operation member moves in the protruding direction by the urging force of the first urging mechanism. When the engagement end portion comes into contact with the guide surface, the engagement end portion can be smoothly guided in the direction to the first guide portion, and the inconvenience of erroneously entering in the direction of the third guide portion is eliminated. The

  In the present invention, the housing includes a main body case in which an internal space for accommodating the operation member, the operation member, and the switch portion is formed, and an open portion that opens in a direction in which the internal space intersects the operation straight line. A closing cover member may be provided.

  According to this, in a state where the operation member, the operation member, and the switch portion are accommodated in the internal space of the main body case, the opening portion of the main body case is closed with the cover member, so that the operation member, the operation member, and the switch portion are Prevents movement and dropout in the direction of the opening, and prevents dust from entering the internal space.

  In the present invention, a pair of fitting walls may be formed in the opening portion of the main body case, and the cover member may include a guide groove portion into which the fitting wall is fitted.

  According to this, in a state where the open part of the main body case is closed by the cover member, the fitting wall of the main body case will be fitted into the guide groove portion of the cover member, and positioning when mounting the cover member can be easily performed, The positional relationship between the main body case and the cover member in the mounted state can be firmly maintained, and the strength of the housing can be improved.

In the first aspect of the present invention, the housing includes an intermediate wall portion disposed at an intermediate position between the operation member and the operation member, and includes a compression coil spring between the intermediate wall portion and the operation member. Force mechanism is arranged,
The housing includes an end wall opposite to the operation member with respect to the operating member, and the second urging mechanism including a compression coil spring is disposed between the end wall and the operating member. Also good.

  According to this, even if the first urging mechanism and the second urging mechanism are arranged on a straight line, the urging force of the first urging mechanism acts only on the operation member, and the urging force of the second urging mechanism is reduced. It is possible to act only on the operating member. Further, when the operating member is not held at the operating holding position, it is possible to determine the movable region of the operating member by contacting the intermediate wall with the biasing force of the second biasing mechanism.

  In the present invention, the switch unit may be configured by a movable contact that moves integrally with the operating member, and a fixed contact that is supported by the housing and contacts the movable contact.

  According to this, it is possible to obtain an electrically conductive state that makes it possible to distinguish the operation position from the positional relationship between the movable contact and the fixed contact corresponding to the operation position of the operation member.

It is the disassembled perspective view seen from the upper direction of a push switch. It is the disassembled perspective view seen from the downward direction of a push switch. It is a figure which shows the (a) cross section in the state which has an operation member in an operation holding position, (b) bottom face, and (c) cam groove. It is a figure which shows the (a) cross section in the state which has an operation member in a 1st operation position, (b) bottom face, and (c) cam groove. It is a figure which shows the (a) cross section in the state in which an operation member exists in the operation cancellation | release position, (b) bottom face, and (c) cam groove. It is a figure which shows the (a) cross section in the state which has an operation member in a 2nd operation position, (b) bottom face, and (c) cam groove. It is a perspective view which shows the shape of a cam groove. It is sectional drawing which shows the positional relationship of a housing and an operation member. It is sectional drawing which shows the shape of the site | part of the inclined surface of a cam groove. It is sectional drawing which shows the shape of the site | part of the 2nd guide part of a cam groove. It is a bottom view which shows the position of the contact holding | maintenance part of another embodiment (a).

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Basic configuration]
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the operation member 10, the operation member 20, the housing 30, a first spring 51 as a first urging mechanism, a second spring 52 as a second urging mechanism, A push switch is configured by including the switch unit 40 and a holding mechanism A that functions as a lock mechanism.

  This push switch, for example, realizes gas ignition, combustion maintenance, and extinguishing by repeatedly pressing the key top 11 in a gas cooking appliance, and the operation state can be confirmed from the position of the key top 11 It is comprised. In addition, when using it for a gas cooking appliance, the solenoid valve which controls supply / exhaust of gas with a control apparatus based on the conduction | electrical_connection state of the movable contact 43 which comprises the switch part 40, and the fixed contact 42, or the ignition which ignites gas Used in the form of controlling the mechanism. In addition, this push switch may be used for household electric appliances in addition to gas cooking appliances.

  The operation member 10 has an outer end position exposed to the outside of the housing 30, and includes a key top 11 at the outer end position, and is biased in a protruding direction by a first spring 51. The actuating member 20 is disposed inside the housing 30 at a position adjacent to the inner end of the operating member 10, and is biased in a direction approaching the operating member 10 by the second spring 52.

  In this push switch, the holding mechanism A determines the positions of the operating member 10 and the actuating member 20, and by repeatedly operating the key top 11 in the pushing direction, the initial state shown in FIG. The first operation state shown, the release state shown in FIG. 5, and the second operation state shown in FIG. 6 can be set in this order. Further, the switch unit 40 appears in an electrically conductive state corresponding to the position of the operating member 20.

[Operating members, operating members, housing]
The operation member 10 is formed of an insulating resin, and includes a cylindrical operation frame 12 disposed on an axis common to the operation line X, and a slide plate 13 parallel to the operation line X. It is integrally formed. A spring receiving wall 14 is formed inside the operation frame 12, and an abutment body 15 arranged coaxially with the operation straight line X projects from the spring receiving wall 14 toward the pushing operation direction.

  In addition, a plurality of slits 12 a for holding the key top 11 in a crimped state and a flange 12 b for positioning the key top 11 are formed at the outer end position of the operation frame 12. Further, a protrusion restricting portion 16 is formed on the outer periphery of the inner end portion of the operation frame 12.

  The actuating member 20 is formed of an insulating resin, and an actuating ring 21 disposed on an axis common to the operation line X and a regulation wall 22 in a posture parallel to the operation line X are integrally formed. Is formed. A contact wall 23 is formed at the end of the operating ring 21 on the operation member side, and a position restricting body 24 projects from the contact wall 23 in the pushing direction.

  An insertion hole 25 through which the slide plate 13 of the operation member 10 is inserted is formed between the operating ring 21 and the regulation wall 22. A contact support portion 26 is formed at the outer end position of the restriction wall 22.

  The housing 30 is made of an insulating resin, and includes a main body case 31 in which an internal space that accommodates the operation frame 12 of the operation member 10 and the operation ring 21 of the operation member 20 is formed, and is stretched in the lateral direction. The switch support part 32 which takes out, and the cover plate 33 as a cover member which closes the open part of the main body case 31 and the switch support part 32 are provided. Further, the opening portion is open in a direction intersecting the operation straight line X.

  The housing space of the main body case 31 is formed with an insertion opening 31a disposed in a form through which the operation frame 12 penetrates, and an end wall 31b is formed on the opposite side thereof. An intermediate wall portion 31c is formed in a ring shape that serves as a boundary between the space in which 12 is accommodated and the space in which the actuation ring 21 is accommodated. In addition, a pair of fitting walls 31d are formed in an opening portion of the main body case 31 where the cover plate 33 (cover member) is disposed.

  Further, a connection plate 34 for supporting the entire switch is formed on the outer periphery of the housing 30, and a base end support portion for supporting a base end portion 56 a of a hook bow 56 as an engaging member constituting the switch portion 40. 35 is formed.

  The cover plate 33 is fixed to the main body case 31 by heat welding or an adhesive technique using an adhesive. A space for accommodating the operation frame 12 of the operation member 10 and the regulation wall 22 of the operation member 20 is formed in the space formed between the cover plate 33 and the main body case 31.

  The cover plate 33 also functions to position the operation member 10, and in this positioning function, the position of the operation member 20 is determined by the operation member 20 coming into contact with the slide plate 13 of the operation member 10. In particular, as shown in FIG. 8, a guide surface 33s that contacts the slide plate 13 is formed on the inner surface side of the cover plate 33, and guide groove portions 33t are formed on both sides of the guide surface 33s. A pair of fitting walls 31d of the main body case 31 of the housing 30 are fitted into the guide groove 33t so that positioning when the cover plate 33 is mounted on the main body case 31 can be easily performed. Yes.

  When the operation member 10 is operated, the operation member 10 moves while the slide plate 13 is in contact with the guide surface 33 s of the cover plate 33, and the operation member 20 moves while being in contact with the slide plate 13. . The cover plate 33 is formed with an arc-shaped insertion hole 33a through which an engagement end portion 56b of a hook bow 56 described later is inserted.

  The first spring 51 is a compression coil type, and is provided between the spring receiving wall 14 inside the operation frame 12 and the intermediate wall portion 31 c of the main body case 31 of the housing 30. The second spring 52 is of a compression coil type and is provided between the abutting wall 23 of the actuating member 20 and the end wall 31 b of the main body case 31 of the housing 30.

  With this configuration, the operation frame 12 of the operation member 10 is urged in a direction protruding from the insertion opening 31a of the housing 30 by the urging force of the first spring 51, and the operation frame 12 is not restricted in operation in the protruding direction. The protrusion restricting portion 16 comes into contact with the end surface of the insertion opening 31 a of the housing 30. Further, the actuating ring 21 of the actuating member 20 is urged in the direction approaching the operation frame 12 by the urging force of the second spring 52, and the intermediate wall portion is not in contact with the abutment body 15 of the operation frame 12. Abuts 31c.

[Switch part]
The switch unit 40 includes a substrate 41 supported by the base end support portion 35 of the housing 30, a fixed contact 42 supported by the substrate 41, and a movable contact 43 supported by the contact support portion 26 of the operation member 20. And.

  The fixed contact 42 includes a plurality of conductive portions formed of a good conductor made of a metal material such as a copper alloy. The plurality of conducting portions are formed on the substrate 41 and are conducted to the terminals of the connector 44. The connector 44 is formed so as to protrude outward from the switch support portion 32 of the housing 30.

  The movable contact 43 has a plurality of contact portions formed of a good conductor made of a metal material such as a copper alloy, and is supported by the contact support portion 26 of the operating member 20. In addition, it becomes possible to maintain a better conductive state by applying gold plating to the contact portion between the fixed contact 42 and the movable contact 43. The movable contact 43 is attached to the operating member 20 by a technique such as rivet or caulking, but may be inserted into the operating member 20.

  The switch unit 40 is configured such that a voltage is applied to a predetermined one of the plurality of fixed contacts 42, and the position of the operating member 20 can be determined from a change in the voltage of the fixed contact 42 with the operation of the operating member 20. Has been. That is, when the position of the actuating member 20 changes, the potential of the predetermined fixed contact 42 changes as the conduction state between the movable contact 43 and the plurality of fixed contacts 42 changes. Since these potentials correspond to the position of the operating member 20, the operating position of the operating member 20 is determined based on this potential.

[Holding mechanism]
The holding mechanism A functions as a lock mechanism, and includes a heart-shaped cam groove 55 formed in the slide plate 13 of the operation member 10, a hook bow 56 as an engaging member that engages with the cam groove 55, and a hook bow 56. Are provided with a coil-like engagement spring 57 that maintains the engagement state, and a contact holding portion 22 </ b> S formed on the restriction wall 22.

  As shown in FIGS. 7, 9, and 10, the cam groove 55 includes a first guide portion 55a, a second guide portion 55b, a third guide portion 55c, a fourth guide portion 55d, and an engagement holding portion 55k. Can be formed into a heart shape. In these guide portions, the engagement end portion 56b of the hook bow 56 (engagement member) moves so as to rotate counterclockwise (counterclockwise) in FIG.

  The first guide portion 55a is formed in a straight line in a posture along the operation straight line X in order to guide the engagement end portion 56b of the hook bow 56 (engagement member) when the operation member 10 is pressed. The second guide portion 55b moves away from the first guide portion 55a in order to guide the engagement end portion 56b that has reached the end portion of the first guide portion 55a by the pressing operation of the operation member 10 to the engagement holding portion 55k. It is formed towards.

  The third guide portion 55c is formed in a region that guides the engagement end portion 56b in the engagement holding portion 55k to the fourth guide portion 55d by a pressing operation of the operation member 10. The fourth guide portion 55d is connected to the first guide portion 55a on the extension of the first guide portion 55a so as to guide the engagement end portion 56b sent from the third guide portion 55c in the direction of the first guide portion 55a. Is arranged.

  In this cam groove 55, the groove depth of the second guide part 55b is set deeper than the first guide part 55a, the groove depth of the engagement holding part 55k is set deeper than the second guide part 55b, and the fourth guide part The groove depth of the first guide portion 55a is set deeper than the end position in the circulation direction of 55d.

  Further, the boundary between the first guide portion 55a and the second guide portion 55b, the boundary between the second guide portion 55b and the engagement holding portion 55k, the end position in the circulation direction of the fourth guide portion 55d, and the first guide portion 55a. A stepped portion S is formed at the boundary. In particular, an inclined surface Sa is formed at the boundary between the third guide portion 55c and the fourth guide portion 55d in place of the step structure. The inclined surface Sa is formed with an inclination that the side of the fourth guide portion 55d is deeper than the side of the third guide portion 55c (becomes deeper toward the downstream side in the circulation direction). Furthermore, a guide surface Ta is formed in a portion adjacent to the fourth guide portion 55d and the above-described inclined surface Sa in the separation portion T formed in an island shape in a region surrounded by the plurality of guide portions. .

  As described above, the inclined surface Sa is formed at the boundary between the third guide portion 55c and the fourth guide portion 55d, so that the engagement end portion 56b moves from the third guide portion 55c to the fourth guide portion 55d. , The generation of impact sound is suppressed. Further, when the engagement end portion 56b moves from the fourth guide portion 55d to the first guide portion 55a, the engagement end portion 56b contacts the guide surface Ta, so that the engagement end portion 56b moves in the direction of the third guide portion 55c. The inconvenience of moving by mistake is solved.

  The hook bow 56 is composed of a piano wire and extends along the operation line X to bend one end of the rod member in a direction orthogonal to the operation line X to form a base end 56a, and the other end is a direction orthogonal to the operation line X. The engagement end portion 56b is formed by bending it. The base end support portion 35 supports the base end portion 56a of the hook bow 56 so as to be swingable. Further, an engagement spring 57 is provided so as to embrace the proximal end support portion 35 and the hook bow 56 of the housing 30.

  An opening 22a through which the engagement end portion 56b of the hook bow 56 is inserted is formed in the restriction wall 22 of the operation member 20, and the position of the operation member 20 is determined by the engagement end portion 56b coming into contact with the opening edge of the opening 22a. An abutment holding portion 22S that determines the movement and a release space 22T that allows the operating member 20 to freely move are formed.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the contact holding portion 22 </ b> S is formed in a posture orthogonal to the operation straight line X. That is, when the engagement end portion 56b of the hook bow 56 is in a posture to engage with the engagement holding portion 55k, the engagement end portion 56b does not contact the inner periphery of the opening 22a, and the engagement end portion 56b. Are positioned so that the abutment holding portion 22S comes into contact with the engagement end portion 56b when the posture is engaged with the first guide portion 55a.

[Operating form]
3 to 6, the initial state in which the operation member 10 is held, the first operation state in which the operation member 10 is pushed in after that, the release state in which the operation member 10 is subsequently released, and the first state in which the operation member 10 is pushed in again. 2 shows an operation state. The initial state is restored by releasing the pushing operation after the second operation state.

  In the initial state shown in FIG. 3, the engagement end portion 56 b of the hook bow 56 is engaged with the engagement holding portion 55 k, so that the operation member 10 is prevented from protruding due to the urging force of the first spring 51. In this initial state, the operation member 10 is held at the operation holding position Pa (lock position). Further, in this initial state, the engagement end portion 56b of the hook bow 56 does not come into contact with the opening 22a of the restriction wall 22 (because it is in the release space 22T). It abuts on 31c and is held at the initial position Qa.

  In the first operation state shown in FIG. 4, the engagement end portion 56b is detached from the engagement holding portion 55k of the cam groove 55 in accordance with the pressing operation of the operation member 10, and the fourth guide portion 55d is interposed via the third guide portion 55c. It is in the state moved to. With this movement, the engagement end portion 56b of the hook bow 56 swings around the base end portion 56a, and the engagement end portion 56b reaches a position where it can contact the contact holding portion 22S. Further, in the first operation state, the operation member 10 has reached the first operation position Pb that is the moving end in the pushing direction. Along with this movement, the abutment body 15 abuts against the abutment wall 23 of the actuating member 20, so that the actuating member 20 also moves integrally with the operating member 10. Reaches the first operating position Qb close to the end wall 31b of the housing 30.

  In the released state shown in FIG. 5, the engagement end portion 56 b is in a position moved from the fourth guide portion 55 d to the first guide portion 55 a, and the protrusion restricting portion 16 of the operation frame 12 is in the insertion opening portion 31 a of the housing 30. The operation member 10 is at the operation release position Pc where the operation member 10 protrudes most by contacting the end surface. Further, in this released state, the contact holding portion 22S comes into contact with the engagement holding portion 55k, so that the movement of the operating member 20 in the biasing direction by the biasing force of the second spring 52 is restricted. In this released state, the operation member 20 is held at the operation holding position Qc.

  In the second operation state shown in FIG. 6, the engagement end portion 56b is moved from the first guide portion 55a to the second guide portion 55b in accordance with the pressing operation of the operation member 10, and the engagement of the hook bow 56 is accompanied by this movement. The end portion 56b swings around the base end portion 56a, and the engagement end portion 56b reaches a position where it does not contact the contact holding portion 22S. In the second operation state, the operation member 10 has reached the second operation position Pd, and the operation member 20 has reached the second operation position Qd.

  Thereafter, by releasing the pressing operation of the operating member 10, the state is shifted to a state where the engagement end portion 56b of the hook bow 56 is engaged with the engagement holding portion 55k, and the engagement end portion 56b is engaged with the contact holding portion 22S. Since it reaches a position where it does not contact, it returns to the initial state.

  As described above, by repeatedly performing the pressing operation of the key top 11, the initial state shown in FIG. 3, the first operation state shown in FIG. 4, the release state shown in FIG. 5, and the second operation state shown in FIG. And appear sequentially. In the initial state, the key top 11 is held in the pushed-in position, and in the released state, the key top 11 is held in the protruding state. Thus, the state of the push switch can be grasped from the position of the key top 11 (the position of the operation member 10).

  As described above, in the push switch according to the embodiment of the present invention, by repeatedly pressing the key top 11 of the operation member 10, for example, the gas cooking appliance or the like is easily controlled, and the initial state and the release state Since the protruding amount of the operation member 10 is different, it is possible to grasp the state of the switch unit 40 from the protruding amount, thereby avoiding an erroneous operation and realizing good usability.

[Effect of the embodiment]
For example, in the case where the cam groove 55 is formed in the operation member 20, the relative operation amount of the fixed contact 42 and the movable contact 43 of the switch unit 40 is determined by the shape of the cam groove 55. For this reason, in the push switch having the conventional configuration, when the operation stroke of the switch unit 40 is increased or when the position where the operation member 20 is held is changed, the shape of the cam groove 55 needs to be changed. Become. On the other hand, in the embodiment, the configuration of the cam groove 55 of the holding mechanism A is used only to determine the position of the operation member 10, and the contact that contacts the engagement end portion 56 b of the hook bow 56 to determine the position of the operation member 20. Since it is determined by the holding portion 22S, the degree of freedom in design increases.

  Further, in this configuration, the hook bow 56 (engagement member) swings around the base end portion 56 a as the operation member 10 is pushed in, but the swing direction is different from the operation direction of the operation member 10. The operating amount is small. Therefore, the influence on the detection state of the switch unit 40 is small, and the switch unit 40 is not increased in size.

  Since the cover plate 33 (an example of a cover member) is provided at a position where the opening portions of the main body case 31 and the switch support portion 32 are closed, the cover plate 33 prevents the slide plate 13 and the restriction wall 22 from moving in the falling direction. To do. Further, when the operation member 10 is operated, the guide surface 33 s of the cover plate 33 (an example of a cover member) can guide the slide plate 13, thereby realizing a smooth operation.

  Since the cover plate 33 closes the switch support portion 32 and the open portions of the main body case 31 and the switch support portion 32, the dust is prevented from entering the cover plate 33.

[Another embodiment]
The present invention may be configured as follows in addition to the embodiment described above.

(A) As shown in FIG. 11, in the initial state, the opening 22a of the regulating wall 22 is configured to prevent the movement of the operating member 20 against the urging force of the second urging mechanism (second spring 52). The contact holding portion 22S is formed at a position where the engagement end portion 56b of the engagement member (hook bow 56) contacts. Even if this configuration is adopted, the operating amount of the operating member 20 is determined without being limited by the size of the cam groove 55, and the design of the switch unit 40 is facilitated.

(B) For example, the switch unit 40 may include a plurality of reed switches in the housing 30 and a permanent magnet for the operating member 20 so that the operation position of the operating member 20 can be detected. With this configuration, wear due to sliding between the fixed contact 42 and the movable contact 43 can be suppressed.

(C) The housing 30 is not necessarily provided with the cover plate 33 configured as a separate member, and a member corresponding to the cover plate 33 may be formed integrally with the housing 30.

  The present invention can be used for a push switch capable of holding the position of an operation member by a pressing operation.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Operation member 20 Actuating member 22 Restriction wall 22a Opening 22S Contact holding | maintenance part 30 Housing 31 Main body case 31b End part wall 31c Middle wall part 31d Fitting wall 33 Cover member (cover plate)
33t Guide groove 40 Switch 42 Fixed contact 43 Movable contact 51 First biasing mechanism (first spring)
52 Second urging mechanism (second spring)
55 Cam groove 55a 1st guide part 55c 3rd guide part 55d 4th guide part 55k Engagement holding part 56 Engagement member (hook bow)
A Holding mechanism P Operation holding position Q Operation holding position Sa Inclined surface T Separating part Ta Guide surface X Operation straight line

Claims (10)

An operation member movable along an operation straight line, an operation member movable along the operation straight line by a pressing force from the operation member, and a switch unit for obtaining an electrically conductive state corresponding to the position of the operation member And a housing for supporting them,
The first urging mechanism for urging the operation member in a direction protruding from the housing, the second urging mechanism for urging the operating member in a direction to approach the operation member, and the artificial pressing operation When the operation member and the actuating member move, the operation member is held at a predetermined operation holding position against the urging force of the first urging mechanism, and against the urging force of the second urging mechanism. A holding mechanism for holding the operating member in a predetermined operating holding position,
The holding mechanism includes a heart-shaped cam groove formed in the operation member, and an engagement member whose base end is supported by the housing and whose engagement end engages with the cam groove, The cam groove has an engagement holding portion for holding the operation member in the operation holding position by engaging the engagement end portion,
The holding mechanism is a push switch that holds the operating member at the operating holding position based on the position of the engaging end. The cam groove has a first guide part in a posture along the operation straight line, and the engagement holding part formed at a position away from the first guide part,
In a state where the engagement member engages with the first guide part, the movement of the operation member due to the urging force of the second urging mechanism is limited by contacting the engagement end part, and the operation holding is performed. A contact holding portion that holds the engagement end portion, and the engagement end portion is disengaged from the contact holding portion when the engagement end portion engages with the engagement holding portion. The push switch according to claim 1, wherein the push switch has a configuration for releasing a restriction on movement of the operating member. The cam groove has a first guide part in a posture along the operation straight line, and the engagement holding part formed at a position away from the first guide part,
In a state where the engagement member is engaged with the engagement holding portion, the movement of the operation member due to the urging force of the second urging mechanism is limited by contacting the engagement end portion, and the operation holding. And a contact holding portion that holds the engagement end portion in a state in which the engagement end portion engages with the first guide portion. The push switch according to claim 1, wherein the push switch has a configuration for releasing a restriction on movement of the operating member.   A restriction wall formed on the actuating member is disposed at a position overlapping the cam groove, and an opening through which the engagement end portion is inserted is formed with respect to the restriction wall, and the contact with the opening edge of the opening The push switch according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a holding portion is formed. The cam groove has a first guide part in a posture along the operation straight line, the engagement holding part formed at a position away from the first guide part, and the first guide part on an extension of the first guide part. A fourth guide portion connected to the guide portion; and a third guide portion for guiding the engagement end portion in the engagement holding portion to the fourth guide portion in accordance with a pressing operation of the operation member,
The groove depth of the fourth guide portion is set deeper than the groove depth of the third guide portion, and an inclined surface is formed at the boundary between the third guide portion and the fourth guide portion. 5. The push switch according to any one of 4.   After an island-shaped separating portion is formed to protrude in a region surrounded by at least the third guide portion and the fourth guide portion, and after the engagement end portion is guided with respect to the fourth guide portion, When the pressing operation of the operation member is released, the operation member moves in the protruding direction by the urging force of the first urging mechanism, and the engagement end moves in the fourth guide portion, the engagement end The push switch according to claim 5, wherein a guide surface that guides a portion in a direction in which the portion is separated from the inclined surface is formed in the separation portion.   A main body case in which the housing is formed with an internal space for accommodating the operating member, the actuating member, and the switch portion; and a cover member for closing an open portion that opens in a direction in which the internal space intersects the operating straight line. The push switch according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising:   8. The push switch according to claim 7, wherein a pair of fitting walls are formed in the opening portion of the main body case, and the cover member includes a guide groove portion into which the fitting wall is fitted. The housing includes an intermediate wall portion disposed at an intermediate position between the operation member and the operation member, and the first urging mechanism including a compression coil spring is disposed between the intermediate wall portion and the operation member. And
The housing includes an end wall opposite to the operation member with respect to the operating member, and the second urging mechanism including a compression coil spring is disposed between the end wall and the operating member. The push switch according to any one of claims 1 to 8.   The said switch part is comprised by the movable contact which moves integrally with the said operation member, and the fixed contact which is supported by the said housing and contacts the said movable contact. Push switch.

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