JP7383199B2 - switch device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a switch device.

Patent Document 1 below has a cantilever-shaped movable contact having elasticity and a fixed contact, and when a pressing operation is not performed, the movable contact and the fixed contact are electrically connected, and when a pressing operation is performed. , discloses a normally closed switch device in which conduction between a movable contact and a fixed contact is broken when the movable contact is pushed down.

JP 2019-3890 Publication

However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the end portion of the movable contact is fixed to the housing (resin part), a load from the movable contact is applied to the housing, which may cause deformation of the housing.

A switch device according to an embodiment includes a housing provided with a first fixed contact and a second fixed contact, and a housing that contacts each of the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact when a pressing operation is not performed; It includes a contact spring that connects the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact to each other, and the contact spring contacts each of the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact due to the elastic force of the contact spring.

According to one embodiment, the switch device can be made thin with a relatively simple configuration, and the conduction state between the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact when no pressing operation is performed. The housing can be stably maintained and the life of the housing can be extended.

External perspective view of the switch device according to the first embodiment Exploded perspective view of the switch device according to the first embodiment A sectional view taken along the XZ plane of the switch device according to the first embodiment A plan view of a housing included in the switch device according to the first embodiment External perspective view of a contact spring included in the switch device according to the first embodiment An external perspective view of a housing (with a contact spring incorporated) included in the switch device according to the first embodiment External perspective view of a switch device according to a second embodiment Exploded perspective view of a switch device according to a second embodiment Cross-sectional view taken along the XZ plane of the switch device according to the second embodiment External perspective view of a lower housing included in a switch device according to a second embodiment An external perspective view of a lower housing (with a contact spring incorporated) included in a switch device according to a second embodiment External perspective view of an upper housing included in a switch device according to a second embodiment A sectional view taken along the XZ plane of the switch device according to the second embodiment (when no pressing operation is performed) A sectional view taken along the XZ plane of the switch device according to the second embodiment (when a pressing operation is performed)

Hereinafter, one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for convenience, the horizontal direction will be referred to as the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, and the vertical direction (up-down direction) will be referred to as the Z-axis direction. However, the Z-axis positive side is the upper side, and the Z-axis negative side is the lower side. Further, the positive side of the X-axis is defined as the front side, and the negative side of the X-axis is defined as the rear side. Further, the positive side of the Y-axis is the right side, and the negative side of the Y-axis is the right side.

[First embodiment]
(Overview of switch device 100)
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a switch device 100 according to a first embodiment. A switch device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a thin switch device that can be operated by pressing and is used in various electronic devices. As shown in FIG. 1, the switch device 100 includes a frame 120 provided over the top surface of the housing 110. The operating surface 130A of the stem 130 is exposed through the circular opening 121 of the frame 120. The switch device 100 is in a switched-on state when no pressing operation is performed on the operation surface 130A. The switch device 100 is turned off when a pressing operation is performed on the operation surface 130A. That is, the switch device 100 is a so-called normally closed switch.

(Configuration of switch device 100)
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the XZ plane of the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the housing 110 included in the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is an external perspective view of the contact spring 140 included in the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an external perspective view of the housing 110 (in which the contact spring 140 is installed) included in the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the switch device 100 includes a housing 110, a frame 120, a stem 130, a contact spring 140, an insulator 151, and an insulator 152.

The housing 110 is a thin container-shaped member made of resin and has a square shape in plan view. The housing 110 has a concave portion 111 that is recessed downward from the top surface and has a square shape in a plan view. Inside the recess 111, a pair of left and right first fixed contacts 112 and a second fixed contact 113 are provided by insert molding. Furthermore, a contact spring 140 and a stem 130 are arranged inside the recess 111 . Further, the upper opening of the recess 111 is closed by an insulator 151.

Each of the pair of left and right first fixed contacts 112 protrudes from each of two corners (right front corner and left front corner) on the front side (X-axis positive side) at a predetermined height position inside the recess 111. It is a horizontal flat plate-shaped member made of metal. In addition, in the first fixed contact 112, a hemispherical protrusion is provided at a position where the first elastic arm part 142 of the contact spring 140 contacts, and the protrusion makes contact with the first elastic arm part 142. Good too.

The second fixed contact 113 is a horizontal flat plate-like member made of metal and buried in the inner bottom surface of the recess 111 . The second fixed contact 113 has a shape that covers the inner bottom surface of the recess 111 . However, as shown in FIG. 4, the second fixed contact 113 is attached to two corners (right front corner and left front corner) on the front side (X-axis positive side) so as not to overlap with the two first fixed contacts 112 in plan view. Each corner (corner) has a shape cut out to a wider area than the first fixed contact 112. That is, the second fixed contact 113 is provided with a rear portion 113A having the same left-right width as the left-right width of the recess 111, and protrudes forward from the center of the rear portion 113A in the left-right direction. The front portion 113B is narrower than the rear portion 113A. In addition, in the second fixed contact 113, a hemispherical protrusion is provided at a position where the second elastic arm part 143 of the contact spring 140 contacts, and the protrusion makes contact with the second elastic arm part 143. Good too.

Further, a pair of engagement protrusions 114 are provided on each of the front and rear outer wall surfaces of the housing 110 so as to protrude from each other.

The frame 120 is a thin metal member. The frame 120 has a square shape (the same shape as the upper surface of the housing 110) in plan view. The frame 120 is provided to overlap the upper surface of the housing 110 which is closed by the insulator 151. Thereby, the frame 120 can press down the stem 130 disposed inside the recess 111 of the housing 110 from above. A pair of engagement pieces 122 are provided on each of the front and rear sides of the frame 120 so as to hang down from each other. Each of the pair of engagement pieces 122 engages with each of the pair of engagement protrusions 114 provided on the housing 110. Thereby, the frame 120 is fixed to the housing 110 while being superimposed on the upper surface of the housing 110. A circular opening 121 is formed in the center of the frame 120. The opening 121 can expose the operation surface 130A shown in FIG. 1 so that it can be operated by pressing.

Stem 130 is an example of an "operating member." The stem 130 is a flat member made of a hard resin material. The stem 130 is disposed inside the recess 111 of the housing 110 and above the contact spring 140 so as to be movable in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The upper surface of the stem 130 is exposed through the opening 121 of the frame 120, thereby forming an operation surface 130A that can be operated by pressing. A central portion of the lower surface of the stem 130 in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) is formed with a pair of left and right pressing portions 131 (see FIG. 3) that protrude downward and have curved surfaces. When the stem 130 is pressed down by a pressing operation, the pair of left and right pressing parts 131 press each of the pair of left and right first elastic arms 142 of the contact spring 140, and each of the pair of left and right first elastic arms 142 is pressed. It is possible to deform it elastically by pushing down. Note that the stem 130 has a cross shape in plan view. As a result, the stem 130 is prevented from interfering with the pair of left and right first fixed contacts 112 when moving downward, and rotation within the recess 111 of the housing 110 is suppressed. ing.

The contact spring 140 is a member formed using a metal plate. The contact spring 140 has a base 141, a pair of left and right first elastic arms 142, and a second elastic arm 143 (that is, "three elastic arms").

The base portion 141 is a portion provided at the rear end portion (X-axis negative side end portion) of the contact spring 140 and is wide in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction).

Each of the left and right pair of first elastic arm portions 142 is a tongue-shaped portion extending forward (in the X-axis positive direction) from each of both ends of the base portion 141 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction).

The second elastic arm portion 143 is a tongue-like piece that extends forward (in the positive X-axis direction) between the pair of first elastic arm portions 142 from the center of the base 141 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). It is a part.

Here, as shown more clearly in FIG. 3, each of the left and right pair of first elastic arms 142 is inclined upward from the base 141 and extends forward (in the positive direction of the X-axis). . The distal end portion 142A of each first elastic arm portion 142 comes into contact with the lower surface of the first fixed contact 112. On the other hand, the second elastic arm portion 143 is inclined downward from the base portion 141 and extends forward (in the positive direction of the X-axis). The distal end portion 143A of the second elastic arm portion 143 comes into contact with the upper surface of the distal end portion of the second fixed contact 113 (front portion 113B).

The first elastic arm section 142 and the second elastic arm section 143 have spring properties. The contact spring 140 elastically deforms the first elastic arm section 142 and the second elastic arm section 143, so that the distal end section 142A of the first elastic arm section 142 and the distal end section 143A of the second elastic arm section 143 move in the vertical direction. With the distance compressed, the tip 142A of the first elastic arm 142 and the tip 143A of the second elastic arm 143 are arranged between the first fixed contact 112 and the second fixed contact 113. (See Figure 3).

Therefore, the tip 142A of the first elastic arm 142 is pressed against the lower surface of the first fixed contact 112 by the upward elastic force generated by the elastic deformation of the first elastic arm 142. Further, the distal end portion 143A of the second elastic arm portion 143 is pressed against the upper surface of the second fixed contact 113 by the downward elastic force generated by the elastic deformation of the second elastic arm portion 143.

The insulators 151 and 152 are thin film-like members. The insulator 151 has a square shape that is substantially the same as the top surface of the housing 110, and is bonded (for example, laser welded) to the top surface of the housing 110 so as to completely cover the top surface of the housing 110. The insulator 152 has a square shape that is approximately the same shape as the lower surface of the housing 110, and is bonded (for example, laser welded) to the lower surface of the housing 110 so as to cover the entire lower surface of the housing 110. The insulators 151 and 152 can prevent water from entering the recess 111 of the housing 110.

(Operation of switch device 100)
In the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment, when the operating surface 130A of the stem 130 is not pressed, the elastic force of the pair of first and second elastic arms 142 and 143 of the contact spring 140 allows The tip 142A of each of the pair of first elastic arms 142 is pressed against the lower surface of the first fixed contact 112, and the tip 143A of the second elastic arm 143 is pressed against the upper surface of the second fixed contact 113. Can be guessed. As a result, in the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment, when the operation surface 130A of the stem 130 is not pressed, the first fixed contact 112 and the second fixed contact 113 are connected to each other via the contact spring 140. It is in a conductive state.

In the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment, when a pressing operation is performed on the operation surface 130A of the stem 130, the stem 130 is pressed down, and the pressing portion 131 of the stem 130 is pressed against the pair of first elastic arms of the contact spring 140. 142. As a result, each of the pair of first elastic arm portions 142 is elastically deformed, and the distal end portion 142A of each of the pair of first elastic arm portions 142 is spaced downward from the first fixed contact 112. As a result, the first fixed contact 112 and the second fixed contact 113 are disconnected from each other.

Further, in the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment, when the pressing operation on the operation surface 130A of the stem 130 is released, the elastic force of the pair of first elastic arms 142 of the contact spring 140 causes the pair of first elastic The tip end portion 142A of each arm portion 142 moves upward and is pressed against the lower surface of the first fixed contact 112. As a result, the first fixed contact 112 and the second fixed contact 113 are electrically connected to each other via the contact spring 140. At this time, the stem 130 is pushed upward by the elastic force of the pair of first elastic arms 142, and thereby the stem 130 returns to its initial position.

As described above, the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment has the contact spring 140 disposed between the first fixed contact 112 on the upper side and the second fixed contact 113 on the lower side, and the contact spring 140 Due to the elastic force of It has a configuration that can be used.

Thereby, according to the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment, the switch device 100 can be made thinner with a relatively simple configuration. Further, according to the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment, the conduction state between the first fixed contact 112 and the second fixed contact 113 can be stably maintained. Furthermore, according to the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment, since the contact spring 140 is not fixed to the housing 110, the load on the housing 110 can be suppressed, and therefore, the life of the housing 110 can be extended. can do.

Further, according to the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment, the contact spring 140 has a pair of left and right first elastic arm portions 142 with the second elastic arm portion 143 in between. The contact spring 140 can be stably disposed within the recess 111 of the housing 110 so as not to tilt.

Further, the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment can elastically deform each of the pair of left and right first elastic arms 142 to separate them from the first fixed contact 112 when the stem 130 is pressed. can. As a result, according to the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment, the switch device can be made thinner with a relatively simple configuration, and the first fixed contact 112 when no pressing operation is performed. It is possible to realize a normally closed switch that can stably maintain the conduction state between the housing 110 and the second fixed contact 113, and that can extend the life of the housing 110.

Further, in the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment, the left-right width of the second elastic arm portion 143 is larger (approximately twice) than the left-right width of the first elastic arm portion 142, and the The upward elastic force of the elastic arm 142 and the downward elastic force of the second elastic arm 143 are balanced.

Further, in the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment, the rear end portion of the base portion 141 of the contact spring 140 is curved upward, so that the rear end edge portion of the base portion 141 comes into contact with the inner wall surface of the housing 110. This makes it difficult for the rear end edge to scrape off the inner wall surface of the housing 110.

[Second embodiment]
(Overview of switch device 200)
FIG. 7 is an external perspective view of the switch device 200 according to the second embodiment. A switch device 200 shown in FIG. 7 is a thin switch device that can be operated by pressing and is used in various electronic devices. As shown in FIG. 7, the switch device 200 has a frame 220 provided over the top surface of the housing 210. A cylindrical operating portion 230A of the stem 130 is exposed through the circular opening 121 of the frame 220. In the switch device 200, the first circuit is in a closed state when the operating portion 230A is not pressed. On the other hand, in the switch device 200, when a pressing operation is performed on the operating portion 230A, the second circuit is in a closed state. That is, the switch device 200 is a so-called changeover switch.

(Configuration of switch device 200)
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the switch device 200 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the XZ plane of the switch device 200 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is an external perspective view of a lower housing 210B included in the switch device 200 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of the lower housing 210B (in which the contact spring 240 is installed) included in the switch device 200 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is an external perspective view of an upper housing 210A included in the switch device 200 according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the switch device 200 includes a housing 210, a frame 220, a rubber stem 230, a metal contact 250, a contact spring 240, and a stem 260.

The housing 210 is a thin container-like member made of resin and having a relatively thin generally rectangular parallelepiped shape (approximately square in plan view). Housing 210 includes an upper housing 210A and a lower housing 210B that are stacked on top of each other.

The lower housing 210B has a recess 211 that is recessed downward from the upper surface and has a generally square shape in a plan view. A second fixed contact 213 and a third fixed contact 216 are provided at the inner bottom of the recess 211 by insert molding. Furthermore, a contact spring 240 is arranged inside the recess 211 . A pair of engagement protrusions 214 are provided to protrude from each of the left and right outer wall surfaces of the lower housing 210B.

The upper housing 210A is provided to overlap the upper surface of the lower housing 210B. The upper housing 210A has a circular recess 215 in a plan view, which is recessed downward from the upper surface. A metal contact 250 is arranged inside the recess 215 . A first fixed contact 212 is provided on the lower surface of the upper housing 210A by insert molding. An opening 215A that vertically passes through the inner bottom of the recess 215 of the upper housing 210A is formed. The opening 215A has the stem 260 disposed therein and has approximately the same external shape as the stem 260 in plan view.

The first fixed contact 212 is a metal horizontal flat plate provided on the lower surface of the upper housing 210A at a position above the front side (X-axis positive side) of the recess 211 of the lower housing 210B. It is a member. In addition, in the first fixed contact 212, a hemispherical protrusion is provided at a position where the first elastic arm 242 of the contact spring 240 contacts, and the protrusion makes contact with the first elastic arm 242. Good too.

The second fixed contact 213 is a horizontal flat plate-like member made of metal and buried in the inner bottom surface of the recess 211 . The second fixed contact 213 has a shape (square shape) that covers the center portion and right side portion of the inner bottom surface of the recess 211 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). In addition, in the second fixed contact 213, a hemispherical protrusion is provided at a position where the first elastic arm part 242 of the contact spring 240 contacts, and the protrusion makes contact with the first elastic arm part 242. Good too. Further, in the second fixed contact 213, a hemispherical protrusion is provided at a position where the second elastic arm 243 of the contact spring 240 contacts, and the protrusion allows the second elastic arm 243 to come into contact with the second fixed contact 213. Good too.

The third fixed contact 216 is a horizontal flat plate-shaped member made of metal and embedded in the inner bottom surface of the recess 211 . The third fixed contact 216 has a shape that covers the left side portion of the inner bottom surface of the recess 211 (a rectangular shape whose longitudinal direction is the front-rear direction). In addition, in the third fixed contact 216, a hemispherical protrusion is provided at a position where the first elastic arm part 242 of the contact spring 240 contacts, and the protrusion makes contact with the first elastic arm part 242. Good too.

The frame 220 is a thin metal member. The frame 220 has a square shape (the same shape as the upper surface of the housing 210) in plan view. The frame 220 is provided to overlap the upper surface of the rubber stem 230. Thereby, the frame 220 can press down the rubber stem 230 provided overlappingly on the upper surface of the upper housing 210A from above. A pair of engagement pieces 222 are provided on each of the left and right sides of the frame 220 so as to hang down from each other. Each of the pair of engagement pieces 222 engages with each of the pair of engagement protrusions 214 provided on the lower housing 210B. Thereby, the frame 220 is fixed to the lower housing 210B while being superimposed on the upper surface of the rubber stem 230. A circular opening 221 is formed in the center of the frame 220. The opening 221 allows the operating portion 230A of the rubber stem 230 to protrude upward so as to be pressable.

Rubber stem 230 is an example of an "operating member." The rubber stem 230 is formed using an elastic material (eg, silicone, rubber, etc.). Rubber stem 230 is arranged to overlap the upper surface of upper housing 210A so as to entirely cover the upper surface of upper housing 210A. Rubber stem 230 has a flat base 232. The base 232 has a square shape that is approximately the same shape as the upper surface of the housing 210. The rubber stem 230 has an operating section 230A and a pressing section 231. The operating portion 230A is a cylindrical portion provided at the center of the upper surface of the base portion 232 so as to protrude upward. The operating portion 230A is a portion that protrudes upward from the opening 221 of the frame 220 and is operated by pressing. The pressing portion 231 is a cylindrical portion provided at the center of the lower surface of the base portion 232 so as to protrude downward. The pressing portion 231 is a portion that presses the top of the metal contact 250 when a pressing operation is performed.

The metal contact 250 is a dome-shaped member made of metal. The metal contact 250 has a dome shape that is circular in plan view and convex upward. The metal contact 250 is disposed below the pressing portion 231 of the rubber stem 230 and within the recess 215 of the upper housing 210A. The top (center) of the metal contact 250 is pressed by the pressing portion 231 of the rubber stem 230 and reversed, thereby deforming downward into a concave shape. This allows the metal contact 250 to press down on the stem 260 at the back side of the top. Note that the metal contact 250 can provide a click operation feeling in response to a pressing operation by the operation section 230A by changing the operation load during the reversing operation.

The contact spring 240 is a member formed using a metal plate. Contact spring 240 is disposed within recess 211 of lower housing 210B. The contact spring 240 has a base portion 241 , a pair of left and right first elastic arm portions 242 , and a second elastic arm portion 243 .

The base portion 241 is a portion provided at the rear end portion (X-axis negative side end portion) of the contact spring 240 and is wide in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction).

Each of the left and right pair of first elastic arm portions 242 is a tongue-shaped portion that extends forward (in the X-axis positive direction) from each of both ends of the base portion 241 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction).

The second elastic arm portion 243 is a tongue-like piece that extends forward (in the positive X-axis direction) between the pair of first elastic arm portions 242 from the center portion of the base portion 241 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). It is a part.

Here, each of the left and right pair of first elastic arm portions 242 is inclined upward from the base portion 241 and extends forward (in the positive direction of the X-axis). Each of the pair of first elastic arms 242 comes into contact with the lower surface of the first fixed contact 212 when no pressing operation is performed. The first elastic arm portion 242 on the left side (Y-axis negative side) comes into contact with the upper surface of the third fixed contact 216 when a pressing operation is performed. The first elastic arm portion 242 on the right side (Y-axis positive side) comes into contact with the upper surface of the second fixed contact 213 when a pressing operation is performed.

On the other hand, the second elastic arm portion 243 is inclined downward from the base portion 241 and extends forward (in the positive direction of the X-axis). The tip end 243A of the second elastic arm 243 always comes into contact with the second fixed contact 213.

The first elastic arm portion 242 and the second elastic arm portion 243 have spring properties. The contact spring 240 elastically deforms the first elastic arm section 242 and the second elastic arm section 243, so that the distal end section 242A of the first elastic arm section 242 and the distal end section 243A of the second elastic arm section 243 move in the vertical direction. In the state where the distance is compressed, the tip 242A of the first elastic arm 242 and the tip 243A of the second elastic arm 243 are connected to the first fixed contact 212, the second fixed contact 213, and the third fixed contact 216. placed between.

Therefore, the tip 242A of the first elastic arm 242 is pressed against the lower surface of the first fixed contact 212 by the upward elastic force generated by the elastic deformation of the first elastic arm 242. Further, the tip portion 243A of the second elastic arm portion 243 is pressed against the upper surface of the second fixed contact 213 by the downward elastic force generated by the elastic deformation of the second elastic arm portion 243.

Stem 260 is a hard resin member disposed in opening 215A of upper housing 210A. The stem 260 has a central portion 260A that is circular in plan view, and a pair of protruding portions 260B that linearly extend from the central portion 260A in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) with a constant front-rear width. . The stem 260 is pushed down by the back side of the top of the metal contact 250 when the metal contact 250 is reversed due to the pressing operation by the rubber stem 230. As a result, the stem 260 moves downward, and each of the pair of first elastic arms 242 of the contact spring 240 can be pushed down by each of the pair of protrusions 260B.

(Operation of switch device 200)
FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along the XZ plane of the switch device 200 (when no pressing operation is performed) according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along the XZ plane of the switch device 200 (when a pressing operation is performed) according to the second embodiment.

In the switch device 200 according to the second embodiment, when the operating portion 230A of the rubber stem 230 is not pressed, the elastic force of the pair of first elastic arm portions 242 and second elastic arm portions 243 of the contact spring 240 , the tip 242A of each of the pair of first elastic arms 242 is pressed against the lower surface of the first fixed contact 212 (see FIG. 13), and the tip 243A of the second elastic arm 243 is pressed against the lower surface of the first fixed contact 212 (see FIG. 13). It is pressed against the upper surface of the contact point 213. As a result, in the switch device 200 according to the second embodiment, when the operating portion 230A of the rubber stem 230 is not pressed, the first fixed contact 212 and the second fixed contact 213 are connected to each other via the contact spring 240. They are in a mutually conductive state (that is, the first circuit is in a closed state).

In the switch device 200 according to the second embodiment, when a pressing operation is performed on the operating portion 230A of the rubber stem 230, the rubber stem 230 is pushed down, and the pressing portion 231 of the rubber stem 230 presses the top of the metal contact 250. Press down. As a result, the metal contact 250 is inverted, and the back side of the top of the metal contact 250 pushes down the stem 260. Then, the stem 260 pushes down each of the pair of first elastic arms 242 of the contact spring 240. As a result, the first elastic arm portion 242 on the left side (Y-axis negative side) is elastically deformed and comes into contact with the upper surface of the third fixed contact 216 (see FIG. 14). Further, the first elastic arm portion 242 on the right side (Y-axis positive side) is elastically deformed and comes into contact with the upper surface of the second fixed contact 213. As a result, in the switch device 200 according to the second embodiment, when a pressing operation is performed on the operating portion 230A of the rubber stem 230, the third fixed contact 216 and the second fixed contact 213 are mutually connected to each other via the contact spring 240. A conductive state is established (that is, the second circuit is closed).

Further, in the switch device 200 according to the second embodiment, when the pressing operation on the operating portion 230A of the rubber stem 230 is released, the elastic force of the pair of first elastic arms 242 of the contact spring 240 causes the pair of first The distal end portion 242A of each elastic arm portion 242 moves upward and is pressed against the lower surface of the first fixed contact 212 (see FIG. 13). As a result, in the switch device 200 according to the second embodiment, when the pressing operation of the rubber stem 230 on the operating portion 230A is released, the first fixed contact 212 and the second fixed contact 213 are connected to each other via the contact spring 240. The two circuits return to a mutually conductive state (that is, the first circuit is closed). At this time, the stem 260 is pushed upward by the elastic force of the pair of first elastic arms 242, and the metal contact 250 returns to its original convex shape, so that the rubber stem 230 is pushed upward by the metal contact 250. is pushed up and returns to the initial position.

As described above, in the switch device 200 according to the second embodiment, the contact spring 240 is arranged between the first fixed contact 212 on the upper side and the second fixed contact 213 and the third fixed contact 216 on the lower side. Due to the elastic force of the contact spring 240, the first elastic arm 242 of the contact spring 240 is pressed against the lower surface of the first fixed contact 212, and the second elastic arm of the contact spring 240 is pressed against the upper surface of the second fixed contact 213. It has a configuration in which the portion 243 is always pressed.

Thereby, according to the switch device 200 according to the second embodiment, the switch device 200 can be made thinner with a relatively simple configuration. Further, according to the switch device 200 according to the second embodiment, the conduction state between the first fixed contact 212 and the second fixed contact 213 can be stably maintained. Furthermore, according to the switch device 200 according to the second embodiment, since the contact spring 240 is not fixed to the housing 210, the load on the housing 210 can be suppressed, and therefore, the life of the housing 210 can be extended. can do.

Further, according to the switch device 200 according to the second embodiment, the contact spring 240 has a pair of left and right first elastic arm portions 242 with the second elastic arm portion 243 interposed therebetween. The contact spring 240 can be stably arranged in the recess 211 of the housing 210 so that no inclination occurs.

Further, the switch device 200 according to the second embodiment elastically deforms each of the pair of left and right first elastic arm portions 142 to separate them from the first fixed contact 112 when the rubber stem 230 is pressed. I can do it. Then, the first elastic arm portion 142 on the left side can be brought into contact with the third fixed contact 216. As a result, according to the switch device 100 according to the first embodiment, the switch device can be made thinner with a relatively simple configuration, and the first fixed contact 212 when no pressing operation is performed. It is possible to realize a changeover switch that can stably maintain a conductive state between the housing 210 and the second fixed contact 213 and that can extend the life of the housing 210.

Further, in the switch device 200 according to the second embodiment, the left-right width of the second elastic arm portion 243 is larger (approximately twice) than the left-right width of the first elastic arm portion 242, and the The upward elastic force of the elastic arm 242 and the downward elastic force of the second elastic arm 243 are balanced.

Further, in the switch device 200 according to the second embodiment, the rear end portion of the base portion 241 of the contact spring 240 is curved upward, so that the rear end edge portion of the base portion 241 comes into contact with the inner wall surface of the housing 210. This makes it difficult for the rear end edge to scrape off the inner wall surface of the housing 210.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications or variations can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention as described in the claims. Changes are possible.

This international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-043914 filed on March 17, 2021, and the entire contents of that application are incorporated into this international application.

100,200 Switch device 110,210 Housing 111,211 Recessed part 112,212 First fixed contact 113,213 Second fixed contact 113A Rear part 113B Front part 114,214 Engagement protrusion 120,220 Frame 121,221 Opening part 122,222 Engagement piece 130 Stem 230 Rubber stem 130A Operation surface 131, 231 Pressing part 140, 240 Contact spring 141, 241 Base 142, 242 First elastic arm 142A, 242A Tip 143, 243 Second elastic arm 143A, 243A Tip Parts 151, 152 Insulator 210A Upper housing 210B Lower housing 215 Recess 215A Opening 216 Third fixed contact 230A Operating section 232 Base 250 Metal contact 260 Stem 260A Center part 260B Projection

Claims (7)

a housing provided with a first fixed contact and a second fixed contact;
a contact spring that contacts each of the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact and brings the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact into electrical conduction with each other when a pressing operation is not performed;
The contact spring is
contacting each of the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact due to the elastic force of the contact spring ;
A pair of the first fixed contacts are provided,
The contact spring is
The base and
three elastic arms extending in the same direction from the base;
have
A switch device characterized by: the housing has a recess;
The first fixed contact is disposed at a predetermined height position of the recessed portion of the housing,
The switch device according to claim 1, wherein the second fixed contact is disposed on an inner bottom surface of the recessed portion of the housing. Among the three elastic arms, the pair of first elastic arms have the same width,
Among the three elastic arms, a second elastic arm provided between the pair of first elastic arms is wider than the pair of first elastic arms. The switch device according to claim 1 or 2 . The contact spring is
A pair of first elastic arms of the three elastic arms contact the pair of first fixed contacts,
From claim 1, wherein a second elastic arm of the three elastic arms that is provided between the pair of first elastic arms contacts the second fixed contact. 3. The switch device according to any one of 3 . The contact spring is
The switch device according to claim 4, wherein each of the second elastic arm portion and the base portion contacts the second fixed contact. It further includes an operating member that can be operated by pressing,
The contact spring is
Claim 1, wherein when a pressing operation is performed by the operating member, the electrical connection between the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact is released by being pressed and elastically deformed by the operating member. 6. The switch device according to any one of 5 to 5 . an operating member that can be operated by pressing;
and a third fixed contact provided in the housing,
The contact spring is
When a pressing operation is performed by the operating member, the operating member is pressed and elastically deformed, thereby breaking electrical conduction between the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact, and connecting the first fixed contact with the first fixed contact. The switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the first fixed contact and the third fixed contact contact each other and conduct the first fixed contact and the third fixed contact with each other.

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