SWITCH DEVICE

Abstract

 If an operating body 50 is pushed, an operation conductor plate 30 is turned by the operating body 50. Turning forces are applied to an independent conductor plate 23 of a switching movable part 20 via two extension coil springs 41 and 42, and the switching movable part 20 is turned. The switching movable part 20 is provided with movable contacts 24, 25, and 26, and the movable contacts 24, 25, and 26 slide against the sliding parts 17a, 17b, and 17c due to the turning operation of the switching movable part 20 such that the contacts are switched. Since the two extension coil springs 41 and 42 are used, the operation of the switching movable part 20 is stabilized and the reliability of energization paths are improved.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-184398 filed on September 10, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a switch device in which a switching movable part including a plurality of movable contacts and an operation conductor plate operated by an operating body are coupled and operated together by extension coil springs.

2. Description of the Related Art

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-64548 discloses an invention regarding a switch device in which a plurality of movable contacts are simultaneously operated by the pressing operation of one operating member.

[0004] In this switch device, a first driving member having a plurality of movable contacts has a fulcrum and is rockably supported by a base having a plurality of fixed contacts, and a second driving member formed of conductive metal has a fulcrum and is rockably supported by the base. A free end side of the first driving member and a free end side of the second driving member are coupled together by one extension spring.

[0005] If the free end side of the second driving member is pushed by the operating member, the second driving member rocks toward the base, and with this rocking operation, the first driving member performs a snap action due to the biasing force of the extension spring and rocks. If the first driving member rocks, the movable contacts provided at the first driving member slide against the fixed contacts provided at the base, and the electrical connection of the contacts are switched.

[0006] Additionally, the central movable contacts provided at the first driving member, and the second driving member are electrically connected to each other via the extension spring, and the movable contacts are electrically connected to terminals provided at the base via the extension spring and the second driving member.

[0007] The switch device described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-64548 is excellent in that switching of the contacts accompanied by the sliding of the plurality of movable contacts and the plurality of fixed contacts can be rapidly performed by pressing and operating the operating member to simultaneously operating the plurality of movable contacts. However, the following problems are unsolved.

[0008] In the switch device described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-64548, the first driving member and the second driving member are coupled together by one extension spring. Therefore, in order to rapidly and reliably operate the first driving member having the plurality of movable contacts through the rocking of the second driving member, it is necessary to make the spring constant of the extension spring high. However, if the spring constant is made high, wear is easily caused by a latching part between the extension spring and the first driving member and a latching part between the extension spring and the second driving member. Since the extension spring also functions as an energization path to the central movable contacts, the reliability of the energization path is impaired if the pressing operation performed by the operating member is repeated and the wear becomes severe.

[0009] In the switch device described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-64548, abutment parts between the movable contact and the fixed contacts are located at positions farther from the fulcrum of the first driving member than the latching part between the extension spring and the first driving member. Therefore, when the first driving member is rocked by the extension spring, a driving force required for making the movable contacts and the fixed contact slide against each other becomes large. As a result, if the spring constant of the extension spring is not significantly high, it is difficult to secure the stability of operation. As a result, the latching parts between the extension spring and the respective driving members easily wear out.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The invention provides a switch device that can realize stable operation and can improve the reliability of energization via extension coil springs.

[0011] Additionally, the invention provides a switch device that can efficiently transmit an operating force when an operating body is pressed and operated, thereby enhancing the reliability of operation and reducing the load of operation.

[0012] According to the invention, there is provided a switch device having a substrate that is formed of an insulating material; a plurality of fixed conductors that are fixed to the substrate; a plurality of fixed contacts that are integrated with the substrate and constitute a sliding part; a switching movable part that supports a plurality of movable contacts that slide against the sliding parts, respectively; and an operation conductor plate that is operated by an operating body, wherein a fulcrum conductor plate and an independent conductor plate separated from the fulcrum conductor plate are fixed to a movable insulator in the switching movable part, and the movable contacts are respectively provided at the fulcrum conductor plate and the independent conductor plate, wherein the switching movable part is rockably supported with abutment parts between the fulcrum conductor plate and some of the fixed conductors as first fulcrums, a base of the operation conductor plate is rockably supported with abutment parts with the other of the fixed conductors as second fulcrums, the first fulcrums and the second fulcrums are arranged at mutually separated positions, a tip of the operation conductor plate is located on the first fulcrum side, and the tip side is enabled to be pressed and operated by the operating body, wherein a plurality of extension coil springs extending in a direction in which the first fulcrums and the second fulcrums face each other are provided, one end of each of the extension coil springs is latched to the tip side of the operation conductor plate, and the other end of the extension coil spring is latched to the independent conductor plate, wherein when the operation conductor plate is rocked by the operating body, with the rocking operation, the switching movable part performs a snap action due to the biasing forces of the plurality of extension coil springs and the movable contacts slides against the sliding parts, and wherein the operation conductor plate and the independent conductor plate are electrically connected to each other via the plurality of extension coil springs.

[0013] In the switch device of the invention, the plurality of extension coil springs are latched between the independent conductor plate provided at the switching movable part and an operation conductor plate. Therefore, an operating force can be shared by the plurality of extension coil springs. Therefore, the spring constants of the extension coil springs can be lowered, loads caused by latching in latching parts between the extension coil springs and the independent conductor plate and in latching parts between the extension coil springs and the operation conductor plate can be reduced, and wear of the latching parts can also be reduced. Hence, the extension coil springs can constitute a plurality of parallel energization paths stably.

[0014] In the switch device of the invention, abutment parts between the sliding parts and the movable contacts are arranged at a distance from each other in directions orthogonal to directions in which centerlines of the extension coil springs extend, and the centerline of each of the extension coil springs is located between the sliding parts adjacent to each other.

[0015] For example, in the switch device of the invention, in the switching movable part, the fulcrum conductor plates are respectively arranged on both sides of the independent conductor plate, and the extension coil springs are arranged between the fulcrum conductor plates.

[0016] In the above configuration, the points of action of driving forces that are applied from the extension coil springs to the independent conductor plate are located between the plurality of abutment parts against which the movable contacts and the sliding parts slide. As a result, the loads in the abutment parts and the points of action of the biasing forces of the extension coil springs can be arranged in a well-balanced manner. As a result, the switching movable part can be operated in a stable posture, and it is possible to make all the movable contacts simultaneously slide against the sliding parts.

[0017] In the switch device of the invention, it is preferable that the abutment parts between the movable contacts and the sliding parts are located between latching parts (D1) between the independent conductor plate and the extension coil springs, and the first fulcrums (S1).

[0018] Moreover, in the switch device of the invention, it is preferable that distances (La) from latching parts (D2) between the extension coil springs and the operation conductor plate to the second fulcrums (S2) are longer than distances (Lb) from the latching parts (D1) between the extension coil springs and the independent conductor plate to the first fulcrums (S1).

[0019] In the switch device having the above configuration, the operation conductor plate can be operated with a relatively light load, the transmission efficiency of the forces when the switching movable part is operated by the extension coil springs become excellent, and it is possible to rapidly operate the movable contacts. Additionally, in the switch device of the invention, it is preferable that one end of the independent conductor plate is formed with latching holes to which the extension coil springs are latched and the other end thereof has holding pieces extending in directions intersecting directions in which tensile forces of the extension coil springs act, and the holding pieces are buried in the movable insulator. In the switch device of the above configuration, the tensile forces of the plurality of extension coil springs always act on the independent conductor plate. However, since the holding pieces extending in the directions intersecting the directions in which the tensile forces act are buried in the movable insulator, a malfunction in which the independent conductor plate becomes separated from the movable insulator can be made hard to occur.

[0020] In the switch device of the invention, the plurality of extension coil springs is used. Therefore, the switching movable part can be operated in a stable posture, and the reliability of the parallel energization paths formed by the plurality of tensile coil springs can be improved.

[0021] Additionally, in the switch device of the invention, the plurality of movable contacts can be rapidly stabilized and operated by the extension coil springs, and it is also possible to reduce the operation load when the operating body is pressed and operated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] 

Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the external appearance of a switch device of the invention;

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the switch device illustrated in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a main operating part of the switch device;

Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating only a conductive part of the main operating part illustrated in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a side view illustrating a state where an external force of the main operating part illustrated in Fig. 3 does not act;

Fig. 6A is a side view illustrating a state where a base and a movable insulator are removed and no external force act, and Fig. 6B is a schematic view illustrating the operation postures of respective parts in that state;

Fig. 7A is a side view illustrating a state where the base and the movable insulator are removed and an operating body is being pushed, and Fig. 7B is a schematic view illustrating the operation postures of respective parts in that state;

Fig. 8A is a side view illustrating a state where a base and a movable insulator are removed and timings at which contacts are switched, and Fig. 8B is a schematic view illustrating the operation postures of the respective parts in that state;

Fig. 9A is a side view illustrating a state where the base and the movable insulator are removed and the operating body is fully pushed, and Fig. 9B is a schematic view illustrating the operation postures of respective parts in that state; and

Fig. 10 is an explanatory view illustrating the configuration of a switching circuit of the switch device of the embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Fig. 1 is an overall perspective view of a switch device 1 of an embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the switch device. In addition, a lid 3 is omitted in Fig. 2.

[0024] The switch device 1 simultaneously switches a plurality of contacts, and is used for, for example, electronic circuits for vehicles or the like, which require high reliability.

[0025] Structure of Switch Device

[0026] As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, the switch device 1 has a case 2 and a lid 3. A case 2 is formed of an insulating synthetic resin material, and has a rectangular parallelepiped shape that has a bottom 2a and four side plates 2b and opens on the upper side. The lid 3 is formed of an insulating synthetic resin material, blocks an opening of the case 2, and is fixed to the case 2 with means, such as welding.

[0027] A main operating part of the switch device 1 is illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4. Only the structure of energization paths formed of a conductive metal plate of the main operating part illustrated in Fig. 3 is illustrated in Fig. 4. Additionally, a circuit diagram of a switching circuit consisting of the respective energization paths is illustrated in Fig. 10.

[0028] Openings 2c are formed in three places at the bottom 2a of the case 2 illustrated in Fig. 2, and lateral substrates 10a and 10b, a central substrate 10c are respectively fixed to the openings 2c. The substrates 10a, 10b, and 10c are formed of an insulating synthetic resin material.

[0029] As illustrated in Figs. 2, 3, and 4, a first fixed conductor 11a is held by the lateral substrate 10a, and a first fixed conductor 11b is also held by the other lateral substrate 10b. A terminal 11c and the first fixed conductor 11a are formed integrally, and the terminal 11c extends from the lateral substrate 10a to a left lateral side. A terminal 11d and the first fixed conductor 11b are also formed integrally, and the terminal 11d extends from the lateral substrate 10b to a right lateral side.

[0030] A second fixed conductor 12a is held at a position at a distance from the first fixed conductor 11a in the lateral substrate 10a, and a terminal 12c integral with the second fixed conductor 12a extends from the lateral substrate 10a to the left lateral side. Similarly, a second fixed conductor 12b is also held by the lateral substrate 10b, and a terminal 12d integral with the second fixed conductor 12b extends from the lateral substrate 10b to the right lateral side.

[0031] An upper fixed contact 13a and a lower fixed contact 14a are held vertically at a distance from each other by the lateral substrate 10a. A terminal 13c is formed integrally with the upper fixed contact 13a, and a terminal 14c is formed integrally with the lower fixed contact 14a. The terminals 13c and 14c extend from the lateral substrate 10a to the left lateral side. An upper fixed contact 13b and a lower fixed contact 14b are held by the lateral substrate 10b. A terminal 13d is formed integrally with the upper fixed contact 13b, and a terminal 14d is formed integrally with the lower fixed contact 14b. The terminals 13d and 14d extend from the lateral substrate 10b to the right lateral side. In addition, in Figs. 3 and 4, the terminal 14d integral with the lower fixed contact 14b does not appear, and the terminal 14d is illustrated in the circuit diagram of Fig. 10.

[0032] An upper fixed contact 15a and a lower fixed contact 16a are held by the central substrate 10c. A terminal 15b is formed integrally with the upper fixed contact 15a, and a terminal 15b extends from the central substrate 10c to the near side. A terminal 16b is formed integrally with the lower fixed contact 16a, and a terminal 16b extends in a depth direction from the central substrate 10c.

[0033] In a method for manufacturing the switch device 1, first, the fixed conductors 11a and 12a, the upper fixed contact 13a, and the lower fixed contact 14a are arranged within a mold, molten resin is injected into the mold, and the lateral substrate 10a is formed by the so-called insert molding method. Accordingly, the fixed conductors 11a and 12a, the upper fixed contact 13a, and the lower fixed contact 14a are integrated with the lateral substrate 10a. Similarly, the lateral substrate 10b that integrally fixes the fixed conductors 11b and 12b, the upper fixed contact 13b, and the lower fixed contact 14b is formed by the insert molding method. Additionally, the central substrate 10c that integrally fixes the upper fixed contact 15a and the lower fixed contact 16a is formed by the insert molding method. Thereafter, the substrates 10a, 10b, and 10c that fix the fixed conductors and the fixed contacts are installed within a mold, molten resin is injected into the mold, and the case 2 is formed by the so-called two-color molding method. Therefore, the substrates 10a, 10b, and 10c are integrated with and fixed to the three openings 2c of the bottom 2a of the case 2. In addition, a configuration including the bottom 2a and the substrates 10a, 10b, and 10c that are integrated with each other is referred to as the base.

[0034] As illustrated in Fig. 3, an intermediate insulating part 10d formed integrally with the lateral substrate 10a using an insulating synthetic resin material is interposed between the upper fixed contact 13a and the lower fixed contact 14a, and a lateral sliding part 17a is constituted of the upper fixed contact 13a, the lower fixed contact 14a, and the intermediate insulating part 10d. In the lateral sliding part 17a, the upper fixed contact 13a, the lower fixed contact 14a, and the intermediate insulating part 10d are formed with the same width dimension. Similarly, in the lateral substrate 10b, a lateral sliding part 17b is constituted of the upper fixed contact 13b, the lower fixed contact 14b, and an intermediate insulating part 10e. Additionally, in the central substrate 10c, a central sliding part 17c is constituted of the upper fixed contact 15a, the lower fixed contact 16a, and an intermediate insulating part 10f.

[0035] As illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3, the main operating part is provided with a switching movable part 20. The switching movable part 20 has a pair of fulcrum conductor plates 21 and 22, and an independent conductor plate 23 located between both the fulcrum conductor plates 21 and 22. The three conductor plates 21, 22, and 23 are formed of conductive metal plates, and are respectively held by the movable insulator 27. In a process of manufacturing the switching movable part 20, the three conductor plates 21, 22, and 23 are installed within a mold, molten resin is injected into the mold, and the movable insulator 27 is formed by the insert molding method. Therefore, the pair of fulcrum conductor plates 21 and 22 and the independent conductor plate 23 are partially buried in the movable insulator 27.

[0036] As illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, a movable end 21a is formed on the illustrated near side in the fulcrum conductor plate 21, and a movable end 22a is formed on the illustrated near side in the fulcrum conductor plate 22. A first fulcrum support 27a is formed at the first fixed conductor 11a held by the lateral substrate 10a, and a first fulcrum support 27b is formed at the first fixed conductor 11b held by the lateral substrate 10b. The movable end 21a is latched to the first fulcrum support 27a, the movable end 22a is latched to the first fulcrum support 27b, and the switching movable part 20 is supported so as to be rockable up and down with an abutment part between the movable end 21a or 22a and the first fulcrum support 27a or 27b as a first fulcrum.

[0037] As illustrated in Fig. 4, a lateral movable contact 24 is fixed to a lower surface of the fulcrum conductor plate 21 on a free end side. The lateral movable contact 24 is formed of a conductive metal plate that is elastically deformable, and is electrically connected to the fulcrum conductor plate 21. A pair of sandwiching sliding pieces 24a and 24a are provided at the lateral movable contact 24 to face each other from left and right, and the lateral sliding part 17a illustrated in Fig. 3 is sandwiched by the sandwiching sliding pieces 24a and 24a. Similarly, the lateral movable contact 25 is electrically connected and fixed to the lower surface of the fulcrum conductor plate 22 on the free end side. A pair of sandwiching sliding pieces 25a and 25a are provided at the lateral movable contact 25, and the lateral sliding part 17b is sandwiched by the sandwiching sliding pieces 25a and 25a. Similarly, the central movable contact 26 is electrically connected and fixed to a lower surface of the independent conductor plate 23. A pair of sandwiching sliding pieces 26a and 26a are provided at the central movable contact 26, and the central sliding part 17c is sandwiched by the sandwiching sliding pieces 26a and 26a.

[0038] As illustrated in Figs. 2, 3, and 4, in the main operating part, an operation conductor plate 30 is provided between the substrates 10a, 10b, and 10c and the switching movable part 20. The operation conductor plate 30 is formed of a conductive metal plate. A pair of movable ends 31a and 31b are formed on a base side that is one end of the operation conductor plate 30. As illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, a second fulcrum support 35a is formed at the second fixed conductor 12a held by the lateral substrate 10a, and a second fulcrum support 35b is formed at the second fixed conductor 12b held by the lateral substrate 10b. The movable end 31a is latched to the second fulcrum support 35a, the movable end 31b is latched to the second fulcrum support 35b, and the operation conductor plate 30 is supported so as to be rockable up and down with an abutment part between the movable end 31a or 31b and the second fulcrum support 35a or 35b as a second fulcrum.

[0039] The first fulcrum that is the abutment part between the movable end 21a or 22a and the first fulcrum support 27a or 27b and the second fulcrum that is the abutment part between the movable end 31a or 31b and the second fulcrum support 35a or 35b are arranged at positions separated to left and right from each other in Fig. 5, and a free end of the switching movable part 20 and a free end of the operation conductor plate 30 extend in opposite directions to each other. That is, the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum are arranged at mutually separated positions in an extending direction (longitudinal direction) of the substrates 10a, 10b, and 10c.

[0040] As illustrated in Fig. 3, on the free end side of the switching movable part 20, a pair of latching holes 23a and 23b open to one end of the independent conductor plate 23, and a pair of latching holes 32a and 32b open to the free end side that is the other end of the operation conductor plate 30. The main operating part is provided with a pair of extension coil springs 41 and 42. One hook 41a of the extension coil spring 41 is latched to the latching hole 23a, and the other hook 41b is latched to the latching hole 32a. One hook 42a of the extension coil spring 42 is latched to the latching hole 23b, and the other hook 42b is latched to the latching hole 32b.

[0041] The extension coil springs 41 and 42 are formed of conductive spring wire rods, the free end side of the operation conductor plate 30 and the free end side of the switching movable part 20 are pulled to each other by the extension coil springs 41 and 42, and the conductor plate 23 and the operation conductor plate 30 are electrically connected together via the extension coil springs 41 and 42.

[0042] An operating piece 33 is bent at a tip located on the free end side that is the other end of the operation conductor plate 30. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the lid 3 is formed with a sliding hole 3a, and an operating body 50 is slidably supported by the sliding hole 3a. In addition, the operating body 50 is precisely supported so as to be movable up and down by a guide part (not illustrated) provided within the case 2. As illustrated in Fig. 5, a pressing part 51 is formed at a lower end of the operating body 50 inside the case 2, and if the operating body 50 is depressed toward the inside of the case 2, the operating piece 33 is pressed downward by the pressing part 51.

[0043] As illustrated in Fig. 4, holding pieces 23c and 23d are formed integrally with the other end of the independent conductor plate 23 provided in the switching movable part 20 in directions (orthogonal directions) intersecting directions in which the tensile forces of the extension coil springs 41 and 42 act. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the holding pieces 23c and 23d are buried in and held by the movable insulator 27, and their tips protrude from the movable insulator 27 to left and right. Although the tensile forces of the extension coil springs 41 and 42 act on the independent conductor plate 23, since the holding pieces 23c and 23d are held by the movable insulator 27, a malfunction in which the independent conductor plate 23 becomes separated from the movable insulator 27 does not easily occur.

Assembly Work

[0044] The assembly work of the switch device 1 will be described.

[0045] The lateral substrates 10a and 10b and the central substrate 10c that are illustrated in Figs. 2 and 5 are integrated with and fixed to the bottom 2a of the case 2 by the two-color molding method.

[0046] The operation conductor plate 30 and the switching movable part 20 that are coupled together by the extension coil springs 41 and 42 are assembled into the case 2. In this case, the movable ends 31a and 31b of the operation conductor plate 30 are latched to the second fulcrum supports 35a and 35b formed at the second fixed conductors 12a and 12b located on the bottom 2a (base) side of the case 2. Additionally, the movable ends 21a and 22a of the fulcrum conductor plates 21 and 22 of the switching movable part 20 are latched to the first fulcrum supports 27a and 27b formed at the first fixed conductors 11a and 11b.

[0047] If the operation conductor plate 30 and the switching movable part 20 that are coupled together by the extension coil springs 41 and 42 are assembled into the case 2, as illustrated in Fig. 5, the tensile forces of the extension coil springs 41 and 42 cause the operation conductor plate 30 to jump up in the counterclockwise direction (α1 direction), and cause the switching movable part 20 to jump up in the clockwise direction (β1 direction). However, as a restricting piece 37 bent downward on the fulcrum side in the operation conductor plate 30 abuts against a stopper (not illustrated) formed at the bottom 2a of the case 2, jumping of the operation conductor plate 30 in the counterclockwise direction (α1 direction) is restricted. Additionally, a restricting protrusion 28 that protrudes downward from the movable insulator 27 hits a stopper 10g formed at the lateral substrates 10a and 10b, and jumping of the switching movable part 20 in the clockwise direction (β1 direction) is restricted.

[0048] Therefore, the work of assembling the operating body 50 and the lid 3 into the case 2 can be easily performed in a state where the operation conductor plate 30 and the switching movable part 20 are assembled into the case 2.

Description of Operation

[0049] Next, the operation of the switch device 1 will be described.

[0050] Fig. 6A is a side view illustrating that the base (the substrates 10a, 10b, and 10c and the bottom 2a) and the movable insulator 27 are removed in the main operating part in a free state where no control force acts on the operating body 50, and Fig. 6B is a schematic view illustrating the operation postures of the respective parts in the free state.

[0051] The abutment part between the movable end 21a or 22a formed at the fulcrum conductor plate 21 or 22 in Figs. 6 to 9 and the first fulcrum support 27a or 27b formed at the first fixed conductor 11a or 11b is illustrated as the first fulcrum S1, and the abutment part between the movable end 31a or 31b formed at the operation conductor plate 30 or the second fulcrum support 35a or 35b formed at the second fixed conductor 12a or 12b is illustrated as the second fulcrum S2. Additionally, a latching part between the hook 41a or 42a of the extension coil spring 41 or 42 and the independent conductor plate 23 provided at the switching movable part 20 is illustrated as a first biasing force action point D1, and a latching part between the hook 41b or 42b of the extension coil spring 41 or 42 and the free end of the operation conductor plate 30 is illustrated as a second biasing force action point D2.

[0052] In the free state illustrated in Figs. 6A and 6B, a line of action between a biasing force F1a of the extension coil spring 41 or 42 that acts on the first biasing force action point D1 and a biasing force F2a of the extension coil spring 41 or 42 that acts on the second biasing force action point D2 is located above the first fulcrum S1. Therefore, the operation conductor plate 30 is turned in the counterclockwise direction (α1 direction) with the second fulcrum S2 as a center, and the switching movable part 20 is turned in the clockwise direction (β1 direction) with the first fulcrum S1 as a center. In addition, the turning of the switching movable part 20 in the clockwise direction is limited by a portion (on the illustrated left side) of the switching movable part 20 abutting against a ceiling surface of the lid 3.

[0053] Hence, the sandwiching sliding pieces 24a of the lateral movable contact 24 provided at the switching movable part 20 come into contact with the upper fixed contact 13a in the lateral sliding part 17a. Similarly, the sandwiching sliding pieces 25a of the lateral movable contact 25 come into contact with the upper fixed contact 13b in the lateral sliding part 17b. Additionally, the sandwiching sliding pieces 26a of the central movable contact 26 are electrically connected to the upper fixed contact 15a in the central sliding part 17c. The electrical connection state of a circuit of the switch device 1 in this case is as illustrated in Fig. 10.

(1) The first fixed conductor 11a is electrically connected to the upper fixed contact 13a via the latching part between the first fulcrum support 27a and the movable end 21a, the fulcrum conductor plate 21, and the lateral movable contact 24, and the terminal 11c and the terminal 13c are brought into an electrically connected state.

(2) The first fixed conductor 11b is electrically connected to the upper fixed contact 13b via the latching part between the first fulcrum support 27b and the movable end 22a, the fulcrum conductor plate 22, and the lateral movable contact 25, and the terminal 11d and the terminal 13d are brought into an electrically connected state.

(3) The second fixed conductor 12a or 12b is electrically connected to the upper fixed contact 15a via the latching part between the second fulcrum support 35a or 35b and the movable end 31a or 31b, the operation conductor plate 30, the two extension coil springs 41 and 42, the independent conductor plate 23, and the central movable contact 26. Hence, the terminal 12c, the terminal 12d, and the terminal 15b are brought into an electrically connected state.

[0054] Fig. 7A is a side view illustrating that the base and the movable insulator 27 are removed in a state where the operating body 50 is being pushed, and Fig. 7B is a schematic view illustrating the operation postures of respective parts in that state; Fig. 8A is a side view illustrating that the base and the movable insulator 27 are removed when contacts are switched, and Fig. 8B is a schematic view illustrating the operation posture of the respective parts when the contacts are switched.

[0055] If a downward control force P acts on the operating body 50 and the operating body 50 is depressed up to the position of Fig. 7A toward the inside of the case 2, the operation conductor plate 30 is turned in the clockwise direction (α2 direction) and, as illustrated in Fig. 7B, the second biasing force action point D2 moves downward beyond the first fulcrum S1. Since a biasing force acting line that connects the first biasing force action point D1 and the second biasing force action point D2 moves downward beyond the first fulcrum S1, a counterclockwise (β2 direction) moment begins to act on the switching movable part 20 at this time.

[0056] Moreover, the operating body 50 is depressed to a predetermined position, and if a moment in the counterclockwise direction (β2 direction) applied from the extension coil springs 41 and 42 to the switching movable part 20 becomes larger than a resistance moment caused by static-friction forces between the respective movable contacts 24, 25, and 26 and the respective upper fixed contacts 13a, 13b, and 15a, the switching movable part 20 is turned in the counterclockwise direction (β2 direction) in an instant as illustrated in Figs. 8A and 8B. That is, the switching movable part 20 performs a snap action due to the biasing forces of the extension coil springs 41 and 42. In this case, the sandwiching sliding pieces 24a of the lateral movable contact 24 slide against the lateral sliding part 17a and comes into contact with the lower fixed contact 14a, and simultaneously, the sandwiching sliding pieces 25a of the lateral movable contact 25 slide against the lateral sliding part 17b and come into contact with the lower fixed contact 14b. Moreover, the sandwiching sliding pieces 26a of the central movable contact 26 slide against the central sliding part 17c, and come into contact with the lower fixed contact 16a.

[0057] As a result, the contacts are switched in all the three sliding parts 17a, 17b, and 17c, and the circuit diagram illustrated in Fig. 10, the terminal 11c and the terminal 14c are brought into an electrically connected state, and the terminal 11d and the terminal 14d are brought into an electrically connected state. Additionally, the terminals 12c and 12d and the terminal 16b are brought into an electrically connected state.

[0058] Fig. 9A is a side view illustrating that the base and the movable insulator 27 are removed in a state where the operating body 50 is depressed to an operation dead point, and Fig. 9B is a schematic view illustrating the operation postures of the respective parts in that state. At the time of Figs. 9A and 9B, the moment in the β2 direction that acts on the switching movable part 20 becomes a maximum. Hence, while the operating body 50 is depressed to the position of Figs. 9 A and 9B, the switching movable part 20 is reliably turned so as to switch the contacts.

[0059] In Figs. 9A and 9B, the switching movable part 20 is turned in an almost horizontal posture, hits the stopper provided at the case 2 and is not able to be turned in the counterclockwise direction (β2 direction) any more. In this case, since the second biasing force action point D2 is moved to a position that is significantly distant downward from the first fulcrum S1, a large moment in the counterclockwise direction (α1 direction) acts on the operation conductor plate 30 due to the tensile forces (F1b and F2b or F1c and F2c) of the extension coil springs 41 and 42. For this reason, if the control force P applied to the operating body 50 is removed, the operation conductor plate 30 is turned in the counterclockwise direction (α1 direction) with the second fulcrum S2 as a center.

[0060] If a moment in the clockwise direction (β1 direction) applied to the switching movable part 20 by the biasing forces of the extension coil springs 41 and 42 becomes larger than a resistance moment caused by a static-friction force between each of the movable contacts 24, 25, and 26 and each of the upper fixed contacts 14a, 14b, and 16a while the operation conductor plate 30 returns to its initial posture illustrated in Figs. 6A and 6B, the switching movable part 20 is turned in the clockwise direction (β1 direction) in an instant, the respective movable contacts 24, 25, and 26 come into contact with the upper fixed contacts 13a, 13b, and 15a, and the circuit returns to the initial state illustrated in Fig. 10.

Effects Exhibited by Embodiment

[0061] In the above embodiment, the independent conductor plate 23 provided at the switching movable part 20 and the operation conductor plate 30 are coupled together by the two extension coil springs 41 and 42. Since the biasing forces for pulling the free end of the switching movable part 20 and the free end of the independent conductor plate 23 to each other are shared and exhibited by the plurality of (two in the embodiment) extension coil springs, the spring constants of the individual extension coil springs are not made excessive. Therefore, a load caused by the friction of the latching part between the hook 41a or 42a and the latching hole 23a or 23b and a load caused by the friction of the latching part between the hook 41b or 42b and the latching hole 32a or 32b can be reduced. As a result, wear of contact portions between the hooks and the latching holes does not easily occur, and the energization paths using the extension coil springs 41 and 42 can be set to a stable state.

[0062] Additionally, as illustrated in the circuit diagram of Fig. 10, since the extension coil springs 41 and 42 that are conductors are interposed in parallel between the operation conductor plate 30 and the independent conductor plate 23, the direct current resistances when the extension coil springs 41 and 42 are used as the energization path can also be reduced.

[0063] Moreover, the points of action of the biasing forces acting on the independent conductor plate 23 from the two extension coil springs 41 and 42 are arranged at equivalent positions on the left and right of the center of the switching movable part 20. Moreover, the two extension coil springs 41 and 42 are arranged between the pair of fulcrum conductor plates 21 and 22 located on both left and right sides. Therefore, the switching movable part 20 does not easily cause a torsion operation, and can be turned in a stable posture with the first fulcrum S1 as a center.

[0064] Additionally, the centerline of one extension coil spring 41 is located between the lateral movable contact 24 and the central movable contact 26, and the centerline of the other extension coil spring 42 is located between the lateral movable contact 25 and the central movable contact 26. Although the switching movable part 20 is turned by the elastic forces of the extension coil springs 41 and 42, the lines of action of the biasing forces of the extension coil springs 41 and 42 are located between the movable contacts adjacent to each other, the forces making the respective movable contacts 24, 25, and 26 slide against the respective fixed contacts can be uniformly applied to the respective movable contacts, and the switching operation of the plurality of contacts can be stabilized.

[0065] As illustrated in Fig. 8B, if the distance from the first fulcrum S1 of the switching movable part 20 to the first biasing force action point D1 is defined as L1 and the distance from the first fulcrum S1 to the sandwiching sliding pieces 24a, 25a, and 26a of the respective movable contacts 24, 25, and 26 is defined as L2, L1 is longer than L2 (L1 > L2). That is, the sandwiching sliding pieces 24a, 25a, and 26a are located between the first fulcrum S1 and the first biasing force action point D1. Therefore, it is possible to increase and amplify the forces of operation, acting on the sandwiching sliding pieces 24a, 25a, and 26a, to a driving force that acts on the first biasing force action point D1 to L1/L2 times. For example, in the state of Figs. 8A and 8B, it is possible to reliably turn the switching movable part 20 in the counterclockwise direction.

[0066] As illustrated in Fig. 6B, the length La between the second fulcrum S2 of the operation conductor plate 30 and the second biasing force action point D2 becomes sufficiently longer than the distance Lb between the first fulcrum S1 of the switching movable part 20 and the first biasing force action point D1. Therefore, in the free state illustrated in Fig. 6 B, the rotational angle θ2 of the operation conductor plate 30 in the horizontal direction can be made relatively small. Hence, the operating angle θ2 of the operation conductor plate 30 can be made small even if the sliding distances of the sandwiching sliding pieces 24a, 25a, and 26a are increased by turning the switching movable part 20 at a relatively large angle θ1. Therefore, when the operating body 50 is pressed, a reaction force received from the operation conductor plate 30 can be made relatively small, and an operational feeling becomes excellent.

[0067] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occur depending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they are within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A switch device (1) having a substrate (10a, 10b, 10c) that is formed of an insulating material; a plurality of fixed conductors (11a, 11b, 12a, 12b) that are fixed to the substrate; a plurality of fixed contacts (13a, 13b, 15a, 14a, 14b, 16a) that are integrated with the substrate and constitute a sliding part (17a, 17b, 17c); a switching movable part (20) that supports a plurality of movable contacts (24, 25, 26) that slide against the sliding parts, respectively; and an operation conductor plate (30) that is operated by an operating body (50),
wherein a fulcrum conductor plate (21, 22) and an independent conductor plate (23) separated from the fulcrum conductor plate are fixed to a movable insulator (27) in the switching movable part, and the movable contacts are respectively provided at the fulcrum conductor plate and the independent conductor plate,
wherein the switching movable part is rockably supported with abutment parts between the fulcrum conductor plate and some of the fixed conductors as first fulcrums (S1), a base of the operation conductor plate is rockably supported with abutment parts with the other of the fixed conductors as second fulcrums (S2), the first fulcrums and the second fulcrums are arranged at mutually separated positions, a tip of the operation conductor plate is located on the first fulcrum side, and the tip side is enabled to be pressed and operated by the operating body,
wherein a plurality of extension coil springs (41,42) extending in a direction in which the first fulcrums and the second fulcrums face each other are provided, one end of each of the extension coil springs is latched to the tip side of the operation conductor plate, and the other end of the extension coil spring is latched to the independent conductor plate,
wherein when the operation conductor plate is rocked by the operating body, with the rocking operation, the switching movable part performs a snap action due to the biasing forces of the plurality of extension coil springs and the movable contacts slides against the sliding parts, and
wherein the operation conductor plate and the independent conductor plate are electrically connected to each other via the plurality of extension coil springs.

2. The switch device according to Claim 1,
wherein abutment parts between the sliding parts and the movable contacts are arranged at a distance from each other in directions orthogonal to directions in which centerlines of the extension coil springs extend, and the centerline of each of the extension coil springs is located between the sliding parts adjacent to each other.

3. The switch device according to Claim 1 or 2,
wherein, in the switching movable part, the fulcrum conductor plates are respectively arranged on both sides of the independent conductor plate, and the extension coil springs are arranged between the fulcrum conductor plates.

4. The switch device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3,
wherein the abutment parts between the movable contacts and the sliding parts are located between latching parts (D1) between the independent conductor plate and the extension coil springs, and the first fulcrums (S1).

5. The switch device according to Claim 4,
wherein distances (La) from latching parts (D2) between the extension coil springs and the operation conductor plate to the second fulcrums (S2) are longer than distances (Lb) from the latching parts (D1) between the extension coil springs and the independent conductor plate to the first fulcrums (S1).

6. The switch device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5,
wherein one end of the independent conductor plate is formed with latching holes to which the extension coil springs are latched and the other end thereof has holding pieces (23c, 23d) extending in directions intersecting directions in which tensile forces of the extension coil springs act, and the holding pieces are buried in the movable insulator.

Drawing