JP2009238403A

JP2009238403A - Switch

Info

Publication number: JP2009238403A
Application number: JP2008079615A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Yoshitaka Sakagami; 嘉孝坂上; Osamu Kaita; 理貝田
Original assignee: Panasonic Corp
Current assignee: Panasonic Corp
Priority date: 2008-03-26
Filing date: 2008-03-26
Publication date: 2009-10-15

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a switch that achieves sure electrical contact/separation by a simple configuration regarding a switch mainly used for on/off control or the like of a vehicle stop lamp. SOLUTION: A plurality of recessed parts 12B are provided at least at one end part of a fixed contact 12, implanted to the inner wall of an almost-box-like case 1 or at one end of a movable contact 14 that is held by an operating body 3 and whose end part is elastically in contact with the fixed contact 12. Consequently, even if minute carbide and wear powder or the like are generated due to progress of burnout and wear of the fixed contact 12 and the movable contact 14 caused by repetitive operation of a switch 20 for a long period of time, the minute carbide and wear powder accumulate in the plurality of recessed parts 12B so as to prevent them from adhering to the contact surface. Therefore, a stable contact between the fixed contact 12 and the movable contact 14 is achieved, so that a switch is obtained that achieves sure electrical contact/separation. COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は、主に自動車のブレーキペダル操作時の、ストップランプの消点灯制御等に用いられる車両用のスイッチに関するものである。 The present invention relates to a switch for a vehicle which is mainly used for controlling the extinction of a stop lamp when a brake pedal of an automobile is operated.

近年、ブレーキペダルを踏み込んだ際にはストップランプを点灯させ、離した際には消灯させる、ブレーキペダルの操作に伴うストップランプの制御用として、主に押圧操作型のスイッチが多く使用されている。 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, many push-operated switches have been used mainly for controlling stop lamps when operating brake pedals. The stop lamp is turned on when the brake pedal is depressed and turned off when the brake pedal is released. .

このような従来のスイッチについて、図５及び図６を用いて説明する。 Such a conventional switch will be described with reference to FIGS.

図６は従来のスイッチの断面図であり、同図において、１は上面開口で略箱型の絶縁樹脂製のケース、２は略コの字状または略Ｌ字状で銅合金等の固定接点で、複数の固定接点２がケース１の左右内側壁に対向して植設されると共に、ケース１底面からは固定接点２の端子部２Ａが突出している。 FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional switch. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 1 denotes a case made of a substantially box-shaped insulating resin with a top opening, and 2 is a substantially U-shaped or L-shaped fixed contact such as a copper alloy. Thus, the plurality of fixed contacts 2 are planted so as to face the left and right inner walls of the case 1, and the terminal portions 2 A of the fixed contacts 2 protrude from the bottom surface of the case 1.

そして、３はケース１内に上下動可能に収納された絶縁樹脂製の作動体、４は略コの字状で銅合金等の可動接点で、可動接点４の中間部が作動体３下端に保持されると共に、左右に延出したアーム部４Ａがやや撓んだ状態で、この先端に形成された接点部４Ｂが固定接点２に弾接して、左右の固定接点２が可動接点４を介して電気的に接続されている。 Reference numeral 3 denotes an operating body made of an insulating resin accommodated in the case 1 so as to be movable up and down, 4 is a substantially U-shaped movable contact made of a copper alloy or the like, and an intermediate portion of the movable contact 4 is at the lower end of the operating body 3 While being held and the arm portion 4A extending to the left and right is slightly bent, the contact portion 4B formed at the tip elastically contacts the fixed contact 2, and the left and right fixed contacts 2 are interposed via the movable contact 4. Are electrically connected.

なお、この固定接点２と可動接点４の表面には、低い抵抗で安定した電気的接続が行えるように、電気伝導度が良好な銀めっき層が形成されている。 A silver plating layer with good electrical conductivity is formed on the surfaces of the fixed contact 2 and the movable contact 4 so that a stable electrical connection can be made with a low resistance.

また、５はコイル状のばね、６はケース１上面の開口部を覆うカバーで、ばね５が作動体３下面とケース１の底面との間にやや撓んだ状態で装着されて、作動体３を上方に付勢すると共に、この作動体３先端がカバー６中央の中空筒部６Ａから上方へ突出して、スイッチ１０が構成されている。 Reference numeral 5 denotes a coiled spring, 6 denotes a cover that covers the opening on the upper surface of the case 1, and the spring 5 is mounted in a slightly bent state between the lower surface of the operating body 3 and the bottom surface of the case 1. 3 is urged upward, and the tip of the operating body 3 protrudes upward from the hollow cylindrical portion 6A in the center of the cover 6 to constitute a switch 10.

そして、このように構成されたスイッチ１０が、図５の側面図に示すように、一般に自動車のブレーキペダル２１の手前に、アーム２１Ａによって作動体３の先端が押圧された状態で装着されると共に、ケース１底面から突出した固定接点２の端子部２Ａが、コネクタ２２等によって車両のストップランプや電子回路（図示せず）に接続される。 Then, as shown in the side view of FIG. 5, the switch 10 configured as described above is generally mounted in front of the brake pedal 21 of the automobile in a state where the tip of the operating body 3 is pressed by the arm 21A. The terminal portion 2A of the fixed contact 2 protruding from the bottom surface of the case 1 is connected to a vehicle stop lamp or an electronic circuit (not shown) by a connector 22 or the like.

つまり、ブレーキペダル２１が踏み込まれていない状態では、作動体３がばね５を撓めながら下方へ押圧操作されると共に、可動接点４の接点部４Ｂが固定接点２側面から離れ、左右の固定接点２が電気的に切断された状態となっているため、ストップランプは消灯している。 That is, when the brake pedal 21 is not depressed, the operating body 3 is pressed downward while bending the spring 5, and the contact portion 4B of the movable contact 4 is separated from the side surface of the fixed contact 2 so that the left and right fixed contacts are Since 2 is electrically disconnected, the stop lamp is turned off.

そして、ブレーキペダル２１が踏み込まれると、アーム２１Ａが作動体３先端から離れ押圧力が除かれるため、図６に示したように、ばね５の弾性復帰力によって作動体３が上方へ移動すると共に、可動接点４の接点部４Ｂが固定接点２側面に弾接して接触し、左右の固定接点２が可動接点４を介して電気的に接続された状態となり、ストップランプが点灯するように構成されている。 When the brake pedal 21 is depressed, the arm 21A is separated from the tip of the operating body 3 and the pressing force is removed, so that the operating body 3 moves upward by the elastic return force of the spring 5 as shown in FIG. The contact portion 4B of the movable contact 4 is in elastic contact with the side surface of the fixed contact 2 so that the left and right fixed contacts 2 are electrically connected via the movable contact 4 and the stop lamp is lit. ing.

なお、このようにストップランプが点灯した際には、ストップランプに発光ダイオード等が使用されている場合、固定接点２と可動接点４の間には、ＤＣ１２〜１４Ｖで３０〜１００ｍＡ前後の電圧電流が通電される。 When the stop lamp is lit in this way, when a light emitting diode or the like is used for the stop lamp, a voltage current of about 30 to 100 mA at 12 to 14 VDC is applied between the fixed contact 2 and the movable contact 4. Is energized.

また、可動接点４が固定接点２に接離する際には、瞬間的ではあるが２Ａ前後の、いわゆる突入電流が流れるため、この電流によって固定接点２と可動接点４の接触部表面の銀めっき層が溶融し、焼損や微細な炭化物が発生する。 Further, when the movable contact 4 contacts and separates from the fixed contact 2, a so-called inrush current of about 2 A instantaneously flows. Therefore, the silver plating on the surface of the contact portion between the fixed contact 2 and the movable contact 4 is caused by this current. The layer melts, causing burnout and fine carbides.

さらに、このようなスイッチ１０の、可動接点４の接点部４Ｂの固定接点２への弾接力、いわゆる接点圧力は通常０．１〜１Ｎ前後に設定されているため、接点部４Ｂが固定接点２表面を弾接摺動する際には、この圧力によって固定接点２と可動接点４の表面の銀めっき層に機械的な磨耗が生じる。 Furthermore, since the elastic contact force of the switch 10 on the contact part 4B of the movable contact 4 to the fixed contact 2, that is, the so-called contact pressure, is normally set to about 0.1 to 1N, the contact part 4B is fixed to the fixed contact 2. When elastically sliding on the surface, this pressure causes mechanical wear on the silver plating layers on the surfaces of the fixed contact 2 and the movable contact 4.

したがって、上記のような押圧操作が長期間繰返され、固定接点２や可動接点４表面の、電気伝導度は良好であるが、硬度や融点は比較的低い銀めっき層の焼損や磨耗が進行し、微細な炭化物や磨耗粉等が接点表面に付着すると、これらを介して固定接点２と可動接点４の接触が行われるため、電気的接続が不安定なものとなる場合がある。 Therefore, the pressing operation as described above is repeated for a long time, and the surface of the fixed contact 2 and the movable contact 4 has good electrical conductivity, but the hardness and melting point of the silver plating layer is relatively low, and burnout and wear progress. If fine carbides, abrasion powder, or the like adheres to the contact surface, the fixed contact 2 and the movable contact 4 are contacted through these, so that the electrical connection may become unstable.

このため、グリスやオイル等の潤滑剤を、可動接点４や固定接点２に塗布する等の対策が講じられてはいるが、固定接点２や可動接点４表面の銀めっき層の焼損や磨耗を改善し、長期間に亘って安定した電気的接続を維持するには限界のあるものであった。 For this reason, although measures such as applying a lubricant such as grease or oil to the movable contact 4 or the fixed contact 2 are taken, the silver plating layer on the surface of the fixed contact 2 or the movable contact 4 is burned or worn. There has been a limit to improving and maintaining a stable electrical connection over a long period of time.

なお、この出願の発明に関連する先行技術文献情報としては、例えば、特許文献１が知られている。
特開２００１−８４８６７号公報 As prior art document information related to the invention of this application, for example, Patent Document 1 is known.
JP 2001-84867 A

しかしながら、上記従来のスイッチにおいては、長期間スイッチの操作が繰返された場合、可動接点４や固定接点２の焼損や磨耗が進行して、微細な炭化物や磨耗粉等が発生し、これらを介して固定接点２と可動接点４の接触が行われるため、電気的接続が不安定なものとなる場合があるという課題があった。 However, in the above-described conventional switch, when the switch operation is repeated for a long period of time, the movable contact 4 and the fixed contact 2 are burned out and worn, and fine carbides, wear powder, and the like are generated. Since the fixed contact 2 and the movable contact 4 are brought into contact with each other, there is a problem that the electrical connection may become unstable.

本発明は、このような従来の課題を解決するものであり、簡易な構成で、確実な電気的接離が可能なスイッチを提供することを目的とする。 The present invention solves such a conventional problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a switch capable of reliable electrical contact and separation with a simple configuration.

上記目的を達成するために本発明は、以下の構成を有するものである。 In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following configuration.

本発明の請求項１に記載の発明は、略箱型のケースの内側壁に植設された固定接点、または作動体に保持され端部が固定接点に弾接した可動接点の少なくとも一方の端部に、複数の凹部を形成してスイッチを構成したものであり、長期間スイッチの操作が繰返され、固定接点や可動接点の焼損や磨耗が進行して、微細な炭化物や磨耗粉等が発生した場合でも、これらが複数の凹部に溜まり、接点表面には付着しないため、固定接点と可動接点の安定した接触を行うことができ、確実な電気的接離が可能なスイッチを得ることができるという作用を有する。 According to the first aspect of the present invention, at least one end of a fixed contact planted on the inner wall of a substantially box-shaped case or a movable contact held by an operating body and having an end portion elastically contacted with the fixed contact. A switch is formed by forming a plurality of recesses in the part, and the switch operation is repeated for a long period of time, burning and wear of the fixed contact and movable contact progress, and fine carbides and wear powder are generated. Even in such a case, since these accumulate in a plurality of recesses and do not adhere to the contact surface, stable contact between the fixed contact and the movable contact can be performed, and a switch capable of reliable electrical contact and separation can be obtained. It has the action.

請求項２に記載の発明は、請求項１記載の発明において、固定接点及び可動接点の表面に、ニッケルまたはパラジウム、ロジウム、ルテニウムの少なくとも一つから形成された硬質めっき層を設けたものであり、融点や硬度の高い硬質めっき層が、固定接点と可動接点の表面に形成されているため、長期間スイッチの操作が繰返された場合でも、めっき層の突入電流による焼損や弾接摺動による機械的磨耗が生じづらくなり、確実で安定した電気的接離を行うことができるという作用を有する。 The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein a hard plating layer formed of at least one of nickel, palladium, rhodium, and ruthenium is provided on the surfaces of the fixed contact and the movable contact. Because the hard plating layer with high melting point and hardness is formed on the surface of the fixed contact and the movable contact, even if the switch operation is repeated for a long time, it is caused by burnout due to the inrush current of the plating layer and elastic contact sliding. Mechanical wear is less likely to occur, and there is an effect that reliable and stable electrical contact and separation can be performed.

以上のように、本発明によれば、簡易な構成で、確実な電気的接離が可能なスイッチを実現することができるという有利な効果が得られる。 As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect that it is possible to realize a switch capable of reliable electrical contact and separation with a simple configuration.

以下、本発明の実施の形態について、図１〜図５を用いて説明する。 Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

なお、背景技術の項で説明した構成と同一構成の部分には同一符号を付して、詳細な説明を簡略化する。 In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part of the structure same as the structure demonstrated in the term of background art, and detailed description is simplified.

（実施の形態）
図１は本発明の一実施の形態によるスイッチの断面図、図２は同分解斜視図であり、同図において、１は上面開口で略箱型のポリブチレンテレフタレートやＡＢＳ等の絶縁樹脂製のケース、１２は略コの字状または略Ｌ字状で燐青銅や黄銅等の銅合金の固定接点で、複数の固定接点１２がケース１の左右内側壁に対向して植設されている。 (Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a switch according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view thereof. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an upper surface opening made of an insulating resin such as a substantially box-shaped polybutylene terephthalate or ABS. The case 12 is a substantially U-shaped or L-shaped fixed contact made of a copper alloy such as phosphor bronze or brass, and a plurality of fixed contacts 12 are planted facing the left and right inner walls of the case 1.

そして、ケース１底面からは固定接点１２の端子部１２Ａが突出すると共に、固定接点１２の下端部には、図３（ａ）の斜視図に示すように、略矩形状の複数の凹部１２Ｂが形成されている。 The terminal portion 12A of the fixed contact 12 protrudes from the bottom surface of the case 1, and a plurality of substantially rectangular recesses 12B are formed at the lower end of the fixed contact 12 as shown in the perspective view of FIG. Is formed.

また、３はケース１内に上下動可能に収納された絶縁樹脂製の作動体、１４は略コの字状で燐青銅やベリリウム銅等の銅合金等の可動接点で、可動接点１４の中間部が作動体３下端に保持されると共に、左右に延出したアーム部１４Ａがやや撓んだ状態で、この先端に形成された接点部１４Ｂが固定接点１２に弾接して、左右の固定接点１２が可動接点１４を介して電気的に接続されている。 Reference numeral 3 denotes an insulating resin operating body housed in the case 1 so as to be movable up and down, and 14 is a substantially U-shaped movable contact made of a copper alloy such as phosphor bronze or beryllium copper. Is held at the lower end of the operating body 3 and the arm portion 14A extending to the left and right is slightly bent, and the contact portion 14B formed at the tip is elastically contacted with the fixed contact 12 so that the left and right fixed contacts are 12 are electrically connected via a movable contact 14.

そして、この固定接点１２と可動接点１４の表面には、硬度２００〜１０００ＨＶ前後で融点が１２００〜２５００度前後の、ニッケルまたはパラジウム、ロジウム、ルテニウムの少なくとも一つから形成された、電気伝導度が５〜１０μΩ／ｃｍ前後の硬質めっき層が、厚さ０．１〜１μｍ前後で形成されている。 The surfaces of the fixed contact 12 and the movable contact 14 are formed of at least one of nickel, palladium, rhodium, and ruthenium having a hardness of about 200 to 1000 HV and a melting point of about 1200 to 2500 degrees. A hard plating layer of about 5 to 10 μΩ / cm is formed with a thickness of about 0.1 to 1 μm.

なお、このような硬質めっき層は、例えば、電解ニッケルめっきによって硬度２００〜５００ＨＶ前後で融点が１４５５度前後のものを、無電解ニッケルめっきによって硬度５００〜８００ＨＶ前後で融点が１４００度前後のものを、また、ニッケル／パラジウム合金めっきによって硬度５００〜５５０ＨＶ前後で融点が１２５０度前後のものを、ロジウムめっきによって硬度８００〜１０００ＨＶ前後で融点が１９６５度前後のものを、ルテニウムめっきによって硬度７５０〜８５０ＨＶ前後で融点が２５００度前後のものを各々形成することができる。 Such a hard plating layer is, for example, one having a hardness of about 200 to 500 HV and a melting point of about 1455 degrees by electrolytic nickel plating, and one having a hardness of about 500 to 800 HV and a melting point of about 1400 degrees by electroless nickel plating. Also, nickel / palladium alloy plating with a hardness of about 500 to 550 HV and a melting point of about 1250 degrees, rhodium plating with a hardness of about 800 to 1000 HV and a melting point of about 1965 degrees, ruthenium plating with a hardness of about 750 to 850 HV Each having a melting point of around 2500 degrees can be formed.

さらに、５はコイル状に巻回された鋼や銅合金線製のばね、６はケース１上面の開口部を覆う金属または絶縁樹脂製のカバーで、ばね５が作動体３下面とケース１の底面との間にやや撓んだ状態で装着されて、作動体３を上方に付勢すると共に、この作動体３先端がカバー６中央の中空筒部６Ａから上方へ突出して、スイッチ２０が構成されている。 Furthermore, 5 is a spring made of steel or copper alloy wire wound in a coil shape, 6 is a metal or insulating resin cover that covers the opening on the upper surface of the case 1, and the spring 5 is provided on the lower surface of the operating body 3 and the case 1. The switch 20 is configured to be mounted in a slightly bent state between the bottom surface and urge the operating body 3 upward, and the tip of the operating body 3 protrudes upward from the hollow cylinder portion 6A in the center of the cover 6. Has been.

そして、このように構成されたスイッチ２０が、図５の側面図に示すように、一般に自動車のブレーキペダル２１の手前に、アーム２１Ａによって作動体３の先端が押圧された状態で装着されると共に、ケース１底面から突出した固定接点１２の端子部１２Ａが、コネクタ２２やリード線等によって車両のストップランプや電子回路（図示せず）に接続される。 Then, as shown in the side view of FIG. 5, the switch 20 configured as described above is generally mounted in front of the brake pedal 21 of the automobile in a state where the tip of the operating body 3 is pressed by the arm 21A. The terminal portion 12A of the fixed contact 12 protruding from the bottom surface of the case 1 is connected to a vehicle stop lamp or an electronic circuit (not shown) by a connector 22 or a lead wire.

つまり、ブレーキペダルが踏み込まれていない状態では、作動体３がばね５を撓めながら下方へ押圧操作されると共に、可動接点１４の接点部１４Ｂが固定接点１２側面から離れ、左右の固定接点１２が電気的に切断された状態となっているため、ストップランプは消灯している。 That is, when the brake pedal is not depressed, the operating body 3 is pressed downward while bending the spring 5, and the contact portion 14 B of the movable contact 14 is separated from the side surface of the fixed contact 12, and the left and right fixed contacts 12. Is in an electrically disconnected state, so the stop lamp is turned off.

そして、ブレーキペダル２１が踏み込まれると、アーム２１Ａが作動体３先端から離れ押圧力が除かれるため、図１に示したように、ばね５の弾性復帰力によって作動体３が上方へ移動すると共に、可動接点１４の接点部１４Ｂが固定接点１２側面に弾接して接触し、左右の固定接点１２が可動接点１４を介して電気的に接続された状態となり、ストップランプが点灯するように構成されている。 When the brake pedal 21 is depressed, the arm 21A is separated from the tip of the operating body 3 and the pressing force is removed, so that the operating body 3 is moved upward by the elastic return force of the spring 5 as shown in FIG. The contact portion 14B of the movable contact 14 is in elastic contact with the side surface of the fixed contact 12, and the left and right fixed contacts 12 are electrically connected via the movable contact 14, and the stop lamp is lit. ing.

なお、この時、図４（ａ）の部分側面図に示すように、可動接点１４の接点部１４Ｂが固定接点１２側面から離れた状態から、作動体３がばね５の弾性復帰力によって上方へ移動すると、先ず図４（ｂ）に示すように、固定接点１２下端に可動接点１４のアーム部１４Ａ下端が弾接して接触する。 At this time, as shown in the partial side view of FIG. 4A, the operating body 3 is moved upward by the elastic return force of the spring 5 from the state where the contact portion 14 B of the movable contact 14 is separated from the side surface of the fixed contact 12. 4B, first, the lower end of the arm portion 14A of the movable contact 14 is brought into elastic contact with the lower end of the fixed contact 12, as shown in FIG.

そして、この後、作動体３の上方への移動に伴って、図４（ｃ）に示すように、アーム部１４Ａではなく接点部１４Ｂが固定接点１２側面に接触し、この接点部１４Ｂが固定接点１２側面を弾接摺動して、図１の状態に復帰する。 Then, with the upward movement of the operating body 3, as shown in FIG. 4C, not the arm portion 14A but the contact portion 14B comes into contact with the side surface of the fixed contact 12, and the contact portion 14B is fixed. The side surface of the contact 12 is elastically slid to return to the state shown in FIG.

また、作動体３が下方へ押圧操作され、可動接点１４が固定接点１２から離れる際にも、同様に、先ず接点部１４Ｂが固定接点１２下端から離れた後、固定接点１２下端に弾接したアーム部１４Ａ下端も離れて、左右の固定接点１２が電気的に切断された状態となる。 Similarly, when the operating body 3 is pressed downward and the movable contact 14 is separated from the fixed contact 12, the contact portion 14B is first elastically contacted with the lower end of the fixed contact 12 after first moving away from the lower end of the fixed contact 12. The lower end of the arm portion 14A is also separated, and the left and right fixed contacts 12 are electrically disconnected.

つまり、作動体３が下方へ押圧された状態では、可動接点１４が固定接点１２から離れて間に空隙が形成されると共に、可動接点１４が固定接点１２に接離した直後は、アーム部１４Ａ下端が固定接点１２下端に、作動体３が上方へ復帰した状態では、接点部１４Ｂが固定接点１２側面に各々弾接するというように、作動体３の移動に伴って、可動接点１４と固定接点１２が異なる箇所で接触するように構成されている。 That is, in a state where the operating body 3 is pressed downward, a gap is formed between the movable contact 14 and the fixed contact 12, and the arm portion 14 A is immediately after the movable contact 14 contacts and separates from the fixed contact 12. In a state where the lower end is at the lower end of the fixed contact 12 and the operating body 3 is returned upward, the movable contact 14 and the fixed contact are moved along with the movement of the operating body 3 such that the contact portions 14B elastically contact the side surfaces of the fixed contact 12 respectively. 12 is comprised so that it may contact in a different location.

すなわち、可動接点１４と固定接点１２の開離時には、これらの間に空隙が形成され、この空隙によって接点間の絶縁を確実に確保することができると共に、可動接点１４と固定接点１２の接離時には、これらの接触箇所が変わることによって、周囲の塵埃や湿気等が多少スイッチ内へ侵入した場合でも、確実で安定した電気的接離が行えるようになっている。 That is, when the movable contact 14 and the fixed contact 12 are separated from each other, a gap is formed between the movable contact 14 and the fixed contact 12, and insulation between the contacts can be reliably ensured by the gap, and the movable contact 14 and the fixed contact 12 can be separated from each other. In some cases, these contact points change so that reliable and stable electrical contact and separation can be performed even when surrounding dust, moisture, or the like slightly enters the switch.

また、このようにスイッチ２０が操作されてストップランプが消点灯する際には、ストップランプに発光ダイオード等が使用されている場合、固定接点１２と可動接点１４の間には、ＤＣ１２〜１４Ｖで３０〜１００ｍＡ前後の電圧電流が通電され、さらに、可動接点１４が固定接点１２に接離する際には、瞬間的ではあるが２Ａ前後の、いわゆる突入電流が流れ、この電流によって固定接点１２と可動接点１４の接触部表面が溶融し、焼損や１〜１０μｍ前後の微細な炭化物が発生する。 Further, when the stop lamp is turned off by operating the switch 20 in this way, when a light emitting diode or the like is used for the stop lamp, the DC voltage of 12 to 14 V is provided between the fixed contact 12 and the movable contact 14. When a voltage current of about 30 to 100 mA is applied, and the movable contact 14 contacts and separates from the fixed contact 12, a so-called inrush current of about 2 A instantaneously flows. The contact portion surface of the movable contact 14 is melted, and burnout and fine carbide of about 1 to 10 μm are generated.

さらに、このようなスイッチ２０の、可動接点１４の接点部１４Ｂの固定接点１２への弾接力、いわゆる接点圧力は通常０．１〜１Ｎ前後に設定されているため、接点部１４Ｂが固定接点１２表面を弾接摺動する際には、この圧力によって固定接点１２と可動接点１４の表面に機械的な磨耗が生じる。 Further, since the elastic force of the switch 20 to the fixed contact 12 of the contact portion 14B of the movable contact 14, that is, the so-called contact pressure is usually set to about 0.1 to 1N, the contact portion 14B is fixed to the fixed contact 12. When elastically sliding on the surface, this pressure causes mechanical wear on the surfaces of the fixed contact 12 and the movable contact 14.

そして、上記のような押圧操作が長期間繰返された場合には、こうした固定接点１２や可動接点１４表面の焼損や磨耗が進行し、微細な炭化物や磨耗粉等が接点表面に付着するが、これらの炭化物や磨耗粉等は、可動接点１４の接点部１４Ｂの弾接摺動によって、固定接点１２下端部に設けられた複数の凹部１２Ｂに溜まるようになっている。 And when the above pressing operation is repeated for a long period of time, burnout and wear of the surface of the fixed contact 12 and the movable contact 14 proceed, and fine carbides, abrasion powder, etc. adhere to the contact surface. These carbides, wear powder, and the like are accumulated in a plurality of concave portions 12B provided at the lower end portion of the fixed contact 12 by elastic contact sliding of the contact portion 14B of the movable contact 14.

つまり、例えば図４（ｂ）に示す、固定接点１２下端に可動接点１４のアーム部１４Ａ下端が弾接した状態で、突入電流が流れ微細な炭化物が生じたとしても、図４（ｃ）に示すような、可動接点１４の接点部１４Ｂの上方への弾接摺動によって、この炭化物は上方へ移動し、複数の凹部１２Ｂ内に溜まる。 That is, for example, even if an inrush current flows and fine carbide is generated in a state where the lower end of the arm portion 14A of the movable contact 14 is in elastic contact with the lower end of the fixed contact 12 shown in FIG. As shown in the drawing, the carbide moves upward by the elastic contact sliding of the contact portion 14B of the movable contact 14, and accumulates in the plurality of recesses 12B.

また、図４（ｃ）に示す状態から図４（ｂ）に示す状態へ、可動接点１４が弾接摺動した際に生じた磨耗粉も、同様に、接点部１４Ｂによって移動し、複数の凹部１２Ｂ内に溜まるようになっている。 In addition, the wear powder generated when the movable contact 14 slides elastically from the state shown in FIG. 4C to the state shown in FIG. It accumulates in the recess 12B.

すなわち、長期間スイッチ２０の操作が繰返され、固定接点１２や可動接点１４の焼損や磨耗が進行して、微細な炭化物や磨耗粉等が発生した場合でも、これらは複数の凹部１２Ｂ内に溜まり、接点表面には付着しないため、固定接点１２と可動接点１４の接触面が平坦に保たれ、安定した電気的接離を行うことができるように構成されている。 That is, even when the operation of the switch 20 is repeated for a long period of time, and the burnout and wear of the fixed contact 12 and the movable contact 14 progress and fine carbides, wear powder, etc. are generated, these accumulate in the plurality of recesses 12B. Since it does not adhere to the contact surface, the contact surface of the fixed contact 12 and the movable contact 14 is kept flat, and stable electrical contact / separation can be performed.

さらに、固定接点１２と可動接点１４の表面には、ニッケルやパラジウム、ロジウム、ルテニウム等によって、融点の高い硬質めっき層が形成されているため、突入電流の熱によるめっき層の溶融や焼損が生じづらくなると共に、可動接点１４の弾接摺動による表面のめっき層の機械的磨耗も生じづらいように形成されている。 Furthermore, since a hard plating layer having a high melting point is formed on the surfaces of the fixed contact 12 and the movable contact 14 by nickel, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, or the like, the plating layer is melted or burnt out due to the heat of inrush current. It is formed so that it becomes difficult to cause mechanical wear of the plating layer on the surface due to the elastic contact sliding of the movable contact 14.

また、このような硬質めっき層を固定接点１２と可動接点１４の表面に形成することによって、めっき層の厚さを薄いものとしても、めっき層の焼損や磨耗を防止できると共に、硬質めっき層を厚さ０．１〜１μｍに形成することによって、銀等に比べて電気伝導度のやや劣るニッケルやパラジウム、ロジウム、ルテニウム等を用いても、電気伝導度５〜１０μΩ／ｃｍ前後の良好な電気伝導性が得られ、固定接点１２と可動接点１４の安定した電気的接続を行うことができるようになっている。 Further, by forming such a hard plating layer on the surfaces of the fixed contact 12 and the movable contact 14, it is possible to prevent the plating layer from being burned out and worn, even if the thickness of the plating layer is thin. By forming to a thickness of 0.1 to 1 μm, even if nickel, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, etc., whose electrical conductivity is slightly inferior to silver or the like, good electrical conductivity of about 5 to 10 μΩ / cm is obtained. Conductivity is obtained, and stable electrical connection between the fixed contact 12 and the movable contact 14 can be performed.

なお、上述したように、電解あるいは無電解ニッケルめっき、ニッケル／パラジウム合金めっき、ロジウムめっき、ルテニウムめっき等によって、厚さ０．１〜１μｍ前後の硬質めっき層を形成することが可能であるが、より良好な電気伝導度を得るには、硬質めっき層を厚さ０．１〜０．３μｍ程度に形成することが好ましい。 As described above, a hard plating layer having a thickness of about 0.1 to 1 μm can be formed by electrolytic or electroless nickel plating, nickel / palladium alloy plating, rhodium plating, ruthenium plating, etc. In order to obtain better electrical conductivity, it is preferable to form the hard plating layer with a thickness of about 0.1 to 0.3 μm.

さらに、以上の説明では、固定接点１２と可動接点１４の素地上に、硬質めっき層を直接形成した構成について説明したが、素地と硬質めっき層の間にニッケルや銅等の下地めっき層を形成することによって、めっき層の硬度をより高くすることができる。 Further, in the above description, the configuration in which the hard plating layer is directly formed on the base of the fixed contact 12 and the movable contact 14 has been described. However, a base plating layer such as nickel or copper is formed between the base and the hard plating layer. By doing, the hardness of a plating layer can be made higher.

なお、以上の説明では、固定接点１２の下端部に、略矩形状の複数の凹部１２Ｂを形成した構成について説明したが、図３（ｂ）に示すように、略溝状の複数の凹部１２Ｃを形成したものや、あるいは切り込みを設けたもの等、様々な形状の凹部を用いても、本発明の実施は可能である。 In the above description, the configuration in which the plurality of substantially rectangular recesses 12B are formed at the lower end of the fixed contact 12 has been described. However, as shown in FIG. The present invention can also be carried out using concave portions having various shapes such as those formed with, or those provided with cuts.

また、凹部１２Ｂや１２Ｃを固定接点１２の下端部ではなく、可動接点１４端部の接点部１４Ｂに設けた構成や、あるいは固定接点１２と可動接点１４端部の両方に凹部を設けた構成としてもよい。 In addition, a configuration in which the recesses 12B and 12C are provided in the contact portion 14B at the end of the movable contact 14 instead of the lower end portion of the fixed contact 12, or a configuration in which a recess is provided in both the fixed contact 12 and the end of the movable contact 14 is provided. Also good.

このように本実施の形態によれば、略箱型のケース１の内側壁に植設された固定接点１２、または作動体３に保持され端部が固定接点１２に弾接した可動接点１４の少なくとも一方の端部に、複数の凹部１２Ｂを設けることによって、長期間スイッチ２０の操作が繰返され、固定接点１２や可動接点１４の焼損や磨耗が進行して、微細な炭化物や磨耗粉等が発生した場合でも、これらが複数の凹部１２Ｂに溜まり、接点表面には付着しないため、固定接点１２と可動接点１４の安定した接触を行うことができ、確実な電気的接離が可能なスイッチを得ることができるものである。 As described above, according to the present embodiment, the fixed contact 12 planted on the inner wall of the substantially box-shaped case 1 or the movable contact 14 held by the operating body 3 and having the end portion elastically contacted with the fixed contact 12. By providing a plurality of recesses 12B at at least one end, the operation of the switch 20 is repeated for a long period of time, and the fixed contact 12 and the movable contact 14 are burned out and worn, resulting in fine carbides, abrasion powder, and the like. Even if it occurs, since these remain in the plurality of recesses 12B and do not adhere to the contact surface, a stable contact between the fixed contact 12 and the movable contact 14 can be performed, and a switch capable of reliable electrical contact and separation is provided. It can be obtained.

本発明によるスイッチは、簡易な構成で、確実な電気的接離が可能なものを得ることができ、主に自動車のストップランプの消点灯制御用として有用である。 The switch according to the present invention can be obtained with a simple configuration and capable of reliable electrical contact and separation, and is useful mainly for extinction control of a stop lamp of an automobile.

本発明の一実施の形態によるスイッチの断面図Sectional drawing of the switch by one embodiment of this invention 同分解斜視図Exploded perspective view 同固定接点の斜視図Perspective view of the fixed contact 同操作時の部分側面図Partial side view during operation ブレーキペダルの側面図Brake pedal side view 従来のスイッチの断面図Cross section of conventional switch

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１ケース
３作動体
５ばね
６カバー
６Ａ中空筒部
１２固定接点
１２Ａ端子部
１２Ｂ、１２Ｃ凹部
１４可動接点
１４Ａアーム部
１４Ｂ接点部
２０スイッチ
２１ブレーキペダル
２１Ａアーム
２２コネクタ DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Case 3 Actuator 5 Spring 6 Cover 6A Hollow cylinder part 12 Fixed contact 12A Terminal part 12B, 12C Concave part 14 Movable contact 14A Arm part 14B Contact part 20 Switch 21 Brake pedal 21A Arm 22 Connector

Claims

略箱型のケースと、このケースの内側壁に植設された固定接点と、上記ケース内に上下動可能に収納された作動体と、この作動体に保持され端部が上記固定接点に弾接した可動接点からなり、上記固定接点または可動接点の少なくとも一方の端部に複数の凹部を形成したスイッチ。 A substantially box-shaped case, a fixed contact planted on the inner wall of the case, an actuating body accommodated in the case so as to be movable up and down, and an end portion held by the actuating body being elastic to the fixed contact. A switch comprising a movable contact that is in contact, and having a plurality of recesses formed at least one end of the fixed contact or the movable contact.

固定接点及び可動接点の表面に、ニッケルまたはパラジウム、ロジウム、ルテニウムの少なくとも一つから形成された硬質めっき層を設けた請求項１記載のスイッチ。 The switch according to claim 1, wherein a hard plating layer formed of at least one of nickel, palladium, rhodium, and ruthenium is provided on the surfaces of the fixed contact and the movable contact.