JP4845679B2 - Switch device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a switch device, and more particularly to a switch device that controls the electrical continuity of a power source and a load following the swing of a pedal arm.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a switch device that controls electrical conduction between a power source (for example, a battery or an alternator) and a brake lamp in accordance with the swing of a pedal arm that is linked to a brake pedal is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). .

  The switch device includes a coupler that does not follow the swing of the pedal arm and a push rod that follows the swing of the pedal arm. In this switch device, when the push rod moves relative to the coupler, the contact that moves in accordance with the movement of the push rod contacts and separates from the contact provided on the coupler terminal fixed to the coupler, Control electrical continuity.

  FIG. 7 is a process diagram showing recovery of electrical continuity in a conventional switch device.

In the conventional switch device, the contact surfaces of the contacts 71 and 72 are relatively smooth, and silicon (Si) particles 73 are floating in the atmosphere in the vicinity of the contacts 71 and 72 (FIG. 7A). . Here, when the contact 71 and the contact 72 approach, a minute arc discharge 74 occurs between the contacts 71 and 72 immediately before the contact of the contact 71 and the contact 72. The minute arc discharge 74 attracts the silicon particles 73 (FIG. 7B). The attracted silicon particles 73 are deposited on the surfaces of the contacts 71 and 72 and are oxidized by Joule heat to form oxide films (SiO ₂ films) 75 and 76 (FIG. 7C). That is, when the minute arc discharge 74 is generated, oxide films 75 and 76 are formed.

  Since the oxide films 75 and 76 are insulating films, the contacts 71 and 72 are insulated (FIG. 7D). However, when the brake lamp is a bulb (bulb), an inrush current 5 to 15 times the rated current flows into the contacts 71 and 72, so that oxide films 75 and 76 are formed on the surfaces of the contacts 71 and 72. However, an arc discharge 77 is generated between the contacts 71 and 72 immediately before the contact between the contact 71 and the contact 72. The arc discharge 77 destroys the oxide films 75 and 76 (FIG. 7E). As a result, the oxide films 75 and 76 are removed from the surfaces of the contacts 71 and 72 (FIG. 7F), and when the contacts 71 and 72 come into contact with each other, the conduction of the power source and the brake lamp is ensured (electricity). Continuity is restored).

  By the way, from the viewpoint of reducing power consumption, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are frequently used as brake lamps. LEDs do not require large currents. Therefore, when the LED is used as a brake lamp, no inrush current flows into the contacts 71 and 72, and the oxide films 75 and 76 are not destroyed. As a result, the continuity between the power source and the brake lamp cannot be ensured, and the brake lamp may not light even when the brake pedal is depressed.

Therefore, in recent years, as a switch device for LED, a switch device in which the surface of each contact is actively roughened to form innumerable uneven portions has been proposed. According to this, the existence probability of the convex part which is not covered with the oxide film can be increased, and even if a certain convex part is covered with the oxide film, the contact between the convex parts which are not covered with the oxide film, the power supply and the brake lamp Can be ensured. Moreover, when the convex parts covered with the oxide film repeat contact with each other, the oxide film is abraded, and electrical conduction is restored.
JP 2004-47122 A

  In recent years, an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) 81, which is a multipurpose vehicle as shown in FIG. 8, has been favored in the market. The SUV 81 often pulls the trailer 82, and the trailer 82 includes a brake lamp 83 as in the SUV 81. As described above, the brake lamp 84 of the SUV 81 uses a lot of LEDs, but the brake lamp 83 of the trailer 82 still uses a lot of valves.

  When the electrical continuity of the power supply (not shown) provided in the brake lamp 84 of the SUV 81, the brake lamp 83 of the trailer 82, and the SUV 81 is controlled by the LED switch device described above, an inrush current flows into each contact point. The inrush current melts innumerable irregularities formed on the surface of each contact. As a result, the surface of each contact becomes smooth, and the existence probability of the convex portion not covered with the oxide film becomes almost zero. Thereafter, when the trailer 82 is disconnected from the SUV 81, an inrush current does not flow into each contact, and the oxide film on the surface of each contact is not destroyed. As a result, the brake lamp 84 may not be lit even when the brake pedal is depressed. That is, the reliability regarding the electrical continuity of the switch device is still low.

  The objective of this invention is providing the switch apparatus which can improve the reliability regarding electrical conduction.

In order to achieve the above object, a switch device according to claim 1 is a switch device that includes a base and a moving member that moves relative to the base, and controls electrical continuity between a power source and a load. A first contact set and a second contact set arranged in parallel to each other, the first contact set having two first contacts that can be contacted and separated according to the movement of the moving member, and the second contact The set has two second contacts that can be contacted and separated according to the movement of the moving member, and another moving member different from the moving member, and the other moving member facing the base. A first urging member that urges toward a pedal arm that is linked to a disposed brake pedal; and a second urging member that urges the moving member toward the pedal arm, the other moving member. Is sandwiched between the first biasing member and the moving member, and the first contact One of the second contacts is disposed on the base, one of the second contacts is disposed on the moving member, and the other of the second contacts is disposed on the base. The moving member is a rod-shaped member, and the tip of the rod-shaped moving member protrudes from the base and engages with the pedal arm, and the first contacts contact each other prior to the contact between the second contacts. It is characterized in that contact occurs.

  The switch device according to claim 2 is the switch device according to claim 1, wherein the movement distance of each of the first contacts when the first contacts are in contact with each other is equal to each of the distances when the second contacts are in contact with each other. It is shorter than the moving distance of the second contact.

The switching device according to claim 3, wherein, in the switch device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein, prior Symbol first biasing member biases one of the first contact point to the other of said first contact, said first The two biasing members bias one of the second contacts toward the other of the second contacts.

  The switch device according to claim 4 is the switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one of the second contacts is wiped with respect to the other of the second contacts in the second contact set. It is characterized by performing an operation.

  The switch device according to claim 5 is the switch device according to claim 4, wherein one of the second contacts is arranged at an end of the flexible member, and the flexible member bends after contact between the second contacts. It is characterized by that.

  The switch device according to claim 6 is the switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a material constituting the first contact is different from a material constituting the second contact. .

  The switch device according to claim 7 is the switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a surface roughness of each of the second contacts is larger than a surface roughness of the first contact. To do.

According to the switch device of the first aspect, in the first contact group and the second contact group arranged in parallel electrically, the contact between the first contacts occurs before the contact between the second contacts. Thereby, when the surface of each 1st contact is not covered with the oxide film, while being able to ensure the electrical continuity of a power supply and load by contact between 1st contacts, an arc discharge is generated only between 1st contacts. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the surface of each second contact from being covered with the oxide film. In addition, even if the surface of each first contact is covered with an oxide film, the surface of each second contact is not covered with an oxide film, so the electrical connection between the power source and the load is ensured by the contact between the second contacts. In addition, an arc discharge can be generated only between the second contacts, thereby preventing further formation of an oxide film on the surface of each first contact. At this time, the first contact can wear back the oxide film formed on the surface by repeating the contact, and the electrical continuity can be restored. Therefore, the electrical continuity between the power source and the load can be ensured by the contact between the first contacts or the contact between the second contacts, and the reliability related to the electrical continuity can be improved. In addition, one of the second contacts is arranged on the moving member that is urged toward the pedal arm that is interlocked with the brake pedal and that has the tip engaged with the pedal arm, and the other is sandwiched between the first urging member and the moving member. Since one of the first contacts is arranged on the moving member, one of the second contacts and one of the first contacts move following the swing of the pedal arm. Therefore, it is possible to reliably control the electrical continuity between the power source and each load according to the swing of the pedal arm.

  According to the switch device of claim 2, since the moving distance of each first contact at the time of contact between the first contacts is shorter than the moving distance of each second contact at the time of contact between the second contacts, The contact between the first contacts can be surely generated prior to the contact between the second contacts.

  According to the switch device of claim 3, the first urging member urges one of the first contacts toward the other of the first contact, and the second urging member urges one of the second contacts to the second contact. Therefore, the first contacts and the second contacts can be reliably brought into contact with each other, and the reliability related to electrical continuity can be further improved. Further, in the contact between the first contacts, one of the first contacts can apply a load to the other of the first contacts, thereby reliably wearing the oxide film formed on the surface of each first contact. Can do. Furthermore, in the contact between the second contacts, one of the second contacts can apply a load to the other of the second contacts, thereby reliably wearing the oxide film formed on the surface of each second contact. Can do.

  According to the switch device of the fourth aspect, in the second contact set, since one of the second contacts performs a wiping operation on the other of the second contacts, the oxide film formed on the surface of each second contact It can be worn quickly and electrical continuity can be restored quickly.

  According to the switch device of claim 5, since the flexible member on which one of the second contacts is arranged bends after the contact between the second contacts, one of the second contacts is against the other of the second contacts. The wiping operation can be performed reliably.

  According to the switch device of the sixth aspect, since the material constituting the first contact is different from the material constituting the second contact, the power supply and the electrical load of each load can be appropriately selected in an electric circuit in which a high load and a low load are mixed. Secure continuity.

  According to the switch device according to claim 7, since the surface roughness of each second contact is larger than the surface roughness of the first contact, the existence probability of the convex portion not covered with the oxide film on the surface of each second contact. Therefore, electrical conduction between the power source and each load can be reliably ensured.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, the switch device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a use state of the switch device according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, a vehicle brake switch 10 (switch device) is disposed to face a pedal arm 11. The pedal arm 11 has a brake pedal 12 at one end and a shaft hole 13 at the other end. Since the shaft hole 13 pivotally supports a shaft (not shown) fixed to the vehicle body (not shown), the pedal arm 11 follows the A and B directions of the arrow in the figure according to the pedaling force applied to the brake pedal 12. Swing. The pedal arm 11 includes a push plate 14, and the push plate 14 swings together with the pedal arm 11.

  The brake switch 10 is fixed to the vehicle body via a bracket (not shown) or the like, and includes a case 15, a coupler 16 (base portion) partially fitted to the case 15 by a snap fit, and a guide protruding from the case 15. A push rod 18 (moving member) that moves forward and backward in the cylinder 17 is provided. The push rod 18 is urged toward the pedal arm 11 (push plate 14) by a return spring 19, which will be described later, and its tip protrudes from the guide tube 17 and engages with the push plate 14.

  When the pedal arm 11 swings in the direction indicated by the arrow A in the figure, the push rod 18 protrudes (advances) from the guide cylinder 17, and when the pedal arm 11 swings in the direction indicated by the arrow B in the figure, the push rod. 18 is pushed into the guide tube 17 (retracts).

  FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view for explaining a schematic configuration of the brake switch in FIG. 1.

  In FIG. 2, the brake switch 10 includes a return spring 19 (second urging member), a coupler terminal 20, a first moving contact base 21 (another moving member) in addition to the case 15, the coupler 16, and the push rod 18 described above. ), A contact spring 22 (first urging member) and a second moving contact base 23.

  The return spring 19 and the contact spring 22 are coil springs. The return spring 19 is interposed between the push rod 18 and the coupler 16, and the contact spring 22 is interposed between the first moving contact base 21 and the coupler 16. Since the coupler 16 does not move relative to the vehicle body, the return spring 19 urges the push rod 18 in the direction of the arrow in the figure (the direction of the pedal arm 11), and the contact spring 22 also faces in the direction of the arrow in the figure. The first moving contact base 21 is biased.

  A second moving contact base 23 is fixed to the push rod 18, and the first moving contact base 21 is held between the push rod 18 and the contact spring 22. Accordingly, the first moving contact base 21 and the second moving contact base 23 are interlocked with the push rod 18. Specifically, when the brake pedal 12 is depressed (the pedal arm 11 swings in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1), the first moving contact base 21 and the second moving contact base 23 are in the direction of the arrow in the drawing. 1 and the brake pedal 12 returns (the pedal arm 11 swings in the direction B of the arrow in FIG. 1), the first moving contact base 21 and the second moving contact base 23 are in the direction of the arrow in the figure. Move in the opposite direction.

  The coupler terminal 20 is fixed to the coupler 16 so as to penetrate the coupler 16.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an assembled state of the push rod, the coupler terminal, the first moving contact base, and the second moving contact base in the brake switch of FIG. In FIG. 3, the arrows in the drawing indicate the moving direction of the push rod 18 (hereinafter simply referred to as “moving direction”), and the return spring 19 and the contact spring 22 are not shown.

  In FIG. 3, the coupler terminal 20 has arm portions 20a and 20b formed by bending conductive plate-like members. Since the shape of the arm part 20a and the arm part 20b is symmetrical with respect to the push rod 18, the arm part 20a will be described below. The arm portion 20a includes an L-shaped portion 20c formed of a plate-like member bent in an L shape in plan view, and a retracting direction of the push rod 18 from the L-shaped portion 20c in a stepped manner (hereinafter simply referred to as “retracting direction”). And a projecting portion 20d projecting.

  A first contact 24a (the other of the first contacts) that directs the retracting direction is disposed at the distal end of the projecting portion 20d in the retracting direction, and the L-shaped bottom portion of the L-shaped portion 20c directs the retracting direction. Two contacts 25a (the other of the second contacts) are arranged. In addition, the 1st contact 24a and the 2nd contact 25a protrude in the shape of a hill from the protrusion part 20d and the L-shaped part 20c, respectively.

  Since the arm portion 20a is composed of a plate-like member having a sufficient thickness, the L-shaped portion 20c and the protruding portion 20d hardly bend even when a load is applied from the outside, and as described above, the coupler Since the terminal 20 is fixed with respect to the coupler 16, the first contact 24 a and the second contact 25 a hardly move with respect to the coupler 16.

  The second moving contact base 23 fixed to the push rod 18 has a contact substrate 26 (flexible member) made of a conductive plate member. The contact substrate 26 is formed of a thin plate-like member and extends perpendicular to the moving direction. The central portion of the contact substrate 26 is fixed to the push rod 18, and both end portions of the contact substrate 26 constitute free ends. A second contact 25b (one of the second contacts) that is directed in the advancing direction is disposed at each of both ends of the contact substrate 26.

  The second moving contact base portion 23 is disposed so as to be surrounded by the arm portions 20 a and 20 b of the coupler terminal 20. At this time, the second contact 25a disposed on the L-shaped portion 20c of the arm portion 20a and the second contact 25b disposed on the free end of the contact substrate 26 corresponding to the arm portion 20a face each other, and the arm portion 20b. The second contact 25a disposed on the L-shaped portion 20c and the second contact 25b disposed on the free end of the contact substrate 26 corresponding to the arm portion 20b face each other. The second contacts 25a and 25b facing each other constitute a second contact set.

  The first moving contact base 21 has a contact base 27 made of a conductive plate member. The contact base 27 is composed of a plate-like member having a sufficient thickness, and is arranged perpendicular to the moving direction. The central portion of the contact base 27 is sandwiched between the end of the push rod 18 in the retracting direction and the end of the contact spring 22 in the moving direction. In addition, a first contact 24 b (one of the first contacts) oriented in the advancing direction is disposed at each of both ends of the contact base 27.

  The first moving contact base 21 is also disposed so as to be surrounded by the arm portions 20 a and 20 b of the coupler terminal 20. At this time, the first contact 24a disposed on the projecting portion 20d of the arm portion 20a and the first contact 24b disposed on the end portion of the contact base 27 corresponding to the arm portion 20a are opposed to each other. The first contact 24a disposed on the projecting portion 20d and the first contact 24b disposed on the end portion of the contact base 27 corresponding to the arm portion 20b face each other. The first contacts 24a and 24b facing each other constitute a first contact set.

  In the brake switch 10, the contact spring 22 urges the first moving contact base 21 in the advancing direction, and the return spring 19 urges the second moving contact base 23 in the advancing direction. The first contact 24a is urged toward the first contact 24a, and the second contact 25b is urged toward the second contact 25a.

  Further, since the first moving contact base 21 and the second moving contact base 23 move together with the push rod 18, when the push rod 18 moves in the advancing direction, the first contact 24b approaches toward the first contact 24a. Eventually, the second contact 25b approaches and approaches the second contact 25a. On the other hand, when the push rod 18 moves in the retracting direction, the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b are separated from each other, and the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b are also separated from each other. That is, in the first contact set, the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b can be contacted / separated, and in the second contact set, the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b can be contacted / separated.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the distance between the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b is shorter than the distance between the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b. Accordingly, the moving distance of the first contact 24b when the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b are contacted is shorter than the moving distance of the second contact 25b when the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b are contacted. Here, as described above, since the first moving contact base 21 and the second moving contact base 23 move together with the push rod 18, the moving speeds of the first moving contact base 21 and the second moving contact base 23 are the same. As a result, the contact of the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b occurs prior to the contact of the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b.

  In the brake switch 10, the first moving contact base 21 and the push rod 18 are not joined to each other. Therefore, when the push rod 18 moves in the advancing direction after the contact of the first contact 24 a and the first contact 24 b, the push rod 18 Separated from the first moving contact base 21. Further, even after separation from the push rod 18, the first moving contact base 21 is loaded with a pressing force from the contact spring 22, but the contact base 27 of the first moving contact base 21 has a sufficient thickness. The contact base 27 does not bend because it is formed of a shaped member. As a result, the first contact 24b does not slide relative to the first contact 24a, specifically, no wiping operation is performed.

  On the other hand, since the second moving contact base 23 is fixed to the push rod 18, if the push rod 18 moves in the advancing direction after the contact of the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b, the second moving contact base 23 A load in the advancing direction is applied to the center portion of the contact substrate 26, and a bending moment acts on the contact substrate 26. Here, since the contact substrate 26 is formed of a thin plate-like member, the contact substrate 26 bends with both free ends as fulcrums. As a result, the second contact 25b slides relative to the second contact 25a, specifically, a wiping operation is performed.

  The material constituting the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b is the same as the material constituting the contact in the conventional switch device (hereinafter referred to as “conventional material”), for example, an alloy of silver and copper. As a material constituting the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b, a material whose silver content is improved as compared with the conventional material is used.

  Furthermore, the surface roughness of the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b is larger than the surface roughness of the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b, and the surface of the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b has innumerable irregularities ( (Not shown) is formed.

  FIG. 4 is an electric circuit diagram to which the brake switch in FIG. 1 is applied.

  In FIG. 4, a brake lamp switch circuit 40 includes a power source 41, a ground 42, a first contact 24a and a second contact 25a that are electrically connected to each other and connected to the power source 41 (hereinafter referred to as “power side” respectively). First contact 24a "and" power supply side second contact 25a "), and first contact 24a and second contact 25a (hereinafter referred to as" earth side ") that are electrically connected to each other and connected to ground 42, respectively. First contact 24a "and" earth side second contact 25a "), and electrically connected to each other and two first contacts 24b respectively corresponding to each first contact 24a and Two second contacts 25b corresponding to the respective second contacts 25a are provided. Hereinafter, the first contact 24b corresponding to the power supply side first contact 24a is referred to as “power supply side first contact 24b”, and the second contact 25b corresponding to the power supply side second contact 25a is referred to as “power supply side second contact 25b”. The first contact 24b corresponding to the ground side first contact 24a is referred to as "earth side first contact 24b", and the second contact 25b corresponding to the ground side second contact 25a is referred to as "earth side second contact 25b". ".

  Further, the brake lamp switch circuit 40 includes a brake lamp LED 43 in a vehicle as a low load and a brake lamp valve 44 in a trailer as a high load. The LED 43 and the bulb 44 are arranged between the power source 41 and the power source side first contact 24a (power source side second contact 25a) and are electrically connected to both of them. Further, the LED 43 and the bulb 44 are electrically arranged in parallel.

  In the brake lamp switch circuit 40, when the power supply side first contact 24a and the power supply side first contact 24b are electrically connected and the ground side first contact 24a and the ground side first contact 24b are electrically connected, or When the power supply side second contact 25a and the power supply side second contact 25b are electrically connected and the ground side second contact 25a and the ground side second contact 25b are electrically connected, a current flows through the LED 43 and the valve 44. LED 43 and bulb 44 are turned on.

  On the other hand, when the power supply side first contact 24a and the power supply side first contact 24b are not electrically connected, or the ground side first contact 24a and the ground side first contact 24b are not electrically connected, the power supply side When the second contact 25a and the power supply side second contact 25b are not electrically connected, or when the ground side second contact 25a and the ground side second contact 25b are not electrically connected, current is supplied to the LED 43 and the valve 44. There is no flow and the LED 43 and the bulb 44 are not lit.

  When the vehicle pulls the trailer, the brake lamp switch circuit 40 has the LED 43 and the bulb 44 as described above. However, when the vehicle does not pull the trailer, the brake lamp switch circuit 40 has only the LED 43.

  Next, the switching operation of the brake switch 10 will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a process diagram showing a switching operation of the brake switch in FIG.

  In FIG. 5, when the brake pedal 12 is not depressed and the pedal arm 11 swings in the direction indicated by the arrow B in FIG. 1, the push rod 18 moves backward. At this time, the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b are separated, and the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b are also separated (FIG. 5A).

  When the brake pedal 12 is depressed, the pedal arm 11 swings in the direction indicated by the arrow A in FIG. 1, and the push rod 18 moves forward, first, the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b come into contact (FIG. 5). (B)). Thereafter, when the push rod 18 continues to advance, the first moving contact base 21 is separated from the push rod 18. At this time, since the first moving contact base 21 is urged in the advance direction by the contact spring 22, the contact of the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b is maintained.

  When the push rod 18 further moves, the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b come into contact with each other (FIG. 5C). Thereafter, when the push rod 18 continues to advance, the contact substrate 26 of the second moving contact base 23 bends with both free ends as fulcrums, and the second contact 25b performs a wiping operation on the second contact 25a (FIG. 5 (D)).

  Next, when the brake pedal 12 returns and the pedal arm 11 swings in the direction indicated by the arrow B in FIG. 1, the push rod 18 moves backward. At this time, the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b are separated first (FIG. 5E), and then the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b are separated (FIG. 5A).

  The brake switch 10 as the switch device according to the present embodiment includes a contact between the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b that occurs prior to the contact between the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b, and the second contact 25b. Electrical continuity, which will be described later, is secured by using a wiping operation for the two contacts 25a.

Hereinafter, securing of electrical continuity performed by the brake switch 10 will be described in several cases.
1. In the case where the vehicle does not pull the trailer In this case, the load on the brake lamp switch circuit 40 is only the LED 43. Although arc discharge occurs, arc discharge that destroys the oxide film does not occur. Since the form of ensuring electrical continuity varies depending on the contact on which the oxide film is formed, the case will be described below separately.
1-1. Case in which no oxide film is formed on any surface of the first contact 24a, the first contact 24b, the second contact 25a, and the second contact 25b The first contact prior to the contact of the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b Since the contact between the first contact 24b and the first contact 24b occurs, electrical conduction is ensured by the contact between the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b. At this time, a minute arc discharge occurs between the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b, and an oxide film is formed on the surfaces of the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b. Since minute arc discharge does not occur between the two contacts 25b, no oxide film is formed on the surfaces of the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b.
1-2. Case where oxide film is formed on surfaces of first contact 24a and first contact 24b Here, as described in case 1-1, an oxide film is formed on the surface of second contact 25a and second contact 25b. Therefore, electrical continuity is ensured by the contact of the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b. At this time, a minute arc discharge occurs between the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b, and an oxide film is formed on the surfaces of the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b. Since minute arc discharge does not occur between the one contact 24b, no further oxide film is formed on the surfaces of the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b. The oxide film formed on the surfaces of the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b is worn and removed by repeated contact of the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b. At this time, since the urging force from the contact spring 22 is applied to the first contact 24b, the first contact 24b applies a load to the first contact 24a. This promotes wear of the oxide film.
1-3. Case where oxide film is formed on surfaces of second contact 25a and second contact 25b Here, as described in case 1-2, the oxide film is removed from the surfaces of first contact 24a and first contact 24b. Therefore, electrical conduction is ensured by the contact of the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b (recovery of electrical conduction). At this time, a minute arc discharge occurs between the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b, and an oxide film is formed on the surfaces of the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b. Since the minute arc discharge does not occur between the two contacts 25b, no further oxide film is formed on the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b.

  Further, since the contact of the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b occurs prior to the contact of the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b, the contact time of the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b is short. Since the contact 25b performs a wiping operation on the second contact 25a, the oxide film formed on the surfaces of the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b is quickly worn and removed by the wiping operation. At this time, since the urging force from the return spring 19 is applied to the second contact 25b, the second contact 25b applies a load to the second contact 25a. This promotes wear of the oxide film.

  After that, even if an oxide film is formed on the surfaces of the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b, only the transition to the case 1-2 described above is made, so that electrical continuity is ensured.

  As described above, when the vehicle does not pull the trailer, electrical continuity is ensured in any case.

In any case, since the separation of the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b occurs prior to the separation of the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b, the separation between the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b occurs. It is difficult to generate a minute arc discharge. Thereby, it can suppress that an oxide film is further formed in the surface of the 2nd contact 25a and the 2nd contact 25b.
2. When the vehicle pulls the trailer In this case, since the load in the brake lamp switch circuit 40 is the LED 43 and the valve 44, the inrush current flows through the brake lamp switch circuit 40, and between the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b, An arc discharge that destroys the oxide film may occur between the two contacts 25a and the second contact 25b. Also in this case, since the form of ensuring electrical continuity differs depending on the contact on which the oxide film is formed, the case will be described separately below.
2-1. Case in which no oxide film is formed on any surface of the first contact 24a, the first contact 24b, the second contact 25a, and the second contact 25b The first contact prior to the contact of the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b Since the contact between the first contact 24b and the first contact 24b occurs, electrical conduction is ensured by the contact between the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b. At this time, since arc discharge occurs between the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b, even if an oxide film is formed on the surfaces of the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b, the oxide film is immediately destroyed. Often removed. Further, since no arc discharge occurs between the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b, no oxide film is formed on the surfaces of the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b.
2-2. Case in which oxide film is formed on surfaces of first contact 24a and first contact 24b Oxide films may be rarely formed on the surface of first contact 24a and first contact 24b. However, in this case, as described in the case 2-1, since the oxide film is not formed on the surface of the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b, the contact between the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b Electrical continuity is ensured. At this time, arc discharge may occur between the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b, and an oxide film may be formed on the surfaces of the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b. Since no arc discharge occurs between 24a and the first contact 24b, no further oxide film is formed on the surfaces of the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b. The oxide film formed on the surfaces of the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b is worn and removed by repeated contact of the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b.
2-3. Case in which an oxide film is formed on the surfaces of the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b This case occurs rarely. In this case, as described in the case 2-2, since the oxide film is removed from the surfaces of the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b, the electrical contact is caused by the contact of the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b. Continuity is ensured. At this time, even if an arc discharge occurs between the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b and an oxide film is formed on the surfaces of the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b, the oxide film is immediately destroyed. Often removed. Further, since no arc discharge occurs between the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b, no further oxide film is formed on the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b.

  Further, since the second contact 25b performs a wiping operation on the second contact 25a, the oxide film formed on the surfaces of the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b is worn and removed by the wiping operation.

  Thereafter, even if an oxide film is formed on the surfaces of the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b, only the transition to the case 2-2 described above is made, so that electrical conduction is ensured.

  As described above, when the vehicle pulls the trailer, electrical continuity is ensured in any case.

In any case, since the separation of the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b occurs prior to the separation of the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b, the separation between the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b occurs. Arc discharge is less likely to occur. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the innumerable uneven portions formed on the surfaces of the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b from being melted by arc discharge.
3. When the trailer is separated after the vehicle pulls the trailer In this case, at the timing when the vehicle separates the trailer, an oxide film is formed on the surfaces of the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b, and the second A case where an oxide film is formed on the surfaces of the contact 25a and the second contact 25b is considered. However, since the former case is the same as the 1-1 case and the latter case is the same as the 1-2 case, electrical continuity is ensured as described above.

  Therefore, when the trailer is disconnected after the vehicle pulls the trailer, electrical continuity is ensured in any case.

Further, as described above, the formation of an oxide film on the surfaces of the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b is suppressed when the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b are separated.
4). When the vehicle does not tow the trailer and the brake lamp of the vehicle is a bulb There are still vehicles that use the bulb as a brake ramp from the viewpoint of cost reduction. In this case, since the inrush current flows through the brake lamp switch circuit 40 even if the vehicle does not pull the trailer, electrical continuity is ensured in the same form as when the vehicle pulls the trailer. Therefore, even when the vehicle does not pull the trailer and the brake lamp of the vehicle is a bulb, electrical continuity is ensured in any case.

  According to the brake switch 10 as the switch device according to the present embodiment, as described above, in either case, the contact of the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b or the contact of the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b. Thus, electrical continuity between the power supply 41 and the load (LED 43, valve 44) can be secured, and the reliability related to electrical continuity can be improved.

  In the brake switch 10 described above, the movement distance of the first contact 24b when the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b are in contact is the movement distance of the second contact 25b when the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b are contacted. Shorter than distance. Therefore, the contact of the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b can be surely generated prior to the contact of the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b.

  In the brake switch 10 described above, the contact spring 22 biases the first contact 24b toward the first contact 24a, and the return spring 19 biases the second contact 25b toward the second contact 25a. The first contact 24a, the first contact 24b, the second contact 25a, and the second contact 25b can be reliably brought into contact with each other, and the reliability related to electrical conduction can be further improved.

  Furthermore, in the brake switch 10 described above, the first contact 24b can apply a load to the first contact 24a in the contact between the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b due to the urging force from the contact spring 22. The oxide films formed on the surfaces of the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b can be worn reliably. Further, due to the urging force from the return spring 19, the second contact 25b can apply a load to the second contact 25a in the contact of the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b, whereby the second contact 25a and the second contact 25a can be loaded. The oxide film formed on the surface of the two contact points 25b can be reliably abraded to restore electrical continuity.

  Furthermore, in the brake switch 10 described above, in the second contact set, the contact substrate 26 bends after the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b are contacted, so the second contact 25b is wiped with respect to the second contact 25a. Make sure it works. Therefore, the oxide film formed on the surfaces of the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b can be quickly worn, and the electrical continuity can be quickly recovered.

  In the brake switch 10, the material constituting the first contact 24a and the first contact 24b is a conventional material, and the material constituting the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b has a higher silver content than the conventional material. For example, by setting the first contact set for a high load (valve 44) and setting the second contact set for a low load (LED 43), for example, a high load (valve 44) and a low load are set. In the brake lamp switch circuit 40 in which the load (LED 43) is mixed, it is possible to appropriately ensure the electrical continuity between the power source 41 and each load.

  Further, in the brake switch 10, the surface roughness of the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b is larger than the surface roughness of the first contact, and innumerable irregularities are formed on the surfaces of the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b. Therefore, it is possible to increase the existence probability of the convex portions that are not covered with the oxide film on the surfaces of the second contact 25a and the second contact 25b, so that the electric power of the power supply 41 and each load (LED 43, bulb 44) can be increased. Conductivity can be reliably ensured.

  Further, in the brake switch 10, the second contact point is connected to the second moving contact base 23 fixed to the push rod 18 that is urged toward the pedal arm 11 that is interlocked with the brake pedal 12 and that engages the pedal arm 11. Since the first contact 24b is disposed on the first moving contact base 21 sandwiched between the contact spring 22 and the push rod 18, the second contact 25b and the first contact 24b follow the swing of the pedal arm 11. Then move. Therefore, it is possible to reliably control the electrical continuity between the power supply 41 and each load (LED 43, valve 44) according to the swing of the pedal arm 11.

  In the brake switch 10 described above, the wiping operation is performed only in the second contact group. However, the brake switch 10 may be configured so that the wiping operation is performed also in the first contact group. Specifically, The contact base 27 of the first moving contact base 21 may be formed of a thin plate-like member and bent like the contact substrate 26 in the second moving contact base 23.

  Further, in the brake switch 10, only the first contact 24b and the second contact 25b are movable, but the first contact 24a and the second contact 25a may be configured to be movable.

  Next, a switch device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The present embodiment is basically the same in configuration and operation as the first embodiment described above, and only the detailed configuration is different. Therefore, the description of the same configuration is omitted, and only the configuration and operation different from the first embodiment will be described below.

  FIG. 6 is an electric circuit diagram to which the switch device according to the present embodiment is applied.

  In FIG. 6, the brake lamp switch circuit 60 includes a power source 41, a ground 42, a brake switch 61, an LED 43, and a bulb 44. The LED 43 and the bulb 44 are electrically arranged in parallel.

  The brake switch 61 includes a first switch unit 62 and a second switch unit 63 that are electrically arranged in parallel. The first switch unit 62 includes a lever 65 that is provided with a first contact 64a at the tip and opens and closes with the other end as a fulcrum, and a fixed first contact 64b. When the lever 65 is closed, the first contact 64a and the first contact 64b come into contact with each other. The second switch portion 63 includes a lever 67 that is provided with a second contact 66a at the tip and that opens and closes with the other end as a fulcrum, and a fixed second contact 66b. When the lever 67 is closed, the second contact 66a and the second contact 66b come into contact with each other. Note that. The levers 65 and 67 are made of a conductive material.

  The first contact 64 b and the second contact 66 b are connected to the ground 42, and the first contact 64 a and the second contact 66 a are connected to the power supply 41 via the LED 43 and the valve 44. In the brake lamp switch circuit 60, when the first contact 64a and the first contact 64b are electrically connected, or when the second contact 66a and the second contact 66b are electrically connected, current is supplied to the LED 43 and the valve 44. The LED 43 and the bulb 44 are turned on.

  The first switch unit 62 can freely switch the electrical connection / disconnection of the first contact point 64 a and the first contact point 64 b by opening and closing the lever 65, and the second switch unit 63 can switch the second contact point 66 a and the second contact point by opening and closing the lever 67. The electrical connection / disconnection of the contact 66b is freely switched.

  The material constituting the first contact 64a and the first contact 64b is the same as the conventional material, but the material constituting the second contact 66a and the second contact 66b has a silver content as compared with the conventional material. Improved materials are used. Furthermore, the surface roughness of the second contact 66a and the second contact 66b is larger than the surface roughness of the first contact 64a and the first contact 64b, and the surface of the second contact 66a and the second contact 66b has innumerable uneven portions ( (Not shown) is formed.

  In the brake switch 61, the first contact 64a and the first contact 64b are electrically connected to the second switch unit 63 prior to the electrical connection of the second contact 66a and the second contact 66b. Configured to be started.

  Thereby, when the surface of the 1st contact 64a and the 1st contact 64b is not covered with the oxide film, the electrical contact of the power supply 41 and load (LED43, valve | bulb 44) by the contact of the 1st contact 64a and the 1st contact 64b is carried out. Conductivity can be ensured, and arc discharge can be generated only at the first contact 64a and the first contact 64b, thereby preventing the surfaces of the second contact 66a and the second contact 66b from being covered with an oxide film. Can do.

  Even if the surfaces of the first contact 64a and the first contact 64b are covered with an oxide film, the surfaces of the second contact 66a and the second contact 66b are not covered with the oxide film. The contact of the contact 66b can ensure electrical continuity between the power source 41 and the load, and arc discharge can be generated only at the second contact 66a and the second contact 66b, and thus the first contact 64a and the first contact 64b. Further formation of an oxide film on the surface of the film can be prevented. At this time, the first contact point 64a and the first contact point 64b can wear the oxide film formed on the surface by repeating the contact, and can recover electrical conduction.

  According to the brake switch as the switch device according to the present embodiment, as described above, the power supply 41 and the load are brought about by the contact of the first contact 64a and the first contact 64b or the contact of the second contact 66a and the second contact 66b. The electrical continuity can be ensured, and the reliability related to the electrical continuity can be improved.

  In each of the embodiments described above, the switch device according to each embodiment is applied to a brake lamp switch circuit. However, the circuit to which the switch device is applied is not limited to this, and the low load, the high load, and the power supply of the power source are applied. Any circuit can be applied as long as the circuit conducts electrical conduction.

  In each embodiment, a brake lamp such as the LED 43 and the bulb 44 is applied as a load. However, the load is not limited to the brake lamp, and any load that requires switching of electrical conduction can be applied.

It is a figure which shows roughly the use condition of the switch apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view for demonstrating schematic structure of the brake switch in FIG. It is a figure which shows the assembly state of the push rod, coupler terminal, 1st moving contact base, and 2nd moving contact base in the brake switch of FIG. FIG. 2 is an electric circuit diagram to which the brake switch in FIG. 1 is applied. It is process drawing which shows the switching operation of the brake switch in FIG. FIG. 5 is an electric circuit diagram to which a switch device according to a second embodiment of the present invention is applied. It is process drawing which shows recovery | restoration of the electrical continuity in the conventional switch apparatus. It is a figure which shows the trailer pulled by SUV and this SUV.

Explanation of symbols

10, 61 Brake switch 11 Pedal arm 15 Case 16 Coupler 18 Push rod 19 Return spring 20 Coupler terminal 21 First moving contact base 22 Contact spring 23 Second moving contact base 24a, 24b, 64a, 64b First contact 25a, 25b, 66a, 66b Second contact 26 Contact substrate 40 Brake lamp switch circuit 41 Power supply 42 Ground 43 LED
44 Valve 62 First switch part 63 Second switch part

Claims (7)

A switch device comprising a base and a moving member that moves relative to the base, and controls electrical continuity between a power source and a load,
A first contact set and a second contact set electrically arranged in parallel;
The first contact set has two first contacts that can be contacted / separated in accordance with the movement of the moving member, and the second contact set has two first contacts that can be contacted / separated in accordance with the movement of the moving member. Has two contacts,
And another moving member different from the moving member, a first urging member that urges the other moving member toward a pedal arm interlocked with a brake pedal arranged to face the base, and A second urging member that urges the moving member toward the pedal arm;
The other moving member is sandwiched between the first biasing member and the moving member,
One of the first contacts is disposed on the other moving member and the other of the first contacts is disposed on the base;
One of the second contacts is disposed on the moving member and the other of the second contacts is disposed on the base;
The moving member is a rod-shaped member, and the tip of the rod-shaped moving member protrudes from the base and engages with the pedal arm,
The switch device is characterized in that the contact between the first contacts occurs prior to the contact between the second contacts.   The moving distance of each said 1st contact in the case of contact of said 1st contacts is shorter than the moving distance of each said 2nd contact in the case of contact of said 2nd contacts. Switch device. Prior Symbol first biasing member biases one of the first contact point to the other of said first contact, said second biasing member toward the one of the second contact to the other of said second contact 3. The switch device according to claim 1, wherein the switch device is biased.   4. The switch device according to claim 1, wherein one of the second contacts performs a wiping operation on the other of the second contacts in the second contact set. 5.   5. The switch device according to claim 4, wherein one of the second contacts is disposed at an end of the flexible member, and the flexible member bends after the second contacts are in contact with each other.   6. The switch device according to claim 1, wherein a material constituting the first contact is different from a material constituting the second contact. 6.   7. The switch device according to claim 1, wherein the surface roughness of each of the second contacts is larger than the surface roughness of the first contact.

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