Switch and switch device comprising same

Abstract

The present disclosure addresses the problem of suppressing a decrease in the reliability of a switch. A switch (1) according to the present disclosure comprises a switch body (2), an inverting handle (4), and an inner handle (7). A first shaft part of the inverting handle (4) is held by the switch body (2) so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis parallel to a second direction orthogonal to a first direction (DR1). A second shaft part of the inner handle (7) is held by the switch body (2) at a first end of a second arm part (70) so as to be rotatable about a second rotation axis parallel to the second direction. The inner handle (7) has a second contact part (73) provided at a section opposite of the inverting handle (4) to receive a pressing force due to physical contact from the outside. An end part opposite the first shaft part of a first arm part (40) of the inverting handle (4) is located at a position farther than the second contact part (73) of the inner handle (7) when viewed from the first shaft part in a third direction (DR3).

Description

Switch and Switch Device Comprising the Same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a switch and a switch device comprising the same. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a switch in which a contact portion is opened or closed by operating a handle, and a switch device comprising the same.

[0002] In recent years, the market has demanded a switch with a large-sized handle as a highly designed product. On the other hand, when the handle of the switch is enlarged, the amount of protrusion from the wall of the switch surface increases, resulting in a decrease in design quality. FIG. 2 of Patent Document 1 discloses a seesaw-type switch module. The switch module includes a swing rod, a flap, a support member, and a main body. The first transmission link and the second transmission link pivotally attached to the main body are respectively installed on two sides of the swing rod and coupled to a button. The first transmission link and the second transmission link rotate correspondingly when the button rotates. Thereby, the flap is driven to operate according to the contact position with the support member, and the on / off state of the switch is changed. Here, the warping angle of the panel is smaller than the rotation angle of the first transmission link and the second transmission link, and the rotation angle of the first transmission link and the second transmission link is smaller than the swing angle of the swing rod.

[0003] In the switch module with the above configuration, the end of the swing rod (inverting handle) and the end of the first transmission link (middle handle) are in contact. Therefore, due to variations during manufacturing, the contact portion between the inverting handle and the middle handle may come off. That is, the switch module with the above configuration may have a reduced reliability during operation.

[0004] Specification of Chinese Utility Model No. 214068620

[0005] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a switch capable of suppressing a decrease in reliability and a switch device comprising the same.

[0006] A switch according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a body, a reversing handle, and a middle handle. The body houses a contact portion including a fixed contact and a movable contact. The reversing handle has a first shaft portion and a first arm portion. The first shaft portion is held in the body so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis parallel to a second direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The first direction is the direction in which a pushing force is applied by an operator. The first arm portions are arranged on both sides of the first shaft portion. The middle handle has a second arm portion, a second shaft portion, a first contact portion, and a second contact portion. The second shaft portion is held in the body so as to be rotatable about a second rotation axis parallel to the second direction at the first end of the second arm portion. The first contact portion contacts the first arm portion of the reversing handle in the first direction at the second end side of the second arm portion. The second contact portion is provided on the second arm portion opposite to the reversing handle and receives the pushing force by physical contact from the outside. The end of the first arm portion of the reversing handle opposite to the first shaft portion is located further away from the first shaft portion than the second contact portion of the middle handle, when viewed from the first shaft portion in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions.

[0007] A switch device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises the above-mentioned switch and an outer handle. The outer handle is subjected to the pressing force applied by an operator. The outer handle is configured to transmit the pressing force to the inner handle.

[0008] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a switch according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is an X-Y cross-sectional view of the same switch. Figure 3 is a Y-Z cross-sectional view of the same switch. Figure 4 is a side view of the same switch. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a switch device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the outer handle of the switch device from the rear. Figure 7 is a schematic side view of the main part of the switch device.

[0009] The switches and switch devices according to the embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the figures described in the following embodiments are schematic diagrams, and the dimensional ratios of the sizes of each component do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. Furthermore, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure. The disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of the disclosure can be achieved.

[0010] (Embodiment) (1) Overview The overview of the switch 1 and switch device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7, etc. In this embodiment, with the switch device 100 installed on a construction surface such as a wall, the direction perpendicular (orthogonal) to the horizontal plane will be described as the "up and down direction" (Z-axis direction in Figures 1 and 3, etc.). Also, when viewing the switch device 100 from the front, the upward direction (positive direction in the Z-axis direction) will be described as "up". Furthermore, the direction that is perpendicular to the up and down direction and parallel to the surface of the wall (X-axis direction in Figures 1 and 2, etc.) will be described as the "left and right direction", and when viewing the switch device 100 from the front, the right side (positive direction in the X-axis direction) will be described as "right" and the left side as "left". In addition, the direction that is perpendicular to both the up and down direction and the left and right direction, that is, the direction perpendicular to the surface of the wall, will be described as the "front and back direction" (Y-axis direction in Figures 1 to 3, etc.), and the back side of the wall (back of the wall) will be described as "rear" and the front side of the wall (positive direction in the Y-axis direction) will be described as "front". Furthermore, in the following description, the front-to-back direction, up-and-down direction, and left-to-right direction may be referred to as the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3, respectively. Note that the arrows indicating each direction in the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent actual objects. In addition, although this embodiment was described using the case where the Z-axis direction is parallel to the up-and-down direction when installed on the construction surface, it may also be installed on the construction surface with the X-axis direction parallel to the up-and-down direction.

[0011] Switch 1 comprises a main body 2, a reversing handle 4, and a middle handle 7 (see Figures 1 to 4).

[0012] The device body 2 houses the contact section 3, which includes a fixed contact 3a and a movable contact 3b (see Figure 2).

[0013] The reversing handle 4 has a first arm portion 40 and a first shaft portion 41 (see Figures 1 and 2). The first shaft portion 41 is held in the device body 2 in a state that it can rotate around a first rotation axis Ax1 (see Figures 3 and 7) parallel to the second direction DR2. The first arm portions 40 are arranged on both sides of the first shaft portion 41. The second direction DR2 is perpendicular to the first direction DR1. The first direction DR1 is the direction in which the operator applies pushing force.

[0014] The central handle 7 has a second arm portion 70, a second shaft portion 71, a first contact portion 72, and a second contact portion 73 (see Figures 1 and 2). The second shaft portion 71 is held in the device body 2 at the first end of the second arm portion 70 so as to be rotatable around a second rotation axis Ax2 (see Figure 7) parallel to the second direction DR2. The first contact portion 72 contacts the first arm portion 40 of the reversing handle 4 in the first direction DR1 at the second end side of the second arm portion 70 (see Figure 2). The second contact portion 73 is provided on the part of the second arm portion 70 opposite to the reversing handle 4 and receives a pressing force through physical contact from the outside (see Figure 7).

[0015] Furthermore, the switch device 100 of this embodiment includes a switch 1 and an outer handle 6 (see Figures 5 and 6). The outer handle 6 is subjected to a pressing force by the operator. The outer handle 6 is configured to transmit the pressing force to the inner handle 7.

[0016] In the operation of the switch 1 of this embodiment, when the operator presses, for example, the end of the outer handle 6, the pressing force applied by the operator to the outer handle 6 is transmitted via the outer handle 6 to the second contact portion 73 of the inner handle 7 (see Figure 7). As a result, the pressing force applied to the inner handle 7 pushes down the first contact portion 72 of the inner handle 7 around the second rotation axis Ax2. Consequently, the pressing force is transmitted from the first contact portion 72 of the inner handle 7 to the first arm portion 40 of the reversing handle 4, causing the reversing handle 4 to reverse around the first rotation axis Ax1. This makes it possible to secure the amount of pressure necessary to reverse the reversing handle 4 even with a small amount of operation of the outer handle 6. Since the outer handle 6 performs a seesaw motion rotating around the first rotation axis Ax1, when one end of the outer handle 6 is pressed, the other end of the outer handle 6 protrudes from the wall. As described above, the amount of operation of the outer handle 6 required to reverse the reversing handle 4 can be reduced, so the amount of protrusion of the end of the outer handle 6 from the wall can be reduced, making it possible to improve the design.

[0017] Furthermore, if the end of the central handle 7 (first contact portion 72) is in contact with the end of the first arm portion 40 of the reversing handle 4 (the end opposite to the first shaft portion 41), variations during manufacturing can easily cause the contact portion between the central handle 7 and the reversing handle 4 to detach. Therefore, in this embodiment, the end of the first arm portion 40 of the reversing handle 4 is located further away from the end of the central handle 7 (second contact portion 73) when viewed from the first shaft portion 41 in the third direction DR3 (see Figure 2). Here, the third direction DR3 is a direction perpendicular to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. In other words, in this embodiment, the end of the central handle 7 (first contact portion 72) is in contact with the longitudinal center of the first arm portion 40 in the third direction DR3. This makes it possible to ensure a sufficient distance between the end of the central handle 7 (first contact portion 72) and the end of the first arm portion 40 of the reversing handle 4, so that the central handle 7 and the first arm portion 40 of the reversing handle 4 are less likely to come apart. As a result, the pushing force is reliably transmitted from the central handle 7 to the reversing handle 4 during the reversing operation of the reversing handle 4, and the operation of the switch 1 is made reliable. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the possibility of a decrease in the reliability of the switching operation can be suppressed. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a switch 1 and a switch device 100 that can achieve both improved design and suppression of a decrease in reliability.

[0018] (2) Details The details of the switch 1 and switch device 100 according to the embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 7.

[0019] (2.1) Switch Configuration As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the switch 1 according to this embodiment comprises a body 2, a reversing handle 4, a middle handle 7, and a coil spring 49. Note that the switch 1 according to this embodiment has two middle handles 7, and the left middle handle 7 may be referred to as the first middle handle 7A, and the right middle handle 7 may be referred to as the second middle handle 7B.

[0020] (2.1.1) Body Body 2 is an outer casing that houses the contact part 3, the reversing handle 4, the middle handle 7, and the coil spring 49. Body 2 has a rectangular parallelepiped box-shaped synthetic resin body 21 with an open front, and a synthetic resin cover 22 that is attached to the front side of the body 21.

[0021] The body 21 has a plurality (for example, four) of assembly protrusions 21a. The plurality of assembly protrusions 21a are provided on the outer surfaces of two opposing side walls of the body 21 in the short direction, spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the body 21.

[0022] The cover 22 has a plurality (for example, four) assembly tongues 2a that protrude rearward from the rear end of the cover 22.

[0023] The assembly holes 22b provided in each of the four assembly tabs 2a and the assembly projections 21a on the body 21 are fitted together, thereby joining the body 21 and the cover 22 to each other.

[0024] The body 21 has a first housing compartment 23a in the center in the left-right direction. The body 21 also has a second housing compartment 23b to the right of the first housing compartment 23a. A third housing compartment 23c is provided to the left of the first housing compartment 23a. More specifically, the first housing compartment 23a houses the contact part 3 and the support plate 31. The second housing compartment 23b houses two locking springs 32, a first terminal plate 35, and a first release button 38. The third housing compartment 23c houses two locking springs 32, a second terminal plate 36, and a second release button 38. The first terminal plate 35 and the second terminal plate 36 are parts that are electrically connected to external wiring, respectively. The support plate 31 is electrically connected to the second terminal plate 36.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the contact portion 3 includes a fixed contact 3a and a movable contact 3b. The fixed contact 3a is provided on the first terminal plate 35. The movable contact 3b is provided on the movable contact plate 33. The first terminal plate 35 is formed, for example, by bending sheet metal. The movable contact plate 33 is rectangular in shape, and a projection 34 provided at the front end of the movable contact plate 33 is inserted into a coil spring 49. The upper and lower inner walls of the body 21 are provided with V-shaped grooves 25 into which the rear end of the movable contact plate 33 is inserted. The second terminal plate 36 is formed, for example, by bending sheet metal and is electrically connected to the support plate 31. The support plate 31 is provided with a groove 31a into which the rear end of the movable contact plate 33 fits. As the direction of the coil spring 49 changes in accordance with the rotation of the reversing handle 4, the movable contact plate 33 swings on the support plate 31 (more specifically, the groove 31a) with its rear end as the pivot point. In this configuration, the movable contact plate 33 is capable of swinging between a position where the movable contact 3b contacts the fixed contact 3a (the position where the contact portion 3 is closed) and a position where the movable contact 3b moves away from the fixed contact 3a (the position where the contact portion 3 is open). In other words, as the reversing handle 4 rotates, the movable contact plate 33 moves in the third direction DR3, thereby closing or opening the contact portion 3.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, the cover 22 has a bottom portion 220, a pair of first wall portions 221, and a pair of second wall portions 222.

[0027] The bottom portion 220 is a plate-like part whose thickness direction is aligned with the front-to-back direction (first direction DR1).

[0028] The pair of first wall portions 221 each protrude forward from both ends of the bottom portion 220 in the short direction.

[0029] The pair of second wall portions 222 each protrude forward from both ends in the longitudinal direction of the bottom portion 220.

[0030] In this embodiment, the bottom portion 220, the pair of first wall portions 221, and the pair of second wall portions 222 are integrally provided. The bottom portion 220, the pair of first wall portions 221, and the pair of second wall portions 222 form an opening 22c that is open to the front. At least a part of the central handle 7 and at least a part of the reversing handle 4 are arranged in this opening 22c. In other words, the pair of first wall portions 221 face each other in the vertical direction, separated by the opening 22c in which the reversing handle 4 and the like are housed. The pair of second wall portions 222 face each other in the left-right direction, separated by the opening 22c in which the reversing handle 4 and the like are housed.

[0031] Furthermore, a rectangular through-hole 22d is provided in the center of the bottom portion 220. A part of the reversing handle 4 (more specifically, the cylindrical portion 42, which will be described later) is inserted through the through-hole 22d of the bottom portion 220.

[0032] Furthermore, each of the pair of first wall portions 221 is provided with a support portion 225 that pivotably supports the central handle 7. In other words, the cover 22 has a pair of support portions 225 that face each other in the vertical direction with the opening 22c in between.

[0033] The pair of support portions 225 each protrude forward from the front end of the pair of first wall portions 221. When viewed from above, the support portions 225 have a semicircular shape such that their width in the left-right direction narrows towards the front. On the inner surface of each of the pair of support portions 225 (more specifically, the surface facing the side wall of the base portion 45 of the reversing handle 4 located in the opening 22c), there is a groove-shaped first bearing portion 226 into which the first shaft portion 41 provided on the side wall of the base portion 45 of the reversing handle 4 is inserted.

[0034] The reversing handle 4 is provided with a first shaft portion 41 which is the first rotation axis Ax1, and the body 2 (cover 22 in this embodiment) has a first bearing portion 226 that supports the first shaft portion 41 of the reversing handle 4 in a rotatable state. The first bearing portion 226 is provided on the inner surface of the support portion 225, extending forward from the rear end of the cover 22 to near the front end of the support portion 225. The front end portion of the first bearing portion 226 is formed in a V-shape such that the groove width narrows towards the front end.

[0035] (2.1.2) Reversing Handle The reversing handle 4 is attached to the body 2 in a state that it can rotate around the first rotation axis Ax1 (see Figures 3 and 7). More specifically, the reversing handle 4 has a base 45. The base 45 is a rectangular parallelepiped portion located between the first middle handle 7A and the second middle handle 7B in the third direction DR3 (see Figure 2). As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the base 45 has a pair of first shaft portions 41 that serve as the pivot point for the swing of the reversing handle 4. The pair of first shaft portions 41 are projections that protrude from the center positions of opposing sides in the longitudinal direction of the base 45. Each of the pair of first shaft portions 41 is formed in a triangular shape such that the shape of the front end narrows as it goes forward (see Figures 1 and 7). The pair of first shaft portions 41 are each inserted into groove-shaped first bearing portions 226 provided on the inner surfaces of the pair of support portions 225 of the cover 22 (the surfaces facing the base portion 45 of the reversing handle 4) (see Figure 1).

[0036] When the two first shaft portions 41 of the reversing handle 4 are inserted into the two first bearing portions 226 provided on the two support portions 225, the reversing handle 4 can swing within a predetermined angular range with the two first shaft portions 41 inserted into the two first bearing portions 226 as pivot points. Here, the front end portion of the first shaft portion 41 is formed in a triangular shape, and the front end portion of the insertion groove constituting the first bearing portion 226 is formed to follow the triangle of the front end portion of the first shaft portion 41. Therefore, the center of the triangle provided on the front end portion of the first shaft portion 41 becomes the first axis of rotation Ax1 when the reversing handle 4 rotates. In other words, the reversing handle 4 is attached to the device body 2 in a state in which it can rotate around the first axis of rotation Ax1 which is parallel to the second direction DR2.

[0037] The cylindrical portion 42 is a cylindrical part that protrudes rearward from the base portion 45. The reversing handle 4 has a cylindrical portion 42 that protrudes in the first direction DR1 of the base portion 45 on the opposite side from the outer handle 6. In this embodiment, the base portion 45 and the cylindrical portion 42 are formed integrally, for example. However, the base portion 45 and the cylindrical portion 42 may be formed separately.

[0038] The cylindrical portion 42 is inserted through a through hole 22d in the bottom portion 220, which is located behind the reversing handle 4. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the first end (front end) of the coil spring 49 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 42 and fixed to the cylindrical portion 42. The second end (rear end) of the coil spring 49 is exposed from the end of the cylindrical portion 42. A projection 34 provided at the front end of the movable contact plate 33 is inserted into the coil spring 49 from the second end. In this way, the first end of the coil spring 49 is located inside the cylindrical portion 42, and a part of the movable contact plate 33 is inserted into the second end of the coil spring 49. When the reversing handle 4 rotates, the movable contact 3b and the fixed contact 3a provided on the movable contact plate 33 close or open.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, a pair of first arm portions 40 are provided on both the left and right sides of the base portion 45. The ends of the pair of first arm portions 40 on the base portion 45 side (more specifically, the first rotation axis Ax1) are formed integrally with the base portion 45.

[0040] The left first arm portion 40 and the right first arm portion 40 have symmetrical shapes with respect to the base portion 45, and the basic configuration of the left first arm portion 40 and the right first arm portion 40 is the same. In this embodiment, the pair of left and right first arm portions 40 may be collectively referred to simply as the first arm portion 40.

[0041] The left-side first arm portion 40 is a plate-shaped portion positioned between the first central handle 7A and the body 2 (more specifically, the bottom 220 of the cover 22) in the first direction DR1 (see Figure 2). In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, in the reversing handle 4, the end of the left-side first arm portion 40 opposite to the first rotation axis Ax1 is positioned between the second contact portion 73 of the first central handle 7A and the second rotation axis Ax2 in the third direction DR3. Furthermore, a third contact portion 44 is provided at the end of the left-side first arm portion 40 (see Figure 2). As shown in Figure 2, the third contact portion 44 protrudes on the opposite side from the first central handle 7A and contacts the body 2 (more specifically, the bottom 220 of the cover 22) in the first direction DR1.

[0042] Further, the right first arm portion 40 is a plate-like portion disposed between the second middle handle 7B and the body 2 (more specifically, the bottom portion 220 of the cover 22) in the first direction DR1 (see FIG. 2). In the reversing handle 4, the end portion of the right first arm portion 40 on the side opposite to the first rotation axis Ax1 is located between the second contact portion 73 of the second middle handle 7B and the second rotation axis Ax2 in the third direction DR3. Further, a third contact portion 44 is provided at the end portion of the right first arm portion 40 (see FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 2, the third contact portion 44 protrudes to the side opposite to the second middle handle 7B and contacts the body 2 (more specifically, the bottom portion 220 of the cover 22) in the first direction DR1.

[0043] (2.1.3) Middle handle The middle handle 7 is composed of a pair of left and right first middle handles 7A and a second middle handle 7B as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0044] The left first middle handle 7A is disposed between the base portion 45 of the reversing handle 4 and the body 2 (more specifically, the left second wall portion 222) in the third direction DR3 (see FIG. 2). Further, the first middle handle 7A is disposed so as to contact the left first arm portion 40 of the reversing handle 4 in the first direction DR1 (see FIG. 2).

[0045] The right second middle handle 7B is disposed between the base portion 45 of the reversing handle 4 and the body 2 (more specifically, the right second wall portion 222) in the third direction DR3 (see FIG. 2). Further, the second middle handle 7B is disposed so as to contact the right first arm portion 40 of the reversing handle 4 in the first direction DR1 (see FIG. 2).

[0046] Incidentally, the left first middle handle 7A and the right second middle handle 7B have a bilaterally symmetric shape centered on the base portion 45, and the basic configurations of the first middle handle 7A and the second middle handle 7B are the same. In the present embodiment, the first middle handle 7A and the second middle handle 7B may be collectively referred to simply as the middle handle 7.

[0047] The middle handle 7 has a second arm portion 70, a second shaft portion 71, a first contact portion 72, and a second contact portion 73. The second arm portion 70 is a plate-like portion disposed in front of the first arm portion 40 of the inversion handle 4.

[0048] The second shaft portion 71 is held by the body 2 in a rotatable state about a second rotation axis Ax2 (see FIG. 7) parallel to the second direction DR2 at the first end of the second arm portion 70 (more specifically, on the side of the second wall portion 222 of the body 2).

[0049] As shown in FIG. 2, the first contact portion 72 contacts the first arm portion 40 of the inversion handle 4 in the first direction DR1 at the second end side of the second arm portion 70 (more specifically, on the base portion 45 side of the inversion handle 4). More specifically, the first contact portion 72 protrudes toward the first arm portion 40 of the inversion handle 4 in the first direction DR1.

[0050] The second contact portion 73 is provided at a portion of the second arm portion 70 on the side opposite to the inversion handle 4 and receives a pressing force by physical contact from the outside (more specifically, on the side of the outer handle 6 described later). More specifically, the second contact portion 73 protrudes on the side opposite to the first arm portion 40 of the inversion handle 4 in the first direction DR1 (see FIG. 2).

[0051] (2.2) Configuration of the Switch Device The switch device 100 of the present embodiment includes the switch 1 having the above configuration, an outer handle 6, and a mounting frame 8 (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0052] A pressing force by an operator is applied to the outer handle 6. The outer handle 6 has an operation portion 60 operated by an operator. The operation portion 60 is formed in a rectangular plate shape sufficiently larger than the size of the switch 1 when viewed from the front-rear direction. The operation portion 60 has an operation surface 61 that receives an operation of the operator (see FIG. 5). Four gripping portions 62 are provided at the central portion in the left-right direction (short side direction) on the rear surface of the operation portion 60 (see FIG. 6). The four gripping portions 62 are arranged at intervals in the up-down direction (long side direction). The outer handle 6 is attached to the mounting frame 8 by the four gripping portions 62 gripping four protruding portions 86 (see FIG. 5) provided on the mounting frame 8, respectively.

[0053] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, three pairs of fourth contact portions 63 are provided on the rear surface of the operating portion 60 of the outer handle 6, in the central part in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction). The three pairs of fourth contact portions 63 are arranged facing each other in the left-right direction (short direction). In other words, in this embodiment, six protrusions are provided on the rear surface of the operating portion 60 of the outer handle 6. The fourth contact portion 63 located on the right side of the rear surface of the operating portion 60 is composed of three protrusions that project backward. The three protrusions have the same length in the front-rear direction (i.e., the amount they protrude from the rear surface of the operating portion 60). Similarly, the fourth contact portion 63 located on the left side of the rear surface of the operating portion 60 is composed of three protrusions that project backward.

[0054] As shown in Figure 7, the fourth contact portion 63A, located on the left side of the outer handle 6, protrudes toward the first middle handle 7A and contacts the second contact portion 73 of the first middle handle 7A in the first direction DR1. The contact surface at the tip of the fourth contact portion 63A is inclined forward relative to the rear surface of the operating portion 60 of the outer handle 6 when viewed from the side. The fourth contact portion 63B, located on the right side of the outer handle 6, protrudes toward the second middle handle 7B and contacts the second contact portion 73 of the second middle handle 7B in the first direction DR1. The contact surface at the tip of the fourth contact portion 63B is inclined forward relative to the rear surface of the operating portion 60 of the outer handle 6 when viewed from the side.

[0055] In other words, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the outer handle 6 includes a fourth contact portion 63A that contacts the second contact portion 73 of the first inner handle 7A in the first direction DR1, and a fourth contact portion 63B that contacts the second contact portion 73 of the second inner handle 7B in the first direction DR1.

[0056] The mounting frame 8 is configured to be attachable to the installation surface. More specifically, the mounting frame 8 is formed in a rectangular shape from synthetic resin or a metal plate (see Figure 5).

[0057] The mounting frame 8 comprises a pair of first beam sections 82 facing each other in the longitudinal direction and a pair of second beam sections 83 facing each other in the short direction. Each of the pair of first beam sections 82 is provided with a recess 84. At the bottom of the recess 84 are provided a plurality of insertion holes 85 into which screws (not shown) for fixing the mounting frame 8 to the installation surface are inserted. For example, the mounting frame 8 is fixed to the installation surface by screwing tapping screws, which are passed through the insertion holes 85 via the mounting bracket 89, into a wall material such as gypsum board. In this way, in the switch device 100, the mounting frame 8 is attached to the installation surface in a manner that allows the outer handle 6 to be operated from the front.

[0058] Furthermore, the mounting frame 8 has three first window holes 81a and six second window holes 81b formed therein for mounting the switches 1. The three first window holes 81a and six second window holes 81b are rectangular and are through holes that penetrate the mounting frame 8 in the thickness direction. Three switches 1 can be mounted side by side in the vertical direction on the mounting frame 8 of this embodiment. Each switch 1 can be mounted in three window holes formed in the left-right direction (more specifically, the first window hole 81a and the two second window holes 81b on the left and right sides in Figure 5). More specifically, a part of the reversing handle 4 (more specifically, the base 45) is inserted into the first window hole 81a formed in the center. Also, a projection 86 is provided on the inner wall of the first window hole 81a, which is gripped by the gripping part 62 of the outer handle 6. In the second window hole 81b formed on the left side, the fourth contact part 63A provided on the outer handle 6 contacts the second contact part 73 of the first middle handle 7A. In the second window hole 81b formed on the right side, the fourth contact portion 63B provided on the outer handle 6 contacts the second contact portion 73 of the second middle handle 7B. In this way, the outer handle 6 is configured to transmit pushing force to the middle handle 7 while attached to the mounting frame 8.

[0059] Furthermore, in the mounting frame 8, projections 86 are provided on the inner walls of recesses 84 provided in a pair of first beam portions 82, which are gripped by the gripping portion 62 of the outer handle 6. The projections 86 protrude upward (in the positive Z-axis direction in Figure 5) or downward (in the Z-axis direction in Figure 5) from the inner wall of the first recess 84. Also, projections 86 are provided in the first window hole 81a of the mounting frame 8, which are gripped by the gripping portion 62 of the outer handle 6. Here too, the projections 86 protrude upward (in the positive Z-axis direction in Figure 5) or downward (in the Z-axis direction in Figure 5) from the inner wall of the first window hole 81a. The multiple projections 86 are cylindrical in shape. The inner surface of the gripping portion 62 of the outer handle 6 follows the cylindrical side surface of the projection 86. As a result, when the gripping portion 62 of the outer handle 6 grips the projection 86 of the mounting frame 8, the outer handle 6 becomes pivotable around the projection 86. More specifically, the multiple projections 86 are arranged in a line in the second direction DR2 (the Z-axis direction in Figure 5), and the multiple projections 86 form a third rotation axis parallel to the second direction DR2. In this way, the outer handle 6 is configured to pivot around the third rotation axis (projection 86) when attached to the mounting frame 8.

[0060] (2.3) Operation of the switch device The operation of the switch device 100 will be described below. In the following description, it will be assumed that in the initial state, the fixed contact 3a and the movable contact 3b are in contact, as shown in Figure 2, that is, the contact portion 3 is in a closed state.

[0061] In the initial state where the contact portion 3 is closed, the movable contact plate 33 is tilted to the right with the contact position (groove 31a) with the support plate 31 as the pivot point. At this time, the coil spring 49 into which the projection 34 of the movable contact plate 33 is inserted, and the reversing handle 4 into which the coil spring 49 is inserted, are rotated counterclockwise around the first rotation axis Ax1 (see Figure 7).

[0062] When the operator presses the right end of the outer handle 6 (see Figure 7) backward, the outer handle 6 rotates (oscillates) clockwise around the third rotation axis. At this time, the outer handle 6, while attached to the mounting frame 8, oscillates around the third rotation axis of the mounting frame 8.

[0063] In the initial state, the tip of the fourth contact portion 63A on the left side of the outer handle 6 contacts the second contact portion 73 of the first middle handle 7A, the tip of the fourth contact portion 63B on the right side of the outer handle 6 contacts the second contact portion 73 of the second middle handle 7A, and the tip of the fourth contact portion 63B on the right side of the outer handle 6 is away from the second contact portion 73 of the second middle handle 7B. Therefore, when the outer handle 6 rotates clockwise around the third rotation axis (projection 86 in Figure 5), the tip of the right fourth contact portion 63B pushes the second contact portion 73 of the second middle handle 7B. As a result, the second arm portion 70 of the second middle handle 7B rotates (oscillates) counterclockwise around the second rotation axis Ax2 of the second middle handle 7B (see Figure 7). Then, a pushing force is transmitted from the first contact portion 72 of the second middle handle 7B to the first arm portion 40 on the right side of the reversing handle 4. Here, the end of the first arm portion 40 on the right side of the reversing handle 4 is positioned between the second contact portion 73 of the first central handle 7A and the second rotation axis Ax2 in the third direction DR3 (see Figure 7). In other words, sufficient distance is ensured between the end of the second central handle 7B (first contact portion 72) and the end of the first arm portion 40 on the right side of the reversing handle 4. This makes it difficult for the second central handle 7B and the first arm portion 40 on the right side of the reversing handle 4 to detach, and ensures that the pushing force is reliably transmitted from the second central handle 7B to the reversing handle 4. As a result, the reversing handle 4 rotates (oscillates) clockwise around the first rotation axis Ax1.

[0064] As the reversing handle 4 swings clockwise, the rear end of the coil spring 49 inserted inside the cylindrical portion 42 of the reversing handle 4 moves to the left. Here, since the projection 34 of the movable contact plate 33 is inserted into the rear end of the coil spring 49 (see Figure 2), the movable contact plate 33 rotates counterclockwise with the contact position with the support plate 31 as the pivot point. As a result, the movable contact 3b moves to a position away from the fixed contact 3a. In other words, the contact portion 3 becomes open.

[0065] Furthermore, when the operator presses the left end of the outer handle 6 (see Figure 7) backward while the terminal is open, the outer handle 6 rotates (oscillates) counterclockwise around the third rotation axis. At this time, the outer handle 6, while attached to the mounting frame 8, oscillates around the third rotation axis of the mounting frame 8.

[0066] In the open state, the tip of the fourth contact portion 63B on the right side of the outer handle 6 contacts the second contact portion 73 of the second middle handle 7B, while the tip of the fourth contact portion 63A on the left side of the outer handle 6 is away from the second contact portion 73 of the first middle handle 7A. Therefore, when the outer handle 6 rotates counterclockwise around the third rotation axis, the tip of the left fourth contact portion 63A pushes the second contact portion 73 of the first middle handle 7A. As a result, the second arm portion 70 of the first middle handle 7A rotates (oscillates) clockwise around the second rotation axis Ax2 (see Figure 7) of the first middle handle 7A. This transmits a pushing force from the first contact portion 72 of the first middle handle 7A to the first arm portion 40 on the left side of the reversing handle 4. Here, the end of the first arm portion 40 on the left side of the reversing handle 4 is located between the second contact portion 73 of the first central handle 7A and the second rotation axis Ax2 in the third direction DR3 (see Figure 7). In other words, sufficient distance is ensured between the end of the first central handle 7A (first contact portion 72) and the end of the first arm portion 40 on the left side of the reversing handle 4. This makes it difficult for the first central handle 7A and the first arm portion 40 on the left side of the reversing handle 4 to detach, and ensures that the pushing force is reliably transmitted from the first central handle 7A to the reversing handle 4. As a result, the reversing handle 4 rotates (oscillates) counterclockwise around the first rotation axis Ax1.

[0067] As the reversing handle 4 swings counterclockwise, the rear end of the coil spring 49 inserted inside the cylindrical portion 42 of the reversing handle 4 moves to the right. Here, since the projection 34 of the movable contact plate 33 is inserted into the rear end of the coil spring 49 (see Figure 2), the movable contact plate 33 rotates clockwise around the contact point with the support plate 31 as the pivot point. As a result, the movable contact 3b moves to a position where it contacts the fixed contact 3a. In other words, the contact portion 3 becomes closed.

[0068] (3) Effects According to the switch 1 and switch device 100 of this embodiment, even if the amount of operation of the outer handle 6 is small, it is possible to secure the amount of push required to reverse the reversing handle 4. The outer handle 6 performs a seesaw motion rotating around the first rotation axis Ax1, so when one end of the outer handle 6 is pushed, the other end of the outer handle 6 protrudes from the wall. As described above, the amount of operation of the outer handle 6 required to reverse the reversing handle 4 can be reduced, so the amount of protrusion of the end of the outer handle 6 from the wall can be reduced, and the design of the switch device 100 can be improved. In addition, the end of the first arm portion 40 of the reversing handle 4 is located between the second contact portion 73 of the middle handle 7 and the second rotation axis Ax2 in the third direction DR3 (see Figure 7). As a result, sufficient distance is secured between the end of the middle handle 7 (first contact portion 72) and the end of the first arm portion 40 of the reversing handle 4, so that the middle handle 7 and the reversing handle 4 are less likely to come apart. As a result, in the reversing operation of the reversing handle 4, the pushing force is reliably transmitted from the middle handle 7 to the reversing handle 4, ensuring reliable operation of the switch 1. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the possibility of a decrease in the reliability of the switching operation can be suppressed. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a switch 1 and a switch device 100 that can achieve both improved design and suppression of a decrease in reliability.

[0069] Furthermore, in the switch 1 and switch device 100 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the first contact portion 72 protrudes toward the first arm portion 40 of the reversing handle 4 in the first direction DR1. The second contact portion 73 protrudes toward the opposite side of the first arm portion 40 of the reversing handle 4 in the first direction DR1. This makes it easier for the pushing force transmitted from the outer handle 6 to the middle handle 7 to be transmitted to the reversing handle 4. In addition, compared to the case without the middle handle 7, there is the advantage that the reversing handle 4 can be reversed with less force due to the lever principle.

[0070] Furthermore, in the switch 1 and switch device 100 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the reversing handle 4 has a third contact portion 44. The third contact portion 44 is at the end of the first arm portion 40 and contacts the device body 2 in the first direction DR1. Since the third contact portion 44 protrudes on the opposite side from the middle handle 7, it becomes easier for the device body 2 to support the pushing force acting on the reversing handle 4. Also, after the pushing force is removed, the reversing state of the reversing handle 4 is maintained by the force of the coil spring 49, so the spring force of the coil spring 49 also acts on the reversing handle 4. The third contact portion 44 allows the device body 2 to support the reversing handle 4 even when such a spring force is acting on it.

[0071] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the switch 1 and switch device 100 of this embodiment include a coil spring 49 and a movable contact plate 33 on which a movable contact 3b is provided. The reversing handle 4 has a cylindrical portion 42 that protrudes from the side opposite to the outer handle 6 in the first direction DR1 of the base portion 45. The first end of the coil spring 49 is located inside the cylindrical portion 42. A part of the movable contact plate 33 is inserted into the second end of the coil spring 49. When the reversing handle 4 rotates, the movable contact 3b and the fixed contact 3a provided on the movable contact plate 33 are closed or opened. This makes it possible to suitably switch between the movable contact 3b and the fixed contact 3a.

[0072] Furthermore, in the switch 1 and switch device 100 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the movable contact 3b moves in the third direction DR3 to close or open with the fixed contact 3a. This makes it possible to perform the contact switching operation smoothly.

[0073] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the switch device 100 of this embodiment includes a switch 1 and an outer handle 6 to which the operator applies a pressing force. The outer handle 6 is configured to transmit a pressing force to the inner handle 7, so that the pressing force applied by the operator can be transmitted from the outer handle 6 to the reversing handle 4 via the inner handle 7.

[0074] Furthermore, in the switch device 100 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the outer handle 6 protrudes toward the inner handle 7 and has a fourth contact portion 63 that contacts the second contact portion 73 of the inner handle 7 in the first direction DR1. This makes it easier to transmit the pressing force from the operator from the outer handle 6 to the inner handle 7.

[0075] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the switch device 100 of this embodiment is equipped with a mounting frame 8 that can be attached to the installation surface, and the outer handle 6 is attached to the mounting frame 8. This makes it easier to attach the switch 1 to the installation surface.

[0076] Furthermore, in the switch device 100 of this embodiment, the outer handle 6, while attached to the mounting frame 8, swings around the third rotation axis of the mounting frame 8. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of operation required for the outer handle 6.

[0077] (4) Modifications The above embodiments are only one of many embodiments of the present disclosure. The above embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the objectives of the present disclosure are achieved.

[0078] The following lists some modifications of the above embodiment. The modifications described below can be combined and applied as appropriate.

[0079] In the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the end of the first arm portion 40 of the reversing handle 4 is located between the second contact portion 73 of the middle handle 7 and the second rotation axis Ax2 in the third direction DR3. The end of the first arm portion 40 of the reversing handle 4 may also be positioned to overlap with the second contact portion 73 of the middle handle 7 in the first direction DR1. Alternatively, the end of the first arm portion 40 of the reversing handle 4 may be positioned to overlap with the second rotation axis Ax2 in the first direction DR1.

[0080] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the outer handle 6 is attached to the mounting frame 8, but it may also be attached to the device body 2, not just the mounting frame 8.

[0081] (Summary) Based on the embodiments described above, the following embodiments are disclosed.

[0082] The switch (1) of the first embodiment comprises a body (2), a reversing handle (4), and a middle handle (7). The body (2) houses a contact portion (3) including a fixed contact (3a) and a movable contact (3b). The reversing handle (4) has a first shaft portion (41) and a first arm portion (40). The first shaft portion (41) is held in the body (2) in a state that it can rotate about a first rotation axis (Ax1) which is parallel to a second direction (DR2) that is perpendicular to a first direction (DR1) which is the direction in which a pushing force is applied by the operator. The first arm portion (40) is arranged on both sides of the first shaft portion (41). The middle handle (7) has a second arm portion (70), a second shaft portion (71), a first contact portion (72), and a second contact portion (73). The second shaft portion (71) is held in the body (2) at the first end of the second arm portion (70) so as to be rotatable about a second rotation axis (Ax2) parallel to the second direction (DR2). The first contact portion (72) is in contact with the first arm portion (40) of the reversing handle (4) in the first direction (DR1) at the second end side of the second arm portion (70). The second contact portion (73) is provided on the part of the second arm portion (70) opposite to the reversing handle (4) and receives a pressing force by physical contact from the outside. The end of the first arm portion (40) of the reversing handle (4) opposite to the first shaft portion (41) is located further away from the first shaft portion (41) in a third direction (DR3) perpendicular to the first direction (DR1) and the second direction (DR2), than the second contact portion (73) of the middle handle (7).

[0083] According to this embodiment, it becomes possible to secure a distance between the end of the central handle (7) (first contact portion (72)) and the end of the first arm portion (40) of the reversing handle (4), so that the central handle (7) and the reversing handle (4) are less likely to come apart. As a result, in the reversing operation of the reversing handle (4), the pushing force is reliably transmitted from the central handle (7) to the reversing handle (4), and the operation of the switch (1) is made reliable. Therefore, a switch (1) can be provided that can suppress a decrease in reliability.

[0084] In the second embodiment of the switch (1), the end of the first arm portion (40) of the reversing handle (4) opposite to the first rotation axis (Ax1) is located between the second contact portion (73) of the middle handle (7) and the second rotation axis (Ax2) in the third direction (DR3).

[0085] In this embodiment, sufficient distance is ensured between the end of the central handle (7) (first contact portion (72)) and the end of the first arm portion (40) of the reversing handle (4). This makes it difficult for the central handle (7) and the reversing handle (4) to come apart, and enables reliable transmission of pushing force from the central handle (7) to the reversing handle (4) during the reversing operation of the reversing handle (4).

[0086] In the third embodiment of the switch (1), in the first or second embodiment, the first contact portion (72) protrudes toward the first arm portion (40) of the reversing handle (4) in the first direction (DR1). The second contact portion (73) protrudes toward the opposite side of the first arm portion (40) of the reversing handle (4) in the first direction (DR1).

[0087] According to this embodiment, the pushing force transmitted from the outside (for example, the outer handle (6)) to the middle handle (7) is more easily transmitted to the reversing handle (4).

[0088] In the fourth embodiment of the switch (1), in any one of the first to third embodiments, the reversing handle (4) further has a third contact portion (44). The third contact portion (44) contacts the device body (2) in a first direction (DR1) at the end of the first arm portion (40) opposite to the first rotation axis (Ax1). The third contact portion (44) protrudes on the side opposite to the middle handle (7).

[0089] According to this embodiment, the pushing force acting on the reversing handle (4) is more easily supported by the device body (2).

[0090] The switch (1) of the fifth embodiment further comprises a coil spring (49) and a movable contact plate (33) on which a movable contact (3b) is provided, in any one of the first to fourth embodiments. The reversing handle (4) further has a cylindrical portion (42) that protrudes in the first direction (DR1) on the side opposite to the outer handle (6). The first end of the coil spring (49) is located inside the cylindrical portion (42). A part of the movable contact plate (33) is inserted into the second end of the coil spring (49). When the reversing handle (4) rotates, the movable contact (3b) and the fixed contact (3a) provided on the movable contact plate (33) are closed or opened.

[0091] According to this embodiment, it becomes possible to suitably perform the switching operation between the movable contact (3b) and the fixed contact (3a).

[0092] In the sixth embodiment of the switch (1), in any one of the first to fifth embodiments, the movable contact (3b) moves in the third direction (DR3) to close or open with the fixed contact (3a).

[0093] According to this embodiment, it becomes possible to suitably perform the switching operation between the movable contact (3b) and the fixed contact (3a).

[0094] The seventh embodiment of the switch device (100) comprises one switch (1) according to the first to sixth embodiments, and an outer handle (6) that is configured to transmit a pressing force applied by an operator to an inner handle (7).

[0095] According to this embodiment, the pressing force applied by the operator can be transmitted from the outer handle (6) to the middle handle (7) and then to the reversing handle (4). This makes it possible to provide a switch device (100) that can suppress a decrease in reliability.

[0096] In the eighth embodiment of the switch device (100), the outer handle (6) is provided with a fourth contact portion (63) that contacts the second contact portion (73) of the inner handle (7) in a first direction (DR1). The fourth contact portion (63) protrudes toward the inner handle (7).

[0097] According to this embodiment, the pushing force applied by the operator is more easily transmitted from the outer handle (6) to the middle handle (7).

[0098] The switch device (100) of the ninth embodiment further comprises a mounting frame (8) that can be attached to the installation surface, as in the eighth embodiment. The external handle (6) is attached to the mounting frame (8).

[0099] According to this embodiment, the switch (1) is easier to attach to the installation surface.

[0100] In the tenth embodiment of the switch device (100), the mounting frame (8) has a third rotation axis parallel to the second direction (DR2). The outer handle (6) is configured to swing about the third rotation axis while attached to the mounting frame (8).

[0101] According to this embodiment, it becomes possible to reduce the amount of operation required for the external handle (6).

[0102] The configurations relating to the second to sixth aspects are not essential to switch (1) and can be omitted as appropriate.

[0103] The configurations relating to the eighth to tenth aspects are not essential to the switch device (100) and can be omitted as appropriate.

[0104] 1 Switch 2 Body 3 Contact part 3a Fixed contact 3b Movable contact 4 Reversing handle 6 Outer handle 7 Inner handle 8 Mounting frame 33 Movable contact plate 40 First arm part 41 First shaft part 42 Cylindrical part 44 Third contact part 49 Coil spring 63 Fourth contact part 70 Second arm part 71 Second shaft part 72 First contact part 73 Second contact part 100 Switch device Ax1 First rotation axis Ax2 Second rotation axis DR1 First direction DR2 Second direction DR3 Third direction

Claims

1. A switch comprising: a body housing a contact portion including a fixed contact and a movable contact; a reversing handle having a first shaft portion held in the body so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis parallel to a second direction perpendicular to a first direction which is the direction in which a pressing force is applied by an operator, and first arm portions arranged on both sides of the first shaft portion; and a middle handle having a second arm portion, a second shaft portion held in the body so as to be rotatable about a second rotation axis parallel to the second direction at the first end of the second arm portion, a first contact portion at the second end of the second arm portion which contacts the first arm portion of the reversing handle in the first direction, and a second contact portion provided on the part of the second arm portion opposite to the reversing handle which receives the pressing force by physical contact from the outside, wherein the end of the first arm portion of the reversing handle opposite to the first shaft portion is located further away from the first shaft portion than the second contact portion of the middle handle when viewed from the first shaft portion in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions.

2. The switch according to claim 1, wherein the end of the first arm of the reversing handle opposite to the first rotation axis is located between the second contact portion of the middle handle and the second rotation axis in the third direction.

3. The switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first contact portion protrudes toward the first arm portion of the reversing handle in the first direction, and the second contact portion protrudes toward the opposite side of the first arm portion of the reversing handle in the first direction.

4. The reversing handle further has a third contact portion at the end of the first arm portion opposite to the first rotation axis that contacts the device body in a first direction, and the third contact portion protrudes on the side opposite to the middle handle, the switch according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The switch according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a coil spring and a movable contact plate on which the movable contact is provided, wherein the reversing handle further has a cylindrical portion, the first end of the coil spring is disposed inside the cylindrical portion, a part of the movable contact plate is inserted into the second end of the coil spring, and the rotation of the reversing handle causes the movable contact and the fixed contact provided on the movable contact plate to close or open.

6. The switch according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the movable contact moves in the third direction to close or open with the fixed contact.

7. A switch device comprising a switch according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and an outer handle to which the pressing force applied by an operator is applied and which is configured to transmit the pressing force to the inner handle.

8. The switch device according to claim 7, wherein the outer handle has a fourth contact portion that contacts the second contact portion of the middle handle in the first direction, and the fourth contact portion protrudes toward the middle handle.

9. The switch device according to claim 8, further comprising a mounting frame that can be attached to the installation surface, wherein the outer handle is attached to the mounting frame.

10. The switch device according to claim 9, wherein the mounting frame has a third rotation axis parallel to the second direction, and the outer handle is configured to be pivotable about the third rotation axis when mounted on the mounting frame.

Images