SWITCH AND SWITCHING DEVICE

Abstract

Switch (2), comprising: a pivoting element (20) which is designed to pivot in response to an external actuation; a contact element (21) configured to pivot a pivot axis identical to a pivot axis of the pivot element (20), and comprising a plurality of movable contacts (211) extending in different directions; and a substrate (22) on which a fixed contact (220) is formed, wherein the fixed contact (220) is configured to come into contact with a number of the plurality of movable contacts (211) of the contact element (21) extending in the same direction, wherein the plurality of movable contacts (211) is switched by pivoting the contact element (21) in conjunction with pivoting the pivoting element (20) and the number of movable contacts (211) contacts the fixed contact (220) formed on the substrate (22), wherein the pivoting element (20) has a shaft section (200) through which the pivoting axis runs, the contact element (21) is formed from a conductive plate which has a bent section that is bent, the bending section (210) is arranged in the shaft section (200), and the multitude of movable contacts (211) extends from both ends of the bending section (210), wherein the contact element (21) has a cut-out and raised section (210a) which is cut out and raised in such a way as to form a frame-shaped section (210, 210a) which together with the bending section (210) forms a frame shape, and the pivoting element (20) has a holding section (200a) which is placed on the frame-shaped section (210, 210a) formed by the bending section (210) and the cut-out and raised section (210a) and is designed to hold the contact element (21).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a changeover switch and a switching device comprising the changeover switch. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Trigger switches, which typically include a changeover switch for switching the direction of actuation, are commonly used as a type of trigger switch to control the operation of a power tool. For example, patent document 1 discloses a technique for a trigger switch with a changeover switch. DOCUMENT ACCORDING TO THE STATE OF THE TECHNOLOGY PATENT DOCUMENT

[0003] Patent document 1: JP 2015- 219 965 A

[0004] Further prior art is provided by DE 19 56 968 U and JP 2012-1 188 A, wherein DE 19 56 968 U shows a toggle switch with a transmission element that acts on a rocker switch, wherein the rocker switch is movably mounted on a contact fixed to the base of the switch housing and can be tilted from one switching position to another by means of the transmission element. Brief description of the invention; problems to be solved by the invention

[0005] A potential need is expected for a function to switch the direction of actuation depending on the tilting direction of a changeover lever as a function of a release switch with such a changeover switch.

[0006] However, the release switch proposed in patent document 1 has the problem that the release switch is only activated on one tilting side of the toggle lever. It should be noted that, in order to configure the release switch disclosed in patent document 1 so that the actuation direction is switched depending on the tilting direction, the problem arises that the number of components increases and the design becomes more complex.

[0007] The present invention arose in view of such circumstances, and one object of the present invention is to provide a switch which has a simple design and can switch the operating state depending on the tilting direction.

[0008] Another objective is to provide a switching device with the changeover switch according to the present invention. PROBLEM SOLVENTS

[0009] This problem is solved by the subject matter of independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of dependent claims.The invention is defined by the claims, aspects of which are explained below: According to one aspect of the invention, a switch comprises a pivoting element configured to pivot in response to external actuation, a contact element configured to pivot about the pivot axis, which is identical to the pivot axis of the pivoting element and comprises a plurality of movable contacts extending in different directions, and a substrate on which a fixed contact is formed, wherein the fixed contact is configured to be in contact with each of the plurality of movable contacts of the contact element, wherein the movable contact, which is in contact with the fixed contact formed on the substrate, is switched by pivoting the contact element in conjunction with pivoting the pivoting element.

[0010] The switch according to the aspect of the invention comprises, as fixed contacts formed on the substrate, a plurality of fixed contacts which are arranged on a first plane parallel to the pivot axis and on opposite sides with respect to a second plane orthogonal to the first plane and which have the pivot axis, and as movable contacts comprising the contact element, a plurality of movable contacts which extend on opposite sides with respect to the second plane.

[0011] The switch according to the aspect of the invention comprises a fixed contact which is configured to electrically connect one of the plurality of movable contacts contained in the contact element and the fixed contact formed on the substrate, regardless of the pivoting state of the contact element.

[0012] In the switch according to the aspect of the invention, the fixed contact is part of the contact element and slides into contact with the stationary contact by pivoting the contact element.

[0013] In the switch according to the aspect of the invention, the contact element, which has a plurality of contacts, is formed from a conductive plate.

[0014] In the switch according to this aspect of the invention, the pivoting element comprises a shaft section through which the pivot axis passes, and the contact element is formed from a conductive plate with a bent section. The bent section is arranged within the shaft section, and the plurality of movable contacts extends from both ends of the bent section. Furthermore, in the switch described in the present application, the contact element comprises a cut-out and raised section, which is cut out and raised to form a frame-shaped section that, together with the bent section, forms a frame shape. The pivoting element comprises a retaining section that is placed on the frame-shaped section formed by the bent section and the cut-out and raised section and is configured to hold the contact element within the shaft section.A switching device according to one aspect of the invention comprises a power supply switch configured to open and close a circuit that supplies power to a consumer device, and a changeover switch configured to switch the power supplied to the consumer device. The changeover switch and the switching device according to the aspects of the invention can switch the contact depending on the direction of rotation, and a simplification of the design is to be expected. IMPACT OF THE INVENTION

[0015] In the changeover switch and switching device according to the invention, the changeover switch is constructed using the pivoting element, the contact element, and the substrate. The movable contact, which is in contact with the fixed contact formed on the substrate, is switched by pivoting the contact element in conjunction with pivoting the pivoting element. As a result, a simplification of the components is to be expected, although different movable contacts and circuits are formed depending on the pivoting direction. The simplification of the components has various effects, such as preventing an increase in costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view that provides an example of the external appearance of a switching device described in the present application. Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic circuit diagram that represents a simplified example of part of the circuit configuration relating to the switching device described in the present application. Fig. Figure 3A is a schematic external view that provides an example of the external appearance of a switch described in the present application. Fig. Figure 3B is a schematic external view that provides an example of the external appearance of the switch described in the present application. Fig. Figure 4A is a schematic external view that provides an example of the external appearance of a contact element included in the switch described in the present application. Fig. Figure 4B is a schematic external view that provides an example of the external appearance of the contact element contained in the switch described in the present application. Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view that provides an example of the external appearance of the contact element included in the switch described in the present application. Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view that shows, by way of example, an enlarged portion of the cross-section of the switch described in the present application. Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic external view that represents an example of the switch described in the present application. Fig. Figure 8A is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view that shows, by way of example, an enlarged portion of the cross-section of the switch described in the present application. Fig. Figure 8B is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view, which provides an example of the external appearance of the switch described in the present application in enlarged form. Fig. Figure 8C is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view that exemplifies an enlarged portion of the cross-section of the switch described in the present application. Fig. Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view that provides an example of the external appearance of a switching device described in the present application. Fig. Figure 10 is a schematic circuit diagram that represents a simplified example of part of the circuit configuration relating to the switching device described in the present application. Fig. Figure 11A is a schematic external view, which provides an example of the external appearance of the switch described in the present application. Fig. Figure 11B is a schematic external view that provides an example of the external appearance of the switch described in the present application. Fig. Figure 12A is a schematic external view that provides an example of the external appearance of a contact element included in the switch described in the present application. Fig. Figure 12B is a schematic external view that provides an example of the external appearance of the contact element contained in the switch described in the present application. Fig. Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view that provides an example of the external appearance of the contact element contained in the switch described in the present application. Fig. Figure 14 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view that shows, by way of example, an enlarged portion of the cross-section of the switch described in the present application. Fig. Figure 15 is a schematic external view that represents an example of the switch described in the present application. Fig. Figure 16A is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view, which provides an example of the cross-section of part of the switch described in the present application in enlarged form. Fig. Figure 16B is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view, which provides an example of the cross-section of part of the switch described in the present application in enlarged form. Fig. Figure 16C is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing, by way of example, an enlarged portion of the cross-section of the switch described in the present application. METHODS OF IMPLEMENTATION

[0016] Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings. <anwendungsbeispiel>

[0017] A switching device described in the present application is used in various electromechanical devices, including power tools such as an electric screwdriver, an electric wrench, and an electric grinder. Furthermore, a changeover switch described in the present application is used in various devices, such as a switching device. In the embodiments illustrated below, such a switching device and a changeover switch are described with reference to the drawings as switching device 1 and changeover switch 2. <Erste Ausführungsform>

[0018] Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view that illustrates the external appearance of the switching device 1 described in the present application. Fig. The switching device 1 shown in Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the switching device 1, which can be installed in various electromechanical devices, such as a power tool. In addition to the changeover switch 2 described above, the switching device 1 includes a power supply switch 3, a circuit block 4, and similar components.

[0019] The power supply switch 3 is a switch, such as a trip switch, that is operated by a user of the electromechanical device. The power supply switch 3 includes an actuating element 30, which functions as a push button that can be pressed by an operator, and a driving element 31, such as a compression spring, which drives the actuating element 30 upwards in the opposite direction to the direction of pressure. When the operator presses the actuating element 30 of the power supply switch 3 while using the electromechanical device, the switch transitions to an ON state, in which the excitation of a current consumer M (see Fig. 2 and the like), such as an electric motor provided in the electrical device. When the operator stops pressing the actuating element 30, the actuating element 30 is driven by the drive element 31 and pushed upwards, and the state transitions to an off state in which the excitation of the electrical consumer M is stopped. That is, when the operator presses the actuating element 30, the excitation of the electrical consumer M is started, and when the operator stops pressing the actuating element 30, the excitation is stopped.

[0020] The changeover switch 2 is a switch operated by a user of the electromechanical device. The changeover switch 2 comprises a pivoting element 20, which pivots in response to an actuation by the user (from the outside), a contact element 21, and a substrate 22. The pivoting element 20 is an element, such as a toggle lever, that is operated by the user. When the user operates the pivoting element 20, the power supplied to the electrical load M is switched. In a case where, for example, the changeover switch 2 is used in the switching device 1 of the electromechanical device, the changeover switch 2 can be configured as follows: When the actuating element 30 is pressed while the pivoting element 20 has moved to a first side, the electric motor, which represents the electrical load M of the electromechanical device, rotates in the normal direction.When the actuating element 30 is pressed down while the pivoting element 20 has moved to a second side that differs from the first, the electric motor rotates in the reverse direction. Details of the changeover switch 2 are described later.

[0021] Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic circuit diagram that presents a simplified example of part of the circuit configuration relating to the switching device 1 described in the present application. The circuit block 4 contains a circuit that is opened / closed or connected to / disconnected from the power supply switch 3 and the changeover switch 2. Fig. Figure 2 illustrates a part of the circuit contained in circuit block 4 in conjunction with a part of the circuit of the electromotive device. Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic section, indicated by dashed lines, of the circuit contained in the switching device 1. It is possible to electrically connect the circuit in the switching device 1 to the current consumer M in the electromechanical device. In addition to the switching device 1, the electromechanical device contains an electric motor, which acts as the current consumer M; a motor control circuit C, which acts as the consumer-side circuit that controls the electric motor; and a power source E, which supplies the electric motor with electrical energy (this could also be a power supply cable supplied with electrical energy from an external source). The power supply switch 3 opens and closes a ground terminal and a power supply-side terminal, which is electrically connected to the motor control circuit C.Opening and closing the grounding terminal and the power supply terminal by actuating the power supply switch 3 controls the excitation state of a switching element, such as a transistor integrated into the motor control circuit C. The current consumer M is switched on / off by controlling the excitation state of the switching element. The changeover switch 2 can toggle a circuit formed between the grounding terminal and the load-side terminal, which is electrically connected to the motor control circuit C. Corresponding to the switching between the grounding terminal and the load-side terminal by actuating the changeover switch 2, the configuration of the circuit integrated into the motor control circuit C is switched. Switching the circuit configuration of the motor control circuit C, for example, reverses the direction of rotation of the electric motor.

[0022] As described, the power supply switch 3 opens and closes the ground terminal and the power supply terminal that provides electrical energy to the load M. The changeover switch 2 opens and closes the ground terminal and the load-side terminal connected to the load M. It should be noted that there are two pairs of ground terminals and load-side terminals that are opened / closed by the changeover switch 2, and the ground terminal and load-side terminal of each of the two terminal pairs are closed by actuating the changeover switch 2. Therefore, the operator can actuate the electromechanical device by performing a switching operation in which they connect the changeover switch 2 to one of the terminal pairs and close the power supply switch 3, in order to rotate the electric motor in the normal direction or in reverse.

[0023] Next, the configuration of switch 2 will be described. Fig. 3A and Fig. Figure 3B are schematic external views that provide an example of the external appearance of the switch 2 described in the present application. Fig. 3A is a schematic top view and Fig. 3B a schematic front view. In each of the Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B also shows circuit block 4 to illustrate the relationship to Fig. 1. To facilitate. It should be noted that in the following description regarding the directions of switch 2 in Fig. 3A It is assumed that the front is the top, the back is the bottom, the underside is the front (front side), and the top is the back. However, these directions are used for illustrative purposes and do not restrict the directions when the switch 2 is used. As described above, the switch 2 includes the pivoting element 20, the contact element 21, and the substrate 22.

[0024] The pivoting element 20 contained in the switch 2 is formed by molding a resin, such as a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin, using a molding process such as injection molding. The pivoting element 20 comprises a column-shaped shaft section 200, the central axis of which is the pivot axis. An actuating arm 201 with an elongated, essentially hexagonal plate shape is formed on the bottom surface at the front of the shaft section 200 with the column-shaped pivoting element 20. In the Fig. 3A and Fig. In the mode shown in Figure 3B, the pivoting element 20 is arranged such that the axial direction of the shaft section 200 is from front to back, and the actuating arm 201 extends laterally to the left from the base surface along the front surface. The actuating arm 201, which has an elongated shape, has an end section on a first side (right side) that is integrated into the base surface of the shaft section 200. A projection 201a, which receives the operator's actuation, is provided such that it projects from a second side (left side), which differs from the first side. When the operator actuates the projection 201a, the pivoting element 20 pivots about the pivot axis. In the Fig. In the schematic front view shown in 3B, the pivoting element 20 pivots about the pivot axis which passes through the center of the shaft section 200 when the operator moves the projection 201a up and down.

[0025] The Fig. 4A and Fig. Figure 4B are schematic external views that provide an example of the external appearance of the contact element 21 contained in the switch 2 described in the present application. Fig. 4A is a schematic top view and Fig. 4B a schematic front view. Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the external appearance of the contact element 21 contained in the switch 2 described in the present application. The contact element 21 contained in the switch 2 is formed, for example, by punching out a conductive thin metal plate made of copper, iron, or the like and bending the conductive thin metal plate. The contact element 21 comprises a bent section 210, which is bent substantially at right angles at two points, and movable contacts 211 extending from the bent section 210 in different directions. The near end of each of the movable contacts 211 extending from the bent section 210 pivots to contact the substrate 22.

[0026] The bending section 210 is located near the center of the contact element 21. The bending section 210 has two corner sections that are essentially bent at right angles when viewed from the front and is frame-shaped with one side missing. More precisely, the bending section 210 comprises a horizontal frame and a pair of vertical frames extending downwards from both ends of the horizontal frame, and has a rectangular frame shape with the lower frame missing. At opposite locations in the two vertical frames, cut-out and raised sections 210a are formed, which are cut out and raised in the direction of the other vertical frame.Since the cut-out and raised sections 210a are cut and raised at right angles and run essentially parallel to the horizontal frame, they extend such that they lie essentially on the same straight line. That is, the bent section 210 of the contact element 21 and the cut-out and raised sections 210a together form a frame-shaped section with a substantially rectangular frame shape. The frame-shaped section formed by the bent section 210 and the cut-out and raised sections 210a is arranged within the shaft section 200 of the pivoting element 20.

[0027] From the two end sections of the bending section 210, i.e., the sections corresponding to the lower ends of the two vertical frames, the movable contacts 211 extend obliquely downwards, spreading apart. That is, the movable contacts 211 are designed to gradually spread obliquely downwards from the lower ends of the bending section 210. Extending obliquely downwards and to the right and left from the bending section 210, the movable contacts 211 branch out from its center into four brush pieces 211a on each side and are in sliding contact with the substrate 22 at each brush piece 211a. That is, the movable contacts 211 are in contact with the substrate 22 at the eight brush pieces 211a. It should be noted that the front end of the brush piece 211a is deformed in such a way that it is in smooth contact with the substrate 22 and slides on it.

[0028] Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view that shows, by way of example, an enlarged portion of the cross-section of the switch 2 described in the present application. Fig. 6 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view, in which the in Fig. The cross-section AB shown in Figure 3A is enlarged to reveal the relationship between the shaft section 200 of the pivoting element 20 and the bent section 210 of the contact element 21. A retaining section 200a is formed within the shaft section 200 of the pivoting element 20, in which a groove is provided into which the bent section 210 of the contact element 21 is fitted. The frame-shaped section formed by the bent section 210 and the cut-out and raised sections 210a of the contact element 21 is fitted into the retaining section 200a of the pivoting element 20. Thus, the pivoting element 20 holds a contact element 21. Viewed from the front, the groove in the retaining section 200a has a substantially rectangular shape.The frame-shaped section formed by the bent section 210 and the cut-out and raised sections 210a of the contact element 21 is fitted into the substantially rectangular groove, and the bent section 210 of the contact element 21 is fitted into the groove of the retaining section 200a. That is, the retaining section 200a of the pivoting element 20 is placed onto the frame-shaped section formed by the bent section 210 and the cut-out and raised sections 210a of the contact element 21 to hold the contact element 21. By forming the bent section 210 and the cut-out and raised sections 210a in the contact element 21 such that the frame-shaped section is formed with a substantially rectangular shape, the retaining section 200a, with its substantially rectangular shape, can hold the contact element 21 in the shaft section 200.For example, in a case where the cut-out and raised sections 210a are not formed in the contact element 21, because the contact element 21 is formed from a thin metal plate, the fitting groove must be elongated. In a case where the pivoting element 20, in which a narrow groove for holding the contact element 21 is embossed, is formed by injection molding, there is a possibility that the molding costs will increase. However, if the groove embossed in the retaining section 200a is not a narrow groove but a rectangular groove, the pivoting element 20 can be easily formed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an increase in molding costs. If the retaining section 200a of the pivoting element 20, with the pivot axis as its central axis, holds the contact element 21, the contact element 21 is held in a state in which the plurality of movable contacts 211 extend from the pivot axis in different directions.The multitude of movable contacts 211, which extend in different directions from the pivot axis, means here that the angle formed between the extension direction of the movable contact 211 and the pivot axis is different for each movable contact 211.

[0029] Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic external view that represents an example of the switch 2 described in the present application. Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic top view. To facilitate understanding of the relationship between the substrate 22 and the contact element 21, Fig. Figure 7 shows a transparent view in which part of the switching element 20 and the outer shape of the contact element 21 are represented by alternating long and two short dashed lines. A fixed contact 220, which the movable contact 211 of the contact element 21 can contact, is formed on the upper surface of the substrate 22. In the example of Fig. 7. On the rear side, two fixed grounding contacts 220a with a rectangular shape are formed as fixed contact 220, their longitudinal direction being right-left, and on the front side, one fixed contact 220b for normal rotation and one fixed contact 220c for reverse rotation are formed, also with a rectangular shape and their longitudinal direction being right-left. It should be noted that the description here is given assuming that the fixed contact 220b for normal rotation is located on the left front side and the fixed contact 220c for reverse rotation is located on the right front side. The fixed grounding contacts 220a are electrically connected to the grounding terminals. The fixed contact 220b for normal rotation is electrically connected to the consumer-side

[0030] The terminal on the normal rotation side is connected, and the fixed contact 220c for reverse rotation is electrically connected to the consumer-side terminal on the reverse rotation side.

[0031] Two adjacent brush pieces 211a of the eight brush pieces 211a contained in the contact element 21 form a pair and contact the stationary contact 220 on the substrate 22. In the Fig. The two pairs of brush pieces 211a on the back of the contact element 21 shown in Figure 7 can each contact the fixed grounding contacts 220a. The pair of brush pieces 211a on the left front side can contact the fixed contact 220b for normal rotation, and the pair of brush pieces 211a on the right front side can contact the fixed contact 220c for reverse rotation.

[0032] Next, the operation of switch 2, which is described in the present application, will be described. Fig. 8A, Fig. 8B and Fig. Figure 8C are schematic enlarged cross-sectional views that represent an example of the cross-section of part of the switch 2 described in the present application. Fig. 8A, Fig. 8B and Fig. Figure 8C illustrates the operation of switch 2 as seen from the front. It should be noted that the schematic enlarged cross-sectional views are used so that the position of contact element 21 is easily identifiable. Fig. Figure 8A illustrates a state in which the actuating arm 201 (actuating arm 20 is not shown) of the pivoting element 20, which extends to the left when viewed from the front, pivots downwards. When the actuating arm 201 of the pivoting element 20 pivots downwards, the pivoting element 20 pivots to the left (counterclockwise) when viewed from the front, and the pivoting element 20 as a whole tilts upwards and to the right. As the pivoting element 20 pivots, the contact element 21, which moves together with the pivoting element 20 such that its pivot axis is identical to the pivot axis of the pivoting element, also pivots to the left. When the contact element 21 pivots to the left, the movable contact 211 on the left side of the contact element 21 contacts the stationary contact 220 on the left side of the substrate 22.The brush piece 211a contained in the movable contact 211 makes contact with the stationary contact 220 as the contact element 21 pivots. As the contact element 21 continues to pivot, the brush piece 211a slides on the stationary contact 220 into a position where it is pressed against the stationary contact 220. The contact element 21 is formed from a thin metal plate. Therefore, when the contact element 21 is pressed against the stationary contact 220, the brush piece 211a slides on the stationary contact 220 while deforming and coming into contact with it. When, as described, the movable contact 211 makes contact with the stationary contact 220 and is then pressed against it, the movable contact 211 and the stationary contact 220 can be reliably brought into contact.Furthermore, since the movable contact 211 slides into contact with the fixed contact 220, it can be expected that foreign objects on the fixed contact 220 will be removed. It should be noted that in the state of... Fig. 8A, because the brush pieces 211a of the movable contact 211 contact the fixed grounding contact 220a and the fixed contact 220b for normal rotation on the left side, the fixed grounding contact 220a and the fixed contact 220b for normal rotation on the left side are electrically connected to each other. This brings the grounding terminal and the load-side terminal on the normal rotation side into a conductive state. When the actuating element 30 of the power supply switch 3 is pressed in this state, the electric motor, which is provided as load M in the electromechanical device, is energized in the normal direction of rotation, and the electric motor rotates in the normal direction.

[0033] Fig. Figure 8B illustrates a state in which the actuating arm 201 of the pivoting element 20 pivots upwards. When the actuating arm 201 of the pivoting element 20 pivots upwards, the pivoting element 20 pivots to the right (clockwise) when viewed from the front, and the pivoting element 20 as a whole tilts downwards and to the right. As the pivoting element 20 pivots, the contact element 21, which moves together with the pivoting element 20 such that its pivot axis is identical to the pivot axis of the pivoting element, also pivots to the right. When the contact element 21 pivots to the right, the movable contact 211 on the right side of the contact element 21 contacts the fixed contact 220 on the right side of the substrate 22. It should be noted that in the state of Fig. 8B, since the brush pieces 211a of the movable contact 211 contact the fixed grounding contact 220a and the fixed reverse-rotation contact 220c on the right-hand side, the fixed grounding contact 220a and the fixed reverse-rotation contact 220c on the right-hand side are electrically connected to each other. This brings the grounding terminal and the load-side terminal on the reverse-rotation side into a conductive state. When the actuating element 30 of the power supply switch 3 is pressed in this state, the electric motor, which is provided as load M in the electromechanical device, is energized in the reverse direction, and the electric motor rotates in the reverse direction.

[0034] Fig. Figure 8C illustrates a state in which the pivoting element 20 is essentially held horizontally. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 8C, when the pivoting element 20 is substantially horizontal, the movable contacts 211 of the contact element 21 are held in a state in which they are separated from the fixed contacts 220. The switching device 1 described in the present application can be in a locked state in which, for example, pressing the power supply switch 3 is mechanically prevented. In a case in which the power supply switch 3 is in the locked state, pivoting of the pivoting element 20 is also prevented in conjunction with a locking mechanism of the power supply switch 3. For example, if pivoting of the pivoting element 20 is prevented in conjunction with the locking mechanism of the power supply switch 3, the state is as shown in Figure 8C. Fig. The state shown in 8C is fixed. <Zweite Ausführungsform>

[0035] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the form and function of various elements contained in a switch 2. It should be noted that in the following description, the same configuration as in the first embodiment is designated by the same reference number as in the first embodiment, reference is made to the first embodiment, and parts of the description are omitted.

[0036] Fig. Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the external appearance of a switching device 1 described in the present application. Fig. The switching device 1 shown in Figure 9 includes a changeover switch 2, a power supply switch 3, a circuit block 4 and similar components.

[0037] Fig. Figure 10 is a schematic circuit diagram that represents a simplified example of part of the circuit configuration of the switching device 1 described in the present application. The circuit block 4 contains a circuit that is opened / closed or connected to / disconnected from the power supply switch 3 and the changeover switch 2. Fig. Figure 10 illustrates a part of the circuit contained in circuit block 4 in conjunction with a part of the circuit of an electromotive device. Fig. Figure 10 shows a schematic section, indicated by dashed lines, of a part of the circuit contained in the switching device 1. It is possible to electrically connect the circuit in the switching device 1 to a current consumer M in the electromechanical device. The power supply switch 3 opens and closes a grounding terminal and a power supply terminal that provides electrical energy to the current consumer M. The changeover switch 2 opens and closes the grounding terminal and the current consumer terminal connected to the current consumer M. Two terminals are provided as current consumer terminals. By actuating the changeover switch 2, it is possible to connect and disconnect the grounding terminal and either of the two current consumer terminals at a time.It should be noted that it is also possible to fix changeover switch 2 in a neutral position, in which the grounding terminal is not connected to either of the two load-side terminals. The configuration of changeover switch 2 is described next. Fig. 11A and Fig. Figure 11B are schematic external views that provide an example of the external appearance of the switch 2 described in the present application. Fig. 11A is a schematic top view and Fig. 11B a schematic front view. In each of the Fig. 11A and Fig. 11B also shows circuit block 4 to illustrate the relationship to Fig. 9 to facilitate. As described above, the switch 2 includes a pivoting element 20, a contact element 21 and a substrate 22. The pivoting element 20 contained in the switch 2 includes a shaft section 200 with a cylindrical shape, and an actuating arm 201 with a substantially hexagonal plate shape is formed on a base surface of the shaft section 200.

[0038] The Fig. 12A and Fig. Figure 12B are schematic external views that provide an example of the external appearance of the contact element 21 contained in the switch 2 described in the present application. Fig. 12A is a schematic top view and Fig. 12B is a schematic front view. Fig. Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the external appearance of the contact element 21 contained in the switch 2 described in the present application. The contact element 21 comprises a bent section 210, which is bent substantially at right angles at two points, and movable contacts 211 extending in different directions from the bent section 210. The movable contacts 211 extend to the right and left from the bent section 210 and then obliquely downwards. Near the leading end of each of the movable contacts 211 pivots to contact the substrate 22. A fixed contact 212, extending obliquely downwards to the right, branches off from the center of the movable contact 211, which extends to the left.A front end of the fixed contact 212 is formed as a brush piece 212a and is kept in contact with the substrate 22 regardless of the pivoting state of the contact element 21.

[0039] The bent section 210 is located near the center of the contact element 21. The bent section 210 has two corner sections that are substantially bent at right angles when viewed from the front and is frame-shaped with one side missing. At opposite points in both vertical frames, cut-out and raised sections 210a are formed, which are cut-out and raised in the direction of the other vertical frame. That is, the bent section 210 of the contact element 21 and the cut-out and raised sections 210a together form a frame-shaped section with a substantially rectangular frame shape. The frame-shaped section formed by the bent section 210 and the cut-out and raised sections 210a is arranged within the shaft section 200 of the pivoting element 20.

[0040] From the two end sections of the bent section 210, i.e., the sections corresponding to the lower ends of the two vertical frames, movable contacts 211 extend to the right and left, spreading and continuing diagonally downwards. That is, the movable contacts 211 are designed to gradually spread diagonally downwards from the lower ends of the bent section 210. From the center of the movable contact 211 on a first side, the fixed contact 212 branches out to a second side, which differs from the first side. Fig. 12A, Fig. 12B and Fig. Figure 13 represents a case in which the fixed contact 212, extending obliquely downwards to the right, branches out from the center of the movable contact 211, which extends to the left. The front ends of the respective contacts, i.e., the movable contact 211 and the fixed contact 212, are brush pieces 211a that are in sliding contact with the substrate 22. The movable contact 211 has two brush pieces 211a at its end face. The fixed contact 212 has two brush pieces 211a formed by its base, which branches off from the movable contact 211.

[0041] Fig. Figure 14 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing, by way of example, an enlarged portion of the cross-section of the switch 2 described in the present application. Fig. Figure 14 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view, in which the in Fig. The cross-section CD shown in Figure 11A is enlarged to reveal the relationship between the shaft section 200 of the pivoting element 20 and the bent section 210 of the contact element 21. A retaining section 200a is formed within the shaft section 200 of the pivoting element 20, in which a groove is provided into which the bent section 210 of the contact element 21 is fitted. The frame-shaped section formed by the bent section 210 and the cut-out and raised sections 210a of the contact element 21 is fitted into the retaining section 200a of the pivoting element 20. Thus, the pivoting element 20 holds a contact element 21. Viewed from the front, the groove in the retaining section 200a has a substantially rectangular shape.The frame-shaped section formed by the bent section 210 and the cut-out and raised sections 210a of the contact element 21 is fitted into the substantially rectangular groove, and the bent section 210 of the contact element 21 is fitted into the groove of the retaining section 200a. That is, the retaining section 200a of the pivoting element 20 is placed onto the frame-shaped section formed by the bent section 210 and the cut-out and raised sections 210a of the contact element 21 to hold the contact element 21. Fig. Figure 15 is a schematic external view that represents an example of the switch 2 described in the present application. Fig. Figure 15 is a schematic top view. To facilitate understanding of the relationship between the substrate 22 and the contact element 21, Fig. Figure 15 shows a transparent view in which part of the switching element 20 and the outer shape of the contact element 21 are represented by alternating long and two short dashed lines. A fixed contact 220, which the movable contact 211 of the contact element 21 can contact, is formed on the upper surface of the substrate 22. In the example of Fig. 15 is formed as a fixed contact 220, a fixed earthing contact 220a with a rectangular shape, whose longitudinal side direction is a forward-backward direction, on the middle, a fixed contact 220b for normal rotation with a rectangular shape, whose longitudinal side direction is the forward-backward direction, on the left side, and a fixed contact 220c for reverse rotation with a rectangular shape, whose longitudinal side direction is the forward-backward direction, on the right side.

[0042] Two brush pieces 211a formed on the contact element 21 form a pair and contact the stationary contact 220 on the substrate 22. In the Fig. In the contact element 21 shown in Figure 15, the brush pieces 211a of the movable contact 211 on the left can contact the fixed contact 220b for normal rotation, and the brush pieces 211a of the movable contact 211 on the right can contact the fixed contact 220c for reverse rotation. Furthermore, the brush pieces 212a of the fixed contact 212 contact the fixed grounding contact 220a. The fixed contact 212 is in contact with the fixed grounding contact 220a regardless of the pivot state of the contact element 21. Therefore, the movable contacts 211 of the contact element 21 and the fixed grounding contact 220a formed on the substrate 22 are electrically connected by the fixed contact 212, irrespective of the pivot state of the contact element 21.

[0043] Next, the operation of switch 2, which is described in the present application, will be described. Fig. 16A, Fig. 16B and Fig. Figure 16C are schematic enlarged cross-sectional views that represent an example of the cross-section of part of the switch 2 described in the present application in enlarged form. Fig. 16A, Fig. 16B and Fig. Figure 16C illustrates the operation of switch 2 as seen from the front. It should be noted that the schematic enlarged cross-sectional views are used so that the position of contact element 21 is easily identifiable. Fig. Figure 16A illustrates a state in which the actuating arm 201 of the pivoting element 20 pivots downwards on the left side, viewed from the front. When the actuating arm 201 of the pivoting element 20 pivots downwards, the pivoting element 20 pivots to the left, viewed from the front, and the pivoting element 20 as a whole tilts upwards and to the right. As the pivoting element 20 pivots, the contact element 21, which moves together with the pivoting element 20 such that its pivot axis is identical to the pivot axis of the pivoting element, also pivots to the left. When the contact element 21 pivots to the left, the movable contact 211 on the left side of the contact element 21 contacts the fixed contact 220 on the left side of the substrate 22. The fixed contact 212 of the contact element 21 is held in contact with the fixed contact 220 in the center on the substrate 22.In a case where the contact element 21 pivots, the fixed contact 212 slides into contact with the stationary contact 220. Since in . Fig. 16A When the brush pieces 211a of the movable contact 211 on the left side contact the fixed contact 220b for normal rotation in a state in which the brush pieces 212a of the fixed contact 212 are in contact with the fixed grounding contact 220a, the fixed grounding contact 220a and the fixed contact 220b for normal rotation are electrically connected. This brings the grounding terminal and the load-side terminal on the normal rotation side into a conductive state. When the actuating element 30 of the power supply switch 3 is pressed in this state, the electric motor, which is provided as a load M in the electromechanical device, is energized in the normal direction of rotation, and the electric motor rotates in the normal direction.

[0044] Fig. Figure 16B illustrates a state in which the actuating arm 201 of the pivoting element 20 pivots upwards. When the actuating arm 201 of the pivoting element 20 pivots upwards, the pivoting element 20 pivots to the right when viewed from the front, and the pivoting element 20 as a whole tilts downwards and to the right. As the pivoting element 20 pivots, the contact element 21, which moves together with the pivoting element 20 such that its pivot axis is identical to the pivot axis of the pivoting element, also pivots to the right. When the contact element 21 pivots to the right, the movable contact 211 on the right side of the contact element 21 contacts the fixed contact 220 on the right side of the substrate 22. It should be noted that in Fig. 16B The brush pieces 211a of the movable contact 211 on the right side contact the fixed contact 220c for reverse rotation in a state in which the brush pieces 212a of the fixed contact 212 are in contact with the fixed grounding contact 220a in the middle. Therefore, the fixed grounding contact 220a and the fixed contact 220c for reverse rotation are electrically connected to each other, and the grounding terminal and the load-side terminal on the reverse rotation side are brought into a conductive state. When the actuating element 30 of the power supply switch 3 is pressed in this state, the electric motor, which is provided as load M in the electromechanical device, is energized in the reverse direction, and the electric motor rotates in the reverse direction.

[0045] Fig. Figure 16C illustrates a state in which the pivoting element 20 is held essentially horizontally. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 16C, since the pivoting element 20 is essentially horizontal, the fixed contact 212 of the contact element 21 is in contact with the fixed grounding contact 220a, but the movable contacts 211 of the contact element 21 are kept separate from the fixed contacts 220. The switching device 1 described in the present application can be in a locked state in which, for example, pressing the power supply switch 3 is mechanically prevented. In a case in which the power supply switch 3 is in the locked state, pivoting of the pivoting element 20 is also prevented in conjunction with a locking mechanism of the power supply switch 3. If, for example, pivoting of the pivoting element 20 is prevented in conjunction with the locking mechanism of the power supply switch 3, the state is as shown in Figure 16C. Fig. The state shown in 16C is fixed.

[0046] As described above with reference to the description of the first embodiment and the second embodiment as examples, the switch 2, which is included in the switching device 1 described in the present application, comprises the pivoting element 20, which is configured to pivot in response to an external actuation, and the contact element 21, which is configured to pivot about the pivot axis, which is identical to the pivot axis of the pivoting element 20, wherein the contact element 21 has a plurality of movable contacts 211 extending in different directions from one another, and the substrate 22, on which the fixed contact 220 is formed, wherein the fixed contact 220 is configured to contact each of the plurality of movable contacts 211 of the contact element 21.

[0047] Furthermore, the switching device 1 described in detail in the first and second embodiments comprises the changeover switch 2 with elements such as the pivoting element 20, the contact element 21, and the substrate 22. The plurality of fixed contacts 220 are formed on the substrate 22 such that they are arranged on a virtual parallel plane parallel to the pivoting axis of the pivoting element 20. It should be noted that the plurality of fixed contacts 220 are arranged on the virtual parallel plane; however, they do not necessarily have to be exactly parallel to the pivoting element 20, and an error that does not cause a problem in operation is permissible. That is to say, the parallel relationship here means a substantially parallel relationship including a certain degree of error.Furthermore, the plurality of fixed contacts 220 are formed on both sides of a virtual orthogonal plane that is orthogonal to the virtual parallel plane and includes the pivot axis of the pivoting element 20. The first embodiment describes, by way of example, a mode in which the fixed grounding contact 220a and the fixed contact 220b for normal rotation are formed on the first side (left side) of the virtual orthogonal plane, and the fixed grounding contact 220a and the fixed contact 220c for reverse rotation are formed on the second side (right side). The second embodiment describes, by way of example, a mode in which the fixed contact 220b for normal rotation is formed on the first side of the virtual orthogonal plane, and the fixed contact 220c for reverse rotation is formed on the second side.Furthermore, the contact element 21, which pivots about the pivot axis identical to the pivot axis of the pivot element 20, comprises the plurality of movable contacts 211 extending in different directions with respect to the virtual orthogonal plane. That is, the contact element 21 encloses the movable contacts 211 on both sides of the pivot axis of the pivot element 20. Additionally, the substrate 22, on which the fixed contacts 220 are formed, is orthogonal to the virtual orthogonal plane that encloses the pivot axis.

[0048] In the changeover switch 2 contained in the switching device 1, which is configured as described above, the movable contact 211, which contacts the fixed contact 220 formed on the substrate 22, is switched by pivoting the contact element 21 in conjunction with pivoting the pivoting element 20. That is, it is possible to implement the changeover switch 2 such that, with a simple configuration of the pivoting element 20, the contact elements 21, and the substrate 22, it performs different actions in each pivoting direction, i.e., in each tilting direction of the pivoting element 20. The changeover switch 2 is characterized by excellent advantages, such as a simplified component configuration. In particular, if the pivoting element 20 and the contact element 21 are formed as a single component manufactured from a single material, the number of components can be reduced.Reducing the number of components prevents cost increases, e.g., in manufacturing costs, assembly costs, and administrative costs.

[0049] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be implemented in various other ways. Therefore, the embodiments described above are in every respect only examples and should not be interpreted restrictively. The technical scope of the present invention is described by the scope of the claims and is not bound by the wording of the description. Furthermore, all modifications and alterations that fall within the equivalent scope of the claims are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0050] For example, the arrangement of the fixed contacts 220 described in the preceding embodiments is only one example, and the arrangement can be modified in various ways, and the arrangement of the movable contacts 211 can also be designed accordingly. Furthermore, the embodiments described above illustrate, for example, a mode in which the switch 2 performs the switching between normal and reverse rotation of the current consumer M. However, the switch 2 of the present application is not limited to this and can be applied to various switching circuits. For example, different modes, such as switching between the fast and slow speeds of the current consumer M, can be developed. In addition, a current consumer M other than an electric motor can be developed.

[0051] Furthermore, the embodiments described above describe a mode in which a thin metal plate is processed into the contact element 21; however, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it suffices that the pivot axis of each movable contact 211 is identical to the pivot axis of a pivot element 20. For example, various modes can be developed, such as a mode in which a thin metal plate is used for each movable contact 211 and the thin metal plates are inserted into a shaft section 200 of a pivot element 20.

[0052] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the contact element 21, including the bent section 210 formed by bending two points at right angles to a frame shape, is described as an example; however, there may be one bent section or three or more bent sections. In a case where there is only one bent section, both sides of the bent section become both ends of a bent section 210, and movable contacts 211 extend from the bent section. Furthermore, in a case where the number of bent sections is three or more, both end section sides of the plurality of bent sections become both ends of a bent section 210, and the movable contacts 211 extend from the two ends.

[0053] Furthermore, the embodiments described above illustrate a mode in which the movable contact 211 and the fixed contact 220 are electrically connected by maintaining the state in which the brush-shaped fixed contact 212 is held in contact with the fixed contact 220. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to develop various modes, such as providing a fixed contact 212 as internal wiring that electrically connects a movable contact 211 and a fixed contact 220.

[0054] Furthermore, the embodiments described above illustrate a mode in which the retaining section 200a is placed on the frame-shaped section formed by the bent section 210 and the cut-out and raised sections 210a within the shaft section 200, and thus the pivoting element 20 holds the contact element 21. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to develop various modes in which a shaft section 200 is fitted into a frame-shaped section formed by a bent section 210 and the cut-out and raised sections 210a to hold a contact element 21. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 switching device 2 switches 20 swivel elements 200 wave section 200a stopping section 201 Actuating arm 21 Contact element 210 Bending section (frame-shaped section) 210a Cut-out and raised section (frame-shaped section) 211 Moving contact 212 Fixed contact 22 Substrat 220 fixed contact 3 power supply switches< / anwendungsbeispiel>

Claims

Switch (2) comprising: a pivoting element (20) configured to pivot in response to external actuation; a contact element (21) configured to pivot about an axis of rotation identical to an axis of rotation of the pivoting element (20), and having a plurality of movable contacts (211) extending in different directions; and a substrate (22) on which a fixed contact (220) is formed, the fixed contact (220) being configured to make contact with a number of the plurality of movable contacts (211) of the contact element (21) extending in the same direction, the plurality of movable contacts (211) being switched by pivoting the contact element (21) in conjunction with pivoting the pivoting element (20), the number of movable contacts (211) thereby contacting the fixed contact (220) formed on the substrate (22).wherein the pivoting element (20) has a shaft section (200) through which the pivot axis passes, the contact element (21) is formed from a conductive plate having a bent section, the bent section (210) is arranged in the shaft section (200), and the plurality of movable contacts (211) extends from both ends of the bent section (210), wherein the contact element (21) has a cut-out and raised section (210a) which is cut out and raised to form a frame-shaped section (210, 210a) which together with the bent section (210) forms a frame shape, and the pivoting element (20) has a retaining section (200a) which is placed on the frame-shaped section (210, 210a) formed by the bent section (210) and the cut-out and raised section (210a) and is configured to hold the contact element (21) to keep. Switch (2) according to claim 1, comprising: the substrate (22) with a plurality of fixed contacts (220) which are located in a parallel plane parallel to a pivot axis of the pivoting element (20) and are formed on both sides of an orthogonal plane which is orthogonal to the parallel plane and has the pivot axis of the pivoting element (20). Switch (2) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a fixed contact (212) which is configured to be in contact with one of the plurality of movable contacts (211) independently of the pivoting state of the contact element (21) and to electrically connect this with an additional fixed contact (220) formed on the substrate (22). Switch (2) according to claim 3, wherein the fixed contact (212) is part of the contact element (21) and slides into contact with the additional fixed contact (220) by pivoting the contact element (21). Switch according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the contact element (21) with the plurality of movable contacts (211) is formed from a conductive plate. Switching device (1) comprising: a power supply switch (3) configured to open and close a circuit that supplies power to a consumer (M); and the changeover switch (2) according to one of claims 1 to 5, configured to switch the electrical energy supplied to the consumer (M).

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