Timer switch

Abstract

To provide a timer switch that enables the operating position of a handle cover to be easily grasped even in the dark.SOLUTION: A timer switch 1 includes an operating handle 40 provided on the front side of a body 10, a handle cover 50 having an arm 52 with a pair of second parts 53 that engage one-to-one with a pair of first parts 43 formed at both ends of a protrusion 42 provided on a first end 40a of the operating handle 40, the pair of second parts 53 is rotatably attached to the pair of first parts 43, and a light source 18 that lights up when the lighting load is turned off. The timer switch 1 also includes an operating unit 17 for setting the time to perform timer control on the lighting load, and a display unit 16 for displaying the setting content on the front side of the body 10. The handle cover 50 is disposed on the second end 40b opposite to the protrusion 42, and has a translucent member (second translucent member 72) that transmits light emitted by the light source 18.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a timer switch. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a timer switch including an operating handle that is rotatably supported by a pivot part provided on the front of a body, a handle cover that is rotatably attached to a base part of the operating handle on the front side of the operating handle, and a light-emitting diode that is positioned on the base part and emits irradiated light from a hole in the operating handle.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a wiring device having a remote control attached to a handle and a handle in which a light-transmitting glow-in-the-dark piece is provided on a light-receiving cover arranged next to the remote control. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4453561 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 4200306 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the technology of Patent Document 1, the part where the handle cover is operated is separated from the through hole through which the light is emitted, so in the dark, a person may accidentally operate the protrusion around the through hole or have to grope around to find a position where the handle cover can be operated.

[0006] In addition, the technology of Patent Document 2 allows the location of the remote control to be identified even in the dark by emitting light from the glow-in-the-dark display piece. However, in the dark, it becomes difficult to identify the operating position for removing the remote control from the steering wheel.

[0007] Thus, there is a problem in that it is difficult to easily determine the operating position of the handle cover in the dark.

[0008] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a timer switch that allows the operating position of a handle cover to be easily ascertained even in the dark. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A timer switch according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has a body to be arranged in a construction material and is a timer switch for controlling a lighting load, comprising: an operating handle provided on the front side of the body; a handle cover provided on the front side of the body and having an arm having a pair of second parts that engage one-to-one with a pair of first parts formed on both ends of a protrusion provided on a first end of the operating handle, the pair of second parts being rotatably attached to the pair of first parts; and a light source that turns on when the lighting load is turned off, wherein the front side of the body is provided with an operating unit for setting the time to perform timer control on the lighting load and a display unit that displays the setting content, and the handle cover is provided at a second end opposite the protrusion and has a translucent member that transmits light emitted by the light source. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the timer switch of the present disclosure, it becomes possible to easily grasp the operating position of the handle cover even in the dark. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing a timer switch according to an embodiment with a handle cover in a closed state. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing a state in which a handle cover of the timer switch according to the embodiment is in an open state. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the timer switch according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the timer switch taken along line AA in FIG. 1A. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the timer switch taken along line BB in FIG. 1A. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the timer switch taken along line CC in FIG. 1A. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the timer switch taken along line DD in FIG. 1A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims are described as optional components.

[0013] In the following embodiments, expressions such as X-axis direction, approximately parallel, and rectangular shape are used. For example, X-axis direction, approximately parallel, and rectangular shape do not only mean completely X-axis direction, parallel, or rectangular, but also mean substantially X-axis direction, parallel, or rectangular, that is, including an error of about a few percent. Furthermore, X-axis direction, approximately parallel, and rectangular shape mean X-axis direction, parallel, or rectangular within the range in which the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved. The same applies to other expressions using "direction," "approximately," and "shape."

[0014] In the following embodiments, the direction from the handle cover to the device body is defined as the Z-axis positive direction, the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and from the operation unit to the display unit is defined as the Y-axis positive direction, and the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis positive direction and the Y-axis positive direction and from the protrusion to the handle body is defined as the X-axis positive direction. The direction opposite to the Z-axis positive direction is defined as the Z-axis negative direction, the direction opposite to the Y-axis positive direction is defined as the Y-axis negative direction, and the direction opposite to the X-axis positive direction is defined as the X-axis negative direction.

[0015] Hereinafter, the embodiment will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] (Embodiment) <Configuration> First, the configuration of the timer switch 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 1A to 6. Fig. 1A is a perspective view showing a case where a handle cover 50 of the timer switch 1 according to the embodiment is in a closed state. Fig. 1B is a perspective view showing a case where a handle cover 50 of the timer switch 1 according to the embodiment is in an open state. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the timer switch 1 according to the embodiment. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the timer switch 1 along line AA in Fig. 1A. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the timer switch 1 along line BB in Fig. 1A. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the timer switch 1 along line CC in Fig. 1A. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the timer switch 1 along line DD in Fig. 1A.

[0017] As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the timer switch 1 is a device that controls a lighting load, for example, to supply power to an equipment system such as a lighting device installed in a facility, or to cut off the power supply. The timer switch 1 is embedded in a construction material such as a ceiling or a wall. The timer switch 1 is formed in a rectangular shape that is elongated vertically along the Y-axis direction.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the timer switch 1 includes a body 10, a printed circuit board 15, a cover member 20, a mounting frame 30, an operating handle 40, and a handle cover 50.

[0019] The body 10 is a container disposed in a construction material and has a rectangular opening on the front side that is long in the Y-axis direction. On the negative Z-axis side of the body 10, a cover member 20, a mounting frame 30 attached to the body 10, and a printed circuit board 15 attached to the cover member 20 are disposed. On the negative Z-axis side of the cover member 20, an operating handle 40 and a handle cover 50 rotatably connected to the operating handle 40 are disposed. In the timer switch 1 of this embodiment, the handle cover 50 is rotatable with respect to the operating handle 40. In this embodiment, the front side refers to the surface on the negative Z-axis side.

[0020] The housing 10 forms a storage chamber. The storage chamber contains, for example, a pair of terminals and a locking spring for electrically connecting or disconnecting an electric wire to be electrically connected. Each of the pair of terminals is a quick-connect terminal formed of a metal material with excellent conductivity. The locking spring can be displaced to a connected state in which the terminal and the electric wire are electrically connected by pressing the electric wire against the terminal. In addition, when the locking spring is released from pressing the electric wire against the terminal, it can be displaced to a released state in which the electric wire can be pulled out from the terminal. An electric wire is inserted into an electric wire insertion hole (not shown) formed on the bottom surface of the housing 10, and the electric wire is held by pressure contact between the terminal and the locking spring, so that the electric wire and the terminal are electrically and mechanically connected.

[0021] The housing 10 also accommodates a part of a printed circuit board 15 on which terminals and the like are mounted. The printed circuit board 15 is a board that is long in the Y-axis direction according to the opening of the housing 10, and is accommodated in the housing 10 so as to be in a posture approximately parallel to the XY plane. The printed circuit board 15 also has mounted thereon a display unit 16, an operation unit 17 such as an operation switch, a light source 18, circuit components for controlling the display unit 16, circuit components for executing processing in response to operations on the operation unit 17, and circuit components for controlling the light source 18, which serves as a lighted display unit.

[0022] The light source 18 is composed of, for example, a light emitting module. The light emitting module is an LED module in which one or more LED (Light Emitting Diode) elements are mounted. Each of the one or more LEDs includes at least one of a red LED chip, a blue LED chip, and a green LED chip.

[0023] The light source 18 is mounted on the front side of the printed circuit board 15. Specifically, the light source 18 is mounted on the surface of the printed circuit board 15 on the negative Z-axis side, and on the edge on the positive X-axis side. Since the light source 18 is mounted on the front side of the printed circuit board 15, it can emit light along the negative Z-axis direction. The light source 18 can be turned on when the lighting load is turned off by being controlled by a circuit component (control circuit) mounted on the printed circuit board 15. Furthermore, the light source 18 can be turned off when the lighting load is turned on by being controlled by the control circuit.

[0024] The operation unit 17 is configured, for example, with a momentary push button switch, a rubber switch, etc. The operation unit 17 is mounted on the front surface of the printed circuit board 15, and is therefore capable of accepting operations along the Z-axis direction. The operation unit 17 can be used to set the time for timer control of the lighting load.

[0025] The display unit 16 is, for example, a display medium such as a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL, etc. The display unit 16 is capable of displaying the operation contents by the operation unit 17 and the setting contents of the lighting load.

[0026] The printed circuit board 15 is connected to a cover member 20 with the terminals, the display unit 16, the operation unit 17, the light source 18, and the respective circuit components mounted thereon. The cover member 20 is a resin container having a generally rectangular shape that is elongated along the Y-axis direction and opens on the positive side of the Z-axis. The cover member 20 is disposed in a position generally parallel to the XY plane.

[0027] A first opening 21 is formed on the Y-axis positive direction side of the cover member 20 so as to correspond to the display unit 16. The first opening 21 is formed according to the size and shape of the display unit 16 so as to expose the display unit 16 mounted on the printed circuit board 15.

[0028] Further, a plurality of first insertion holes 22 for inserting the operation unit 17 such as a push button switch, a rubber switch, etc. are formed in the center of the cover member 20. The first insertion holes 22 are formed in the cover member 20 according to the number of switches in the operation unit 17.

[0029] When the printed circuit board 15 is attached to the cover member 20, the cover member 20 exposes the display unit 16 from the first opening 21, and the push button switch, rubber switch, etc. of the operation unit 17 are inserted through the first insertion hole 22, thereby fixing the printed circuit board 15 in a state where the push button switch, rubber switch, etc. are exposed.

[0030] Further, the cover member 20 is formed with a first through hole 24 for passing the light emitted by the light source 18. The first through hole 24 is formed at the center of the cover member 20 in the Y-axis direction, at the end of the cover member 20 on the X-axis plus side. The first through hole 24 and the light source 18 are arranged in this order along the Z-axis plus direction. Therefore, the first through hole 24 can pass the light emitted by the light source 18. The first through hole 24 is an elongated hole that is long in the Y-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the first through hole 24 is formed in a truncated cone shape whose opening area gradually increases toward the Z-axis minus direction. Note that the first through hole 24 may be a circular or polygonal hole, and is not limited to an elongated hole, and may be a hole according to the shape of the light emitting surface of the light source 18.

[0031] The cover member 20 is attached to the container 10. Specifically, the cover member 20 is formed with a plurality of plate-shaped mounting portions 25 extending in the positive direction of the Z axis. The mounting portions 25 are arranged on both ends of the cover member 20 in the Y axis direction so that the container 10 can be sandwiched. Each of the mounting portions 25 is formed with a mounting hole 25a for one-to-one engagement with a plurality of claw portions 11 formed on the outer circumferential surface of the container 10. As a result, with the mounting portions 25 sandwiching the container 10 from both sides, the mounting holes 25a of the mounting portions 25 are hooked onto the plurality of claw portions 11 of the container 10, and the cover member 20 can be connected to the container 10.

[0032] The cover member 20 is also formed with a locking portion 27 that is locked to the mounting frame 30. The locking portions 27 are arranged in a plurality of positions on the end side surface 20a on one side (the X-axis positive side) of the cover member 20 and on the end side surface 20b on the other side (the X-axis negative side) of the cover member 20, so as to be aligned along the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the locking portions 27 are formed on the end side surface 20a on one side located on the X-axis positive side of the cover member 20. The locking portions 27 are also formed on the end side surface 20b on the other side located on the X-axis negative side of the cover member 20. The locking portion 27 formed on the end side surface 20a on one side is a protruding piece that protrudes from the end side surface 20a on one side in the X-axis positive direction. The locking portion 27 formed on the end side surface 20b on the other side is a protruding piece that protrudes from the end side surface 20b on the other side in the X-axis negative direction.

[0033] As shown in Figs. 2, 4 and 5, a connecting portion 23 for attaching the operating handle 40 is formed at the end of the cover member 20 on the negative side of the X-axis. The connecting portion 23 protrudes from the surface of the cover member 20 on the negative side of the Z-axis so as to be inclined with respect to the Z-axis direction. The connecting portion 23 can be engaged with a leaf spring 66 connected to the connecting hole 47 of the operating handle 40, and is connected to the connecting hole 47 of the operating handle 40 via the leaf spring 66. Also, a hook hole 26 for hooking the claw portion 46 of the operating handle 40 is formed at the end of the cover member 20 on the positive side of the X-axis. The claw portion 46 of the operating handle 40 is inserted into the hook hole 26 and hooked into the hook hole 26. This allows the cover member 20 and the operating handle 40 to be connected to each other.

[0034] 2, the mounting frame 30 is a rectangular frame body that is attached to a construction material. A frame hole 30a is formed in the center of the mounting frame 30 for attaching the cover member 20. The display unit 16, the operation unit 17, etc. are inserted into the frame hole 30a.

[0035] The mounting frame 30 has a first side portion 31 extending along the Y-axis direction and located on the positive side of the X-axis, a second side portion 32 extending along the Y-axis direction and located on the negative side of the X-axis, a third side portion 33 extending along the X-axis direction and located on the positive side of the Y-axis, and a fourth side portion 34 extending along the X-axis direction and located on the negative side of the Y-axis. The first side portion 31, the second side portion 32, the third side portion 33 and the fourth side portion 34 form a frame hole 30a.

[0036] The first side portion 31 is disposed on one side of the mounting frame 30 and engages with the end side surface 20a on one side of the cover member 20 so as to cover the end side surface 20a on one side of the cover member 20. The second side portion 32 is disposed on the other side of the mounting frame 30 and engages with the end side surface 20b on the other side of the cover member 20 so as to cover the end side surface 20b on the other side of the cover member 20. Specifically, the first side portion 31 and the second side portion 32 are plate-shaped and substantially parallel to the YZ plane, and are disposed to sandwich the cover member 20 from both sides in the X-axis direction. An engagement hole 36 that engages with the locked portion 27 is formed in each of the first side portion 31 and the second side portion 32.

[0037] 2 and 5, the operating handle 40 is elongated along the Y-axis direction and formed in a rectangular shape corresponding to the frame hole 30a of the mounting frame 30. The operating handle 40 is provided on the front side of the device body 10 and attached to the Z-axis negative direction side of the cover member 20 so as to cover the cover member 20 exposed from the mounting frame 30. Specifically, as described above, the claw portion 46 of the operating handle 40 is hooked into the hook hole 26 formed in the cover member 20, and the leaf spring 66 and the connecting portion 23 of the cover member 20 are inserted into the connecting hole 47 formed in the operating handle 40, thereby attaching the operating handle 40 to the cover member 20.

[0038] The operating handle 40 has a plate-shaped handle body 41 and a protrusion 42 arranged on the X-axis negative direction side of the plate-shaped handle body 41 (a first end 40a of the operating handle 40).

[0039] The handle body 41 is formed with a second opening 48 corresponding to the first opening 21 of the cover member 20 and the display unit 16 of the printed circuit board 15. The second opening 48 is an opening for exposing the display unit 16, and is formed on the positive side of the Y axis in the handle body 41. The second opening 48 is an example of an opening of the present disclosure.

[0040] Further, the handle body 41 is formed with the first insertion hole 22 of the cover member 20 and a second insertion hole 45 corresponding to the push button switch, rubber switch, etc. of the operation unit 17. The second insertion hole 45 is a hole for inserting the push button switch, rubber switch, etc. of the operation unit 17, and is formed on the negative Y-axis direction side with respect to the second opening 48.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, a protrusion 42 is disposed on the edge of the handle body 41 on the negative X-axis side, protruding further in the negative Z-axis direction than the front surface of the handle body 41. The protrusion 42 is a long columnar protrusion that is connected to the edge of the handle body 41 on the negative X-axis side and extends along the edge. A pair of first parts 43 are formed on both ends of the protrusion 42 in the Y-axis direction. The pair of first parts 43 are capable of supporting the handle cover 50 rotatably relative to the handle body 41, and are cylindrical concave shaft support parts or cylindrical convex shaft parts. The pair of second parts 53 formed on the handle cover 50 are engaged with the pair of first parts 43 in a one-to-one correspondence, so that the pair of first parts 43 can support the pair of second parts 53.

[0042] 2 and 3, the second through hole 44 is formed in the operating handle 40 at a position corresponding to the first through hole 24 of the cover member 20. That is, the second through hole 44 is formed in the center of the operating handle 40 in the Y-axis direction, and at the end of the operating handle 40 on the positive side of the X-axis (the second end 40b opposite to the protrusion 42). The second through hole 44 and the first through hole 24 are arranged in this order along the positive direction of the Z-axis. The second through hole 44 is an elongated hole that is long in the Y-axis direction. The second through hole 44 may be a circular or polygonal hole, and is not limited to an elongated hole. The second through hole 44 may be a hole according to the size and shape of the first through hole 24.

[0043] The second through hole 44 is provided with a first light-transmitting member 71 that transmits light that has passed through the first through hole 24 and is emitted by the light source 18. The first light-transmitting member 71 is inserted into the second through hole 44 and is disposed in a state of being engaged with the engagement claw portion 49 of the operation handle 40. The first light-transmitting member 71 has a first incident surface 71a on the Z-axis positive direction side and a first exit surface 71b on the Z-axis negative direction side. The first incident surface 71a is a surface into which light emitted by the light source 18 is incident, and faces the first through hole 24 and faces the light source 18 via the first through hole 24. The first exit surface 71b is a surface from which light that is incident from the first incident surface 71a and transmitted through the inside is emitted.

[0044] In addition, an uneven surface is formed on at least one of the first entrance surface 71a and the first exit surface 71b of the first light-transmitting member 71. The uneven surface is, for example, a hemispherical concave or convex portion, or a polygonal groove that is elongated in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction. In this manner, the first light-transmitting member 71 may be a lens on which an uneven surface is formed. In addition, the first light-transmitting member 71 may be a light guide on which an uneven surface is not formed.

[0045] 2, the handle cover 50 is elongated along the Y-axis direction, and is formed in a rectangular shape corresponding to the size and shape of the handle body 41. The handle cover 50 is disposed on the negative Z-axis side of the handle body 41, and is rotatably attached to the protrusion 42 of the operating handle 40 so as to be able to cover the handle body 41.

[0046] Specifically, the handle cover 50 has a plate-shaped cover body 51 and an arm 52 .

[0047] The cover body 51 is elongated along the Y-axis direction, and is formed in a rectangular shape corresponding to the size and shape of the handle body 41. Arms 52 protruding along the negative X-axis direction are provided on both ends in the Y-axis direction of the edge of the cover body 51 on the negative X-axis side.

[0048] 2 and 4, a pair of second parts 53 that engage one-to-one with the pair of first parts 43 are formed at the tip part of arm 52. The pair of second parts 53 are cylindrical concave shaft support parts that slide rotatably relative to handle body 41, or cylindrical convex shaft parts.

[0049] In this embodiment, the pair of first portions 43 are cylindrical concave shaft support portions, and the pair of second portions 53 are cylindrical convex shaft portions. Therefore, the pair of second portions 53 slide relative to the pair of first portions 43, thereby allowing the handle cover 50 to rotate relative to the operating handle 40. As a result, the handle cover 50 can be in a closed state in which it covers the display unit 16 exposed from the handle body 41 and the push button switches, rubber switches, etc. of the operating unit 17, and can be in an open state in which it exposes these by rotating from the closed state relative to the operating handle.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the handle cover 50 has a third through hole 54 formed at a position corresponding to the second through hole 44. That is, the third through hole 54 is formed in the center of the handle cover 50 in the Y-axis direction, at the end of the handle cover 50 on the positive side of the X-axis. The third through hole 54 and the second through hole 44 are arranged in this order along the positive direction of the Z-axis. The third through hole 54 is an elongated hole that is long in the Y-axis direction. The third through hole 54 may be a circular or polygonal hole. The third through hole 54 is not limited to an elongated hole, and may be any hole that corresponds to the size and shape of the second through hole 44.

[0051] In the third through hole 54, a second light-transmitting member 72 that transmits light that has passed through the second through hole 44 and is emitted by the light source 18 is provided.

[0052] The second light-transmitting member 72 is inserted into the third through-hole 54 and disposed in a state of being engaged with the engaging claw portion 59 of the handle cover 50. The second light-transmitting member 72 has a second incident surface 72a on the positive direction side of the Z axis, and a second exit surface 72b on the negative direction side of the Z axis from which light that is incident from the second incident surface 72a and transmitted through the inside exits.

[0053] In addition, since the handle cover 50 can be opened and closed with respect to the operating handle 40, in the closed state, the first light-transmitting member 71 and the second light-transmitting member 72 are disposed opposite to each other. In this case, the second incident surface 72a is disposed so as to face the first exit surface 71b. In the closed state, the second incident surface 72a is a surface into which light emitted from the light source 18 is incident, and is a surface into which light emitted from the first exit surface 71b of the first light-transmitting member 71 is incident. The second exit surface 72b is a surface from which light that is incident from the second incident surface 72a and transmitted through the inside is emitted. The light emitted from the second exit surface 72b can illuminate the surroundings of the second exit surface 72b. The second exit surface 72b is an example of an exit surface of the present disclosure.

[0054] 3 and 5, a part of the second light-transmitting member 72 protrudes from the front surface 51b of the handle cover 50. The front surface of the part of the second light-transmitting member 72 forms a second light exit surface 72b. For this reason, the light exiting from the second light exit surface 72b easily illuminates the front surface 51b of the handle cover 50.

[0055] 1B, when the handle cover 50 is in an open state relative to the operating handle 40, the second light-transmitting member 72 is separated from the first light-transmitting member 71, and the first light-transmitting member 71 and the second light-transmitting member 72 are not arranged side by side in the front-rear direction (Z-axis direction). The state where they are not arranged side by side in the front-rear direction is, for example, a state where the second entrance surface 72a and the first exit surface 71b are not opposed to each other, and the light emitted from the first exit surface 71b does not enter the second entrance surface 72a, or does not enter substantially. In the state where they are not arranged side by side in the front-rear direction, the amount of light entering the second entrance surface 72a is smaller than when the second entrance surface 72a and the first exit surface 71b are opposed to each other, which is the opposed state.

[0056] In addition, an uneven surface is formed on at least one of the second entrance surface 72a and the second exit surface 72b of the second light-transmitting member 72. The uneven surface of the second light-transmitting member 72 is, for example, a hemispherical concave or convex portion, or a polygonal groove elongated in the Y-axis direction or the X-axis direction. When the uneven surface of the first light-transmitting member 71 and the uneven surface of the second light-transmitting member 72 are grooves, the direction in which the grooves of the uneven surface of the first light-transmitting member 71 extend intersects with the direction in which the grooves of the uneven surface of the second light-transmitting member 72 extend. In this way, the second light-transmitting member 72 may be a lens on which an uneven surface is formed. Note that the second light-transmitting member 72 may be a light guide on which no uneven surface is formed.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, and FIG. 6, a permanent magnet 61 is attached to the handle cover 50. Specifically, a frame-shaped rib 51a is formed on the outer periphery of the cover body 51. The rib 51a further surrounds the periphery of the permanent magnet 61 to form a first storage section 55 for arranging and attaching the permanent magnet 61. In the case of the closed state, the first storage section 55 and the permanent magnet 61 are located at the end on the X-axis positive side opposite to the arm 52. The permanent magnet 61 of this embodiment is elongated along the Y-axis direction and is arranged in the first storage section 55 extending along the Y-axis direction. The permanent magnet 61 is arranged in the first storage section 55 and fixed to the cover body 51. The permanent magnet 61 is an example of the magnet of the present disclosure. Also, the first storage section 55 is an example of the storage section of the present disclosure.

[0058] Meanwhile, in the handle body 41 of the operating handle 40, a second storage section 65 for storing the magnetic body 62 is formed on the back side of the portion facing the permanent magnet 61. The second storage section 65 and the magnetic body 62 are located at the end on the positive side of the X-axis opposite the protrusion 42. The magnetic body 62 is disposed in the second storage section 65 and fixed to the handle body 41. The magnetic body 62 in this embodiment is elongated along the Y-axis direction, and is disposed in the second storage section 65 extending along the Y-axis direction.

[0059] When the handle cover 50 is in the closed state relative to the operating handle 40, the magnetic body 62 approaches the permanent magnet 61 in the operating handle 40, and the magnetic attraction between the magnetic body 62 and the permanent magnet 61 increases, so that the handle cover 50 is maintained in the closed state. In particular, the first storage section 55 overlaps with the mounting frame 30 along a direction (Z-axis direction) perpendicular to both the front-rear direction and the arrangement direction of the protrusion 42 and the display section 16, or is located on the second end 40b side opposite to the first end 40a side where the protrusion 42 is formed. Therefore, by arranging the first storage section 55 and the permanent magnet 61 on the side opposite to the protrusion 42 side that serves as a hinge, the handle cover 50 can be attracted to the operating handle 40.

[0060] In addition, when the handle cover 50 is in an open position relative to the operating handle 40, the magnetic body 62 moves away from the permanent magnet 61 in the operating handle 40, thereby weakening the magnetic attraction force between the magnetic body 62 and the permanent magnet 61, and the handle cover 50 is maintained in an open position.

[0061] 1A and 1B, the handle cover 50 is provided with a light blocking member 68. In the closed state, the light blocking member 68 is disposed on the surface of the handle cover 50 on the positive side of the Z axis. Specifically, in the closed state, the light blocking member 68 faces the display unit 16 and is disposed so as to block the light emitted from the display unit 16. Therefore, in the closed state, even in darkness, the light emitted from the display unit 16 is unlikely to leak from the handle cover 50. This makes it possible to suppress the timer switch 1 from looking strange.

[0062] <Action and effect> Next, the function and effect of the timer switch 1 in this embodiment will be described.

[0063] As described above, the timer switch 1 of the present embodiment has a body 10 to be disposed in a building material, and is a timer switch 1 for controlling a lighting load, and includes an operating handle 40 provided on the front side of the body 10, a handle cover 50 provided on the front side of the body 10, an arm 52 having a pair of second parts 53 that engage one-to-one with a pair of first parts 43 formed at both ends of a protrusion 42 provided on a first end 40a of the operating handle 40, and the pair of second parts 53 are rotatably attached to the pair of first parts 43, and a light source 18 that turns on when the lighting load is turned off. In addition, the timer switch 1 is provided on the front side of the body 10 with an operating unit 17 for setting the time to perform timer control on the lighting load, and a display unit 16 for displaying the setting contents. The handle cover 50 is disposed on the second end 40b opposite to the protrusion 42, and has a translucent member (second translucent member 72) that transmits light emitted by the light source 18.

[0064] According to this, since the second light-transmitting member 72 is provided on the handle cover 50, even when the handle cover 50 covers the light source 18, the operating unit 17, and the display unit 16, the second light-transmitting member 72 can illuminate the surroundings with the light emitted by the light source 18.

[0065] In addition, since the second light-transmitting member 72 can be disposed in a position close to the position where a person opens and closes the handle cover 50, even in the dark, a person can recognize the light emitted from the second light-transmitting member 72. As a result, even in the dark, a person can recognize the lighting position as a position where the timer switch 1 can be operated.

[0066] Therefore, according to the present disclosure, it becomes possible to easily grasp the operating position of the handle cover 50 even in the dark.

[0067] In addition, in the timer switch 1 of this embodiment, the first portion 43 is a convex portion and the second portion 53 is a concave portion, or the first portion 43 is a concave portion and the second portion 53 is a convex portion.

[0068] According to this, regardless of the form of the first portion 43 and the second portion 53, the pair of second portions 53 can rotatably support the pair of first portions 43. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the degree of freedom in designing the timer switch 1.

[0069] In the timer switch 1 of this embodiment, a storage section (first storage section 55) for attaching a magnet (permanent magnet 61) is formed on the surface of the handle cover 50 facing the device body 10. In addition, along a direction (Z-axis direction) perpendicular to both the front-rear direction and the arrangement direction of the protrusion 42 and the display unit 16, the storage section (first storage section 55) overlaps with the mounting frame 30, or is located on the second end 40b side opposite to the first end 40a side on which the protrusion 42 is formed.

[0070] According to this, the permanent magnet 61 can be disposed at a position away from the protrusion 42 that serves as the hinge, so that the handle cover 50 can be maintained in the closed state.

[0071] In timer switch 1 of the present embodiment, operating handle 40 is formed with an opening (second opening 48) at a position opposite display unit 16.

[0072] According to this, because the display unit 16 is disposed on the operating handle 40, when the operating unit 17 and the display unit 16 are not in use, the operating unit 17 and the display unit 16 located within the operating handle 40 can be covered with the handle cover 50. When the operating unit 17 and the display unit 16 are to be used, the handle cover 50 can be opened and the operating unit 17 and the display unit 16 located within the operating handle 40 can be used.

[0073] The timer switch 1 of the present embodiment includes a first light-transmitting member 71 provided on the operating handle 40 on the side opposite the protrusion 42, and a second light-transmitting member 72 provided on the handle cover 50 on the side opposite the protrusion 42. The handle cover 50 can be in a closed state in which it covers the display unit 16 and the operation unit 17, and can be in an open state in which it exposes the display unit 16 and the operation unit 17 by rotating it from the closed state with respect to the operating handle 40. In the closed state, the first light-transmitting member 71 and the second light-transmitting member 72 are disposed opposite to each other, and in the open state, the second light-transmitting member 72 is separated from the first light-transmitting member 71, and the first light-transmitting member 71 and the second light-transmitting member 72 are not disposed side by side in the front-rear direction.

[0074] According to this, in the closed state, the second light-transmitting member 72 emits light from the light source 18 that has passed through the first light-transmitting member 71, thereby illuminating the periphery of the handle cover 50. In addition, in the open state, the first light-transmitting member 71 emits light from the light source 18, thereby illuminating the operating unit 17 that is present around the first light-transmitting member 71.

[0075] Therefore, in the open state, a person can more easily determine the operating position of the handle cover 50 even in the dark. Also, in the closed state, a person can more easily determine the position of the operating unit 17 even in the dark.

[0076] In the timer switch 1 of the present embodiment, a part of the second light-transmitting member 72 protrudes beyond the front surface 51b of the handle cover 50. The front surface of the part of the second light-transmitting member 72 is an emission surface (second emission surface 72b).

[0077] According to this, since the front surface 51b of the handle cover 50 can be illuminated, a person can more easily grasp the operating position of the handle cover 50 even in the dark.

[0078] (Other variations, etc.) Although the timer switch according to the present disclosure has been described based on the above-mentioned embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. As long as the modifications do not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure, modifications that a person skilled in the art may make to the embodiments may also be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0079] In addition, the present disclosure also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to the above-described embodiments that a person skilled in the art may conceive, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the embodiments within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0080] (Additional Note) The following describes the features of the timer switch described based on the above embodiment.

[0081] <Technology 1> A timer switch having a body to be disposed in a construction material and controlling a lighting load, An operating handle provided on the front side of the device; a handle cover provided on a front side of the device body, the handle cover having an arm having a pair of second portions which engage one-to-one with a pair of first portions formed on both ends of a protrusion provided on a first end of the operating handle, the pair of second portions being rotatably attached to the pair of first portions; A light source that is turned on when the lighting load is turned off, An operation unit for setting a time for performing timer control on the lighting load and a display unit for displaying the setting content are provided on the front side of the device, The handle cover is disposed at a second end opposite to the protrusion and has a light-transmitting member that transmits light emitted by the light source. Timer switch.

[0082] <Technology 2> The first portion is a convex portion and the second portion is a concave portion, or the first portion is a concave portion and the second portion is a convex portion. The timer switch according to technique 1.

[0083] <Technology 3> A storage portion for attaching a magnet is formed on the surface of the handle cover facing the device body, The storage section overlaps with the mounting frame along a direction perpendicular to both the front-rear direction and the arrangement direction of the protrusion and the display section, or is located on the second end side opposite to the first end side on which the protrusion is formed. The timer switch according to any one of claims 1 to 2.

[0084] <Technology 4> An opening is formed in the operating handle at a position opposite to the display unit. The timer switch according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention.

[0085] <Technology 5> The light-transmitting member is a first light-transmitting member provided on the operating handle opposite to the protrusion; a second light-transmitting member provided on the handle cover opposite to the protrusion, The handle cover is A closed state covers the display unit and the operation unit, By rotating the operation handle from the closed state, the display unit and the operation unit can be exposed to an open state, In the closed state, the first light-transmitting member and the second light-transmitting member are disposed opposite each other, In the open state, the second light-transmitting member is separated from the first light-transmitting member, and the first light-transmitting member and the second light-transmitting member are not arranged side by side in the front-rear direction. The timer switch according to any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0086] <Technology 6> A portion of the second light-transmitting member protrudes beyond the front surface of the handle cover, A front surface of a portion of the second light-transmitting member is an exit surface. The timer switch according to claim 5. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1 Timer switch 10. Body 16 Display section 17 Control section 18 light source 30 Mounting frame 40 Operating handle 40a 1st end 40b 2nd end 43 First Part 48 Second opening (opening) 50 Steering wheel cover 51b Front of steering wheel cover 52 Arm 53 Second Part 55 First storage section (storage section) 61 Permanent magnets (magnets) 71 First light-transmitting member 72 Second light-transmitting member 72b 2nd exit surface (output surface)

Claims

1. A timer switch having a body to be disposed in a construction material and controlling a lighting load, An operating handle provided on the front side of the device; a handle cover provided on a front side of the device body, the handle cover having an arm having a pair of second portions which engage one-to-one with a pair of first portions formed on both ends of a protrusion provided on a first end of the operating handle, the pair of second portions being rotatably attached to the pair of first portions; A light source that is turned on when the lighting load is turned off, An operation unit for setting a time for performing timer control on the lighting load and a display unit for displaying the setting content are provided on the front side of the device, The handle cover is disposed at a second end portion opposite the protrusion portion and has a light-transmitting member that transmits light emitted by the light source. Timer switch.

2. The first portion is a convex portion and the second portion is a concave portion, or the first portion is a concave portion and the second portion is a convex portion.

2. The timer switch according to claim 1.

3. A storage portion for attaching a magnet is formed on the surface of the handle cover facing the device body, the storage section overlaps with the mounting frame along a direction perpendicular to both the front-rear direction and the arrangement direction of the protrusion section and the display section, or is located on the second end side opposite to the first end side on which the protrusion section is formed; 3. The timer switch according to claim 1 or 2.

4. An opening is formed in the operating handle at a position opposite to the display unit.

3. The timer switch according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The light-transmitting member is a first light-transmitting member provided on the operating handle opposite to the protrusion; a second light-transmitting member provided on the handle cover opposite to the protrusion, The handle cover is A closed state covers the display unit and the operation unit, By rotating the operation handle from the closed state, the display unit and the operation unit can be exposed to an open state, In the case of the closed state, the first light-transmitting member and the second light-transmitting member are disposed opposite each other, In the open state, the second light-transmitting member is separated from the first light-transmitting member, and the first light-transmitting member and the second light-transmitting member are not arranged side by side in the front-rear direction.

3. The timer switch according to claim 1 or 2.

6. A portion of the second light-transmitting member protrudes beyond the front surface of the handle cover, A front surface of a part of the second light-transmitting member is an exit surface.

6. The timer switch according to claim 5.

Images