Auxiliary switch

Abstract

To improve the workability of connecting electric wires in an auxiliary switch.SOLUTION: An auxiliary switch 11 includes a shaft 14, a case 15, a fixed contact 16, a leaf spring 17, and a movable contact 18. The shaft 14 rotates in conjunction with the opening and closing of a main circuit. The case 15 is fixed to an attachment surface, the shaft 14 is inserted in a rotatable state, and an electric wire insertion hole 62 is formed. The fixed contact 16 is held by the case 15, and a fixed contact 71 is formed. The leaf spring 17 is held by the case 15, and an electric wire 96 inserted into the electric wire insertion hole 62 is pressed against the fixed contact 16. The movable contact 18 has a movable contact 83 formed therein, fits into the shaft 14 inside the case 15, and rotates together with the shaft 14 to cause the movable contact 83 to come into contact with and separate from the fixed contact 71.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an auxiliary switch. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 shows the structure of an auxiliary switch that opens and closes contacts by rotating a shaft, and is provided with screw terminals for connecting electric wires. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 2593242 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] With screw terminals, the screws must be loosened and tightened to connect the wires, leaving room for improvement in terms of ease of use. An object of the present invention is to improve the workability of connecting electric wires in an auxiliary switch. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An auxiliary switch according to one aspect of the present invention includes a shaft, a case, a fixed contact, a movable contact, and a leaf spring. The shaft rotates in conjunction with opening and closing of the main circuit. The case is fixed to a mounting surface, the shaft is inserted in a rotatable state, and an electric wire insertion hole is formed. The fixed contact is held by the case, and a fixed contact is formed therein. The movable contact is formed with a movable contact, fits onto the shaft inside the case, and rotates together with the shaft to bring the movable contact into and away from the fixed contact. The leaf spring is held by the case, and presses an electric wire inserted into the electric wire insertion hole against the fixed contact. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, electrical connection can be achieved simply by inserting the electric wires, thereby improving the workability of connecting the electric wires. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a view showing a spring terminal unit. [Figure 14] FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing one movable contact. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing two movable contacts. [Figure 17] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an auxiliary contact unit. [Figure 18] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an auxiliary contact unit. [Figure 19] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an auxiliary contact unit. [Figure 20] FIG. [Figure 21] Indicates the state when the main circuit is cut off. [Figure 22]Indicates the state when the main circuit is cut off. [Figure 23] Indicates the state when the main circuit is turned on. [Figure 24] Indicates the state when the main circuit is turned on. [Diagram 25] FIG. [Figure 26] FIG. [Figure 27] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that each drawing is a schematic view and may differ from the actual one. In addition, the following embodiment illustrates an apparatus and method for embodying the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and does not specify the configuration as described below. In other words, the technical idea of ​​the present invention can be modified in various ways within the technical scope described in the claims.

[0009] <<Embodiment>> "composition" In the following description, the three mutually orthogonal directions are referred to as the axial direction, the depth direction, and the vertical direction for the sake of convenience. In the axial direction, the mounting surface side is referred to as the inside, and the opposite side is referred to as the outside. Among the directions perpendicular to the axis, the two mutually orthogonal directions are referred to as the x direction and the y direction. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the auxiliary switch 11. As shown in FIG. FIG. 1A shows the auxiliary switch 11 as viewed from the outside in the axial direction, from the front in the depth direction, and from one side in the vertical direction. FIG. 1B shows the auxiliary switch 11 as viewed from the inside in the axial direction, from the front in the depth direction, and from one side in the vertical direction. The auxiliary switch 11 is a switch for the auxiliary circuit that operates in conjunction with the opening and closing of the main circuit, and is fixed to a bracket 12. The bracket 12 is an angle bracket that is bent at a right angle along an axis that runs along the vertical direction and is L-shaped when viewed in the vertical direction, and the plane that runs along the vertical and depth directions and faces outward in the axial direction becomes the mounting surface for the auxiliary switch 11. A lever 13 that rotates in conjunction with the opening and closing of the main circuit is disposed on the opposite side of the auxiliary switch 11 across the axial bracket 12.

[0010] The auxiliary switch 11 includes a shaft 14, a case 15, a fixed contact 16, a leaf spring 17, and a movable contact 18. The shaft 14 extends in the axial direction and is fixed to the lever 13, so that it rotates in conjunction with the opening and closing of the main circuit. The case 15 is fixed to the bracket 12, and the shaft 14 is inserted therethrough in a rotatable state. The fixed contact 16, the leaf spring 17, and the movable contact 18 are not shown in the figure because they are housed in the case 15. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the bracket 12. As shown in FIG. Here, the bracket 12 is shown as viewed from the outside in the axial direction, from the front in the depth direction, and from one side in the vertical direction. The bracket 12 is formed with a circular hole 21 penetrating therethrough in the axial direction.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the shaft 14. As shown in FIG. FIG. 1A shows the shaft 14 as viewed from the outside in the axial direction, one side in the x direction, and one side in the y direction. FIG. 1B shows the shaft 14 as viewed from the y direction. The shaft 14 is formed by overlapping and joining two metal plates 26 into a quadrangular prism shape. The cross-sectional shape of the shaft 14 is a rectangle with the y direction as the longitudinal direction. The plate 26 has a flange formed at its inner end in the axial direction, and is fastened to the lever 13 by a screw. The plate 26 has a pair of constrictions 27 formed at its outer end in the axial direction. The constrictions 27 are concave toward the inside in the y direction, and one is formed on each side in the y direction.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the shaft guide 31. As shown in FIG. (a) in the figure shows the shaft guide 31 as viewed from the outside in the axial direction, one side in the x direction, and one side in the y direction. (b) in the figure shows the shaft guide 31 as viewed from the x direction. (c) in the figure shows the shaft guide 31 as viewed from the outside in the axial direction. The shaft guide 31 is made of insulating resin and is formed into a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction, and the cross-sectional shape of the inner circumference is a rectangle that fits with the shaft 14 over the entire axial direction. On the outer circumference of the shaft guide 31, a square column portion 32 is formed on the outside in the axial direction, and a cylindrical portion 33 is formed on the inside in the axial direction. The square column portion 32 has a cross-sectional shape of a square on the outer circumference. The cylindrical portion 33 fits slidably into the round hole 21 of the bracket 12.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the fastener 36. As shown in FIG. FIG. 1A shows the fastener 36 as viewed from the outside in the axial direction, one side in the x direction, and one side in the y direction. FIG. 1B shows the fastener 36 as viewed from the x direction. The fastener 36 is made of insulating resin and is formed in a cylindrical shape along the axial direction. The fastener 36 is formed in a concave shape so that the inside in the axial direction fits into the rectangular column portion 32 of the shaft guide 31. The fastener 36 has a cylindrical portion 37 formed on the outside in the axial direction on the outer periphery. The fastener 36 has a pair of claw portions 38 formed on the inner periphery thereof, through which the shaft 14 can be inserted, and protruding outward in the axial direction. The claw portions 38 are convex toward the inside in the y direction, and are formed one on each side in the y direction, and fit into the necked portion 27 of the shaft 14 by snap-fitting.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the cover 41. As shown in FIG. FIG. 1(a) shows the cover 41 as viewed from one side in the axial direction, one side in the x direction, and one side in the y direction. FIG. 1(b) shows the cover 41 as viewed from the other side in the axial direction, one side in the x direction, and one side in the y direction. The cover 41 is made of insulating resin, has a flat plate shape along the x direction and the y direction, and is substantially square when viewed from the axial direction. The cover 41 is formed with a round hole 42 that penetrates in the axial direction and through which the rectangular column portion 32 of the shaft guide 31 can be inserted. The cover 41 does not have a defined inside or outside in the axial direction, and can be used in either orientation.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the holder 51. As shown in FIG. (a) in the figure shows the holder 51 as viewed from the outside in the axial direction, one side in the x direction, and one side in the y direction. (b) in the figure shows the holder 51 as viewed from the inside in the axial direction, one side in the x direction, and one side in the y direction. The holder 51 is made of insulating resin, has a flat plate shape along the x direction and the y direction, and is approximately square when viewed from the axial direction. The holder 51 is formed with a round hole 52 that penetrates in the axial direction and into which the rectangular column part 32 of the shaft guide 31 can be inserted. Spacer parts 53 are formed at the four corners of the end surface of the holder 51 facing the outside in the axial direction. The spacer parts 53 are approximately fan-shaped or approximately right-angled triangular when viewed from the axial direction, and openings 54 are formed between the spacer parts 53 that are separated in the x direction and y direction. The holder 51 can be fitted with another holder 51 that is aligned in the axial direction, and the cover 41 can be fitted from either direction. When multiple holders 51 are connected in the axial direction, the cover 41 is attached to the axially inner side of the holder 51 arranged at the innermost position in the axial direction and to the axially outer side of the holder 51 arranged at the outermost position in the axial direction.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the pressing plate 46. As shown in FIG. Here, the pressing plate 46 is shown as viewed from one side in the axial direction, from the front side in the depth direction, and from one side in the vertical direction. The pressing plate 46 is made of insulating resin, is a flat plate aligned in the depth direction and vertical direction, and is shaped like a substantially square when viewed from the axial direction, tilted by 45 degrees, and cut along the vertical direction on both sides in the depth direction to form a substantially hexagonal shape. The pressing plate 46 is formed with a round hole 47 that penetrates in the axial direction and slidably fits with the cylindrical portion 37 of the fastener 36. The pressing plate 46 does not have a defined inside and outside in the axial direction, and can be used in either orientation.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the base 61. As shown in FIG. FIG. 1A shows the base 61 as viewed from the outside in the axial direction, one side in the tangential direction, and the outside in the radial direction. FIG. 1B shows the base 61 as viewed from the inside in the axial direction, the other side in the tangential direction, and the outside in the radial direction. The base 61 is made of insulating resin, and is formed in a box shape with the inside in the axial direction, both sides in the tangential direction, and both sides in the radial direction closed, and the outside in the axial direction open. A pair of wire insertion holes 62 and a tool insertion hole 63 are formed on both sides in the tangential direction in the wall on the outside in the radial direction of the base 61. The wire insertion holes 62 penetrate along the radial direction and are shaped so that a ferrule terminal with a collar can be inserted. The tool insertion hole 63 penetrates along the approximately radial direction and is shaped so that a tool such as a flat-head screwdriver can be inserted. The base 61 can be fitted in the axial direction with another base 61 that is aligned in the axial direction.

[0018] A pair of engagement claws 64 are formed on the radially inner side of the base 61. The engagement claws 64 protrude toward both sides in the tangential direction as they move radially inward, and fit into the opening 54 of the holder 51. An internal partition 65 is formed on one side in the tangential direction on the inner side of the base 61. The internal partition 65 is formed so as to protrude outward in the axial direction, and is composed of a side along the tangential direction, a side along the radial direction, and a slanting side that moves radially inward as it moves toward one tangential direction, as viewed from the axial direction. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the base 61. As shown in FIG. FIG. 1A shows the base 61 as viewed from the outside in the axial direction. FIG. 1B shows a cross section of the base 61 taken along the tangential and axial directions and passing through the internal partition 65 as viewed from the outside in the radial direction. The base 61 has an axially inner wall and an opening penetrating the internal partition 65 in the axial direction. The cover 41 , the holder 51 , and the base 61 constitute the case 15 .

[0019] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the fixed contact 16. As shown in FIG. (a) in the figure shows the fixed contact 16 as viewed from the outside in the axial direction, one side in the tangential direction, and the outside in the radial direction. (b) in the figure shows the fixed contact 16 as viewed from the outside in the axial direction. The fixed contact 16 is made of conductive metal and is formed by pressing a single plate material. The fixed contact 16 includes a fixed contact 71, two receiving plates 72, an intermediate plate 73, and an inclined plate 74. The fixed contact 71 protrudes from the outside in the axial direction toward the inside in the radial direction, extends along the circumferential direction, and is formed in a flat plate shape along the tangential direction and the radial direction. The two receiving plates 72 are disposed on both sides in the tangential direction and are formed in a flat plate shape along the approximately radial direction and the axial direction. The intermediate plate 73 is disposed in the center in the tangential direction and is formed in a flat plate shape along the radial direction and the axial direction. The inclined plate 74 is disposed on the other side in the tangential direction and is formed in a flat plate shape that moves inward in the radial direction as it moves toward the other side of the tangential direction.

[0020] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the leaf spring 17. As shown in FIG. Here, the leaf spring 17 is shown as viewed from the outside in the axial direction, one side in the tangential direction, and the outside in the radial direction. The leaf spring 17 is made of a conductive metal, formed by pressing, bent at an R so as to be convex toward the outside in the radial direction, and formed into a V-shape that opens toward the approximately inside in the radial direction as viewed from the axial direction. The base end side of the leaf spring 17 is a flat plate that extends in the radial direction and is aligned in the radial and axial directions, and the tip side of the leaf spring 17 is a flat plate that extends inward in the radial direction as it approaches the outside in the tangential direction.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a view showing the spring terminal unit 76. As shown in FIG. FIG. 1A shows the spring terminal unit 76 as viewed from the axial outside, one tangential direction, and radial outside. FIG. 1B shows the spring terminal unit 76 as viewed from the axial outside. The spring terminal unit 76 is configured by fitting the fixed contact 16 and two leaf springs 17 into the base 61. The two leaf springs 17 are arranged back to back with an intermediate plate 73 in between. The leaf spring 17 is fitted between the intermediate plate 73 and the receiving plate 72 while being bent in a direction to reduce the opening angle, with the base end side in surface contact with the intermediate plate 73 and the tip end pressed against the receiving plate 72. The leaf spring 17 can be bent in a direction to reduce the opening angle, and the internal partition 65 of the base 61 and the inclined plate 74 of the fixed contact 16 serve as stoppers that stop the elastic deformation of the leaf spring 17 at the elastic limit.

[0022] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the terminal cover 77. As shown in FIG. (a) in the figure shows the terminal cover 77 as viewed from the inside in the axial direction, the other side in the tangential direction, and the outside in the radial direction. (b) in the figure shows the terminal cover 77 as viewed from the outside in the radial direction. The terminal cover 77 is made of insulating resin, and is formed in a roughly U-shape with both the outside in the axial direction and both the tangential direction closed and open to the inside in the axial direction as viewed from the radial direction. The walls on both sides of the terminal cover 77 in the tangential direction are fitted to the side of the base 61 by snap fitting. The outer wall of the terminal cover 77 in the axial direction is formed with a protruding piece 78 that protrudes toward the inside in the axial direction, and the protruding piece 78 is fitted to the opening of the internal partition wall 65 by snap fitting. When multiple spring terminal units 76 are connected in the axial direction, the terminal cover 77 is attached only to the spring terminal units 76 whose insides are exposed because the spring terminal units 76 are not fitted to the outside in the axial direction.

[0023] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing one movable contact 18. As shown in FIG. FIG. 1A shows the movable contactor 18 as viewed from one axial direction, one x direction, and one y direction. FIG. 1B shows the movable contactor 18 as viewed from the other axial direction, one x direction, and one y direction. The movable contactor 18 is made of a conductive metal, has a flat plate shape along the x direction and the y direction, and is substantially annular when viewed from the axial direction. The movable contactor 18 includes an inner peripheral edge 82, a pair of movable contacts 83, a pair of engagement pieces 84, and a pair of U-shaped pieces 85.

[0024] The inner peripheral edge 82 is a polygonal hole that penetrates in the axial direction, and when viewed from the axial direction, it has an eight-pointed star shape formed by extending each side of a regular octagon and connecting the resulting intersections of two compound quadrilaterals, and it fits into the rectangular column portion 32 of the shaft guide 31 at 45 degrees each. The movable contact 83 is formed at the tip of an arm that protrudes toward both sides in the y direction, and is convex toward one side in the axial direction. The engagement pieces 84 are provided on both sides in the x direction, protrude along one side in the circumferential direction, and are formed as spring pieces bent in a step in the thickness direction by approximately one sheet. The U-shaped piece 85 is formed as an arm that protrudes toward both sides in the y direction, protrudes in the other tangential direction when viewed from the y direction, and is folded back to one side in the tangential direction by a U-shape bend toward the side where the movable contact 83 is formed.

[0025] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing two movable contacts 18. As shown in FIG. FIG. 1A shows two movable contacts 18 stacked in the axial direction, viewed from one side in the axial direction, one side in the x direction, and one side in the y direction. The two movable contacts 18 are in contact with each other at the faces where the movable contacts 83 face each other, with an angle difference between them so that the U-shaped pieces 85 do not interfere with each other. FIG. 1B shows two movable contacts 18 engaged with each other, viewed from one side in the axial direction, one side in the x direction, and one side in the y direction. The two movable contacts 18 are integrated by rotating them while in contact with each other and engaging pieces 84 are engaged with each other, forming a movable contact 86 with movable contacts 83 facing each other. When the fixed contact 71 enters between the opposing movable contacts 83, the arms can be bent in directions away from each other, and the U-shaped pieces 85 become stoppers that stop the elastic deformation of the arms at their elastic limits.

[0026] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the auxiliary contact unit 91. As shown in FIG. Here, an auxiliary contact unit 91 having both an a-contact and a b-contact is shown as viewed from the outside in the axial direction. The auxiliary contact unit 91 is configured by assembling four spring terminal units 76 and an integrated movable contactor 86 to a holder 51. The spring terminal units 76 are fixed by fitting the engagement claws 64 of the base 61 into the openings 54 of the holder 51. The spring terminal units 76 in contact with the movable contactor 86 form the a-contacts, and the spring terminal units 76 not in contact with the movable contactor 86 form the b-contacts.

[0027] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the auxiliary contact unit 91. As shown in FIG. Here, auxiliary contact unit 91 with a b contact is shown as viewed from the outside in the axial direction. Auxiliary contact unit 91 is configured by assembling two spring terminal units 76, an integrated movable contactor 86, and two blind plates 55 to holder 51. Spring terminal unit 76 is fixed by fitting engagement claw 64 of base 61 into opening 54 of holder 51. Blind plate 55 closes opening 54 to which spring terminal unit 76 is not connected. Spring terminal unit 76 that is not in contact with movable contactor 86 constitutes b contact.

[0028] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the auxiliary contact unit 91. As shown in FIG. Here, auxiliary contact unit 91 with an a-contact is shown as viewed from the outside in the axial direction. Auxiliary contact unit 91 is configured by assembling two spring terminal units 76, an integrated movable contactor 86, and two blind plates 55 to holder 51. Spring terminal unit 76 is fixed by fitting engagement claw 64 of base 61 into opening 54 of holder 51. Blind plate 55 closes opening 54 to which spring terminal unit 76 is not connected. Spring terminal unit 76 in contact with movable contactor 86 constitutes an a-contact.

[0029] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the assembly of the auxiliary switch 11. As shown in FIG. Here, the components of the auxiliary switch 11 are shown as viewed from one side in the axial direction, the front side in the depth direction, and one side in the vertical direction. First, the cover 41, the auxiliary contact units 91, and the cover 41 are fitted to the shaft guide 31 in order from the inside in the axial direction, and fastened with bolts and nuts to form an auxiliary contact unit group 92. The movable contact 86 is held by an end face facing the axially outward of the holder 51 and either an end face facing the axially inward of the adjacent holder 51 or an end face facing the axially inward of the adjacent case 41 in a state where it is fitted to the shaft guide 31. In addition, the shaft 14 is fixed to the lever 13 by a screw. Next, the cylindrical portion 33 of the shaft guide 31 is fitted to the round hole 21 of the bracket 12, the shaft 14 is inserted into the shaft guide 31, and the fastener 36 is fitted to the shaft 14. Then, the circular hole 47 of the pressing plate 46 is fitted into the cylindrical portion 37 of the fastener 36, and the auxiliary contact unit group 92 and the pressing plate 46 are fastened to the bracket 12 with bolts and nuts, completing the auxiliary switch 11. The circular hole 21 of the bracket 12 and the circular hole 47 of the pressing plate 46 function as bearings.

[0030] Next, the operation of the auxiliary switch 11 will be described. FIG. 21 shows the state when the main circuit is interrupted. FIG. 1(a) shows the auxiliary switch 11 as viewed from the inside in the axial direction. FIG. 1(b) shows the movable contactor 86 fitted in the shaft guide 31 as viewed from one side in the axial direction, from the front side in the depth direction, and from one side in the vertical direction. When the main circuit is interrupted, the lever 13 is lowered from the front side in the depth direction to the other side in the vertical direction. At this time, one of the movable contacts 83 of the movable contactor 86 is located at the back in the depth direction and on one side in the vertical direction, and the other is located at the front side in the depth direction and on the other side in the vertical direction. FIG. 22 shows the state when the main circuit is interrupted. Here, the movable contactor 86 and the spring terminal unit 76 are shown as viewed from the outside in the axial direction. When the main circuit is interrupted, as shown by the thick solid line, the spring terminal unit 76 arranged on one side in the vertical direction at the back in the depth direction and the spring terminal unit 76 arranged on the other side in the vertical direction at the front in the depth direction are conductive through the movable contactor 86 (contact b).

[0031] FIG. 23 shows the state when the main circuit is turned on. FIG. 1(a) shows the auxiliary switch 11 as viewed from the inside in the axial direction. FIG. 1(b) shows the movable contactor 86 fitted in the shaft guide 31 as viewed from one side in the axial direction, from the front side in the depth direction, and from one side in the vertical direction. When the main circuit is turned on, the lever 13 is raised from the front side in the depth direction to one side in the vertical direction. At this time, one of the movable contacts 83 of the movable contactor 86 is located at the back in the depth direction and on the other side in the vertical direction and on the front side in the depth direction. FIG. 24 shows the state when the main circuit is turned on. Here, the movable contactor 86 and the spring terminal unit 76 are shown as viewed from the outside in the axial direction. When the main circuit is turned on, as shown by the thick solid line, the spring terminal unit 76 arranged on the other side in the vertical direction at the back in the depth direction and the spring terminal unit 76 arranged on one side in the vertical direction at the front in the depth direction are electrically connected by the movable contactor 86 (contact A).

[0032] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the insertion of the electric wire 96. As shown in FIG. Here, a cross section of the spring terminal unit 76 passing through the axial center and along the tangential and radial directions is shown as viewed from the outside in the axial direction. A collared ferrule terminal 97 is crimped to the tip of the electric wire 96. When the ferrule terminal 97 is inserted into the electric wire insertion hole 62, the leaf spring 17 is pushed by the ferrule terminal 97 and elastically deforms, and the ferrule terminal 97 is inserted between the tip and the receiving plate 72. The ferrule terminal 97 is pressed against the receiving plate 72 by the elastic force of the leaf spring 17, and is electrically connected to the auxiliary circuit with displacement in the pull-out direction suppressed. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the insertion of the tool 98. As shown in FIG. Here, a cross section passing through the axial center and along the tangential and radial directions is shown as viewed from the outside in the axial direction of the spring terminal unit 76. For example, a flat head screwdriver is used as the tool 98. When the tool 98 is inserted into the tool insertion hole 63, the leaf spring 17 is pushed by the tool 98 and elastically deforms, allowing the ferrule terminal 97 to be pulled out.

[0033] <Action and Effect> Next, main effects of the embodiment will be described. The auxiliary switch 11 includes a shaft 14, a case 15, a fixed contact 16, a leaf spring 17, and a movable contact 18. The shaft 14 rotates in conjunction with the opening and closing of the main circuit. The case 15 is fixed to a mounting surface, the shaft 14 is inserted in a rotatable state, and an electric wire insertion hole 62 is formed. The fixed contact 16 is held by the case 15, and a fixed contact 71 is formed therein. The leaf spring 17 is held by the case 15, and presses an electric wire 96 inserted into the electric wire insertion hole 62 against the fixed contact 16. The movable contact 18 is formed with a movable contact 83, which fits into the shaft 14 inside the case 15 and rotates together with the shaft 14 to bring the movable contact 83 into contact with and separate from the fixed contact 71. This allows electrical connection to be achieved simply by inserting the electric wire 96 into the electric wire insertion hole 62, improving the workability of electric wire connection.

[0034] The movable contactor 18 is formed in an annular shape that fits onto the shaft 14, and movable contacts 83 are formed at the tips that protrude radially outward every 180 degrees along the circumferential direction. This allows a pair of movable contacts 83 to be aligned in a straight line when viewed from the axial direction, making it possible to simplify the structure. The fixed contacts 16 are provided at intervals of 90 degrees or 180 degrees along the circumferential direction, which makes it easy to configure the a-contacts and the b-contacts. The shaft 14 rotates within a range of 90 degrees in conjunction with the opening and closing of the main circuit, which makes it easy to switch between opening and closing the a-contact and opening and closing the b-contact.

[0035] The fixed contact 71 is formed in a flat plate shape along the direction perpendicular to the axis of the shaft 14. A pair of movable contacts 83 are provided facing each other along the axial direction of the shaft 14 and sandwiching the fixed contact 71. This allows the movable contact 83 to be reliably brought into contact with the fixed contact 71. The shaft 14 is formed into a rectangular prism shape by overlapping two plates of material, which makes it easier to form the shaft 14 than by machining or casting, and helps prevent increases in costs. The auxiliary switch 11 includes a shaft guide 31. The shaft guide 31 is insulating and formed in a cylindrical shape, with the inner periphery being fitted onto the shaft 14 and the outer periphery being fitted onto the movable contact 18. This improves ease of assembly, since the outer periphery of the shaft guide 31 can be assembled first, and then the shaft 14 can be fitted onto the inner periphery later.

[0036] The case 15 includes a holder 51 and a base 61. The holder 51 is fixed to a mounting surface, the shaft 14 is rotatably inserted through the holder 51, and the movable contact 18 that fits onto the shaft 14 is housed therein. The base 61 is connected to the radially outer side of the holder 51, has an electric wire insertion hole 62 formed therein, and houses the fixed contact 16 and the leaf spring 17. The fixed contact 16 has fixed contacts 71 that protrude radially inward and are disposed inside the holder 51. This allows the base 61 and the fixed contact 16 to be added only where necessary. One spring terminal unit 76 is configured by the base 61, the fixed contact 16, and the leaf spring 17. Two or four spring terminal units 76 are connected to one holder 51. This makes it easy to configure either or both of the a-contact and the b-contact.

[0037] The holder 51 has openings 54 formed at 90 degree intervals along the circumferential direction to which the spring terminal units 76 can be connected. A blind plate 55 that closes the opening 54 is provided in the openings 54 to which the spring terminal units 76 are not connected. This makes it possible to prevent dust from entering the inside of the holder 51. In one base 61, electric wire insertion holes 62 are formed on both sides in the tangential direction when viewed from the axial direction, and two leaf springs 17 corresponding to each electric wire insertion hole 62 are housed. This allows for crossover wiring. One auxiliary contact unit 91 equipped with either or both of an A-contact and a B-contact is configured by the holder 51, the movable contact 18, and the spring terminal unit 76. A plurality of auxiliary contact units 91 are connected along the axial direction of the shaft 14. This makes it possible to add as many auxiliary circuits as necessary.

[0038] Next, a comparative example will be described. In the comparative example, a configuration in which electric wires are connected by screw terminals will be described. FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a comparative example. Here, the auxiliary switch 111 is shown as seen from one axial direction, from the front in the depth direction, and from one vertical direction. The auxiliary switch 111 connects electric wires via screw terminals 112. With the screw terminals 112, screws must be loosened and tightened to connect electric wires, leaving room for improvement in operability.

[0039] <<Variation>> In the embodiment, a configuration in which three stages of holders 51 are connected in the axial direction has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, four or more stages of holders 51 may be connected in the axial direction. The number of stages of holders 51 that can be connected in the axial direction is determined by the length of the shaft 14 and the shaft guide 31. Therefore, it is desirable to set in advance the shaft 14 and the shaft guide 31 to a length corresponding to a specified number of stages, such as for three stages, five stages, and eight stages. This allows auxiliary circuits to be added according to the user's requests.

[0040] Although the above description has been given with reference to a limited number of embodiments, the scope of the invention is not limited thereto, and modifications of the embodiments based on the above disclosure will be obvious to those skilled in the art. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 11...auxiliary switch, 12...bracket, 13...lever, 14...shaft, 15...case, 16...fixed contact, 17...leaf spring, 18...movable contact, 21...round hole, 26...plate material, 27...necked portion, 31...shaft guide, 32...square column portion, 33...cylindrical portion, 36...fastener, 37...cylindrical portion, 38...claw portion, 41...cover, 42...round hole, 46...holding plate, 47...round hole, 51...holder, 52...round hole, 53...spacer portion, 54...opening, 55...blind plate, 61 ...Base, 62...Wire insertion hole, 63...Tool insertion hole, 64...Engagement claw, 65...Inner partition wall, 71...Fixed contact, 72...Receiving plate, 73...Intermediate plate, 74...Inclined plate, 76...Spring terminal unit, 77...Terminal cover, 78...Protruding piece, 82...Inner periphery, 83...Moving contact, 84...Engagement piece, 85...U-shaped piece, 86...Moving contact, 91...Auxiliary contact unit, 92...Auxiliary contact unit group, 96...Wire, 97...Ferrule terminal, 98...Tool, 111...Auxiliary switch, 112...Screw terminal

Claims

1. A shaft that rotates in conjunction with the opening and closing of the main circuit; a case fixed to a mounting surface, through which the shaft is rotatably inserted, and having an electric wire insertion hole; a fixed contactor held in the case and having a fixed contact formed thereon; a leaf spring that is held by the case and presses the electric wire inserted into the electric wire insertion hole against the fixed contact; a movable contactor having a movable contact formed thereon, which fits onto the shaft inside the case and rotates together with the shaft to bring the movable contact into contact with and separate from the fixed contact.

2. The auxiliary switch according to claim 1, characterized in that the movable contactor is formed in a circular ring shape that fits onto the shaft, and the movable contacts are formed at tips that protrude radially outward every 180 degrees along the circumferential direction.

3. 3. The auxiliary switch according to claim 2, wherein the fixed contacts are provided at intervals of 90 degrees or 180 degrees in the circumferential direction.

4. 3. The auxiliary switch according to claim 2, wherein the shaft rotates within a range of 90 degrees in conjunction with opening and closing of the main circuit.

5. The fixed contact is formed in a flat plate shape along a direction perpendicular to the axis of the shaft, 2. The auxiliary switch according to claim 1, wherein the movable contacts are provided as a pair facing each other along the axial direction of the shaft and sandwiching the fixed contact therebetween.

6. 2. The auxiliary switch according to claim 1, wherein the shaft is formed into a rectangular prism shape by overlapping two plates.

7. 2. The auxiliary switch according to claim 1, further comprising an insulating shaft guide formed in a cylindrical shape, the inner periphery of which is fitted onto the shaft, and the outer periphery of which is fitted onto the movable contact.

8. The case is a holder that is fixed to the mounting surface, through which the shaft is rotatably inserted, and that houses the movable contact that fits onto the shaft; a base connected to the radially outer side of the holder, in which the wire insertion hole is formed and in which the fixed contact and the leaf spring are housed; 2. The auxiliary switch according to claim 1, wherein the fixed contactor has the fixed contacts protruding radially inwardly disposed inside the holder.

9. The auxiliary switch according to claim 8, characterized in that the base, the fixed contact and the leaf spring constitute one spring terminal unit, and two or four of the spring terminal units are connected to one holder.

10. The auxiliary switch described in claim 9, characterized in that the holder has openings to which the spring terminal units can be connected every 90 degrees along the circumferential direction, and a blind plate is provided to close the openings to which the spring terminal units are not connected.

11. The auxiliary switch according to claim 9, characterized in that one of the bases has one electric wire insertion hole on each side in the tangential direction when viewed from the axial direction, and two of the leaf springs corresponding to each of the electric wire insertion holes are accommodated therein.

12. An auxiliary contactor as described in claim 9, characterized in that the holder, the movable contact, and the spring terminal unit form a single auxiliary contact unit having either an A contact or a B contact or both, and a plurality of the auxiliary contact units are connected along the axial direction of the shaft.

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