Switch module, switch, and switch gear
By employing a slider and flip handle design in the wall switch and utilizing metal materials to reduce friction, the problem of reduced smoothness of transmission component movement is solved, and smooth operation of the slider is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024089546
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-31
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-11
AI Technical Summary
In existing wall switches, friction between the transmission components and the control panel reduces the smoothness of movement.
The design incorporates a slider, a flip handle, and a fixed contact plate. The slider is made of metal, and by adjusting the distance between the contact surfaces and the material properties, friction is reduced, ensuring smooth movement of the slider.
It improves the smoothness of the sliding parts' movement, reduces the increase in friction caused by dust ingress, and maintains the smooth operation of the sliding parts.
Smart Images

Figure 2025181511000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a switch module, a switch, and a switch device, and more particularly to a switch module, a switch, and a switch device that switch the operating state of a load by operating an operating handle. [Background technology]
[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, wall switches have been known that include a transmission member that moves horizontally in response to a swinging motion of an operation panel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 113314373 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] In a wall switch such as that described in Patent Document 1, there is a risk that the smoothness of movement of the transmission member may be reduced due to friction at the contact portion between the transmission member (slide member) and the operation panel (operation handle).
[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a switch module, a switch, and a switch device that can improve the smoothness of movement of a slide member. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] A switch module according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a slide member that moves along a first direction in response to the swing of an operating handle that swings in response to operation by an operator, a flip handle that swings in response to the movement of the slide member, a fixed contact, and a movable contact that faces the fixed contact in the first direction and moves between a position where it contacts the fixed contact and a position where it is separated from the fixed contact in response to the swing of the flip handle. The operating handle has an operating surface that accepts operation by the operator and a first protrusion and a second protrusion that protrude along a direction intersecting the operating surface. The slide member includes a metal member having a first contact surface and a second contact surface that face each other in the first direction, and a main body that is positioned between the first contact surface and the second contact surface and holds the metal member. The slide member is positioned to face the operating handle in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The distance between the first contact surface and the second contact surface in the first direction becomes narrower as the slide member approaches the operating handle in the second direction. The first contact surface contacts the first protrusion. The second contact surface contacts the second protrusion, and the sliding member moves along the first direction as a contact position of the first contact surface with the first protrusion and a contact position of the second contact surface with the second protrusion change in response to swing of the operating handle.
[0007] A switch according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the switch module and the outer handle.
[0008] A switch device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the switch and a mounting frame that holds the switch and is mountable to a construction surface. [Effects of the Invention]
[0009] According to the present disclosure, the smoothness of movement of the slide member can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a switch device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the switch device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the switch module according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the switch module. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the switch device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a slide member included in the switch module according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the slide member. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a slide member included in a switch module according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the slide member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0011] A switch module 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment and modifications described below are merely examples of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and modifications. Various modifications other than the embodiments and modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as they do not deviate from the technical concept of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the following embodiments (including modifications) may be realized in appropriate combinations.
[0012] (Embodiment 1) (1) Overview An overview of the switch module 1 according to this embodiment will be described.
[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the switch module 1 includes a slide member 9, a reversing handle 4, fixed contacts 3a and 3b, and movable contacts 5a and 5b.
[0014] The slide member 9 moves in the first direction in response to the swinging of the operating handle 6, which is swung by the operator's operation.
[0015] The reversing handle 4 swings in response to the movement of the slide member 9.
[0016] The movable contact 5a faces the fixed contact 3a in the first direction and moves between a position where it comes into contact with the fixed contact 3a and a position where it is separated from the fixed contact 3a in response to the swing of the reversing handle 4.
[0017] The movable contact 5b faces the fixed contact 3b in the first direction and moves between a position where it comes into contact with the fixed contact 3b and a position where it is separated from the fixed contact 3b in response to the swing of the reversing handle 4.
[0018] The operating handle 6 has an operating surface 601 that receives an operation by an operator, and a first protruding portion 61 and a second protruding portion 62 that protrude in a direction intersecting with the operating surface 601.
[0019] The slide member 9 has a metal member 91 and a main body 92 that holds the metal member 91.
[0020] The metal member 91 has a first contact surface S4 and a second contact surface S6 that face each other in the first direction.
[0021] As shown in FIG. 5, the main body 92 is located between the first contact surface S4 and the second contact surface S6.
[0022] The slide member 9 is disposed so as to face the operating handle 6 in a second direction that intersects with the first direction.
[0023] The distance between the first contact surface S4 and the second contact surface S6 in the first direction becomes narrower as they approach the operating handle 6 in the second direction.
[0024] The first contact surface S4 contacts the first protrusion 61.
[0025] The second contact surface S6 contacts the second protrusion 62.
[0026] The slide member 9 moves along the first direction as the contact position P1 of the first protrusion 61 on the first contact surface S4 and the contact position P2 of the second protrusion 62 on the second contact surface S6 change in response to the swinging of the operating handle 6.
[0027] According to the above configuration, since the member (metal member 91) having the first contact surface S4 and the second contact surface S6 is made of metal, the coefficient of friction between the first protrusion 61 and the first contact surface S4 and the coefficient of friction between the second protrusion 62 and the second contact surface S6 can be reduced compared to when the member having the first contact surface S4 and the second contact surface S6 is made of a material other than metal (for example, synthetic resin).
[0028] Furthermore, because the metal member 91 is a metal harder than synthetic resin, when dust enters between the first protrusion 61 and the first contact surface S4, the surface of the first contact surface S4 can be prevented from becoming rough due to the friction between the first protrusion 61 and the first contact surface S4 caused by the dust. Furthermore, when dust enters between the second protrusion 62 and the second contact surface S6, the surface of the second contact surface S6 can be prevented from becoming rough due to the friction between the second protrusion 62 and the second contact surface S6 caused by the dust. Therefore, when dust enters, an increase in the coefficient of friction between the first protrusion 61 and the first contact surface S4 and between the second protrusion 62 and the second contact surface S6 can be prevented.
[0029] As described above, the slide member 9 moves along the first direction due to changes in the contact position P1 of the first protrusion 61 on the first contact surface S4 and the contact position P2 of the second protrusion 62 on the second contact surface S6. Therefore, with the above configuration, the smoothness of the movement of the slide member 9 can be improved.
[0030] (2)Details The switch module 1, the switch 10 including the switch module 1, and the switch device 100 including the switch 10 according to the embodiment will be described in detail below.
[0031] In the following description, when the switch device 100 is fixed to a construction surface such as a wall, the direction perpendicular (orthogonal) to a horizontal plane may be referred to as the "up-down direction," and the downward (vertical) direction when viewed from the front of the switch device 100 may be referred to as the "downward." Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and parallel to the surface of the wall may be referred to as the "left-right direction," and the right side when viewed from the front of the switch device 100 may be referred to as the "rightward" and the left side when viewed from the front of the switch device 100 may be referred to as the "leftward." Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to both the up-down direction and the left-right direction, i.e., the direction perpendicular to the surface of the wall, may be referred to as the "front-rear direction," and the back side of the wall (the back side of the wall) may be referred to as the "rear." In the following description, the "left-right direction," "front-rear direction," and "up-down direction" may be referred to as the "first direction," "second direction," and "third direction," respectively. However, these directions are not intended to limit the orientation of the switch device 100 when in use.
[0032] (2.1) Switch configuration The configuration of the switch 10 will now be described.
[0033] 1 and 2, the switch 10 according to this embodiment includes a switch module 1 and an outer handle 6a. The outer handle 6a is a component of the operating handle 6 that swings in response to an operator's operation. The outer handle 6a has an operating surface 601 that receives an operation by the operator.
[0034] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the switch module 1 includes a body 2, a contact device 3, a reversing handle 4, a sliding member 9, and a coil spring 7. The switch module 1 also includes a middle handle 6b, which is a component of the operating handle 6. As shown in Figure 2, the middle handle 6b has a first protrusion 61 and a second protrusion 62. That is, the operating handle 6 includes an outer handle 6a having an operating surface 601 that receives operation by the operator, and a middle handle 6b having the first protrusion 61 and the second protrusion 62. The outer handle 6a and middle handle 6b are connected so as to swing together.
[0035] The housing 2 is an outer shell that houses the contact device 3, the reversing handle 4, and the slide member 9. The housing 2 has a rectangular box-shaped body 21 made of synthetic resin with an open front, and a cover member 22 made of synthetic resin that is joined to the front side of the body 21.
[0036] The body 21 has a plurality of (for example, four) assembly protrusions 21a. The assembly protrusions 21a are provided on both outer surfaces of the body 21 that face each other in the short-side direction (vertical direction) of the body 21, spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the body 21.
[0037] The cover member 22 has a plurality of (for example, four) assembly tongues 22a that protrude rearward from the rear end of the cover member 22.
[0038] The assembly holes 22b provided in the four assembly tongues 22a are fitted into the four assembly protrusions 21a of the body 21, whereby the body 21 and the cover member 22 are joined together.
[0039] The body 21 houses a contact device 3. The contact device 3 includes an open / close contact for switching the operating state (on and off) of the load to be operated, and an external connection terminal for connecting to external wiring. Specifically, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the contact device 3 includes terminal plates 31 to 33, a swinging portion 5, and locking springs 35 to 38.
[0040] Terminal boards 31 to 33 are each a portion electrically connected to external wiring. Terminal boards 31 and 32 are housed side by side in the vertical direction at one end (e.g., the left end) in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of body 21. Terminal board 33 is housed at the other end (e.g., the right end) in the longitudinal direction of body 21.
[0041] The terminal board 31 includes a connecting piece 311, a pressure contact piece 312, and a contact piece 313. The pressure contact piece 312 and the contact piece 313 are connected to the connecting piece 311 so as to face each other. More specifically, the pressure contact piece 312 protrudes rearward from the left end of the connecting piece 311, and the contact piece 313 protrudes rearward from the right end of the connecting piece 311.
[0042] Terminal board 31 further includes a contact piece 314 on which a fixed contact 3a (see FIG. 5) is provided. Contact piece 314 protrudes downward from connecting piece 311. Fixed contact 3a is provided at the lower end of contact piece 314.
[0043] Terminal board 32 includes a connecting piece 321, a pressure contact piece 322, and a contact piece 323. Pressure contact piece 322 and a contact piece 323 are connected to connecting piece 321 so as to face each other. More specifically, pressure contact piece 322 protrudes rearward from the left end of connecting piece 321, and a contact piece 323 protrudes rearward from the right end of connecting piece 321.
[0044] Terminal board 32 further includes a contact piece 324 on which fixed contact 3b (see FIG. 5) is provided, and a connecting piece 325. Connecting piece 325 protrudes rightward from linking piece 321. Contact piece 324 protrudes upward from the right end of connecting piece 325. Fixed contact 3b is provided at the front end of contact piece 324.
[0045] Terminal board 31 and terminal board 32 are housed in body 21 such that contact piece 314 and contact piece 324 face each other in the left-right direction (first direction).
[0046] Terminal board 33 includes connecting pieces 331 and 332, a pair of pressure contact pieces 333 and 334, and a pair of contact pieces 335 and 336. Pressure contact pieces 333 and 334 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. Furthermore, contact pieces 335 and 336 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction.
[0047] The pressure contact piece 333 and the abutment piece 335 are connected to the upper end of the connecting piece 331 so as to face each other. The pressure contact piece 334 and the abutment piece 336 are connected to the lower end of the connecting piece 331 so as to face each other.
[0048] The terminal plate 33 further includes a support piece 337 that supports the swinging portion 5 (described later) (see FIGS. 4 and 5). The support piece 337 protrudes leftward from the center of the connecting piece 332 in the up-down direction.
[0049] Each of the locking springs 35 to 38 is formed by bending both ends of a strip of elastic conductive metal.
[0050] The locking spring 35 abuts against the abutment piece 313 of the terminal plate 31 and faces the insulation displacement piece 312. When an electric wire is inserted into the body 21 through a first electric wire insertion hole H1 (see FIG. 2) provided on the rear surface of the body 21, the electric wire is clamped between the locking spring 35 and the insulation displacement piece 312. As a result, the tip of the locking spring 35 bites into the core wire of the electric wire to prevent it from coming out, and the locking spring 35 electrically connects the electric wire to the terminal plate 31. In other words, the contact device 3 includes a quick-connect terminal C1 including the locking spring 35 and the insulation displacement piece 312. The insulation displacement piece 312 is electrically connected to the fixed contact 3a via the connecting piece 311 and the contact piece 314. Therefore, the quick-connect terminal C1 is electrically connected to the fixed contact 3a.
[0051] The locking spring 36 abuts against the abutment piece 323 of the terminal plate 32 and faces the insulation displacement piece 322. When an electric wire is inserted into the body 21 through the second electric wire insertion hole H2 (see FIG. 2), the electric wire is clamped between the locking spring 36 and the insulation displacement piece 322. As a result, the tip of the locking spring 36 bites into the core wire of the electric wire to prevent it from coming out, and the locking spring 36 electrically connects the electric wire to the terminal plate 32. In other words, the contact device 3 includes a quick-connect terminal C2 including the locking spring 36 and the insulation displacement piece 322. Here, the insulation displacement piece 322 is electrically connected to the fixed contact 3b via the linking piece 321, the connecting piece 325, and the contact piece 324. Therefore, the quick-connect terminal C2 is electrically connected to the fixed contact 3b.
[0052] Furthermore, the locking spring 37 abuts against the abutment piece 335 of the terminal plate 33 and faces the insulation displacement piece 333. When an electric wire is inserted into the body 21 through a third electric wire insertion hole H3 (see FIG. 2) provided on the rear surface of the body 21, the electric wire is clamped between the locking spring 37 and the insulation displacement piece 333. As a result, the tip of the locking spring 37 bites into the core wire of the electric wire to prevent it from coming out, and the locking spring 37 electrically connects the electric wire to the terminal plate 33. In other words, the contact device 3 includes a quick-connect terminal C3 that includes the locking spring 37 and the insulation displacement piece 333.
[0053] The locking spring 38 abuts against the abutment piece 336 of the terminal plate 33 and faces the insulation displacement piece 334. When an electric wire is inserted into the body 21 through a fourth electric wire insertion hole H4 (see FIG. 2) provided on the rear surface of the body 21, the electric wire is clamped between the locking spring 38 and the insulation displacement piece 334. As a result, the tip of the locking spring 38 bites into the core wire of the electric wire to prevent it from coming out, and the locking spring 38 electrically connects the electric wire to the terminal plate 33. In other words, the contact device 3 is provided with a quick-connect terminal C4 that includes the locking spring 38 and the insulation displacement piece 334.
[0054] The oscillating portion 5 is, for example, a rectangular flat plate-like member. As shown in Fig. 5, a movable contact 5a is provided on a first surface 51 of the oscillating portion 5, and a movable contact 5b is provided on a second surface 52 thereof.
[0055] The oscillating portion 5 is housed in the center of the body 21. More specifically, the oscillating portion 5 is housed in the center of the body 21 so that the movable contact 5a faces the fixed contact 3a and the movable contact 5b faces the fixed contact 3b.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 5, the first end Ea1 of the oscillating portion 5 in the longitudinal direction is inserted into the coil spring 7 from one end (second end Eb2) of the coil spring 7.
[0057] A second longitudinal end Ea2 of the oscillating part 5 is in contact with the support piece 337 of the terminal board 33. In other words, the oscillating part 5 is housed in the body 21 in a state in which it is electrically connected to the terminal board 33.
[0058] The swinging portion 5 swings around a contact position P0 between the support piece 337 and the second end Ea2 of the swinging portion 5 as a fulcrum.
[0059] Here, the movable contact 5a and the fixed contact 3a form one switching contact (first switching contact) Q1, and the movable contact 5b and the fixed contact 3b form one switching contact (second switching contact) Q2.
[0060] As the swinging part 5 swings, the first switching contact Q1 and the second switching contact Q2 are alternately switched between a closed state and an open state. That is, as the swinging part 5 swings around the contact position P0 as a fulcrum, the movable contact 5a can move between a position in contact with the fixed contact 3a and a position separated from the fixed contact 3a. Also, as the swinging part 5 swings around the contact position P0 as a fulcrum, the movable contact 5b can move between a position in contact with the fixed contact 3b and a position separated from the fixed contact 3b.
[0061] Such a switch 10, in which two open / close contacts are alternately switched by the swinging part 5, is called a three-way switch. This three-way switch can be used, for example, as a switch to turn on and off a common lighting fixture that illuminates the stairs, provided on the upper and lower floors, respectively.
[0062] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the cover member 22 has a bottom portion 220, a pair of first wall portions 221, and a pair of second wall portions 222.
[0063] The bottom portion 220 is a plate-like portion whose thickness direction is along the front-rear direction (second direction). The bottom portion 220 has an opening 22c formed in a rectangular frame shape. The opening 22c is an opening through which a part of the reversing handle 4 (a tubular portion 42 described later) is inserted.
[0064] The bottom portion 220 is disposed between the contact device 3 having the fixed contacts 3a, 3b and the operating handle 6 in the front-rear direction.
[0065] The bottom portion 220 has a first surface W1 on the operating handle 6 side and a second surface (not shown) on the contact device 3 side.
[0066] The pair of first wall portions 221 protrude in the front-rear direction from the first surface W1. More specifically, the pair of first wall portions 221 protrude forward from both ends of the first surface W1 in the up-down direction.
[0067] The pair of second wall portions 222 protrude in the front-rear direction from the first surface W1. More specifically, the pair of second wall portions 222 protrude forward from both ends of the first surface W1 in the left-right direction.
[0068] In this embodiment, the bottom 220, the pair of first wall portions 221, and the pair of second wall portions 222 are, for example, integrally formed. Note that the bottom 220, the pair of first wall portions 221, and the pair of second wall portions 222 may also be formed as separate bodies.
[0069] The bottom 220, the pair of first wall portions 221, and the pair of second wall portions 222 form a space Sp1. The cover member 22 accommodates a slide member 9 (described later) in the space Sp1. That is, the pair of first wall portions 221 face each other in the up-down direction across the space Sp1 in which the slide member 9 is accommodated. Furthermore, the pair of second wall portions 222 face each other in the left-right direction across the space Sp1.
[0070] The cover member 22 further has a plurality of (for example, four) contact portions 223 that come into contact with the slide member 9 housed in the space Sp1. The four contact portions 223 are provided on the first surface W1 of the bottom portion 220. In other words, the slide member 9 comes into contact with the bottom portion 220 via the four contact portions 223. This makes it easier for the slide member 9 to move in the left-right direction compared to when the slide member 9 comes into direct contact with the bottom portion 220.
[0071] In this embodiment, each of the four contact portions 223 is a rib that protrudes forward in the front-rear direction. The contact portions 223 extend in the left-right direction.
[0072] The cover member 22 further includes a retaining portion 224 provided on at least one of the pair of first wall portions 221. In this embodiment, the retaining portion 224 is provided on each of the pair of first wall portions 221. More specifically, two retaining portions 224 are provided on each of the pair of first wall portions 221. That is, the cover member 22 has four retaining portions 224. As described above, the pair of first wall portions 221 protrude forward from the first surface W1 of the bottom portion 220 on the operating handle 6 side. Therefore, the pair of retaining portions 224 are located on the opposite side from the fixed contacts 3a and 3b, which generate heat when current is applied. This prevents damage to the pair of retaining portions 224 due to heat, arcs, and the like generated when the fixed contact 3a and the movable contact 5a are turned on / off, and when the fixed contact 3b and the movable contact 5b are turned on / off. This also increases the degree of freedom in selecting materials for the pair of retaining portions 224 and the cover member 22.
[0073] The two holding portions 224 provided on each of the pair of first wall portions 221 are provided at a distance from each other in the left-right direction on the inner surface of the first wall portion 221 (the surface facing the other first wall portion 221). The two holding portions 224 are also provided at positions spaced apart from each other with respect to the first surface W1 of the bottom portion 220.
[0074] In this embodiment, the holding portions 224 are ribs that protrude in the vertical direction from the inner surface of the first wall portion 221. That is, the two holding portions 224 provided on the upper first wall portion 221 protrude downward, and the two holding portions 224 provided on the lower first wall portion 221 protrude upward.
[0075] The cover member 22 further includes a pair of support portions 225 that support the operation handle 6 and the reversing handle 4, which will be described later, in a swingable manner.
[0076] The pair of support portions 225 protrude forward from the front ends of the pair of first wall portions 221. The width of the support portions 225 in the left-right direction is formed to become narrower toward the front. The front end of the support portion 225 is provided with a support hole 226, which is a through-hole that penetrates the support portion 225 in the up-down direction.
[0077] The slide member 9 is housed in a space Sp1 formed by the bottom 220 of the cover member 22, the pair of first wall portions 221, and the pair of second wall portions 222 so as to face the operating handle 6 in the front-rear direction. More specifically, the slide member 9 is disposed behind the operating handle 6. Furthermore, the slide member 9 is disposed in the space Sp1 so that its longitudinal direction is aligned with the left-right direction and its lateral direction is aligned with the up-down direction.
[0078] The slide member 9 moves in the left-right direction in response to the swinging of the operating handle 6, which is swung by the operator's operation.
[0079] 6 and 7, the slide member 9 has a metal member 91 and a main body 92 that holds the metal member 91. The metal member 91 is made of stainless steel, for example, and the main body 92 is made of polycarbonate, for example.
[0080] The metal member 91 has a bottom surface portion 910 , a pair of first side surface portions 911 , a pair of second side surface portions 912 , a first contact portion 913 , and a second contact portion 914 .
[0081] The bottom surface portion 910 is a plate-like member arranged so that its thickness direction coincides with the front-rear direction. A front surface S1 of the bottom surface portion 910 contacts a rear surface U4 of the main body 92, which will be described later. Furthermore, a rear surface S2 of the bottom surface portion 910 faces a first surface W1 of the bottom 220 when the sliding member 9 is housed in the space Sp1. Furthermore, when the sliding member 9 is housed in the space Sp1, the rear surface S2 contacts four contact portions 223 provided on the first surface W1.
[0082] The bottom surface portion 910 has a first through hole G1 that penetrates the center of the bottom surface portion 910 in the front-to-rear direction. The first through hole G1 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular frame. The bottom surface portion 910 also has a pair of first engaged portions J1 that engage with a pair of first engaging portions K1, which will be described later. The pair of first engaged portions J1 are through holes that penetrate the bottom surface portion 910 on both sides of the first through hole G1 in the up-down direction.
[0083] The pair of first side surface portions 911 are plate-like members that protrude from the left end of the bottom surface portion 910 and come into contact with a left surface U1 of the main body 92, which will be described later. The pair of first side surface portions 911 are bent into a substantially L-shape. Each of the pair of first side surface portions 911 has a second engaged portion J2 that engages with a second engaging portion K2, which will be described later. In other words, the pair of first side surface portions 911 has a pair of second engaged portions J2. The pair of second engaged portions J2 are through holes that pass through the pair of first side surface portions 911.
[0084] The pair of second side surface portions 912 are plate-like members that protrude from the right end of the bottom surface portion 910 and come into contact with a right surface U2 of the main body 92, which will be described later. The pair of second side surface portions 912 are bent into a substantially L-shape. Each of the pair of second side surface portions 912 has a third engaged portion J3 that engages with a third engaging portion K3, which will be described later. In other words, the pair of second side surface portions 912 has a pair of third engaged portions J3. The pair of third engaged portions J3 are through holes that pass through the pair of second side surface portions 912.
[0085] The first contact portion 913 is a plate-like member that protrudes from the left end of the bottom surface portion 910. The first contact portion 913 is located between the pair of first side surface portions 911 in the up-down direction. The first contact portion 913 is bent to have a convex shape that faces forward. The first contact portion 913 has an inner surface S3 and an outer surface (first contact surface) S4 that is located outside (on the left side of) the inner surface S3. The outer surface S4 is the outermost surface on the left side of the first contact portion 913. The inner surface S3 is inclined so that it approaches the operating handle 6 as it goes leftward. The outer surface S4 is inclined so that it goes away from the operating handle 6 as it goes leftward.
[0086] The second contact portion 914 is a plate-like member that protrudes from the right end of the bottom surface portion 910. The second contact portion 914 is located between the pair of second side surface portions 912 in the up-down direction. The second contact portion 914 is bent to have a convex shape that faces forward. The second contact portion 914 has an inner surface S5 and an outer surface (second contact surface) S6 that is located outside (to the right of) the inner surface S5. The outer surface S6 is the outermost surface on the right side of the second contact portion 914. The inner surface S5 is inclined so that it approaches the operating handle 6 as it goes right. The outer surface S6 is inclined so that it goes away from the operating handle 6 as it goes right.
[0087] Therefore, the outer surface S4 and the outer surface S6 face each other in the left-right direction. The distance between the outer surface S4 and the outer surface S6 in the left-right direction becomes narrower as they approach the operating handle 6 in the front-rear direction.
[0088] The main body 92 is located between the outer surface S4 and the outer surface S6 and holds the metal member 91. The main body 92 is, for example, a rectangular flat plate-shaped member. More specifically, the main body 92 has a left surface U1 and a right surface U2 that face each other in the left-right direction, and a front surface U3 and a rear surface U4 that face each other in the front-rear direction.
[0089] The left surface U1 is the left end surface of the main body 92, and is the surface that comes into contact with a pair of first side surface portions 911 of the metal member 91. The left surface U1 also has a pair of second engaging portions K2 that are protrusions that protrude to the left. The pair of second engaging portions K2 engage with a pair of second engaged portions J2 that are through holes that the pair of first side surface portions 911 have.
[0090] The right surface U2 is the right end surface of the main body 92, and is the surface that comes into contact with the pair of second side surface portions 912 of the metal member 91. The right surface U2 also has a pair of third engaging portions K3 that are protrusions that protrude to the right. The pair of third engaging portions K3 engage with a pair of third engaged portions J3 that are through holes that the pair of second side surface portions 912 have.
[0091] The front surface U3 is a surface that faces the operating handle 6 in the front-rear direction.
[0092] The rear surface U4 is a surface that comes into contact with the front surface S1 of the bottom surface portion 910. The rear surface U4 also has a pair of first engaging portions K1 that are protrusions that protrude rearward. The pair of first engaging portions K1 engage with a pair of first engaged portions J1 that are through holes that the bottom surface portion 910 has.
[0093] In this way, by the pair of first engaging portions K1, the pair of second engaging portions K2 and the pair of third engaging portions K3 engaging with the pair of first engaged portions J1, the pair of second engaged portions J2 and the pair of third engaged portions J3, respectively, the possibility of the metal member 91 falling off from the main body 92 can be reduced.
[0094] The main body 92 also has an upper surface U5 and a lower surface U6 that face each other in the vertical direction. The upper surface U5 is the upper end surface of the main body 92, and the lower surface U6 is the lower end surface of the main body 92. A held portion 921 is provided on each of the upper surface U5 and the lower surface U6.
[0095] In this embodiment, the held portions 921 are ribs that protrude in the up-down direction from each of the upper surface U5 and the lower surface U6. The held portions 921 extend in the left-right direction.
[0096] Here, the pair of holding portions 224 described above respectively hold the pair of held portions 921 in a state in which the slide member 9 (main body 92 and metal member 91 held by the main body 92) is movable in the left-right direction. This makes it possible to stabilize the movement of the slide member 9 in the left-right direction. It is also possible to prevent the slide member 9 from falling out of the space Sp1.
[0097] The main body 92 has a second through-hole G2 that penetrates the center of the main body 92 in the front-rear direction. The second through-hole G2 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular frame. Here, the first through-hole G1 and the second through-hole G2 at least partially overlap when viewed from the front-rear direction. A part of the reversing handle 4 (a tubular portion 42 described later) is inserted into the first through-hole G1 and the second through-hole G2.
[0098] The reversing handle 4 is a member that swings in response to the movement of the slide member 9 in the left-right direction.
[0099] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the reversing handle 4 has a base portion 41 and a cylindrical portion .
[0100] The base portion 41 is a plate-shaped portion disposed between the operating handle 6 and the slide member 9.
[0101] The cylindrical portion 42 is a portion that protrudes from the base portion 41 toward the slide member 9.
[0102] In this embodiment, the base portion 41 and the cylindrical portion 42 are formed integrally, for example, but the base portion 41 and the cylindrical portion 42 may also be formed separately.
[0103] The base 41 is formed, for example, in a rectangular shape. The base 41 has a pair of through holes 410 arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the base 41. A pair of third protrusions 63 of the operating handle 6, which will be described later, is inserted into the pair of through holes 410, respectively.
[0104] 3 and 4, the base 41 has a pair of first fulcrum portions 411 that serve as fulcrums for the swing of the reversing handle 4. The pair of first fulcrum portions 411 are protrusions that protrude from the center positions in the longitudinal direction of both surfaces of the base 41 that face each other in the short direction.
[0105] The pair of first fulcrum portions 411 are inserted from the inside into the support holes 226 of the pair of support portions 225 of the cover member 22. Specifically, the upper first fulcrum portion 411 is inserted from below into the upper support hole 226, and the lower first fulcrum portion 411 is inserted from above into the lower support hole 226. This allows the reversing handle 4 to swing within a predetermined angle range, with the pair of first fulcrum portions 411 inserted into the pair of support holes 226 as fulcrums. In other words, the reversing handle 4 is swingably supported by the pair of support portions 225 of the cover member 22.
[0106] The cylindrical portion 42 is inserted into a first through-hole G1 and a second through-hole G2 of the slide member 9 disposed behind the base portion 41.
[0107] 5, one end (first end) Eb1 of the coil spring 7 is inserted into the inside of the cylindrical portion 42. The first end Eb1 of the coil spring 7 is fixed to the end portion inside the cylindrical portion 42.
[0108] 5, the second end Eb2 of the coil spring 7 is exposed from the end of the cylindrical portion 42. Here, the first end Ea1 in the longitudinal direction of the oscillating portion 5 is inserted into the coil spring 7 from the second end Ea2.
[0109] The operating handle 6 is a member that swings when operated by an operator.
[0110] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, the operating handle 6 has an outer handle 6a and a middle handle 6b located behind the outer handle 6a.
[0111] The outer handle 6 a has an operating portion 60 and a connected portion 65 .
[0112] The operation unit 60 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate that is sufficiently larger than the size of the switch module 1 when viewed from the front and rear. The operation unit 60 has an operation surface 601 that receives operations by an operator.
[0113] The connected portion 65 is a frame-shaped portion that protrudes rearward from the operating portion 60, and is connected to the middle handle 6b.
[0114] The inner handle 6b is connected to the outer handle 6a so as to swing integrally with the outer handle 6a.
[0115] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the middle handle 6b has a connecting portion 66, a first protruding portion 61, a second protruding portion 62, and a pair of third protruding portions 63.
[0116] The connecting portion 66 is formed in a rectangular plate shape and is a portion that connects to the connected portion 65. When the connecting portion 66 connects to the connected portion 65, the inner handle 6b and the outer handle 6a are connected to each other.
[0117] The first protrusion 61 and the second protrusion 62 protrude from the connection portion 66 along a direction intersecting with the operation surface 601. More specifically, the first protrusion 61 and the second protrusion 62 protrude from the connection portion 66 in a direction toward the slide member 9. The first protrusion 61 and the second protrusion 62 have the same length in the protruding direction. The first protrusion 61 and the second protrusion 62 are formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular plate.
[0118] 5, the tip of the first protrusion 61 contacts the outer surface S4 of the first contact portion 913. The tip of the second protrusion 62 contacts the outer surface S6 of the second contact portion 914.
[0119] 5, the pair of third protrusions 63 protrude from the connecting portion 66 along a direction intersecting with the operation surface 601. More specifically, the pair of third protrusions 63 protrude from the connecting portion 66 in a direction toward the slide member 9. The pair of third protrusions 63 are provided so as to be located between the first protrusion 61 and the second protrusion 62.
[0120] The pair of third protrusions 63 are inserted into a pair of through holes 410 in the base 41 of the reversing handle 4, respectively. This improves workability when assembling the switch module 1. That is, a worker assembling the switch module 1 can easily assemble the middle handle 6b to the reversing handle 4 using the pair of through holes 410 as guides.
[0121] The length of the pair of third protrusions 63 in the protruding direction is shorter than the length of the first protrusion 61 and the second protrusion 62 in the protruding direction, and the tips of the pair of third protrusions 63 do not come into contact with the slide member 9 arranged behind the base 41.
[0122] 2, the middle handle 6b further has a pair of wall portions 64 that protrude from the connection portion 66 along a direction intersecting with the operation surface 601.
[0123] The pair of wall portions 64 face each other in the vertical direction.
[0124] The pair of wall portions 64 each have a second fulcrum portion 641 that serves as a fulcrum for the swing of the middle handle 6b. The pair of second fulcrum portions 641 are protrusions that protrude in directions approaching each other from the center positions of the pair of wall portions 64 in the longitudinal direction.
[0125] The pair of second fulcrum portions 641 are inserted from the outside into the support holes 226 of the pair of support portions 225 of the cover member 22, respectively. Specifically, the upper second fulcrum portion 641 is inserted from above into the upper support hole 226, and the lower second fulcrum portion 641 is inserted from below into the lower support hole 226. This allows the middle handle 6b to swing within a predetermined angle range, with the pair of second fulcrum portions 641 inserted into the pair of support holes 226 as fulcrums. In other words, the middle handle 6b is swingably supported by the pair of support portions 225 of the cover member 22. This also allows the outer handle 6a, to which the middle handle 6b is connected, to swing integrally with the middle handle 6b.
[0126] (2.2) Switch device configuration Next, a switch device 100 using the switch 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0127] The switch device 100 according to this embodiment includes a switch 10 and a mounting frame 8 that holds the switch 10 and can be mounted on an installation surface.
[0128] The mounting frame 8 is formed into a rectangular frame shape using synthetic resin or a metal plate. A rectangular window hole 81 is formed in the mounting frame 8, into which the switch module 1 is attached. The mounting frame 8 includes a pair of first beam portions 82 and a pair of second beam portions 83. The pair of first beam portions 82 face each other in the up-down direction, sandwiching the window hole 81 therebetween. The pair of second beam portions 83 face each other in the left-right direction, sandwiching the window hole 81 therebetween.
[0129] Each of the pair of first beam portions 82 is formed with an insertion hole 821 into which a screw (not shown) for fixing the first beam portion 82 to the construction surface is inserted.
[0130] Each of the pair of second beam portions 83 is formed with an insertion hole 831 into which a screw (not shown) for fixing the second beam portion 83 to the construction surface is inserted.
[0131] Furthermore, a plurality of (for example, two) fitting grooves 84, 85 are formed in the up-down direction on each of the pair of second beam portions 83. The fitting grooves 84, 85 are formed so that the distance between the fitting grooves 84 and 85 is the same as the distance between the two mounting claws 22d provided on each of the left and right side surfaces of the switch module 1 (cover member 22).
[0132] Two mounting claws 22d provided on the left side surface of the cover member 22 engage with the left fitting grooves 84, 85. Two mounting claws 22d provided on the right side surface of the cover member 22 engage with the right fitting grooves 84, 85. In this way, the switch module 1 is held in the mounting frame 8.
[0133] An operating handle 6 is attached from the front to the switch module 1 held by the mounting frame 8.
[0134] In this way, the mounting frame 8 can be mounted on a construction surface while holding the switch 10 in a state in which the operating handle 6 can be operated from the front.
[0135] (2.3) Explanation of the operation of the switch device The following describes the operation of the switch device 100. In the following description, it is assumed that, in an initial state, the second switching contact Q2 (movable contact 5b and fixed contact 3b) is in a closed state, and the first switching contact Q1 (movable contact 5a and fixed contact 3a) is in an open state, as shown in FIG.
[0136] In the initial state where the second switching contact Q2 is in the closed state, the swinging part 5 is tilted to the right, with the contact point P0 between the support piece 337 and the second end Ea2 of the swinging part 5 as the fulcrum. As a result, the coil spring 7 into which the first end Ea1 of the swinging part 5 is inserted and the reversing handle 4 into which the coil spring 7 is inserted are tilted to the left.
[0137] In addition, in the initial state, the slide member 9 through which the tubular portion 42 of the reversing handle 4 is inserted is positioned to the right within the space Sp1. As a result, the contact position P1 between the tip of the first protrusion 61 and the outer surface S4 of the first contact portion 913 is located behind the contact position P2 between the tip of the second protrusion 62 and the outer surface S6 of the second contact portion 914. In other words, in the initial state, the operating handle 6 is tilted to the left.
[0138] When the operator presses the right end portion of the operating handle 6 rearward, the operating handle 6 swings clockwise around the pair of second fulcrum portions 641 as fulcrums.
[0139] As described above, the tip of the first protrusion 61 is in contact with the outer surface S4 of the first contact portion 913. In addition, the tip of the second protrusion 62 of the operating handle 6 is in contact with the outer surface S6 of the second contact portion 914.
[0140] Here, the distance between the outer surface S4 and the outer surface S6 narrows as they approach the operating handle 6 in the front-to-rear direction. In other words, the outer surface S4 and the outer surface S6 are inclined relative to the front-to-rear direction so that they approach each other as they move forward. As a result, when the operating handle 6 swings clockwise, a contact position P1 between the tip of the first protrusion 61 and the outer surface S4 moves forward and to the right along the outer surface S4. Also, a contact position P2 between the tip of the second protrusion 62 and the outer surface S6 moves rearward and to the right along the outer surface S6. As a result, a leftward force is applied from the second protrusion 62 to the slide member 9, and the slide member 9 moves leftward within the space Sp1. In other words, the pushing force applied to the operating handle 6 toward the rear is converted into a force that moves the slide member 9 leftward. Here, since the member (metal member 91) having the outer surface (first contact surface) S4 and the outer surface (second contact surface) S6 is made of metal, the coefficient of friction between the first protrusion 61 and the first contact surface S4 and the coefficient of friction between the second protrusion 62 and the second contact surface S6 can be reduced compared to when the member having the outer surface S4 and the outer surface S6 is made of a material other than metal (for example, synthetic resin).
[0141] Furthermore, because the metal member 91 is a metal harder than synthetic resin, when dust enters between the first protrusion 61 and the first contact surface S4, the surface of the first contact surface S4 can be prevented from becoming rough due to the friction between the first protrusion 61 and the first contact surface S4 caused by the dust. Furthermore, when dust enters between the second protrusion 62 and the second contact surface S6, the surface of the second contact surface S6 can be prevented from becoming rough due to the friction between the second protrusion 62 and the second contact surface S6 caused by the dust. Therefore, when dust enters, an increase in the coefficient of friction between the first protrusion 61 and the first contact surface S4 and between the second protrusion 62 and the second contact surface S6 can be prevented.
[0142] This makes it possible to improve the smoothness of the movement of the slide member 9 in the left-right direction.
[0143] As described above, the cylindrical portion 42 is inserted through the first through-hole G1 and the second through-hole G2. As a result, when the slide member 9 moves to the left, a leftward force is applied from the slide member 9 to the cylindrical portion 42 of the reversing handle 4. As a result, the reversing handle 4 swings clockwise around the pair of first fulcrum portions 411 as fulcrums.
[0144] As the reversing handle 4 pivots clockwise, the coil spring 7 inserted inside the cylindrical portion 42 of the reversing handle 4 also deforms so that the second end Eb2 moves to the left. Here, because the first end Ea1 of the pivoting part 5 is inserted into the second end Eb2 of the coil spring 7, the pivoting part 5 pivots counterclockwise around the contact position P0 as a fulcrum. As a result, the movable contact 5b moves to a position away from the fixed contact 3b. In other words, the second open / close contact Q2 is opened.
[0145] When the operator further presses the right end portion of the operating handle 6 rearward, the operating handle 6 further swings clockwise with the pair of second fulcrum portions 641 as fulcrums.
[0146] When the operating handle 6 is further swung clockwise, the first sliding member 9 moves further to the left within the space Sp1.
[0147] When the slide member 9 moves to the left, the reversing handle 4 further swings clockwise around the pair of first fulcrum portions 411 as fulcrums.
[0148] As the reversing handle 4 is further swung clockwise, the swinging portion 5 swings further counterclockwise around the contact position P0 as a fulcrum, causing the movable contact 5a to move to a position where it comes into contact with the fixed contact 3a. In other words, the first switching contact Q1 is closed.
[0149] (3) Variations The above embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above embodiment can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Modifications of the above embodiment are listed below. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combinations.
[0150] The outer handle 6a and the inner handle 6b may be integrally formed, that is, the functions of the outer handle 6a and the inner handle 6b in the above embodiment may be realized by a single member.
[0151] The switch module 1 may include pillar terminals instead of the quick-connect terminals C1 and C2.
[0152] The switch 10 is not limited to a three-way switch. For example, the switch 10 may be a single-pole switch having only one of the first and second switching contacts Q1 and Q2. Furthermore, the switch 10 may be a double-pole switch, a four-way switch, or the like, in addition to a three-way switch or a single-pole switch.
[0153] (Embodiment 2) The switch module 1 according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 8 and 9. In the switch module 1 according to the second embodiment, the same components as those in the switch module 1 according to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.
[0154] The switch module 1 according to the second embodiment includes a slide member 9A instead of the slide member 9 included in the switch module 1 according to the first embodiment.
[0155] The slide member 9A has a metal member 91A and a main body 92A that holds the metal member 91A.
[0156] The metal member 91A has a bottom surface portion 910A, a first side surface portion 911A, a second side surface portion 912A, a first contact portion 913A, and a second contact portion 914A.
[0157] The bottom surface portion 910A is a plate-like member arranged so that its thickness direction is the front-rear direction. A front surface S1A of the bottom surface portion 910A contacts a rear surface U4A of the main body 92A.
[0158] The bottom surface portion 910A has a first through hole G1A that penetrates a center portion of the bottom surface portion 910A in the front-to-rear direction. The first through hole G1A is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular frame. The bottom surface portion 910A also has a pair of first engaged portions J1A that engage with the pair of first engaging portions K1A. One of the pair of first engaged portions J1A is a through hole that penetrates the bottom surface portion 910A at the upper left of the first through hole G1A. The other of the pair of first engaged portions J1A is a through hole that penetrates the bottom surface portion 910A at the lower right of the first through hole G1A.
[0159] The first side surface portion 911A is a plate-like member that protrudes from the upper end of the bottom surface portion 910A and comes into contact with the upper surface U5A of the main body 92A. The first side surface portion 911A is bent into a substantially L-shape. The first side surface portion 911A has a second engaged portion J2A that engages with the second engaging portion K2A. The second engaged portion J2A is a through-hole that penetrates the first side surface portion 911A.
[0160] The second side surface portion 912A is a plate-like member that protrudes from the lower end of the bottom surface portion 910A and comes into contact with the lower surface U6A of the main body 92A. The second side surface portion 912A is bent into a substantially L-shape. The second side surface portion 912A has a third engaged portion J3A that engages with the third engaging portion K3A. The third engaged portion J3A is a through-hole that penetrates the second side surface portion 912A.
[0161] The first contact portion 913A is a plate-like member that protrudes from the left end of the bottom surface portion 910A. The first contact portion 913A is bent so as to have a convex shape that faces forward. The first contact portion 913A has an inner surface S3A and an outer surface (first contact surface) S4A located outside (on the left side) of the inner surface S3A. The outer surface S4A is the outermost surface on the left side of the first contact portion 913A. The inner surface S3A is inclined so that it approaches the operating handle 6 as it goes leftward. The outer surface S4A is inclined so that it goes away from the operating handle 6 as it goes leftward.
[0162] The second contact portion 914A is a plate-like member that protrudes from the right end of the bottom surface portion 910A. The second contact portion 914A is bent so as to have a convex shape facing forward. The second contact portion 914A has an inner surface S5A and an outer surface (second contact surface) S6A located outside (to the right of) the inner surface S5A. The outer surface S6A is the outermost surface on the right side of the second contact portion 914A. The inner surface S5A is inclined so that it approaches the operating handle 6 as it extends to the right. The outer surface S6A is inclined so that it moves away from the operating handle 6 as it extends to the right.
[0163] Therefore, the outer side surface S4A and the outer side surface S6A face each other in the left-right direction. The distance between the outer side surface S4A and the outer side surface S6A in the left-right direction becomes narrower as they approach the operating handle 6 in the front-rear direction.
[0164] The main body 92A is located between the outer surface S4A and the outer surface S6A and holds the metal member 91A. The main body 92A is, for example, a rectangular, flat-plate-shaped member. More specifically, the main body 92A has a left surface U1A and a right surface U2A that face each other in the left-right direction, and a front surface U3A and a rear surface U4A that face each other in the front-rear direction. The main body 92A also has an upper surface U5A and a lower surface U6A that face each other in the up-down direction. The upper surface U5A is the upper end surface of the main body 92A, and the lower surface U6A is the lower end surface of the main body 92A.
[0165] The upper surface U5A is the surface that comes into contact with the first side surface portion 911A of the metal member 91A. The upper surface U5A also has a second engaging portion K2A that is a protrusion that protrudes upward. The second engaging portion K2A engages with a second engaged portion J2A that is a through-hole that the first side surface portion 911A has.
[0166] The lower surface U6A is the surface that comes into contact with the second side surface portion 912A of the metal member 91A. The lower surface U6A also has a third engaging portion K3A that is a protrusion that protrudes downward. The third engaging portion K3A engages with a third engaged portion J3A that is a through-hole that the second side surface portion 912A has.
[0167] The front surface U3A is a surface that faces the operating handle 6 in the front-rear direction.
[0168] The rear surface U4A is the surface that comes into contact with the front surface S1A of the bottom surface portion 910A. The rear surface U4A also has a pair of first engaging portions K1A that are protrusions that protrude rearward. The pair of first engaging portions K1A engage with a pair of first engaged portions J1A that are through-holes provided in the bottom surface portion 910A.
[0169] In this way, the pair of first engaging portions K1A, the pair of second engaging portions K2A, and the pair of third engaging portions K3A engage with the pair of first engaged portions J1A, the pair of second engaged portions J2A, and the pair of third engaged portions J3A, respectively, so that the main body 92A holds the metal member 91A.
[0170] The main body 92A has a second through-hole G2A that penetrates the center of the main body 92A in the front-rear direction. The second through-hole G2A is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular frame. Here, the first through-hole G1A and the second through-hole G2A at least partially overlap when viewed from the front-rear direction. The tubular portion 42 of the reversing handle 4 is inserted into the first through-hole G1A and the second through-hole G2A.
[0171] (summary) As described above, the switch module (1) according to the first aspect includes a slide member (9, 9A) that moves in a first direction in response to the swing of the operating handle (6) that swings in response to operation by an operator, a reversing handle (4) that swings in response to the movement of the slide member (9, 9A), fixed contacts (3a, 3b), and movable contacts (5a, 5b) that face the fixed contacts (3a, 3b) in the first direction and move between a position in contact with the fixed contacts (3a, 3b) and a position away from the fixed contacts (3a, 3b) in response to the swing of the reversing handle (4). The operating handle (6) has an operating surface (601) that accepts operation by the operator, and a first protrusion (61) and a second protrusion (62) that protrude in a direction intersecting the operating surface (601). The slide member (9, 9A) includes a metal member (91, 91A) having a first contact surface (S4, S4A) and a second contact surface (S6, S6A) facing each other in a first direction, and a main body (92, 92A) positioned between the first contact surface (S4, S4A) and the second contact surface (S6, S6A) and holding the metal member (91, 91A). The slide member (9, 9A) is disposed to face the operating handle (6) in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The distance between the first contact surface (S4, S4A) and the second contact surface (S6, S6A) in the first direction becomes narrower as the slide member approaches the operating handle (6) along the second direction. The first contact surface (S4, S4A) contacts the first protrusion (61). The second contact surface (S6, S6A) contacts the second protrusion (62). The slide member (9, 9A) moves along the first direction by changing the contact position (P1) of the first protrusion (61) on the first contact surface (S4, S4A) and the contact position (P2) of the second protrusion (62) on the second contact surface (S6, S6A) in response to the swinging of the operating handle (6).
[0172] According to this aspect, since the metal members (91, 91A) having the first contact surfaces (S4, S4A) and the second contact surfaces (S6, S6A) are made of metal, the coefficient of friction between the first protrusion (61) and the first contact surfaces (S4, S4A) and the coefficient of friction between the second protrusion (62) and the second contact surfaces (S6, S6A) can be reduced compared to when the members having the first contact surfaces (S4, S4A) and the second contact surfaces (S6, S6A) are made of a material other than metal (e.g., synthetic resin). Furthermore, since the metal member (91) is made of metal, which is harder than synthetic resin, even if dust gets between the first protrusion (61) and the first contact surface (S4), roughening of the surface of the first contact surface (S4) due to friction between the first protrusion (61) and the first contact surface (S4) caused by the dust entering between them can be suppressed. Furthermore, even if dust enters between the second protrusion (62) and the second contact surface (S6), the surface roughness of the second contact surface (S6) due to friction between the second protrusion (62) and the second contact surface (S6) caused by the dust can be suppressed. Therefore, an increase in the coefficient of friction between the first protrusion (61) and the first contact surface (S4) and between the second protrusion (62) and the second contact surface (S6) due to the dust entering the surface can be suppressed. Here, the sliding member (9, 9A) moves in the first direction due to changes in the contact position (P1) of the first protrusion (61) on the first contact surface (S4, S4A) and the contact position (P2) of the second protrusion (62) on the second contact surface (S6, S6A). Therefore, the smoothness of the movement of the sliding member (9, 9A) can be improved.
[0173] In the switch module (1) according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the main body (92) has a first surface (U1) and a second surface (U2) that face each other in a first direction, and a third surface (U3) and a fourth surface (U4) that face each other in a second direction. The third surface (U3) faces the operating handle (6) in the second direction. The metal member (91) is plate-shaped and has a bottom surface portion (910) that contacts the fourth surface (U4), and plate-shaped first side surface portion (911) and second side surface portion (912) that contact the first surface (U1) and the second surface (U2), respectively.
[0174] According to this embodiment, the main body (92) can stably hold the metal member (91).
[0175] In the switch module (1) according to the third aspect, in the first aspect, the main body (92A) has a first surface (U5A) and a second surface (U6A) that face each other in a third direction that intersects with each of the first and second directions, and a third surface (U3A) and a fourth surface (U4A) that face each other in the second direction. The third surface (U3A) is a surface that faces the operating handle (6) in the second direction. The metal member (91A) is plate-shaped and has a bottom surface portion (910A) that contacts the fourth surface (U4A), and plate-shaped first side surface portion (911A) and second side surface portion (912A) that contact the first surface (U5A) and the second surface (U6A), respectively.
[0176] According to this embodiment, the main body (92A) can stably hold the metal member (91A).
[0177] In the switch module (1) according to the fourth aspect, in the second or third aspect, the fourth surface (U4, U4A) has first engaging portions (K1, K1A). The first surface (U1, U5A) has second engaging portions (K2, K2A). The second surface (U2, U6A) has third engaging portions (K3, K3A). The bottom surface portion (910, 910A) has first engaged portions (J1, J1A) that engage with the first engaging portions (K1, K1A). The first side surface portion (911, 911A) has second engaged portions (J2, J2A) that engage with the second engaging portions (K2, K2A). The second side surface portion (912, 912A) has third engaged portions (J3, J3A) that engage with the third engaging portions (K3, K3A).
[0178] According to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the metal members (91, 91A) will fall off the main body (92, 92A).
[0179] In a switch module (1) according to a fifth aspect, in the second or third aspect, the metal member (91, 91A) is a bent plate and has first contact portions (913, 913A) and second contact portions (914, 914A) protruding from both ends of the bottom surface portion (910, 910A) in a first direction. The outermost surfaces of the first contact portions (913, 913A) in the first direction are first contact surfaces (S4, S4A). The outermost surfaces of the second contact portions (914, 914A) in the first direction are second contact surfaces (S6, S6A).
[0180] According to this aspect, the first contact surfaces (S4, S4A) and the second contact surfaces (S6, S6A) can be formed more easily than by cutting or the like.
[0181] In a switch module (1) according to a sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the operating handle (6) further has a third protrusion (63) protruding in a direction intersecting with the operating surface (601). The reversing handle (4) has a through hole (410). The third protrusion (63) is inserted into the through hole (410).
[0182] According to this aspect, the worker assembling the switch module (1) can easily assemble the operating handle (6) to the reversing handle (4) using the pair of through holes (410) as a guide, thereby improving workability when assembling the switch module (1).
[0183] In a switch module (1) according to a seventh aspect, in any of the first to sixth aspects, the reversing handle (4) has a plate-shaped base (41) disposed between the operating handle (6) and the slide member (9, 9A), and a tubular portion (42) protruding from the base (41) toward the slide member (9, 9A). The metal member (91, 91A) has a first through hole (G1) penetrating the metal member (91, 91A) in a second direction. The main body (92, 92A) has a second through hole (G2) penetrating the main body (92, 92A) in the second direction. The first through hole (G1) and the second through hole (G2) at least partially overlap when viewed from the second direction. The tubular portion (42) is inserted into the first through hole (G1) and the second through hole (G2).
[0184] According to this embodiment, the movement of the slide members (9, 9A) in the first direction can be converted into the swinging of the reversing handle (4).
[0185] The switch module (1) according to an eighth aspect is the same as that of the seventh aspect, but further includes a coil spring (7) and a plate-shaped oscillating portion (5) on which movable contacts (5a, 5b) are provided. A first end (Eb1) of the coil spring (7) is inserted into the cylindrical portion (42). At least a portion of the oscillating portion (5) is inserted into the coil spring (7) from a second end (Eb2) of the coil spring (7).
[0186] According to this embodiment, the coil spring (7) is deformed in response to the swing of the reversing handle (4), thereby reliably moving the movable contacts (5a, 5b) provided on the swinging portion (5).
[0187] The switch module (1) according to a ninth aspect is any one of the first to eighth aspects, and further includes quick-connect terminals (C1, C2) electrically connected to the fixed contacts (3a, 3b).
[0188] According to this embodiment, the fixed contacts (3a, 3b) can be easily connected to the electric wires.
[0189] In a switch module (1) according to a tenth aspect, in any of the first to ninth aspects, the operating handle (6) has an outer handle (6a) having an operating surface (601), and an inner handle (6b) having a first protrusion (61) and a second protrusion (62). The outer handle (6a) and the inner handle (6b) are connected so as to swing integrally. The switch module (1) further includes the inner handle (6b).
[0190] According to this embodiment, if the outer handle (6a) is damaged, the outer handle (6a) can be replaced with a new one. Also, the outer handle (6a) can be replaced with one having different specifications.
[0191] A switch (10) according to an eleventh aspect includes the switch module (1) according to the tenth aspect and an outer handle (6a).
[0192] According to this embodiment, the smoothness of the movement of the slide members (9, 9A) can be improved.
[0193] A switch device (100) according to a twelfth aspect includes the switch (10) according to the eleventh aspect and a mounting frame (8) that holds the switch (10) and can be mounted on an installation surface.
[0194] According to this embodiment, the smoothness of the movement of the slide members (9, 9A) can be improved.
[0195] The second to tenth aspects are not essential components of the switch module (1) and can be omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]
[0196] 1 Switch Module 4 Reverse Handle 5 Swinging part 6 Operating handle 7 Coil spring 8 Mounting frame 9 Slide member 10 Switch 41 Base 42 Cylindrical part 61 First protruding part 62 Second protruding part 63 Third protruding part 91 Metal member 92 Body 100 Switch device 410 Through hole 601 Operating surface 910 Bottom surface 911 First side surface 912 Second side surface 913 First contact part 914 Second contact part 3a Fixed contact 3b Fixed contact 5a Movable contact 5b Movable contact 6a Outer handle 6b Middle handle<00006六百六十七910A Bottom surface 911A First side surface 912A Second side surface 913A First contact part 914A Second contact part 91A Metal member 92A Body 9A Slide member C1 Quick-connect terminal C2 Quick-connect terminal Eb1 First end G1 First through hole[[ID= S4 outer side S4A outer side S6 outer side S6A outer side U1 Left side (side 1) U2 Right side (2nd side) U3 Front (3rd page) U3A Front (3rd page) U4 (page 4) U4A (back, page 4) U5A (Page 1) U6A (bottom, page 2)
Claims
1. a slide member that moves along a first direction in response to the swing of an operating handle that is swung by an operator; a reversing handle that swings in response to the movement of the slide member; A fixed contact; a movable contact that faces the fixed contact in the first direction and moves between a position where it comes into contact with the fixed contact and a position where it is separated from the fixed contact in response to the swing of the reversing handle, The operating handle is an operation surface that accepts operations by the operator; a first protrusion and a second protrusion that protrude along a direction intersecting the operation surface; The slide member is a metal member having a first contact surface and a second contact surface facing each other in the first direction; a body positioned between the first contact surface and the second contact surface and holding the metal member; the slide member is disposed to face the operating handle in a second direction intersecting the first direction, a distance between the first contact surface and the second contact surface in the first direction becomes narrower as the first contact surface approaches the operating handle in the second direction; the first contact surface contacts the first protrusion; the second contact surface contacts the second protrusion, the sliding member moves along the first direction by changing a contact position of the first protrusion on the first contact surface and a contact position of the second protrusion on the second contact surface in response to a swing of the operating handle. Switch module.
2. The body includes: a first surface and a second surface facing each other in the first direction; a third surface and a fourth surface facing each other in the second direction, the third surface is a surface facing the operating handle in the second direction, The metal member is a bottom surface portion that is plate-shaped and contacts the fourth surface; a first side surface portion and a second side surface portion that are plate-shaped and contact the first surface and the second surface, respectively; The switch module according to claim 1 .
3. The body includes: a first surface and a second surface that face each other in a third direction that intersects with each of the first direction and the second direction; a third surface and a fourth surface facing each other in the second direction, the third surface is a surface facing the operating handle in the second direction, The metal member is a bottom surface portion that is plate-shaped and contacts the fourth surface; a first side surface portion and a second side surface portion that are plate-shaped and contact the first surface and the second surface, respectively; The switch module according to claim 1 .
4. the fourth surface has a first engagement portion; the first surface has a second engagement portion; the second surface has a third engagement portion; the bottom surface portion has a first engaged portion that engages with the first engaging portion, the first side surface portion has a second engaged portion that engages with the second engaging portion, the second side surface portion has a third engaged portion that engages with the third engaging portion; The switch module according to claim 2 or 3.
5. the metal member has a bent plate shape and includes a first contact portion and a second contact portion that protrude from both ends of the bottom surface portion in the first direction, an outermost surface of the first contact portion in the first direction is the first contact surface, an outermost surface of the second contact portion in the first direction is the second contact surface; The switch module according to claim 2 or 3.
6. the operating handle further includes a third protrusion protruding along a direction intersecting the operating surface, The reversing handle has a through hole, The third protrusion is inserted into the through hole. The switch module according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
7. The reversing handle is a plate-shaped base portion disposed between the operating handle and the slide member; a cylindrical portion protruding from the base portion toward the slide member, the metal member has a first through hole that penetrates the metal member in the second direction, the main body has a second through hole penetrating the main body in the second direction; the first through hole and the second through hole at least partially overlap when viewed from the second direction; The cylindrical portion is inserted into the first through hole and the second through hole. The switch module according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
8. A coil spring, a plate-shaped swinging portion on which the movable contact is provided, a first end of the coil spring inserted into the cylindrical portion; At least a portion of the swinging portion is inserted into the coil spring from a second end of the coil spring. The switch module according to claim 7 .
9. Further, a quick-connect terminal is electrically connected to the fixed contact. The switch module according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
10. The operating handle is an outer handle having the operating surface; a middle handle having the first protrusion and the second protrusion, The outer handle and the inner handle are connected so as to swing together, The switch module further comprises the middle handle. The switch module according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
11. A switch module comprising: the switch module of claim 10; and the outer handle. switch.
12. A switch according to claim 11, and a mounting frame capable of holding the switch and mounting it on an installation surface. Switch device.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Wall switch
CN113314373A