Switch and switch device equipped therewith

Abstract

To reduce the possibility of decreased reliability in the opening and closing operation of the contact points. [Solution] The switch 1 comprises a reversing handle 4 rotatable around a first rotation axis A1, and a first intermediate handle 7A and a second intermediate handle 7B rotatable around second rotation axes A21 and A22, respectively. The first intermediate handle 7A has a first contact portion 71 that can contact the first arm portion 41 of the reversing handle 4, and a second contact portion 72 that receives external force from the outer handle 6. The second intermediate handle 7B has a first contact portion 71 that can contact the second arm portion 42 of the reversing handle 4, and a second contact portion 72 that receives external force from the outer handle 6. The end portion 45 of the first arm portion 41 is located between the first contact portion 71 and the second contact portion 72 of the first intermediate handle 7A when viewed from the first direction DR1. The end portion 46 of the second arm portion 42 is located between the first contact portion 71 and the second contact portion 72 of the second intermediate handle 7B when viewed from the first direction DR1.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the market has demanded a switch with a large handle as a highly designed product. On the other hand, when the handle of the switch is enlarged, the amount of protrusion of the handle from the wall increases, and the design property deteriorates. Patent Document 1 discloses a seesaw-type switch module. The switch module includes a swing rod, a first transmission link, a second transmission link, and a main body. The first transmission link and the second transmission link are supported by the main body in a rotatable state. The first transmission link and the second transmission link are disposed on both sides of the swing rod. The panel is disposed rotatably with respect to the main body, and the first transmission link and the second transmission link rotate in accordance with the rotation of the panel. Then, when the swing rod rotates in accordance with the rotation of the first transmission link and the second transmission link, the contact portion is opened or closed. Here, the rotation angle of the first transmission link and the second transmission link is smaller than the swing angle of the swing rod, and the rotation angle of the panel is smaller than the rotation angle of the first transmission link and the second transmission link.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the switch module with the above configuration, the first and second transmission links (first and second intermediate handles) and the oscillating rod (reversing handle) are in contact at their ends. Therefore, due to variations during manufacturing, the ends of the first and second transmission links may detach from the ends of the reversing handle, which may reduce the reliability of the opening and closing operation of the contact points.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide a switch and a switch device equipped therewith that can reduce the possibility of a decrease in the reliability of the opening and closing operation of the contact portion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A switch according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a contact portion including a fixed contact and a movable contact, a reversing handle, a first intermediate handle and a second intermediate handle, and a body. The reversing handle has a first arm portion and a second arm portion. The first intermediate handle is positioned to be in contact with the first arm portion. The second intermediate handle is positioned to be in contact with the second arm portion. The body houses the contact portion, the reversing handle, the first intermediate handle, and the second intermediate handle. The reversing handle has a handle body positioned in the body so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis. The first rotation axis is parallel to a second direction perpendicular to a first direction in which an operator applies an external force to an outer handle positioned outside the body so as to be rotatable relative to the body. The fixed contact and the movable contact close or open in accordance with the rotational movement of the reversing handle. The first arm portion and the second arm portion protrude from both sides of the handle body in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, respectively. Each of the first and second middle handles is positioned on the body so as to be rotatable about a second rotation axis parallel to the second direction. Each of the first and second middle handles has a first contact portion and a second contact portion that receives the external force by being pushed by the outer handle which rotates under the external force. The first contact portion of the first middle handle is capable of contacting the first arm portion, and the first contact portion of the second middle handle is capable of contacting the second arm portion. In each of the first and second middle handles, the distance between the second rotation axis and the first contact portion is greater than the distance between the second rotation axis and the second contact portion. The end of the first arm portion opposite to the handle body is located between the first and second contact portions of the first middle handle when viewed from the first direction. The end of the second arm portion opposite to the handle body is located between the first and second contact portions of the second middle handle when viewed from the first direction.

[0007] A switch device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises the switch and the external handle. The external handle is positioned outside the body of the device so as to be rotatable relative to the device about a third axis of rotation parallel to the second direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a switch and a switch device equipped therewith that can reduce the possibility of a decrease in the reliability of the opening and closing operation of the contact portion. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a switch device comprising a switch according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an external perspective view of the switch device shown above. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the switch device shown above with the outer handle removed. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the same switch device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the same switch. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a side view of the same switch. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a side view of the same switch device with the mounting frame removed. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the line B1-B2 in Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the external handle of the same switch device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, the switch and the switch device according to the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, each of the drawings described in the following embodiments is a schematic diagram, and the dimensional ratios such as the sizes of the respective components do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. Further, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications can be made according to the design and the like as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0011] (Embodiment) (1) Outline The outline of the switch 1 and the switch device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the switch 1 of the present embodiment includes a contact portion 3 including a fixed contact 3a and a movable contact 3b, a reversing handle 4, a first middle handle 7A and a second middle handle 7B, and a body 2.

[0013] The reversing handle 4 has a first arm portion 41 and a second arm portion 42.

[0014] The first middle handle 7A is disposed so as to be able to contact the first arm portion 41.

[0015] The second middle handle 7B is disposed so as to be able to contact the second arm portion 42.

[0016] The body 2 houses the contact portion 3, the reversing handle 4, the first middle handle 7A, and the second middle handle 7B.

[0017] The reversing handle 4 has a handle body 40 disposed on the body 2 in a rotatable state about a first rotation axis A1 (see FIGS. 1, 6, and 8). The first rotation axis A1 is parallel to a second direction DR2 (see FIG. 8) orthogonal to the first direction DR1. The first direction DR1 is the direction in which an operator applies an external force to an outer handle 6 disposed outside the body 2 in a rotatable state with respect to the body 2.

[0018] The first arm portion 41 and the second arm portion 42 respectively protrude from both sides of the handle body 40 in a third direction DR3 (see FIG. 1) that is orthogonal to each of the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0019] Each of the first middle handle 7A and the second middle handle 7B is disposed on the body 2 in a rotatable state about second rotation axes A21, A22 (see FIGS. 1, 6, and 7) parallel to the second direction DR2. Each of the first middle handle 7A and the second middle handle 7B has a first contact portion 71 and a second contact portion 72 that receives an external force by being pushed by an outer handle 6 that rotates upon receiving an external force.

[0020] The first contact portion 71 of the first middle handle 7A is capable of contacting the first arm portion 41.

[0021] The first contact portion 71 of the second middle handle 7B is capable of contacting the second arm portion 42.

[0022] In each of the first middle handle 7A and the second middle handle 7B, the distance between the second rotation axes A21, A22 and the first contact portion 71 is greater than the distance between the second rotation axes A21, A22 and the second contact portion 72.

[0023] The end portion 45 of the first arm portion 41 on the side opposite to the handle body 40 is located between the first contact portion 71 and the second contact portion 72 of the first middle handle 7A when viewed from the first direction DR1.

[0024] The end portion 46 of the second arm portion 42 on the side opposite to the handle body 40 is located between the first contact portion 71 and the second contact portion 72 of the second middle handle 7B when viewed from the first direction DR1.

[0025] Further, the switch device 100 of the present embodiment includes a switch 1 and an outer handle 6. The outer handle 6 is disposed outside the body 2 in a rotatable state with respect to the body 2 about a third rotation axis A3 (see FIG. 7) parallel to the second direction DR2.

[0026] In this embodiment, the term "orthogonal" for two directions is not limited to a state where the two directions intersect at a 90-degree angle, but may also include a state where the angle (interior angle) between the two directions is 80 degrees or more and 100 degrees or less. Furthermore, the term "parallel" for two directions is not limited to a state where the two directions are perfectly parallel, but may also include a state where the angle (interior angle) between the two directions is ±10 degrees or less.

[0027] In the switch 1 of this embodiment, when the outer handle 6 presses the second contact portion 72 of the first middle handle 7A, the first middle handle 7A rotates around the second rotation axis A21, causing the first contact portion 71 of the first middle handle 7A to press the first arm portion 41. At this time, the reversing handle 4 rotates around the first rotation axis A1 in the first rotation direction (for example, counterclockwise in Figure 1), causing the contact portion 3 to open or close. Also, when the outer handle 6 presses the second contact portion 72 of the second middle handle 7B, the second middle handle 7B rotates around the second rotation axis A22, causing the first contact portion 71 of the second middle handle 7B to press the second arm portion 42. At this time, the reversing handle 4 rotates around the first rotation axis A1 in the second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction (for example, clockwise in Figure 1), causing the contact portion 3 to close or open.

[0028] Here, in each of the first and second middle handles 7A and 7B, the distance between the second rotation axes A21 and A22 and the first contact portion 71 is greater than the distance between the second rotation axes A21 and A22 and the second contact portion 72. Therefore, when the outer handle 6 rotates, the rotation angle of the reversing handle 4 can be made greater than the rotation angle of the outer handle 6. In other words, the rotation angle of the outer handle 6 can be made smaller than the rotation angle of the reversing handle 4 when closing or opening the contact portion 3. Since the outer handle 6 performs a seesaw motion rotating around the first rotation axis A1, when one end of the outer handle 6 is pushed, the other end of the outer handle 6 protrudes from the surface 301 of the mounting object 300, such as a wall, to which the switch 1 is attached (see Figure 1). As described above, the rotation angle of the outer handle 6 is smaller than the rotation angle of the reversing handle 4 when closing or opening the contact portion 3. Therefore, the amount of protrusion of the ends of the outer handle 6 (first end 601 and second end 602) from the surface 301 of the object to be attached 300 can be reduced, thereby improving the aesthetic appearance.

[0029] Furthermore, the end portion 45 of the first arm portion 41 is located between the first contact portion 71 and the second contact portion 72 of the first middle handle 7A when viewed from the first direction DR1, making it difficult for the first middle handle 7A to detach from the end portion 45 of the first arm portion 41. Similarly, the end portion 46 of the second arm portion 42 is located between the first contact portion 71 and the second contact portion 72 of the second middle handle 7B when viewed from the first direction DR1, making it difficult for the second middle handle 7B to detach from the end portion 46 of the second arm portion 42. As a result, in response to the rotation of the outer handle 6, a pushing force is reliably transmitted from the first middle handle 7A or the second middle handle 7B to the reversing handle 4, and the contact portion 3 can be reliably opened or closed. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a switch 1 and a switch device 100 that can reduce the possibility of a decrease in the reliability of the opening and closing operation of the contact portion 3. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a switch 1 and a switch device 100 that can achieve both improved design and suppression of a decrease in reliability.

[0030] (2)Details The details of the switch 1 and switch device 100 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 9.

[0031] In the following description, when explaining the configuration of switch 1 and switch device 100, the X-axis direction in Figures 1 and 5-8 is defined as the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction as the front-back direction (depth direction), and the Z-axis direction as the up-down direction. Furthermore, the positive direction of the X-axis direction is defined as the right side, the positive direction of the Y-axis direction as the front side, and the positive direction of the Z-axis direction as the down side. However, these directions are merely examples and are not intended to limit the direction in which switch 1 and switch device 100 are used. For example, switch 1 and switch device 100 in this embodiment are installed on the surface 301 of the mounting object 300 in an orientation such that the X-axis direction is parallel to the vertical direction and the Z-axis direction is parallel to the horizontal direction (see Figure 3). The mounting object 300 is, for example, a building wall, and the surface 301 of the mounting object 300 is the surface of the wall. Note that the arrows indicating each direction in the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent actual objects.

[0032] (2.1) Switch configuration The switch 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 5 to 8. As described above, the switch 1 comprises a body 2, a contact portion 3, a reversing handle 4, a first middle handle 7A, and a second middle handle 7B. The switch 1 according to this embodiment further comprises a movable contact plate 33, a coil spring 49, a first terminal portion 9A, and a second terminal portion 9B.

[0033] (2.1.1) Vessel As described above, the device body 2 houses the contact portion 3, the reversing handle 4, the first middle handle 7A, and the second middle handle 7B. The device body 2 also houses the movable contact plate 33, the coil spring 49, the first terminal portion 9A, and the second terminal portion 9B.

[0034] The device body 2 comprises a box-shaped synthetic resin body 21 with an opening on the front, and a synthetic resin cover 22. The device body 2 is assembled by attaching the cover 22 to the front side of the body 21 so as to cover the opening on the front of the body 21.

[0035] The body 21 has a plurality (for example, four) of assembly protrusions 21a. The plurality of assembly protrusions 21a are provided on the outer surfaces of two opposing side walls of the body 21 in the short direction, spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the body 21.

[0036] The cover 22 has a plurality (e.g., four) of assembly pieces 22a that protrude rearward from the rear end of the cover 22.

[0037] The assembly holes 22b provided in each of the four assembly pieces 22a and the assembly projections 21a of the body 21 are fitted together, thereby joining the body 21 and the cover 22 to each other.

[0038] The body 21 has a first storage compartment 23a in the center in the left-right direction. The body 21 also has a second storage compartment 23b to the right of the first storage compartment 23a, and a third storage compartment 23c to the left of the first storage compartment 23a.

[0039] More specifically, the first housing compartment 23a houses the contact section 3 and the movable contact plate 33, etc. The second housing compartment 23b houses the first terminal section 9A. The third housing compartment 23c houses the second terminal section 9B. Here, the first terminal section 9A includes a first terminal plate 91, two locking springs 95, and a release button 96. The second terminal section 9B includes a second terminal plate 92, two locking springs 95, and a release button 96.

[0040] The rear wall of the body 21 is provided with two wire insertion holes (not shown) that connect to the second storage chamber 23b from the outside of the device body 2. When a wire is inserted into the second storage chamber 23b from the outside of the device body 2 through the wire insertion holes, the wire inserted into the second storage chamber 23b is inserted between the first terminal plate 91 and the locking spring 95. At this time, the edge of the end of the locking spring 95 bites into the conductor portion of the wire, preventing the wire from coming out and maintaining the state in which the wire is connected to the first terminal plate 91. In addition, the rear wall of the body 21 is provided with an operation hole (not shown) that connects to the second storage chamber 23b from the outside of the device body 2. When a tool such as a flathead screwdriver is inserted into the second storage chamber 23b from the outside of the device body 2 through the operation hole, the release button 96 is pushed forward by the tool. When the release button 96 is pressed forward, the release button 96 bends the end of the locking spring 95 away from the wire, allowing the wire held between the locking spring 95 and the first terminal plate 91 to be removed.

[0041] Similarly, the rear wall of the body 21 is provided with two wire insertion holes (not shown) that connect to the third storage chamber 23c from the outside of the device body 2. When a wire is inserted into the third storage chamber 23c from the outside of the device body 2 through the wire insertion holes, the wire inserted into the third storage chamber 23c is inserted between the second terminal plate 92 and the locking spring 95. At this time, the edge of the end of the locking spring 95 bites into the conductor portion of the wire, preventing the wire from coming out and maintaining the state in which the wire is connected to the second terminal plate 92. In addition, the rear wall of the body 21 is provided with an operation hole (not shown) that connects to the third storage chamber 23c from the outside of the device body 2. When a tool such as a flathead screwdriver is inserted into the third storage chamber 23c from the outside of the device body 2 through the operation hole, the release button 96 is pushed forward by the tool. When the release button 96 is pressed forward, the release button 96 bends the end of the locking spring 95 away from the wire, allowing the wire held between the locking spring 95 and the second terminal plate 92 to be released.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 and 5, the contact portion 3 includes a fixed contact 3a and a movable contact 3b. The fixed contact 3a is provided on the first terminal plate 91. The movable contact 3b is provided on the movable contact plate 33. The first terminal plate 91 is formed, for example, by bending sheet metal.

[0043] The movable contact plate 33 is, for example, a metal plate formed in the shape of a rectangular plate. A projection 34 provided at the upper end of the movable contact plate 33 is inserted into the coil spring 49. Two opposing inner walls of the body 21 in the Z-axis direction are provided with V-shaped grooves 27 (see Figure 1) into which the lower end of the movable contact plate 33 is inserted.

[0044] The second terminal plate 92 is formed, for example, by bending sheet metal. The second terminal plate 92 is integrally provided with a support plate 93 that is positioned along the bottom of the first housing chamber 23a (i.e., the rear wall of the body 21). The support plate 93 is provided with a groove 94 into which the lower end of the movable contact plate 33 fits. As the direction of the coil spring 49 changes in accordance with the rotation of the reversing handle 4, the movable contact plate 33 swings around the contact position between the rear end of the movable contact plate 33 and the groove 27 as the center of rotation. Here, the movable contact plate 33 is able to swing between a position in which the movable contact 3b contacts the fixed contact 3a (a position in which the contact portion 3 is closed) and a position in which the movable contact 3b moves away from the fixed contact 3a (a position in which the contact portion 3 is open). In other words, as the reversing handle 4 rotates, the movable contact plate 33 moves in the third direction DR3, thereby closing or opening the contact portion 3. Furthermore, when a portion of the movable contact plate 33 comes into contact with the end of the V-shaped groove 27, the rotation range of the movable contact plate 33 is limited to a predetermined angle.

[0045] As shown in Figures 1 and 4 to 7, the cover 22 has a pair of first wall portions 221 facing each other in the Z-axis direction and a pair of second wall portions 222 facing each other in the X-axis direction. The front surface of the cover 22 is provided with a recess 223 surrounded by the pair of first wall portions 221 and the pair of second wall portions 222, and at least a part of the reversing handle 4 and at least a part of the first intermediate handle 7A and the second intermediate handle 7B are arranged in the recess 223. The bottom wall 224 of the recess 223 is provided with a rectangular through hole 225 that penetrates the bottom wall 224 in the Y-axis direction. A part of the reversing handle 4 (more specifically, the cylindrical portion 44 which will be described later) is inserted through the through hole 225 in the bottom wall 224.

[0046] Furthermore, each of the pair of first wall portions 221 is provided with a bearing portion 24A at the first end (e.g., the left end) in the X-axis direction for rotatably supporting the first middle handle 7A, and a bearing portion 24B at the second end (e.g., the right end) in the X-axis direction for rotatably supporting the second middle handle 7B. The first middle handle 7A is supported by the cover 22 in a state where it can rotate around the shaft projection 73 inserted into the shaft hole 241, by inserting the shaft projection 73 into the shaft hole 241 provided in the bearing portion 24A, with the tip of the flap plate 70 (described later) facing the second end (right end). Similarly, the second middle handle 7B is supported by the cover 22 in a state where it can rotate around the shaft projection 73 inserted into the shaft hole 242, by inserting the shaft projection 73 into the shaft hole 242 of the bearing portion 24B, with the tip of the flap plate 70 facing the first end (left end).

[0047] Furthermore, each of the pair of first wall portions 221 is provided with a support portion 25 that protrudes forward from the central portion in the left-right direction. In other words, the cover 22 has a pair of support portions 25 that face each other in the Z-axis direction with a recess 223 in between.

[0048] The pair of support portions 25 each protrude forward from the front end of the pair of first wall portions 221. Each of the inner surfaces of the pair of support portions 25 (more specifically, the surface facing the handle body 40 of the reversing handle 4 which is located in the recess 223) is provided with a retaining groove 26 (see Figure 5) into which an axial projection 43 provided on the side wall of the handle body 40 is inserted.

[0049] Here, the retaining groove 26 is provided on the inner surface of the support portion 25, extending forward from the rear end of the cover 22 to near the front end of the support portion 25. The front end portion of the retaining groove 26 is formed in a V-shape such that the groove width narrows towards the front end. On the other hand, the front end portion of the shaft projection 43 of the handle body 40 is formed in a V-shape such that the width in the left-right direction narrows towards the front end. Here, the tip of the shaft projection 43 of the handle body 40 that contacts the retaining groove 26 of the cover 22 becomes the first rotation axis A1 (see Figures 6 and 8), and the handle body 40 rotates around the first rotation axis A1. In this way, the device body 2 (cover 22 in this embodiment) has a retaining groove 26 that supports the shaft projection 43 of the reversing handle 4 in a rotatable state.

[0050] (2.1.2) Reversing handle The reversing handle 4 is mounted on the instrument body 2 in a manner that allows it to rotate around a first rotation axis A1 (see Figures 6 and 8). More specifically, the reversing handle 4 has a handle body 40 that is mounted on the cover 22 in a manner that allows it to rotate. The handle body 40 is positioned between the first intermediate handle 7A and the second intermediate handle 7B in the third direction DR3 (see Figure 2). The handle body 40 is provided with axial projections 43 at the portions facing each of the pair of support portions 25 provided on the cover 22, which are inserted into retaining grooves 26 provided on the support portions 25.

[0051] When the two shaft projections 43 of the reversing handle 4 are inserted into the two retaining grooves 26 provided in the two support parts 25, the reversing handle 4 can swing within a predetermined angular range with the contact point between the retaining grooves 26 and the shaft projections 43 as the center of rotation. Here, the front end portion of the shaft projection 43 is formed in a V shape, and the front end portion of the retaining groove 26 is formed in a V shape with a larger angle than the shaft projection 43. Therefore, the front end portion of the shaft projection 43 that contacts the front end portion of the retaining groove 26 becomes the first axis of rotation A1 when the reversing handle 4 rotates. In other words, the reversing handle 4 is attached to the device body 2 in a state in which it can rotate around the first axis of rotation A1 which is parallel to the second direction DR2.

[0052] The reversing handle 4 has a cylindrical portion 44 that protrudes in the first direction DR1 on the opposite side from the outer handle 6. The cylindrical portion 44 is a cylindrical part that protrudes rearward from the handle body 40. In this embodiment, the handle body 40 and the cylindrical portion 44 are formed integrally, for example. However, the handle body 40 and the cylindrical portion 44 may be formed separately.

[0053] The cylindrical portion 44 is inserted into a through hole 225 provided in the bottom wall 224 of the cover 22. As shown in Figures 1 and 8, the first spring end 491 of the coil spring 49 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 44 and fixed to the cylindrical portion 44. The second spring end 492 of the coil spring 49 is exposed from the rear end of the cylindrical portion 44. The projection 34 provided at the front end of the movable contact plate 33 is inserted into the coil spring 49 from the second spring end 492. In this way, the first spring end 491 of the coil spring 49 is positioned inside the cylindrical portion 44, and a part of the movable contact plate 33 is inserted into the second spring end 492 of the coil spring 49. As the reversing handle 4 rotates, the orientation of the second spring end 492 of the coil spring 49 inserted into the cylindrical portion 44 is switched in the third direction DR3, causing the movable contact 3b and the fixed contact 3a provided on the movable contact plate 33 to close or open.

[0054] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 5, the first arm portion 41 and the second arm portion 42 protrude from the handle body 40 on both sides in the third direction DR3, respectively. In this embodiment, the handle body 40, the first arm portion 41, and the second arm portion 42 are realized as a single molded resin product. The left first arm portion 41 and the right second arm portion 42 are formed in a symmetrical shape with respect to the handle body 40, and the left first arm portion 41 and the right second arm portion 42 are formed in the same shape.

[0055] The left-side first arm portion 41 faces the first contact portion 71 of the first central handle 7A in the first direction DR1. The end portion 45 of the first arm portion 41 opposite to the handle body 40 is located between the first contact portion 71 and the second contact portion 72 of the first central handle 7A when viewed from the first direction DR1 (see Figure 1).

[0056] The right-side second arm portion 42 faces the first contact portion 71 of the second central handle 7B in the first direction DR1. The end portion 46 of the second arm portion 42 opposite to the handle body 40 is located between the first contact portion 71 and the second contact portion 72 of the second central handle 7B when viewed from the first direction DR1 (see Figure 1).

[0057] (2.1.3) First and second middle handles Switch 1 includes a first middle handle 7A that pushes the first arm portion 41 when the first end 601 (e.g., the left end) of the outer handle 6 is pressed, and a second middle handle 7B that pushes the second arm portion 42 when the second end 602 (e.g., the right end) of the outer handle 6 is pressed.

[0058] Since the first intermediate handle 7A and the second intermediate handle 7B have the same shape, the configuration of the first intermediate handle 7A will be described in detail below, and the description of the second intermediate handle 7B will be omitted as appropriate.

[0059] The first central handle 7A has a rectangular flap plate 70. The left end of the flap plate 70 of the first central handle 7A is provided with cylindrical shaft projections 73 on both sides in the second direction DR2. The flap plate 70 of the first central handle 7A is attached to the cover 22 in a state in which it can rotate around the second rotation axis A21, which is the central axis of the cylindrical shaft projection 73, with the shaft projection 73 inserted into the shaft hole 241 of the bearing portion 24A provided in the second wall portion 222 on the left side. The right end of the flap plate 70 of the first central handle 7A is positioned between the outer handle 6 and the first arm portion 41 of the reversing handle 4 in a state in which it can move in the first direction DR1.

[0060] In the first intermediate handle 7A, a first contact portion 71 is provided on the surface of the flap plate 70 facing the first arm portion 41, and is capable of contacting the first arm portion 41. The first contact portion 71 includes a first projection 711 that protrudes from the rear surface of the flap plate 70 toward the first arm portion 41 (see Figure 6). The first projection 711 is formed, for example, as a semi-cylindrical shape with its axial direction parallel to the second direction DR2. The first projection 711 is provided at the right end of the rear surface of the flap plate 70. The surface shape of the first projection 711 is a curved shape that is convex toward the first arm portion 41. Because the surface shape of the first projection 711 is formed as a curved shape, the first projection 711 (first contact portion 71) can move smoothly when it moves while in contact with the surface of the first arm portion 41.

[0061] A second contact portion 72 is provided on the surface of the flap plate 70 facing the outer handle 6, which is capable of contacting the first projection 65 provided on the outer handle 6. The second contact portion 72 includes a second projection 721 that protrudes from the front surface of the flap plate 70 toward the outer handle 6. The second projection 721 is formed, for example, as a semi-cylindrical shape with its axial direction parallel to the second direction DR2. The second projection 721 is located midway between the axial projection 73 and the first contact portion 71 in the third direction DR3. The surface shape of the second projection 721 is a curved shape that is convex toward the outer handle 6. Because the surface shape of the second projection 721 is formed as a curved shape, the second projection 721 can move smoothly when it moves while in contact with the surface of the first projection 65.

[0062] Here, in the first middle handle 7A, the distance L3 between the second rotation axis A21 and the first contact portion 71 is greater than the distance L4 between the second rotation axis A21 and the second contact portion 72. As a result, when the first middle handle 7A rotates due to the second contact portion 72 being pressed by the first projection 65 of the outer handle 6, the displacement of the first contact portion 71 is greater than the displacement of the second contact portion 72. Therefore, when the outer handle 6 rotates in response to the operator's operation, the rotation angle of the reversing handle 4 can be made larger than the rotation angle of the outer handle 6. In other words, the rotation angle of the outer handle 6 can be made smaller than the rotation angle of the reversing handle 4.

[0063] The second middle handle 7B, like the first middle handle 7A, has a rectangular flap plate 70. The right end of the flap plate 70 of the second middle handle 7B is provided with cylindrical shaft projections 73 on both sides in the second direction DR2. The flap plate 70 of the second middle handle 7B is attached to the cover 22 in a state where it can rotate around the second rotation axis A22, which is the central axis of the cylindrical shaft projection 73, with the shaft projection 73 inserted into the shaft hole 241 of the bearing portion 24B provided in the second wall portion 222 on the right side. The left end of the flap plate 70 of the second middle handle 7B is positioned between the outer handle 6 and the second arm portion 42 of the reversing handle 4 in a state where it can move in the first direction DR1.

[0064] In the second intermediate handle 7B, a first contact portion 71 is provided on the surface of the flap plate 70 facing the second arm portion 42, and is capable of contacting the second arm portion 42. The first contact portion 71 of the second intermediate handle 7B includes a first projection 711 that protrudes from the rear surface of the flap plate 70 toward the second arm portion 42. The first projection 711 is formed, for example, in a semi-cylindrical shape with its axial direction parallel to the second direction DR2. The first projection 711 of the second intermediate handle 7B is provided at the left end of the rear surface of the flap plate 70.

[0065] The flap plate 70 of the second middle handle 7B is provided with a second contact portion 72 on the surface facing the outer handle 6, which can contact the second projection 66 provided on the outer handle 6. The second contact portion 72 includes a second projection 721 that protrudes from the front surface of the flap plate 70 toward the outer handle 6. The second projection 721 is formed, for example, in a semi-cylindrical shape with its axial direction parallel to the second direction DR2. In the third direction DR3, the second projection 721 is provided midway between the axial projection 73 and the first contact portion 71.

[0066] Here, in the second middle handle 7B, the distance L3 between the second rotation axis A22 and the first contact portion 71 is greater than the distance L4 between the second rotation axis A22 and the second contact portion 72 (see Figure 6). As a result, when the second middle handle 7B rotates due to the second contact portion 72 being pressed by the second projection 66 of the outer handle 6, the displacement of the first contact portion 71 is greater than the displacement of the second contact portion 72. Therefore, when the outer handle 6 rotates in response to the operator's operation, the rotation angle of the reversing handle 4 can be made larger than the rotation angle of the outer handle 6. In other words, the rotation angle of the outer handle 6 can be made smaller than the rotation angle of the reversing handle 4.

[0067] (2.2 Configuration of the Switching Device) The switch device 100 of this embodiment includes the switch 1 described above, an external handle 6, and a mounting frame 8 (see Figures 1 to 4 and Figure 9).

[0068] (2.2.1) External handle The external handle 6 shown in the illustration is a single-gang external handle 6 used when only one switch 1 is mounted on the mounting frame 8.

[0069] The external handle 6 is subjected to a pushing force by the operator. The external handle 6 has an operating section 60 that is operated by the operator. The operating section 60 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate that is sufficiently larger than the size of the switch 1 when viewed from the front or rear. In the case of an external handle 6 for one switch, the size of the operating section 60 when viewed from the front is approximately the same as the size of the mounting frame 8 when viewed from the front. The switch 1 is mounted on the mounting frame 8 in an orientation such that the longitudinal direction of the device body 2 is parallel to the short direction of the mounting frame 8. The external handle 6 is then mounted on the front side of the device body 2 of the switch 1 in an orientation such that the longitudinal direction of the device body 2 and the short direction of the external handle 6 are parallel.

[0070] The operating section 60 is plate-shaped and covers at least a portion of the device body 2 when viewed from the first direction DR1. In this embodiment, however, the operating section 60 covers the entire device body 2 when viewed from the first direction DR1. The operating section 60 has an operating surface 61 that receives input from the operator. On the rear surface of the operating section 60, four gripping sections 62 are provided in the center of the short side (third direction DR3) of the operating section 60 (see Figure 9). The four gripping sections 62 are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the operating section 60. The outer handle 6 is mounted to the mounting frame 8 in a rotatable manner by the four gripping sections 62 each gripping four projections 86 (see Figure 3) provided on the mounting frame 8. Here, since the device body 2 is mounted on the mounting frame 8, the outer handle 6 is mounted to the mounting frame 8 in a rotatable manner with respect to the switch 1 mounted on the mounting frame 8.

[0071] Furthermore, three first protrusions 65 are provided on the rear surface of the operating section 60 at the center in the longitudinal direction, facing the second contact portion 72 of the first middle handle 7A (see Figure 9). The three first protrusions 65 have a trapezoidal shape when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the operating section 60. The tip surfaces of the first protrusions 65 become contact surfaces that come into contact with the second contact portion 72 of the first middle handle 7A. The tip surfaces of the first protrusions 65 are inclined such that, when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the operating section 60, the amount of protrusion L1 from the rear surface of the operating section 60 increases as it approaches the center in the short direction of the operating section 60 (see Figure 1). In other words, the outer handle 6 has first protrusions 65 that protrude from the operating section 60 toward the first middle handle 7A, and the first protrusions 65 can contact the second contact portion 72 of the first middle handle 7A. Note that the amount of protrusion L1 of the first protrusions 65 from the rear surface of the operating section 60 may be a constant length in the short direction of the operating section 60. In other words, the tip surface of the first projection 65 may be a flat surface parallel to the operating surface 61 of the operating section 60.

[0072] Furthermore, on the rear surface of the operating section 60, three second protrusions 66 are provided at the center in the longitudinal direction, opposite to the second contact portion 72 of the second middle handle 7B. The three second protrusions 66 have a trapezoidal shape when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the operating section 60. The tip surfaces of the second protrusions 66 become contact surfaces that come into contact with the second contact portion 72 of the second middle handle 7B. The tip surfaces of the second protrusions 66 are inclined such that, when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the operating section 60, the amount of protrusion L2 from the rear surface of the operating section 60 increases as it approaches the center in the short direction of the operating section 60 (see Figure 1). In other words, the outer handle 6 has second protrusions 66 that protrude from the operating section 60 toward the second middle handle 7B, and the second protrusions 66 can contact the second contact portion 72 of the second middle handle 7B. Note that the amount of protrusion L2 of the second protrusions 66 from the rear surface of the operating section 60 may be a constant length in the short direction of the operating section 60. In other words, the tip surface of the second projection 66 may be a flat surface parallel to the operating surface 61 of the operating section 60.

[0073] Since the outer handle 6 is equipped with a first projection 65 and a second projection 66, the pushing force applied to the outer handle 6 can be transmitted to the reversing handle 4 via the first middle handle 7A or the second middle handle 7B.

[0074] The outer handle 6 stops when the first projection 65 contacts the second contact portion 72 of the first middle handle 7A, and the second projection 66 contacts the second contact portion 72 of the second middle handle 7B. As the reversing handle 4 rotates, the position of the second contact portion 72 of the first middle handle 7A in the first direction DR1 and the position of the second contact portion 72 of the second middle handle 7B in the first direction DR1 change, respectively, so the stopping position of the outer handle 6 changes according to the open / closed state of the contact portion 3. In this embodiment, the amount of protrusion L1 of the first projection 65 from the operating section 60 and the amount of protrusion L2 of the second projection 66 from the operating section 60 are different from each other. By setting the protrusion amounts L1 and L2 of the first projection 65 and the second projection 66 to desired sizes, the rotation angle of the outer handle 6 in the open and closed states can be set to desired angles. In this embodiment, the protrusion amount L2 of the second projection 66 from the operating section 60 is set to be larger than the protrusion amount L1 of the first projection 65 from the operating section 60.

[0075] Here, the reversing handle 4 rotates by equal angles to the left and right with respect to a center line that passes through the first rotation axis A1 and is parallel to the first direction DR1. When the right end of the outer handle 6 is pressed while the contact portion 3 is closed, the outer handle 6 rotates clockwise in Figure 1, and the second projection 66 pushes the second contact portion 72 of the second middle handle 7B backward. As a result, the first contact portion 71 of the second middle handle 7B pushes the second arm portion 42 backward, and the reversing handle 4 rotates clockwise in Figure 1, switching the contact portion 3 from a closed state to an open state. Also, when the reversing handle 4 rotates clockwise in Figure 1, the first arm portion 41 of the reversing handle 4 pushes the first contact portion 71 of the first middle handle 7A forward, and the second contact portion 72 of the first middle handle 7A pushes the first projection 65 of the outer handle 6 forward. In the open state of the contact portion 3, the second contact portion 72 of the first middle handle 7A is located further forward than the second contact portion 72 of the second middle handle 7B. Here, since the protrusion amount L1 of the first projection 65 is set to be smaller than the protrusion amount L2 of the second projection 66, the operating surface 61 of the operating portion 60 of the outer handle 6 is parallel to the surface 301 of the mounting object 300 to which the device body 2 is attached. Figure 1 shows the position of the outer handle 6 in the open state with a dotted line.

[0076] When the left end of the outer handle 6 is pressed while the contact portion 3 is open, the outer handle 6 rotates counterclockwise in Figure 1, and the first projection 65 pushes the second contact portion 72 of the first middle handle 7A backward. As a result, the first contact portion 71 of the first middle handle 7A pushes the first arm portion 41 backward, and the reversing handle 4 rotates counterclockwise in Figure 1, switching the contact portion 3 from an open state to a closed state. Also, when the reversing handle 4 rotates counterclockwise in Figure 1, the second arm portion 42 of the reversing handle 4 pushes the first contact portion 71 of the second middle handle 7B forward, and as a result, the second contact portion 72 of the second middle handle 7B pushes the second projection 66 of the outer handle 6 forward. Note that in the closed state of the contact portion 3, the second contact portion 72 of the second middle handle 7B is located further forward than the second contact portion 72 of the first middle handle 7A. Here, since the protrusion amount L2 of the second projection 66 is set to be larger than the protrusion amount L1 of the first projection 65, the operating surface 61 of the operating part 60 of the outer handle 6 is inclined with respect to the surface 301 of the mounting object 300 such that the first end 601 is closer to the surface 301 of the mounting object 300 than the second end 602. In Figure 1, the position of the outer handle 6 in the closed state is shown by a solid line.

[0077] Thus, in this embodiment, when the contact portion 3 is open, the outer handle 6 is positioned parallel to the surface 301 of the mounting object 300 to which the device body 2 is attached. When the contact portion 3 is closed, the outer handle 6 is positioned at an angle to the surface 301 such that the first end 601 on the side closer to the first arm portion 41 in the third direction DR3 is closer to the surface 301 than the second end 602 on the side closer to the second arm portion 42.

[0078] Furthermore, in the closed polarity state, when viewed from the first direction DR1, the end 45 of the first arm portion 41 opposite to the handle body 40 is located closer to the handle body 40 than the second contact portion 72 of the first middle handle 7A. In the closed polarity state, the end 45 of the first arm portion 41 is located closer to the handle body 40 than the second contact portion 72 of the first middle handle 7A, but since it is located between the first contact portion 71 and the second contact portion 72 of the first middle handle 7A, the second middle handle 7B is less likely to detach from the first arm portion 41.

[0079] (2.2.2) Mounting frame The switch device 100 further includes a mounting frame 8 that holds the device body 2 and can be attached to the object 300. More specifically, the mounting frame 8 is made of a synthetic resin material or a metal material and is formed in a rectangular plate shape when viewed from the front (see Figures 4 and 5).

[0080] The mounting frame 8 comprises a pair of first beam sections 82 facing each other in the longitudinal direction and a pair of second beam sections 83 facing each other in the short direction. Each of the pair of first beam sections 82 is provided with a recess 84. At the bottom of the recess 84 are provided a plurality of insertion holes 85 into which screws (not shown) for fixing the mounting frame 8 to the construction surface are inserted. For example, the mounting frame 8 is fixed to the construction surface by screwing tapping screws, which are passed through the insertion holes 85 via the mounting bracket 89, into a wall material such as gypsum board.

[0081] Each pair of second beam sections 83 has two fitting holes 87 (see Figure 4) arranged longitudinally in the center of its longitudinal direction, into which two mounting claws 226, each provided on a pair of second wall sections 222 of the switch 1, are fitted. The body 2 of the switch 1 is attached to the mounting frame 8 by fitting the mounting claws 226 of the switch 1 into the fitting holes 87 of the mounting frame 8.

[0082] Furthermore, the mounting frame 8 is provided with three window holes 81a, 81b, and 81c in the center of its longitudinal direction. The three window holes 81a, 81b, and 81c are rectangular holes, and the front end of the handle body 40 of the reversing handle 4 is inserted into the window hole 81a, which is in the center of its short direction. The first intermediate handle 7A and the second intermediate handle 7B are positioned in the window holes 81c and 81b on either side of the short direction, respectively.

[0083] Furthermore, in the mounting frame 8, projections 86 are provided on the inner walls of recesses 84 provided in a pair of first beam portions 82, which are gripped by the gripping portion 62 of the outer handle 6. Also, projections 86 are provided in the window hole 81a of the mounting frame 8, which are gripped by the gripping portion 62 of the outer handle 6. The projections 86 are formed in a cylindrical shape with their central axis oriented in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the mounting frame 8 (second direction DR2). The inner surface of the gripping portion 62 of the outer handle 6 follows the cylindrical side surface of the projection 86. When the gripping portion 62 of the outer handle 6 grips the projection 86 of the mounting frame 8, the outer handle 6 becomes pivotable with the projection 86 as the fulcrum. More specifically, the multiple projections 86 are arranged in a line in the second direction DR2, and the central axis of the cylindrical projections 86 becomes the third rotation axis A3 (see Figure 7) parallel to the second direction DR2. In this manner, the outer handle 6 is mounted on the mounting frame 8 in a rotatable manner. When the outer handle 6 is mounted on the mounting frame 8, the outer handle 6 is pivotable around the third rotation axis A3.

[0084] Furthermore, when the outer handle 6 is attached to the mounting frame 8, the first projection 65 of the outer handle 6 is inserted into the window hole 81c of the mounting frame 8, and the first projection 65 contacts the second contact portion 72 of the first middle handle 7A. Also, when the outer handle 6 is attached to the mounting frame 8, the second projection 66 of the outer handle 6 is inserted into the window hole 81b of the mounting frame 8, and the second projection 66 contacts the second contact portion 72 of the second middle handle 7B.

[0085] When the outer handle 6 rotates in response to a pushing force from the operator, the pushing force applied to the outer handle 6 is transmitted to the reversing handle 4 via the first middle handle 7A or the second middle handle 7B, causing the reversing handle 4 to rotate and the contact portion 3 to open or close.

[0086] (2.3) Operation of the switch device The operation of the switch device 100 will be described below. In the following description, it will be assumed that in the initial state, the fixed contact 3a and the movable contact 3b are in contact, as shown in Figure 1, that is, the contact portion 3 is closed.

[0087] When the contact portion 3 is closed, the movable contact plate 33 is tilted to the right with the contact portion with the support plate 93 as the pivot point. At this time, the reversing handle 4 is rotating counterclockwise around the first rotation axis A1 (see Figures 6 and 8), and the coil spring 49 inserted into the cylindrical portion 44 of the reversing handle 4 maintains the movable contact plate 33 in a tilted position to the right. Furthermore, the second arm portion 42 of the reversing handle 4 pushes the first contact portion 71 of the second middle handle 7B forward, causing the second contact portion 72 of the second middle handle 7B to push the second projection 66 forward, and the outer handle 6 is tilted with respect to the surface 301 such that the first end 601 is closer to the surface 301 of the mounting object 300 than the second end 602.

[0088] When the operator pushes the second end 602 side of the outer handle 6 (see Figure 7) backward, the outer handle 6 rotates (oscillates) clockwise around the first rotation axis A1. As the outer handle 6 rotates clockwise around the first rotation axis A1, the second projection 66 pushes the second contact portion 72 of the second middle handle 7B backward. As a result, the flap plate 70 of the second middle handle 7B rotates (oscillates) counterclockwise around the second rotation axis A22, and a pushing force is transmitted from the first contact portion 71 of the second middle handle 7B to the second arm portion 42 of the reversing handle 4. Here, in the third direction DR3, the end portion 46 of the second arm portion 42 is located between the first contact portion 71 and the second contact portion 72 of the second middle handle 7B, so a sufficient distance is secured between the tip of the second middle handle 7B and the end portion 46 of the second arm portion 42. As a result, the tip of the second central handle 7B is less likely to detach from the second arm portion 42, and the pushing force is reliably transmitted from the second central handle 7B to the second arm portion 42 of the reversing handle 4. Consequently, the reversing handle 4 reliably rotates (oscillates) clockwise around the first rotation axis A1.

[0089] As the reversing handle 4 rotates clockwise, the second spring end 492 of the coil spring 49 inserted inside the cylindrical portion 44 of the reversing handle 4 moves to the left. Here, since the projection 34 of the movable contact plate 33 is inserted into the second spring end 492 of the coil spring 49, the movable contact plate 33 rotates counterclockwise around the contact point with the support plate 93 as a pivot. As a result, the movable contact 3b moves to a position away from the fixed contact 3a. In other words, the contact portion 3 becomes open.

[0090] On the other hand, when the operator pushes the first end 601 side of the outer handle 6 backward in the open state, the outer handle 6 rotates (oscillates) counterclockwise around the first rotation axis A1. When the outer handle 6 rotates counterclockwise around the first rotation axis A1, the first projection 65 pushes the second contact portion 72 of the first middle handle 7A backward. As a result, the flap plate 70 of the first middle handle 7A rotates (oscillates) clockwise around the second rotation axis A21, and a pushing force is transmitted from the first contact portion 71 of the first middle handle 7A to the first arm portion 41 of the reversing handle 4. Here, in the third direction DR3, the end portion 45 of the first arm portion 41 is located between the first contact portion 71 and the second contact portion 72 of the first middle handle 7A, so a sufficient distance is secured between the tip of the first middle handle 7A and the end portion 45 of the first arm portion 41. As a result, the tip of the first central handle 7A is less likely to detach from the first arm portion 41, and the pushing force is reliably transmitted from the first central handle 7A to the first arm portion 41 of the reversing handle 4. Consequently, the reversing handle 4 reliably rotates (oscillates) counterclockwise around the first rotation axis A1.

[0091] As the reversing handle 4 rotates counterclockwise, the second spring end 492 of the coil spring 49 inserted inside the cylindrical portion 44 of the reversing handle 4 moves to the right. Here, since the projection 34 of the movable contact plate 33 is inserted into the second spring end 492 of the coil spring 49, the movable contact plate 33 rotates clockwise around the contact point with the support plate 93 as a pivot. As a result, the movable contact 3b moves to a position where it contacts the fixed contact 3a. In other words, the contact portion 3 becomes closed.

[0092] (3) Variant The above embodiments are merely one of many embodiments of this disclosure. The above embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as they achieve the objectives of this disclosure.

[0093] The following lists some modifications of the above embodiment. The modifications described below can be combined and applied as appropriate.

[0094] In the above embodiment, one switch 1 is mounted on the mounting frame 8, but multiple (up to 3) switches 1 may be mounted on the mounting frame 8. When multiple switches 1 are mounted on the mounting frame 8, an external handle 6 should be attached to each of the multiple switches 1. When multiple switches 1 are mounted on the mounting frame 8, window holes 81a, 81b, and 81c should be provided for each switch 1 to expose the handle body 40, the first intermediate handle 7A, and the second intermediate handle 7B of the multiple switches 1, respectively.

[0095] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the outer handle 6 is attached to the mounting frame 8, but the outer handle 6 may be attached to both the mounting frame 8 and the device body 2, or it may be attached only to the device body 2.

[0096] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the mounting frame 8 is attached to the surface 301 of the object to be mounted 300 so that its longitudinal direction is parallel to the horizontal direction, but the mounting direction can be changed as appropriate. The mounting frame 8 may also be attached to the surface 301 of the object to be mounted 300 so that its short direction is parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the case where the mounting object 300 to which the mounting frame 8 is attached is a building wall was described as an example, but the mounting object 300 may also be equipment such as a desk placed inside the building. Furthermore, the mounting object 300 may also be a moving object such as a railway vehicle, ship, or aircraft.

[0098] In the above embodiment, when the pole is closed, the end 46 of the second arm portion 42 opposite to the handle body 40 may be in a position that overlaps with the second contact portion 72 of the second middle handle 7B when viewed from the first direction DR1. When the pole is closed, the end 46 of the second arm portion 42 is in a position that overlaps with the second contact portion 72 of the second middle handle 7B when viewed from the first direction DR1, making it difficult for the second middle handle 7B to detach from the second arm portion 42. In this case, when the pole is closed, the end 45 of the first arm portion 41 opposite to the handle body 40 may be in a position that is closer to the handle body 40 than the second contact portion 72 of the first middle handle 7A when viewed from the first direction DR1. In the closed polarity state, the end portion 45 of the first arm portion 41 is closer to the handle body 40 than the second contact portion 72 of the first middle handle 7A, but it is located between the first contact portion 71 and the second contact portion 72 of the first middle handle 7A, making it difficult for the second middle handle 7B to detach from the first arm portion 41.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the operating surface 61 of the outer handle 6 was parallel to the surface 301 of the mounting object 300 when the pole was open. However, by changing the protrusion amounts L1 and L2 of the first projection 65 and the second projection 66, the position of the outer handle 6 in the open and closed states can be appropriately changed.

[0100] For example, the protrusion amounts L1 and L2 of the first projection 65 and the second projection 66 may be set to the same length so that the operating surface 61 of the outer handle 6 is tilted in one direction when the pole is open, and tilted in the opposite direction when the pole is closed.

[0101] (summary) Based on the embodiments described above, the following aspects are disclosed.

[0102] The switch (1) in the first embodiment comprises a contact portion (3) including a fixed contact (3a) and a movable contact (3b), a reversing handle (4), a first middle handle (7A) and a second middle handle (7B), and a body (2). The reversing handle (4) has a first arm portion (41) and a second arm portion (42). The first middle handle (7A) is positioned to be in contact with the first arm portion (41). The second middle handle (7B) is positioned to be in contact with the second arm portion (42). The body (2) houses the contact portion (3), the reversing handle (4), the first middle handle (7A), and the second middle handle (7B). The reversing handle (4) has a handle body (40) positioned in the body (2) so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis (A1). The first rotation axis (A1) is parallel to a second direction (DR2) which is perpendicular to the first direction (DR1) in which an operator applies an external force to an external handle (6) positioned outside the instrument body (2) in a manner that allows it to rotate relative to the instrument body (2). The fixed contact (3a) and the movable contact (3b) close or open in accordance with the rotational movement of the reversing handle (4). The first arm portion (41) and the second arm portion (42) protrude from both sides of the handle body (40) in a third direction (DR3) which is perpendicular to the first direction (DR1) and the second direction (DR2), respectively. The first middle handle (7A) and the second middle handle (7B) are positioned on the instrument body (2) in a manner that allows them to rotate around a second rotation axis (A21, A22) parallel to the second direction (DR2). Each of the first middle handle (7A) and the second middle handle (7B) has a first contact portion (71) and a second contact portion (72) that receives an external force when pushed by the outer handle (6) which rotates under external force. The first contact portion (71) of the first middle handle (7A) can contact the first arm portion (41), and the first contact portion (71) of the second middle handle (7B) can contact the second arm portion (42). In each of the first middle handle (7A) and the second middle handle (7B), the distance between the second rotation axis (A21, A22) and the first contact portion (71) is greater than the distance between the second rotation axis (A21, A22) and the second contact portion (72). The end (46) of the first arm portion (41) opposite to the handle body (40) is located between the first contact portion (71) and the second contact portion (72) of the first intermediate handle (7A) when viewed from the first direction (DR1).The end (46) of the second arm portion (42) opposite to the handle body (40) is located between the first contact portion (71) and the second contact portion (72) of the second intermediate handle (7B) when viewed from the first direction (DR1).

[0103] In this embodiment, the end portion (45) of the first arm portion (41) is located between the first contact portion (71) and the second contact portion (72) of the first middle handle (7A) when viewed from the first direction (DR1), making it difficult for the first middle handle (7A) to detach from the end portion (45) of the first arm portion (41). The end portion (46) of the second arm portion (42) is located between the first contact portion (71) and the second contact portion (72) of the second middle handle (7B) when viewed from the first direction (DR1), making it difficult for the second middle handle (7B) to detach from the end portion (46) of the second arm portion (42). As a result, in response to the rotation of the outer handle (6), a pushing force is reliably transmitted from the first middle handle (7A) or the second middle handle (7B) to the reversing handle (4), and the contact portion (3) can be reliably opened or closed. Therefore, it is possible to provide a switch (1) that can suppress a decrease in the reliability of the opening and closing operation of the contact portion (3).

[0104] In the switch (1) of the second embodiment, in the first embodiment, the first contact portion (71) of the first middle handle (7A) and the second middle handle (7B) each includes a first projection (711). The first projection (711) of the first middle handle (7A) protrudes toward the first arm portion (41). The first projection (711) of the second middle handle (7B) protrudes toward the second arm portion (42).

[0105] According to this embodiment, when the reversing handle (4) rotates, the first protrusions (711) of the first middle handle (7A) and the second middle handle (7B) can be smoothly brought into contact with the first arm portion (41) and the second arm portion (42), respectively.

[0106] In the switch (1) of the third embodiment, the surface shape of the first projection (711) of the first middle handle (7A) and the second middle handle (7B) is a curved shape that is convex toward the first arm portion (41) and the second arm portion (42), respectively.

[0107] According to this embodiment, when the reversing handle (4) rotates, the first protrusions (711) of the first middle handle (7A) and the second middle handle (7B) can be smoothly brought into contact with the first arm portion (41) and the second arm portion (42), respectively.

[0108] In the switch (1) of the fourth embodiment, in any of the first to third embodiments, the second contact portion (72) of the first middle handle (7A) and the second middle handle (7B) each includes a second projection (721) that protrudes toward the outer handle (6).

[0109] According to this embodiment, when the outer handle (6) rotates, the second protrusions (721) of the first middle handle (7A) and the second middle handle (7B) can be brought into smooth contact with the outer handle (6).

[0110] In the switch (1) of the fifth embodiment, in any of the first to fourth embodiments, the outer handle (6) is positioned parallel to the surface (301) of the mounting object (300) to which the device body (2) is attached when the contact portion (3) is open. When the outer handle (6) is in a closed state when the contact portion (3) is closed, the outer handle (6) is positioned inclined with respect to the surface (301) such that the first end (601) on the side closer to the first arm portion (41) in the third direction (DR3) is closer to the surface (301) than the second end (602) on the side closer to the second arm portion (42). When viewed from the first direction (DR1), the end (46) of the second arm portion (42) opposite to the handle body (40) is in a position to overlap with the second contact portion (72) of the second middle handle (7B).

[0111] According to this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, a switch (1) can be provided that can suppress a decrease in the reliability of the opening and closing operation of the contact portion (3).

[0112] In the switch (1) of the sixth embodiment, in the fifth embodiment, when closed, when viewed from the first direction (DR1), the end (45) of the first arm portion (41) opposite to the handle body (40) is closer to the handle body (40) than the second contact portion (72) of the first intermediate handle (7A).

[0113] According to this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, a switch (1) can be provided that can suppress a decrease in the reliability of the opening and closing operation of the contact portion (3).

[0114] The seventh embodiment of the switch (1) further comprises a coil spring (49) and a movable contact plate (33) provided with a movable contact (3b), in any of the first to sixth embodiments. The reversing handle (4) further has a cylindrical portion (44) that protrudes in the first direction (DR1) on the side opposite to the outer handle (6). The first spring end (491) of the coil spring (49) is located inside the cylindrical portion (44). A part of the movable contact plate (33) is inserted into the second spring end (492) of the coil spring (49). By rotating the reversing handle (4), the movable contact (3b) and the fixed contact (3a) provided on the movable contact plate (33) are closed or opened.

[0115] According to this embodiment, it becomes possible to suitably perform the switching operation between the movable contact (3b) and the fixed contact (3a).

[0116] In the switch (1) of the eighth embodiment, in any of the first to seventh embodiments, the movable contact (3b) moves in the third direction (DR3) to close or open with the fixed contact (3a).

[0117] According to this embodiment, it becomes possible to suitably perform the switching operation between the movable contact (3b) and the fixed contact (3a).

[0118] The ninth embodiment of the switch device (100) comprises a switch (1) according to any of the first to eighth embodiments and an external handle (6). The external handle (6) is positioned outside the device (2) so as to be rotatable relative to the device (2) about a third rotation axis (A3) parallel to the second direction (DR2).

[0119] According to this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, a switch device (100) can be provided that includes a switch (1) capable of suppressing a decrease in the reliability of the opening and closing operation of the contact portion (3).

[0120] In the switch device (100) of the tenth embodiment, as in the ninth embodiment, the outer handle (6) has a plate-shaped operating part (60), a first projection (65), and a second projection (66). The operating part (60) covers at least a portion of the device body (2) when viewed from a first direction (DR1). The first projection (65) protrudes from the operating part (60) toward the first middle handle (7A) and is capable of contacting the second contact portion (72) of the first middle handle (7A). The second projection (66) protrudes from the operating part (60) toward the second middle handle (7B) and is capable of contacting the second contact portion (72) of the second middle handle (7B).

[0121] According to this embodiment, the pushing force applied to the outer handle (6) can be transmitted to the reversing handle (4) via the first middle handle (7A) or the second middle handle (7B).

[0122] In the switch device (100) of the 11th embodiment, the amount of protrusion (L1) of the first projection (65) from the operating part (60) and the amount of protrusion (L2) of the second projection (66) from the operating part (60) are different from each other.

[0123] According to this embodiment, the rotation angle of the outer handle (6) in the open and closed polarity states can be set to a desired angle.

[0124] The switch device (100) of the twelfth embodiment further comprises a mounting frame (8) in any of the ninth to eleventh embodiments. The mounting frame (8) holds the device body (2) and is mountable to the object to be mounted (300). The outer handle (6) is rotatably mounted to the mounting frame (8).

[0125] According to this embodiment, the outer handle (6) can be attached to the mounting frame (8) which is attached to the object to be mounted (300).

[0126] The configurations relating to the second to eighth aspects are not essential to the switch (1) and can be omitted as appropriate. The configurations relating to the tenth to twelfth aspects are not essential to the switch device (100) and can be omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 1 switch 2. Vessel 3 Contact points 3a fixed contact 3b Movable contact 4. Reversible handle 6. External handle 7A First Middle Handle 7B Second Middle Handle 8. Mounting frame 33 Movable contact plate 40 Handle body 41 First Arm Section 42 Second Arm Section 44 Cylindrical part 45 End of the first arm section 46 End of the second arm section 49 Coil spring 60 Control section 65 1st protrusion 66 2nd protrusion 71 1st contact part 72 Second contact part 100 Switching device 300 Objects to be installed 301 Surface 491 First spring end 492 Second spring end 601 1st end 602 2nd end 711 1st protrusion 721 Second protrusion A1 First rotation axis A21, A22 Second rotation axis A3 Third rotation axis DR1 1st direction DR2 2nd direction DR3 3rd direction L1 Protrusion amount of the first projection L2 Protrusion amount of the second projection

Claims

1. A contact section including fixed contacts and movable contacts, A reversing handle having a first arm portion and a second arm portion, A first intermediate handle is positioned so as to be able to contact the first arm portion, A second intermediate handle is positioned so as to be able to contact the second arm portion, The device comprises the contact portion, the reversing handle, the first middle handle, and a body housing the second middle handle, The reversing handle has a handle body that is positioned on the device so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis, The first rotation axis is parallel to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in which an operator applies an external force to an external handle that is positioned outside the body of the device in a manner that allows it to rotate relative to the device, The fixed contact and the movable contact close or open in accordance with the rotational movement of the reversing handle. The first arm portion and the second arm portion protrude from both sides of the handle body in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, respectively. The first and second central handles are each positioned in the body so as to be rotatable about a second rotation axis parallel to the second direction. Each of the first and second middle handles is, The first contact portion and It has a second contact portion that receives the external force by being pressed by the outer handle which rotates in response to the external force, The first contact portion of the first intermediate handle is capable of contacting the first arm portion. The first contact portion of the second intermediate handle is capable of contacting the second arm portion. In each of the first and second intermediate handles, the distance between the second rotation axis and the first contact portion is greater than the distance between the second rotation axis and the second contact portion. The end of the first arm portion opposite to the handle body is located between the first contact portion and the second contact portion of the first intermediate handle when viewed from the first direction. The end of the second arm portion opposite to the handle body is located between the first contact portion and the second contact portion of the second middle handle when viewed from the first direction. switch.

2. The first contact portion of the first intermediate handle and the second intermediate handle each include a first protrusion. The first projection of the first intermediate handle protrudes toward the first arm portion, The first projection of the second intermediate handle protrudes toward the second arm portion. The switch according to claim 1.

3. The surface shape of the first projection on the first and second intermediate handles is a curved shape that is convex toward the first and second arm portions, respectively. The switch according to claim 2.

4. The second contact portion of the first middle handle and the second middle handle each includes a second projection that protrudes toward the outer handle. The switch according to claim 1.

5. The outer handle is positioned parallel to the surface of the object to which the device is attached when the contact portion is open, and when the contact portion is closed, it is positioned at an angle to the surface such that the first end on the side closer to the first arm portion in the third direction is closer to the surface than the second end on the side closer to the second arm portion. In the closed state, when viewed from the first direction, the end of the second arm opposite to the handle body is in a position that overlaps with the second contact portion of the second middle handle. The switch according to claim 1.

6. In the closed state, when viewed from the first direction, the end of the first arm portion opposite to the handle body is located closer to the handle body than the second contact portion of the first intermediate handle. The switch according to claim 5.

7. The device further comprises a coil spring and a movable contact plate on which the movable contact is provided, The reversing handle further has a cylindrical portion that protrudes in the first direction on the side opposite to the outer handle, The first spring end of the coil spring is positioned inside the cylindrical portion. A portion of the movable contact plate is inserted into the second spring end of the coil spring. As the reversing handle rotates, the movable contact and the fixed contact provided on the movable contact plate are closed or opened. The switch according to claim 1.

8. The movable contact moves in the third direction to close or open with the fixed contact. The switch according to claim 1.

9. A switch according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The device comprises an external handle positioned outside the body of the device, which is rotatable relative to the body of the device with respect to a third axis of rotation parallel to the second direction, Switching device.

10. The aforementioned external handle is A plate-shaped operating section that covers at least a part of the body of the device when viewed from the first direction, A first projection protrudes from the operating section toward the first middle handle and is capable of contacting the second contact portion of the first middle handle, The operating portion has a second projection that protrudes toward the second middle handle and is capable of contacting the second contact portion of the second middle handle, The switch device according to claim 9.

11. The amount of protrusion of the first projection from the operating part and the amount of protrusion of the second projection from the operating part are different from each other. The switch device according to claim 10.

12. The aforementioned device is further provided with a mounting frame that can be attached to an object to be mounted, The aforementioned outer handle is mounted to the mounting frame in a rotatable manner. The switch device according to claim 9.

Images