Switch

Abstract

The present invention provides a switch that can open and close contacts using a push-button mechanism. [Solution] The switch comprises a movable contact 13, a fixed contact 14, a housing 15, a button portion 18, and a latch portion 20. The housing 15 houses the movable contact 13 and the fixed contact 14. The button portion 18 is biased forward by a first biasing portion. The button portion 18 is also positioned in the housing 15 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction Y1 by pushing its head backward. The latch portion 20 is also positioned in the housing 15 so as to be slidable in the up-down direction Y2, which is perpendicular to the front-rear direction Y1. The latch portion 20 is also biased toward the button portion 18 by a second biasing portion 19, and maintains the pressed-down state of the button portion 18. When the button portion 18 is pressed, the movable contact 13 becomes connected to the fixed contact 14.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a switch, and more particularly, to a switch including a movable contact and a fixed contact. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a circuit breaker having a movable contact piece and a stationary contact piece. This circuit breaker is a knob-rotating type switch that opens and closes the contact between the movable contact piece and the stationary contact piece by rotating the knob. Prior Art Documents Patent Documents

[0003] Patent Document 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-28906 Summary of the Invention Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventionally, no switch that can open and close contacts via a push-button mechanism has been provided.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a switch that can open and close contacts via a push-button mechanism. Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] A switch according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a movable contact, a fixed contact, a housing, a button portion, and a latch portion. The housing houses the movable contact and the fixed contact. The button portion is positioned in the housing so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction when its head is pushed backward. The button portion is also biased forward by a first biasing portion. The latch portion is positioned in the housing so as to be slidable in the up-down direction, which is perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The latch portion is also biased toward the button portion by a second biasing portion, and maintains the pressed-down state of the button portion. When the button portion is pressed, the movable contact becomes connected to the fixed contact. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The switch of this disclosure has the effect of being able to open and close contacts by a push-button mechanism. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the switch in the closed state according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the switch shown above in the open position. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the inside of the switch shown above (with the cover removed). [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the inside of the switch shown above, separated into the housing and the components located within the housing. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the same switch in the closed state, along line AA in Figure 1 (without the cover). [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the same switch in the open position, as shown by line AA in Figure 1 (with cover). [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the same switch in the closed position, along line CC in Figure 1. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the same switch in the closed position, along line BB in Figure 3. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the same switch in the open position, along line BB in Figure 3. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0009] (1) Basic Configuration of Switch As shown in FIG. 3, a switch 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first terminal 11, a second terminal 12, a movable contact 13, a stationary contact 14, a housing 15, a cover body 16, a button portion 18, and a latch portion 20.

[0010] (1-1) First Terminal and Second Terminal The first terminal 11 is connected to a primary-side wire with respect to the switch 1. The second terminal 12 is connected to a secondary-side wire with respect to the switch 1.

[0011] (1-2) Movable Contact As shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the movable contact 13 is, for example, plate-shaped, and is connected to the first terminal 11 at one end side. The one end side referred to herein is the upper side in the vertical direction Y2.

[0012] (1-3) Stationary Contact As shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the stationary contact 14 is, for example, plate-shaped, and is connected to the second terminal 12 at one end side. The one end side referred to herein is the lower side in the vertical direction Y2.

[0013] (1-4) Housing As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the first terminal 11, the movable contact 13, the stationary contact 14, and the second terminal 12 are disposed in the housing 15.

[0014] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the housing 15 has a first groove portion 150. The first terminal 11, the movable contact 13, the stationary contact 14, and the second terminal 12 are disposed on a bottom 150a of the first groove portion 150.

[0015] (1-5) Cover Body As shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the cover body 16 covers the opening 150b side of the first groove portion 150 of the housing 15.

[0016] (1-6) Button portion As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the button portion 18 is disposed on the housing 15 such that the head 181 can be pushed rearward to be slidable in the front-rear direction Y1. The rear direction is a direction from the opening 150b toward the bottom 150a. Further, the button portion 18 is biased forward by the first biasing portion 17. The front direction is a direction from the bottom 150a toward the opening 150b.

[0017] (1-7) Latch portion As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the latch portion 20 is disposed on the housing 15 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction Y2. The vertical direction Y2 is a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction Y1. Further, the latch portion 20 is biased toward the button portion 18 by the second biasing portion 19. Then, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, when the button portion 18 is pushed in, the distal end 201 of the latch portion 20 fits into a second groove 182 provided in the button portion 18, thereby holding the state where the button portion 18 is pushed in.

[0018] (1-8) State change of the switch (1-8-1) Contact support portion As shown in FIGS. 5 to 9, the button portion 18 includes a contact support portion 183. The contact support portion 183 supports the movable contact 13 movably in the front-rear direction Y1. When the button portion 18 is pushed in, the contact support portion 183 moves rearward, whereby the movable contact 13 enters a connected state.

[0019] (1-8-2) Change from open state to closed state In the switch 1, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, FIGS. 5 and 6, and FIGS. 8 and 9, when the button portion 18 is pushed in, the movable contact 13 enters a connected state where it is connected to the stationary contact 14. The pushing of the button portion 18 refers to a change from a state where the button portion 18 is not pushed in (see FIGS. 2, 6 and 9) to a state where the button portion 18 is pushed in (see FIGS. 1, 5, 7 and 8). When the movable contact 13 enters the connected state, the switch 1 changes from an open state where the contact is opened (see FIG. 9) to a closed state where the contact is closed (see FIG. 8).

[0020] (1-8-3) Change from closed state to open state On the other hand, when the button portion 18 changes from a pressed state (see Figures 1, 5, 7, and 8) to a released state (see Figures 2, 6, and 9), as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the contact support portion 183 moves forward, causing the movable contact 13 to detach from the fixed contact 14, as shown in Figures 8 and 9. In other words, the movable contact 13, which was in a connected state, becomes detached from the fixed contact 14, as shown in Figure 9. As a result, the switch 1 changes from a closed state (see Figure 8) to an open state (see Figure 9).

[0021] (1-9) Advantages With the switch 1 configured as described above, the contacts can be opened and closed by a simple push-button mechanism.

[0022] (2) Detailed configuration of the switch (2-1) Bimetal and receiving part of the latch As shown in Figures 3, 4, 8, and 9, the switch 1 further includes a bimetal 21. The bimetal 21 deforms at temperatures above a predetermined temperature.

[0023] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the bimetal 21 is connected to the fixed contact 14 at one end 211. The one end 211 is the rear side in the front-rear direction Y1. The bimetal 21 is also arranged to extend from the bottom 150a of the first groove 150 towards the opening 150b, from the one end 211 to the other end 212. The other end 212 is the front side in the front-rear direction Y1.

[0024] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the latch portion 20 has a receiving portion 202. The receiving portion 202 receives the other end 212 of the bimetal 21 when the bimetal 21 deforms. When the receiving portion 202 receives the other end 212 of the bimetal 21, the latch portion 20 is separated from the button portion 18.

[0025] This configuration allows the contacts to open if a temperature rise occurs due to overcurrent, poor contact, or other reasons.

[0026] (2-2) Magnet and magnet holder As shown in Figures 3, 4, 8, and 9, the switch 1 further comprises a magnet 22 and a magnet holder 2. As shown in Figure 4, the magnet holder 23 is constructed separately from the housing 15 and has a housing section 231.

[0027] Furthermore, the inside of the lid 16 has a part that holds the magnet 22 in place so that it does not pop out of the housing 231 within the housing 15.

[0028] (2-2-1) Housing section for the magnet holder The housing section 231 houses the magnet 22, as shown in Figure 3. The magnet holding section 23 is positioned on the fixed contact 14 such that the housing section 231 is located on the contact side between the movable contact 13 and the fixed contact 14, as shown in Figures 8 and 9. The contact side is, for example, the lower side of the contact between the movable contact 13 and the fixed contact 14 (the side of the second terminal 12).

[0029] By positioning the magnet 22 on the contact side between the movable contact 13 and the fixed contact 14 (see Figures 8 and 9), when an arc occurs from the fixed contact 14 to the movable contact 13, the length of the arc path (arc length) can be extended by the Lorentz force produced by the magnetic field from the magnet 22. By extending the arc length in this way, the arc becomes easier to break, and as a result, arc suppression can be achieved.

[0030] (2-2-2) Holes in the magnet holder As shown in Figure 3, the magnet holder 23 has a hole 232 through which the bimetal 21 passes. By having the bimetal 21 pass through the hole 232 of the magnet holder 23, the switch 1 can be miniaturized. Therefore, both arc suppression and miniaturization of the switch 1 can be achieved.

[0031] (2-3) DC switches As shown in Figure 4, the housing 15 has a pair of first grooves 150, including the first groove 150 described above.

[0032] (2-3-1) A pair of first grooves The pair of first grooves 150 are parallel to each other. Note that "parallel" here does not necessarily mean perfectly parallel; for example, it refers to a case where the angle between the two straight lines along the pair of first grooves 150 is less than or equal to a threshold. The threshold could be, for example, 10 degrees or 20 degrees, but the specific numerical value of the threshold is not specified.

[0033] Then, a first terminal 11, a movable contact 13, a fixed contact 14, and a second terminal 12 are arranged in each of the pair of first grooves 150, and the button portion 18 and the latch portion 20 are provided between the pair of first grooves 150.

[0034] With the switch 1 configured in this way, a pair of DC contacts can be opened and closed.

[0035] (2-4) Protrusions on the housing In the switch 1, as shown in Figure 4, a pair of first terminals 11, including the aforementioned first terminal 11, are arranged in the housing 15 in the left-right direction Y3, which is perpendicular to the front-back direction Y1 and the up-down direction Y2, respectively.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, each of the pair of first terminals 11 is provided with an insertion slot 111 for inserting wiring from above in the vertical direction Y2. A projection 151 extending upward from the housing 15 is provided between the pair of first terminals 11. This projection 151 prevents the wiring to the pair of first terminals 11 from coming into contact with each other.

[0037] Furthermore, in the switch 1, as shown in Figure 4, a pair of second terminals 12, including the aforementioned second terminal 12, are provided on the housing 15, arranged in the left-right direction Y3.

[0038] As shown in Figure 3, each of the pair of second terminals 12 is provided with an insertion slot 112 for inserting wiring from above in the vertical direction Y2. A projection 152 extending downward from the housing 15 is provided between the pair of second terminals 12. This projection 152 prevents the wiring to the pair of second terminals 12 from coming into contact with each other.

[0039] (2-5) Knob part As shown in Figures 1 to 6, 8 and 9, the switch 1 further includes a knob 25. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the knob 25 is positioned on the latch 20 so as to slide in the same direction as the latch 20, and is biased by the third biasing part 24 in the same direction as the second biasing part 19. The same direction as the latch 20's sliding direction is the vertical direction Y2. The same direction as the second biasing part 19 is upward.

[0040] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the latch portion 20 has a first projection 203 on the surface facing the knob portion 25. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the knob portion 25 has a recess 251 into which the first projection 203 fits. The recess 251 is provided to be large enough so that the latch portion 20 can separate from the button portion 18 when the first projection 203 is deformed by the bimetal 21.

[0041] With this configuration, the sliding of the knob portion 25 makes it possible to enable or disable the detachment of the latch portion 20 from the button portion 18.

[0042] (3) Variant The magnet holder 23 does not necessarily have a hole 232 through which the bimetal 21 passes. If the magnet holder 23 does not have a hole 232, the magnet holder 23 and the bimetal 21 are positioned at a distance from each other, for example, when viewed from above (and also when viewed from front to back in the front-rear direction Y1).

[0043] The movable contact 13 does not have to be plate-shaped; for example, it may be rod-shaped.

[0044] (4) Summary The switch (1) according to the first embodiment comprises a movable contact (13), a fixed contact (14), a housing (15), a button portion (18), and a latch portion (20). The housing (15) houses the movable contact (13) and the fixed contact (14). The button portion (18) is biased forward by a first biasing portion (17). The button portion (18) is also positioned in the housing (15) so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction (Y1) by pushing its head (181) backward. The latch portion (20) is also positioned in the housing (15) so as to be slidable in the up-down direction (Y2) perpendicular to the front-rear direction (Y1). The latch portion (20) is also biased toward the button portion (18) by a second biasing portion (19) and holds the button portion (18) in a pressed state. When the button portion (18) is pressed, the movable contact (13) becomes connected to the fixed contact (14).

[0045] According to this embodiment, the contacts can be opened and closed by a push-button mechanism.

[0046] The switch (1) according to the second embodiment further comprises a first terminal (11) and a second terminal (12) in the first embodiment. The movable contact (13) is connected to the first terminal (11) at one end. The fixed contact (14) is connected to the second terminal (12) at one end. The housing (15) has a first groove (150), and the first terminal (11), movable contact (13), fixed contact (14), and second terminal (12) are arranged at the bottom (150a) of the first groove (150). The switch (1) further comprises a cover (16). The cover (16) covers the opening (150b) side of the first groove (150) of the housing (15). The front is oriented from the bottom (150a) to the opening (150b), and the rear is oriented from the opening (150b) to the bottom (150a). When the button portion (18) is pressed in, the latch portion (20) has its tip (201) fitted into the second groove portion (182) provided on the button portion (18), and holds the button portion (18) in the pressed state. The button portion (18) has a contact support portion (183). The contact support portion (183) supports the movable contact (13) so that it can move in the front-rear direction (Y1). When the button portion (18) is pressed in, the contact support portion (183) moves rearward, and the movable contact (13) becomes connected.

[0047] According to this embodiment, the contacts can be opened and closed by a simple push-button mechanism.

[0048] The switch (1) according to the third embodiment further comprises a bimetal (21) in the second embodiment. The bimetal (21) is connected at one end (211) to the fixed contact (14) and is positioned to extend from the bottom (150a) of the first groove (150) in the direction of the opening (150b) from the one end (211) to the other end (212). The bimetal (21) deforms at a temperature above a predetermined temperature. The latch portion (20) has a receiving portion (202). The receiving portion (202) receives the other end (212) of the bimetal (21) when the bimetal (21) deforms. When the receiving portion (202) receives the other end (212) of the bimetal (21), the latch portion (20) is separated from the button portion (18).

[0049] According to this embodiment, the contacts can be opened when a temperature rise occurs due to overcurrent, poor contact, or the like.

[0050] The switch (1) according to the fourth embodiment further comprises a magnet (22) and a magnet holder (23) in any of the first to third embodiments. The magnet holder (23) is constructed separately from the housing (15) and has a housing section (231). The housing section (231) houses the magnet (22). The magnet holder (23) is positioned on the fixed contact (14) such that the housing section (231) is positioned on the contact side between the movable contact (13) and the fixed contact (14).

[0051] According to this embodiment, by arranging the magnet (22) on the contact side between the movable contact (13) and the fixed contact (14), when an arc occurs from the fixed contact (14) to the movable contact (13), the length of the path through which the arc passes (arc length) can be extended by the Lorentz force due to the magnetic field from the magnet (22), thereby suppressing the arc.

[0052] The switch (1) according to the fifth embodiment further comprises a magnet (22) and a magnet holder (23) in the third embodiment. The magnet holder (23) is constructed separately from the housing (15) and has a housing section (231). The housing section (231) houses the magnet (22). The magnet holder (23) is positioned on the fixed contact (14) such that the housing section (231) is positioned on the contact side between the movable contact (13) and the fixed contact (14). The magnet holder (23) has a hole (232) through which a bimetal (21) passes.

[0053] According to this embodiment, by arranging the magnet (22) on the contact side between the movable contact (13) and the fixed contact (14), when an arc occurs from the fixed contact (14) to the movable contact (13), the length of the arc path (arc length) can be extended by the Lorentz force due to the magnetic field from the magnet (22), thereby suppressing the arc. Furthermore, by having the bimetal (21) penetrate the magnet holding part (23), the switch (1) can be made smaller. Thus, both arc suppression and miniaturization of the switch (1) can be achieved.

[0054] In the switch (1) according to the sixth embodiment, in any of the second to fifth embodiments, the housing (15) has a pair of first grooves (150) including a first groove (150). The pair of first grooves (150) are parallel to each other. A first terminal (11), a movable contact (13), a fixed contact (14), and a second terminal (12) are arranged in each of the pair of first grooves (150), and a button portion (18) and a latch portion (20) are provided between the pair of first grooves (150).

[0055] According to this embodiment, a simple push-button mechanism allows a pair of DC contacts to be opened and closed.

[0056] In the switch (1) according to the seventh embodiment, in any of the second to sixth embodiments, a pair of first terminals (11), including a first terminal (11), are provided on the housing (15) arranged in the left-right direction (Y3) perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction, respectively. Each of the pair of first terminals (11) is provided with an insertion opening (111) for inserting wiring from above in the up-down direction (Y2). A projection (151) extending upward from the housing (15) is provided between the pair of first terminals (11).

[0057] According to this embodiment, contact between the wires to the pair of first terminals (11) can be prevented.

[0058] The switch (1) according to the eighth embodiment further comprises a knob (25) in the third embodiment. The knob (25) is positioned on the latch (20) so as to slide in the same direction as the sliding direction of the latch (20), and is biased by the third bias (24) in the same direction as the second bias (19). The latch (20) has a first projection (203) on the surface facing the knob (25). The knob (25) has a recess (251) into which the first projection (203) fits. The recess (251) is provided to be large enough so that the first projection (203) is subjected to deformation of the bimetal (21), allowing the latch (20) to separate from the button (18).

[0059] According to this embodiment, the latch portion (20) can be made to detach from the button portion (18) by sliding the knob portion (25). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0060] 1 Switch 11 1st terminal 12 2nd terminal 111 outlet 13 Movable contact 14 Fixed contact 15 cabinets 150 First groove 150a bottom 150b aperture 151,152 Protrusion 16 Lid 161 Window section 17 First biasing section 18 Button section 181 Head 182 Second trench section 183 Contact support part 19 Second biasing section 20 Latch section 201 Tip 202 Receiving Department 203 1st protrusion 21 Bimetal 211 one end 212 Other end 22 Magnets 23 Magnet holder 231 Storage Unit 232 holes 24 Third biasing section 25 Knob section 251 recess

Claims

1. A movable contact, Fixed contactor, A housing in which the movable contact and the fixed contact are arranged, A button portion is positioned on the housing so as to be biased forward by a first biasing portion and so as to be able to slide in the front-rear direction by pushing the head backward, The housing is slidable in the forward-backward direction and vertically perpendicular to it, and includes a latch portion that is biased toward the button portion by a second biasing portion and holds the button portion in a pressed state, When the button is pressed, the movable contact becomes connected to the fixed contact. Switch.

2. First terminal and It further includes a second terminal, The movable contact is connected to the first terminal at one end, The fixed contact is connected to the second terminal at one end. The housing has a first groove at the bottom on which the first terminal, the movable contact, the fixed contact, and the second terminal are arranged. The housing further comprises a cover that covers the opening side of the first groove, The forward direction is from the bottom to the opening. The rearward direction is from the opening to the bottom. The latch portion, when the button portion is pressed in, has its tip fitted into the second groove provided in the button portion, thereby maintaining the pressed-in state of the button portion. The button portion has a contact support portion that supports the movable contact so that it can move in the front-rear direction, When the button is pressed, the contact support moves to the rear, causing the movable contact to enter the connected state. The switch according to claim 1.

3. The fixed contact is connected at one end, and the bimetal is arranged to extend from the bottom of the first groove towards the opening, from one end to the other end, and is deformable at a temperature above a predetermined temperature. The latch portion has a receiving portion that receives the other end of the bimetal when the bimetal deforms. When the receiving portion receives the other end of the bimetal, the latch portion is separated from the button portion. The switch according to claim 2.

4. Magnets and The system further comprises a magnet holding part, which is separate from the housing and has a housing part for housing the magnet, The magnet holding portion is positioned on the fixed contact such that the housing portion is positioned on the contact side between the movable contact and the fixed contact. A switch according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. Magnets and It further comprises a magnet holding part, which is constructed separately from the aforementioned housing and has a housing part for housing the magnet, The magnet holding portion is positioned on the fixed contact such that the housing portion is positioned on the contact side between the movable contact and the fixed contact. The magnet holding portion has a hole through which the bimetal passes. The switch according to claim 3.

6. The housing has a pair of parallel first grooves, including the first groove, The first terminal, the movable contact, the fixed contact, and the second terminal are arranged in each of the pair of first grooves. The button portion and the latch portion are provided between the pair of first groove portions. The switch according to claim 2 or 3.

7. A pair of first terminals, including the first terminal, are provided on the housing in a left-right direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction, respectively. Each of the pair of first terminals is provided with an insertion slot for inserting wiring from above in the vertical direction. A projection extending upward from the housing is provided between the pair of first terminals. The switch according to claim 2 or 3.

8. The latch portion is further provided with a knob portion that is positioned on the latch portion so as to slide in the same direction as the sliding direction of the latch portion and is biased by the third bias portion in the same direction as the second bias portion, The latch portion has a first projection on the surface facing the knob portion, The knob portion has a recess into which the first projection enters, The recess is provided in such a size that the first projection is subjected to deformation of the bimetal, allowing the latch portion to separate from the button portion. The switch according to claim 3.

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