Selector switch

Abstract

To further downsize a selector switch of snap action type.SOLUTION: The present invention comprises: a case; a slider that slides in the vertical direction when depressed; a first actuator that swings downward by being depressed by the slider; a second actuator that holds a movable contact member; a fixed contact whose electrical continuity state is toggled by contact with and separation from the movable contact member; a cam that is pivotally supported by the second actuator and has a cam crest that comes into contact with the lower side inclined face of the first actuator, the cam swinging downward as the cam crest is depressed while sliding along the lower side inclined face; and a biasing member that biases the cam upward. The cam pulls up the second actuator and toggles the state of electrical continuity between the movable contact member and the fixed contact as the cam crest slides up along the lower side inclined face toward the apex by a biasing force from the biasing member when the first actuator swings a prescribed angle downward.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a changeover switch. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a changeover switch has been known in which a slider is moved up and down by a pushing operation, thereby enabling switching between a first conductive state and a second conductive state with a snap action (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-058271 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, conventional snap-action changeover switches use a coil spring that is arranged to elastically deform horizontally to urge the slider in the return direction, which makes it impossible to reduce the horizontal size and therefore makes it impossible to further miniaturize the changeover switch. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one embodiment, the changeover switch comprises a case, a slider that slides up and down when pressed down, a first actuator that rotates downward when pressed down by the slider, a second actuator that holds a movable contact member, a fixed contact whose conductive state is switched by contact and separation with the movable contact member, a cam that is rotatably supported by the second actuator and has a cam lobe that abuts the lower inclined surface of the first actuator, and rotates downward when the cam lobe is pressed down while sliding along the lower inclined surface, and a biasing member that biases the cam upward, and when the first actuator rotates downward a predetermined angle, the cam lifts the second actuator by causing the cam lobe to slide up the lower inclined surface toward the top due to the biasing force from the biasing member, thereby switching the conductive state between the movable contact member and the fixed contact. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to one embodiment, it is possible to further reduce the size of the snap-action changeover switch. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a changeover switch according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] 1 is a plan view of a changeover switch according to an embodiment; [Figure 3] 1 is a side view of a changeover switch according to an embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a changeover switch according to an embodiment; [Figure 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a changeover switch according to an embodiment; [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a changeover switch according to an embodiment; [Figure 7] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a case of a changeover switch according to an embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a terminal portion of a changeover switch according to an embodiment; [Figure 9]FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a terminal portion (without a terminal holder) included in a changeover switch according to an embodiment; [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a movable unit included in a changeover switch according to an embodiment; [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a movable unit included in a changeover switch according to an embodiment; [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a changeover switch according to an embodiment; [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a changeover switch according to an embodiment; [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a changeover switch according to an embodiment; [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a changeover switch according to an embodiment; [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a changeover switch according to an embodiment; [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a changeover switch according to an embodiment; [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a changeover switch according to an embodiment; [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a changeover switch according to an embodiment; [Figure 20A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a changeover switch according to an embodiment; [Figure 20B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the first actuator is rotatably supported by a first shaft portion of the lid. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a changeover switch according to an embodiment; [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a changeover switch according to an embodiment; [Figure 23] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a first actuator according to an embodiment, seen from above; [Figure 24] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an external appearance of a first actuator according to an embodiment, seen from below; [Figure 25] FIG. 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a case according to an embodiment (in which the first actuator is not disposed) viewed from above; [Figure 26] 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a case (in which a first actuator is disposed) according to an embodiment, viewed from above; FIG. [Figure 27] FIG. 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a case (in which a first actuator is disposed) according to an embodiment, as viewed from the side; [Figure 28] FIG. 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a case (in which a first actuator is disposed) according to an embodiment, as viewed from the side; [Figure 29] FIG. 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a changeover switch according to an embodiment, seen from the side; [Figure 30] FIG. 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a changeover switch according to an embodiment, seen from the side; [Figure 31] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a first actuator and a slider according to an embodiment; [Figure 32] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a first actuator and a slider according to an embodiment; [Figure 33] 10 is a side view of a first actuator according to a first modified example; [Figure 34] 10 is a side view of a first actuator according to a second modified example. [Figure 35A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a sliding up operation of a cam lobe relative to a first actuator according to a second modified example. [Figure 35B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a sliding up operation of a cam lobe relative to a first actuator according to a second modified example. [Figure 35C] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a sliding up operation of a cam lobe relative to a first actuator according to a second modified example. [Figure 35D] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a sliding up operation of a cam lobe relative to a first actuator according to a second modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. For convenience, in the following description, the Z-axis direction (the sliding direction of the slider 130) in the drawings will be referred to as the up-down direction, and the Y-axis direction (the short side direction of the case 110) in the drawings will be referred to as the left-right direction.

[0009] (Overview of the changeover switch 100) Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a changeover switch 100 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the changeover switch 100 according to an embodiment. Fig. 3 is a side view of the changeover switch 100 according to an embodiment.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the changeover switch 100 includes a case 110, a slider 130, and a holder 150.

[0011] The case 110 has a hollow structure and a rectangular parallelepiped shape with an open top. The top opening of the case 110 is closed by a flat lid 112. The lid 112 has a circular opening 112A (see FIG. 4) formed therein for passing the slider 130 therethrough. A columnar pivot support 112B is provided on the underside of the lid 112 and hangs down. A first shaft 112C (see FIG. 30) with a curved tip and a downwardly convex shape is formed at the lower end of the pivot support 112B. The first shaft 112C abuts against an upper bearing surface 161A (see FIGS. 10 and 11) of a first actuator 161 provided in the movable unit 160, thereby pivotally supporting the first actuator 161 from above the first actuator 161 so that the first actuator 161 can rotate.

[0012] Slider 130 is a generally cylindrical member that is pressed down. Slider 130 is provided to pass through opening 112A of lid 112, with a portion of slider 130 protruding above the upper surface of lid 112. Slider 130 is provided to be slidable in the up and down direction (Z-axis direction) relative to case 110.

[0013] The conduction state of the changeover switch 100 can be changed by pressing down the slider 130. Specifically, the changeover switch 100 is in a first conduction state when the slider 130 is not pressed down. When the slider 130 is pressed down, the changeover switch 100 switches to a second conduction state.

[0014] The holder 150 is an annular member that covers the upper surface of the lid 112 and surrounds the slider 130. The holder 150 has a pair of hooks 152 that hang down from its outer periphery. The holder 150 is attached to the case 110 by each of the pair of hooks 152 engaging with each of a pair of claws 114 provided on each of a pair of parallel side surfaces of the case 110. In this way, the holder 150 fixes the lid 112 to the case 110. For example, the holder 150 is formed by processing a metal plate.

[0015] (Configuration of the changeover switch 100) Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the changeover switch 100 according to one embodiment. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the changeover switch 100 according to one embodiment. Fig. 6 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the changeover switch 100 according to one embodiment.

[0016] 4 to 6, the changeover switch 100 is configured to include a holder 150, a lid 112, a slider 130, a movable unit 160, and a case 110. That is, the changeover switch 100 further includes a movable unit 160 in addition to the configuration described with reference to FIGS.

[0017] The movable unit 160 is provided inside the case 110. The movable unit 160 is configured by combining a plurality of movable parts. The movable unit 160 operates in response to the up and down movement caused by the pressing operation of the slider 130, thereby switching the changeover switch 100 between the first conductive state and the second conductive state by a snap action. The specific configuration of the movable unit 160 will be described later using Figures 10 and 11.

[0018] (Internal structure of case 110) Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a case 110 included in a changeover switch 100 according to an embodiment. Fig. 8 is an external perspective view of a terminal unit 170 included in a changeover switch 100 according to an embodiment. Fig. 9 is an external perspective view of the terminal unit 170 (with terminal holders 174, 175 omitted) included in a changeover switch 100 according to an embodiment.

[0019] 7, case 110 has space 110A that is open at the top. A part of the lower side of slider 130 and movable unit 160 are housed in space 110A. For example, case 110 is formed by injection molding a relatively hard insulating material (for example, hard resin).

[0020] 7, a guide rib 110C having a certain width in the Y-axis direction and extending linearly in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) is formed on the inner wall surface of the case 110 on the X-axis positive side that is exposed to the space 110A. The guide rib 110C is provided to guide the downward sliding of the first actuator 161. A second shaft portion 110D (see FIG. 25) formed at an upper corner of the guide rib 110C abuts against a lower bearing surface 161F of the first actuator 161, thereby rotatably supporting the first actuator 161 from below the first actuator 161.

[0021] 7, two sets of terminal portions 170 (terminal portions 170A, 170B) are provided side by side in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) on bottom portion 110B of case 110 that is exposed to space 110A. Terminal portion 170A is provided on the Y-axis negative side of bottom portion 110B. Terminal portion 170B is provided on the Y-axis positive side of bottom portion 110B. Terminal portion 170A and terminal portion 170B are line-symmetric with respect to each other, with a straight line extending in the X-axis direction through their midpoints.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the terminal portions 170A and 170B each include a first fixed contact 171, a second fixed contact 172, a third fixed contact 173, a terminal holder 174, and a terminal holder 175.

[0023] Each of the fixed contacts 171 to 173 is formed by processing (for example, pressing) a metal plate. One end of each of the fixed contacts 171 to 173 has a shape that stands perpendicular to the bottom 110B, and the other end has a shape that penetrates the bottom 110B and extends to the side of the case 110 along the bottom surface of the case 110.

[0024] Each of the fixed contacts 171 to 173 included in terminal portion 170A has a shape that extends laterally on the Y-axis negative side of case 110. Each of the fixed contacts 171 to 173 included in terminal portion 170B has a shape that extends laterally on the Y-axis positive side of case 110.

[0025] Third fixed contact 173 is provided on bottom 110B on the positive X-axis side of the center in the X-axis direction. Third fixed contact 173 is held by terminal holder 174. Terminal holder 174 is made of an insulating material and is formed integrally with third fixed contact 173.

[0026] Second fixed contact 172 is provided at the center in the X-axis direction on bottom portion 110B. First fixed contact 171 is provided on bottom portion 110B on the X-axis negative side of the center in the X-axis direction. Second fixed contact 172 and first fixed contact 171 are held by terminal holder 175. Terminal holder 175 is made of an insulating material and is formed integrally with second fixed contact 172 and first fixed contact 171.

[0027] In the changeover switch 100, in the first conductive state (when the slider 130 is not pressed down), the first fixed contact 171 and the third fixed contact 173 are in a state of mutual conduction via the movable contact member 165 (see Figures 10 and 11) provided in the movable unit 160.

[0028] In addition, when the changeover switch 100 is in the second conductive state (when the slider 130 is pressed down), the second fixed contact 172 and the third fixed contact 173 are in a state of mutual conduction via the movable contact member 165 provided in the movable unit 160.

[0029] (Configuration of movable unit 160) Fig. 10 is an external perspective view of the movable unit 160 included in the changeover switch 100 according to one embodiment. Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the movable unit 160 included in the changeover switch 100 according to one embodiment.

[0030] 10 and 11, the movable unit 160 includes a first actuator 161, a cam 162, a torsion spring 163, a second actuator 164, and a pair of movable contact members 165. Of these components, the cam 162, the torsion spring 163, the second actuator 164, and the pair of movable contact members 165 are combined with each other to form an integrated unit, as shown in FIG.

[0031] The first actuator 161 is an arm-shaped member extending from the X-axis positive side of the case 110 toward the X-axis negative side. The first actuator 161 is rotatable relative to the inner wall surface of the X-axis positive side of the case 110, with an upper bearing surface 161A and a lower bearing surface 161F provided at the rear end as rotation centers. The rotatable configuration of the first actuator 161 will be described later with reference to FIG. 23 and subsequent figures. The first actuator 161 rotates downward when upper contact surfaces 161B provided at each step on both sides in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) are pressed down by the slider 130. At this time, the first actuator 161 presses down the cam 162 at a lower inclined surface 161C provided below the center of the tip end side (X-axis negative side). When first actuator 161 has rotated downward by a predetermined angle, further downward rotation by slider 130 is restricted. When first actuator 161 is pressed further downward by slider 130 from a state in which downward rotation is restricted (i.e., when slider 130 overstrokes), first actuator 161 slides downward together with slider 130 along guide rib 110C (see FIG. 7) formed on the inner wall surface of case 110 on the X-axis positive side, while maintaining the state in which it has rotated by the predetermined angle.

[0032] The cam 162 is a rotatable arm-shaped member that extends obliquely upward from the X-axis negative side toward the X-axis positive side within the space 110A of the case 110. The cam 162 has a pair of left and right arms 162A that extend obliquely upward from the X-axis negative side toward the X-axis positive side. A rotation shaft 162B that protrudes inward is provided at the rear end (end on the X-axis negative side) of each of the pair of arms 162A. The rotation shaft 162B of the cam 162 is rotatably supported by a support portion 164A provided at the rear end (end on the X-axis negative side) of the second actuator 164. The cam 162 is biased upward by a torsion spring 163, which is a biasing member. The cam 162 has a cam lobe 162C at its tip (end on the X-axis negative side) that is curved and convex upward. Cam 162 is pushed down while cam lobe 162C slides on lower inclined surface 161C of first actuator 161, causing cam 162 to rotate downward around pivot shaft 162B as the center of rotation while elastically deforming torsion spring 163. When slider 130 is pushed down to a predetermined height position, cam lobe 162C slides up lower inclined surface 161C of first actuator 161, causing pivot shaft 162B to lift up pivot support 164A of second actuator 164. As a result, cam 162 switches the contact point of movable contact member 165 held by second actuator 164 from first fixed contact 171 to second fixed contact 172.

[0033] Torsion spring 163 is an elastic metal member. One arm 163A of torsion spring 163 urges the upper surface of second actuator 164 downward, and the other arm 163B urges cam 162 upward.

[0034] The second actuator 164 rotatably supports the pivot shaft 162B of the cam 162 via the pivot support 164A. The second actuator 164 also holds a pair of movable contact members 165. The second actuator 164 is pressed against the inner bottom surface of the case 110 by the biasing force of the torsion spring 163. When the slider 130 is pressed down to a predetermined height position, the pivot support 164A of the second actuator 164 is instantly pulled upward by the pivot shaft 162B of the cam 162. As a result, the second actuator 164 instantly switches the contact position of the first contact portion 165A provided at the rear end of each of the pair of movable contact members 165 from the first fixed contact 171 to the second fixed contact 172, thereby performing a snap action operation.

[0035] The movable contact member 165 is a conductive member extending in the X-axis direction. A second contact portion 165B provided at the other end (the end on the positive side of the X-axis) of the movable contact member 165 contacts a third fixed contact 173. A first contact portion 165A provided at one end (the end on the negative side of the X-axis) of the movable contact member 165 contacts a first fixed contact 171 in a first conductive state and contacts a second fixed contact 172 in a second conductive state. For example, the movable contact member 165 is formed by processing a thin metal plate. The first contact portion 165A has a shape that sandwiches the first fixed contact 171 and the second fixed contact 172 from both the left and right sides and is elastically deformable in the left-right direction. This allows the first contact portion 165A to securely clamp the first fixed contact 171 and the second fixed contact 172 from both the left and right sides, thereby preventing poor contact with the first fixed contact 171 and the second fixed contact 172.

[0036] (Operation of the changeover switch 100) 12 to 22 are diagrams for explaining the operation of the changeover switch 100 according to one embodiment.

[0037] <First state> 12 shows a state (first state) in which the slider 130 is not being pressed down. In this first state, a pressing surface 130A provided at the bottom end of the slider 130 abuts against a cam lobe 162C provided at the tip of the cam 162. In addition, in this first state, the movable contact member 165 held by the second actuator 164 is in a horizontal state, with the first contact portion 165A in contact with the first fixed contact 171 and the second contact portion 165B in contact with the third fixed contact 173. In other words, the changeover switch 100 is in a first conductive state.

[0038] <Second state> When the pressing operation of slider 130 is started from the first state shown in Fig. 12, pressing surface 130A of slider 130 presses cam lobe 162C of cam 162 downward, as shown in Fig. 13. As a result, cam 162 starts to rotate downward around rotation shaft 162B, which is journaled by journal support 164A of second actuator 164, as the rotation center.

[0039] 13, after the slider 130 starts to slide downward, when the slider 130 slides slightly downward, the pressing portions 130B (see FIG. 31) on both sides in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the slider 130 come into contact with the upper contact surfaces 161B on both sides in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the first actuator 161. As a result, the slider 130 starts to press down the first actuator 161 in addition to pressing down the cam 162. The first actuator 161 is pressed down by the pressing portions 130B of the slider 130, and starts to rotate downward around the first shaft portion 112C as the rotation center.

[0040] <Third state> 13, when the slider 130 slides slightly downward, the lower inclined surface 161C of the first actuator 161 comes into contact with the cam lobe 162C of the cam 162, as shown in FIG. 14. Thereafter, the cam lobe 162C of the cam 162 moves away from the pressing surface 130A of the slider 130, and is pressed down by the lower inclined surface 161C of the first actuator 161.

[0041] <Fourth state> 15, when first actuator 161 rotates downward to a predetermined angle, rotation of first actuator 161 is restricted. At this time, the biasing force from torsion spring 163 causes cam lobe 162C of cam 162 to slide up lower inclined surface 161C of first actuator 161, and the force that causes cam lobe 162C to slide up lower inclined surface 161C of first actuator 161 exceeds the frictional resistance between cam lobe 162C and lower inclined surface 161C, causing cam lobe 162C to instantly slide up lower inclined surface 161C toward apex 161D of lower inclined surface 161C and stop upon entering apex 161D. At this time, because apex 161D has a gently curved surface shape, the abutment noise between cam lobe 162C and apex 161D is suppressed.

[0042] <Fifth state> 16, the rotation shaft 162B of the cam 162 instantly pulls the support portion 164A of the second actuator 164 upward. At this time, the second actuator 164 rotates upward about the contact point between the second contact portion 165B of the movable contact member 165 held by the second actuator 164 and the third fixed contact 173 (i.e., the bent portion of the third fixed contact 173) as a fulcrum. As a result, the contact position of the first contact portion 165A of the movable contact member 165 held by the second actuator 164 instantaneously switches from the first fixed contact 171 to the second fixed contact 172. As a result, the second fixed contact 172 and the third fixed contact 173 are electrically connected to each other via the movable contact member 165, that is, the changeover switch 100 switches to the second conductive state. This allows the changeover switch 100 to perform instantaneous switching operations with a snap action.

[0043] <Sixth state> 17, when slider 130 is further pushed downward due to an overstroke in which slider 130 is further pushed downward after the switching operation, first actuator 161 slides downward together with slider 130 while pushing down cam lobe 162C of cam 162 with the rotation angle fixed. At this time, the sliding of first actuator 161 is guided by guide rib 110C provided on the inner wall surface on the X-axis positive side of case 110. Also, at this time, first actuator 161 gradually moves downward away from first shaft portion 112C of lid 112, which was the rotation center.

[0044] <Seventh state> 18, when slider 130 is pushed down until lower end 130E of slider 130 shown in FIG. 5 comes into contact with bottom 110B of case 110, downward sliding of slider 130 and first actuator 161 stops. That is, FIG. 18 shows a state in which slider 130 is pushed down to the lowest position due to an overstroke of slider 130.

[0045] Thereafter, when the pressing operation of the slider 130 is released, the slider 130 is pushed upward by the cam 162 and the first actuator 161 due to the biasing force from the torsion spring 163, and returns to the initial position shown in FIG.

[0046] <8th state> Specifically, from the seventh state shown in FIG. 18 , as shown in FIG. 19 , the cam lobe 162C of the cam 162 pushes the first actuator 161 upward due to the biasing force of the torsion spring 163. As a result, the first actuator 161 slides upward while pushing up the slider 130, with the rotation angle kept fixed. At this time, the sliding of the first actuator 161 is guided by a guide rib 110C provided on the inner wall surface on the X-axis positive side of the case 110. Then, as shown in FIG. 19 , when the first actuator 161 abuts against the first shaft portion 112C of the lid 112, the upward sliding of the first actuator 161 stops.

[0047] <9th state> 20A, when first actuator 161 is pushed up by cam lobe 162C of cam 162, it rotates upward while being pivotally supported on first shaft 112C of lid 112, and pushes up slider 130. Note that the manner in which first actuator 161 is pivotally supported on first shaft 112C of lid 112 is shown in FIG. 20B. Then, the biasing force from torsion spring 163 causes cam lobe 162C of cam 162 to slide up lower inclined surface 161C of first actuator 161, and this force exceeds the frictional resistance between cam lobe 162C and lower inclined surface 161C, so that cam lobe 162C instantly slides up lower inclined surface 161C toward the tip of first actuator 161. As a result, the pivot shaft 162B of the cam 162 no longer pulls up the support portion 164A of the second actuator 164, and the second actuator 164 instantly rotates downward around the contact point between the second contact portion 165B of the movable contact member 165 and the third fixed contact 173 as the center of rotation.

[0048] <10th state> 21, when second actuator 164 momentarily rotates downward, the contact position of first contact portion 165A of movable contact member 165 held by second actuator 164 momentarily switches from second fixed contact 172 to first fixed contact 171. As a result, first fixed contact 171 and third fixed contact 173 are brought into electrical conduction with each other via movable contact member 165, that is, changeover switch 100 momentarily switches to the first conductive state. This allows changeover switch 100 to perform instantaneous switching operation with a snap action. Also, as shown in Figure 21, when the contact position of the cam lobe 162C of the cam 162 switches from the lower inclined surface 161C of the first actuator 161 to the pressing surface 130A of the slider 130, the upward rotation of the first actuator 161 ends, and the cam lobe 162C of the cam 162 urges the pressing surface 130A of the slider 130 upward, directly sliding the slider 130 upward.

[0049] <11th state> 22, when slider 130 comes into contact with the underside of lid 112, slider 130 stops sliding upward. That is, Fig. 22 shows the state in which slider 130 is pushed up to the maximum (initial state).

[0050] (Pivotable configuration of first actuator 161) Next, the rotatable configuration of the first actuator 161 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0051] Fig. 23 is an external perspective view of a first actuator 161 according to one embodiment, as seen from above. Fig. 24 is an external perspective view of a first actuator 161 according to one embodiment, as seen from below.

[0052] 23 and 24, the first actuator 161 has a tip shape that protrudes toward the cam 162 side (X-axis negative side) at the center in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) on its tip side (X-axis negative side). An upper abutment surface 161B that is pressed down by the slider 130 is formed at each step on both sides in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the first actuator 161. In addition, a lower inclined surface 161C that presses down the cam 162 is formed below the center of the tip side of the first actuator 161.

[0053] 23 and 24, the first actuator 161 has a guide groove 161E cut out in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) with a certain width at the center in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of its rear end (the end on the positive side of the X-axis). As a result, the rear end of the first actuator 161 has a shape that has a pair of left and right legs 161H sandwiching the guide groove 161E therebetween.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 23, each of the pair of legs 161H of the first actuator 161 is provided with an upper bearing surface 161A that is curved and exposed upward.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 24, the first actuator 161 has a curved lower bearing surface 161F exposed downward (i.e., exposed to the guide groove 161E) at the rear end of the center portion in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction).

[0056] Fig. 25 is a perspective cross-sectional view of case 110 according to one embodiment (in a state where first actuator 161 is not arranged) as viewed from above. Fig. 26 is a perspective cross-sectional view of case 110 according to one embodiment (in a state where first actuator 161 is arranged) as viewed from above.

[0057] 27 and 28 are perspective cross-sectional views of the case 110 (with the first actuator 161 disposed) according to one embodiment, as viewed from the side. Fig. 27 shows a cross section of only the case 110. Fig. 28 shows a cross section of the first actuator 161, cutting the center in the left-right direction.

[0058] 29 and 30 are perspective cross-sectional views of a changeover switch 100 according to one embodiment, as viewed from the side. Fig. 29 shows a cross section taken along the center in the left-right direction of the first actuator 161. Fig. 30 shows a cross section taken along the left leg 161H of the first actuator 161.

[0059] 25 to 27, first actuator 161 is arranged so that a pair of legs 161H sandwiches guide rib 110C formed on the inner wall surface on the X-axis positive side of case 110 from both the left and right sides (i.e., so that guide rib 110C is fitted into guide groove 161E). The width of guide groove 161E is approximately the same size as the width of guide rib 110C formed on the inner wall surface on the X-axis positive side of case 110. As a result, when slider 130 over-strokes, first actuator 161 can slide up and down (in the Z-axis direction) along guide rib 110C while rattle in the left-right direction (in the Y-axis direction) is suppressed by guide rib 110C.

[0060] Also, as shown in Figures 26 to 29, when the first actuator 161 is placed on the upper end of the guide rib 110C, the lower bearing surface 161F of the first actuator 161 rides up on the second shaft portion 110D formed at the upper corner of the guide rib 110C, thereby bearing the second shaft portion 110D.

[0061] Also, as shown in FIG. 30, the upper bearing surface 161A of the first actuator 161 bears the first shaft portion 112C formed at the lower end of the support portion 112B (see FIG. 4) that hangs down from the underside of the lid 112 by being abutted against the first shaft portion 112C.

[0062] That is, first actuator 161 has upper bearing surface 161A journaled from above by first shaft portion 112C, and lower bearing surface 161F journaled from below by second shaft portion 110D. As a result, first actuator 161 is disposed rotatable about upper bearing surface 161A and lower bearing surface 161F as rotation centers relative to the inner wall surface on the X-axis positive side of case 110.

[0063] (Relationship between the first actuator 161 and the slider 130) 31 and 32 are external perspective views of a first actuator 161 and a slider 130 according to one embodiment.

[0064] 32, the first actuator 161 has a shaft-shaped protruding portion 161G that protrudes outward on each of a pair of legs 161H. The protruding portion 161G is disposed in a slide groove 130C that extends in the up-down direction and is formed in the slider 130. As the slider 130 slides in the up-down direction and the first actuator 161 rotates, the protruding portion 161G moves up-down within the slide groove 130C while rotating.

[0065] When the slider 130 is pressed down by a predetermined amount and the first actuator 161 rotates by a predetermined angle, the protruding portion 161G comes into contact with the upper end surface 130D of the slide groove 130C, thereby restricting further rotation of the first actuator 161.

[0066] In this state, the lower bearing surface 161F of the first actuator 161 is released from riding on the second shaft portion 110D formed at the upper corner of the guide rib 110C. This allows the first actuator 161 to slide downward. Therefore, when the slider 130 is further pressed down by the overstroke of the slider 130, the first actuator 161 slides downward together with the slider 130 along the guide rib 110C.

[0067] As described above, the changeover switch 100 according to one embodiment includes the case 110, the slider 130 that slides up and down when pressed down, the first actuator 161 that rotates downward when pressed down by the slider 130, the second actuator 164 that holds the movable contact member 165, the first fixed contact 171 and the second fixed contact 172 that come into contact with the movable contact member 165, and the cam lobe 161 that is rotatably supported by the second actuator 164 and abuts against the lower inclined surface 161C of the first actuator. 2C, and is provided with a cam 162 that rotates downward when a cam lobe 162C is pushed down while sliding on a lower inclined surface 161C, and a torsion spring 163 that urges the cam 162 upward, and when the first actuator 161 rotates downward by a predetermined angle, the cam lobe 162C of the cam 162 instantly slides up the lower inclined surface 161C due to the urging force from the torsion spring 163, thereby pulling up the second actuator 164 and instantly switching the contact partner of the movable contact member 165 from the first fixed contact 171 to the second fixed contact 172.

[0068] As a result, the changeover switch 100 according to one embodiment uses the torsion spring 163 to urge the slider 130 in the return direction, and therefore can be made smaller in size in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction and Y-axis direction) compared to a conventional changeover switch that uses a coil spring to urge the slider in the return direction. Therefore, the changeover switch 100 according to one embodiment can achieve even greater miniaturization of the changeover switch.

[0069] Furthermore, in the changeover switch 100 according to one embodiment, when the second actuator 164 is pulled up by the cam 162, the second actuator 164 rotates upward around the contact position between the movable contact member 165 and the third fixed contact 173 as a fulcrum while keeping the movable contact member 165 in contact with the third fixed contact 173, thereby instantly switching the contact partner of the movable contact member 165 from the first fixed contact 171 to the second fixed contact 172.

[0070] As a result, the changeover switch 100 of one embodiment uses the contact position between the movable contact member 165 and the third fixed contact 173 as a fulcrum, so there is no need to provide a separate fulcrum for rotating the second actuator 164, and therefore the configuration related to the rotation of the second actuator 164 can be made relatively simple.

[0071] Furthermore, in the changeover switch 100 according to one embodiment, the second actuator 164 has a support portion 164A that supports the pivot shaft portion 162B of the cam 162, and the cam 162 switches the contact partner of the movable contact member 165 from the first fixed contact 171 to the second fixed contact 172 by lifting up the support portion 164A of the second actuator 164 with the pivot shaft portion 162B.

[0072] As a result, in the changeover switch 100 according to one embodiment, the cam 162 is rotatably connected to the second actuator 164, and the second actuator 164 can be rotated upward by the connection portion, so that the configuration related to the rotation of the second actuator 164 can be made relatively simple.

[0073] In the changeover switch 100 according to one embodiment, the second actuator 164 is pressed against the inner bottom of the case 110 by the biasing force of the torsion spring 163 .

[0074] As a result, the changeover switch 100 according to one embodiment can both urge the slider 130 in the return direction and press the second actuator 164 against the inner bottom of the case 110 with a relatively simple configuration using one torsion spring 163.

[0075] Furthermore, in the changeover switch 100 according to one embodiment, when the slider 130 moves downward to a predetermined height position, the first actuator 161 is restricted from further rotating downward.

[0076] As a result, the changeover switch 100 according to one embodiment can prevent the first actuator 161 from rotating excessively downward.

[0077] Furthermore, in the changeover switch 100 according to one embodiment, the slider 130 has a slide groove along which the protruding portion 161G of the first actuator 161 slides in the vertical direction, and when the slider moves downward to a predetermined height position, the protruding portion 161G abuts against the upper end surface of the slide groove, thereby restricting further downward rotation of the first actuator 161.

[0078] As a result, the changeover switch 100 according to one embodiment can reliably prevent the first actuator 161 from rotating excessively downward with a relatively simple configuration.

[0079] Furthermore, in the changeover switch 100 according to one embodiment, the first actuator 161 deviates from the rotation axis when the slider 130 moves downward to a predetermined height position.

[0080] As a result, in one embodiment of the changeover switch 100, when the slider 130 is pushed further downward, the first actuator 161 can be moved further downward beyond the center of rotation, thereby enabling the slider 130 to slide further downward.

[0081] Furthermore, in the changeover switch 100 according to one embodiment, after the first actuator 161 deviates from the rotation axis, when the slider 130 moves further downward from a predetermined height position, the first actuator 161 slides downward together with the slider 130 along the guide rib 110C formed on the inner wall surface of the case 110, while the rotation angle remains fixed.

[0082] As a result, the changeover switch 100 according to one embodiment can achieve an overstroke of the slider 130. At that time, the changeover switch 100 according to one embodiment can further press down the cam 162 by the first actuator 161 sliding downward, while the rotation angle of the first actuator 161 remains fixed.

[0083] Furthermore, in the changeover switch 100 according to one embodiment, the guide rib 110C has a second shaft portion 110D at its upper end, and the first actuator 161 has a lower bearing surface 161F, which rides on the second shaft portion 110D, thereby allowing the first actuator 161 to rotate around the second shaft portion 110D as the center of rotation. When the slider 130 moves downward to a predetermined height position, the rotation of the first actuator 161 causes the lower bearing surface 161F to drop off the second shaft portion 110D, thereby deviating from the rotation axis.

[0084] As a result, the changeover switch 100 according to one embodiment can move the first actuator 161 away from the rotation axis with a relatively simple configuration.

[0085] Furthermore, in the changeover switch 100 according to one embodiment, when the slider 130 returns upward to a predetermined height position, the upper bearing surface 161A of the first actuator 161 abuts against the first shaft portion 112C of the lid 112, and when the slider 130 returns further upward from the predetermined height position, the first actuator 161 rotates while being journaled on the first shaft portion 112C. As a result, the first actuator 161 is pushed up by the cam lobe portion 162C of the cam 162, and rotates upward around the first shaft portion 112C as the rotation center.

[0086] As a result, the changeover switch 100 according to one embodiment can restore the first actuator 161 to a rotatable state with a relatively simple configuration.

[0087] Furthermore, in the changeover switch 100 according to one embodiment, when the first actuator 161 rotates upward to a predetermined height position with the first shaft portion 112C as the center of rotation, the cam lobe portion 162C of the cam 162 instantly slides up the lower inclined surface 161C due to the biasing force from the torsion spring 163, thereby canceling the lifting of the second actuator 164 and instantly switching the contact partner of the movable contact member 165 from the second fixed contact 172 to the first fixed contact 171.

[0088] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.

[0089] (First Modification) Fig. 33 is a side view of a first actuator 161-2 according to the first modified example. As shown in Fig. 33, the first actuator 161-2 according to the first modified example has a different shape of a lower inclined surface 161C from the first actuator 161, but the other configurations are the same as those of the first actuator 161.

[0090] The first actuator 161 has a planar shape in which the lower inclined surface 161C has a constant inclination angle. On the other hand, the first actuator 161-2 has a polyhedral shape in which the lower inclined surface 161C is connected to two inclined portions 161Ca and 161Cb having different inclination angles.

[0091] Specifically, the lower inclined surface 161C of the first actuator 161-2 has a flat first inclined portion 161Ca at the leading end side (negative side of the X axis) of the lower inclined surface 161C, and a flat second inclined portion 161Cb following the first inclined portion 161Ca at the trailing end side (positive side of the X axis) of the lower inclined surface 161C. The second inclined portion 161Cb has a steeper inclination angle than the first inclined portion 161Ca.

[0092] According to the first actuator 161-2 of the second modified example, when the cam lobe portion 162C of the cam 162 slides up the lower inclined surface 161C of the first actuator 161-2 toward the tip side, the speed at which the cam lobe portion 162C slides up can be changed in two stages.

[0093] For example, when the cam lobe portion 162C of the cam 162 slides up the second inclined portion 161Cb of the lower inclined surface 161C, the inclination angle of the second inclined portion 161Cb is relatively steep, so the speed at which the cam lobe portion 162C slides up can be made relatively fast.

[0094] On the other hand, when the cam lobe portion 162C of the cam 162 slides up the first inclined portion 161Ca of the lower inclined surface 161C, the inclination angle of the second inclined portion 161Cb is relatively gentle, so the speed at which the cam lobe portion 162C slides up can be made relatively slow.

[0095] Therefore, according to the first actuator 161-2 of the first modified example, the speed at which the cam lobe portion 162C starts to slide up can be increased, and, for example, problems such as getting caught when the cam lobe portion 162C starts to slide up can be made less likely to occur.

[0096] In addition, the first actuator 161-2 according to the first modified example is formed so that the lower inclined surface 161C has two inclined portions 161Ca, 161Cb so that the sliding speed of the cam lobe portion 162C is maximized during a switching operation by snap action.

[0097] Therefore, the first actuator 161-2 according to the first modification can increase the switching speed of the switching operation by snap action, and can provide the effect of suppressing the occurrence of arc discharge during the switching operation, for example.

[0098] (Second Modification) Fig. 34 is a side view of a first actuator 161-3 according to Modification 2. As shown in Fig. 33, the first actuator 161-3 according to Modification 2 has a different shape of a lower inclined surface 161C from that of the first actuator 161, but the other configurations are the same as those of the first actuator 161.

[0099] The first actuator 161 has a planar shape in which the lower inclined surface 161C has a constant inclination angle, whereas the first actuator 161-3 has a curved shape in which the curvature gradually changes in the lower inclined surface 161C.

[0100] Specifically, the lower inclined surface 161C of the first actuator 161-3 has a curved shape in which the curvature gradually increases and the inclination angle gradually becomes gentler from the rear end (the end on the positive side of the X-axis) to the tip end (the end on the negative side of the X-axis) of the lower inclined surface 161C.

[0101] More specifically, the lower inclined surface 161C of the first actuator 161-2 has a first inclined portion 161Cc with a relatively gentle inclination angle at the tip end side (negative side of the X-axis) of the lower inclined surface 161C, and has a second inclined portion 161Cd with a relatively gentle inclination angle that follows the first inclined portion 161Cc at the rear end side (positive side of the X-axis) of the lower inclined surface 161C.

[0102] According to the first actuator 161-3 of the second modified example, when the cam lobe portion 162C of the cam 162 slides up the lower inclined surface 161C of the first actuator 161-3 toward the tip side, the acceleration at which the cam lobe portion 162C slides up can be gradually changed.

[0103] For example, when the cam lobe portion 162C of the cam 162 slides up the second inclined portion 161Cd near the rear end of the lower inclined surface 161C, the inclination angle of the second inclined portion 161Cd is relatively steep, so the acceleration at which the cam lobe portion 162C slides up can be made relatively large.

[0104] On the other hand, when the cam lobe portion 162C of the cam 162 slides up the first inclined portion 161Cc near the tip of the lower inclined surface 161C, the inclination angle of the first inclined portion 161Cc is relatively gentle, so the acceleration of the cam lobe portion 162C sliding up can be gradually reduced.

[0105] Therefore, according to the first actuator 161-3 of the second modified example, the speed at which the cam lobe portion 162C starts to slide up can be increased, making it less likely that problems such as the cam lobe portion 162C getting caught when it starts to slide up.

[0106] In particular, the first actuator 161-3 according to the second modification has a lower inclined surface 161C that has a curved shape that follows a brachystochrone descent curve (cycloid). A brachystochrone descent curve (cycloid) is a curve that a point traces when rolling a circle. For example, when a ball is rolled along a straight line, a circular arc, and a brachystochrone descent curve (cycloid), the ball rolling along the brachystochrone descent curve (cycloid) reaches the end point the fastest.

[0107] Therefore, with the first actuator 161-3 according to the second modified example, it is possible to shorten the time it takes for the cam lobe 162C to reach the tip of the lower inclined surface 161C.

[0108] In addition, the first actuator 161-3 according to the second modified example has a lower inclined surface 161C formed in a curved shape that follows a brachycetochrone (cycloid) so that the sliding speed of the cam lobe portion 162C is maximized during a switching operation by snap action.

[0109] Therefore, the first actuator 161-3 according to the second modification can increase the switching speed of the switching operation by snap action, and can provide the effect of suppressing the occurrence of arc discharge during the switching operation, for example.

[0110] 35A to 35D are diagrams showing an example of the sliding up operation of the cam lobe 162C relative to the first actuator 161-3 according to the second modified example.

[0111] As shown in FIGS. 35A to 35D, in the first actuator 161-3 according to the second modification, the lower inclined surface 161C is formed into a curved shape in which the inclination angle gradually becomes gentler from the rear end (the end on the positive side of the X-axis) to the tip end (the end on the negative side of the X-axis), and in particular, is formed into a curved shape that follows a brachistochrone (cycloid).

[0112] As shown in Figures 35A and 35B, the first actuator 161-3 of the second modified example has a second inclined portion 161Cd (see Figure 34) on the rear end side (positive side of the X-axis) of the lower inclined surface 161C with a relatively steep inclination angle, so that the acceleration at which the cam lobe portion 162C slides up the second inclined portion 161Cd can be made relatively large.

[0113] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 35C and 35D, the first actuator 161-3 of the second modified example has a first inclined portion 161Cc (see Figure 34) on the tip side (negative side of the X-axis) of the lower inclined surface 161C with a relatively gentle inclination angle, so that when the cam lobe portion 162C slides up the first inclined portion 161Cc, the acceleration of the cam lobe portion 162C sliding up can be gradually reduced.

[0114] This international application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-108975, filed on June 24, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 100 changeover switch 110 cases 110A space 110B Bottom 110C Guide Rib 110D 2nd shaft part 112A opening 112 Lid 112A opening 112B Axial support 112C 1st shaft part 114 Claw 130 Slider 130A Pressing surface 150 holder 152 Hook 160 Mobile Unit 161, 161-2, 161-3 First actuator 161Ca 1st slope part 161Cb 2nd slope part 161Cc 1st slope 161Cd 2nd slope section 161A Upper bearing surface 161B Upper contact surface 161C Lower slope 161F Lower bearing surface 161G protruding part 162 Cam 162A Arm 162B Rotating shaft 162C Cam lobe 163 Torsion spring 163A,163B Arm 164 Second Actuator 164A Axial support 165 Movable contact member 165A First Contact 165B Second contact part 170 Terminal section 171 First fixed contact 172 Second fixed contact 173 Third fixed contact 174,175 Terminal holder

Claims

1. Case and a slider that slides up and down when pressed; a first actuator that is pushed down by the slider to rotate downward; a second actuator that holds the movable contact member; a fixed contact whose conductive state is switched by contact with and separation from the movable contact member; a cam that is rotatably supported by a second actuator, has a cam lobe that comes into contact with a lower inclined surface of the first actuator, and rotates downward when the cam lobe is pressed down while sliding on the lower inclined surface; a biasing member that biases the cam upward; Equipped with The cam is When the first actuator rotates downward by a predetermined angle, the cam lobe slides up the lower inclined surface toward the top due to the biasing force from the biasing member, thereby pulling up the second actuator and switching the conduction state between the movable contact member and the fixed contact. A changeover switch characterized by the above.

2. The second actuator includes: When the movable contact member is pulled up by the cam, the movable contact member is rotated upward, thereby switching the conduction state between the movable contact member and the fixed contact.

2. The changeover switch according to claim 1, wherein:

3. The second actuator includes: a shaft support portion for supporting a rotation shaft portion of the cam; The cam is The pivot shaft portion is used to lift up the pivot support portion of the second actuator, thereby switching the conduction state between the movable contact member and the fixed contact.

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

4. The fixed contact is The contactor comprises a first fixed contact and a second fixed contact, which are switched to come into contact with the movable contact member, and a third fixed contact, which is always in contact with the movable contact member.

4. The changeover switch according to claim 1, wherein the changeover switch is a switch having a first end and a second end.

5. The second actuator includes: The biasing force from the biasing member presses the case against the inner bottom.

5. The changeover switch according to claim 1, wherein the changeover switch is a switch having a first end and a second end.

6. The first actuator includes: When the slider moves downward to a predetermined height, further downward rotation is restricted.

6. The changeover switch according to claim 1, wherein the changeover switch is a switch having a first end and a second end.

7. The slider includes: a slide groove in which a protruding portion of the first actuator slides in a vertical direction; The first actuator includes: When the slider moves downward to the predetermined height position, the protruding portion abuts against the upper end surface of the slide groove, thereby restricting further downward rotation.

7. The changeover switch according to claim 6, wherein:

8. The first actuator includes: When the slider moves downward to the predetermined height position, it deviates from the rotation axis.

8. The changeover switch according to claim 7, wherein:

9. The first actuator includes: When the slider moves further downward from the predetermined height position after deviating from the rotation axis, the slider slides downward along the guide rib formed on the inner wall surface of the case while the rotation angle remains fixed.

9. The changeover switch according to claim 8, wherein:

10. The guide rib is A second shaft portion is provided at the upper end thereof. The first actuator includes: a lower bearing surface, the lower bearing surface riding on the second shaft portion, thereby allowing the rotation of the second shaft portion as a rotation center; When the slider moves downward to the predetermined height position, the lower bearing surface falls off the second shaft portion, causing the slider to deviate from the rotation axis.

10. The changeover switch according to claim 9, wherein:

11. The first actuator includes: When the slider returns upward to the predetermined height position, the upper bearing surface of the first actuator abuts against a first shaft portion provided inside the case, and when the slider returns further upward from the predetermined height position, the slider is pushed up by the cam lobe portion of the cam, causing it to rotate upward around the first shaft portion as a rotation center.

11. The changeover switch according to claim 10.

12. The cam is When the first actuator rotates upward to a predetermined height position with the first shaft portion as a rotation center, the cam lobe slides up the lower inclined surface due to the biasing force from the biasing member, thereby canceling the pulling up of the second actuator and switching the conduction state between the movable contact member and the fixed contact.

12. The changeover switch according to claim 11 .

13. The biasing member is a torsion spring.

13. A changeover switch according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The lower inclined surface is The cam lobe of the cam has a polygonal shape in which the inclination angle becomes gentler in stages as the cam lobe slides up 13. The changeover switch according to claim 12.

15. The lower inclined surface is The cam lobe of the cam has a curved surface shape in which the inclination angle gradually becomes gentler as the cam lobe slides up 13. The changeover switch according to claim 12.

16. The lower inclined surface is The curved surface has a shape that follows the brachistochrone curve.

16. The changeover switch according to claim 15,

17. The lower inclined surface is The curved surface has a shape that allows the cam lobe to slide up the lower inclined surface at a maximum speed at the timing when the conductive state between the movable contact member and the fixed contact is switched.

17. The changeover switch according to claim 15 or 16.

18. The top of the lower inclined surface is curved.

2. The changeover switch according to claim 1, wherein:

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