WIRED DEVICE SWITCHES

Abstract

The invention relates to a wiring device switch (1) which is a wiring device switch (1) through which a switch knob (10) which is a flip-type switch knob (10a) or a push-button type switch knob (10b) can be attached, the wiring device switch (1) includes: a reversing switch knob (40) which is rotatable, and a switch cover (20). In addition the reversing switch knob (40) includes: a shaft (43) positioned between the switch knob (10) and the switch cover (20); and a cam mechanism (44) positioned between the switch knob (10) and the switch cover (20) and positioned closer to the switch cover (20) than the shaft (43).

Description

Wiring device switches

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a switch for a wiring device.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a push button switch structure that has a first button member exposed on a housing, and completes an on operation when the first button member is turned on.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a remote control switch in which an operating button is pressed to swing an actuator, which swings a movable contactor via a coil spring, bringing the movable contact into contact with a fixed contact.

[0004] JP 2015-95410 A Patent No. 6478144 A

[0005] There is a demand for a common switch body that is provided with a push button type handle as disclosed in Patent Document 1 and a switch body that is provided with a tumbler type handle with a swinging operation button as disclosed in Patent Document 2. In this case, even if it is possible to provide two types of handles on one switch body, the wiring device switch may become larger, or the handle may protrude significantly from the structure, impairing the design.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a switch for wiring devices that can ensure design while suppressing an increase in size even when a push button type handle and a tumbler type handle can be attached to a single switch body.

[0007] A wiring device switch according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a wiring device switch that can be fitted with either a tumbler type handle or a push button type handle, and includes a rotatable reversing handle and a switch cover, wherein the reversing handle has a shaft portion disposed between the handle and the switch cover, and a cam mechanism portion disposed between the handle and the switch cover and positioned closer to the switch cover than the shaft portion.

[0008] According to the switch for a wiring device of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent an increase in size while ensuring design.

[0009] FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing the appearance of a wiring device switch equipped with a tumbler-type handle according to an embodiment. FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing the appearance of a wiring device switch equipped with a push button-type handle according to an embodiment. FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view showing a wiring device switch equipped with a tumbler-type handle according to an embodiment. FIG. 2B is an exploded perspective view showing a wiring device switch equipped with a push button-type handle according to an embodiment. FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view showing a tumbler-type handle according to an embodiment, taken along line IIIA-IIIA in FIG. 1A. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view showing a wiring device switch equipped with a tumbler-type handle according to an embodiment, in a switch-off state. FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view showing a push button-type handle according to an embodiment, taken along line IVA-IVA in FIG. 1B. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view showing a wiring device switch equipped with a push button-type handle according to an embodiment, in a switch-off state. FIG. 4C is a view showing a state in which a slide cam abuts a cam mechanism when the push button-type handle is pressed down. Fig. 4D is a diagram showing how the slide cam slides and the cam mechanism rotates when the push button type handle is pressed. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a tumbler type handle according to another modification. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a rotary type handle according to another modification and its operation.

[0010] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not described in the independent claims are described as optional components.

[0011] Furthermore, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact illustration. Furthermore, the same components are assigned the same reference numerals in each figure. Furthermore, in the following embodiments, expressions such as "approximately rectangular" are used. For example, "approximately rectangular" does not only mean that the shape is completely rectangular, but also means that the shape is substantially rectangular, i.e., includes an error of, for example, a few percent. Furthermore, "approximately rectangular" means that the shape is rectangular within the range in which the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved. The same applies to other expressions using "approximately."

[0012] In the following embodiments, the overlapping direction of the handle and the switch cover is defined as the Z-axis direction, the longitudinal direction of the wiring device switch is defined as the X-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction is defined as the Y-axis direction. In the X-axis direction, the back side of the paper surface of Fig. 1A is defined as the positive direction, and in the Y-axis direction, the front side of the paper surface of Fig. 1A is defined as the positive direction. In the Z-axis direction, the direction opposite to the direction in which the handle is pressed is defined as the positive direction. This also applies to Fig. 1B and subsequent figures.

[0013] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] (Embodiment) <Configuration: Wiring device switch 1> Fig. 1A is a perspective view showing the appearance of a wiring device switch 1 equipped with a tumbler-type handle 10a according to an embodiment. Fig. 1B is a perspective view showing the appearance of a wiring device switch 1 equipped with a push-button-type handle 10b according to an embodiment.

[0015] 1A and 1B , the wiring device switch 1 is a connection device that supplies and cuts off power to equipment systems, such as lighting devices and air blowers, installed in a facility. The wiring device switch 1 is embedded in a structure, such as a ceiling or a wall. The wiring device switch 1 is, for example, an outlet or a switch. The wiring device switch 1 is formed in a vertically elongated rectangular parallelepiped shape when viewed from the front along the negative Z-axis direction.

[0016] The wiring device switch 1 can be fitted with either a tumbler-type handle 10a or a push-button-type handle 10b. That is, the wiring device switch 1 can be fitted with the switch cover 20 by fitting the tumbler-type handle 10a to the switch cover 20, or by replacing the tumbler-type handle 10a with the push-button-type handle 10b. The reverse is also possible. The tumbler-type handle 10a and the push-button-type handle 10b are collectively referred to as the handle 10.

[0017] A specific configuration of the wiring device switch 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B.

[0018] Fig. 2A is an exploded perspective view showing a wiring device switch 1 equipped with a tumbler-type handle 10a according to an embodiment. Fig. 2B is an exploded perspective view showing a wiring device switch 1 equipped with a push button-type handle 10b according to an embodiment. Fig. 2A also shows the tumbler-type handle 10a as viewed from the switch cover 20 side, and shows a wiring device switch 1 other than the tumbler-type handle 10a as viewed from the tumbler-type handle 10a side. Fig. 2B also shows the push button-type handle 10b, slide cam 16, and coil spring 19 as viewed from the switch cover 20 side, and shows a wiring device switch 1 other than the push button-type handle 10b, slide cam 16, and coil spring 19 as viewed from the push button-type handle 10b side.

[0019] The wiring device switch 1 includes a housing 5 and a terminal device 7 .

[0020] [Housing 5] The housing 5 is a housing that houses the terminal device 7, and is partially embedded in a structure such as a ceiling or a wall. The housing 5 is a housing for a socket or a housing for a switch.

[0021] The housing 5 includes a handle 10 , a reversing handle 40 , a coil spring 49 a , a switch cover 20 , and a main body case 30 .

[0022] The handle 10 has a flat, generally rectangular shape and is located on the front surface (the surface on the positive Z-axis direction) of the wiring device switch 1, and is disposed on the positive Z-axis direction side of the switch cover 20 so as to substantially cover the entire switch cover 20. The handle 10 constitutes a part of the outer casing of the housing 5.

[0023] In this embodiment, the handles 10 include a tumbler-type handle 10a and a push-button-type handle 10b. As shown in Figures 1A and 2A, the tumbler-type handle 10a is coupled to a rotatable reversing handle 40, and is rotatably supported on the switch cover 20 via the reversing handle 40. The tumbler-type handle 10a rotates around a shaft 43 of the reversing handle 40 as a rotation axis. As shown in Figures 1B and 2B, the push-button-type handle 10b is rotatably supported on the switch cover 20. The push-button-type handle 10b rotates around the second connection portion 15 as a rotation axis due to a pressing force.

[0024] 1A and 2A, the tumbler-type handle 10a has a pair of first connecting portions 11 arranged side by side along the Y-axis direction in the middle portion in the X-axis direction. That is, the pair of first connecting portions 11 is formed on each of the side surfaces of the tumbler-type handle 10a facing the positive direction of the Y-axis and the negative direction of the Y-axis. The pair of first connecting portions 11 are elongated and extend from the middle portion of the tumbler-type handle 10a in the X-axis direction toward the negative direction of the Z-axis. The pair of first connecting portions 11 are coupled to the reversing handle 40 by fitting one-to-one with a pair of second arms 42b of the reversing handle 40.

[0025] 1B and 2B , the push button type handle 10b has a pair of second connection portions 15 arranged side by side along the Y axis direction on the positive side of the X axis. That is, the pair of second connection portions 15 is formed on each of the side surfaces of the push button type handle 10b facing the positive direction of the Y axis and the negative direction of the Y axis. The pair of second connection portions 15 are shaft portions provided on the portion of the push button type handle 10b facing the positive direction of the X axis. The pair of second connection portions 15 are inserted one-to-one into a pair of second shaft support portions 22 of the switch cover 20, thereby rotatably supporting the push button type handle 10b.

[0026] Here, the push button type handle 10b will be described with reference to FIGS. 2B and 4A.

[0027] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view showing the push button type handle 10b according to the embodiment taken along line IVA-IVA in FIG. 1B.

[0028] The push button type handle 10b has a slide cam 16 and a coil spring 19. In other words, when the push button type handle 10b is attached, the slide cam 16 is provided between the reversing handle 40 and the push button type handle 10b.

[0029] The slide cam 16 has a slide portion 16a and a sloped cam 16b. The slide portion 16a moves in the Z-axis direction when the push-button-type handle 10b is pressed or released. Specifically, when the push-button-type handle 10b is pressed, the first protrusion 16c presses the second protrusion 16d of the slide cam 16, causing the slide portion 16a to move in the negative Z-axis direction. Furthermore, when the pressing operation is released, the slide portion 16a is pressed by the coil spring 19 and moves in the positive Z-axis direction. The slide portion 16a is a housing that is flat in the Z-axis direction and opens toward the reversing handle 40, and houses the sloped cam 16b therein. The sloped cam 16b moves in the Z-axis direction together with the slide portion 16a, thereby coming into contact with or separating from the cam mechanism 44 of the reversing handle 40. Specifically, the sloped cam 16b is plate-shaped and gradually thickens toward the edge on the positive side of the X-axis and the edge on the negative side of the X-axis, thereby forming a sloped surface 16b1 that abuts against the cam mechanism 44 of the reversing handle 40. The sloped cam 16b is a sloped cam mechanism that can move in the X-axis direction within the slide portion 16a by abutting against the cam mechanism 44 of the reversing handle 40. In other words, when the push-button-type handle 10b is pressed, the sloped cam 16b abuts against the cam mechanism 44 of the reversing handle 40, causing the sloped cam 16b to move in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft 43 of the reversing handle 40 (the X-axis direction). Here, the axial direction of the shaft 43 of the reversing handle 40 is substantially parallel to the Y-axis direction.

[0030] Therefore, a predetermined gap 16 e is secured between the inclined cam 16 b and the reversing handle 40 .

[0031] Furthermore, when the push button type handle 10b is not pressed down, a gap 16e is provided between the sloped cam 16b and the cam mechanism 44 of the reversing handle 40. Specifically, the sloped cam 16b moves in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft 43 of the reversing handle 40, thereby widening the gap 16e between the sloped cam 16b and the reversing handle 40 on the side opposite to the side where the sloped surface 16b1 of the sloped cam 16b and the cam mechanism 44 of the reversing handle 40 abut. More specifically, when the push button type handle 10b is pressed down, the sloped surface 16b1 of the sloped cam 16b on the positive side of the X-axis abuts against the cam mechanism 44 on the positive side of the X-axis, and the sloped surface 16b1 of the cam mechanism 44 slides on the cam mechanism 44, causing the cam mechanism 44 to slide in the positive direction of the X-axis. As a result, a gap 16e between the inclined cam 16b and the reversing handle 40 expands on the negative X-axis side of the inclined cam 16b. As a result, the position of the movable contact 73a of the opening / closing element 70 changes when the reversing handle 40 rotates. Furthermore, when the push-button-type handle 10b is released from the depression, the coil spring 19 disposed between the slide cam 16 and the switch cover 20 pushes the slide cam 16 upward in the positive Z-axis direction due to its biasing force, causing the push-button-type handle 10b to return to its original position before being pressed. In this embodiment, the end of the coil spring 19 on the negative Z-axis side is engaged with the protrusion 27 on the positive Z-axis side surface of the switch cover 20, and the end on the positive Z-axis side is engaged with the protrusion 16g on the negative Z-axis side surface of the slide cam 16. Although two coil springs 19 are provided in this embodiment, one, three, or more may be provided.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the reversing handle 40 has a swinging portion 41, an arm portion 42, a shaft portion 43, and a cam mechanism portion 44.

[0033] The swinging portion 41 has a long cylindrical shape extending along the Z-axis direction. The swinging portion 41 is inserted through the through-hole 24 formed in the switch cover 20 in a state in which the reversing handle 40 is rotatably supported by the switch cover 20. A coil spring 49a is provided inside the swinging portion 41.

[0034] When the reversing handle 40 rotates, the swinging portion 41 swings while being inserted through the through-hole 24. The swinging portion 41 swings when either the tumbler-type handle 10a or the push-button-type handle 10b is pressed down.

[0035] The coil spring 49a is provided between the upper end (the end on the positive side of the Z axis) of the movable contact 73 and the reversing handle 40. The upper end of the coil spring 49a is fitted and supported inside the swinging portion 41 of the reversing handle 40. The lower end of the coil spring 49a is engaged with a spring locking portion 75 formed on the upper end of the movable contact 73. When the reversing handle 40 is swung by applying pressure to the handle 10, the swinging portion 41 swings the movable contact 73, causing the movable contact 73a to abut against the fixed contact 71a. When the pressure on the handle 10 is released, the reversing handle 40 is swung in the opposite direction to return to its original standby position, causing the movable contact 73 to also swing in the opposite direction, separating the movable contact 73a from the fixed contact 71a and returning to its original stationary position.

[0036] The arm portion 42 has a first arm 42a and a pair of second arms 42b.

[0037] The first arm 42a is a long plate extending from the upper end of the swinging portion 41 along the negative Y-axis direction (predetermined direction).

[0038] The pair of second arms 42b are provided on both ends of the first arm 42a in the Y-axis direction and are plate-shaped rising from both end portions in the positive direction of the Z-axis. One of the pair of second arms 42b is provided at the upper end of the swinging part 41, and the other of the pair of second arms 42b is provided at a position separated from and facing the one second arm 42b.

[0039] Furthermore, the one second arm 42b and the other second arm 42b are spaced apart from each other to form a space in which the slide cam 16 can be arranged when the push button type handle 10b is attached to the wiring device switch 1. In other words, the length of the first arm 42a is set to such an extent that the other second arm 42b is spaced a predetermined distance from the one second arm 42b so that the slide cam 16 can be arranged on the positive side of the Z axis.

[0040] Each of the pair of second arms 42b is formed with a fitting portion 42c that fits with the pair of first connecting portions 11 of the tumbler-type handle 10a. In this embodiment, the fitting portion 42c is a recessed portion that engages with a claw portion formed on the pair of first connecting portions 11 of the tumbler-type handle 10a.

[0041] The pair of second arms 42b are provided with a pair of shafts 43. That is, a slide cam 16, which will be described later, can be disposed between the shaft 43 provided on one second arm 42b and the shaft 43 provided on the other second arm 42b.

[0042] In the present embodiment, the pair of shaft portions 43 protrude from the pair of second arms 42b so as to move away from each other to the outside of the wiring device switch 1. The pair of shaft portions 43 are also formed on the second arms 42b on the opposite side of the fitting portion 42c.

[0043] The pair of shafts 43 are located at the middle of the handle 10 in the X-axis direction and are arranged side by side along the Y-axis direction. When the reversing handle 40 is rotatably supported by the switch cover 20, the shafts 43 are arranged between the handle 10 and the switch cover 20. Each of the pair of shafts 43 is inserted into a first pivotal support portion 21 formed on the switch cover 20, and is thereby pivotally supported by the first pivotal support portion 21. This allows the reversing handle 40 to rotate when the handle 10 is pressed.

[0044] The cam mechanism 44 is disposed between the handle 10 and the switch cover 20, and is located closer to the switch cover 20 than the shaft 43. The cam mechanism 44 is provided on both sides of the axial center line V of the shaft 43 in a direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the axial direction (Y-axis direction) of the shaft 43. The cam mechanism 44 is a pair of claws that protrude from the first arm 42a in the short direction of the first arm 42a (X-axis direction) and toward the positive direction of the Z-axis. In this embodiment, the cam mechanism 44 is provided in the central portion of the first arm 42a.

[0045] The switch cover 20 has a generally rectangular plate shape and is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the handle 10 and the main body case 30. The switch cover 20 is fixed to the structure directly or via a support frame or the like. In this way, the wiring device switch 1 is fixed to the structure. The switch cover 20 is also attached to the main body case 30 so as to cover the opening of the main body case 30.

[0046] The switch cover 20 can be directly or indirectly attached with either a tumbler type handle 10a or a push button type handle 10b.

[0047] Specifically, the switch cover 20 has a first pivotal support portion 21 and a second pivotal support portion 22 .

[0048] The first pivotal support portions 21 are pivotal support holes that are arranged in pairs in the middle of the switch cover 20 in the X-axis direction and aligned along the Y-axis direction. That is, the first pivotal support portions 21 are formed on both the side surface of the switch cover 20 facing the positive direction of the Y-axis and the side surface of the switch cover 20 facing the negative direction of the Y-axis. Each of the shafts 43 formed on the reversing handle 40 is inserted into each of the first pivotal support portions 21 in a one-to-one relationship, so that each of the first pivotal support portions 21 rotatably supports the tumbler-type handle 10a. The first pivotal support portions 21 are an example of a pivotal support portion.

[0049] The second pivotal support portions 22 are pivotal support holes arranged in pairs on the positive side of the X-axis of the switch cover 20, aligned along the Y-axis. That is, the second pivotal support portions 22 are formed on both the side surface of the switch cover 20 facing the positive direction of the Y-axis and the side surface of the switch cover 20 facing the negative direction of the Y-axis. The second connection portions 15 formed on the push button type handle 10b are inserted one-to-one into the respective second pivotal support portions 22, thereby rotatably supporting the push button type handle 10b. The second pivotal support portions 22 are an example of a support portion that swingably supports the push button type handle 10b.

[0050] The main body case 30 has a cubic outer shape, a bottom on the negative Z-axis side, and an opening on the positive Z-axis side. The main body case 30 is included in the base configuration.

[0051] The main body case 30 is also formed with a first insertion hole 37a for inserting and removing wires and a second insertion hole 37b for arranging a pressing member 79 of the terminal device 7. Wires for electrical connection to the terminal device 7 are inserted into the first insertion hole 37a. In this embodiment, multiple first insertion holes 37a are formed, but only one may be formed. The second insertion holes 37b are formed on both side walls on the side surface of the main body case 30 in the X-axis direction. The pressing members 79 are screws for inserting and removing wires inserted into the first insertion holes 37a, and are held by the main body case 30 in a state where they are inserted into the second insertion holes 37b of the main body case 30. In this embodiment, multiple second insertion holes 37b are formed, but only one may be formed.

[0052] A plurality of protrusions are formed on the bottom of the main case 30. The plurality of protrusions define an accommodation chamber 35 and support the terminal device 7 and the like accommodated in the main case 30.

[0053] [Terminal Device 7] The terminal device 7 is disposed inside the main body case 30 to electrically connect to the wiring inserted through the first insertion hole 37a formed in the main body case 30. The terminal device 7 is an example of a base.

[0054] The terminal device 7 has an opening / closing element 70, the position of which is changed by the rotation of the reversing handle 40. The opening / closing element 70 has a fixed terminal 71, a support terminal 72, and a movable contactor 73. Note that the opening / closing element 70 may have only the movable contact 73a and the fixed contact 71a. At least, the support terminal 72 is not an essential component of the opening / closing element 70.

[0055] The fixed terminal 71 is made of a metal plate and has a fixed contact 71a protruding from its surface. The fixed contact 71a is assembled and fixed in the housing chamber 35 of the main body case 30 so as to face the movable contact 73a of the movable contactor 73. The fixed terminal 71 can be electrically connected to the wiring inserted into the first insertion hole 37a.

[0056] The support terminal 72 is made of a metal plate and is assembled and fixed in the housing chamber 35 of the main body case 30. The lower end (swing fulcrum) of the movable contactor 73 is disposed on the support terminal 72, so that the support terminal 72 supports the movable contactor 73 so that the movable contactor 73 can swing freely on the support terminal 72. The support terminal 72 can also be electrically connected to the wiring inserted into the first insertion hole 37a.

[0057] The movable contactor 73 is made of a metal plate and has a movable contact 73a protruding from its surface. The movable contact 73a is supported so as to be able to swing freely, facing the fixed contact 71a of the fixed terminal 71, by the reversing handle 40 and the coil spring 49a, while being electrically connected to the support terminal 72. A spring locking portion 75 for locking the lower end of the coil spring 49a is formed on the upper end of the movable contactor 73.

[0058] [Relationship Between Tumbler-Type Handle 10a and Push Button-Type Handle 10b] The relationship between the tumbler-type handle 10a and the push button-type handle 10b will now be described with reference to Figures 3A and 4A. Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view of the tumbler-type handle 10a according to the embodiment, taken along line IIIA-IIIA in Figure 1A.

[0059] A first distance L1 (height) is the shortest distance between the surface of the tumbler-type handle 10a and an imaginary plane (XY plane) along the surface of the switch cover 20 that includes the center of rotation (axial center line V) of the shaft 43 when the tumbler-type handle 10a is attached to the wiring device switch 1 and is pressed down, and a second distance L2 (height) is the shortest distance between the surface of the push button-type handle 10b and an imaginary plane (XY plane) along the surface of the switch cover 20 that includes the center of rotation of the shaft 43 when the push button-type handle 10b is attached to the wiring device switch 1 and is not pressed down. In other words, the center of rotation (axial center line V of the shaft 43) of the reversing handle 40 in the tumbler-type handle 10a and the center of rotation of the reversing handle 40 in the push button-type handle 10b do not change even when the handles are replaced.

[0060] <Operation> Next, the operation of the wiring device switch 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0061] First, the tumbler-type handle 10a will be described with reference to Figures 3A and 3B. Figure 3A shows the wiring device switch 1 equipped with the tumbler-type handle 10a in the switched-on state. Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view showing the wiring device switch 1 equipped with the tumbler-type handle 10a according to the embodiment in the switched-off state.

[0062] 3A , when the end of the tumbler-type handle 10a on the negative X-axis side is pressed down, the shaft 43 of the reversing handle 40 of the tumbler-type handle 10a rotates relative to the first pivot support 21 formed on the switch cover 20. At this time, the swinging portion 41 of the reversing handle 40 rotates clockwise about the axial center line V of the shaft 43. As a result, the coil spring 49a inserted inside the swinging portion 41 of the reversing handle 40 also rotates clockwise about the axial center line V of the shaft 43, and the movable contact 73a engaged with the lower end of the coil spring 49a also swings and abuts against the fixed contact 71a. As a result, the movable contact 73a and the fixed contact 71a are electrically connected, and the switch is turned on.

[0063] Furthermore, when the end of the tumbler-type handle 10a on the positive side of the X axis is pressed while the switch is ON, the shaft 43 of the reversing handle 40 rotates relative to the first pivot support 21 formed on the switch cover 20, as shown in FIG. 3B . At this time, the swinging portion 41 of the reversing handle 40 rotates counterclockwise about the axial center line V of the shaft 43. Then, the coil spring 49a inserted inside the swinging portion 41 of the reversing handle 40 also rotates counterclockwise about the axial center line V of the shaft 43, and the movable contact 73a engaged with the lower end of the coil spring 49a also swings and moves away from the fixed contact 71a. This releases the electrical connection between the movable contact 73a and the fixed contact 71a, thereby turning the switch OFF.

[0064] Next, the push button type handle 10b will be described using Figures 4A to 4D. Figure 4A shows the wiring device switch 1 equipped with the push button type handle 10b when the switch is ON. Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view showing the wiring device switch 1 equipped with the push button type handle 10b according to the embodiment when the switch is OFF. Figure 4C is a diagram showing the state when the slide cam 16 abuts against the cam mechanism 44 when the push button type handle 10b is pressed down. Figure 4D is a diagram showing the state when the slide cam 16 slides and the cam mechanism 44 rotates when the push button type handle 10b is pressed down.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 4A , when the push button type handle 10b is pressed, the pair of second connection portions 15 of the push button type handle 10b rotates relative to the pair of second pivot support portions 22 formed on the switch cover 20. At this time, the first protrusion 16c on the back surface (the surface on the negative Z-axis side) of the push button type handle 10b presses the second protrusion 16d of the slide cam 16, causing the slide cam 16 to move in the negative Z-axis direction. Then, as shown in FIG. 4C , the inclined cam 16b of the slide cam 16 abuts against the cam mechanism portion 44 of the reversing handle 40. FIG. 4C illustrates an example in which the inclined surface 16b1 on the negative X-axis side of the inclined cam 16b abuts against the cam mechanism portion 44 on the negative X-axis side. 4D , further pressing causes the inclined surface 16b1 of the cam mechanism 44 to slide along the cam mechanism 44, causing the inclined cam 16b to slide toward the negative X-axis direction, and the gap 16e between the inclined cam 16b and the reversing handle 40 expands on the positive X-axis side of the inclined cam 16b. At this time, the reversing handle 40 is pressed by the inclined surface 16b1 of the inclined cam 16b, causing the swinging portion 41 of the reversing handle 40 to rotate clockwise about the axial center line V of the shaft 43. Then, the cam mechanism 44 on the positive X-axis side enters the gap 16e without interfering with the slide cam 16, and the coil spring 49a inserted inside the swinging portion 41 of the reversing handle 40 also rotates clockwise about the axial center line V of the shaft 43. 4A, the movable contact 73a, which is engaged with the lower end of the coil spring 49a, is also swung and comes into contact with the fixed contact 71a. This electrically connects the movable contact 73a and the fixed contact 71a, turning the switch ON. When the pressing operation is released, the slide cam 16 is pressed by the coil spring 19 and moves in the positive direction of the Z axis, and the slide portion 16a slides in the positive direction of the X axis due to the cam spring of the slide cam 16, returning to the position before the pressing operation, and the push button-type handle 10b also returns to the position before the pressing operation.

[0066] 4B , when the push button type handle 10b is pressed while the switch is ON, the pair of second connection portions 15 of the push button type handle 10b rotates relative to the pair of second pivot support portions 22 formed on the switch cover 20. At this time, the first convex portion 16c on the back surface (the surface facing the negative Z-axis) of the push button type handle 10b presses the second convex portion 16d of the slide cam 16, causing the slide cam 16 to move in the negative Z-axis direction. Then, the slide cam 16 is pushed by the push button type handle 10b and moves in the negative Z-axis direction, and the inclined cam 16b of the slide cam 16 abuts against the cam mechanism portion 44 of the reversing handle 40. When the inclined surface 16b1 on the positive X-axis side of the inclined cam 16b comes into contact with the cam mechanism 44 on the positive X-axis side, further pressing causes the inclined surface 16b1 of the cam mechanism 44 to slide along the cam mechanism 44, causing the inclined cam 16b to slide toward the positive X-axis side, and a gap 16e between the inclined cam 16b and the reversing handle 40 expands on the negative X-axis side of the inclined cam 16b. At this time, the reversing handle 40 is pressed by the inclined surface 16b1 of the inclined cam 16b, causing the swinging portion 41 of the reversing handle 40 to rotate counterclockwise about the axial center line V of the shaft 43. Then, the cam mechanism 44 on the negative X-axis side enters the gap 16e without interfering with the slide cam 16, and the coil spring 49a inserted inside the swinging portion 41 of the reversing handle 40 also rotates counterclockwise about the axial center line V of the shaft 43. As a result, the movable contact 73a, which is engaged with the lower end of the coil spring 49a, is also swung and separated from the fixed contact 71a. This electrically disconnects the movable contact 73a and the fixed contact 71a, turning the switch OFF. When the pressing operation is released, the slide cam 16 is pressed by the coil spring 19 and moves in the positive direction of the Z axis, and the slide portion 16a slides in the positive direction of the X axis due to the cam spring of the slide cam 16, returning to the position before the pressing operation, and the push button-type handle 10b also returns to the position before the pressing operation.

[0067] <Operation and Effect> Next, the operation and effect of the wiring device switch 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0068] As described above, the wiring device switch 1 of this embodiment is a wiring device switch 1 to which either the tumbler type handle 10a or the push button type handle 10b can be attached, and includes a rotatable reversing handle 40 and a switch cover 20. The reversing handle 40 also includes a shaft portion 43 disposed between the handle 10 and the switch cover 20, and a cam mechanism portion 44 disposed between the handle 10 and the switch cover 20 and located closer to the switch cover 20 than the shaft portion 43 (in this embodiment, a central portion of the wiring device switch 1 in the X-axis direction).

[0069] For example, in a conventional wiring device switch, if both a tumbler-type handle and a push-button-type handle can be attached to a single wiring device switch, the first distance (height) between the surface of the tumbler-type handle and the center of rotation of the reversing handle is short, but the second distance (height) between the surface of the push-button-type handle and the center of rotation of the reversing handle is long. This is thought to be because the push-button-type handle requires a mechanism for converting the pressing operation into the rotation direction of the reversing handle. In this case, the wiring device switch becomes larger, and if it is installed embedded in a structure such as a ceiling or wall, it will protrude significantly from the structure, making it look unsightly.

[0070] However, according to this embodiment, by positioning the cam mechanism portion 44 closer to the switch cover 20 side than the shaft portion 43, the rotation center of the reversing handle 40 and the handle 10 can be brought closer to each other.

[0071] Therefore, it is possible to ensure design while suppressing an increase in size in the wiring device switch 1. In other words, even if the push button type handle 10b and the tumbler type handle 10a can be attached to one wiring device switch 1, the wiring device switch 1 is prevented from increasing in size and is unlikely to impair design.

[0072] In particular, even if the type of handle 10 is different, the components of the wiring device switch 1 can be standardized, so that the manufacturing cost of the wiring device switch 1 can be prevented from rising.

[0073] In the wiring device switch 1 of this embodiment, the reversing handle 40 has a fitting portion 42c that fits with the tumbler-type handle 10a, and the switch cover 20 has a pivotal support portion (first pivotal support portion 21) that rotatably supports the reversing handle 40 and a support portion (second pivotal support portion 22) that swingably supports the push-button-type handle 10b.

[0074] This allows the switch cover 20 to be fitted with either a tumbler-type handle 10a or a push-button-type handle 10b. In other words, one type of switch cover 20 can be used to replace two types of handles, allowing components to be standardized in the wiring device switch 1. As a result, the switch cover 20 can be standardized without having to be manufactured for each type of handle, thereby further suppressing increases in the manufacturing cost of the wiring device switch 1.

[0075] In addition, in the wiring device switch 1 of this embodiment, the cam mechanism portions 44 of the reversing handle 40 are provided on both sides of the axial center line V of the shaft portion 43 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft portion 43.

[0076] This allows it to be attached to a tumbler type handle 10a and to move the slide cam 16 used in a push button type handle 10b, thereby increasing the versatility of the wiring device switch 1.

[0077] In addition, in the wiring device switch 1 of this embodiment, when the tumbler type handle 10a is attached to the wiring device switch 1 and the tumbler type handle 10a is pressed down, a first distance L1 is the shortest distance between the surface of the tumbler type handle 10a and the imaginary plane (XY plane) along the surface of the switch cover 20 including the center of rotation of the shaft 43, and when the push button type handle 10b is attached to the wiring device switch 1 and the push button type handle 10b is not pressed down. This first distance L1 is approximately equal to a second distance L2 is the shortest distance between the surface of the push button type handle 10b and the imaginary plane (XY plane) along the surface of the switch cover 20 including the center of rotation of the shaft 43.

[0078] According to this, even if a tumbler type handle 10a or a push button type handle 10b is attached to the wiring device switch 1, the wiring device switch 1 is unlikely to become large, and therefore, even if the wiring device switch 1 is attached to a building, the design is unlikely to be impaired more reliably.

[0079] The wiring device switch 1 of this embodiment further includes a base to which the switch cover 20 is attached. The base includes an opening / closing element 70 having a movable contact 73 a and a fixed contact 71 a, and the position of the movable contact 73 a is changed by the rotation of the reversing handle 40.

[0080] This allows the movable contact 73a and the fixed contact 71a to be electrically connected or disconnected by operating the tumbler type handle 10a and the push button type handle 10b.

[0081] In the wiring device switch 1 of this embodiment, the reversing handle 40 includes a swinging portion 41 that swings when either the tumbler-type handle 10a or the push-button-type handle 10b is pressed, a first arm 42a extending in a predetermined direction (the negative Y-axis direction) from the swinging portion 41, and a pair of second arms 42b provided on both ends of the first arm 42a. The first arm 42a is provided with a cam mechanism portion 44. The pair of second arms 42b are provided with shaft portions 43.

[0082] This allows the reversing handle 40 to be swung in either the tumbler type handle 10a or the push button type handle 10b. Therefore, the reversing handle 40 is suitable for the wiring device switch 1.

[0083] In the wiring device switch 1 of this embodiment, the pair of second arms 42b are further provided with fitting portions 42c that fit with the tumbler-type handle 10a.

[0084] This allows the pair of second arms 42b to be provided with the fitting portion 42c and the shaft portion 43, thereby preventing the reversing handle 40 from becoming too large.

[0085] (Other Modifications) While the wiring device switch according to the present disclosure has been described above based on the above-described embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. As long as the modifications do not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure, modifications that would occur to those skilled in the art may also be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0086] For example, in the wiring device switch 1 according to the present embodiment, the slide cam of the push button type handle slides in a direction perpendicular to the pressing direction when pressed, but is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , the push button type handle 10b may be a rotary type handle 10c that rotates the reversing handle 40 around the shaft 43 when pressed. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a rotary type handle 10c according to another modification and its operation. The dashed-dotted line in FIG. 6 indicates the center line, and the dashed-two-dot line indicates the inclination of the rotary type handle 10c relative to the center line. The rotary type handle 10c includes a pressing operation unit 90, multiple spring units 91, and a rotary cam 92 connected to the pressing operation unit 90 via the multiple spring units 91. The pressing operation unit 90 is a button that is directly pressed. The multiple spring units 91 are leaf springs that swingably support the rotary cam 92 relative to the pressing operation unit 90. The rotary cam 92 is pressed against the cam mechanism 44 of the reversing handle 40, thereby causing some of the springs 91 to elastically deform, thereby swinging the rotary cam 92. For example, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, when the pressing operation unit 90 is pressed, the rotary cam 92 approaches the reversing handle 40 together with the pressing operation unit 90, and the rotary cam 92 comes into contact with one of the pair of cam mechanisms 44 of the reversing handle 40. Furthermore, when the pressing operation unit 90 is pressed, the rotary cam 92 presses the pair of cam mechanisms 44 of the reversing handle 40, as shown in FIG. 6C, causing the rotary cam 92 to rotate clockwise while elastically deforming the springs 91, and the reversing handle 40 to rotate counterclockwise. At this time, the clockwise rotation of the rotary cam 92 forms a gap 93 between the rotary cam 92 and the other cam mechanism 44 of the pair of cam mechanisms 44. As shown in d and e of Figure 6, when pressure is released from the pressing operation unit 90, the elastic deformation of the spring unit 91 is released and the posture of the pressing operation unit 90 returns to its original position due to the reaction force of the coil spring (not shown), so that the rotary cam 92 moves away from the reversing handle 40 together with the pressing operation unit 90.In such a rotary type handle 10c, the reversing handle 40 can also be rotated, so that the movable contact 73a and the fixed contact 71a in FIG. 2B can be electrically connected or disconnected.

[0087] The wiring device switch 1 according to the present embodiment may also have the configuration shown in FIG. 5 . FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a tumbler-type handle 10a1 according to another modification. The tumbler-type handle 10a1 may have a pair of claw-shaped support portions 11d extending from the back surface (the surface on the negative Z-axis direction) toward the switch cover 20. The pair of support portions 11d may be connected to the cam mechanism portion 44 of the reversing handle 40 so as to sandwich and hook the cam mechanism portion 44 from both sides in the X-axis direction. That is, the pair of support portions 11d may be fitted to the cam mechanism portion 44 of the reversing handle 40, and the cam mechanism portion 44 may have a fitting portion 44b. In this way, in the wiring device switch 1 according to the present embodiment, the cam mechanism portion 44 may further be provided with a fitting portion 44b that fits with the tumbler-type handle 10a1. This allows the cam mechanism 44 to be used as the fitting portion 44b, so there is no need to provide a separate fitting portion 44b configuration on the reversing handle 40, thereby preventing the reversing handle 40 from becoming larger.

[0088] In addition, in the wiring device switch 1 according to this embodiment, the slide cam 16 that moves the push button type handle 10 b in a direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction may be an example of a support portion of the switch cover 20 .

[0089] In addition, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by making various modifications to the above-mentioned embodiments that a person skilled in the art would think of, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope of this disclosure.

[0090] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Switch for wiring device 7 Terminal device (base) 10 Handle 10a, 10a1 Tumbler type handle 10b Push button type handle 10c Rotary type handle (push button type handle) 20 Switch cover 21 First pivot support portion (pivot support portion) 22 Second pivot support portion (support portion) 30 Main body case (base) 40 Reversing handle 41 Swing portion 42a First arm 42b Second arm 42c, 44b Fitting portion 43 Shaft portion 44 Cam mechanism portion 70 Opening / closing element 71a Fixed contact 73a Movable contact V Shaft center line

Claims

1. A wiring device switch capable of being fitted with either a tumbler type handle or a push button type handle, the wiring device switch comprising: a rotatable reversing handle; and a switch cover, wherein the reversing handle has a shaft portion disposed between the handle and the switch cover; and a cam mechanism portion disposed between the handle and the switch cover and located closer to the switch cover than the shaft portion.

2. The wiring device switch according to claim 1, wherein the reversing handle has a fitting portion that fits with the tumbler-type handle, and the switch cover has a pivotal support portion that rotatably supports the reversing handle and a support portion that swingably supports the push-button-type handle.

3. A wiring device switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cam mechanism of the reversing handle is provided on both sides of the axial center line of the shaft in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft.

4. A wiring device switch according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a first distance, which is the shortest distance between the surface of the tumbler-type handle and an imaginary plane along the surface of the switch cover that includes the center of rotation of the shank when the tumbler-type handle is attached to the wiring device switch and is pressed down, and a second distance, which is the shortest distance between the surface of the push button-type handle and an imaginary plane along the surface of the switch cover that includes the center of rotation of the shank when the push button-type handle is attached to the wiring device switch and is not pressed down, are approximately equal.

5. A switch for wiring devices according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a base to which the switch cover is attached, the base having an opening / closing element having a movable contact and a fixed contact, the position of the movable contact being changed by the rotational movement of the reversing handle.

6. A switch for wiring devices as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the reversing handle has a swinging part that swings when either the tumbler type handle or the push button type handle is pressed down, a first arm extending in a predetermined direction from the swinging part, and a pair of second arms provided on both ends of the first arm, wherein the cam mechanism part is provided on the first arm, and the pair of second arms are provided with the shaft parts.

7. The wiring device switch according to claim 6, wherein the pair of second arms are further provided with fitting portions that fit with the tumbler-type handles.

8. The wiring device switch according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the cam mechanism is further provided with a fitting portion that fits with the tumbler-type handle.

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