Contact mechanism for trigger switch and trigger switch equipped with same

Abstract

A contact mechanism (10) for a trigger switch (50) is provided with a fixed contact part (11), a movable contact part (12), and a biasing member (13). The movable contact part (12) is disposed at a position facing the fixed contact part (11). The biasing member (13) is disposed so as to abut a portion of the movable contact part (12), is mounted so as to slide along a direction intersecting the direction in which the movable contact part (12) abuts the fixed contact part (11), and biases the fixed contact part (11) in the direction in which the movable contact part (12) abuts the fixed contact part (11) or in the direction in which the movable contact part (12) separates from the fixed contact part (11).

Description

Contact mechanism of a trigger switch and a trigger switch provided with the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a contact mechanism of a trigger switch provided in, for example, a power tool or the like, and a trigger switch provided with the same.

[0002] In recent years, trigger switches having a contact mechanism that switches ON / OFF by pushing the trigger have been used in devices such as power tools. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a trigger switch including a pair of contacts for supplying power to a motor as a load, and a conductor removal portion disposed between the contacts in the switch-off state and retracted from between the contacts in the switch-on state.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-56749 U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0006662

[0004] However, the contact mechanism of the conventional trigger switch has the following problems. That is, in the contact mechanism of the trigger switch disclosed in the above publication, since a coil spring is used as a biasing member that pulls the movable contact toward the fixed contact side, it is necessary to lock both ends of the coil spring to the movable contact and the fixed-side member, respectively, during assembly. As a result, the assembly becomes complicated and the difficulty level is high.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a contact mechanism of a trigger switch and a trigger switch provided with the same that can improve the assemblability as compared with the prior art. (Means for Solving the Problem) The contact mechanism of a trigger switch according to a first invention includes a fixed contact portion, a movable contact portion, and a biasing member. The movable contact portion is disposed at a position facing the fixed contact portion. The biasing member is disposed so as to abut against a part of the movable contact portion, and is slidably moved and mounted along a direction intersecting the abutting direction of the movable contact portion with respect to the fixed contact portion, and biases the movable contact portion in a direction of abutting against or separating from the fixed contact portion.

[0006] Here, a biasing member that biases the movable contact portion in a desired direction is mounted by sliding it along a direction intersecting the direction in which the movable contact portion contacts the fixed contact portion. Here, the biasing member is, for example, a substantially U-shaped leaf spring member, and can be mounted simply by sliding it along a direction intersecting the direction in which the movable contact portion contacts the fixed contact portion.

[0007] Furthermore, the direction in which the biasing member biases the movable contact portion may be in the direction in which the movable contact portion abuts against the fixed contact portion, or in the direction in which it separates from the fixed contact portion. Also, the biasing member may be configured to sandwich the fixed contact portion and the movable contact portion, or it may be configured to be positioned between the movable contact portion and the fixed contact portion. As a result, the biasing member that biases the movable contact portion in the direction in which it abuts against or separates from the fixed contact portion can be easily attached to the movable contact portion simply by sliding it along a direction that intersects the direction in which the movable contact portion abuts against the fixed contact portion.

[0008] As a result, assembly ease can be improved compared to the conventional method which uses a coil spring to bias the movable contact portion. The contact mechanism of the trigger switch according to the second invention is the contact mechanism of the trigger switch according to the first invention, further comprising a base portion on which a biasing member is mounted along a direction intersecting the direction in which the movable contact portion contacts the fixed contact portion.

[0009] As a result, the biasing member can be easily attached to the base portion, which is provided with a fixed contact portion and a movable contact portion, by sliding the biasing member along a direction intersecting the contact direction. The contact mechanism of the trigger switch according to the third invention is the contact mechanism of the trigger switch according to the second invention, further comprising a support member provided on the base portion, which supports the movable contact portion and has a pivot point that rotates the movable contact portion by receiving a biasing force applied by the biasing member.

[0010] As a result, a support member having a pivot point that acts as a fulcrum when the movable contact portion, which is biased by the biasing member, rotates is provided on the base portion, allowing the movable contact portion to rotate around the pivot point and bring into contact with or separate from the fixed contact portion. The contact mechanism of the trigger switch according to the fourth invention is the contact mechanism of the trigger switch according to the third invention, wherein the biasing member is mounted by sliding it beyond the pivot point, from the opposite side of the fixed contact portion toward the fixed contact portion, as viewed from the pivot point.

[0011] As a result, even if the configuration of the electronic component equipped with the contact mechanism limits the space available for sliding the biasing member, and the biasing member can only be attached from the opposite side of the fixed contact portion when viewed from the pivot point, the biasing member can be attached by sliding it beyond the pivot point. The contact mechanism of the trigger switch according to the fifth invention is the contact mechanism of the trigger switch according to the third or fourth invention, wherein the biasing member abuts against the movable contact portion at a position further away from the pivot point when viewed from the upstream side in the direction of sliding movement when the biasing member is attached.

[0012] This makes it possible to apply a biasing force to bring the movable contact portion into contact with or separate from the fixed contact portion from the upstream side in the direction of sliding movement, at a position beyond the pivot point. The contact mechanism of the trigger switch according to the sixth invention is a contact mechanism of the trigger switch according to the first or second invention, wherein the movable contact portion has a main body portion that is substantially L-shaped in side view, having a first surface on the side that contacts the fixed contact portion and a second surface extending in a direction intersecting the first surface, and a first opening formed on the second surface into which a part of the biasing member is inserted when the biasing member is attached.

[0013] This allows the biasing member to be attached by sliding it while inserting a part of the biasing member into the first opening provided on the second surface of the roughly L-shaped main body. The contact mechanism of the trigger switch according to the seventh invention is a contact mechanism of the trigger switch according to the first or second invention, wherein the biasing member has a first plate-shaped portion that abuts against the movable contact portion, a second plate-shaped portion that is arranged opposite to the first plate-shaped portion and together with the first plate-shaped portion applies a biasing force to the movable contact portion, and a connecting portion that connects the end of the first plate-shaped portion and the end of the second plate-shaped portion.

[0014] As a result, by using a plate-shaped member as the biasing member, which has a first plate-shaped portion and a second plate-shaped portion and a connecting portion that connects the ends of the first and second plate-shaped portions, it is possible to attach it to the movable contact portion while sliding it and apply a biasing force. The contact mechanism of the trigger switch according to the eighth invention is the contact mechanism of the trigger switch according to the seventh invention, wherein the biasing member has a substantially U-shape.

[0015] As a result, by using a substantially U-shaped member as the biasing member, it is possible to attach it to the movable contact portion while sliding it and apply a biasing force. The contact mechanism of the trigger switch according to the ninth invention is the contact mechanism of the trigger switch according to the seventh invention, wherein the biasing member has bent portions formed at the tips of the first plate-shaped portion and the second plate-shaped portion at an angle so as to be spaced apart from each other with respect to the mounting direction of the biasing member.

[0016] As a result, a bent portion is provided at the tip of the biasing member as it slides, making it easier to install when it is mounted by sandwiching the movable contact portion, etc. The contact mechanism of the trigger switch according to the tenth invention is a contact mechanism of the trigger switch according to the first or second invention, wherein the biasing member has a locking portion that restricts the movement of the biasing member in the direction of sliding movement when it is mounted so that the movable contact portion and the fixed contact portion are in contact or separated.

[0017] As a result, when the biasing member is mounted by sliding it, the movement of the locked portion in the direction of sliding movement is restricted, thereby preventing the biasing member from coming off its mounting position. The contact mechanism of the trigger switch according to the 11th invention is a contact mechanism of the trigger switch according to the 10th invention, further comprising: a base portion provided with a fixed contact portion and a movable contact portion, on which the biasing member is mounted along a direction intersecting the direction in which the movable contact portion contacts the fixed contact portion; and a support member provided on the base portion that supports the movable contact portion and has a pivot portion that rotates the movable contact portion by receiving a biasing force applied by the biasing member. The support member further has a locking portion that locks the locked portion when the biasing member is mounted.

[0018] As a result, when the biasing member is slid and mounted, the locking portion provided on the support member locks onto the locked portion of the biasing member, restricting its movement in the direction of sliding, thereby preventing the biasing member from coming off its mounting position. The contact mechanism of the trigger switch according to the twelfth invention is the contact mechanism of the trigger switch according to the third invention, wherein the support member further has a second opening into which a part of the biasing member is inserted when the biasing member is mounted.

[0019] This allows the biasing member to be attached by sliding it while inserting a part of the biasing member into a second opening provided in the support member. The contact mechanism of the trigger switch according to the 13th invention is the contact mechanism of the trigger switch according to the second invention, wherein the base portion has a guide portion that guides at least one tip of the biasing member in a predetermined direction when the biasing member is attached.

[0020] As a result, when attaching the biasing member, the guide part provided on the base part guides the tip of the biasing member in a predetermined direction, making it possible to easily attach the biasing member to the desired position. The contact mechanism of the trigger switch according to the 14th invention is the contact mechanism of the trigger switch according to the third invention, wherein the biasing member is attached by sliding it from the fixed contact part side to just before the pivot point when viewed from the pivot point.

[0021] This allows the biasing member to be easily attached by sliding it from the fixed contact side relative to the pivot point of the support member. The contact mechanism of the trigger switch according to the 15th invention is the same as the contact mechanism of the trigger switch according to the 14th invention, wherein the biasing member contacts the movable contact at a position closer to the pivot point than the pivot point when viewed from the upstream side in the mounting direction when the biasing member is attached.

[0022] This makes it possible to apply a biasing force to bring the movable contact portion into contact with or separate from the fixed contact portion at a position closer to the pivot point from the upstream side in the direction of sliding movement. The trigger switch contact mechanism according to the 16th invention is the trigger switch contact mechanism according to the first or second invention, wherein the biasing member further has an interference avoidance opening to avoid interference with the movable contact portion when installed.

[0023] As a result, when the biasing member is attached, a part of the movable contact portion is inserted into the interference avoidance opening, allowing the biasing member to be attached without interfering with the movable contact portion. The contact mechanism of the trigger switch according to the 17th invention is the contact mechanism of the trigger switch according to the second invention, wherein the base portion has a rounded surface that guides the tip of the biasing member when the biasing member is attached.

[0024] As a result, when the biasing member is attached, the R-shaped surface is provided on the base portion that the tip of the biasing member contacts, allowing the tip of the biasing member to be guided along the R-shaped surface and attached to the desired position. The contact mechanism of the trigger switch according to the 18th invention is a contact mechanism of the trigger switch according to the first or second invention, wherein the movable contact portion has a plurality of contacts, and the fixed contact portion has a plurality of contacts that each abut against the plurality of contacts of the movable contact portion.

[0025] This allows for the configuration of multiple contact mechanisms, thereby improving redundancy against poor contact due to, for example, foreign matter getting caught in the contacts. The trigger switch contact mechanism according to the 19th invention is the trigger switch contact mechanism according to the 18th invention, wherein the movable contact portion has an arc-blocking first contact and an energizing first contact. The fixed contact portion has an arc-blocking second contact that contacts the arc-blocking first contact and an energizing second contact that contacts the energizing first contact.

[0026] This allows the movable contact portion and the fixed contact portion to be configured as an arc interruption contact and an energization contact, respectively. The trigger switch contact mechanism according to the 20th invention is the trigger switch contact mechanism according to the 19th invention, wherein the timing of contact or separation between the arc interruption first contact and the arc interruption second contact is configured to be offset from the timing of contact or separation between the energization first contact and the energization second contact.

[0027] As a result, the timing of contact or separation between the arc-blocking first contact and the arc-blocking second contact is configured to be different from the timing of contact or separation between the energized first contact and the energized second contact, thereby suppressing the generation of arcs between the energized first contact and the energized second contact and suppressing deterioration of the conductivity state. The trigger switch according to the 21st invention comprises a contact mechanism of the trigger switch according to the first or second invention, a trigger that is pressed by a user, and a contact member that contacts a movable contact portion when the trigger is pressed, and moves the movable contact portion and the fixed contact portion from a separated state to a contact state, or from a contact state to a separated state.

[0028] As a result, as described above, it is possible to provide a trigger switch that can be assembled more easily than conventional trigger switches that use a coil spring to bias the movable contact. (Effects of the invention) The contact mechanism of the trigger switch according to the present invention can be assembled more easily than conventional trigger switches.

[0029] A side view showing the configuration of a trigger switch equipped with a contact mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention. A perspective view showing the configuration of the contact mechanism mounted on the trigger switch of Figure 1. (a), (b), (c), and (d) are process diagrams showing the flow of mounting the biasing member included in the contact mechanism of Figure 2. (a) is a front view showing the configuration of the side into which the biasing member of the contact mechanism of Figure 2 is inserted. (b) is a perspective view of (a). (a) and (b) are side views and perspective views showing the configuration of the biasing member included in the contact mechanism of Figure 2. (a) and (b) are perspective views showing the configuration of the support member included in the contact mechanism of Figure 2. (a) is a side view showing the state of the contact mechanism of Figure 2 in its initial state before the trigger of the trigger switch of Figure 1 is pressed. (b) is a side view showing the state of the contact mechanism of Figure 2 when the trigger of the trigger switch of Figure 1 is pressed. A side view showing the configuration of another contact mechanism mounted on the trigger switch of Figure 1. (a) and (b) are process diagrams showing the process of attaching the biasing member included in the contact mechanism of Figure 8. A perspective view showing the configuration of the biasing member included in the contact mechanism of Figure 8. (a) is a front view showing the configuration of the side of the contact mechanism of Figure 8 to which the biasing member is attached. (b) is a front view showing the state in which the biasing member is attached to (a). A plan view showing the configuration of the bottom side of the contact mechanism of Figure 8. (a) is a side view showing the state of the contact mechanism of Figure 8 in its initial state before the trigger of the trigger switch is pressed. (b) is a side view showing the state of the contact mechanism of Figure 8 when the trigger of the trigger switch is pressed.

[0030] (Embodiment 1) The contact mechanisms 10, 20 of the trigger switch 50 according to one embodiment of the present invention and the trigger switch 50 equipped therewith will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 13(b). In this embodiment, unnecessary detailed explanations may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters and redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0031] Furthermore, the applicant provides the accompanying drawings and the following description so that those skilled in the art can fully understand the present invention, and not intends to limit the subject matter described in the claims by means of these. (1) Configuration of the trigger switch 50 The trigger switch 50 equipped with the contact mechanisms 10 and 20 according to this embodiment is mounted, for example, on a power tool such as an electric drill, electric screwdriver, electric wrench, or electric grinder, which is equipped with a drive unit such as a motor.

[0032] Furthermore, the trigger switch 50 of this embodiment has a NO (Normal Open) contact that becomes in contact when the circuit inside the power tool transitions from the ON position to the OFF position. The trigger switch 50 of this embodiment is a switch operated by the user when performing various tasks using the power tool, and as shown in Figure 1, it comprises contact mechanisms 10, 20, a trigger 51 to which a push operation is input, a case member 52, a switching lever 53, and a return spring 54 that biases the trigger 51 in the opposite direction to the push direction (direction of the push operation).

[0033] As shown in Figure 1, the contact mechanism 10 is located in the lower part of the internal space of the case member 52 and constitutes a cutoff contact that cuts off the current from the power source to the motor mounted on the power tool. As shown in Figure 1, the contact mechanism 20 is located in the upper part of the internal space of the case member 52 and constitutes a full-speed contact that sets the rotation speed of the motor mounted on the power tool to full speed.

[0034] The detailed configuration of the contact mechanisms 10 and 20 will be described in detail later. The trigger 51 is a member that accepts a push operation by the user, and its front surface is formed in an arc shape so that the user can easily grip it with their fingers when operating it, as shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, the trigger 51 has a substantially cylindrical plunger 51a on the opposite side of the arc-shaped front surface that extends toward the case member 52.

[0035] As shown in Figure 1, the plunger 51a is molded integrally with the trigger, and when the trigger 51 is pressed, it moves inward through the opening 52a provided in the case member 52. At this time, the member connected to the plunger 51a contracts the return spring 54, biasing the plunger 51a in the direction opposite to the direction of the pressing operation. In addition, a contact member 55 is attached to the end of the plunger 51a opposite to the trigger 51. As a result, when the trigger 51 is pressed, the contact member 55 integrated with the plunger 51a moves back and forth in the direction of the pressing operation.

[0036] The case member 52 is a hollow case having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and is composed of two symmetrically formed covers. As shown in Figure 1, the internal space of the case member 52 houses the contact mechanisms 10, 20, the return spring 54, the contact member 55, and the like. The case member 52 has an opening 52a into which a substantially cylindrical plunger 51a is inserted in a movable state by a pushing operation.

[0037] As shown in Figure 1, the switching lever 53 is located on the upper part of the case member 52 and swings from side to side in response to a switching operation by the user to switch the drive direction of the motor mounted on the power tool. When the switching lever 53 is operated to the middle of its swing range, the switching lever 53 functions as a locking mechanism to prevent the trigger 51 from being pushed in. The return spring 54 is formed using a spring such as a compression coil spring. As shown in Figure 1, the return spring 54 is located in the internal space of the case member 52 and biases the plunger 51a of the trigger 51 forward, opposite to the direction of pushing. This returns the plunger 51a, which has been pushed backward together with the trigger 51, to its initial forward position.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1, the contact member 55 is a substantially box-shaped member arranged in the internal space of the case member 52, and the end of the plunger 51a is fixed to it, so that it moves together with the trigger 51 in the direction of the pushing operation on the trigger 51. The contact member 55 is positioned to contact the movable contact portions 12 and 22 of the two contact mechanisms 10 and 20 mounted on the trigger switch 50, and the pushing operation on the trigger 51 opens and closes the contact mechanisms 10 and 20.

[0039] (2) Configuration of the Contact Mechanism 10 As described above, the contact mechanism 10 according to this embodiment is a shut-off contact mounted on the trigger switch 50, and as shown in Figure 2, comprises a fixed contact portion 11, a movable contact portion 12, a biasing member 13, a base portion 14, and a support member 15. The fixed contact portion 11 is fixedly positioned on the upper surface of the base portion 14 so that the contact portion is exposed, and it comes into contact with / separates from the movable contact portion 12 which is positioned opposite to it.

[0040] As shown in Figure 2, the main body portion 11a is a substantially L-shaped member and is fixed to the base portion 14. The arc interruption contact (second arc interruption contact) 11b is an arc interruption contact on the fixed contact portion 11 side that is exposed on the upper surface of the base portion 14 and is positioned adjacent to the energizing contact 11c.

[0041] The energizing contact (second energizing contact) 11c is an energizing contact on the fixed contact portion 11 side, which is positioned to be exposed on the upper surface of the base portion 14, and is located adjacent to the arc interrupting contact 11b. The movable contact portion 12 is positioned opposite the fixed contact portion 11 and constitutes a contact mechanism 10 that contacts / separates from the fixed contact portion 11. As shown in Figures 3(a) to 3(d), the movable contact portion 12 has a main body portion 12a that is substantially L-shaped in side view, and an opening (first opening) 12b which is formed to penetrate the main body portion 12a and into which a part of the biasing member 13 (plate-shaped portion 13a) is inserted when the biasing member 13 is attached.

[0042] The main body portion 12a has a first surface 12aa on the side that abuts against the fixed contact portion 11, and a second surface 12ab that extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the first surface 12aa. The opening (first opening) 12b is formed so as to penetrate the second surface 12ab of the main body portion 12a, as shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b). When the biasing member 13 is mounted, the plate-like portion 13a of the biasing member 13 is inserted into the opening 12b.

[0043] The arc interruption contact (first arc interruption contact) 12c is disposed at a position facing the arc interruption contact 11b on the fixed contact portion 11 side, and together with the arc interruption contact 11b, constitutes a contact for arc interruption. The energization contact (first energization contact) 12d is disposed at a position facing the energization contact 11c on the fixed contact portion 11 side, and together with the energization contact 11c, constitutes a contact for energization.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2, the biasing member 13 is disposed so as to abut against a part of the movable contact portion 12, and has a substantially U-shaped configuration in a side view, as shown in FIG. 5(a). As shown in FIGS. 3(a) to 3(d), the biasing member 13 is mounted by being slid in a direction intersecting the abutting direction of the movable contact portion 12 with respect to the fixed contact portion 11. The biasing member 13 biases the movable contact portion 12 in the direction in which it abuts against the fixed contact portion 11.

[0045] Further, as shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), the biasing member 13 has a plate-like portion (first plate-like portion) 13a, a plate-like portion (second plate-like portion) 13b, a connecting portion 13c, a bent portion 13d, a locked portion 13e, and an opening (interference avoidance opening) 13f. The plate-like portion (first plate-like portion) 13a is provided at a position that contacts the movable contact portion 12 in a state where the biasing member 13 shown in FIG. 2 and the like is mounted.

[0046] The plate-like portion (second plate-like portion) 13b is disposed so as to face the plate-like portion 13a and applies a biasing force to the movable contact portion 12 together with the plate-like portion 13a. The connecting portion 13c connects the end of the plate-like portion 13a and the end of the plate-like portion 13b. The bent portion 13d is formed obliquely at the tip of at least one of the plate-like portion 13a and the plate-like portion 13b so as to be separated from each other in the mounting direction of the biasing member 13.

[0047] The locked part 13e is a hole formed to penetrate the plate-shaped part 13b, as shown in FIG. 5(b) and the like. As shown in FIGS. 3(c) and 3(d), when the biasing member 13 is attached, the locked part 13e is locked to a locking part 15c (see FIG. 4(a)) provided on the support member 15. Thereby, in the attached state of the biasing member 13, movement in the sliding movement direction is restricted.

[0048] The opening (interference avoidance opening) 13f is a recess provided between the plate-shaped parts 13a and 13a in order to avoid interference with the movable contact part 12 when the biasing member 13 is attached. The base part 14 is a substantially block-shaped member provided with the fixed contact part 11 and the movable contact part 12, as shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIGS. 3(a) to 3(d), the biasing member 13 is attached along a direction intersecting the contact direction of the movable contact part 12 with respect to the fixed contact part 11. The base part 14 has a main body part 14a and a guiding part 14b, as shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b).

[0049] The main body part 14a is a substantially block-shaped member, as shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), and the fixed contact part 11 and the support member 15 that supports the movable contact part 12 are attached thereto. The guiding part 14b is provided on the surface of the main body part 14a on the side where the biasing member 13 is inserted, as shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), and guides the tip of the plate-shaped part 13b of the substantially U-shaped biasing member 13 in a predetermined direction when the biasing member 13 is attached.

[0050] The support member 15 is provided on the base part 14 and supports the first surface 12aa side of the movable contact part 12. The support member 15 has a main body part 15a, a fulcrum part 15b, a locking part 15c, an opening (second opening) 15d, a locking part 15c, and an opening 15d, as shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b). The main body part 15a is configured by combining substantially L-shaped members and supports the movable contact part 12 at the upper end part (fulcrum part 15b).

[0051] The pivot point 15b supports the movable contact portion 12 and acts as the pivot center that rotates the movable contact portion 12 in accordance with the application / removal of the biasing force applied by the biasing member 13. The locking portion 15c locks the locking portion 13e provided on the biasing member 13 when the biasing member 13 is installed, preventing the biasing member 13 from coming off. As shown in Figure 3(c), etc., the opening (second opening) 15d is into which a part of the biasing member 13 (plate-shaped portion 13a) is inserted when the biasing member 13 is installed.

[0052] Furthermore, the biasing member 13 is mounted by sliding it beyond the pivot point 15b, from the opposite side of the fixed contact portion 11 toward the fixed contact portion 11 when viewed from the pivot point 15b. That is, the biasing member 13 contacts the movable contact portion 12 at a position further away from the pivot point 15b when viewed from the upstream side in the direction of the sliding movement when the biasing member 13 is mounted. As a result, in the initial position shown in Figure 7(a), the movable contact portion 12 is held apart from the fixed contact portion 11 by contact with the contact member 55 which moves together with the trigger 51. Then, when the trigger 51 is pressed as shown in Figure 7(b), the movable contact portion 12 moves into contact with the fixed contact portion 11 due to the biasing force from the biasing member 13 as it moves apart from the contact member 55 which moves together with the trigger 51.

[0053] In other words, when the biasing member 13 slides and is mounted, it applies a biasing force to the movable contact portion 12 at a position beyond the pivot point 15b, thereby switching the separation / contact of the movable contact portion 12 with respect to the fixed contact portion 11 in accordance with the contact / separation with the contact member 55. <Movement of the contact mechanism 10 in accordance with the pressing operation on the trigger 51> The contact mechanism 10 of this embodiment transitions from the initial state shown in Figure 7(a) to the ON state shown in Figure 7(b) as the contact member 55 moves in the direction of the pressing operation when the trigger 51 is pressed.

[0054] In other words, as shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b), the contact member 55 separates from the movable contact portion 12 when the trigger 51 is pressed, causing the movable contact portion 12 and the fixed contact portion 11 to transition from a separated state (OFF state) to a contact state (ON state). As a result, the contact mechanism 10 can be transitioned from the OFF state to the ON state in conjunction with the pressing operation of the trigger 51.

[0055] In this embodiment, the contact mechanism 10 is configured such that the timing of contact or separation between the arc interruption contact 12c of the movable contact portion 12 and the arc interruption contact 11b of the fixed contact portion 11 is offset from the timing of contact or separation between the energized contact 12d of the movable contact portion 12 and the energized contact 11c of the fixed contact portion 11. Specifically, the height at which the lower surface of the contact member 55 shown in Figure 1 contacts the movable contact portion 12 is different from the height at which it contacts the fixed contact portion 11.

[0056] Therefore, the timing of contact between the arc interruption contact 12c and the arc interruption contact 11b is configured to be earlier than the timing of contact between the energized contact 12d and the energized contact 11c. Similarly, the timing of separation between the arc interruption contact 12c and the arc interruption contact 11b is configured to be later than the timing of contact between the energized contact 12d and the energized contact 11c.

[0057] As a result, the timing of contact or separation between the arc interruption contact 12c and the arc interruption contact 11b is set to be different from the timing of contact or separation between the energizing contact 12d and the energizing contact 11c, thereby suppressing the generation of arcs between the energizing contact 12d and the energizing contact 11c and suppressing deterioration of the conductivity state. (3) Configuration of the contact mechanism 20 The contact mechanism 20 according to this embodiment is a full-speed contact mounted on the trigger switch 50 shown in Figure 1, and differs from the contact mechanism 10 described above in that, as shown in Figure 8, the biasing member 23 is inserted from the contact side between the fixed contact portion 21 and the movable contact portion 22.

[0058] Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, the contact mechanism 20 includes a fixed contact portion 21, a movable contact portion 22, a biasing member 23, a base portion 24, and a support member 25. The fixed contact portion 21 is fixedly positioned on the upper surface of the base portion 24 so that its contact portion is exposed, and it contacts / separates from the movable contact portion 22 which is positioned opposite it. The main body portion 21a is fixed to the base portion 24 as shown in Figure 8, etc.

[0059] Contact 21b is a contact on the fixed contact portion 21 side that is exposed on the upper surface of the base portion 24 and is positioned opposite to contact 22c on the movable contact portion 22 side. The movable contact portion 22 is positioned opposite to the fixed contact portion 21 and constitutes a contact mechanism 20 that contacts / separates from the fixed contact portion 21. As shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b), the movable contact portion 22 has a main body portion 22a and a contact 22c.

[0060] The main body portion 22a has a substantially L-shape in side view, and when the biasing member 23 slides and is attached, it is biased by the biasing member 23 in a direction to contact the fixed contact portion 21. The contact 22c is provided on the surface of the tip of the main body portion 22a that faces the fixed contact portion 21, and together with the contact 21b on the fixed contact portion 21 side, it constitutes the contact mechanism 20.

[0061] As shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b), the biasing member 23 is positioned to abut a part of the movable contact portion 22 and has a substantially U-shape in side view. The biasing member 23 is mounted by sliding it along a direction intersecting the direction in which the movable contact portion 22 abuts the fixed contact portion 21. The biasing member 23 biases the movable contact portion 22 in the direction in which it abuts the fixed contact portion 21.

[0062] The biasing member 23 is mounted by sliding it from the fixed contact portion 21 side to just before the pivot portion 25b, as viewed from the pivot portion 25b. That is, when viewed from the upstream side in the mounting direction when the biasing member 23 is mounted, the biasing member 23 contacts the movable contact portion 22 at a position closer to the pivot portion 25b. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the biasing member 23 has a plate-shaped portion (first plate-shaped portion) 23a, a plate-shaped portion (second plate-shaped portion) 23b, a connecting portion 23c, a locking portion 23e, and an opening (interference avoidance opening) 23f.

[0063] The plate-shaped portion (first plate-shaped portion) 23a is positioned to contact the movable contact portion 22 when the biasing member 23 shown in Figure 9(b), etc., is attached. The plate-shaped portion (second plate-shaped portion) 23b is positioned opposite the plate-shaped portion 23a and together with the plate-shaped portion 23a applies a biasing force to the movable contact portion 22. The connecting portion 23c connects the end of the plate-shaped portion 23a and the end of the plate-shaped portion 23b, as shown in Figure 10.

[0064] As shown in Figure 10, the locking portion 23e is a recess formed by cutting out a part of the side of the plate-shaped portion 23b. As shown in Figure 9(b), when the biasing member 23 is attached, the locking portion 23e is locked to the locking portion 24c (see Figure 12) provided on the base portion 24. This restricts the movement in the sliding direction when the biasing member 23 is attached.

[0065] The opening (interference avoidance opening) 23f is a recess provided near the center of the plate-shaped portion 23a to avoid interference with the movable contact portion 22 when the biasing member 23 is mounted. The base portion 24 is a substantially block-shaped member as shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b), and is provided with a fixed contact portion 21 and a movable contact portion 22. The base portion 24 is mounted along a direction that intersects the direction in which the biasing member 23 contacts the movable contact portion 22 with respect to the fixed contact portion 21. As shown in Figures 11(a) and 11(b), the base portion 24 has a main body portion 24a, a guide portion 24b, a locking portion 24c (see Figure 12), and an R-surface 24d.

[0066] The main body portion 24a is a substantially block-shaped member, and as shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b), a fixed contact portion 21 and a support member 25 that supports the movable contact portion 22 are attached to it. The guide portion 24b is provided on the side of the main body portion 24a into which the biasing member 23 is inserted, as shown in Figures 11(a) and 11(b). When the biasing member 23 is installed, the guide portion 24b guides the tip of the plate-shaped portion 23b of the substantially U-shaped biasing member 23 in a predetermined direction.

[0067] The locking portion 24c engages with the locking portion 23e provided on the biasing member 23 when the biasing member 23 is installed, thereby preventing the biasing member 23 from coming off. The rounded surface 24d guides the tip (plate-shaped portion 23a) of the biasing member 23 when it is installed. That is, when the biasing member 23 is installed, it is inserted while opening the roughly U-shaped open side. Therefore, as the plate-shaped portion 23a of the biasing member moves along the rounded surface 24d, the biasing member 23 can be guided to the predetermined installation position while opening.

[0068] The support member 25 is provided on the base portion 24 and supports the movable contact portion 22. As shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b), the support member 25 has a main body portion 25a and a pivot portion 25b. The main body portion 25a is constructed by combining substantially L-shaped members and supports the movable contact portion 22 at its upper end (pivot portion 25b).

[0069] The pivot point 25b supports the movable contact portion 22 and acts as the pivot center that rotates the movable contact portion 22 in accordance with the application / removal of the biasing force applied by the biasing member 23. <Movement of the contact mechanism 20 in accordance with the pressing operation on the trigger 51> In this embodiment, the contact mechanism 20 transitions from the initial state shown in Figure 13(a) to the ON state shown in Figure 13(b) when the contact member 55 shown in Figure 1 moves in the direction of the pressing operation when the trigger 51 is pressed.

[0070] In other words, the contact member 55 is in contact with a part of the movable contact portion 22 on the upper surface shown in Figure 1. Then, as shown in Figures 13(a) and 13(b), the contact member 55 separates from the movable contact portion 22 when the trigger 51 is pressed, causing the movable contact portion 22 and the fixed contact portion 21 to transition from a separated state (OFF state) to a contact state (ON state). As a result, the contact mechanism 20 can be transitioned from the OFF state to the ON state in conjunction with the pressing operation of the trigger 51.

[0071] <Main Features> The contact mechanism 10 of the trigger switch 50 in this embodiment comprises a fixed contact portion 11, a movable contact portion 12, and a biasing member 13. The movable contact portion 12 is positioned opposite the fixed contact portion 11. The biasing member 13 is positioned to abut a part of the movable contact portion 12 and is mounted by sliding along a direction intersecting the direction in which the movable contact portion 12 abuts the fixed contact portion 11, thereby biasing the movable contact portion 12 toward or away from the fixed contact portion 11.

[0072] As a result, the biasing member 13, which biases the movable contact portion 12 in a direction that causes it to contact or separate from the fixed contact portion 11, can be easily attached to the movable contact portion 12 simply by sliding it along a direction that intersects the direction in which the movable contact portion 12 contacts the fixed contact portion 11. As a result, assembly can be improved compared to conventional methods that use a coil spring to bias the movable contact portion.

[0073] [Other Embodiments] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. (A) In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the biasing members 13 and 23 apply a biasing force in the direction in which the movable contact portions 12 and 22 come into contact with the fixed contact portions 11 and 21. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0074] For example, the biasing member may be positioned between the movable contact portion and the fixed contact portion, and may be configured to apply a biasing force in a direction that causes the movable contact portion to move away from the fixed contact portion. (B) In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the biasing members 13 and 23 are mounted by sliding them along the longitudinal direction of the movable contact portions 12 and 22. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0075] For example, the biasing member may be attached along a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the movable contact portion (for example, from the side of the movable contact portion). (C) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the support members 15 and 25 that serve as pivot points for rotating the movable contact portions 12 and 22 are provided as separate members from the base portions 14 and 24. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0076] For example, the pivot member and the base portion may be integrated into a single structure. (D) In ​​the above embodiment, an example was given in which the contact mechanisms 10 and 20 are both in the OFF state until the trigger 51 is pressed, and transition to the ON state when the trigger 51 is pressed, thus constituting a so-called NO contact. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0077] For example, the contact mechanism may be a so-called NC contact that is in an ON state until the trigger is pressed and transitions to an OFF state when the trigger is pressed. (E) In the above embodiment, in order to prevent the biasing members 13 and 23 from detaching, a locking portion 15c that locks the locked portions 13e and 23e provided on the biasing members 13 and 23 is provided on the support member 15 and a locking portion 24c is provided on the base portion 24. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0078] For example, the locking portion that locks the locked portion of the biasing member may be provided in a component other than the support member and the base portion. (F) In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the contact mechanisms 10 and 20 are applied to the cut-off contact and the full-speed contact included in the trigger switch 50, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0079] For example, the configuration of the present invention may be applied to only one of the shut-off contact and the full-speed contact included in the trigger switch. Alternatively, the configuration of the present invention may be applied to other contact mechanisms, not limited to the shut-off contact and the full-speed contact. (G) In the above embodiment, an example was given in which contacts for different purposes are provided in the contact mechanism 10 included in the trigger switch 50. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0080] For example, the contact mechanism may have multiple contacts with the same purpose. Also, the number of contacts included in the contact mechanism may be three or more. (H) In the above embodiment, an example in which the configuration of the contact mechanisms 10 and 20 of the present invention is applied to a trigger switch 50 was given. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0081] For example, the configuration of the present invention may be applied as a contact mechanism for electronic components other than trigger switches. <Note> The contact mechanism of a trigger switch according to the first invention comprises: a fixed contact portion; a movable contact portion positioned opposite the fixed contact portion; and a biasing member positioned to abut a part of the movable contact portion and mounted by sliding along a direction intersecting the direction in which the movable contact portion abuts the fixed contact portion, biasing the movable contact portion toward or toward the fixed contact portion.

[0082] The contact mechanism for a trigger switch according to the second invention is the contact mechanism for a trigger switch according to the first invention, further comprising a base portion on which the fixed contact portion and the movable contact portion are provided, and the biasing member is mounted in a direction intersecting the direction in which the movable contact portion contacts the fixed contact portion.

[0083] The contact mechanism for a trigger switch according to the third invention is the contact mechanism for a trigger switch according to the second invention, further comprising a support member provided on the base portion, supporting the movable contact portion, and having a pivot point that rotates the movable contact portion by receiving a biasing force applied by the biasing member.

[0084] The trigger switch contact mechanism according to the fourth invention is the trigger switch contact mechanism according to the third invention, wherein the biasing member is mounted by sliding it beyond the pivot point, from the opposite side of the fixed contact portion toward the fixed contact portion, as viewed from the pivot point. The trigger switch contact mechanism according to the fifth invention is the trigger switch contact mechanism according to the third or fourth invention, wherein the biasing member abuts against the movable contact portion at a position further away from the pivot point as viewed from the upstream side in the direction of sliding movement when the biasing member is mounted.

[0085] The trigger switch contact mechanism according to the sixth invention is a trigger switch contact mechanism according to any one of the first to fifth inventions, wherein the movable contact portion has a main body portion that is substantially L-shaped in side view, having a first surface that abuts the fixed contact portion and a second surface that extends in a direction intersecting the first surface, and a first opening formed on the second surface into which a part of the biasing member is inserted when the biasing member is attached.

[0086] The trigger switch contact mechanism according to the seventh invention is a trigger switch contact mechanism according to any one of the first to sixth inventions, wherein the biasing member has a first plate-shaped portion that contacts the movable contact portion, a second plate-shaped portion that is arranged opposite to the first plate-shaped portion and together with the first plate-shaped portion applies a biasing force to the movable contact portion, and a connecting portion that connects the end of the first plate-shaped portion and the end of the second plate-shaped portion.

[0087] The contact mechanism for a trigger switch according to the eighth invention is the contact mechanism for a trigger switch according to the seventh invention, wherein the biasing member has a substantially U-shape. The contact mechanism for a trigger switch according to the ninth invention is the contact mechanism for a trigger switch according to the seventh invention, wherein the biasing member has bent portions formed at the tips of the first plate-shaped portion and the second plate-shaped portion at an angle so as to be spaced apart from each other with respect to the mounting direction of the biasing member.

[0088] The trigger switch contact mechanism according to the tenth invention is a trigger switch contact mechanism according to any one of the first to ninth inventions, wherein the biasing member has a locking portion that restricts the movement of the biasing member in the direction of sliding movement when the movable contact portion and the fixed contact portion are mounted in a state in contact with or separated from each other.

[0089] The contact mechanism for a trigger switch according to the 11th invention is a contact mechanism for a trigger switch according to the 10th invention, further comprising: a base portion on which the fixed contact portion and the movable contact portion are provided, and on which the biasing member is mounted along a direction intersecting the direction in which the movable contact portion contacts the fixed contact portion; and a support member provided on the base portion, supporting the movable contact portion, and having a pivot portion that rotates the movable contact portion by receiving a biasing force applied by the biasing member, wherein the support member further has a locking portion that locks the locked portion when the biasing member is mounted.

[0090] The trigger switch contact mechanism according to the twelfth invention is a trigger switch contact mechanism according to any one of the third to fifth inventions, wherein the support member further has a second opening into which a part of the biasing member is inserted when the biasing member is mounted. The trigger switch contact mechanism according to the thirteenth invention is a trigger switch contact mechanism according to any one of the second to fifth inventions, wherein the base portion has a guide portion that guides at least one tip of the substantially U-shaped biasing member in a predetermined direction when the biasing member is mounted.

[0091] The trigger switch contact mechanism according to the 14th invention is a trigger switch contact mechanism according to any one of the 3rd to 5th inventions, wherein the biasing member is mounted by sliding it from the fixed contact portion side to just before the pivot portion, as viewed from the pivot portion. The trigger switch contact mechanism according to the 15th invention is a trigger switch contact mechanism according to the 14th invention, wherein the biasing member abuts the movable contact portion at a position closer to the pivot portion than the pivot portion, as viewed from the upstream side in the mounting direction when the biasing member is mounted.

[0092] The trigger switch contact mechanism according to the 16th invention is a trigger switch contact mechanism according to any one of the 1st to 15th inventions, wherein the biasing member further has an interference avoidance opening to avoid interference with the movable contact portion when mounted. The trigger switch contact mechanism according to the 17th invention is a trigger switch contact mechanism according to any one of the 2nd to 5th inventions, wherein the base portion has a rounded surface that guides the tip of the biasing member when the biasing member is mounted.

[0093] The trigger switch contact mechanism according to the 18th invention is a trigger switch contact mechanism according to any one of the first to 17th inventions, wherein the movable contact portion has a plurality of contacts, and the fixed contact portion has a plurality of contacts that each abut against the plurality of contacts of the movable contact portion.

[0094] The trigger switch contact mechanism according to the 19th invention is the trigger switch contact mechanism according to the 18th invention, wherein the movable contact portion includes an arc-blocking first contact and an energizing first contact, and the fixed contact portion includes an arc-blocking second contact that abuts against the arc-blocking first contact and an energizing second contact that abuts against the energizing first contact.

[0095] The contact mechanism for a trigger switch according to the 20th invention is the same as the contact mechanism for a trigger switch according to the 19th invention, wherein the timing of contact or separation between the arc interruption first contact and the arc interruption second contact is configured to be different from the timing of contact or separation between the energized first contact and the energized second contact.

[0096] The trigger switch according to the 21st invention comprises: a contact mechanism of a trigger switch according to any one of the 1st to 20th inventions; a trigger that is pressed by a user; and a contact member that contacts the movable contact portion when the trigger is pressed, and moves the movable contact portion and the fixed contact portion from a separated state to a contact state, or from a contact state to a separated state.

[0097] The contact mechanism of the trigger switch of the present invention has the effect of improving ease of assembly compared to conventional designs, and is therefore widely applicable to various electronic components equipped with contact mechanisms.

[0098] 10 Contact mechanism 11 Fixed contact part 11a Main body part 11b Arc interruption contact (second arc interruption contact) 11c Current-carrying contact (second current-carrying contact) 12 Movable contact part 12a Main body part 12aa First surface 12ab Second surface 12b Opening (first opening) 12c Arc interruption contact (first arc interruption contact) 12d Current-carrying contact (first current-carrying contact) 13 Biasing member 13a Plate-shaped part (first plate-shaped part) 13b Plate-shaped part (second plate-shaped part) 13c Connecting part 13d Bending part 13e Locking part 13f Opening (interference avoidance opening) 14 Base part 14a Main body part 14b Guiding part 15 Support member 15a Main body part 15b Pivot part 15c Locking part 15d 20 Opening (second opening) 21 Contact mechanism 21 Fixed contact part 21a Main body part 21b Contact 22 Movable contact part 22a Main body part 22c Contact 23 Biasing member 23a Plate-shaped part (first plate-shaped part) 23b Plate-shaped part (second plate-shaped part) 23c Connecting part 23e Locked part 23f Opening (interference avoidance opening) 24 Base part 24a Main body part 24b Guiding part 24c Locking part 24d R surface 25 Support member 25a Main body part 25b Pivot part 50 Trigger switch 51 Trigger 51a Plunger 52 Case member 52a Opening 53 Switching lever 54 Return spring 55 Contact member

Claims

1. A trigger switch contact mechanism comprising: a fixed contact portion; a movable contact portion positioned opposite the fixed contact portion; and a biasing member positioned to abut a part of the movable contact portion, and mounted by sliding along a direction intersecting the direction in which the movable contact portion abuts the fixed contact portion, thereby biasing the movable contact portion toward or toward the fixed contact portion.

2. The trigger switch contact mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising a base portion on which the fixed contact portion and the movable contact portion are provided, and the biasing member is mounted in a direction intersecting the direction in which the movable contact portion contacts the fixed contact portion.

3. The trigger switch contact mechanism according to claim 2, further comprising a support member provided on the base portion, supporting the movable contact portion, and having a pivot point portion that rotates the movable contact portion by receiving a biasing force applied by the biasing member.

4. The contact mechanism for a trigger switch according to claim 3, wherein the biasing member is mounted by sliding it beyond the pivot point, from the opposite side of the fixed contact portion toward the fixed contact portion, when viewed from the pivot point portion.

5. The contact mechanism for a trigger switch according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the biasing member abuts against the movable contact portion at a position further away from the pivot point when viewed from the upstream side in the direction of sliding movement when the biasing member is mounted.

6. The contact mechanism for a trigger switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the movable contact portion has a main body portion that is substantially L-shaped in side view, having a first surface that abuts the fixed contact portion and a second surface that extends in a direction intersecting the first surface, and a first opening formed on the second surface into which a part of the biasing member is inserted when the biasing member is attached.

7. The contact mechanism for a trigger switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the biasing member has a first plate-shaped portion that contacts the movable contact portion, a second plate-shaped portion that is arranged opposite to the first plate-shaped portion and together with the first plate-shaped portion applies a biasing force to the movable contact portion, and a connecting portion that connects the end of the first plate-shaped portion and the end of the second plate-shaped portion.

8. The contact mechanism of the trigger switch according to claim 7, wherein the biasing member has a substantially U-shape.

9. The contact mechanism for a trigger switch according to claim 7, wherein the biasing member has bent portions formed at the tips of the first plate-shaped portion and the second plate-shaped portion so as to be spaced apart from each other with respect to the mounting direction of the biasing member.

10. The contact mechanism for a trigger switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the biasing member has a locking portion that restricts the movement of the biasing member in the direction of sliding movement when the biasing member is mounted such that the movable contact portion and the fixed contact portion are in contact with or separated from each other.

11. The trigger switch contact mechanism according to claim 10, further comprising: a base portion on which the fixed contact portion and the movable contact portion are provided, and the biasing member is mounted along a direction intersecting the direction in which the movable contact portion contacts the fixed contact portion; and a support member provided on the base portion, supporting the movable contact portion, and having a pivot portion that rotates the movable contact portion by receiving a biasing force applied by the biasing member, wherein the support member further has a locking portion that locks the locked portion when the biasing member is mounted.

12. The contact mechanism for a trigger switch according to claim 3, wherein the support member further has a second opening into which a part of the biasing member is inserted when the biasing member is mounted.

13. The trigger switch contact mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the base portion has a guide portion that guides at least one tip of the substantially U-shaped biasing member in a predetermined direction when the biasing member is attached.

14. The contact mechanism for a trigger switch according to claim 3, wherein the biasing member is mounted by sliding it from the fixed contact portion side to just before the pivot portion, as viewed from the pivot portion.

15. The contact mechanism for a trigger switch according to claim 14, wherein the biasing member abuts against the movable contact portion at a position closer than the pivot point when viewed from the upstream side in the mounting direction when the biasing member is mounted.

16. The contact mechanism for a trigger switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the biasing member further has an interference avoidance opening to avoid interference with the movable contact portion when installed.

17. The contact mechanism for a trigger switch according to claim 2, wherein the base portion has a rounded surface that guides the tip of the biasing member when the biasing member is attached.

18. The contact mechanism for a trigger switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the movable contact portion has a plurality of contacts, and the fixed contact portion has a plurality of contacts that each contact with the plurality of contacts of the movable contact portion.

19. The contact mechanism for a trigger switch according to claim 18, wherein the plurality of contacts of the movable contact portion include an arc-blocking first contact and an energizing first contact, and the plurality of contacts of the fixed contact portion include an arc-blocking second contact that abuts the arc-blocking first contact and an energizing second contact that abuts the energizing first contact.

20. The contact mechanism of a trigger switch according to claim 19, wherein the timing of contact or separation between the first arc interruption contact and the second arc interruption contact is configured to be offset from the timing of contact or separation between the first energized contact and the second energized contact.

21. A trigger switch comprising: a contact mechanism for a trigger switch according to claim 1 or 2; a trigger that is pressed by a user; and a contact member that moves apart from or into contact with the movable contact portion by the pressing operation of the trigger, thereby moving the movable contact portion and the fixed contact portion from a separated state to a contact state, or from a contact state to a separated state.

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