SWITCH

Abstract

 A switch (10) includes: a body (5) to which a push button handle (32) is provided; a piano handle (43) which is pivotably attached to a front surface of the body (5) at one end of the piano handle (43) and is in contact with the push button handle (32); a switch mechanism (40) which is configured to switch a contact device between an open state and a closed state alternately each time the push button handle (32) is pushed; and a reverse mechanism (41) which is configured to swing a reverse handle (31) in opposite directions alternately each time the push button handle (32) is pushed. The reverse mechanism (41) includes: a slide cam (33) which is placed between the push button handle (32) and the reverse handle (31) and is configured to slide so as to enable the push button handle (32) to push either one of both sides of the reverse handle (31); and a metal spring piece (33a) which is placed outside the slide cam (33) and is for applying a force in an opposite direction to a direction in which the slide cam (33) slides.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to switches, and more specifically to a piano-handle-type switch that is configured to reverse a state of a contact device thereof in response to a push-operation of a piano handle.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In the past, there has been provided a piano-handle-type switch that is configured to reverse a state of a contact device thereof in response to a push-operation of a piano handle.

[0003] It is known that a push-button-type switch unit having structure shown in FIG. 15, for example, can be used for this kind of piano-handle-type switch (see JP 2008-109511 A). Hereinafter, JP H11-162292 A is referred to as "Document 1".

[0004] The push-button-type switch unit disclosed in Document 1 includes a body 301 and a cover 302. The push-button-type switch unit includes an operation body 310 which is attached to the cover 302 and is movable between a pushed position and an original position. In the push-button-type switch unit, a push button 314 is attached to the operation body 310. The body 301 of the push-button-type switch unit has therein a terminal member 303, a release button 304, a fixed contact member 305, a movable contact supporting terminal 306, and a movable contact member 307 which is swingably held by the movable contact supporting terminal 306. The fixed contact member 305 is provided with a fixed contact 305a. The movable contact member 307 is provided with a movable contact 307a. The movable contact member 307 is swingably held by a movable contact supporting spring 306a of the movable contact supporting terminal 306. The push-button-type switch unit is configured so that the movable contact 307a comes into contact with and departs from the fixed contact 305a in response to swing of the movable contact member 307.

[0005] In the push-button-type switch unit, a shifter 313 and the movable contact member 307 constitute a link mechanism, and the movable contact member 307 is configured to swing when the shifter 313 swings. The push-button-type switch unit is provided at an inner bottom part of the body 301 with a coil spring 315, and the coil spring 315 presses the movable contact member 307 and the shifter 313 toward the cover 302. In the push-button-type switch unit, the link mechanism constituted by the shifter 313 and the movable contact member 307 serves as a toggle mechanism by a pressing force of the coil spring 315.

[0006] The push-button-type switch unit disclosed in Document 1 includes a contact opening and closing mechanism for swinging the movable contact member 307. The contact opening and closing mechanism is constituted by the operation body 310, a slide driver 311, a resilient member 312 and the shifter 313. The resilient member 312 includes a base plate 312a, and operation body resilient springs 312b and slide driver resilient springs 312c which are formed integrally with the base plate 312a. The operation body resilient springs 312b of the resilient member 312 are configured to press the operation body 310 in a direction of moving the operation body 310 to its original position. The slide driver resilient springs 312c engage with the slide driver 311 at both side surfaces of the slide driver 311, and press the slide driver 311 evenly from the both sides. In the push-button-type switch unit, the slide driver 311 can be turned back to a neutral position by a pressing force of the slide driver resilient spring 312c.

[0007] In some cases, the push-button-type switch unit makes an operation noise when the slide driver 311 is moved as a result of pushing of the push button 314. Piano-handle-type switches are required to have more improved quietness, and thus it is insufficient to use the structure of the above-mentioned push-button-type switch unit, and further improvement is required.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] Therefore, the present invention has aimed to propose a switch having improved quietness.

[0009] A switch (10) according to the present invention includes a body (5), a piano handle (43), a recovery spring (37), a switch mechanism (40), a reverse handle (31) and a reverse mechanism (41). The body (5) has a front face receiving a push button handle (32) to be manually pushed. The piano handle (43) is placed in front of the body (5) so as to cover the front face of the body (5). The piano handle (43) is pivotably attached to the body (5) at one end of the piano handle (43). The piano handle (43) is configured to be in contact with the push button handle (32) in a state where a rear face of the piano handle (43) faces the push button handle (32). The recovery spring (37) is housed in the body (5). The recovery spring (37) is configured to apply to the push button handle (32) a force in an opposite direction to a direction in which the push button handle (32) is to be pushed. The switch mechanism (40) is housed in the body (5). The switch mechanism (40) is configured to switch a contact device between an open state and a closed state alternately each time the push button handle (32) is pushed. The reverse handle (31) is allowed to swing behind the recovery spring (37). The reverse mechanism (41) is configured to swing the reverse handle (31) in opposite directions alternately each time the push button handle (32) is pushed. The reverse mechanism (41) includes a slide cam (33) and a spring piece (33a). The slide cam (33) is placed between the push button handle (32) and the reverse handle (31). The slide cam (33) is configured to slide in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the push button handle (32) is to be manually pushed so as to enable the push button handle (32) to push either one of both sides of the reverse handle (31). The spring piece (33a) is made of metal. The spring piece (33a) is placed outside the slide cam (33). The spring piece (33a) is configured to apply to the slide cam (33) a force in an opposite direction to a direction in which the slide cam (33) slides. Thereby, the switch according to the present invention can have improved quietness.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] The figures depict one or more embodiments in accordance with the present teaching, by way of example only, not by way of limitations.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a switch of an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view illustrating the switch of the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a primary part of the switch of the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view illustrating the primary part of the switch of the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view illustrating another primary part of the switch of the embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the switch of the embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a top view illustrating the switch of the embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a front view illustrating the switch of the embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a bottom view illustrating the switch of the embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a right side view illustrating the switch of the embodiment;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a usage configuration of the switch of the embodiment;

FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B each illustrate the primary part of the switch of the embodiment, FIG. 12A is a sectional view for explanation of the switch to which a piano handle is not attached and FIG. 12B is a sectional view for explanation of the switch to which the piano handle is attached;

FIG. 13 is an operation explanatory view for explanation of operation of the switch of the embodiment;

FIG. 14 is another operation explanatory view for explanation of operation of the switch of the embodiment; and

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional push-button-type switch unit.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0011]  The following explanations referring to FIGS. 1 to 11 are made to a piano-handle-type switch 10 of the present embodiment. In the drawings, same components are designated by the same reference numerals and explanations thereof are omitted. However, in some cases, a dimension and/or a position relation of components shown in each drawing may be exaggerated for clear explanation. In the following explanations, with respect to elements constituting the present embodiment, one component including multiple elements may serve as the multiple elements, and by contraries a function of one component may be achieved by multiple components. Hereinafter, the piano-handle-type switch 10 of the present embodiment is also referred to as merely the switch 10.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the switch 10 includes a body 5 having a front face receiving a push button handle 32 to be manually pushed. The switch 10 includes a piano handle 43 which is placed in front of the body 5 so as to cover the front face of the body 5. The piano handle 43 is pivotably attached to the body 5 at a first end of the piano handle 43. The piano handle 43 is configured to be in contact with the push button handle 32 in a state where a rear face of the piano handle 43 faces the push button handle 32. The switch 10 includes a recovery spring 37 which is housed in the body 5 and is for applying to the push button handle 32 a force in an opposite direction to a direction in which the push button handle 32 is to be pushed. The switch 10 includes a switch mechanism 40 which is housed in the body 5 and is configured to switch a contact device 100 between an open state and a closed state alternately each time the push button handle 32 is pushed. The switch 10 includes a reverse handle 31 which is allowed to swing behind the recovery spring 37. The switch 10 includes a reverse mechanism 41 which is configured to swing the reverse handle 31 in opposite directions alternately each time the push button handle 32 is pushed.

[0013] The reverse mechanism 41 includes a slide cam 33 which is placed between the push button handle 32 and the reverse handle 31 and is configured to slide in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the push button handle 32 is to be manually pushed so as to enable the push button handle 32 to push either one of both sides of the reverse handle 31. The reverse mechanism 41 includes a metal spring piece 33a which is placed outside the slide cam 33 and is for applying to the slide cam 33 a force in an opposite direction to a direction in which the slide cam 33 slides.

[0014] Thereby, it is possible to achieve advantageous effects that the switch 10 has improved quietness.

[0015] The following explanations are made to more specific structure of the switch 10.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 11, the switch 10 may be used by being attached to an attachment frame 2 installed in an installation surface (not shown) such as a building wall.

[0017] The switch 10 includes a switch main body 1 which includes the push button handle 32 and is configured to reverse a state of the contact device 100 each time the push button handle 32 is pushed. A pictorial figure or characters for indicating an installation direction of the switch main body 1 may be embossed on a top surface of the push button handle 32. The switch 10 includes a piano handle 43. The piano handle 43 is placed so as to face a front face (an upper side in FIG. 1) of the switch main body 1, is pivotably attached to the switch main body 1 at the first end of the piano handle 43, and is configured to push the push button handle 32. The switch main body 1 of the switch 10 includes the body 5 having a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The body 5 is held by the attachment frame 2. The attachment frame 2 has a quadrangular frame shape and has a window opening 2a for attachment of a device. The attachment frame 2 is configured to receive a plate frame 120 and a decorative plate 130 on a front side of the attachment frame 2 in such a manner that the plate frame 120 and the decorative plate 130 overlap with the attachment frame 2. The plate frame 120 has a first open window 120a having a length and a width greater than those of the window opening 2a of the attachment frame 2. The decorative plate 130 has a second open window 130a. The attachment frame 2 includes three pairs of device attachment holes 2b along a lengthwise direction of the attachment frame 2.

[0018] The body 5 of the switch 10 is formed to have a dimension a triple one of which is equivalent to a dimension of one embedded wiring device. The body 5 includes a cover part 5a and a body part 5b. An outer shape of the body part 5b is a hollow quadrangular cylindrical shape with an open front face and a closed back face. The body part 5b may be a synthetic resin molding. An outer shape of the cover part 5a is a hollow quadrangular cylindrical shape with a closed front face and an open back face which is connected to the front face of the body part 5b. The cover part 5a may be a synthetic resin molding. The cover part 5a is provided with assembly pieces 3 each extending backward from an end of a corresponding one of both side walls in a width direction of the cover part 5a. The body part 5b is provided, at each of both sides in a width direction of the body part 5b, with assembly protrusions 6 which are configured to engage with assembly holes 4 of the cover part 5a. Each assembly protrusion 6 includes a slope 6a of which a dimension of projection from the body part 5b reduces with decrease of a distance from the cover part 5a. The assembly protrusions 6 are configured to be connected with the assembly pieces 3 when the cover part 5a is put over the body part 5b. The body part 5b and the cover part 5a of the body 5 are configured to be connected to each other by fitting the assembly protrusions 6 of the body part 5b into the assembly holes 4 formed in the assembly pieces 3 of the cover part 5a.

[0019] A width of the body 5 of the switch 10 is approximately one third of a length of the window opening 2a of the attachment frame 2. A length of the body 5 is substantially equal to a width of the window opening 2a of the attachment frame 2. As shown in FIGS. 2, 7 and 10, the body 5 is provided on a first side surface perpendicular to a lengthwise direction of the cover part 5a with first attachment claws 11a which project from the first side surface and are configured to be fitted into the device attachment holes 2b formed in parts, around the window opening 2a, of the attachment frame 2. The body 5 has the pair of first attachment claws 11a. Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 7, the body 5 is provided on a second side surface perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the cover part 5a with second attachment claws 11b which project from the second side surface and are configured to be fitted into the device attachment holes 2b formed in the parts, around the window opening 2a, of the attachment frame 2. In the switch 10, the switch main body 1 can be attached to the attachment frame 2 by fitting the first attachment claws 11a and the second attachment claws 11b of the body 5 into the device attachment holes 2b of the attachment frame 2. As shown in FIG. 10, the cover part 5a has a pair of slits 11c in a first side wall of the cover part 5a. The cover part 5a has a flexible piece 11d which is placed between the pair of slits 11c and has flexibility in a thickness direction of the side wall. The first attachment claws 11a of the cover part 5a are elastically deformed inward of the cover part 5a when the flexible piece 11d are bent inward of the cover part 5a.

[0020] With respect to the switch 10, when the switch main body 1 is attached to the attachment frame 2, first, the second attachment claws 11b of the cover part 5a are inserted into the device attachment holes 2b of the attachment frame 2. Next, the first attachment claws 11a positioned on an opposite side of the body 5 from the second attachment claws 11b are deformed, and the body 5 is inserted into the window opening 2a of the attachment frame 2. As a result, the switch main body 1 of the switch 10 can be attached to the attachment frame 2. Regarding the switch 10, when the flexible piece 11d is pushed inward of the cover part 5a, the first attachment claws 11a are detached from the device attachment holes 2b. Then, the second attachment claws 11b are pulled out from the device attachment holes 2b in a state where the first attachment claws 11a are detached from the device attachment holes 2b. As a result, the switch main body 1 of the switch 10 can be detached from the attachment frame 2. The switch main body 1 includes a push protrusion 11e which protrudes from the flexible piece 11d and facilitates pushing of the flexible piece 11d.

[0021] The attachment frame 2 has slots 2c each allowing passage of a box screw for attaching an embedded box (not shown) to be embedded in a wall or the like. The attachment frame 2 has screw insertion holes 2d each allowing passage of a screw for directly attaching the attachment frame 2 on a building surface such as a wall surface. The attachment frame 2 has a clamping fitting engagement hole 2e (not shown) to receive a clamping fitting used for attaching the attachment frame 2 on a wall panel or the like. The attachment frame 2 has attachment screw holes 2f into which attachment screws 123 for attachment of the plate frame 120 are screwed.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in a lengthwise direction of the body part 5b, inside space of the body part 5b is divided into three chambers. Two side ones of the chambers in the lengthwise direction of the body part 5b constitute a first terminal housing chamber 13 and a second terminal housing chamber 14, respectively. The first terminal housing chamber 13 accommodates a terminal part including a first terminal plate 15, two first lock springs 16 and a first release button 17. The second terminal housing chamber 14 accommodates a terminal part including a second terminal plate 18, a third terminal plate 22, two second lock springs 19 and a second release button 21. A center chamber in the lengthwise direction of the body part 5b constitutes a central housing chamber 23 for accommodating the switch mechanism 40. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 9, the body part 5b is provided in a bottom surface thereof with first electric cable insertion openings 13a connecting between an outside and the first terminal housing chamber 13. The body part 5b is provided in a vicinity of the pair of first electric cable insertion openings 13a with a first release hole 13b connecting between an outside and the first terminal housing chamber 13. Similarly, the body part 5b is provided in a bottom surface thereof with a pair of second electric cable insertion openings 14a connecting between an outside and the second terminal housing chamber 14. The body part 5b is provided in a vicinity of the pair of second electric cable insertion openings 14a with a second release hole 14b connecting between an outside and the second terminal housing chamber 14. In the following explanations, in some cases, one of the pair of second electric cable insertion openings 14a is referred to as a third electric cable insertion opening 14a1, and the other of them is referred to as a fourth electric cable insertion opening 14a2. In the following explanations, in some cases, one of the two lock spring 19 is referred to as a second lock spring 19, and the other of them is referred to as a third lock spring 26.

[0023] The first lock spring 16 includes a flat-plate shaped first center piece 16c, a first lock piece 16a formed at a first end of the first center piece 16c and a first contact piece 16b formed at a second end of the first center piece 16c. The first lock piece 16a is curved so as to have a J-shape and is inclined in such a manner that a distance of the first lock piece 16a from the first center piece 16c increases with increase of a distance from a portion where the first lock piece 16a is connected with the first center piece 16c. The first contact piece 16b is curved so as to have a S-shape and has elasticity in a thickness direction of the first center piece 16c. Similarly, the second lock spring 19 includes a flat-plate shaped second center piece 19c, a second lock piece 19a formed at a third end of the second center piece 19c and a second contact piece 19b formed at a fourth end of the second center piece 19c. The second lock piece 19a is curved so as to have a J-shape, and is inclined in such a manner that a distance of the second lock piece 19a from the second center piece 19c increases with increase of a distance from a portion where the second lock piece 19a is connected with the second center piece 19c. The second contact piece 19b is curved so as to have a S-shape and has elasticity in a thickness direction of the second center piece 19c. Each of the first lock springs 16 and the second lock springs 19 may be formed of a bent conductive metal member with elasticity. Examples of material of the first lock spring 16 include metal material such as copper and copper alloy. Examples of material of the second lock spring 19 include metal material such as copper and copper alloy.

[0024] The first terminal plate 15 includes: a first connecting piece 15a; first pressure-contacting pieces 15b connected to the first connecting piece 15a; and first abutting pieces 15c each of which is connected to the first connecting piece 15a and faces a corresponding one of the first pressure-contacting pieces 15b. Each first lock spring 16 is arranged so that the first center piece 16c faces and is in contact with a corresponding first abutting piece 15c of the first terminal plate 15, and the first lock piece 16a and the first contact piece 16b face a corresponding first pressure-contacting piece 15b. In the switch main body 1, an electric cable inserted through one of the first electric cable insertion openings 13a is allowed to extend into a space surrounded by the first lock piece 16a and the first contact piece 16b of a corresponding first lock spring 16 and a corresponding first pressure-contacting piece 15b of the first terminal plate 15. In the switch main body 1, a position relation of the first terminal plate 15, the first lock springs 16 and the first electric cable insertion openings 13a may be appropriately set.

[0025] Accordingly, upon being inserted into the first electric cable insertion opening 13a of the body 5, the electric cable is pressed by the first lock piece 16a and the first contact piece 16b against the first pressure-contacting piece 15b of the first terminal plate 15 to be pinched therebetween. In the switch main body 1, the first lock piece 16a has its tip which bites into a core of the electric cable for catch thereof. In the switch main body 1, the core of the electric cable and the first terminal plate 15 are electrically connected to each other via the first lock piece 16a and the first contact piece 16b. The electric cable can be connected to the switch main body 1 without a terminal screw, but by use of a spring force of the first lock spring 16. In other words, with insertion of the core of the electric cable from which insulating coating is peeled away, the first lock spring 16 and the first terminal plate 15 serve as a quick connection terminal to perform electrical and mechanical connection with the electric cable.

[0026] The second terminal plate 18 includes: a second connecting piece 18a; a second pressure-contacting piece 18b connected to the second connecting piece 18a; and a second abutting piece 18c which is connected to the second connecting piece 18a and faces the second pressure-contacting piece 18b. The second terminal plate 18 may be formed of a bent conductive metal member with elasticity. Examples of material of the second terminal plate 18 include metal material such as copper and copper alloy.

[0027] One of the two second lock springs 19 is arranged so that the second center piece 19c faces and is in contact with the second abutting piece 18c of the second terminal plate 18, and the second lock piece 19a and the second contact piece 19b face the second pressure-contacting piece 18b. In the switch main body 1, an electric cable is inserted into the third electric cable insertion opening 14a1. In the switch main body 1, a position relation of the second terminal plate 18, the second lock spring 19 and the third electric cable insertion opening 14a1 is set such that the electric cable is allowed to extend into a space surrounded by the second lock piece 19a and the second contact piece 19b of the second lock spring 19 and the second pressure-contacting piece 18b of the second terminal plate 18.

[0028] With respect to the switch main body 1, when an electric cable is inserted into the third electric cable insertion opening 14a1, the electric cable is pressed by the second lock piece 19a and the second contact piece 19b against the second pressure-contacting piece 18b of the second terminal plate 18 to be pinched therebetween. In the switch main body 1, the second lock piece 19a and the second contact piece 19b serve as a quick connection terminal to perform electrical and mechanical connection between the core of the electrical cable and the second terminal plate 18.

[0029] The third terminal plate 22 includes a third connecting piece 22a, a third pressure-contacting piece 22b connected to the third connecting piece 22a and a third abutting piece 22c which is connected to the third connecting piece 22a and faces the third pressure-contacting piece 22b. The third terminal plate 22 may be formed of a bent conductive metal member with elasticity. Examples of material of the third terminal plate 22 include metal material such as copper and copper alloy.

[0030] The third lock spring 26 is arranged so that a third center piece 26c faces and is in contact with the third abutting piece 22c of the third terminal plate 22, and the third lock piece 26a and the third contact piece 26b face the third pressure-contacting piece 22b. In the switch main body 1, an electric cable is inserted into the fourth electric cable insertion opening 14a2. In the switch main body 1, a position relation of the third terminal plate 22, the third lock spring 26 and the fourth electric cable insertion opening 14a2 is set such that the electric cable is allowed to extend into a space surrounded by the third lock piece 26a and the third contact piece 26b of the third lock spring 26 and the third pressure-contacting piece 22b of the third terminal plate 22.

[0031] With respect to the switch main body 1, when an electric cable is inserted into the fourth electric cable insertion opening 14a2, the electric cable is pressed by the third lock piece 26a and the third contact piece 26b against the third pressure-contacting piece 22b of the third terminal plate 22 to be pinched therebetween. In the switch main body 1, the third lock piece 26a and the third contact piece 26b serve as a quick connection terminal to perform electrical and mechanical connection between the core of the electrical cable and the third terminal plate 22.

[0032] The first release button 17 is housed in the first terminal housing chamber 13 of the body part 5b such that a rear part of the first release button 17 faces the first release hole 13b. Part of the first release button 17 is allowed to come in contact with the first lock piece 16a of the first lock spring 16. When the first release button 17 is pressed through the first release hole 13b, the first lock piece 16a is detached from the first pressure-contacting pieces 15b of the first terminal plate 15 and thereby the electric cable can be pulled out of the switch main body 1. The first release button 17 is placed so as to overlap with both of the pair of first lock springs 16 corresponding to the first terminal plate 15. The first release button 17 is configured to press both the first lock pieces 16a of the two first lock springs 16, 16 corresponding to the first terminal plate 15, at one time.

[0033] Similarly, the second release button 21 is housed in the second terminal housing chamber 14 of the body part 5b such that a rear part of the second release button 21 faces the second release hole 14b. Parts of the second release button 21 are allowed to come into contact with the second lock piece 19a of the second lock spring 19 and the third lock piece 26a of the third lock spring 26, respectively. When the second release button 21 is pressed through the second release hole 14b, the second lock piece 19a is detached from the second pressure-contacting piece 18b of the second terminal plate 18 and thereby the electric cable can be pulled out of the switch main body 1 through the third electric cable insertion opening 14a1. Further, when the second release button 21 is pressed through the second release hole 14b, the third lock piece 26a is detached from the third pressure-contacting piece 22b of the third terminal plate 22 and thereby the electric cable can be pulled out of the switch main body 1 through the fourth electric cable insertion opening 14a2. The second release button 21 is placed so as to overlap with both of the second lock spring 19 and the third lock spring 26 corresponding to the second terminal plate 18 and the third terminal plate 22, respectively. The second release button 21 is configured to press both of the second lock piece 19a of the second lock spring 19 and the third lock piece 26a of the third lock spring 26 respectively corresponding to the second terminal plate 18 and the third terminal plate 22, at one time. Examples of materials of the first release button 17 and the second release button 21 include thermosetting resin such as urea resin. The first release button 17 and the second release button 21 may be pressed by an end part of a tool such as a flathead screwdriver.

[0034] In the switch main body 1, the second connecting piece 18a of the second terminal plate 18 is housed in the second terminal housing chamber 14, and a second contact holding piece 18d formed integrally with the second terminal plate 18 is placed in the central housing chamber 23. Regarding the second terminal plate 18, a fixed contact 25 is provided on an end part of the second contact holding piece 18d that is housed in the central housing chamber 23. In the following explanations, in some cases, the fixed contact 25 formed at the end part of the second contact holding piece 18d is referred to as a first fixed contact 25a. In the switch main body 1, the third connecting piece 22a of the third terminal plate 22 is housed in the second terminal housing chamber 14, and a third contact holding piece 22d formed integrally with the third terminal plate 22 is placed in the central housing chamber 23. Regarding the third terminal plate 22, a fixed contact 25 is provided on an end part of the third contact holding piece 22d that is housed in the central housing chamber 23. In the following explanations, in some cases, the fixed contact 25 formed at the end part of the third contact holding piece 22d is referred to as a second fixed contact 25b.

[0035] The first terminal plate 15 includes a bearing piece 15e which extends from an end part of a bridging piece 15d and is placed along an inner periphery of a rear wall of the central housing chamber 23. In the first terminal plate 15, the bridging piece 15d is formed so as to be closer to the first pressure-contacting pieces 15b than the first abutting piece 15c is. By placing the bridging piece 15d of the first terminal plate 15 at the closer position to the first pressure-contacting pieces 15b than to the first abutting piece 15c, an insulation distance between the bridging piece 15d and the second contact holding piece 18d placed in the central housing chamber 23 is kept relatively long. A rear end edge 24b of a switch piece 24 is in contact with the bearing piece 15e of the first terminal plate 15. The switch piece 24 has projections 28 projecting from both side edges of the switch piece 24, respectively. As shown in FIG. 2, the projections 28 are inserted in a position regulating recess 27 which is formed inside the central housing chamber 23 and has a V-shape, in a sectional view, a width of which is increased in a forward direction. The switch piece 24 is allowed to swing about a rear edge of the switch piece 24 within an area regulated by the position regulating recess 27 while the rear end edge 24b is in contact with the bearing piece 15e. The switch piece 24 is placed so as to face the second contact holding piece 18d. The switch piece 24 is provided with a movable contact 29 at a position of the switch piece 24 which faces the first fixed contact 25a provided to the second contact holding piece 18d. In the following explanations, in some cases, the movable contact 29 facing the first fixed contact 25a is referred to as a first movable contact 29a. The first movable contact 29a and the first fixed contact 25a constitute the contact device 100. In the switch 10, when the switch piece 24 swings, the first movable contact 29a comes into contact with or departs from the first fixed contact 25a, and thereby it is possible to selectively open or close electrical connection between the first terminal plate 15 and the second terminal plate 18. The switch piece 24 is placed so as to face the third contact holding piece 22d. The switch piece 24 is provided with a movable contact 29 at a position of the switch piece 24 which faces the second fixed contact 25b provided to the third contact holding piece 22d. In the following explanations, in some cases, the movable contact 29 facing the second fixed contact 25b is referred to as a second movable contact 29b. The second movable contact 29b and the second fixed contact 25b constitute the contact device 100. In the switch 10, when the switch piece 24 swings, the second movable contact 29b comes into contact with or departs from the second fixed contact 25b, and thereby it is possible to selectively open or close electrical connection between the first terminal plate 15 and the third terminal plate 22.

[0036] In the switch 10, the switch mechanism 40 is constituted by the contact device 100, and a reverse spring 30 and the reverse handle 31 for swinging the switch piece 24. The reverse spring 30 is a compression coil spring. A spring washer piece 24a projecting from a front edge of the switch piece 24 is inserted into a rear end part of the reverse spring 30. A front end part of the reverse spring 30 is placed inside a cylindrical part 31a which is provided to the reverse handle 31 and has an opening rear face. A front end part of the reverse handle 31 is exposed on a front side of the cover part 5a through a first through hole 52 passing through a bottom wall of a recess 51 formed in a front face of the cover part 5a.

[0037] The reverse handle 31 is provided at each of both side surfaces of a middle portion thereof with a fulcrum protrusion 31b which has a triangular prism shape having a tapered front end. The fulcrum protrusions 31b of the reverse handle 31 are pivotably supported by first bearing parts 50 which are formed in both side edges of the first through hole 52 of the cover part 5a and open rearward, and thereby the reverse handle 31 is pivotably attached to the cover part 5a. The front end part of the reverse handle 31 is inserted into the first through hole 52 of the cover part 5a from behind such that the fulcrum protrusions 31b are inserted into the first bearing parts 50 of the cover part 5a, and thereby the reverse handle 31 is pivotable with respect to the cover part 5a. In the switch 10, the reverse handle 31 and the switch piece 24 are connected to each other through the reverse spring 30. In the switch 10, the reverse spring 30 is most compressed when the reverse handle 31 is positioned in a midpoint of a range in which the reverse handle 31 revolves. Around the time when the reverse spring 30 is most compressed, a direction of a spring force applied from the reverse spring 30 to the switch piece 24 is reversed and thereby the spring force of the reverse spring 30 moves the switch piece 24.

[0038] The reverse handle 31 is provided with a pair of engagement protrusions 34 which protrude from both side parts of the reverse handle 31 exposed on a front side of the cover part 5a through the first through hole 52 and are to be engaged with the slide cam 33. The slide cam 33 is configured to, when the push button handle 32 formed in the cover part 5a is manually pushed, slide along a rear surface of the push button handle 32 depending on a position of the reverse handle 31.

[0039] The push button handle 32 includes guide protrusions 36 respectively protruding from rear end parts of both side surfaces perpendicular to a lengthwise direction of the push button handle 32. In the switch 10, the cover part 5a is provided at rear parts of both sides of an inner periphery of the recess 51 thereof with guide grooves 35 formed along a front and rear direction (upward and downward direction in FIG. 1). The guide protrusions 36 of the push button handle 32 are inserted into the guide grooves 35, respectively, and thereby the push button handle 32 is movable forward and backward, and forward detachment of the push button handle 32 is suppressed. The push button handle 32 is provided with a protrusion 32d protruding from a rear surface of the push button handle 32. The protrusion 32d of the push button handle 32 is inserted into a hole 37d formed in a flat piece 37b of the recovery spring 37 formed of a plate spring, and thereby the recovery spring 37 is attached to the rear surface of the push button handle 32. In the switch 10, when front ends of recovery spring pieces 37a of the recovery spring 37 elastically come into contact with a bottom surface of the recess 51, a forward force is applied to the push button handle 32.

[0040] The slide cam 33 may be made of thermoplastic resin with high elasticity such as polyacetal so as to have an O shape. The slide cam 33 is provided with engagement cams 38 which protrude from side parts of the slide cam 33, respectively, so as to correspond to the engagement protrusions 34 of the reverse handle 31, respectively. A periphery of the slide cam 33 is in contact with the metal spring piece 33a which is placed outside the slide cam 33 and is configured to apply to the slide cam 33 a force in an opposite direction to a direction in which the slide cam 33 slides. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the spring piece 33a includes a base part 33a1, stand parts 33a2 and a pair of extension parts 33a3. An outer shape of the base part 33a1 is a C shape in plan view. The stand parts 33a2 are formed so as to extend upward from base end parts of the base part 33a1 which are located opposite from protruded ends of the base part 33a1. The pair of extension parts 33a3 extend respectively from the stand parts 33a2 so as to gradually come closer to each other. The pair of extension parts 33a3 of the spring piece 33a are in contact with side parts of the slide cam 33 which is apart from the base part 33a1 of the spring piece 33a. An end part of each of the extension parts 33a3 of the spring piece 33a is formed to have a half round tube shape. Since the end part of each of the extension parts 33a3 of the spring piece 33a is formed to have a half round tube shape, the side parts of the slide cam 33 are held by the end parts of the extension parts 33a3 even when the slide cam 33 slides. A first boss 32b protruding from the push button handle 32 is inserted into a first insertion hole 33ba formed in the base part 33a1, and part of the first boss 32b is melt, and thereby the metal spring piece 33a is fixed to the push button handle 32. The spring piece 33a is provided at the base part 33a1 with a second insertion hole 33bb allowing passage of a second boss 32c protruding from the push button handle 32. The spring piece 33a is formed of a bent metal member. As shown in FIG. 5, in the switch 10, the push button handle 32 and the recovery spring 37 press against and hold therebetween the slide cam 33 and the spring piece 33a. Part of the second boss 32c of the push button handle 32 passing through a third insertion hole 37bb of the recovery spring 37 is melt, and thereby the recovery spring 37 is fixed to the push button handle 32 by interposing therebetween the metal spring piece 33a.

[0041] In the switch 10, the slide cam 33 and the spring piece 33a are separate parts. Since the slide cam 33 and the spring piece 33a are separate parts, the spring piece 33a may have lower rigidity than the slide cam 33 in order to suppress strain deformation of the spring piece 33a. In the switch 10, since the slide cam 33 and the spring piece 33a are separate parts, the spring piece 33a may be designed to suppress strain deformation of the spring piece 33a independently of the slide cam 33. In the switch 10, the spring piece 33a is formed separately from the slide cam 33 for suppression of strain deformation of the spring piece 33a, and thereby it is possible to increase life-span of the spring piece 33a, compared with a switch having structure that the spring piece 33a and the slide cam 33 are formed integrally with each other. In the switch 10, the spring piece 33a is formed separately from the slide cam 33 for suppression of strain deformation of the spring piece 33a, and thereby it is possible to reduce noise generated in accordance with the deformation of the spring piece 33a. In the switch 10, the spring piece 33a is formed separately from the slide cam 33 for suppression of strain deformation of the spring piece 33a, and thereby it is possible to reduce noise generated depending on speed of the spring piece 33a.

[0042] In brief, in the switch 10, the metal spring piece 33a is formed outside the slide cam 33 separately from the slide cam 33, and therefore it is possible to make stress of the spring piece 33a low. In the switch 10, the spring piece 33a is formed outside the slide cam 33 separately from the slide cam 33, and thereby the piano handle 43 can be operatable by a small pressing force. Further, in the switch 10, the spring piece 33a is formed outside the slide cam 33 separately from the slide cam 33, and thereby it is possible to reduce generation of abnormal noise by achieving less distortion and low speed and achieve a long life.

[0043] In the switch 10, the spring piece 33a is formed outside the slide cam 33 separately from the slide cam 33, and is formed of a bent metal member. Since the switch 10 has such a structure, it is possible to simplify structure of the slide cam 33, compared with a case where the spring piece 33a is formed inside the slide cam 33 integrally with the slide cam 33.

[0044] In the switch 10, the spring piece 33a and the recovery spring 37 are separate parts. Therefore, the spring piece 33a can apply a force to the slide cam 33 without being influenced by deformation of the recovery spring 37 caused by a force applied to the recovery spring 37 from the push button handle 32. In the switch 10, the spring piece 33a and the recovery spring 37 are separate parts, and therefore the metal spring piece 33a is not influenced by deformation of the recovery spring 37, and limitation to range of motion of the metal spring piece 33a is less, compared with a case where the spring piece 33a is formed integrally with the recovery spring 37. In the switch 10, the spring piece 33a and the recovery spring 37 are separate parts, and therefore it is easy to reduce distortion of the spring piece 33a, compared with a case where the spring piece 33a is formed integrally with the recovery spring 37.

[0045] The switch 10 is not limited to have structure where the push button handle 32 and the spring piece 33a are separate parts. The switch 10 may have structure where the push button handle 32 is formed integrally with the spring piece 33a, although such structure is not shown in any drawings. The number of parts constituting the switch 10 can be reduced by forming the push button handle 32 integrally with the spring piece 33a.

[0046] In the switch 10, since the spring piece 33a is formed outside the slide cam 33, limitation to a length of each extension part 33a3 of the spring piece 33a is less, compared with a case where a spring piece is formed inside the slide cam 33. The spring piece 33a suppresses maximum stress given by stroke of the slide cam 33 and thereby it is possible to achieve a long life of the slide cam 33 and suppress noise generation. In the switch 10, the spring piece 33a is formed outside the slide cam 33 and separately from the slide cam 33, and thereby it is possible to downsize the slide cam 33, compared with a case where a spring piece is formed inside the slide cam 33. Accordingly, with respect to the switch 10, it is possible to reduce operation stroke of the piano handle 43 by downsizing the whole of the slide cam 33. When the whole of the slide cam 33 of the switch 10 is downsized, weight of the slide cam 33 is reduced and thereby the slide cam 33 is likely to slide smoothly. The switch 10 can achieve reduction of material cost of the slide cam 33 with downsizing of the whole of the slide cam 33 and accordingly achieve reduction of cost as a whole. With respect to the switch 10, with downsizing of the whole of the slide cam 33, it is possible to downsize the reverse handle 31 as well and accordingly reduce operation stroke of the piano handle 43.

[0047] The cover part 5a is provided with a pair of shaft parts 192 protrude diagonally forward from a front side of the cover part 5a and are formed integrally with the cover part 5a, for pivotably attaching the piano handle 43 to the cover part 5a. Each of the shaft parts 192 has a cylindrical shape extending in a width direction of the cover part 5a. As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the piano handle 43 is provided at the first end of a rear face thereof with second bearing parts 191 wherein bearing springs 191b each formed of a metal plate spring are fitted into fitting hole 191a, respectively. The piano handle 43 includes engagement holes 190 formed on one side of inner peripheries of the fitting holes 191a, respectively. In the piano handle 43, a retaining claw 191c of the bearing spring 191b housed in each fitting hole 191a is received by the engagement hole 190, and thereby each bearing spring 191b is held. An end of each bearing spring 191b is bent so as to protrude into the fitting hole 191a, and the shaft part 192 can be held by a protruding part 191d and the fitting hole 191a.

[0048] In the piano handle 43, the protruding part 191d of each bearing spring 191b is formed in a vicinity of an opening of the fitting hole 191a, and thereby a dimension of each opening formed in the piano handle 43 is less than a dimension of an opening of the fitting hole 191a.

[0049] In the switch 10, the shaft part 192 of the cover part 5a is to be elastically fitted into the fitting hole 191a of the piano handle 43 against a spring force of the bearing spring 191b. With respect to the switch 10, the second bearing part 191 is attached to the shaft part 192 in such a manner that the second bearing part 191 is allowed to pivot around the shaft part 192, and the piano handle 43 is unlikely to be detached from the cover part 5a. In the switch 10, the shaft part 192 is pivotably fitted into the second bearing part 191 and thereby the piano handle 43 is pivotably attached. As shown in FIG. 11, in the switch 10, the piano handle 43 is provided at a second end thereof with the retaining pieces 43a which protrude backward and are for retaining the piano handle 43. Each retaining piece 43a of the piano handle 43 is inserted into a space 12 through a corresponding one of insertion holes 54 formed at a front wall of the cover part 5a, and also an engagement claw 43b formed at an end part of each retaining piece 43a is received by a rim of the insertion hole 54, and thereby a pivoting range of the piano handle 43 is limited. As shown in FIG. 7, the cover part 5a has the three insertion holes 54 which are arranging in a line. The first terminal plate 15 is provided with guide pieces 15f which respectively extend from the first pressure-contacting pieces 15b and are to be positioned in a vicinity of the insertion holes 54. The guide pieces 15f prevent an electric cable connected to the first terminal plate 15 from protruding toward the insertion holes 54 and coming into contact with the retaining pieces 43a.

[0050] In the switch 10, the piano handle 43 is attached to the switch main body 1 and is configured to pivot about the shaft parts 192 when the second end of the piano handle 43 is pushed. It is preferable that the piano handle 43 be provided with a pair of operation ribs protruding from a rear surface of the piano handle 43. When the piano handle 43 is pushed, the operation ribs pushes the push button handle 32 formed in the switch main body 1 toward the body 5.

[0051] The following brief explanations referring to FIGS. 13 and 14 are made to operation of the switch 10. The switch 10 serves as a three way switch. The explanations referring to FIGS. 13 and 14 are focused on closing and opening of the second movable contact 29b and the second fixed contact 25b.

[0052] FIG. 13 shows a state of the switch 10 where the contact device 100 between the first terminal plate 15 and the third terminal plate 22 is closed, so that the movable contact 29 is in contact with the fixed contact 25. The reverse handle 31 of the switch 10 is inclined rightward in FIG. 13. The slide cam 33 of the switch 10 is kept at a middle position of a moving range thereof by the spring piece 33a. When a pushing force is applied to the piano handle 43, the push button handle 32 is pushed into the body 5 against the recovery spring 37. The slide cam 33 of the switch 10 moves downward in FIG. 13, along with the push button handle 32. In the switch 10, the engagement cam 38 which is situated at a left end of the slide cam 33 in FIG. 13 pushes a left end part of the reverse handle 31 downward in FIG. 13 by coming into contact with the engagement protrusion 34 which is situated at a left end of the reverse handle 31 in FIG. 13. In the switch 10, the reverse handle 31 turns counterclockwise about front ends of the fulcrum protrusions 31b, when the engagement cam 38 of the slide cam 33 pushes the left end part of the reverse handle 31.

[0053] In the switch 10, the left-hand engagement cam 38 is situated on a left side of the left-hand engagement protrusion 34, and the slide cam 33 slides leftward in FIG. 14 when the reverse handle 31 pivots. In the switch 10, as shown in FIG. 14, when the reverse handle 31 pivots counterclockwise, the reverse spring 30 reverses and thereby the switch piece 24 also reverses. In the switch 10, when the switch piece 24 reverses, the movable contact 29 and the fixed contact 25 are separated from each other, and thereby the contact device 100 between the first terminal plate 15 and the third terminal plate 22 comes to an open state.

[0054] In the switch 10, when the pushing force applied to the piano handle 43 is released, the push button handle 32 is pushed back by a spring force of the recovery spring 37. In the switch 10 therefore, the piano handle 43 that is in contact with the push button handle 32 also returns to its original position. In the switch 10, the slide cam 33 slides by a spring force of the spring piece 33a so as to return to the middle position.

[0055]  The reverse handle 31 of the switch 10 may pivot when a pushing force is applied to the piano handle 43 in the open state of the contact device 100 although that is not shown. In the switch 10 in a state where the contact device 100 is in the open state, the right-hand engagement protrusion 34 of the reverse handle 31 comes into contact with the right-hand engagement cam 38 of the reverse handle 31, and thereby the reverse handle 31 pivots clockwise. When the reverse handle 31 pivots, the movable contact 29 of the switch 10 can come into contact with the fixed contact 25 via the reverse spring 30. In other words, the contact device 100 of the switch 10 can be switched between an open state and a closed state alternately each time the piano handle 43 is pushed. In the switch 10, the slide cam 33, the spring piece 33a, the engagement protrusions 34 of the reverse handle 31 and the recovery spring 37 serve together as the reverse mechanism 41 for swinging the reverse handle 31 in opposite directions alternately each time the push button handle 32 is pushed.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 2, in the switch 10, regulation ribs 39 each having a prismatic shape are formed on an inner surface of the push button handle 32 so as to interpose a guide protrusion 36 between two of the regulation ribs 39. The recovery spring pieces 37a of the recovery spring 37 are bent so as to be far from each other when the push button handle 32 is pushed. When the recovery spring pieces 37a of the switch 10 are bent so as to be far from each other, protruded ends of the respective recovery spring pieces 37a come into contact with the regulation ribs 39. The switch 10 is configured to suppress, by the ends of the recovery spring pieces 37a coming into contact with the regulation ribs 39, displacement of the recovery spring 37 in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the push button handle 32 is pushed.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 11, the switch 10 includes the piano handle 43 having a dimension which covers the whole first open window 120a of the plate frame 120 and the whole second open window 130a of the decorative plate 130. The piano handle 43 is not limited to have a dimension which covers the whole first open window 120a of the plate frame 120 and the whole second open window 130a of the decorative plate 130, but may have any dimension appropriately in accordance with the body 5 of the switch 10. When the piano handle 43 has an operation surface larger than that of the push button handle 32, operation of the piano handle 43 can be easier than directly pushing the push button handle 32.

[0058] In the switch 10, the two second bearing parts 191 are formed in the first end of a rear surface of the piano handle 43 so as to correspond to the pair of shaft parts 192, respectively. The piano handle 43 is attached to the switch main body 1 by fitting the two shaft parts 192 of the switch main body 1 into the two second bearing parts 191, respectively. The piano handle 43 includes the two retaining pieces 43a protruding from the second end of the rear surface of the piano handle 43. The respective retaining pieces 43a of the piano handle 43 are inserted into the insertion holes 54 of the switch main body 1, respectively. It is preferable that the piano handle 43 include a push position indicating protrusion 114 in the second end of a front surface of the piano handle 43. It is preferable that the piano handle 43 include a striped decorative line 115 composed of a lot of parallel straight lines.

[0059] The plate frame 120 may be attached on a front side of the attachment frame 2 with the attachment screws 123. As shown in FIG. 11, the plate frame 120 has a quadrangular frame shape and includes attachment screw insertion holes 121 which are formed in an upper side and an lower side of the plate frame 120 and allow passage of the attachment screws 123, respectively. Examples of material of the plate frame 120 include synthetic resin such as ABS resin. The plate frame 120 is provided at a left side and a right side thereof with engagement holes 122 for receiving engagement pieces (not shown) of the decorative plate 130. The plate frame 120 is provided at four corners thereof with plate holding holes 125 for attaching metal simple fireproof plate (not shown). The plate frame 120 includes a stepped part 124 extending along a whole periphery of the plate frame 120. The decorative plate 130 to be engaged with the plate frame 120 has a quadrangular frame shape as with the plate frame 120. Examples of material of the decorative plate 130 include synthetic resin such as ABS resin. The decorative plate 130 includes the engagement pieces which protrude from a rear surface of the decorative plate 130 and are for engaging the decorative plate 130 with the plate frame 120.

[0060] The plate frame 120 of the switch 10 is attached, with the attachment screws 123, to the attachment frame 2 which the switch main body 1 is attached to. The decorative plate 130 is engaged with the plate frame 120. In the switch 10, the piano handle 43 of the switch 10 is attached to the switch main body 1. Part of the piano handle 43 of the switch 10 may protrude, through the first open window 120a of the plate frame 120 and the second open window 130a of the decorative plate 130, forward of the plates. The piano handle 43 of the switch 10 is configured to be pushed in a state where the part of the piano handle 43 protrudes forward of the plates. The decorative plate 130 is engaged with the plate frame 120 only via the engagement pieces, and may be detached from the plate frame 120 by inserting a tool having a pointed tip into a detachment groove 126 formed in a lower end part of the plate frame 120. The tool having the pointed tip may be various tools such as a flathead screwdriver. Therefore, the decorative plate 130 is attached without exposing the attachment screws on a front side of the decorative plate 130, and thereby the switch 10 can be excellent in appearance. When maintenance of the switch 10 is performed, the decorative plate 130 can be detached relatively easily.

Claims

1. A switch, comprising:

a body having a front face receiving a push button handle to be manually pushed;

a piano handle which is placed in front of the body so as to cover the front face of the body, and is pivotably attached to the body at one end of the piano handle, and has a rear face in contact with the push button handle;

a recovery spring which is housed in the body and is for applying to the push button handle a force in an opposite direction to a direction in which the push button handle is to be pushed;

a switch mechanism which is housed in the body and is configured to switch a contact device between an open state and a closed state alternately each time the push button handle is pushed;

a reverse handle which is allowed to swing behind the recovery spring; and

a reverse mechanism which is configured to swing the reverse handle in opposite directions alternately each time the push button handle is pushed,

the reverse mechanism comprising,

a slide cam which is placed between the push button handle and the reverse handle and is configured to slide in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the push button handle is to be manually pushed so as to enable the push button handle to push either one of both sides of the reverse handle, and

a metal spring piece which is placed outside the slide cam and is for applying to the slide cam a force in an opposite direction to a direction in which the slide cam slides.

Drawing