JP2004311121A

JP2004311121A - Switching device

Info

Publication number: JP2004311121A
Application number: JP2003100937A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Toshihiro Tanaka; 稔啓田中
Original assignee: Alps Electric Co Ltd
Current assignee: Alps Alpine Co Ltd
Priority date: 2003-04-03
Filing date: 2003-04-03
Publication date: 2004-11-04
Anticipated expiration: 2023-04-03
Also published as: JP4256708B2; CN1536595A; CN1249748C; TW200506991A; KR100549028B1; TWI236028B; KR20040086805A

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a switching device with the small number of parts, compact, and excellent in operability. <P>SOLUTION: A movable contact 7 of the switching device is free to move inside a hollow part 1a of a case 1 supported by a lever member 2. When the lever member 2 is in an initial state before turning, the movable contact is in a state in contact either with a first or a second fixed terminal 4, 5, and when the lever member 2 is turned for operation, the movable contact comes in contact with both the first and the second fixed terminals 4, 5 to change over a switching circuit between the first and the second fixed terminals 4, 5. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、スイッチ装置に係わり、２つの固定端子間のスイッチ回路を切り換え可能なスイッチ装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来のスイッチ装置は、図７に示すように、外形が略矩形状のケース２１を有し、このケース２１は、内部に形成した空洞部２１ａの下面側が側壁２２で遮蔽されている。
前記空洞部２１ａの図示手前側の右側隅部には、レバー２３が延出支持され、このレバー２３に形成した支持部２３ａが、側板２２の支持部２２ａに支持している支持棒（図示せず）等に支持されて、レバー２３が支持部２３ａを支点として回動自在になっている。
前記レバー２３は、支持部２３ａから左方向に延びる押圧部２３ｂと右方向に延びる操作部２３ｃとが形成されて形状が略く字状になっている。そして、押圧部２３ｂが空洞部２１ａ内に位置すると共に操作部２３ｃが空洞部２１ａから外方に延出して形成されている。
【０００３】
また、ケース２１内部の空洞部２１ａには、スライダ２４が配設され、このスライダ２４は、コイルバネ２５の付勢力よって、レバー２３の押圧部２３ｂに弾性付勢されている。そして、スライダ２４は、レバー２３の矢印Ａ方向への回動操作により、コイルバネ２５を圧縮する方向の直線方向にスライド可能になっている。
また、レバー２３は、支持部２３ａから押圧部２３ｂの先端までの寸法に対して支持部２３ａから操作部２３ｃまでの寸法の方が長く形成されている。
そのために、レバー２３の操作部２３ｃに加える力が小さくても、スライダ２４をコイルバネ２５の付勢力に抗して容易にスライドさせることができる。
【０００４】
また、スライダ２４には、金属板を折り曲げてクリップ状に形成した可動接点２６が支持され、この可動接点２６がスライダ２４のスライドと共にスライド可能になっている。
また、ケース２１の空洞部２１ａは、図示左側が開放されて、この開放部分にウエハ２７の支持部２７ａが取り付け可能になっている。
前記ウエハ２７は樹脂材料からなり、金属板からなる第１、第２固定端子２８。２９が、インサート成型等によりそれぞれが絶縁されて支持されている。
【０００５】
そして、ウエハ２７の支持部２７ａには、空洞部２１ａ側に突出して、第１、第２固定端子２８。２９の接点部２８ａ、２９ａが絶縁部２７ｂで絶縁されて形成されている。前記接点部２８ａ、２９ａ間の絶縁部２７ｂは、接点部２８ａ、２９ａと同じ厚さに形成されている。
また、ケース２１に支持部２７ａを支持した状態のウエハ２７には、ケース２１の空洞部２１ａの外側に位置する基部２７ｃと、この基部２７ｃの両端部から図示下方側に延出して一対のプロテクト部２７ｄ、２７ｄとが形成されている。
前記一対のプロテクト部２７ｄ、２７ｄに挟まれた基部２７の中央部分からは、プロテクト部２７ｄと同方向に突出して端子導出部２７ｅが形成されている。
【０００６】
この端子導出部２７ｅには、インサート成型された第１、第２固定端子２８、２９に形成された端子部２８ｂ、２９ｂがプロテクト部２７ｄ側に引き出されて露出している。そして、露出するそれぞれの端子部２８ｂ、２９ｂをプロテクト部２７ｄ、２７ｄでガード可能になっている。
前記端子部２８ｂ、２９ｂは、略Ｕ字状に折り曲げられて外部からプラグ（図示せず）等が接続可能になっている。
また、従来のスイッチ装置は、レバー２３を回動操作する前の初期状態においては、図８に示すように、コイルバネ２５の付勢力で、スライダ２４が図示右側に位置して、可動接点２６が第１固定端子２８の接点部２８ａに接した状態になっている。
【０００７】
このような構成の従来のスイッチ装置の動作は、まず、図８に示す初期状態にあるレバー２３を矢印Ａ方向に回動操作する。
すると、レバー部材２２の押圧部２３ｂに押圧されたスライダ２４が、図示左方向に直線的にスライドしてコイルバネ２５が圧縮される。
前記スライダ２４のスライドと共に可動接点２６も同方向に直線的にスライドする。
【０００８】
そして、第１固定端子２８の接点部２８ａに接していた可動接点２６が、図９に示すように、第１固定端子２８の接点部２８ａと第２固定端子２９の接点部２９ａの両方に接して、第１、第２端２８、２９間のスイッチ回路が切り換わる。
また、レバー２３の操作部２３ｃに加えていた矢印Ａ方向の操作力を解除すると、コイルバネ２５の付勢力でスライダ２４が図示右方向にスライドして、可動接点２６が第２固定端子２９の接点部２９ａから離れて、スイッチ回路が初期状態に自動復帰する。
【０００９】
【特許文献１】
実開昭６３−２０３３５号公報
【００１０】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかし、前述したような従来のスイッチ装置の可動接点２６は、スライダ２４に支持されて、レバー２３を回動させてスライダ２４を直線的にスライドさせてスイッチ回路を切り換えていたために、部品点数が多くなる問題があった。
また、レバー２３が回動するときに、押圧部２３ｂとスライダ２４とが摺動することにより摩擦力が発生し、レバー２３の作動力が重くなるおそれがあった。
また、レバー２３の作動力を小さくするために、支持部２３ａからの押圧部２３ｂの長さ寸法に対して支持部２３ａから操作部２３ｃまでの長さ寸法を長く形成しているので、従来のスイッチ装置の外形が大きくなる問題があった。
本発明は、前述したような問題点に鑑みてなされたもので、部品点数が少なく、且つ、小型で信頼性および操作性に優れたスイッチ装置を提供することを目的とする。
【００１１】
【課題を解決するための手段】
前記課題を解決するための第１の解決手段として本発明のスイッチ装置は、ケース内部の空洞部に互いに絶縁されて配設された第１、第２固定端子と、前記第１、第２固定端子の両方に接触可能な可動接点と、前記ケースに回動自在に支持されたレバー部材とを備え、
前記可動接点は、前記レバー部材に支持された状態で前記ケース内部を回動自在とされ、前記レバー部材が回動前の初期状態においては、前記可動接点が前記第１、第２固定端子のいずれか一方に接した状態になっており、
前記レバー部材を回動操作すると、前記可動接点が前記第１、第２固定端子の両方に接して、第１、第２固定端子間のスイッチ回路が切り換わることを特徴とする。
【００１２】
また、前記課題を解決するための第２の解決手段として、前記第１、第２固定端子には、前記可動接点が摺接可能な接点部がそれぞれ形成され、このそれぞれの接点部は、前記可動接点の回動軌跡に沿って円弧状に形成されていることを特徴とする。
【００１３】
また、前記課題を解決するための第３の解決手段として、前記可動接点には、前記第１固定端子の前記接点部に摺接可能な第１接点部と、前記第２固定端子の前記接点部に摺接可能な第２接点部とが形成され、前記第１固定端子の接点部は、前記第２固定端子の前記接点部より長く形成されて前記可動接点の前記第１接点部が常時接した状態になっており、
前記レバー部材を前記回動操作すると、前記可動接点の前記第２接点部が前記第２固定端子に接するようにしたことをことを特徴とする。
【００１４】
また、前記課題を解決するための第４の解決手段として、前記第１、第２固定端子は、板状の導電性部材からなり、前記可動接点は、前記第１、第２固定端子のそれぞれの接点部の板厚方向を挟み込んだ状態で前記摺接可能になっていることを特徴とする。
【００１５】
また、前記課題を解決するための第５の解決手段として、前記レバー部材は、前記可動接点の前記第２接点部が前記第２固定端子の前記接点部から離れる方向に常時弾性付勢されていることを特徴とする。
【００１６】
また、前記課題を解決するための第６の解決手段として、前記レバー部材は、前記可動接点を前記空洞部内で回動自在に支持可能な本体部を有し、前記ケースには、前記空洞部の開放された一方側を遮蔽可能なウエハが配設され、前記レバー部材を前記回動操作すると、前記本体部の一部が前記ウエハに当接して前記レバー部材の回動がストップするようにしたことを特徴とする。
【００１７】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下に、本発明のスイッチ装置の実施の形態を図面に基づいて説明する。図１は本発明のスイッチ装置の分解斜視図であり、図２は本発明に関するケースの２−２断面図であり、図３は本発明に関するレバー部材の要部断面斜視図であり、図４は本発明のスイッチ装置の要部断面図であり、図５、図６は本発明のスイッチ装置の動作を説明する要部断面図である。
【００１８】
まず、本発明の１実施の形態のスイッチ装置１は、図１に示すように、外形が略立方体状に形成された樹脂材料等からなるケース１が配設されている。このケース１は、図２に示すように、図示下方側の一方側が開放された空洞部１ａが形成されている。
前記ケース１の空洞部１ａは、外周部が互いに対向する面積の大きな第１側板１ｂと、面積の小さな第２側板１ｃとにより囲まれて形成されている。
また、ケース１は、図示上方に形成した天板１ｄによって、空洞部１ａの上方が遮蔽され、この天板１ｄに後述するレバー部材２が挿通可能なレバー挿通孔１ｅが形成されている。
【００１９】
前記互いに対向する第１側板１ｂには、下部側に縦長状のスナップ孔１ｆ、１ｆが貫通形成され、このスナップ孔１ｆ、１ｆより上部側で外側には、ソケット等の接続部材（図示せず）が挿通可能な挿通孔１ｇ、１ｇが貫通形成され、この挿通孔１ｇ、１ｇが形成された部分の空洞部１ａ内に、後述する第１、第２固定端子４、５の端子部４ｃ、５ｃが位置するようになっている。
【００２０】
また、ケース１の空洞部１ａ内に配設されて回動自在のレバー部材２は、樹脂材料等からなり、下部側に本体部２ａが形成され、この本体部２ａから斜め上方に延びて操作部２ｂが形成されている。
そして、図４に示すように、操作部２ｂがケース１の天板１ｄに形成したレバー挿通孔１ｅから図示上方に挿通する用になっている。
また、操作部２ｂの根元部分の本体部２ａから左右方向に、所定の厚さと幅寸法のストッパ壁２ｃ、２ｃが突出形成されている。
また、本体部２ａの図示奥側には、後述するウエハ３の支持棒３ｂが挿通可能な支持孔２ｄが貫通形成されている。また、レバー部材２は、図３に示すように、支持孔２ｄが形成された部分の本体部２ａの内部に、後述する弾性部材６を収納可能な第１空洞部２ｅが形成されている。
【００２１】
また、第１空洞部２ｅの図示手前側には、後述する可動接点７を収納して支持可能な第２空洞部２ｆが形成され、この第２空洞部２ｆを構成する本体部２ａの側壁の下部側には、一対の支持突起２ｇ、２ｇが内向きに突出形成されている。
また、第２空洞部２ｆの上部には、後述する第１、第２固定端子４、５が位置可能な第３空洞部２ｈが形成されている。
また、第２空洞部２ｆを構成する本体部２ａの側壁には、図示縦方向にスリット溝２ｊが形成されている。
【００２２】
また、ケース１は、空洞部１ａの下部側である一方側が開放されており、この開放部分を遮蔽可能なウエハ３が配設されている。このウエハ３は、樹脂材料からなり、コモン端子である第１固定端子４と個別端子である第２固定端子５との一部がインサート成型等により埋設されて支持されて互いに絶縁されている。
また、ウエハ３からは、支持壁３ａが上方に突出形成され、この支持壁３ａに後述する弾性部材６を支持可能な棒状のバネ支持部３ｂが一体形成されている。前記バネ支持部３ｂの下部には、断面が略半円状に突出するバネ受け部３ｃが形成されて、後述する弾性部材６の一端部６ａが弾接可能になっている。
また、ウエハ３の側面からは、ケース１のスナップ孔１ｆ、１ｆに係合可能な突起部３ｄ、３ｄが突出形成されている。
【００２３】
前記第１固定端子４は、ウエハ３の図示奥側に基部４ａが埋設されて配設され、第２固定端子５は、ウエハ３の図示手前側に基部５ａが埋設されて配設されている。そして、ウエハ３に埋設した第１固定端子４の基部４ａは、図示手前側にウエハ３から上方に突出する円弧状に湾曲した接点部４ｂが所定高さで形成されている。また、第１固定端子４の基部４ａは、図示奥側にプラグ等の接続部材（図示せず）が接続可能な端子部４ｃが形成され、この端子部４ｃが略Ｕ字状に折り曲げ形成されてウエハ３から上方に露出した状態になっている。
【００２４】
また、ウエハ３に埋設した第２固定端子５の基部５ａは、図示奥側に第１固定端子４の接点部４ｂと隣り合わせて第１固定端子４の接点部４ｂと同方向に円弧状に湾曲した接点部５ｂがウエハ３から上方に突出形成されている。
前記第２固定端子５の接点部５ｂの高さ寸法は、第１固定端子４の接点部４ｂより低く形成されている。即ち、第１固定端子４の接点部４ｂは、第２固定端子５の接点部５ｂより長く形成されている。
【００２５】
また、第２固定端子５は、基部５ａを挟んで接点部５ｂから離れた位置の図示手前側に、プラグ等の接続部材（図示せず）が接続可能な端子部５ｃが形成され、この端子部５ｃが略Ｕ字状に折り曲げ形成されてウエハ３から上方に露出した状態になっている。
前記第１、第２固定端子４、５は、それぞれの基部４ａ、５ａを挟んでそれぞれの接点部４ｂ、５ｂとそれぞれの端子部４ｃ、５ｃとが離れた位置に形成されているので、端子部４ｃ、５ｃにプラグ等の接続部材を接続したときに発生する火花等の異物がそれぞれの接点部４ｂ、５ｂに飛散するのを防止することができる。
前記第１、第２固定固定端子４、５の接点部４ｂ、５ｂは、レバー部材２の第２空洞部２ｆに収納支持した後述する可動接点７の回動軌跡に沿って円弧状に形成されている。
【００２６】
また、ウエハ３のバネ支持部３ｂには、捻りコイルバネからなる弾性部材６が支持可能になっており、この弾性部材６は、一端部６ａと他端部６ｂとが所定の角度を有して外側に導出形成されている。
そして、バネ支持部３ｂに支持した状態の弾性部材６は、一端部６ａがウエハ３のバネ受け部３ｃに弾接し、他端部６ｂがレバー部材２の右側のストッパ壁２ｃに弾接して、レバー部材２が支持孔２ｄを支点として上方に弾性付勢されるようになっている。
【００２７】
また、レバー部材２の第２空洞部２ｆ内には、弾性を有する金属板を略コ字状に折り曲げ形成した可動接点７が収納可能になっている。
前記可動接点７は、両端部に連結部７ａ、７ａを有し、この連結部７ａ、７ａ間にクリップ状の板状の第１、第２接点部７ｂ、７ｃが形成されている。
そして、可動接点７は、レバー部材２の第２空洞部２ｆ内に収納すると、支持突起２ｇ、２ｇに支持されて動きが規制されるようになっている。
前記レバー部材２の第２空洞部２ｆに支持した可動接点７は、レバー部材２の回動操作で、第１、第２接点部７ｂ、７ｃが第１、第２固定端子４、５の板状の接点部４ｂ、５ｂを挟み込んで、円弧状の接点部４ｂ、５ｂに沿って摺接可能になっている。
【００２８】
このような構成の本発明の第１の実施の形態のスイッチ装置の組立は、まず、レバー部材２の第２空洞部２ｆに可動接点７を挿入して支持する。
次に、第１、第２固定端子４、５がインサート成型等で埋設されたウエハ３のバネ支持部３ｂに、弾性部材６を挿通して支持すると共に、棒状のバネ支持部３ｂにレバー部材２の支持孔２ｄを挿入してレバー部材２をウエハ３に支持する。
この時のレバー部材２の第２空洞部２ｆには、事前に可動接点７が収納されて支持されている。
【００２９】
次に、レバー部材２を支持したウエハ３を、ケース１の開放された下方側から空洞部１ａ内に挿入すると、レバー部材２の操作部２ｂがレバー挿通孔１ｅから上方に挿通される。
また、同時にウエハ３の突起部３ｄがケース１のスナップ孔１ｆに係合すると共に、図４に示すように、可動接点７の第１接点部７ｂが第１固定端子４の接点部４ｃに接触した初期状態となって本発明のスイッチ装置が組み立てられている。
また、第１、第２固定端子４、５のそれぞれの端子部４ｃ、５ｃは、ケース１の挿通孔１ｇ近傍に位置して、外部からプラグ等の接続部材を挿通孔１ｇに差し込むと、それぞれの端子部４ｃ、５ｃに接続されるようになっている。
【００３０】
このように組み立てられた本発明のスイッチ装置の動作を説明すると、操作前の初期状態においては、図４に示すように、弾性部材６の付勢力でレバー部材２が上方に回動して、ストッパ壁２ｃがケース１の天板２ｄに当接した状態になっている。
この初期状態における可動接点７の第１接点部７ｂは、第１固定端子４の接点部４ｂに接触した状態になっている。
【００３１】
そして、初期状態におけるレバー部材２を矢印Ｂ方向に回動操作すると、図５に示すように、第１固定端子４の接点部４ｂに第１接点部７ｂが接触した状態で、小さな回動量で可動接点７の第２接点部７ｃが第２固定端子５の接点部５ｂに接触する。このことにより、第１、第２固定端子４、５が可動接点７を介して導通して、第１、第２固定端子４、５間のスイッチ回路が切り換わる。
この時の可動接点７は、レバー部材２の第２空洞部２ｆ内で動きが規制されているので、レバー部材２の回動操作に忠実に追従して回動するので、レバー部材２の回動操作量が小さくても確実にスイッチ回路を切り換えることができる。
【００３２】
また、回動操作したレバー部材２は、慣性力によって図６に示すように、更に回動して可動接点７が第１、第２固定端子４、５の円弧状の接点部４ｂ、５ｂに沿って降下する。
そして、操作部２ｂが所定のストローク量降下すると、レバー部材２の本体部２ａの一部である端部がウエハ３の内面に当接してレバー部材２の回動がストップする。
【００３３】
その後、矢印Ｂ方向に加えていたレバー部材２の操作荷重を解除すると、レバー部材２は、弾性部材６の付勢力で図４に示す初期状態に自動復帰する。このことにより、可動接点７の第２接点部７ｃが第２固定端子５から離間して、スイッチ回路が初期状態に復帰する。
前述したような本発明のスイッチ装置は、レバー部材２に可動接点７を直接支持しているので、従来例で説明したようなスライダ２４が不要になり部品点数を削減できる。
また、レバー部材２の回動に追従して可動接点７も確実に回動させることができ、スイッチ回路の切り換えタイミングのバラツキを少なくすることができる。
【００３４】
また、本発明の第１の実施の形態の説明では、可動接点７の第１接点部７ｂが第１固定端子４の接点部４ｂに常時接したもので説明したが、可動接点７の第２接点部７ｃが第２固定端子５の接点部５ｂに常時接するようにしたものでも良い。
即ち、本発明は、レバー部材２が回動前の初期状態においては、可動接点７が第１、第２固定端子４、５のいずれか一方に接した状態のものであれば良い。
また、第１、第２固定端子４、５を金属板で説明したが、第１、第２固定端子４、５は、例えば板状の樹脂材料に金属メッキを施した導電性部材でも良い。
また、弾性部材６を捻りコイルバネで説明したが、弾性部材６は、レバー部材２を回動自在に弾性付勢するものであれば良い。
【００３５】
【発明の効果】
本発明のスイッチ装置のレバー部材が回動前の初期状態においては、可動接点が第１、第２固定端子のいずれか一方に接した状態になっており、レバー部材を回動操作すると、可動接点が第１、第２固定端子の両方に接して、第１、第２固定端子間のスイッチ回路が切り換わるようになっているので、レバー部材に直接可動接点が支持されてスイッチ回路を切り換えることができるので、従来例のようなスライダが不要になり部品点数を削減してコストダウンが可能なスイッチ装置を提供できる。
また、可動接点を直接支持した状態でレバー部材を回動操作するようにしているので、小さな作動力でレバー部材を回動操作することができ操作性がよい。
【００３６】
また、第１、第２固定端子には、可動接点が摺接可能な接点部がそれぞれ形成され、このそれぞれの接点部は、可動接点の回動軌跡に沿って円弧状に形成されているので、確実で安定したスイッチッング操作が可能である。
【００３７】
また、第１固定端子の接点部は、第２固定端子の接点部より長く形成されて可動接点の第１接点部が常時接した状態になっており、レバー部材を回動操作すると、可動接点の第２接点部が第２固定端子に接するようにしたので、レバー部材の小さな回動量で、確実にスイッチ回路を切り換えることができる信頼性および操作性に優れたスイッチ装置を提供できる。
【００３８】
また、可動接点は、第１、第２固定端子のそれぞれの接点部の板厚方向を挟み込んだ状態で摺接可能になっているので、可動接点は、第１、第２固定端子の板厚方向の両面を摺接するようになっており、可動接点と第１、第２固定端子とを確実に接触させて導通させることができる。
【００３９】
また、レバー部材は、可動接点の第２接点部が第２固定端子の接点部から離れる方向に常時弾性付勢されているので、回動操作後のレバー部材を自動復帰させることができ操作性が良い。
【００４０】
また、レバー部材を回動操作すると、レバー部材の本体部の一部がウエハに当接してレバー部材の回動がストップするようにしたので、操作性の良いスイッチ装置を提供できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明のスイッチ装置の分解斜視図である。
【図２】本発明に関するケースの２−２断面図である。
【図３】本発明に関するレバー部材の要部断面斜視図である。
【図４】本発明のスイッチ装置の要部断面図である。
【図５】本発明のスイッチ装置の動作を説明する要部断面図である。
【図６】本発明のスイッチ装置の動作を説明する要部断面図である。
【図７】従来のスイッチ装置の分解斜視図である。
【図８】従来のスイッチ装置の要部断面図である。
【図９】従来のスイッチ装置の動作を説明する要部断面図である。
【符号の説明】
１ケース
１ａ空洞部
１ｆスナップ孔
１ｇ外部端子挿通孔
２レバー部材
２ａ本体部
２ｂ操作部
２ｃストッパ壁
３ウエハ
３ａ支持壁
３ｂバネ支持部
３ｃバネ受け部
４第１固定端子
４ａ基部
４ｂ接点部
４ｃ接続部
５第２固定端子
５ａ基部
５ｂ接点部
５ｃ接続部
６弾性部材
７可動接点[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a switch device, and more particularly, to a switch device that can switch a switch circuit between two fixed terminals.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As shown in FIG. 7, the conventional switch device has a case 21 having a substantially rectangular outer shape. In this case 21, the lower surface side of a cavity 21a formed therein is shielded by a side wall 22.
A lever 23 extends and is supported at the right corner on the near side of the hollow portion 21a in the drawing, and a support portion 23a formed on the lever 23 is supported by a support rod (shown in FIG. ), And the lever 23 is rotatable around the support portion 23a.
The lever 23 has a substantially rectangular shape with a pressing portion 23b extending leftward from the support portion 23a and an operating portion 23c extending rightward. The pressing portion 23b is located inside the hollow portion 21a, and the operating portion 23c is formed to extend outward from the hollow portion 21a.
[0003]
A slider 24 is disposed in the hollow portion 21 a inside the case 21, and the slider 24 is elastically urged by the urging force of the coil spring 25 toward the pressing portion 23 b of the lever 23. The slider 24 is slidable in a linear direction in a direction of compressing the coil spring 25 by rotating the lever 23 in the direction of arrow A.
Further, the dimension of the lever 23 from the support part 23a to the operation part 23c is longer than the dimension from the support part 23a to the tip of the pressing part 23b.
Therefore, even if the force applied to the operating portion 23c of the lever 23 is small, the slider 24 can be easily slid against the urging force of the coil spring 25.
[0004]
A movable contact 26 formed by bending a metal plate to form a clip is supported by the slider 24. The movable contact 26 is slidable together with the slider 24.
The cavity 21a of the case 21 is open on the left side in the figure, and the support 27a of the wafer 27 can be attached to this open portion.
The wafer 27 is made of a resin material, and first and second fixed terminals 28 and 29 made of a metal plate are supported insulated by insert molding or the like.
[0005]
The contact portions 28a and 29a of the first and second fixed terminals 28 and 29 project from the support portion 27a of the wafer 27 toward the cavity 21a and are insulated by the insulating portion 27b. The insulating portion 27b between the contact portions 28a and 29a is formed to have the same thickness as the contact portions 28a and 29a.
The wafer 27 in a state where the supporting portion 27a is supported by the case 21 has a base 27c located outside the hollow portion 21a of the case 21 and a pair of protectors extending from both ends of the base 27c downward in the drawing. Parts 27d, 27d are formed.
A terminal lead-out portion 27e is formed to protrude in the same direction as the protect portion 27d from the central portion of the base 27 sandwiched between the pair of protect portions 27d.
[0006]
Terminal portions 28b and 29b formed on the insert-molded first and second fixed terminals 28 and 29 are drawn out to the protection portion 27d side and exposed to the terminal lead-out portion 27e. The exposed terminal portions 28b, 29b can be protected by the protection portions 27d, 27d.
The terminal portions 28b and 29b are bent in a substantially U shape so that a plug (not shown) or the like can be connected from the outside.
In the conventional switch device, in the initial state before the lever 23 is rotated, the slider 24 is positioned on the right side in the drawing by the urging force of the coil spring 25 and the movable contact 26 is moved, as shown in FIG. The first fixed terminal 28 is in contact with the contact portion 28a.
[0007]
In the operation of the conventional switch device having such a configuration, first, the lever 23 in the initial state shown in FIG.
Then, the slider 24 pressed by the pressing portion 23b of the lever member 22 slides linearly leftward in the drawing, and the coil spring 25 is compressed.
The movable contact 26 also slides linearly in the same direction as the slider 24 slides.
[0008]
Then, the movable contact 26 that has been in contact with the contact portion 28a of the first fixed terminal 28 has contacted both the contact portion 28a of the first fixed terminal 28 and the contact portion 29a of the second fixed terminal 29, as shown in FIG. Thus, the switch circuit between the first and second ends 28 and 29 switches.
When the operating force in the direction of arrow A applied to the operating portion 23c of the lever 23 is released, the slider 24 slides to the right in the drawing by the urging force of the coil spring 25, and the movable contact 26 contacts the second fixed terminal 29. The switch circuit automatically returns to the initial state after leaving the unit 29a.
[0009]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-63-20335 [0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the movable contact 26 of the conventional switch device as described above is supported by the slider 24, and the switch circuit is switched by rotating the lever 23 to linearly slide the slider 24, so that the number of parts is reduced. There were many problems.
Further, when the lever 23 rotates, the pressing portion 23b and the slider 24 slide to generate a frictional force, which may increase the operating force of the lever 23.
Further, in order to reduce the operating force of the lever 23, the length from the support portion 23a to the operation portion 23c is formed longer than the length of the pressing portion 23b from the support portion 23a. There is a problem that the external shape of the switch device becomes large.
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and has as its object to provide a switch device that has a small number of components, is small, and has excellent reliability and operability.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a switch device comprising: a first and a second fixed terminals disposed in a cavity inside a case so as to be insulated from each other; A movable contact that can contact both of the terminals, and a lever member rotatably supported by the case,
The movable contact is rotatable inside the case in a state where the movable contact is supported by the lever member. In an initial state before the lever member is rotated, the movable contact is connected to the first and second fixed terminals. It is in contact with either one,
When the lever member is rotated, the movable contact comes into contact with both the first and second fixed terminals, and a switch circuit between the first and second fixed terminals is switched.
[0012]
As a second means for solving the above-mentioned problem, a contact portion to which the movable contact can slide is formed in each of the first and second fixed terminals. It is characterized in that it is formed in an arc shape along the rotation locus of the movable contact.
[0013]
As a third solution for solving the above-mentioned problem, a first contact portion slidably contacting the contact portion of the first fixed terminal and the contact of the second fixed terminal are provided on the movable contact. A second contact portion that is slidably contactable with the portion, the contact portion of the first fixed terminal is formed longer than the contact portion of the second fixed terminal, and the first contact portion of the movable contact is always In contact with each other,
When the lever member is rotated, the second contact portion of the movable contact comes into contact with the second fixed terminal.
[0014]
As a fourth solution for solving the above-mentioned problem, the first and second fixed terminals are formed of a plate-shaped conductive member, and the movable contact is formed of each of the first and second fixed terminals. The slide contact can be performed with the contact portion of the contact portion sandwiched in the plate thickness direction.
[0015]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the lever member is configured such that the second contact portion of the movable contact is constantly elastically biased in a direction away from the contact portion of the second fixed terminal. It is characterized by having.
[0016]
As a sixth solution for solving the above problem, the lever member has a main body portion capable of supporting the movable contact rotatably in the hollow portion, and the case includes the hollow portion. A wafer capable of shielding one open side is disposed, and when the lever member is rotated, a part of the main body portion comes into contact with the wafer and the rotation of the lever member is stopped. It is characterized by having done.
[0017]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of a switch device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the switch device of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a 2-2 cross-sectional view of a case according to the present invention, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a main part of a lever member according to the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the switch device of the present invention, and FIGS. 5 and 6 are cross-sectional views of the main part explaining the operation of the switch device of the present invention.
[0018]
First, as shown in FIG. 1, a switch device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided with a case 1 made of a resin material or the like having a substantially cubic outer shape. As shown in FIG. 2, the case 1 is formed with a hollow portion 1a whose one lower side is open.
The cavity 1a of the case 1 is formed by being surrounded by a large first side plate 1b and a small second side plate 1c whose outer peripheral portions face each other.
In addition, the case 1 has a top plate 1d formed in the upper part of the figure to shield the upper part of the cavity 1a, and a lever insertion hole 1e through which a later-described lever member 2 can be inserted is formed in the top plate 1d.
[0019]
Longitudinal snap holes 1f, 1f are formed in the lower portion of the first side plate 1b facing each other, and a connection member (not shown) such as a socket is provided above and outside the snap holes 1f, 1f. ) Through which insertion holes 1g and 1g can be inserted, and terminal portions 4c of first and second fixed terminals 4 and 5, which will be described later, are formed in the hollow portion 1a where the insertion holes 1g and 1g are formed. 5c is located.
[0020]
The rotatable lever member 2 disposed in the hollow portion 1a of the case 1 is made of a resin material or the like, and has a main body 2a formed on the lower side, and extends obliquely upward from the main body 2a to operate. A portion 2b is formed.
Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the operation portion 2b is inserted through a lever insertion hole 1e formed in the top plate 1d of the case 1 upward in the drawing.
Further, stopper walls 2c, 2c having a predetermined thickness and a predetermined width are formed so as to protrude in the left-right direction from the main body portion 2a at the root portion of the operation portion 2b.
Further, a support hole 2d through which a support rod 3b of the wafer 3 described later can be inserted is formed through the body 2a at the far side in the figure. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the lever member 2 has a first cavity portion 2e capable of accommodating an elastic member 6 described later inside the main body portion 2a where the support hole 2d is formed.
[0021]
Further, a second cavity 2f capable of accommodating and supporting a movable contact 7, which will be described later, is formed on the near side of the first cavity 2e in the drawing, and a second cavity 2f constituting the second cavity 2f is formed on a side wall. On the lower side, a pair of support protrusions 2g, 2g are formed to protrude inward.
Further, a third cavity 2h in which first and second fixed terminals 4, 5 described later can be located is formed above the second cavity 2f.
Further, a slit groove 2j is formed in the side wall of the main body 2a constituting the second cavity 2f in the vertical direction in the figure.
[0022]
The case 1 is open at one side, which is the lower side of the cavity 1a, and a wafer 3 capable of shielding the open portion is provided. The wafer 3 is made of a resin material, and a part of the first fixed terminal 4 as the common terminal and a part of the second fixed terminal 5 as the individual terminal are buried by insert molding or the like, supported and insulated from each other.
A support wall 3a is formed to protrude upward from the wafer 3, and a bar-shaped spring support portion 3b capable of supporting an elastic member 6 described later is integrally formed on the support wall 3a. A spring receiving portion 3c having a substantially semicircular cross section is formed at a lower portion of the spring supporting portion 3b so that one end portion 6a of an elastic member 6 described later can be elastically contacted.
Projections 3d, 3d that can be engaged with the snap holes 1f, 1f of the case 1 are formed to project from the side surface of the wafer 3.
[0023]
The first fixed terminal 4 is provided with a base 4a buried at the back side of the wafer 3 in the drawing, and the second fixed terminal 5 is provided with a base 5a buried at the front side of the wafer 3 in the drawing. . The base 4a of the first fixed terminal 4 buried in the wafer 3 has a contact portion 4b curved in an arc shape projecting upward from the wafer 3 at a predetermined height on the near side in the drawing. The base 4a of the first fixed terminal 4 is formed with a terminal 4c to which a connecting member (not shown) such as a plug can be connected at the back side in the figure, and the terminal 4c is bent and formed in a substantially U-shape. Thus, the wafer 3 is exposed upward from the wafer 3.
[0024]
Further, the base 5a of the second fixed terminal 5 embedded in the wafer 3 is curved in an arc shape in the same direction as the contact 4b of the first fixed terminal 4 adjacent to the contact 4b of the first fixed terminal 4 on the back side in the drawing. The contact portion 5 b is formed to project upward from the wafer 3.
The height dimension of the contact portion 5b of the second fixed terminal 5 is formed lower than the contact portion 4b of the first fixed terminal 4. That is, the contact portion 4b of the first fixed terminal 4 is formed longer than the contact portion 5b of the second fixed terminal 5.
[0025]
The second fixed terminal 5 has a terminal portion 5c to which a connecting member (not shown) such as a plug can be connected at a position away from the contact portion 5b with the base portion 5a interposed therebetween. The portion 5c is bent and formed in a substantially U-shape and is exposed upward from the wafer 3.
Since the first and second fixed terminals 4 and 5 are formed at positions separated from the respective contact portions 4b and 5b and the respective terminal portions 4c and 5c with the respective base portions 4a and 5a interposed therebetween, Foreign matter such as sparks generated when a connection member such as a plug is connected to the portions 4c and 5c can be prevented from scattering to the respective contact portions 4b and 5b.
The contact portions 4b and 5b of the first and second fixed terminals 4 and 5 are formed in an arc shape along a rotation locus of a movable contact 7 which will be described later and housed and supported in the second hollow portion 2f of the lever member 2. ing.
[0026]
Further, an elastic member 6 composed of a torsion coil spring can be supported on the spring supporting portion 3b of the wafer 3, and the elastic member 6 has one end 6a and the other end 6b having a predetermined angle. It is led out and formed.
The elastic member 6 supported by the spring supporting portion 3b has one end 6a elastically contacting the spring receiving portion 3c of the wafer 3 and the other end 6b elastically contacting the right stopper wall 2c of the lever member 2. The lever member 2 is elastically urged upward with the support hole 2d as a fulcrum.
[0027]
A movable contact 7 formed by bending an elastic metal plate into a substantially U-shape can be housed in the second hollow portion 2f of the lever member 2.
The movable contact 7 has connecting portions 7a, 7a at both ends, and clip-shaped plate-like first and second contact portions 7b, 7c are formed between the connecting portions 7a, 7a.
When the movable contact 7 is stored in the second cavity 2f of the lever member 2, the movable contact 7 is supported by the support protrusions 2g and 2g to restrict the movement.
The movable contact 7 supported by the second hollow portion 2f of the lever member 2 is configured such that the first and second contact portions 7b and 7c become the first and second fixed terminals 4 and 5 by rotating the lever member 2. The contact points 4b, 5b are sandwiched between the contact points 4b, 5b, and can slide along the arc-shaped contact points 4b, 5b.
[0028]
In assembling the switch device having the above-described configuration according to the first embodiment of the present invention, first, the movable contact 7 is inserted into the second hollow portion 2f of the lever member 2 and supported.
Next, the elastic member 6 is inserted into and supported by the spring supporting portion 3b of the wafer 3 in which the first and second fixed terminals 4, 5 are embedded by insert molding or the like, and the lever member is mounted on the rod-shaped spring supporting portion 3b. The lever member 2 is supported on the wafer 3 by inserting the second support hole 2d.
At this time, the movable contact 7 is stored and supported in advance in the second hollow portion 2f of the lever member 2.
[0029]
Next, when the wafer 3 supporting the lever member 2 is inserted into the cavity 1a from the open lower side of the case 1, the operating portion 2b of the lever member 2 is inserted upward through the lever insertion hole 1e.
At the same time, the projection 3d of the wafer 3 engages with the snap hole 1f of the case 1 and the first contact 7b of the movable contact 7 contacts the contact 4c of the first fixed terminal 4, as shown in FIG. In the initial state, the switch device of the present invention is assembled.
Further, the respective terminal portions 4c, 5c of the first and second fixed terminals 4, 5 are located near the insertion hole 1g of the case 1, and when a connecting member such as a plug is inserted into the insertion hole 1g from the outside, respectively. Are connected to the terminal portions 4c and 5c.
[0030]
The operation of the switch device of the present invention assembled as described above will be described. In the initial state before the operation, as shown in FIG. 4, the lever member 2 rotates upward by the urging force of the elastic member 6, and The stopper wall 2c is in contact with the top plate 2d of the case 1.
In this initial state, the first contact portion 7b of the movable contact 7 is in contact with the contact portion 4b of the first fixed terminal 4.
[0031]
Then, when the lever member 2 in the initial state is turned in the direction of arrow B, as shown in FIG. 5, the first contact portion 7b is in contact with the contact portion 4b of the first fixed terminal 4 with a small turning amount. The second contact portion 7c of the movable contact 7 contacts the contact portion 5b of the second fixed terminal 5. As a result, the first and second fixed terminals 4 and 5 conduct through the movable contact 7, and the switch circuit between the first and second fixed terminals 4 and 5 switches.
At this time, since the movement of the movable contact 7 is restricted in the second hollow portion 2f of the lever member 2, the movable contact 7 rotates in accordance with the rotation operation of the lever member 2, so that the rotation of the lever member 2 is prevented. Even if the amount of dynamic operation is small, the switch circuit can be reliably switched.
[0032]
Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the lever member 2 that has been rotated is further rotated by the inertial force so that the movable contact 7 is brought into contact with the arc-shaped contact portions 4b and 5b of the first and second fixed terminals 4 and 5. Descend along.
Then, when the operation section 2b is lowered by a predetermined stroke, an end, which is a part of the main body 2a of the lever member 2, comes into contact with the inner surface of the wafer 3, and the rotation of the lever member 2 is stopped.
[0033]
Thereafter, when the operation load of the lever member 2 applied in the direction of the arrow B is released, the lever member 2 automatically returns to the initial state shown in FIG. As a result, the second contact portion 7c of the movable contact 7 is separated from the second fixed terminal 5, and the switch circuit returns to the initial state.
In the switch device of the present invention as described above, since the movable contact 7 is directly supported on the lever member 2, the slider 24 as described in the conventional example becomes unnecessary, and the number of parts can be reduced.
Further, the movable contact 7 can be reliably rotated following the rotation of the lever member 2, and variation in the switching timing of the switch circuit can be reduced.
[0034]
Further, in the description of the first embodiment of the present invention, the first contact portion 7b of the movable contact 7 is always in contact with the contact portion 4b of the first fixed terminal 4; The contact portion 7c may always be in contact with the contact portion 5b of the second fixed terminal 5.
That is, in the present invention, in the initial state before the rotation of the lever member 2, the movable contact 7 may be in a state of being in contact with one of the first and second fixed terminals 4 and 5.
Although the first and second fixed terminals 4 and 5 have been described as metal plates, the first and second fixed terminals 4 and 5 may be, for example, conductive members formed by plating a plate-shaped resin material with metal.
Further, although the elastic member 6 has been described as a torsion coil spring, the elastic member 6 may be any as long as it elastically biases the lever member 2 to be rotatable.
[0035]
【The invention's effect】
In the initial state before the rotation of the lever member of the switch device of the present invention, the movable contact is in contact with one of the first and second fixed terminals. Since the contact is in contact with both the first and second fixed terminals and the switch circuit between the first and second fixed terminals is switched, the movable contact is directly supported by the lever member to switch the switch circuit. Therefore, it is possible to provide a switch device that does not require a slider as in the conventional example, reduces the number of components, and can reduce the cost.
Further, since the lever member is rotated while the movable contact is directly supported, the lever member can be rotated with a small operating force, and the operability is good.
[0036]
In addition, the first and second fixed terminals each have a contact portion with which a movable contact can slidably contact, and each of the contact portions is formed in an arc shape along the rotation locus of the movable contact. A reliable and stable switching operation is possible.
[0037]
The contact portion of the first fixed terminal is formed longer than the contact portion of the second fixed terminal so that the first contact portion of the movable contact is always in contact with the movable contact. Since the second contact portion is in contact with the second fixed terminal, it is possible to provide a switch device excellent in reliability and operability capable of reliably switching the switch circuit with a small rotation amount of the lever member.
[0038]
Further, since the movable contact can be slidably contacted with the respective contact portions of the first and second fixed terminals sandwiched in the plate thickness direction, the movable contact is formed of the first and second fixed terminals in a plate thickness. The movable contact and the first and second fixed terminals can be reliably brought into contact with each other so as to conduct electricity.
[0039]
Further, since the lever member is constantly elastically biased in a direction in which the second contact portion of the movable contact is separated from the contact portion of the second fixed terminal, the lever member after the rotation operation can be automatically returned to the operability. Is good.
[0040]
In addition, when the lever member is rotated, a part of the main body of the lever member comes into contact with the wafer and the rotation of the lever member is stopped. Therefore, a switch device with good operability can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a switch device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a 2-2 cross-sectional view of a case according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a sectional perspective view of a main part of a lever member according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a main part of the switch device of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a principal part explaining the operation of the switch device of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a principal part explaining the operation of the switch device of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional switch device.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a main part of a conventional switch device.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a main part explaining the operation of a conventional switch device.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Case 1a Cavity 1f Snap Hole 1g External Terminal Insertion Hole 2 Lever Member 2a Main Body 2b Operation Unit 2c Stopper Wall 3 Wafer 3a Support Wall 3b Spring Support 3c Spring Receiver 4 First Fixed Terminal 4a Base 4b Contact 4c Connection Part 5 second fixed terminal 5a base part 5b contact part 5c connecting part 6 elastic member 7 movable contact

Claims

First and second fixed terminals disposed insulated from each other in a cavity inside the case, movable contacts capable of contacting both the first and second fixed terminals, and rotatably supported by the case. And a lever member,
The movable contact is rotatable inside the case in a state where the movable contact is supported by the lever member. In an initial state before the lever member is rotated, the movable contact is connected to the first and second fixed terminals. It is in contact with either one,
A switch device, wherein when the lever member is rotated, the movable contact comes into contact with both the first and second fixed terminals, and a switch circuit between the first and second fixed terminals is switched.

Each of the first and second fixed terminals has a contact portion with which the movable contact is slidable, and each of the contact portions is formed in an arc shape along a rotation locus of the movable contact. The switch device according to claim 1, wherein:

The movable contact is formed with a first contact portion slidable on the contact portion of the first fixed terminal, and a second contact portion slidable on the contact portion of the second fixed terminal. The contact portion of the first fixed terminal is formed to be longer than the contact portion of the second fixed terminal so that the first contact portion of the movable contact is always in contact with the movable contact,
3. The switch device according to claim 2, wherein the second contact portion of the movable contact contacts the second fixed terminal when the lever member is rotated.

The first and second fixed terminals are made of a plate-shaped conductive member, and the movable contact is capable of slidingly contacting the contact portions of the first and second fixed terminals in a plate thickness direction. The switch device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein:

5. The switch device according to claim 3, wherein the lever member is always elastically biased in a direction in which the second contact portion of the movable contact is separated from the contact portion of the second fixed terminal. 6.

The lever member has a main body that can rotatably support the movable contact within the cavity, and the case is provided with a wafer that can shield one open side of the cavity, 6. The device according to claim 1, wherein, when the lever member is rotated, a part of the main body abuts on the wafer to stop the rotation of the lever member. Switch device.