TWI591672B - Time switch - Google Patents

Description

Time switch

The invention relates to time switches.

A known time switch provided in the power line electrically connected to the power source and the power device manages the time from the power source to the power supply device and the time when the power supply from the power source to the power device is stopped. An example of a conventional time switch including a contact mechanism, a cam mechanism, and a timer mechanism is disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2005-63923. The contact mechanism switches between an enabled state in which the contact mechanism closes the power line and a deactivated state in which the contact mechanism disconnects the power line. The cam mechanism switches the operating state of the contact mechanism. The timer mechanism operates the cam mechanism based on the measured time. The time switch further includes: an electric motor that uses the power supplied from the commercial power source to drive the timer mechanism; and an enable pin and a disable pin that are attached to the timer mechanism to switch the operating state of the contact mechanism. The enable pin and the disable pin are removably coupled to the timer mechanism.

In the above time switch, the timer mechanism to which the enable pin and the stop pin are attached is driven to change the rotational position of the enable pin and the stop pin with respect to the cam mechanism as time passes. For example, when the contact mechanism is in the deactivated state, if the enable pin contacts the cam mechanism, the torque of the timer mechanism moves the cam structure such that the operating state of the contact mechanism is switched from the deactivated state to the activated state. This will initiate a power supply from the power source to the consumer. When the contact mechanism is in the activated state, if the deactivation pin contacts the cam mechanism, the torque of the timer mechanism moves the cam mechanism such that the operating state of the contact mechanism is switched from the activated state to the deactivated state. This will stop the power supply from the power supply to the consumer.

In addition to the above mechanism that utilizes a timer mechanism to switch the operating state of the contact mechanism, the above switch includes a knob that is rotated by the user to switch the operating state of the contact mechanism. The torque applied to the knob is transferred to the cam mechanism by the rotating shaft. The knob can be rotated to and positioned at: a first operating position at which the knob switches the operating state of the contact mechanism to an enabled state; and a second operating position at which the knob will The operating state of the contact mechanism is switched to the deactivated state. The knob is rotated in a first direction that is clockwise to alternately switch the operating position of the knob to the first operating position and the second operating position.

When the operating position of the knob is changed to the first operating position, the rotation of the knob moves the cam mechanism such that the operating state of the contact mechanism is switched from the deactivated state to the activated state. When the operating position of the knob is changed to the second operating position, the rotation of the knob moves the cam mechanism such that the operating state of the contact mechanism is switched from the activated state to the deactivated state.

In the time switch, even if the knob receives an external force that causes the knob to rotate in the second direction (which is the opposite direction of the first direction and can be counterclockwise), the relationship between the cam mechanism and the contact mechanism does not allow the knob, rotation The shaft and the cam mechanism rotate in the second direction. Therefore, even when the user mistakenly applies a force to the knob in the second direction, the force does not rotate the knob. This allows the user to perceive the knob to rotate in the opposite (or incorrect) direction. However, if the user cannot understand that the knob is set to rotate only in one direction, the user may apply a force to the knob in the second direction. This force may deform or damage the components of the contact mechanism when transferred to the contact mechanism.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a time switch that limits the application of a large load to the contact mechanism.

According to an embodiment of the invention, a time switch for use with a power source and a powered device is provided. The time switch includes: a contact mechanism, which is switched to an enabled state (in the enabled state, the contact mechanism is electrically connected to the power source and the power device), or a disabled state (in the disabled state, the contact mechanism is electrically disconnected) a power supply and a power device; a cam mechanism mechanically driving the contact mechanism to switch the contact mechanism between an activated state and a deactivated state; the rotary shaft capable of transferring torque to the cam mechanism; and a knob It is coupled to the rotating shaft. When the knob is set to the first operating position, the knob switches the operating state of the contact mechanism to the enabled state. When the knob is set to the second operating position, the knob switches the operating state of the contact mechanism to the deactivated state. The time switch includes a ratchet mechanism that allows rotation of the rotating shaft when the knob receives a force that causes the knob to rotate in the first direction, and limits rotation of the rotating shaft when the knob receives a force that causes the knob to rotate in the second direction, The second direction is opposite the first direction.

According to the time switch of the above embodiment, the application of a large load to the contact mechanism is restricted. Other embodiments and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description of the embodiments of the invention.

1 is a block diagram showing the relationship between the main components of the time switch 1 in accordance with an embodiment. In Fig. 1, the solid line shows the mechanical connection between the elements of the time switch 1, and the dashed line shows the electrical connection between the elements of the time switch 1.

The time switch 1 is provided in a power line electrically connected to the power source 2 and the power device 3. An example of a power source 2 is a commercial power source. An example of a powered device 3 is an electronic lock that is mounted in a building. When the contact mechanism 40 of the time switch 1 is in the activated state, the power source 2 and the power device 3 are electrically connected. When the contact mechanism 40 of the time switch 1 is in the deactivated state, the power source 2 and the power device 3 are electrically disconnected.

In addition to the contact mechanism 40, the time switch 1 further includes a cam mechanism 30 that mechanically drives the contact mechanism 40 to switch the operating state of the contact mechanism 40, and a timer mechanism 60 that operates according to the measured time. The cam mechanism 30; and a drive source 50 that drives the timer mechanism 60. An example of a drive source 50 is an electric motor. The timer mechanism 60 includes a dial 61 that is rotated by the driving force of the drive source 50. The dial 61 is essentially a clock that measures the current time.

The time switch 1 further includes: a casing 10 forming a contour of the time switch 1; a setting pin 63 for operating the cam mechanism 30 using the torque of the timer mechanism 60; and a manual switching mechanism 20 for operating the manual switching mechanism 20 to switch The operating state of the point mechanism 40. The contact mechanism 40, the cam mechanism 30, the timer mechanism 60, and the drive source 50 are housed in the casing 10.

The setting pin 63 that is removably coupled to the dial 61 rotates integrally with the dial 61 when attached to the dial 61. The time switch 1 includes two types of setting pins 63, namely an activation pin 63A and a deactivation pin 63B. The enable pin 63A is attached to the dial 61 to switch the operating state of the contact mechanism 40 to the activated state. The deactivation pin 63B is attached to the dial 61 to switch the operating state of the contact mechanism 40 to the deactivated state.

The manual switching mechanism 20 can be located at a first operating position at which the manual switching mechanism 20 sets the operating state of the contact mechanism 40 to an enabled state; and a second operating position at which the manual The switching mechanism 20 sets the operating state of the contact mechanism 40 to the inactive state. The operating position of the manual switching mechanism 20 is changed by the user. When the operation position of the manual switching mechanism 20 is set to the first operation position, the cam mechanism 30 is operated regardless of the rotational position of the activation pin 63A. This switches the operating state of the contact mechanism 40 to the enabled state. When the operation position of the manual switching mechanism 20 is set to the second operation position, the cam mechanism 30 is operated regardless of the rotational position of the stop pin 63B. This switches the operating state of the contact mechanism 40 to the deactivated state.

2 is a front view showing an example of the time switch 1.

The outer casing 10 includes a main wall 11 which forms a front surface of the outer casing 10, a side wall 12 which forms a side surface of the outer casing 10, and a dial setting portion 13 in which a dial 61 is disposed. The dial setting portion 13 is formed in a substantially intermediate portion of the outer casing 10 and is open to a recess in the main wall 11.

The time switch 1 further includes a terminal group 14, to which a power line (not shown) and a device line (not shown) are connected. The power cord is connected to the power source 2 (refer to FIG. 1), and the device line is connected to the power device 3 (refer to FIG. 1). The terminal group 14 located in the lower portion of the casing 10 includes a first terminal 14A, a second terminal 14B, a third terminal 14C, and a fourth terminal 14D.

A power cord connected to the positive terminal of the power source 2 is connected to the first terminal 14A. A power cord connected to the negative terminal of the power source 2 is connected to the second terminal 14B. A device line connected to the negative terminal of the electric device 3 is connected to the third terminal 14C. A device line connected to the positive terminal of the electric device 3 is connected to the fourth terminal 14D. The first and second terminals 14A and 14B may be referred to as power input terminals. The third and fourth terminals 14C and 14D may be referred to as power output terminals.

In addition, the time switch 1 includes: a transparent protective cover 15 and a rear cover 16 (refer to FIG. 3), the above is removably coupled to the outer casing 10; the protective cover 15 is attached to the outer casing 10 to cover the outer casing The front surface of 10. The rear cover 16 is attached to the outer casing 10 to cover the back of the manual switching mechanism 20 and the back of the cam mechanism 30 (refer to FIG. 3).

The timer mechanism 60 includes a dial 61 and a time plate 62, and the above indicates the current time. In one example, dial 61 is rotated every twenty-four hours. The front surface of dial 61 contains a time stamp (not shown) indicating twenty-four hours of time.

The time panel 62 includes a current time indicator 62A indicating the current time, and a rotation direction indicator 62B, which is represented by an arrow indicating the direction of rotation of the dial 61. When the rotational position of the dial 61 with respect to the time plate 62 is set such that the time stamp indicating the current time on the dial 61 is aligned with the current time indicator 62A of the time plate 62, the time measured by the dial 61 corresponds to Current time. From this state, when the dial 61 continues to be operated by the driving force of the drive source 50 (refer to FIG. 1), the time stamp of the dial 61 (corresponding to the current time indicator 62A of the time panel 62) will indicate the current time. .

The structure of the manual switching mechanism 20 will now be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

The manual switching mechanism 20 includes a rotating shaft 21 that is rotatably supported relative to the outer casing 10 by a bearing 16A of the rear cover 16; a shaft housing 24 that partially covers the rotating shaft 21; and a ratchet mechanism 25 that limits the rotating shaft The rotation direction of 21; the knob 22, which operates the knob 22 to switch the operating state of the contact mechanism 40; and the first gear 23 that meshes with the second gear 34 of the cam mechanism 30. The shaft housing 24 is formed integrally with the rear cover 16. The rotating shaft 21 is slidable in the axial direction with respect to the shaft housing 24.

The ratchet mechanism 25 includes a movable pawl 25A which is formed on the outer circumference of the rotary shaft 21, and an immovable pawl 25B which is formed on the end surface of the shaft housing 24. The movable pawl 25A and the non-movable pawl 25B are formed at regular intervals in the circumferential direction. The rotating shaft 21, the knob 22, the first gear 23, and the movable pawl 25A may be integrally formed as a single member. The knob 22 projects toward the front of the outer casing 10 through a hole formed in the main wall 11 of the outer casing 10. The first gear 23 is an external gear formed on the outer circumference of the rotating shaft 21.

Each of the movable pawls 25A includes an end surface extending in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 21, and each of the non-movable pawls 25B includes an end surface extending in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 21. Further, in the circumferential direction of the rotary shaft 21, the end surface of each movable pawl 25A is opposite to the end surface of one of the non-movable pawls 25B. When a force is applied to the knob 22 to cause the knob 22 to rotate in the first direction (the first direction may be clockwise when viewed from the front view of the outer casing 10), the movable pawl 25A of the rotary shaft 21 moves over the shaft housing The non-movable pawl 25B of 24. This rotation causes the rotating shaft 21 to rotate relative to the shaft housing 24 in the first direction. When the user rotates the knob 22 in the first direction, the ratchet structure 25 can generate a click feedback that can be perceived by the user by means of the pawls 25A and 25B.

When a force is applied to the knob 22 to rotate the knob 22 in the second direction (opposite the first direction), the movable pawl 25A of the rotary shaft 21 is grasped by the non-movable pawl 25B of the shaft housing 24. More specifically, the end surface of the movable pawl 25A of the rotary shaft 21 abuts against the end surface of the non-movable pawl 25B. This limits the rotation of the rotating shaft 21 relative to the shaft housing 24 in the second direction.

Therefore, the ratchet mechanism 25 allows the rotation of the rotary shaft 21 when the knob 22 is subjected to a force that causes the knob 22 to rotate in the first direction, and restricts the rotation of the rotary shaft 21 when the knob 22 is subjected to a force that causes the knob 22 to rotate in the second direction. Rotate. The first direction is rotated with the dial 61 to measure the same direction of time.

As seen in Fig. 2, the knob 22 is located at the lateral end of the outer casing 10 in the longitudinal upper portion of the outer casing 10. The main wall 11 of the outer casing 10 includes a first operational position indicator 17 and a second operational position indicator 18, the upper of which indicates the operational position of the knob 22, that is, the operational position of the manual switching mechanism 20. In one example, each of the first operational position marker 17 and the second operational position marker 18 includes a symbol and text printed on the main wall 11.

The knob 22 includes a hollow tubular portion 22A that is open at the distal end of the knob 22, and a mark 22B that indicates the operational position of the knob 22 and the operational state of the contact mechanism 40 (refer to FIG. 3). In one example, the indicia 22B is a rib disposed in the hollow tubular portion 22A and has a rectangular front surface. When the knob 22 is rotated relative to the outer casing 10, the flag 22B is rotated. This changes the position of the short side of the front surface of the rectangle (the outermost end of the mark 22B).

When the operating position of the knob 22 is set to the first operating position, the marker 22B (specifically, a short side of the rectangular front surface) is directed to the first operational position marker 17. From the relationship between the mark 22B (a short side of the rectangular front surface) and the first operating position mark 17, the user can understand that the operating position of the manual switching mechanism 20 is set to the first operating position, and the operating state of the contact mechanism 40 Set to enabled.

When the operating position of the knob 22 is set to the second operational position, the marker 22B (specifically, specifically, a short side of the rectangular front surface) is directed to the second operational position marker 18. From the relationship between the mark 22B (a short side of the rectangular front surface) and the second operating position mark 18, the user can understand that the operating position of the manual switching mechanism 20 is set to the second operating position, and the operating state of the contact mechanism 40 Set to the deactivated state.

The structure of the contact mechanism 40 will now be described with reference to Figs.

The contact mechanism 40 includes a first metal plate 41 and a second metal plate 42. The upper portion is electrically connected to the terminal end of the terminal group 14 (refer to FIG. 2); and the base portion 43 supports the metal plates 41 and 42. The base 43 is fixed to the outer casing 10 (refer to FIG. 3). Each of the metal plates 41 and 42 is crimped into the groove 43A formed in the base 43.

In one example, the first metal plate 41 is electrically connected to the fourth terminal 14D (refer to FIG. 2), and the second metal plate 42 is electrically connected to the first terminal 14A (refer to FIG. 2). The first metal plate 41 includes a first contact 41A. The second metal plate 42 includes a second contact 42A. The cam mechanism 30 moves the metal plates 41 and 42 to change the distance between the first contact 41A and the second contact 42A.

When the first metal plate 41 and the second metal plate 42 move toward each other such that the first contact 41A and the second contact 42A are in contact with each other, the power source 2 and the electric device 3 (refer to FIG. 1) are electrically connected. When the first metal plate 41 and the second metal plate 42 move away from each other such that the first contact 41A and the second contact 42A are separated from each other, the power source 2 and the electric device 3 are electrically disconnected.

The structure of the cam mechanism 30 will now be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

The cam mechanism 30 includes a cam shaft 31 that is rotatably supported relative to the outer casing 10 by a bearing 10A of the outer casing 10 and a bearing 16A of the rear cover 16 and a set pin cam 32 that is disposed to contact the set pin 63 ( Refer to Figure 2). The cam mechanism 30 further includes a switching cam 33 that is disposed to contact the metal plates 41 and 42 and a second gear 34 that meshes with the first gear 23. The cam shaft 31, the setting pin cam 32, the switching cam 33, and the second gear 34 are integrally formed as a single member. The second gear 34 is an external gear formed on the outer circumference of the cam shaft 31. In an example, the second gear 34 has twice the number of teeth of the first gear 23.

The set pin cam 32 includes four first set pin cams 32A that contact the enable pin 63A (refer to FIG. 2) and four second set pin cams 32B that contact the stop pin 63B (refer to FIG. 2). Each of the first set pin cam 32A and each of the second set pin cams 32B are radially protruded from the outer circumference of the cam shaft 31, and are formed at regular intervals in the circumferential direction of the cam shaft 31.

In the circumferential direction of the cam shaft 31, the phase of each of the first setting pin cams 32A and the phase of each of the second setting pin cams 32B have a predetermined phase difference. An example of this predetermined phase difference is 45°. Further, each of the first set pin cams 32A and each of the second set pin cams 32B are located at different positions in the axial direction of the cam shaft 31.

When the rotary shaft 21 is rotated in the first direction, the cam shaft 31 is rotated in the second direction. In an example, each time the rotating shaft 21 is rotated by 90 in the first direction, the cam shaft 31 is rotated by 45 in the second direction. The rotation of the cam shaft 31 in the second direction changes the position of each of the set pin cams 32A and each of the set pin cams 32B with respect to the dial setting portion 13.

When the operating position of the knob 22 is set to the first operating position, the rotational phase of the camshaft 31 is set to the first rotational phase. One of the second setting pin cams 32B is protruded from the dial setting portion 13, and all of the first setting pin cams 32A are housed in the casing 10. The second set pin cam 32B that is raised from the dial setting portion 13 and the tongue to which the stop pin 63B is attached to the dial 61 are located at substantially the same position in the axial direction of the dial setting portion 13. Therefore, the first rotational phase of the cam mechanism 30 allows the deactivation pin 63B to contact the second setting pin cam 32B, and the first rotational phase of the cam mechanism 30 does not allow the activation pin 63A to contact the first setting pin cam 32A. In the cam mechanism 30 shown, the four rotational phases correspond to the first rotational phase. For example, the four rotational phases are 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°.

When the operating position of the knob 22 is set to the second operating position, the rotational phase of the camshaft 31 is set to the second rotational phase. In this case, one of the first setting pin cams 32A is protruded from the dial setting portion 13, and all of the second setting pin cams 32B are housed in the casing 10. The first set pin cam 32A that is raised from the dial setting portion 13 and the tongue that the enable pin 63A attaches to the dial 61 are located at substantially the same position in the axial direction of the dial setting portion 13. Therefore, the second rotational phase of the cam mechanism 30 allows the activation pin 63A to contact the first set pin cam 32A, and the second rotational phase of the cam mechanism 30 does not allow the disable pin 63B to contact the second set pin cam 32B. In the cam mechanism 30 shown, the four rotational phases correspond to the second rotational phase. For example, the four rotational phases are 45°, 135°, 225°, and 315°.

The switching cam 33 includes four first switching cams 33A that are disposed to contact the first metal plate 41, and four second switching cams 33B that are disposed to contact the second metal plate 42. The first switching cam 33A and the second switching cam 33B are radially protruded from the outer circumference of the cam shaft 31, and are formed at regular intervals in the circumferential direction of the cam shaft 31.

In the circumferential direction of the cam shaft 31, the phase of each of the first switching cams 33A and the phase of each of the second switching cams 33B have a predetermined phase difference. An example of this predetermined phase difference is 45°. Further, each of the first switching cams 33A and each of the second switching cams 33B are located at different positions in the axial direction of the cam shaft 31.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the rotational phase of the camshaft 31 is set to the first rotational phase, the second switching cam 33B pushes the second metal plate 42 toward the first metal plate 41, and the first switching cam 33A does not push. The first metal plate 41. Therefore, the first contact 41A and the second contact 42A are in contact with each other. That is, the operational state of the contact mechanism 40 is set to the enabled state. Further, in this state, the distal end of the first metal plate 41 contacts the end surface of the first switching cam 33A. According to this, even if the cam shaft 31 receives the moment causing the first switching cam 33A to rotate in the first direction, the distal end of the first metal plate 41 contacts the end surface of the first switching cam 33A to restrict the cam shaft 31 at the Rotation in one direction.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the rotational phase of the camshaft 31 is set to the second rotational phase, the first switching cam 33A pushes the first metal plate 41 such that the first metal plate 41 is separated from the second metal plate 42, and the first The second switching cam 33B does not push the second metal plate 42. Therefore, the first contact 41A does not contact the second contact 42A. That is, the operational state of the contact mechanism 40 is set to the inactive state. Further, in this state, the distal end of the second metal plate 42 contacts the end surface of the second switching cam 33B. According to this, even if the cam shaft 31 receives the moment causing the second switching cam 33B to rotate in the first direction, the distal end of the second metal plate 42 contacts the end surface of the second switching cam 33B to restrict the cam shaft 31 at the Rotation in one direction.

The operation of time switch 1 will now be described with reference to FIG.

The time switch 1 allows the user to use: a first mode in which the contact mechanism 40 is automatically operated by the timer function of the timer mechanism 60; and a second mode in which the contact mechanism 40 is manually switched manually The mechanism 20 operates.

In the first mode, the time switch 1 operates in the following manner. For example, the contact mechanism 40 is initially deactivated. From this state, the timer function of the timer mechanism 60 switches the operating state of the contact mechanism 40 from the deactivated state to the activated state for a first predetermined time, and the operating state of the contact mechanism 40 is changed from the second predetermined time. The enabled state is switched to the deactivated state, the second predetermined time being after the first predetermined time.

First, the protective cover 15 is removed from the outer casing 10. The enable pin 63A (refer to FIG. 2) is attached to the position of the dial 61 corresponding to the first predetermined time, and the stop pin 63B (refer to FIG. 2) is attached to the position of the dial 61 corresponding to the second predetermined time. Then, the protective cover 15 is reattached to the outer casing 10. The setting of the operation position of the knob 22 and the attachment of the setting pin 63 (refer to FIG. 2) can be performed in any order.

The rotation of the dial 61 causes the activation pin 63A to move toward the first setting pin cam 32A that is convex from the dial setting portion 13. When the current time reaches the first predetermined time, the activation pin 63A contacts the first setting pin cam 32A, and continues to rotate while pushing the first setting pin cam 32A. When the first set pin cam 32A is pushed by the enable pin 63A, the cam shaft 31 rotates in the second direction. This changes the rotational phase of the camshaft 31 from the second rotational phase to the first rotational phase.

Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the operational state of the contact mechanism 40 is switched from the deactivated state to the activated state. The rotation of the camshaft 31 is transferred to the contact mechanism 40. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the rotation of the cam shaft 31 is transferred to the rotary shaft 21 by the engagement of the second gear 34 with the first gear 23 of the rotary shaft 21. According to this, when the rotational phase of the camshaft 31 is changed from the second rotational phase to the first rotational phase, the rotary shaft 21 is rotated, thereby changing the operational position of the knob 22 from the second operational position to the first operational position.

Further rotation of the dial 61 moves the deactivation pin 63B toward the second setting pin cam 32B that is raised from the dial setting portion 13. When the current time reaches the second predetermined time, the deactivation pin 63B contacts the second setting pin cam 32B, and continues to rotate while pushing the second setting pin cam 32B. When the second set pin cam 32B is pushed by the stop pin 63B, the cam shaft 31 rotates in the second direction. This changes the rotational phase of the camshaft 31 from the first rotational phase to the second rotational phase.

Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the operational state of the contact mechanism 40 is switched from the activated state to the deactivated state. The rotation of the camshaft 31 is transferred to the contact mechanism 40. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the rotation of the cam shaft 31 is transferred to the rotary shaft 21 by the engagement of the second gear 34 with the first gear 23 of the rotary shaft 21. According to this, when the rotational phase of the camshaft 31 is changed from the first rotational phase to the second rotational phase, the rotary shaft 21 is rotated, thereby changing the operational position of the knob 22 from the first operational position to the second operational position.

In the second mode, the time switch 1 operates in the following manner.

First, the protective cover 15 is removed from the outer casing 10. The user rotates the knob 22 from the second operational position to the first operational position. The rotation of the knob 22 (that is, the rotation of the rotary shaft 21 shown in FIG. 4) is transferred to the cam shaft 31 via the first gear 23 and the second gear 34. As a result, the rotational phase of the camshaft 31 is changed from the second rotational phase to the first rotational phase. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the operational state of the contact mechanism 40 is switched from the inactive state to the activated state.

The user rotates the knob 22 from the first operational position to the second operational position. The rotation of the knob 22 (that is, the rotation of the rotary shaft 21 shown in FIG. 4) is transferred to the cam shaft 31 via the first gear 23 and the second gear 34. As a result, the rotational phase of the camshaft 31 changes from the first rotational phase to the second rotational phase. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the operational state of the contact mechanism 40 is switched from the enabled state to the deactivated state.

In the second mode, when the knob 22 receives a force that causes the knob 22 to rotate in the second direction, the force is caused by the movable pawl 25A (refer to FIG. 4) and the non-movable pawl 25B of the ratchet structure 25 (reference drawing) 4) Bear. Therefore, the force transferred from the knob 22 to the metal plates 41 and 42 is small compared to when the ratchet structure 25 is not present. This reduces the deformation and damage of the metal plates 41 and 42.

The time switch 1 has the advantages described below.

(1) The knob 22 includes a flag 22B. In this configuration, the user can easily understand the operating position of the knob 22 and the operating state of the contact mechanism 40 from the mark 22B. This reduces the situation in which the knob 22 is operated by mistake.

(2) The outer casing 10 includes a first operational position indicator 17 and a second operational position indicator 18. This ensures that the user can understand the operating position of the knob 22 and the operating state of the contact mechanism 40 based on the relationship between the flag 22B of the knob 22 and each of the operating position marks 17 and 18. This further reduces the situation in which the knob 22 is mishandled.

(3) The rotation direction in which the knob 22 is switched to the operation state of the contact mechanism 40 is the same as the rotation direction of the dial 61. This configuration allows the user to intuitively understand the correct direction of operation of the knob 22 as compared to when the directions are different. Therefore, the user rotates the knob 22 in the second direction less frequently. This further limits the deformation and damage of the contact mechanism 40.

The description of the above embodiments illustrates a time switch according to an embodiment of the present invention and is not considered to be limiting. In addition to the above embodiments, for example, the time switch according to the present invention may include the following modified examples, and embodiments in which at least two modified examples that do not contradict each other are combined.

In the time switch 1 of the modified example, the flag 22B is omitted from the knob 22.

In the time switch 1 of the modified example, at least one of the first operation position flag 17 and the second operation position flag 18 is omitted from the casing 10.

In the ratchet structure 25 of the modified example, the shaft housing 24 includes a recess shaped to conform to the shape of the movable pawl 25A of the rotary shaft 21 in place of the non-movable pawl 25B of the shaft housing 24. In another modified example, the rotating shaft 21 includes a notch shaped to conform to the shape of the non-movable pawl 25B of the shaft housing 24 in place of the movable pawl 25A of the rotating shaft 21.

The time switch 1 of the modified example includes a second knob coupled to the camshaft 31, a second shaft housing partially covering the camshaft 31, and a second ratchet mechanism that limits the direction of rotation of the camshaft 31. In this modified example, the manual switching mechanism 20 is formed by a second knob, a second shaft housing, and a second ratchet structure. In one example, the second knob includes a structure similar to the knob 22, the second shaft housing includes a structure similar to the shaft housing 24, and the second ratchet structure includes a structure similar to the ratchet mechanism 25. The user operates the knob 22 or the second knob to switch the operating state of the contact mechanism 40. Therefore, even when the second knob is operated, it is possible to obtain the same advantages as those obtained when the knob 22 is operated.

In the above example, the manual switching mechanism 20 may include a structure that does not include the rotating shaft 21, the shaft housing 24, and the ratchet structure 25.

The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the examples described above (or one or more implementation aspects of the examples described above) can be used in conjunction with one another. Other embodiments may be used, such as those used by those of ordinary skill in the art after reviewing the above description. Also, in the above detailed description, various features may be combined together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be construed as meaning that the claimed features are not claimed in any claim. Rather, the inventive subject matter may be embodied in a non-all features of a particular embodiment disclosed. Therefore, the following claims are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety in their entirety in their entireties in theties The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the full scope of the equivalents of the appended claims.

1‧‧‧ time switch
2‧‧‧Power supply
3‧‧‧Electrical devices
10‧‧‧ Shell
10A‧‧‧ bearing
11‧‧‧Main wall
12‧‧‧ side wall
13‧‧‧Dial setting section
14‧‧‧ Terminal Group
14A‧‧‧First Terminal
14B‧‧‧second terminal
14C‧‧‧ third terminal
14D‧‧‧fourth terminal
15‧‧‧ protective cover
16‧‧‧Back cover
16A‧‧‧ bearing
17‧‧‧Operation location sign
18‧‧‧Operation location mark
20‧‧‧Manual switching mechanism
21‧‧‧Rotary axis
22‧‧‧ knob
22A‧‧‧ hollow tubular part
22B‧‧‧ mark
23‧‧‧First gear
24‧‧‧ shaft housing
25‧‧‧ratchet structure
25A‧‧‧ movable pawl
25B‧‧‧Unmovable pawl
30‧‧‧Cam mechanism
31‧‧‧Camshaft
32‧‧‧Set pin cam
32A‧‧‧First set pin cam
32B‧‧‧Second setting pin cam
33‧‧‧Switching cam
33A‧‧‧First switching cam
33B‧‧‧Second switching cam
34‧‧‧second gear
40‧‧‧Contact institutions
41‧‧‧First metal plate
41A‧‧‧First contact
42‧‧‧Second metal plate
42A‧‧‧second junction
43‧‧‧ base
43A‧‧‧ trench
50‧‧‧ drive source
60‧‧‧Timer mechanism
61‧‧‧ dial
62‧‧‧ time board
62A‧‧‧current time indicator
62B‧‧‧Rotation direction indicator
63‧‧‧Setting pin
63A‧‧‧Activities
63B‧‧‧Discontinued pin
D3‧‧‧ line

The invention, together with its objects and advantages, may be best understood by referring to the preferred embodiments and the following description of the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a time switch;

Figure 2 is a front elevational view showing an example of the time switch of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D3-D3 in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the manual switching mechanism and cam mechanism shown in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a rear view showing the contact mechanism in an activated state;

Figure 6 is a rear elevational view showing the contact mechanism in the deactivated state.

16‧‧‧Back cover

20‧‧‧Manual switching mechanism

21‧‧‧Rotary axis

22‧‧‧ knob

22A‧‧‧ hollow tubular part

22B‧‧‧ mark

23‧‧‧First gear

24‧‧‧ shaft housing

25‧‧‧ratchet structure

25A‧‧‧ movable pawl

25B‧‧‧Unmovable pawl

30‧‧‧Cam mechanism

31‧‧‧Camshaft

32‧‧‧Set pin cam

32A‧‧‧First set pin cam

32B‧‧‧Second setting pin cam

33‧‧‧Switching cam

33A‧‧‧First switching cam

33B‧‧‧Second switching cam

34‧‧‧second gear

Claims (2)

A time switch for use with a power source and a powered device, the time switch comprising: a contact mechanism that is switched to an enabled state or a disabled state, wherein the contact mechanism is electrically connected in the enabled state The power source and the power device, wherein the contact mechanism electrically disconnects the power source and the power device in the deactivated state; a cam mechanism mechanically drives the contact mechanism to make the contact The mechanism switches between the activated state and the deactivated state; a rotating shaft supported by a bearing of a cover and capable of transferring torque to the cam mechanism; a knob coupled to the rotating shaft, wherein When the knob is set to a first operating position, the knob switches an operating state of the contact mechanism to the activated state, and when the knob is set to a second operating position, the knob connects the contact The operational state of the mechanism is switched to the deactivated state; and a ratchet mechanism that allows rotation of the rotary shaft when the knob receives a force to rotate the knob in a first direction, and receives the rotation of the rotary shaft The Restricting rotation of the rotating shaft when the force is rotated in a second direction, the second direction being opposite the first direction, wherein the ratchet mechanism includes a first pawl that rotates integrally with the rotating shaft, and The cover body is formed as a second pawl integrally coupled with the first pawl, wherein the knob, the rotating shaft, and the first pawl are integrally formed as a single member. The time switch of claim 1 further includes a flag that rotates integrally with the knob, wherein the flag indicates that the operating state of the contact mechanism is set to the enabled state or the disabled state.