WO2015129158A1

WO2015129158A1 - Switch module and wall switch

Info

Publication number: WO2015129158A1
Application number: PCT/JP2015/000379
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hirohisa Okuno; Kazuya Baba; Hideto TADA; Takashi KUSAGAWA; Katsuya Imai
Original assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Priority date: 2014-02-28
Filing date: 2015-01-29
Publication date: 2015-09-03
Anticipated expiration: 2016-08-28
Also published as: CN105981125A; TW201541486A; PH12016501569A1; TWI543221B; PH12016501569B1; JP2015162451A; CN105981125B

Abstract

A switch module (1) includes a push-button (10), a returning spring (19), a movable terminal plate (12) and a reversing mechanism (11). The movable terminal plate (12) is disposed on an opposite side of the returning spring (19) from the push-button (10) in the first direction (D1). The movable terminal plate (12) has a first and second ends (121 and 122) on first and second sides of the first direction (D1). The returning spring (19) is disposed to, whenever the push-button (10) is pressed and then released, return the push-button (10) to a position before the push-button (10) is pressed. The second end (122) of the movable terminal plate (12) and a center of the returning spring (19) are placed at positions corresponding to a position of a projection (107) of the push-button (10) in the first direction (D1).

Description

SWITCH MODULE AND WALL SWITCH

The invention relates generally to switch modules and wall switches, and more particularly, to a switch module configured so that, whenever a push-button thereof is pressed, the push-button is returned to a position before the push-button is pressed, and a wall switch including the switch module.

For example, JP2004-296231A discloses a piano handle (type) switch. This piano handle switch includes a switch body and a piano handle (an operation paddle). The switch body includes a housing and a switch mechanism housed in the housing. The switch mechanism includes a push-button handle (a push-button) disposed on a front face of the housing and configured to be pressed. The switch mechanism is configured so that contacts thereof are opened and closed whenever the push-button handle is pressed.

The switch mechanism includes the contacts (a movable contact and a stationary contact), a switch piece, a reversing handle, a reversal spring, the push-button handle, a slide cam and a returning spring. The movable contact is provided on the switch piece. The switch piece has a spring receiver that protrudes forward from part of a front edge of the switch piece. The reversing handle includes, on a rear part thereof, a cylinder part having a rear face with an opening. The spring receiver is inserted in a rear end part of the reversal spring, while a front end part of the reversal spring is housed in the cylinder part of the reversing handle.

However, the abovementioned piano handle switch has a problem of insufficient operability of the push-button handle. In detail, the relative position (distance) between a linear projection formed on a front face of the push-button handle and the slide cam varies each time the push-button handle is pressed, which leads to deteriorate the operability of the push-button handle.

Summary

The invention has been achieved in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a switch module and a wall switch capable of preventing the change in the operability of a push-button when the push-button is pressed.

A switch module in an aspect of the invention includes a push-button, a returning spring, a movable terminal plate and a reversing mechanism. The push-button is disposed on a first side of a first direction, while the returning spring is disposed on a second side of the first direction. The push-button has a projection configured to receive a pushing force towards the second side of the first direction. The returning spring is disposed so as to, whenever the push-button is pressed by the pushing force and then released, return the push-button to a position before the push-button is pressed. The movable terminal plate has first and second ends on the first and second sides of the first direction, respectively, and is disposed on an opposite side of the returning spring from the push-button in the first direction. The reversing mechanism is configured to reversely turn the movable terminal plate, around the second end of the movable terminal, in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction every time the reversing mechanism is pressed by the pushing force through the push-button. The second end of the movable terminal plate and a center of the returning spring are placed at positions corresponding to a position of the projection in the first direction.

A wall switch in an aspect of the invention includes the abovementioned switch module and an operation paddle detachably attached to a face, on the first side of the first direction, of the push-button.

The figures depict one or more implementation in accordance with the present teaching, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements where:
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a switch module in an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first specific example of a wall switch including the switch module in the embodiment and an installation member used therefor. FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the first specific example and the installation member used therefor. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second specific example of a wall switch including the switch module in the embodiment and an installation member used therefor. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a third specific example of a wall switch including the switch module in the embodiment and an installation member used therefor. FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the switch module in the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a piano handle in the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating first to third terminals and a circuit substrate in the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a body and a movable terminal plate held by the body to be free to turn in the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cover in the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a push-button, a slide cam, a spring piece, a returning spring, the cover, a reversing handle and a reversal spring in the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating first and second terminals and a circuit substrate in one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating main parts in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a switch module in an embodiment of the invention. Main components of the embodiment will be explained first.

As shown in FIG. 1, the switch module 1 in the embodiment includes a push-button 10, a reversing mechanism 11, a movable terminal plate 12 and a returning spring 19. The push-button 10 is disposed on a first side of a first direction D1, while the returning spring 19 is disposed on a second side of the first direction D1.

In the example of FIG. 1, upper right and lower left sides correspond to the first and second sides of the first direction D1, respectively. The first direction D1 corresponds to a depth direction of the switch module 1. The first side of the first direction D1, on which the push-button 10 is disposed, defines "front" of the switch module 1. In brief, in the embodiment, the first and second sides of the first direction D1 correspond respectively to "a front side" and "a rear side".

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the push-button 10 has a projection 107 configured to receive a rearward pushing force (a pushing force towards the second side of the first direction D2). The push-button 10 is provided so that whenever the push-button 10 is pressed by the pushing force and then released, the push-button 10 is returned by the returning spring 19 to a position before the push-button 10 is pressed.

The movable terminal plate 12 has a first end 121 and a second end 122 respectively on the first side and the second side of the first direction D1. The movable terminal plate 12 is disposed on an opposite side of the returning spring 19 from the push-button 10 in the first direction D1.

The reversing mechanism 11 is configured to reversely turn the movable terminal plate 12 around the second end 122 in a second direction D2 that is perpendicular to the first direction D1 whenever the reversing mechanism 11 is pressed by the pushing force through the push-button 10.

In the embodiment, the second direction D2 corresponds to a width direction of the switch module 1. First and second sides of the second direction D2 correspond respectively to "a right side" and "a left side". In the example of FIG. 1, left and right sides correspond to the first and second sides of the second direction D2, respectively.

Note that, D3 in FIG. 1 indicates a third direction that is perpendicular to the first and second directions D1 and D2. In the embodiment, the third direction D3 corresponds to a height direction of the switch module 1. First and second sides of the third direction D3 correspond respectively to "an upper side" and "a lower side". Characterized features of the embodiment will be described later.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show a first specific example of a wall switch including the switch module 1 of the embodiment. In the first specific example, the wall switch includes the switch module 1 and a piano handle (an operation paddle) 5. The piano handle 5 is disposed on the first side of the first direction D1, while the switch module 1 is disposed on the second side of the first direction D1.

In the first specific example, the switch module 1 is installed, along with the piano handle 5, on a building part such as a wall by use of an installation member (an attachment frame 6 and a wall plate 7). The wall switch of the invention may further include the attachment frame 6 and the wall plate 7.

The piano handle 5 is shaped like a rectangle corresponding to an opening 91 of the wall plate 7. The piano handle 5 is detachably attached to a front face (a face on the first side of the first direction D1) of the switch module 1. In an example, the piano handle 5 is detachably attached to a front face of a cover 4 (described later). In the wall switch of the embodiment, the piano handle 5 is detachably attached to the front face of the switch module 1, and the piano handle 5 and the switch module 1 constitute a piano handle type switch.

The attachment frame 6 has a first side part 61, a second side part 62, a third side part 63 and a fourth side part 64 on the right, left, upper and lower sides thereof, respectively, and is shaped like a rectangular frame having a rectangular opening 65 extending in the third direction D3. Like the example of Document 1, the attachment frame 6 has an attachment structure in order to attach three switch modules 1 to the first side part 61 and the second side part 62 along the third direction D3. For example, attachment holes 611 provided in the first side part 61 and attachment holes 621 provided in the second side part 62 constitute the attachment structure. The attachment frame 6 of the embodiment is different from an attachment frame in Document 1 in that the attachment frame 6 of the embodiment has steps so that the first and

second side parts

61 and 62 are totally set further back than the third and

fourth side parts

63 and 64. The attachment frame 6 of the embodiment is similar to the attachment frame in Document 1 except for the steps in the first and

second side parts

61 and 62, and therefore detailed explanation thereof is not described herein.

The wall plate 7 includes a plate frame 8 and a face plate 9, for example. The wall plate 7 has the rectangular opening 91 extending in the third direction D3. The plate frame 8 has an opening 81 that is larger than the opening 91 of the face plate 91, and thus the wall plate 7 has the opening 91. The wall plate 7 of the embodiment is similar to a wall plate in Document 1, and therefore detailed explanation thereof is not described herein.

Installation procedures of the switch module 1 on a building part (such as a wall) according to the first specific example are explained.

For example, in a state where the plate frame 8 is fixed to the attachment frame 6 with a first fixture (such as two screws), the switch module 1 is detachably attached to a center part in the attachment frame 6. Then, the piano handle 5 is detachably attached to the front face of the switch module 1, and the attachment frame 6 is fixed to the building part with a second fixture (such as two screws). The face plate 9 is then detachably attached to a front face (a face on the front side) of the plate frame 8.

FIG. 4 shows a second specific example of a wall switch including the switch modules 1 of the embodiment. In the second specific example, the wall switch includes two switch modules 1 and two piano handles 5A. Each piano handle 5A has a shape of which size is half as large as the opening 91 of the wall plate 7 along the third direction D3.

Installation procedures of the switch module 1 on a building part according to the second specific example are explained.

For example, in a state where the plate frame 8 is fixed to the attachment frame 6 with the first fixture, the two switch modules 1 are detachably attached to upper and lower sides in the attachment frame 6. Then, the two piano handles 5A are detachably attached to the respective front faces of the two switch modules 1, and the attachment frame 6 is fixed to the building part with the second fixture. The face plate 9 is then detachably attached to the front face of the plate frame 8.

FIG. 5 shows a third specific example of a wall switch including the switch modules 1 of the embodiment. In the third specific example, the wall switch includes three switch modules 1 and three piano handles 5B. Each piano handle 5B has a shape of which size is one-third as large as the opening 91 of the wall plate 7 along the third direction D3.

Installation procedures of the switch module 1 on a building part according to the third specific example are explained.

For example, in a state where the plate frame 8 is fixed to the attachment frame 6 with the first fixture, the three switch modules 1 are detachably attached to an upper side, a center part and a lower side in the attachment frame 6. Then, the three piano handles 5B are detachably attached to the respective front faces of the three switch modules 1, and the attachment frame 6 is fixed to the building part with the second fixture. The face plate 9 is then detachably attached to the front face of the plate frame 8.

Hereinafter, a specific example of the switch module 1 in the embodiment is explained.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, in the embodiment, the switch module 1 includes a housing 2, a first terminal 13, a second terminal 14, a third terminal 15 and a circuit board 20, in addition to the push-button 10, the reversing mechanism 11, the movable terminal plate 12 and the returning spring 19. The reversing mechanism 11 includes a reversal spring 11A, a reversing handle 16, a slide cam 17 and a spring piece 18.

The reversal spring 11A, the movable terminal plate 12, the first terminal 13, the second terminal 14, the third terminal 15, the reversing handle 16 and the circuit board 20 are housed in the housing 2. The push-button 10 is attached to a front face (a face on the first side of the first direction D1) of the housing 2 together with the slide cam 17, the spring piece 18 and the returning spring 19.

The housing 2 is first explained. The housing 2 is shaped like a cuboid extending in the second direction D2. The housing 2 is formed of a body 3 and a cover 4. Each of the body 3 and the cover 4 is a molding product of synthetic resin.

The body 3 has a base part 30, a first side part 31, a second side part 32, a third side part 33 and a fourth side part 34 on the rear, right, left, upper and lower sides thereof, respectively, and is shaped like a box having a front face with a rectangular opening extending in the second direction D2. The cover 4 has a base part 40, a first side part 41, a second side part 42, a third side part 43 and a fourth side part 44 on the front, right, left, upper and lower sides thereof, respectively, and is shaped like a box having a rear face with a rectangular opening extending in the second direction D2.

With regard to the body 3, the third side part 33 has first and

second protrusions

331 and 333 which are on the first and second sides of the second direction D2, respectively and protrude upward (towards the first side of the third direction D3). Similarly, the fourth side part 34 has third and

fourth protrusions

341 and 343 which are on the first and second sides of the second direction D2 (see FIG. 13 described later), respectively and protrude downward (towards the second side of the third direction D3).

With regard to the cover 4, the third side part 43 has first and second

flat parts

431 and 433 protruding rearward (towards the second side of the first direction D1) to be shaped like C (a square bracket). The fourth side part 44 has third and fourth

flat parts

441 and 443 protruding rearward to be shaped like C (a square bracket). The first, second, third and fourth

flat parts

431, 433, 441 and 443 are formed with first, second, third and

fourth holes

432, 434, 442 and 444, respectively.

The body 3 and the cover 4 are formed so that the first, second, third and

fourth protrusions

331, 333, 341 and 343 are inserted into the first, second, third and

fourth holes

432, 434, 442 and 444, respectively. Accordingly, the body 3 and the cover 4 are coupled with each other to form the housing 2.

Attachment structure for attaching the piano handle 5 (5A, 5B) to the housing 2 is described next. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the housing 2 (the cover 4 in the embodiment) has at least one shaft part 45 and at least one slit 46. The shaft part 45 is formed along the third direction D3 for pivotally holding the piano handle 5 (5A, 5B) around the shaft part 45. The slit 46 guides the pivotal movement of the piano handle 5 around the shaft part 45.

In the example of FIGS. 2 and 7, the housing 2 (the cover 4) includes two shaft parts 45 and two slits 46. The shaft parts 45 are disposed on a left part (part on the second side of the second direction D2) of the front face of the housing 2 (the cover 4) and are spaced along the third direction D3. The slits 46 are formed in a right part (part on the first side of the second direction D2) of the front face of the housing 2 (the cover 4) and spaced along the third direction D3.

As shown in FIG. 7, the piano handle 5 has a shaft receiving concavity 51 for pivotally holding the at least one shaft part 45 of the housing 2, and a protruding part 52 inserted in the at least one slit 46 of the housing 2.

In the example of FIG. 7, the piano handle 5 is provided, on a rear face (a face on the second side of the first direction D1) thereof, with a shaft receiving concavity 51 for pivotally holding the two shaft parts 45 of the housing 2, and two flat protruding parts 52 individually inserted in the two slits 46 of the housing 2. Additionally, slotted spring pins 50 which are discrete components are disposed in the shaft receiving concavity 51. Thus, in the housing 2 (the cover 4), the shaft receiving concavity 51 and the slotted spring pins 50 pivotally support the two shaft parts 45. The two protruding parts 52 protrudes rearward (towards the second side of the first direction D1) so that the piano handle 5 can turn by a predetermined angle around the shaft parts 45 (i.e., a right end of the piano handle 5 can move a predetermined distance). Each protruding part 52 has two nails 521 that are formed on a tip of the protruding part 52 and to be engaged with part, around a corresponding slit 46, of the housing 2. The piano handle 5A and the piano handle 5B are formed similar to the piano handle 5.

With the abovementioned structure, the piano handle 5 (5A, 5B) can be attached to the housing 2 so that the right part (part on the first side of the second direction D2) of the piano handle is free to move in the first direction D1.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first side part 41 has two attachment nails 411 to be inserted into adjacent two attachment holes 611 in the first side part 61 of the attachment frame 6. Similarly, the second side part 42 has two attachment nails 421 to be inserted into adjacent two attachment holes 621 in the second side part 62 of the attachment frame 6. By inserting the attachment nails 411 into the corresponding attachment holes 611 and inserting the attachment nails 421 into the corresponding attachment holes 621, the switch module 1 can be attached to the attachment frame 6.

As shown in FIG. 6, the body 3 has first and

second partitions

35 and 36 to form first and

second storage chambers

37 and 38 on the first and second sides of the second direction D2, respectively. The first and

second partitions

35 and 36 are apart from each other in the second direction D2 to form a center storage chamber 39 between the first and

second storage chambers

37 and 38.

Part of the first terminal 13 is located in the center storage chamber 39 in the housing 2, and remaining part of the first terminal 13 is located in the first storage chamber 37 in the housing 2. Part of the second terminal 14 and part of the third terminal 15 are located in the center storage chamber 39 in the housing 2, and remaining parts of the second and

third terminals

14 and 15 are located in the second storage chamber 38 in the housing 2.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, the first terminal 13 includes a support part 131 that supports the second end 122 of the movable terminal plate 12. In the example of FIG. 8, the first terminal 13 includes a terminal plate 130, two locking springs 138 and a release button 139. The second terminal 14 includes a stationary contact (a first stationary contact) 141. The second terminal 14 includes a terminal plate 140 and a locking spring 148. The third terminal 15 includes a stationary contact (a second stationary contact) 151. The third terminal 15 includes a terminal plate 150 and a locking spring 158. The switch module 1 includes a release button 149 that is shared by the second and

third terminals

14 and 15.

That is, the switch module 1 includes the movable contact 12A provided on the movable terminal plate 12; the first terminal 13 including the support part 131 that supports the second end 122 of the movable terminal plate 12; and the second terminal 14 including the stationary contact 141 that is configured to be in contact with or out of contact with the movable contact 12A when the movable terminal plate 12 is turned to one or the other of the first and second sides in the second direction D2.

In other words, the switch module 1 includes the movable contact 12A provided on the movable terminal plate 12; the first terminal 13 including the support part 131 that supports the second end 122 of the movable terminal plate 12; and the second terminal 14 including the stationary contact 141 that is configured to be in contact with the movable contact 12A when the movable terminal plate 12 is turned to one of the first and second sides in the second direction D2 and also to be out of contact with the movable contact 12A when the movable terminal plate 12 is turned to the other of the first and second sides in the second direction D2.

With regard to the first terminal 13, the terminal plate 130 integrally includes the support part 131, a first link part 132, a first flat part 133, a second flat part 134, a third flat part 135, a fourth flat part 136 and a second link part 137. The first link part 132 extends in the third direction D3, and the first to fourth flat parts 133 to 136 protrude (are bent) from opposite ends in the third direction D3 of the first link part 132 so that the first flat part 133 faces the second flat part 134 as well as the third flat part 135 faces the fourth flat part 136. The second link part 137 is shaped like L in section, and protrudes rearward from the first link part 132 between the second and fourth

flat parts

134 and 136 with a tip part of the second link part 137 extending leftward. The support part 131 is shaped like a flat rectangle and is integrally connected to the tip part of the second link part 137 to extend in the third direction D3. In more detail, the first and second

flat parts

133 and 134 are arranged on the upper side, while the third and fourth

flat parts

135 and 136 are arranged on the lower side. The first and third

flat parts

133 and 135 are arranged on the right side, while the second and fourth

flat parts

134 and 136 and the second link part 137 are arranged on the lefts side.

With regard to the second terminal 14, the terminal plate 140 integrally includes the stationary contact (the first stationary contact) 141, a link part 142, a first flat part 143, a second flat part 144 and a stationary contact holding part (a first stationary contact holding part) 147. The link part 142 extends in the second direction D2, and the first and second

flat parts

143 and 144 protrude (are bent) rearward from opposite ends in the second direction D2 of the link part 142 so that the first flat part 143 faces the second flat part 144. In the example of FIG. 8, the stationary contact holding part 147 protrudes rearward from the link part 142 along with the first flat part 143, and a tip part of the stationary contact holding part 147 is curved forward (to the first side of the first direction D1) to be shaped like J or U. The stationary contact 141 is disposed on a right face (a face on the first side of the second direction D2) of the stationary contact holding part 147. In more detail, as shown in FIG. 1, the second terminal 14 is arranged on the lower side, while the third terminal 15 is arranged on the upper side. The first flat part 143 and the stationary contact holding part 147 are arranged on the right side, while the second flat part 144 is arranged on the lefts side.

With regard to the third terminal 15, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, the terminal plate 150 integrally includes the stationary contact (the second stationary contact) 151, a link part 152, a first flat part 153, a second flat part 154 and a stationary contact holding part (a second stationary contact holding part) 157. The link part 152 extends in the second direction D2, and the first and second

flat parts

153 and 154 protrude (are bent) rearward from opposite ends in the second direction D2 of the link part 152 so that the first flat part 153 faces the second flat part 154. The stationary contact holding part 157 is shaped like L in section, and protrudes rightward from the first flat part 153 so that a tip part of the stationary contact holding part 157 faces the stationary contact 141 of the second terminal 14. The stationary contact 151 is disposed on a left face (a face on the second side of the second direction D2) of the tip part of the stationary contact holding part 157. Therefore, the stationary contact 141 on the second terminal 14 and the stationary contact 151 on the third terminal 15 face each other in the second direction D2 (with the movable terminal plate 12 interposed therebetween). In more detail, the first flat part 153 and the stationary contact holding part 157 are arranged on the right side, while the second flat part 154 is arranged on the lefts side.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, in the body 3, the support part 131, which is part of the first terminal 13, is located in the center storage chamber 39, while the remaining part of the first terminal 13 is located in the first storage chamber 37. One of the two locking springs 138 is disposed between the first and second

flat parts

133 and 134, while the other of the two locking springs 138 is disposed between the third and fourth

flat parts

135 and 136. The release button 139 is disposed between the two locking springs 138 so that each part (each locking part) of the two locking springs 138 can be bent forward by the release button 139.

Similarly, in the body 3, the stationary contact holding part 147 and the stationary contact holding part 157, which are parts of the second terminal 14 and the third terminal 15, respectively, are located in the center storage chamber 39, while the remaining parts of the second terminal 14 and the third terminal 15 are located in the second storage chamber 38. The locking spring 148 is disposed between the first and second

flat parts

143 and 144, while the locking spring 158 is disposed between the first and second

flat parts

153 and 154. The release button 149 is disposed between the two locking

springs

148 and 158 so that each part (each locking part) of the two locking

springs

148 and 158 can be bent forward by the release button 149.

The locking springs 138, 148 and 158 are the same. Each of the locking springs 138, 148 and 158 is the same as that in Document 1, and is not described in detail herein. The

release buttons

139 and 149 are the same. Each of the

release buttons

139 and 149 is the same as that in Document 1, and is not described in detail herein.

The circuit board 20 is an insert molding product, for example. As shown in FIG. 8, the circuit board 20 includes a first terminal 201, a second terminal 202 and a light source (a first light source) 204 (see FIG. 13 which is illustrated in detail later). The light source 204 is included in a circuit (a first circuit) connected between the first and

second terminals

201 and 202. The circuit board 20 of the embodiment is the same as a circuit board 20 of an embodiment of FIG. 13. The first circuit includes a series circuit including the light source 204 and resistors 205, for example. The light source 204 includes a light-emitting diode (LED), and particularly a green LED, for example.

The circuit board 20 is housed in the housing 2 so that the first and

second terminals

201 and 202 are in contact with the

terminal plates

150 and 140, respectively. In the example of FIG. 6, the second terminal 202 is in contact with the link part 142 of the terminal plate 140. Also, the first terminal 201 is in contact with the link part 152 of the terminal plate 150.

The reversal spring 11A, the movable terminal plate 12 and the reversing handle 16 are housed in the center storage chamber 39 of the housing 2. In the example of FIG. 1, the reversal spring 11A is a compression coil spring.

The movable terminal plate 12 further has third and fourth ends 123 and 124 on the first and second sides of the third direction D3. In the embodiment, the movable terminal plate 12 is shaped like a flat plate without being bent in the second direction D2.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, the housing 2 has first and

second recesses

391 and 392 that support the movable terminal plate 12 so that a side of the first end 121 of the movable terminal plate 12 is free to turn in the second direction D2. In the example of FIGS. 6 and 9, the first and

second recesses

391 and 392 are provided in the center storage chamber 39. Each of the first and

second recesses

391 and 392 is shaped to have a width gradually increasing from the second side to the first side in the first direction D1 (for example, triangle or trapezoid in section). Part of a rear side of the movable terminal plate 12 near the third end 123, which is on the first side of the third direction D3, is supported by the first recess 391, while part of the rear side of the movable terminal plate 12 near the fourth end 124, which is on the second side of the third direction D3, is supported by the second recess 392.

The movable terminal plate 12 is an electric conductive member made of such as metal. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, the movable terminal plate 12 is shaped like a flat plate, and has first and

second faces

125 and 126 on the first and second sides of the second direction D2. The movable terminal plate 12 further includes first and second protruding

parts

127 and 128 protruding forward from the upper and lower side parts of the first end 121, respectively. The first protruding part 127 is inserted in a rear end part (an end part on the rear side) of the reversal spring 11A. The second protruding part 128 is provided with a movable contact (a second movable contact) 12B and a movable contact (a first movable contact) 12A on right and left faces (the first and second faces 125 and 126) of the second protruding part 128, respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, the housing 2 further has third and

fourth recesses

403 and 404 that support the reversing handle 16 so that the reversing handle 16 is free to reversely turn in the second direction D2. In the example of FIGS. 1 and 10, the cover 4 has a depression 400 that is formed in part of the front side of the base part 40 so as to be set further back. The cover 4 has first and

second protuberances

401 and 402 protruding forward from a bottom of the depression 400. The first and

second protuberances

401 and 402 are disposed on the first and second sides of the third direction D3, respectively. The third recess 403 is formed on the reverse of the first protuberance 401 to face the second protuberance 402. The fourth recess 404 is formed on the reverse of the second protuberance 402 to face the first protuberance 401. Each of the third and

fourth recesses

403 and 404 is shaped to have a width gradually increasing from the first side to the second side in the first direction D1 (for example, triangle in section). The cover 4 further has an opening 405 between the first and

second protuberances

401 and 402. The opening 405 is shaped like a rectangle extending in the second direction D2.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, the cover 4 has first and

second guide slots

406 and 407 at ends, on the first and second sides of the second direction D2, of the depression 400, respectively. The cover 4 has a rectangular hole 408 cut in a right inner face (a face on the first side of the second direction D2) of the depression 400. The first guide slot 406 communicates with the rectangular hole 408. That is, the rectangular hole 408 is included in the first guide slot 406. The cover 4 has a rectangular recess 409 formed in a left inner face (a face on the second side of the second direction D2) of the depression 400. The second guide slot 407 communicates with the rectangular recess 409. That is, the recess 409 is included in the second guide slot 407.

The reversing handle 16 is shaped like a barrel with an opening. The reversal spring 11A is located in the reversing handle 16. In the example of FIG. 1, the reversal spring 11A is located in the reversing handle 16 with a rear end part of the reversal spring 11A protruding from the reversing handle 16. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the reversing handle 16 has first and second supporting

projections

161 and 162, and first and second reversing

projections

163 and 164.

The first and second supporting

projections

161 and 162 are formed on parts, on the first and second sides of the third direction D3, of the reversing handle 16, and are positioned in the third and

fourth recesses

403 and 404 of the housing 2, respectively.

The first and second reversing

projections

163 and 164 protrudes forward from two respective parts, on the first and second sides of the second direction D2, of a front end of the reversing handle 16. Therefore, the first and second reversing

projections

163 and 164 are disposed on the further front side than the first and second supporting

projections

161 and 162.

Assembling procedures of the housing 2 is explained.

First, the first terminal 13, the second terminal 14, the third terminal 15, the circuit board 20 and the movable terminal plate 12 are housed in the body 3, as described above. The reversal spring 11A is inserted in the reversing handle 16. Then, the first protruding part 127 of the movable terminal plate 12 is fit in the rear end part of the reversal spring 11A and thus the reversing handle 16 is placed on the movable terminal plate 12. Then, the cover 4 is coupled to the body 3 with the first and second supporting

projections

161 and 162 of the reversing handle 16 being fit in the third and

fourth recesses

403 and 404.

The housing 2 is assembled as mentioned above, and thus the reversing handle 16 is housed in the housing 2 with a side of the first and second reversing

projections

163 and 164 of the reversing handle 16 (a front part of the reversing handle 16) being placed in the depression 400 of the housing 2 through the opening 405 of the housing 2.

The push-button 10, the slide cam 17, the spring piece 18 and the returning spring 19 are now described. The push-button 10, the slide cam 17, the spring piece 18 and the returning spring 19 are attached to the front face of the housing 2 so that the slide cam 17 is biased to a side of a center of the push-button 10 by the spring piece 18 as well as the push-button 10 is biased forward (to the first side of the first direction D1) by the returning spring 19.

As shown in FIG. 1, the push-button 10 has a base part 100, a first side part 101, a second side part 102, a third side part 103 and a fourth side part 104 on the front, right, left, upper and lower sides thereof, respectively, and is shaped like a box having a rear face with a rectangular opening extending in the second direction D2. The projection 107 is formed on a front face of the base part 100. That is, the projection 107 is formed on a front face (a face on the first side of the first direction D1) of the push-button 10, and is configured to receive the rearward pushing force (the pushing force towards the second side of the first direction D1). The first side part 101 includes a center part and both end parts separated from the center part, and an engaging nail 105 is provided on a tip of the center part of the first side part 101. The engaging nail 105 is configured to be disposed inside the rectangular hole 408 in the first guide slot 406 of the cover 4. The second side part 102 includes a center part and both end parts separated from the center part, and an engaging nail 106 is provided on a tip of the center part of the second side part 102. The engaging nail 106 is configured to be disposed inside the recess 409 in the second guide slot 407 of the cover 4. Accordingly, the push-button 10 can be attached to the depression 400 of the cover 4 so that the push-button 10 is free to move in the first direction D1.

As shown in FIG. 11, the slide cam 17 has first and second parts (cam-parts) 171 and 172 for alternately pressing the first and second reversing

projections

163 and 164 rearward (to the second side of the first direction D1), respectively. The slide cam 17 further has a third part 173 connecting upper ends of the first and

second parts

171 and 172, and a fourth part 174 connecting lower ends of the first and

second parts

171 and 172. The slide cam 17 is shaped like a rectangular frame. In the embodiment, the first and

second parts

171 and 172 are apart from each other so that: (a) when the push-button 10 is pressed under a condition where the first reversing projection 163 is positioned on a front side, the first part 171 pushes the first reversing projection 163 to slide the slide cam 17 so that the second part 172 moves from an inner side of the second reversing projection 164 to a middle of the reversing

projections

163 and 164; while (b) when the push-button 10 is pressed under a condition where the second reversing projection 164 is positioned on a front side, the second part 172 pushes the second reversing projection 164 to slide the slide cam 17 so that the first part 171 moves from an inner side of the first reversing projection 163 to a middle of the reversing

projections

163 and 164.

The spring piece 18 has first and second

plate spring parts

181 and 182 that bias the slide cam 17 to a side of a center of the push-button 10.

In the example of FIG. 11, the first and second

plate spring parts

181 and 182 are disposed on the first and second sides of the second direction D2, respectively, and the slide cam 17 is biased to the side of the center of the push-button 10 in the second direction D2 by the first and second

plate spring parts

181 and 182. In detail, the spring piece 18 further includes a link part 183. The first and second

plate spring parts

181 and 182 are connected to the link part 183 so that tips of the first and second

plate spring parts

181 and 182 support opposite ends of the fourth part 174 of the slide cam 17. The spring piece 18 integrally includes the first and second

plate spring parts

181 and 182 and the link part 183.

The returning spring 19 includes a restraining part 190 and a biasing part 195. The restraining part 190 restrains the slide cam 17, which is disposed on an inner face of the base part 100 of the push-button 10, so that the slide cam 17 is free to move along the inner face of the base part 100. The biasing part 195 biases the push-button 10 forward (to the first side of the first direction D1).

In the example of FIG. 11, the slide cam 17 disposed on the inner face of the base part 100 of the push-button 10 is held on the inner face of the base part 100 of the push-button 10 by the restraining part 190 so that the slide cam 17 is free to move in the second direction D2. The returning spring 19 integrally includes the restraining part 190 and the biasing part 195.

The restraining part 190 is shaped like a frame (rectangular frame) having an opening, which allows the first and second reversing

projections

163 and 164 of the reversing handle 16 to pass through. In detail, the restraining part 190 has a first side part 191, a second side part 192, a third side part 193 and a fourth side part 194 on the right, left, upper and lower sides thereof, respectively. The restraining part 190 further has a middle part 19a between the third and

fourth side parts

193 and 194, and thus the restraining part 190 has first and

second openings

19b and 19c, which allows the first and second reversing

projections

163 and 164 to pass through, respectively.

The biasing part 195 has first and second plate spring parts each of which is shaped like a bow. Each of center parts of the first and second plate spring parts is fixed to the inner face of the push-button 10, and thereby the push-button 10 is biased forward (to the first side of the first direction D1) by the first and second plate spring parts. The third and

fourth side parts

193 and 194 of the restraining part 190 are positioned between the first and second plate spring parts. With regard to the biasing part 195, an inner edge of a center part of the first plate spring part is integrally connected to an outer edge of a center part of the third side part 193 of the restraining part 190, while an inner edge of a center part of the second plate spring part is integrally connected to an outer edge of a center part of the fourth side part 194 of the restraining part 190.

In the example of FIG. 11, the biasing part 195 has a first side part 196, a second side part 197, a third side part 198 and a fourth side part 199 on the right, left, upper and lower sides thereof, respectively. With regard to the biasing part 195, the third and

fourth side parts

198 and 199 correspond to the abovementioned first and second plate spring parts, respectively. Therefore, the biasing part 195 is shaped like a frame (rectangular frame) having an opening larger than the total of the first and

second openings

19b and 19c. The first and

second side parts

196 and 197 are optional components.

Attaching procedures of the components shown in FIG. 1 to the housing 2 are explained.

First, the slide cam 17 is disposed on the inner face of the base part 100 of the push-button 10. Then, the link part 183 of the spring piece 18 is fixed to the inner face of the base part 100 of the push-button 10 with the opposite ends of the fourth part 174 held by the tips of the first and second

plate spring parts

181 and 182. The center parts of the third and

fourth side parts

198 and 199 of the biasing part 195 of the returning spring 19 are fixed to the inner face of the base part 100 of the push-button 10. Then, the push-button 10 that holds the slide cam 17, the spring piece 18 and the returning spring 19 is attached to the depression 400 of the cover 4.

Reversing operations in the abovementioned switch module 1 is explained.

In a state shown in FIG. 6, the movable contact 12A is in contact with the stationary contact 141, and the second reversing projection 164 is positioned further the front side than the first reversing projection 163 in the reversing handle 16. In this state, the engaging

nails

105 and 106 of the push-button 10 are engaged with respective front edges of the first and

second guide slots

406 and 407 of the cover 4, while the push-button 10 is biased forward (to the first side of the first direction D1) by the returning spring 19. That is, the push-button 10 is placed at its foremost position. The slide cam 17 is placed at a center region of the push-button 10 in the second direction D2 by the spring piece 18.

Under the state shown in FIG. 6, when the push-button 10 is pressed rearward (to the second side of the first direction D1) by the piano handle 5 for example, the second part 172, which is positioned in front of the second reversing projection 164, presses the second reversing projection 164, and thus the slide cam 17 slides in the second direction D2 so that the first part 171 moves apart from the first reversing projection 163. In the example of FIG. 6, the second part 172 is placed on the left side of the second reversing projection 164, and the slide cam 17 slides (moves) leftward along with the reversing turn of the reversing handle 16 in the second direction D2. During this time, the second part 172 of the slide cam 17 pushes the second reversing projection 164 rearward (to the second side of the first direction D1), and thus the reversing handle 16 is reversely turned to a state where the first reversing projection 163 is positioned further the front side than the second reversing projection 164, and the movable terminal plate 12 is also reversely turned. As a result, the movable contact 12A is separated from the stationary contact 141, and the movable contact 12B comes in contact with the stationary contact 151. When the piano handle 5 is released (when a user stops pressing the piano handle 5), the push-button 10 is returned to its original position (to a position before the push-button 10 is pressed), together with the piano handle 5, by the returning spring 19. The slide cam 17 also returns to its original position by the spring piece 18.

Under this state (under the state where the movable contact 12B is in contact with the stationary contact 151), when the push-button 10 is pressed rearward (to the second side of the first direction D1) by the piano handle 5, the first part 171, which is positioned in front of the first reversing projection 163, presses the first reversing projection 163 and thus the slide cam 17 slides in the second direction D2 so that the second part 172 moves apart from the second reversing projection 164. The first part 171 is placed on the right side of the first reversing projection 163, and the slide cam 17 slides (moves) rightward along with the reversing turn of the reversing handle 16 in the second direction D2. During this time, the first part 171 of the slide cam 17 pushes the first reversing projection 163 rearward (to the second side of the first direction D1), and thus the reversing handle 16 is reversely turned to a state where the second reversing projection 164 is positioned further the front side than the first reversing projection 163, and the movable terminal plate 12 is also reversely turned. As a result, the movable contact 12B is separated from the stationary contact 151, and the movable contact 12A comes in contact with the stationary contact 141. When the piano handle 5 is released (when a user stops pressing the piano handle 5), the push-button 10 is returned to its original position (to a position before the push-button 10 is pressed), together with the piano handle 5, by the returning spring 19. The slide cam 17 also returns to its original position by the spring piece 18.

Characterized features of the embodiment are explained below. As shown in FIG. 6, the second end 122 of the movable terminal plate 12 and a center of the returning spring 19 are placed at positions corresponding to the projection 107 of the push-button 10, in the first direction D1.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, in the embodiment, the projection 107 is a linear projection extending in the third direction D3. The projection 107 includes a base part having a width in the second direction D2. The second end 122 of the movable terminal plate 12 and the center of the returning spring 19 are in a range R1 that corresponds to the base part of the linear projection 107, in the first direction D1.

That is, in the embodiment, the second end 122 of the movable terminal plate 12 and the center of the returning spring 19 are in the range R1 of the width in the second direction D2 of the linear projection 107, as seen from the first direction D1.

In detail, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, the housing 2 (the body 3) has the first and

second recesses

391 and 392 that hold parts, on the third and fourth ends 123 and 124, of a side of the second end 122 of the movable terminal plate 12, respectively so that a side of the first end 121 of the movable terminal plate 12 is free to turn in the second direction D2.

The first recess 391 has a bottom 391a which is smaller than the base part of the projection 107 in the second direction D2, and which is in the range R1 corresponding to the base part of the projection 107 in the first direction D1. The first recess 391 is shaped to have a cross-section gradually increasing from the bottom 391a to the first side of the first direction D1. That is, a width in the second direction D2 of the first recess 391 gradually increases from the rear side to the front side. Similarly, the second recess 392 has a bottom 392a which is smaller than the base part of the projection 107 in the second direction D2, and which is in the range R1 corresponding to the base part of the projection 107 in the first direction D1. The second recess 392 is shaped to have a cross-section gradually increasing from the bottom 392a to the first side of the first direction D1. That is, a width in the second direction D2 of the second recess 392 gradually increases from the rear side to the front side.

According to the above structure, the second end 122 of the movable terminal plate 12 and the center of the returning spring 19 are in a range R2 that corresponds to the

bottoms

391a and 392a of the first and

second recesses

391 and 392, in the first direction D1. The dimension of the range R2, namely each width in the second direction D2 of the bottoms of the first and

second recesses

391 and 392 is about 2 mm, for example.

That is, each of the

bottoms

391a and 392a of the first and

second recesses

391 and 392 has a width in the second direction D2. The range R2 of the widths of the

bottoms

391a and 392a is included in the range R1 of the projection 107 as seen from the first direction D1. The second end 122 of the movable terminal plate 12 and the center of the returning spring 19 is in the range R2 of the widths in the second direction D2 of the

bottoms

391a and 392a of the first and

second recesses

391 and 392, as seen from the first direction D1.

In an example, the second end 122 of the movable terminal plate 12 and the center of the returning spring 19 are on a line that extends from a top 107b of the projection 107 in the first direction D1.

As seen from FIGS. 2 and 7, the projection 107 is to be pressed rearward (to the second side of the first direction D1) by two flat ribs 53 protruding from a rear face (a face on the second side of the first direction D1) of the piano handle 5, for example. The two ribs 53 are provided on the rear face of the piano handle 5 at positions corresponding to the projection 107 of the push-button 10 extending in the third direction D3, and extend parallel to each other in the second direction D2.

In an example of Document 1, a center of a returning spring is positioned on a line extending from a projection of a push-button handle (a push-button), but a pivot point (a basal end) of a switch piece (a movable terminal plate) is not positioned on the line extending from the projection. In such a structure, the relative position (distance) between a slide cam and the projection of the push-button handle would vary each time the push-button handle is pressed. This causes a difference in load between two states of the switch piece. In other words, there would be great difference between a pushing force required for pressing the push-button handle that is in a state where the switch piece is inclined to one side in one direction and a pushing force required for pressing the push-button that is in another state where the switch piece is inclined to the other side in the one direction. Consequently, the operability of the push-button handle would be deteriorated.

In another example of Document 1, a pivot point (a basal end) of a switch piece (a movable terminal plate) is positioned on a line extending from a projection of a push-button handle, but a center of a returning spring is not positioned on the line extending from the projection. In such a structure, the motion of the push-button handle becomes unstable, and which cause a difference in load between two states of the switch piece. Consequently, the operability of the push-button handle would be deteriorated.

On the contrary, in the embodiment, the second end 122 of the movable terminal plate 12 and the center of the returning spring 19 are placed at positions corresponding to a position of the projection 107 of the push-button 10 in the first direction D1. It is accordingly possible to prevent the change in the operability of the push-button 10 when the push-button 10 is pressed. As a result, the operability of the push-button 10 can be improved. Also, it is possible to reduce the difference in load between two states of the movable terminal plate 12.

In one embodiment, a switch module 1 does not include a circuit board 20. That is, the circuit board 20 is an optional component.

In one embodiment, a switch module 1 includes first and second terminals, but does not include the third terminal 15. The first terminal includes a support part 131 that supports a second end 122 of a movable terminal plate 12. The second terminal includes a stationary contact 141 that is configured to be in contact with or out of contact with a movable contact 12A when the movable terminal plate 12 is turned to one or the other of the first and second sides in the second direction D2. In detail, the switch module 1 includes a second terminal 14A shown in FIG. 12 in place of the second and

third terminals

14 and 15 shown in FIG. 1 and the like. The second terminal 14A includes a terminal plate 140, two locking springs 148 and a release button 149, and includes the stationary contact 141. The terminal plate 140 integrally includes a stationary contact holding piece 147, a link part 142, a first flat part 143, a second flat part 144, a third flat part 145 and a fourth flat part 146. The link part 142 extends in a third direction D3, and the first to fourth flat parts 143 to 146 protrude (are bent) rearward from opposite ends in the third direction D3 of the link part 142 so that the first flat part 143 faces the second flat part 144 as well as the third flat part 145 faces the fourth flat part 146. The stationary contact 141 is provided on the stationary contact holding part 147 like the example of FIG. 1. The structure of this embodiment can also be applied to the above embodiment which does not include a circuit board 20.

In one embodiment, a switch module 1 further includes a transformer 21, a transformer case 22 and an intermediate member 23, as shown in FIGS. 13.

The transformer 21 has a primary winding 211 interposed between a support part 131 and a terminal plate 130, and a secondary winding located inside a connection cover 213. In this embodiment, the support part 131 is physically-separated from the terminal plate 130. Also, the support part 131 includes a connection part 131a connected to a first end 211a of the primary winding 211, while the terminal plate 130 includes, in place of the second link part 137, a connection part 137a connected to a second end 211b of the primary winding 211.

The transformer case 22 includes two conductive pins 221 electrically connected, through the connection cover 213, to opposite ends of the secondary winding of the transformer 21 inside the transformer case 22, respectively. The two conductive pins 221 are electrically connected to two terminals 203 (one of them is not shown) of a circuit board 20, respectively. The circuit board 20 further includes a light source (a second light source) 206. The light source 206 is included in a circuit (a second circuit) connected between the two terminals 203. The second circuit includes the light source 206, a resistor 207 and the like, for example. The light source 206 includes an LED, and particularly a red LED, for example.

The transformer 21 and the transformer case 22 are in a center storage chamber 39 in a housing 2 (a body 3). In this embodiment, a middle part of a base part 30 of the body 3 is set further back to the second side of the first direction D1 so that a space for accommodating the transformer 21 and the transformer case 22 can be provided. In the example of FIG. 13, the middle part of the base part 30 is set further back to the second side of the first direction D1 so that a space for accommodating the transformer 21, the transformer case 22 and the intermediate member 23 can be provided. The intermediate member 23 is formed to have a shape corresponding to a shape of bottom of the center storage chamber 39 in the embodiment of FIG. 6.

While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the best mode and/or other examples, it is understood that various modifications may be made therein and that the subject matter disclosed herein may be implemented in various forms and examples, and that they may be applied in numerous applications, only some of which have been described herein. It is intended by the following claims to claim any and all modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the present teachings.

Claims

A switch module comprising:
a push-button and a returning spring, the push-button being disposed on a first side of a first direction and the returning spring being disposed on a second side of the first direction, the push-button having a projection configured to receive a pushing force towards the second side of the first direction, the returning spring being configured to, whenever the push-button is pressed by the pushing force and then released, return the push-button to a position before the push-button is pressed;
a movable terminal plate having first and second ends on the first and second sides of the first direction, respectively, and being disposed on an opposite side of the returning spring from the push-button in the first direction; and
a reversing mechanism configured to reversely turn the movable terminal plate around the second end in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction whenever the reversing mechanism is pressed by the pushing force through the push-button,
wherein
the second end of the movable terminal plate and a center of the returning spring are placed at positions corresponding to a position of the projection in the first direction.
The switch module according to claim 1, further comprising:
a movable contact provided on the movable terminal plate;
a first terminal comprising a support part that supports the second end of the movable terminal plate; and
a second terminal comprising a stationary contact that is configured to be in contact with or out of contact with the movable contact when the movable terminal plate is turned to one or the other of the first and second sides in the second direction.
The switch module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
the projection is a linear projection extending in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, and comprises a base part having a width in the second direction, and
the second end of the movable terminal plate and the center of the returning spring are in a range corresponding to the base part of the linear projection in the first direction.
The switch module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein
the movable terminal plate further comprises third and fourth ends on first and second sides of a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions,
the switch module further comprises a housing having first and second recesses that hold parts, on the third and fourth ends, of a side of the second end of the movable terminal plate, respectively so that a side of the first end of the movable terminal plate is free to turn in the second direction,
each of the first and second recesses has a bottom which is smaller than a base part of the projection in the second direction and which is in a range corresponding to the base part of the projection in the first direction, and is shaped to have a cross-section gradually increasing from the bottom to the first side of the first direction,
the second end of the movable terminal plate and the center of the returning spring are in a range corresponding to the bottoms of the first and second recesses in the first direction.
The switch module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
the reversing mechanism comprises:
a reversal spring that biases the first end of the movable terminal plate to the second side of the first direction;
a reversing handle which has first and second reversing projections on first and second sides of the second direction, respectively, and is placed so as to be free to turn in the second direction along with the movable terminal plate with the reversing handle holding part, on the first side of the first direction, of the reversal spring;
a slide cam having first and second parts for alternately pressing the respective first and second reversing projections to the second side of the first direction; and
a spring piece that biases the slide cam to a side of a center of the push-button in the second direction.
A wall switch comprising:
the switch module according to any one of claims 1 to 5; and
an operation paddle detachably attached to a face, on the first side of the first direction, of the push-button.