JP7788293B2 - switch - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a switch.

Switches that open and close electrical circuits have been known for some time. Patent Document 1 discloses a DC switch having an opening and closing mechanism that opens and closes fixed and movable contacts in conjunction with the operation of a handle. This DC switch has a rotatable handle, fixed and movable contacts, a movable contact, a movable contactor with the movable contact located at its tip, and a link mechanism that supports part of the movable contactor. Patent Document 1 also illustrates the link mechanism as including a pin that connects to the handle, a trip arm that is located at a position separated from the handle and connects to the pin, and a separator that can come into contact with the trip arm and movable contactor.

JP 2014-56732 A

In conventional switches such as those described in Patent Document 1, the pin moves in conjunction with the rotation of the handle, causing the end of the trip arm to rotate in a direction that opens and closes the fixed and movable contacts. The separator then moves in the opening and closing direction in conjunction with the trip arm, moving the movable contactor and opening and closing the fixed and movable contacts.

As such, in order to open or close the electrical circuit (bringing the fixed contact and movable contact into contact or separation), it is necessary to convert the rotational movement of the handle into movement in the separator in the direction that opens or closes the fixed contact and movable contact. Conventional switches require a large number of components to convert the handle movement described above, such as the pin, trip arm, and components that support these components. This increases the cost of each component and the labor required to install each component. Furthermore, when a large number of components are required to convert the handle movement described above, it is necessary to set appropriate clearances for each component, taking into account, for example, interference with connected components. This can result in variations in the amount of separator movement in response to handle movement in each switch. Therefore, there is a demand for a switch that can open or close an electrical circuit using a simple mechanism.

The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a switch that can open and close an electrical circuit using a simple mechanism.

A switch according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a switch provided in one electrical circuit, and includes a fixed contact, a movable contact capable of contacting the fixed contact, an operating unit having an abutment portion and rotatable about a rotation axis, a support portion that rotatably supports the rotation axis of the operating unit, and a moving portion that is movably provided relative to the support portion and has a separator that abuts against the abutment portion and moves as the operating unit rotates, the movable contact being provided on the moving portion, and the separator moving as a whole along a first direction in which the fixed contact and the movable contact come into contact with or separate from each other, thereby moving the movable contact along the first direction to switch the electrical circuit between open and closed.

This switch comprises an operating unit with an abutting portion and a moving unit with a separator. The separator abuts against the abutting portion, and the entire separator moves in a first direction in which the fixed contact and the movable contact come into contact or separate. Therefore, when the separator moves as the operating unit rotates, the movable contact moves in the first direction, appropriately switching between opening and closing the electrical circuit. Here, because the operating unit rotates and abuts directly against the separator, the force generated by the rotation of the operating unit is converted into a force that moves the separator in the first direction without the need for any other components, thereby opening and closing the electrical circuit. Therefore, this switch can open and close the electrical circuit with a simple mechanism. Furthermore, for example, because there is no need to provide a component between the operating unit and the separator, there is no need to set a clearance for that component, and variation in the amount of separator movement in response to the movement of the operating unit in each switch can be reduced.

In one embodiment of the switch, the moving section has a movable contact provided with a movable contact and a movable contactor that moves in contact with the separator. The separator may move as a whole in a first direction to come into contact with the movable contactor, moving the movable contactor along the first direction to switch between opening and closing the electrical circuit. In this case, the separator that moves in the first direction in contact with the contact portion of the operating section comes into contact with the movable contactor, moving it along the first direction. Because the force transmitted from the operating section to the movable contactor is transmitted via the separator, the force is transmitted from the operating section to the movable contactor using a simple mechanism. Therefore, this switch can appropriately transmit the force of the operating section to the movable contactor, reducing the variation in the amount of movement of the movable contactor in response to movement of the operating section in each switch.

In one embodiment of the switch, the separator has a passive portion against which the abutment portion abuts, and the passive portion may have an inclined surface that is inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the first direction and against which the abutment portion can abut. In this case, the abutment portion abuts against the inclined surface of the passive portion on the separator, thereby more smoothly transmitting the rotational force of the operating portion to the separator. This allows the switch to open and close the electrical circuit more smoothly with a simple mechanism. Furthermore, for example, by forming an inclined surface on the separator, the stroke of the contact range between the abutment portion and the upper surface (inclined surface) of the separator becomes longer than when the upper surface of the separator is horizontal. By lengthening the stroke of the contact range in this way, it is possible to absorb errors in the components used to convert the degree of rotation of the operating handle into the amount of movement of the separator in the vertical direction, thereby reducing the impact of variations in the manufacturing errors of the components.

In a switch according to one embodiment, the passive part may have a locking surface that is inclined differently from the inclined surface and that can be contacted by a contact portion, and the locking surface may be connected to the inclined surface, and the contact portion may contact the locking surface to restrict overall movement of the separator along the first direction. In this case, the contact portion contacts the locking surface to restrict movement of the separator along the first direction, thereby preventing the movable contact from approaching or moving away from the fixed contact beyond a predetermined position. This switch can therefore appropriately open and close an electrical circuit using a simple mechanism.

In one embodiment of the switch, the operating unit may have a rotation-preventing portion that abuts against a portion of the support portion when the movable contact comes into contact with the fixed contact, thereby limiting rotation of the operating unit in one direction. In this case, the rotation-preventing portion abuts against a portion of the support portion, thereby preventing fluctuations in the distance between the fixed contact and the movable contact after the movable contact comes into contact with the fixed contact. This switch is therefore capable of appropriately opening and closing an electrical circuit with a simple mechanism.

In one embodiment of the switch, the abutment portion may be curved and protrude toward the separator in a plane parallel to the rotation direction of the operating unit. In this case, the curved and protruding abutment portion abuts against the separator as the operating unit rotates. Because the abutment portion is curved, the switch can smoothly transmit the rotational force of the operating unit to the separator, allowing for smooth opening and closing of the electrical circuit.

In one embodiment of the switch, the electrical circuit may be a DC electrical circuit. This switch can appropriately open and close the DC electrical circuit using a simple mechanism.

The switch disclosed herein allows electrical circuits to be opened and closed using a simple mechanism.

1 is a perspective cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a switch according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an internal structure of a switch according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of a closed state of the switch according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example of the inside of a switch in a closed state according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example of the inside of a switch in an open state according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example of the inside of a switch in an open state according to a comparative example.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, identical or equivalent elements will be designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will not be repeated. The dimensional proportions in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to those in the description. The terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," and "back" are used for convenience and are based on the state shown in the illustrations.

Figure 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing an example of a switch according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of a switch according to an embodiment. Figure 3 is a plan view showing an example of a switch in a closed state according to an embodiment. Figure 4 is a side view showing an example of the interior of a switch in a closed state according to an embodiment. In the figures, the X and Y directions are horizontal directions, and the Z direction is vertical. In each cross-sectional view, some components are omitted for clarity. The X, Y, and Z directions are mutually orthogonal axial directions in a Cartesian coordinate system in three-dimensional space. Hereinafter, the direction along the XY plane is also referred to as the horizontal direction, and the Z direction is also referred to as the up-down direction.

The switch 1 shown in Figures 1 to 4 is provided in one electrical circuit. The switch 1 is provided, for example, in a distribution board or the like. The switch 1 electrically connects a power source (not shown) to a load device (not shown). The switch 1 is a device interposed in one electrical circuit connecting the power source and the load device. The electrical circuit is, for example, a DC electrical circuit. The power source is, for example, a DC power supply. The switch 1 controls the contact, proximity, and separation of the contacts in the contact unit 10 (described below) to control the opening and closing of the electrical circuit.

Here, switch 1 can be in two states: open and closed. The open state is a state in which the contacts are separated by an action that includes an external action such as operator operation, and no current flows through the electrical circuit. The closed state is a state in which the contacts are in contact by an action that includes an external action such as operator operation, and current flows through the electrical circuit. Furthermore, switch 1 does not have a mechanism for changing other electrical circuits from a closed state to an open state when changing one electrical circuit from a closed state to an open state. In other words, this means that one specific movable contact of switch 1, described below, does not come into contact with two or more fixed contacts during a single electrical circuit opening or closing operation.

The switch 1 comprises a contact unit 10, a support unit 20, an operating unit 30, and a moving unit 40. The switch 1 further comprises a main body 3, a plurality of power supply side terminals 80, and a plurality of load side terminals 90. The switch 1 of this embodiment comprises a plurality of contact units 10. The switch 1 comprises, for example, two contact units 10a, 10b, two power supply side terminals 80a, 80b, and two load side terminals 90a, 90b. For example, of the electrical path formed by the switch 1, the contact unit 10a, the power supply side terminal 80a, and the load side terminal 90a are provided in the portion of the electrical path where current flows from the power supply to the load device, and the contact unit 10b, the power supply side terminal 80b, and the load side terminal 90b are provided in the portion of the electrical path where current flows from the load device to the power supply. Details will be described later.

The main body 3 is a housing that houses components such as the contact unit 10, support unit 20, part of the operating unit 30, moving unit 40, multiple power supply terminals 80, and multiple load terminals 90. The main body 3 has an upper case 3a and a lower case 3b as shown in FIG. 1. The upper case 3a is positioned above the lower case 3b (positive Z direction) and fits into the lower case 3b. By fitting the upper case 3a and the lower case 3b together, all components except for the grip unit 34 (described below) are housed within the main body 3. The upper case 3a and the lower case 3b each have locking portions that can be locked together when fitted together. For example, holes are provided at both ends of the upper case 3a and the lower case 3b in the X direction so that they can be fixed to a distribution board or the like using screws (not shown).

The multiple power supply terminals 80 are terminals that can be electrically connected to a power supply. In this embodiment, the two power supply terminals 80a, 80b are arranged on the surface (rear surface) of the main body 3 facing the negative X direction. The rear surface on which the two power supply terminals 80a, 80b are arranged is formed as a surface extending in the vertical direction. For example, on the rear surface of the upper case 3a, the power supply terminals 80a, 80b are arranged in order toward the left side in the Y direction (positive Y direction). Holes are provided in the upper case 3a so that electrical wires can be connected to the power supply terminals 80a, 80b from outside the upper case 3a. The power supply terminals 80a, 80b are arranged within the upper case 3a and can be connected to electrical wires within the upper case 3a.

The multiple load side terminals 90 are terminals that can be electrically connected to a load device. The two load side terminals 90a, 90b are arranged on the surface (front surface) of the main body 3 facing the positive X direction, and are aligned along the Y direction. The load side terminals 90a, 90b are arranged in order on the front side of the main body 3, toward the left in the Y direction. A portion of the front surface on which the two load side terminals 90a, 90b are provided is inclined to facilitate the connection of electrical wires extending from the load device. The load side terminals 90a, 90b are provided within the upper case 3a, and can be connected to electrical wires of the electrical circuit within the upper case 3a. The load side terminal 90a can be electrically connected to the power supply side terminal 80a. The load side terminal 90b can be electrically connected to the power supply side terminal 80b.

Each contact unit 10 is configured to be able to switch the opening and closing of an electrical circuit that electrically connects the power source and load device in accordance with the movement of the operating unit 30 and the moving unit 40. Contact unit 10a electrically connects the power source side terminal 80a and the load side terminal 90a, respectively. Contact unit 10b electrically connects the power source side terminal 80b and the load side terminal 90b, respectively. Contact units 10a and 10b are arranged between each power source side terminal 80 and each load side terminal 90 in the X direction. Contact units 10a and 10b are arranged in order toward the left in the Y direction. Each contact unit 10 has, for example, a fixed contact 11, a movable contact 12, and a fixed side connecting member 13.

The contact portion 10a has a fixed contact 11a, a movable contact 12a, and a fixed-side connecting member 13a. The contact portion 10b has, for example, a fixed contact 11b, a movable contact 12b, and a fixed-side connecting member 13b. The fixed-side connecting members 13a and 13b each extend in the X direction and are partially bent in the vertical direction. The fixed-side connecting members 13a and 13b are plate-shaped conductors. The fixed contacts 11a and 11b are provided at the front end of the fixed-side connecting members 13a and 13b in the X direction. The fixed-side connecting members 13a and 13b are electrically connected to power supply terminals 80a and 80b, respectively, on the rear side in the X direction. The fixed contacts 11a and 11b are electrically connected to power supply terminals 80a and 80b, respectively, via the fixed-side connecting members 13a and 13b.

The movable contacts 12a and 12b are electrically connected to the load terminals 90a and 90b, respectively, via movable contactors 45a and 45b and movable connecting members 46a and 46b (described below). At contact portion 10a, the fixed contact 11a and movable contact 12a are electrically connectable, and at contact portion 10b, the fixed contact 11b and movable contact 12b are electrically connectable.

Each contact unit 10 can be switched between a closed state and an open state by rotating the operating unit 30 and moving the moving unit 40. The fixed contacts 11a and 11b are fixed in position within the main body 3. The movable contacts 12a and 12b are, for example, provided above the fixed contacts 11a and 11b, respectively. The movable contacts 12a and 12b are moved by the moving unit 40 in the vertical direction (an example of the first direction) relative to the fixed contacts 11a and 11b, respectively, and can come into contact with, approach, or move away from each other. Detailed movement patterns will be described later.

When the fixed contact 11a and the movable contact 12a are in contact, and when the fixed contact 11b and the movable contact 12b are in contact, an electrical path is formed through which current can flow from the power supply to the load device, resulting in a closed state. When the fixed contact 11a and the movable contact 12a are separated, or when the fixed contact 11b and the movable contact 12b are separated, an open state is reached, resulting in no electrical path being formed through which current can flow from the power supply to the load device. The contact or separation state of the fixed contact 11a and the movable contact 12a, and the fixed contact 11b and the movable contact 12b, can be switched by rotating the operating unit 30 and moving the moving unit 40.

In the closed state, the electrical path of this embodiment is an electrical circuit configured so that, for example, current emitted from the power supply passes through the power supply side terminal 80a, fixed contact 11a, movable contact 12a, load side terminal 90a, load device, load side terminal 90b, movable contact 12b, fixed contact 11b, and power supply side terminal 80b in that order, and finally returns to the power supply. Note that the electrical path may also be an electrical circuit configured so that current emitted from the power supply passes through the power supply side terminal 80b, fixed contact 11b, movable contact 12b, load side terminal 90b, load device, load side terminal 90a, movable contact 12a, fixed contact 11a, and power supply side terminal 80a in that order, and finally returns to the power supply.

The support unit 20 rotatably supports the rotation shaft 31 of the operation unit 30 (described below). The support unit 20 has, for example, two support members 22a and 22b and a connecting member 23. The two support members 22a and 22b are fixed, for example, to the upper surface of the lower case 3b. The two support members 22a and 22b are plate-shaped members extending in the X direction and the vertical direction. The two support members 22a and 22b are arranged parallel to each other with a gap 22c of a predetermined width in the Y direction. For example, the support members 22a and 22b are arranged in order toward the left side in the Y direction. The gap 22c is open in the vertical direction.

The connecting member 23 connects the two support members 22a and 22b. The connecting member 23 is, for example, a rod-shaped member extending along the Y direction. The connecting member 23 is fixed to the support members 22a and 22b, for example, on the front side of the support members 22a and 22b in the X direction.

Support members 22a, 22b each have bearings 24a, 24b and rotation locking portions 25a, 25b. Bearings 24a, 24b rotatably support a rotation shaft 31 of an operating unit 30 (described below). Bearings 24a, 24b rotatably support the rotation shaft 31 of an operating unit (described below), for example, by inserting it into holes that penetrate support members 22a, 22b in the Y direction. These holes are located at the same positions in the X direction and up and down on support members 22a, 22b. Bearings 24a, 24b are located, for example, at the upper end of the rear side of support members 22a, 22b in the X direction.

The rotation locking portions 25a and 25b are provided below the bearing portions 24a and 24b, respectively. The rotation locking portions 25a and 25b open toward the rear side in the X direction on the rear side of the X direction of the support members 22a and 22b, respectively, and penetrate in the Y direction. The rotation locking portions 25a and 25b have, for example, a U-shaped opening when viewed from the Y direction. The front end of the opening in the rotation locking portions 25a and 25b in the X direction is located, for example, closer to the front in the X direction than the bearing portions 24a and 24b (rotation shaft 31, described below). The rear end of the opening in the rotation locking portions 25a and 25b in the X direction is located, for example, closer to the rear in the X direction than the bearing portions 24a and 24b, respectively.

The operating unit 30 has a rotation shaft 31 and an operating handle 32. The operating handle 32 is rotatable around the rotation shaft 31. The rotation shaft 31 is, for example, a cylindrical member. The rotation shaft 31 is fixed so as to protrude from the operating handle 32 to the left and right in the Y direction. The rotation shaft 31 is rotatably supported by bearing portions 24a and 24b of the support unit 20. The operating handle 32 extends in the vertical direction. The upper portion of the operating handle 32 (the grip portion 34 described below) protrudes above the support members 22a and 22b. The lower portion of the operating handle 32 (the shaft connection portion 33 and part of the abutment portion 35 described below) is housed in the gap 22c between the support members 22a and 22b and is sandwiched between the support members 22a and 22b. The operating handle 32 rotates along a plane perpendicular to the Y direction (a plane extending in the X direction and the vertical direction). The operating handle 32 rotates while being guided along the support members 22a and 22b.

The operating handle 32 has a shaft connection portion 33, a grip portion 34, a contact portion 35, and a rotation prevention portion 36. The shaft connection portion 33 is the portion where the rotation shaft 31 is provided and is disposed between the support members 22a and 22b. The outer shape of the shaft connection portion 33 is, for example, a substantially triangular prism extending in the Y direction. The rotation shaft 31 protrudes from the shaft connection portion 33 to the left and right in the Y direction. The shaft connection portion 33 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the rotation shaft 31. For example, the shaft connection portion 33 does not contact the moving portion 40 during this rotation. For example, a coil spring (not shown) is provided within the shaft connection portion 33. When the shaft connection portion 33 tilts to a predetermined position in the direction of arrow R1 in FIG. 4, the coil spring biases the shaft connection portion 33 to rotate in the direction of arrow R2 in FIG. 4.

The grip portion 34 is a portion that can be grasped by an operator when operating to open or close the electrical circuit. The grip portion 34 is a rod-shaped portion that extends from the shaft connection portion 33 toward the opposite side from the support portion 20. The grip portion 34 extends upward from the shaft connection portion 33, for example. The electrical circuit is closed when the operator rotates the grip portion 34 around the rotation axis 31 so that it tilts toward the rear in the X direction (in the direction of arrow R1 in Figure 4 ). The electrical circuit is opened when the operator rotates the grip portion 34 around the rotation axis 31 so that it tilts toward the front in the X direction (in the direction of arrow R2 in Figure 4 ).

The abutment portion 35 is a portion that moves while abutting against the moving portion 40 when the grip portion 34 is rotated. The abutment portion 35 is provided at the lower end of the shaft connection portion 33 and protrudes downward. At least the portion of the abutment portion 35 on the front side in the X direction is positioned, for example, between the support members 22a and 22b when the operating unit 30 is rotated. For example, the length of this portion of the abutment portion 35 in the Y direction is shorter than the length of the gap 22c. The abutment portion 35 extends along the Y direction. For example, the abutment portion 35 protrudes downward and toward the rear side in the X direction from the lower end of the shaft connection portion 33 on the rear side in the X direction.

The abutment portion 35 protrudes in a curved manner toward the separator 41 of the movable portion 40 (described below) in a plane parallel to the rotation direction of the operating handle 32 (a plane extending in the X direction and the up-down direction). For example, only the lower end of the abutment portion 35 is curved. Only the portion of the abutment portion 35 that abuts the separator 41 of the movable portion 40 (described below) may be curved when viewed from the Y direction, or portions of the abutment portion 35 other than the abutting portion may also be curved when viewed from the Y direction. Hereinafter, the curved portion of the abutment portion 35 that abuts the separator 41 (described below) may be referred to as the curved portion 35a. The curved portion 35a is, for example, located at the position of the abutment portion 35 farthest from the rotation shaft 31. When the electrical circuit is closed, the curved portion 35a is located, for example, directly below the rotation shaft 31. The curved portion 35a is a columnar portion extending along the Y direction, with top and bottom surfaces that are semicircular when viewed from the Y direction. By making the curved portion 35a semicircular when viewed from the Y direction, it is possible to ensure appropriate strength, suppress wear, and minimize fluctuations in the reaction force generated between the curved portion 35a and the separator 41 due to wear.

The anti-rotation portion 36 abuts against the rotation locking portions 25a and 25b of the support portion 20 when the movable contact 12 contacts the fixed contact 11, restricting rotation of the operating portion 30 in one direction (rotation in the direction of arrow R2 shown in FIG. 4). The anti-rotation portion 36 is provided below the rotation axis 31 on the operating handle 32. For example, the anti-rotation portion 36 is provided on the operating handle 32 below the rotation axis 31. For example, the anti-rotation portion 36 connects the rotation axis 31 to the tip of the curved portion 35a of the abutment portion 35 (the portion farthest from the rotation axis 31) and is provided on the front side in the X direction from a surface extending along the Y direction. The anti-rotation portion 36 may be provided on the operating handle 32 at an appropriate location depending on the positions of the rotation locking portions 25a and 25b. The anti-rotation portion 36 is, for example, a cylindrical member. For example, the anti-rotation portion 36 protrudes from the top of the abutment portion 35 to the left and right in the Y direction. The anti-rotation portion 36 can enter the openings of the rotation locking portions 25a and 25b of the support portion 20 and abut from the rear side in the X direction.

The moving part 40 has a separator 41 and a movable contact 45. The moving part 40 has, for example, two movable contacts 45a and 45b as the movable contact 45. The separator 41 is movably provided relative to the support part 20, and moves while abutting against the abutment part 35 when the operating part 30 rotates. The entire separator 41 moves when the operating part 30 rotates. The entire separator 41 is provided so that it can move up and down relative to the support part 20. The separator 41 is biased upward by a spring member (not shown), and is separated from the two movable contacts 45a and 45b when the electrical circuit is in the open state (see Figure 5). The separator 41 has a passive part 42 against which the abutment part 35 abuts, and a pressing part 44 that abuts against the movable contact 45.

The passive part 42 is a block-shaped part with a sloped upper end. At least the front portion of the passive part 42 in the X direction is disposed, for example, between the support members 22a and 22b. At least this portion of the passive part 42 extends along the Y direction, for example, so that its length in the Y direction is shorter than the length of the gap 22c. The passive part 42 extends in the vertical direction. The upper end of the passive part 42 abuts against the abutment part 35. Even when the electrical circuit is closed, the lower end of the passive part 42 does not abut against, for example, the lower case 3b.

The passive part 42 has an inclined surface 42a that is inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction (a surface extending in the X and Y directions), and an engaging surface 42b that is connected to the inclined surface 42a and has a different inclination from the inclined surface 42a. The inclined surface 42a and the engaging surface 42b can each come into contact with the abutment part 35. The inclined surface 42a and the engaging surface 42b are each provided, for example, at the upper end of the passive part 42.

The inclined surface 42a is inclined, for example, from the position where the operating unit 30 contacts the separator 41 when the electrical circuit is in the open state toward the rotational locking portions 25a, 25b of the support unit 20. The inclined surface 42a is inclined, for example, from this position in the direction (upward) in which the movable contact 12a moves away from the fixed contact 11. The inclined surface 42a is, for example, a flat surface inclined upward toward the front side in the X direction. When the electrical circuit is in the open state, the front end of the curved portion 35a of the contact portion 35 in the X direction contacts the rear side of the inclined surface 42a in the X direction. When the electrical circuit is transitioned from the open state to the closed state, the curved surface of the curved portion 35a of the contact portion 35 moves toward the front side of the inclined surface 42a in the X direction while contacting the inclined surface 42a.

The locking surface 42b is connected to the end of the inclined surface 42a on the front side in the X direction. The locking surface 42b extends, for example, along a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction. The locking surface 42b may be a plane that slopes more gently downward than the inclined surface 42a toward the rear side in the X direction. When the abutting portion 35 abuts against the locking surface 42b, the overall movement of the separator 41 in the up-down direction is restricted. For example, when the tip of the curved portion 35a of the abutting portion 35 (the portion farthest from the rotation shaft 31) is positioned directly below the rotation shaft 31, the tip of the curved portion 35a comes into contact with the locking surface 42b. At this time, the portion of the curved portion 35a located on the front side in the X direction from the tip comes into contact with the inclined surface 42a.

The boundary between the inclined surface 42a and the locking surface 42b is, for example, directly below the rotation axis 31. The boundary between the inclined surface 42a and the locking surface 42b may be located, for example, closer to the front or rear of the rotation axis 31 in the X direction. The boundary between the inclined surface 42a and the locking surface 42b may be located, for example, closer to the front or rear of the tip of the curved portion 35a in the closed state. The boundary between the inclined surface 42a and the locking surface 42b may be located, for example, a predetermined distance forward or backward from the tip in the X direction. The curved surface on the rear side in the X direction of the tip of the curved portion 35a may be in contact with the locking surface 42b. Even in this case, the distance between the fixed contacts 11a, 11b and the movable contacts 12a, 12b is set so that the fixed contacts 11a, 11b and the movable contacts 12a, 12b can come into contact with each other.

The pressing portion 44 is a block-shaped portion extending to the left and right of the passive portion 42 in the Y direction. The moving portion 40 has, for example, pressing portions 44a and 44b as the pressing portion 44, which are capable of pressing two movable contacts 45a and 45b downward, respectively. The pressing portion 44a protrudes from the lower portion of the passive portion 42 to the right in the Y direction. The pressing portion 44b protrudes from the lower portion of the passive portion 42 to the left in the Y direction. The lower portions of each of the pressing portions 44a and 44b are, for example, tapered downward when viewed from the Y direction. When the electrical circuit is in the open state, the pressing portions 44a and 44b are spaced apart in the vertical direction from the movable contacts 45a and 45b, respectively. When the electrical circuit is changed from an open state to a closed state, the pressing portions 44a and 44b move in accordance with the movement of the passive portion 42, and the lower portions of the pressing portions 44a and 44b press the two movable contacts 45a and 45b, respectively.

The movable contactor 45a is positioned on the right side of the support member 22a. The movable contactor 45b is positioned on the left side of the support member 22b. The movable contactors 45a and 45b are plate-shaped members extending in the X direction. The front ends of the movable contactors 45a and 45b in the X direction are fixed to the lower case 3b on the rear side of the load terminals 90a and 90b. The movable contactors 45a and 45b have shape memory, and a restoring force acts on the rear portions of the movable contactors 45a and 45b in the X direction toward a predetermined upper position. The movable contactors 45a and 45b are, for example, highly tough and can bend in the vertical direction.

A movable contact 12a is provided on the underside of the end of the movable contactor 45a on the rear side in the X direction. A pressing portion 44a of the separator 41 abuts against the upper surface of the rear side in the X direction of the movable contactor 45a. A movable contact 12b is provided on the underside of the end of the movable contactor 45b on the rear side in the X direction. A pressing portion 44b of the separator 41 abuts against the upper surface of the rear side in the X direction of the movable contactor 45b. The movable contactors 45a, 45b move up and down together with the separator 41 due to the abutment of the pressing portions 44a, 44b. In other words, when the operating unit 30 applies a downward force to the separator 41, the pressing portions 44a, 44b move downward and abut against the movable contactors 45a, 45b, respectively. The rear end of the movable contactors 45a and 45b in the X direction is pressed downward, allowing the movable contacts 12a and 12b to approach and come into contact with the fixed contacts 11a and 11b.

Even if the movable contacts 45a, 45b are pressed downward after the movable contacts 12a, 12b contact the fixed contacts 11a, 11b, the movable contacts 45a, 45b will bend and absorb the force. For example, when the curved surface on the rear side in the X direction from the tip of the curved portion 35a of the abutment portion 35 contacts the locking surface 42b to close the electrical circuit, the separator 41 may be moved all the way downward when the tip of the curved portion 35a abuts the passive portion 42. Even in such a case, the movable contacts 45a, 45b will bend, preventing excessive force from being applied to the fixed contacts 11a, 11b and the movable contacts 12a, 12b.

When the operating unit 30 is not applying a downward force to the separator 41 and the pressing unit 44a and the movable contact 45a, and the pressing unit 44b and the movable contact 45b are in contact, respectively, the movable contacts 45a and 45b exert an upward restoring force, moving the separator 41 upward via the pressing units 44a and 44b.

The moving section 40 further includes two movable side connecting members 46a and 46b. The movable side connecting members 46a and 46b are each a bent, plate-shaped conductor with a portion extending in the vertical direction and a portion extending in the X direction. The movable side connecting members 46a and 46b are electrically connected to the load side terminals 90a and 90b, respectively, on their front side in the X direction. The movable side connecting members 46a and 46b are electrically connected to the movable contactors 45a and 45b, respectively, on their rear side in the X direction. The movable side connecting members 46a and 46b are fixed to the lower case 3b, for example, at the same position as the movable contactors 45a and 45b. The movable contact 12a is electrically connected to the load side terminal 90a via the movable contactor 45a and the movable side connecting member 46a. The movable contact 12b is electrically connected to the load terminal 90b via the movable contactor 45b and the movable connecting member 46b.

Next, the operation of each part of the switch 1 will be described. First, the transition of the electrical circuit from a closed state to an open state will be described. Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example of the interior of a switch according to an embodiment in an open state. As shown in Figure 5, when the electrical circuit is in the open state, the fixed contact 11a and the movable contact 12a, as well as the fixed contact 11b and the movable contact 12b, are not in contact with each other but are separated. The physical separation of the contacts results in an electrical disconnection between the power source and the load device. At this time, the front X-direction portion of the curved portion 35a of the operating handle 32 of the operating unit 30 abuts against the rear X-direction portion of the inclined surface 42a of the passive portion 42 of the separator 41 of the moving unit 40. The gripping portion 34 is inclined upward toward the front X-direction. For example, the abutting portion 35 is not located in the gap 22c but is located rearward in the X-direction from the support members 22a and 22b. The abutment portion 35 extends downward from the shaft connection portion 33 toward the rear side in the X direction. Hereinafter, the position of each component when the electrical circuit is in the open state may be referred to as the initial position.

When the electrical circuit transitions from an open state to a closed state, an operator above the rotation shaft 31 presses the grip portion 34 of the operating handle 32 toward the rear in the X direction, causing the operating handle 32 to rotate around the rotation shaft 31 in the direction of arrow R1 shown in Figure 5. The grip portion 34 transitions to a state aligned in the vertical direction, and then transitions to a state inclined upward toward the rear in the X direction.

When the abutment portion 35 rotates in the direction of arrow R1 shown in Figure 5, the curved portion 35a moves forward in the X direction while abutting against the inclined surface 42a of the separator 41. At this time, the vertical component of the length from the rotation axis 31 to the curved portion 35a increases due to rotation in the direction of arrow R1, so the separator 41, which is movable relative to the support portion 20, is pressed downward and moves. The inclined surface 42a, which is inclined from a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, allows the curved portion 35a of the abutment portion 35 to rotate smoothly in the direction of arrow R1 and to smoothly press the separator 41 downward.

This pressure causes the entire separator 41 to move downward. The pressing portions 44a and 44b of the separator 41 abut against the upper surfaces of the rear X-direction sides of the movable contactors 45a and 45b, respectively, and press the movable contactors 45a and 45b downward. The pressed movable contactors 45a and 45b deform so that their rear X-direction ends move downward. As a result, the movable contacts 12a and 12b provided at the rear X-direction ends of the movable contactors 45a and 45b approach the fixed contacts 11a and 11b, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the operating handle 32 is rotated in the direction of arrow R1, the front portion of the passive part 42 in the X direction enters the gap 22c. The curved portion 35a of the abutment part 35 reaches the end of the inclined surface 42a of the separator 41 on the front side in the X direction and then abuts against the locking surface 42b that is continuous with the inclined surface 42a. At this time, for example, the tip of the curved portion 35a (the portion farthest from the rotation shaft 31) abuts against the locking surface 42b, and the tip of the curved portion 35a is positioned directly below the rotation shaft 31. In other words, the line connecting the rotation shaft 31 and the tip of the curved portion 35a is aligned vertically. For example, when at least the tip of the curved portion 35a is positioned directly below the rotation shaft 31, the movable contacts 12a and 12b contact the fixed contacts 11a and 11b, respectively. The tip of the curved portion 35a is the part of the operating handle 32 that is farthest from the rotation axis 31. Therefore, when the tip of the curved portion 35a abuts against the locking surface 42b, which is a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, the separator 41 is prevented from moving downward from this position. This prevents the movable contacts 12a, 12b from applying excessive force to the fixed contacts 11a, 11b.

When the tip of the curved portion 35a is positioned closer to the front in the X direction than the position directly below the rotation shaft 31, the movable contacts 12a and 12b may contact the fixed contacts 11a and 11b, respectively. In this case, the movable contacts 12a and 12b may contact the fixed contacts 11a and 11b, respectively, before and after the tip of the curved portion 35a abuts against the locking surface 42b and passes the position directly below the rotation shaft 31. When the tip of the curved portion 35a passes the position directly below the rotation shaft 31, the movable contactors 45a and 45b bend, thereby reducing the downward stress on the fixed contacts 11a and 11b. Furthermore, when the tip of the curved portion 35a is positioned closer to the front in the X direction than the position directly below the rotation shaft 31, the operating handle 32 rotates in the direction of arrow R1 even if the movable contactors 45a and 45b exert an upward restoring force. Therefore, by combining the fact that the tip of the curved portion 35a is positioned closer to the front in the X direction than the position directly below the rotation shaft 31 with the function of the anti-rotation portion 36 (described below), it is possible to prevent the electrical circuit from unintentionally shifting to an open state.

When the tip of the curved portion 35a is positioned directly below the rotation shaft 31 or further forward in the X direction than this position, the anti-rotation portion 36 provided on the abutment portion 35 enters the openings of the rotation locking portions 25a and 25b of the support portion 20 and abuts from the rear side in the X direction. This prevents the operating handle 32 from rotating in the direction of arrow R1 and prevents the separator 41 from moving downward. At this time, the movable contacts 12a and 12b come into contact with the fixed contacts 11a and 11b, respectively, and the electrical circuit is closed.

Next, we will explain how to transition the electrical circuit from a closed state to an open state. As shown in Figure 4, when the electrical circuit is in the closed state, the fixed contact 11a and the movable contact 12a, as well as the fixed contact 11b and the movable contact 12b, are in contact with each other. The physical contact between the contacts electrically connects the power source and the load device. At this time, the tip of the curved portion 35a of the operating handle 32 of the operating unit 30 abuts against the locking surface 42b of the passive portion 42 of the separator 41 of the moving unit 40. The gripping portion 34 is inclined upward toward the rear surface in the X direction. For example, a portion of the abutting portion 35 is located in the gap 22c. The abutting portion 35 extends downward from the shaft connection portion 33. Hereinafter, the position of each component when the electrical circuit is in the closed state may be referred to as the connection position.

When the electrical circuit transitions from a closed state to an open state, an operator or the like presses the grip portion 34 of the operating handle 32 toward the front in the X direction, causing the operating handle 32 to rotate around the rotation axis 31 in the direction of arrow R2 shown in Figure 4. The grip portion 34 transitions to a state aligned in the vertical direction, and then transitions to a state inclined upward toward the front in the X direction.

When the abutment portion 35 rotates in the direction of arrow R2 shown in Figure 4, the curved portion 35a moves toward the rear surface in the X direction while abutting against the locking surface 42b of the separator 41, and moves to the inclined surface 42a. At this time, the vertical component of the length from the rotation shaft 31 to the curved portion 35a is shortened by rotation in the direction of arrow R2, allowing the separator 41 to move upward relative to the support portion 20. The separator 41 moves upward due to the upward bias of a spring member (not shown). Because the inclined surface 42a is inclined downward toward the rear surface in the X direction, a sufficient distance can be secured for the separator 41 to move upward when the curved portion 35a of the abutment portion 35 rotates in the direction of arrow R2.

As shown in Figure 5, the movable contacts 45a, 45b, which were pressed downward by the separator 41 in the closed state, are no longer pressed downward by the separator 41, and the upward restoring force causes the rear X-direction ends of the movable contacts 45a, 45b to move upward. As the separator 41 moves upward, it moves away from the upper surfaces of the rear X-direction sides of the movable contacts 45a, 45b. As a result, the movable contacts 12a, 12b provided at the rear X-direction ends of the movable contacts 45a, 45b move away from the fixed contacts 11a, 11b, respectively.

As shown in Figure 5, when the operating handle 32 rotates in the direction of arrow R2, the front portion of the passive part 42 in the X direction moves out of the gap 22c. Furthermore, when the operating handle 32 moves in the direction of arrow R2, the anti-rotation part 36 provided on the abutment part 35 moves out of the openings in the rotation locking parts 25a and 25b of the support part 20 and moves to the rear side in the X direction.

As the operating handle 32 rotates in the direction of arrow R2, the curved portion 35a of the abutment portion 35 reaches the rear end of the inclined surface 42a of the separator 41 in the X direction. At this time, for example, the tip of the curved portion 35a (the portion farthest from the rotation shaft 31) does not abut the inclined surface 42a. The tip of the curved portion 35a is located on the rear side of the rotation shaft 31 in the X direction and below the rotation shaft 31. Because the tip of the curved portion 35a is the portion of the operating handle 32 farthest from the rotation shaft 31, it is located on the rear side of the inclined surface 42a in the X direction and does not abut the inclined surface 42a, resulting in the operating handle 32 (abutment portion 35) not pressing downward on the separator 41. The upward bias of a spring member (not shown) prevents the separator 41 from moving downward from this position. This prevents the movable contacts 12a and 12b from unintentionally approaching or contacting the fixed contacts 11a and 11b, respectively. When this happens, the movable contacts 12a and 12b move away from the fixed contacts 11a and 11b, respectively, and the electrical circuit is opened.

Here, referring to Figure 6, we will explain the differences in configuration between a conventional switch as a comparative example and the switch 1 of this embodiment. Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example of the interior of a switch according to the comparative example in an open state. As shown in Figure 6, the conventional switch 100 according to the comparative example comprises a contact section 110, a support section 120, an operating section 130, a moving section 140, a power supply side terminal 180, and a load side terminal 190. In the switch 100, components that have the same functions as the switch 1 are given the same names as the switch 1, even though they have different reference numerals, and their explanations will be omitted where appropriate.

The contact portion 110 has a fixed contact 111 and a movable contact 112. The support portion 120 has a support member 122. The operating portion 130 has a rotating shaft 131 and an operating handle 132. The operating handle 132 has a shaft connecting portion 133, a grip portion 134, a pin connecting portion 137, and two pins 138. The pin connecting portion 137 is a portion provided below the shaft connecting portion 133. Unlike the abutment portion 35 of the switch 1 of this embodiment, the pin connecting portion 137 does not directly contact or abut the moving portion 40. The pin connecting portion 137 has an opening that penetrates along the Y direction and allows the pin 138 to be inserted through.

Each pin 138 is rotatably connected to the pin connection portion 137. One pin 138 is rotatably connected to the pin connection portion 137 from the right side in the Y direction, and the other pin 138 is rotatably connected to the pin connection portion 137 from the left side in the Y direction. The pin 138 is, for example, U-shaped. The pin 138 has an upper first portion extending in the Y direction, a lower second portion extending in the Y direction, and a third portion connecting the first and second portions and extending along a plane extending in the X direction and up and down. The first, second, and third portions are each rod-shaped. The first portion of the pin 138 is inserted into an opening in the pin connection portion 137.

The moving part 140 has a separator 141, a movable contact 145, and a trip arm 146. The separator 141 does not have a passive part like the switch 1. The trip arm 146 is provided on top of the separator 141 and is rotatably connected to two pins 138. The trip arm 146 is biased upward by a spring member (not shown). Unlike the passive part 42 of the switch 1 of this embodiment, the trip arm 146 does not directly contact or abut against the operating part 30. The trip arm 146 has an opening that penetrates along the Y direction and allows the second portion of the pin 138 to be inserted therethrough. The second portion of the pin 138 is rotatably connected to the trip arm 146. The trip arm 146 has a connecting rotation shaft 147. The trip arm 146 is connected to the front side of the support member 122 of the support section 120 in the X direction so that it can rotate around a connecting rotation shaft 147. The trip arm 146 can rotate along a plane extending in the X direction and the vertical direction. When the rear side of the trip arm 146 in the X direction abuts against the separator 141, it moves the separator 141 in the vertical direction.

When the electrical circuit is in the open state, the third portion of the pin 138 is inclined upward toward the rear side in the X direction. When the electrical circuit is in the open state, the opening of the pin connection portion 137 is located behind the rotation axis 131 in the X direction, and the opening of the trip arm 146 is located toward the front side in the X direction from the opening of the pin connection portion 137. The movement of each component in the switchgear 100 when the electrical circuit is changed from the open state to the closed state will be explained below. By rotating the operating handle 132 of the operating unit 130 in the direction of arrow R3 in Figure 6, the pin connection portion 137 moves toward the front side in the X direction. As the opening of the pin connection portion 137 approaches directly below the rotation axis 31, the position of the opening moves downward. Because the second portion restricts the rotation of the lower part of each pin 138 in the direction of arrow R3, as the first portion of each pin 138 inserted into the opening of pin connection portion 137 rotates in the direction of arrow R3 together with pin connection portion 137, the third portion of each pin 138 rotates in the direction of arrow R4 around the first portion. This rotation causes the third portion of each pin 138 to transition from an inclined state to a state aligned in the vertical direction, causing the second portion of each pin 138 to move downward.

This causes the trip arm 146 to rotate in the direction of arrow R5 around the connecting rotation shaft 147. As the trip arm 146 rotates in the direction of arrow R5, the portion of the trip arm 146 on the rear side in the X direction comes into contact with the separator 141, pressing the separator 141 downward. As the separator 141 moves downward, the end of the movable contactor 145 on the rear side in the X direction moves downward, and the movable contact 112 approaches and comes into contact with the fixed contact 111. This closes the electrical circuit. When changing the electrical circuit from a closed state to an open state, the above-mentioned movements are reversed.

As such, in a switch, to open or close an electrical circuit (contact or separation between the fixed contact and the movable contact), it is necessary to convert the rotational movement of the operating handle into movement in the direction (up and down) in which the fixed contact and the movable contact on the separator open or close. In the switch 100 according to the comparative example, the number of components and parts required to convert the movement of the operating handle 132, such as the pins 138 and trip arm 146, as well as the components and parts supporting these components (e.g., the pin connection portion 137 and the connecting rotation shaft 147), is greater than in the switch 1 of this embodiment. On the other hand, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, in the switch 1 of this embodiment, the abutment portion 35 of the operating unit 30 directly abuts the passive portion 42 of the separator 41. This reduces the number of components and makes it easy to convert the rotational movement of the operating handle 32 into movement in the direction (up and down) in which the fixed contact 11 and the movable contact 12 on the separator 41 open or close. As a result, the switch 1 of this embodiment can suppress increases in costs and reduce the labor required to install each component and the labor required for maintenance compared to the switch 100 of the comparative example.

Furthermore, when a large number of components are involved in converting the movement of the operating handle 132, as in the switchgear 100 of the comparative example, the movement involved in opening and closing the contacts becomes complex, and it becomes necessary to set appropriate clearances for each component, for example, taking into account interference with connected components. On the other hand, when a small number of components are involved in converting the movement of the operating handle 32, as in the switchgear 1 of this embodiment, the number of components for which clearances need to be set decreases, for example. Therefore, the switchgear 1 of this embodiment can reduce the variation in the amount of movement of the separator in response to the movement of the operating handle compared to the switchgear 100 of the comparative example.

As described above, the switch 1 of this embodiment includes an operating unit 30 having an abutment portion 35 and a moving unit 40 having a separator 41. The separator 41 abuts against the abutment portion 35, and the entire separator 41 moves in the vertical direction (an example of the first direction) in which the fixed contacts 11a, 11b and the movable contact 12 contact or separate. Therefore, the separator 41 moves as the operating unit 30 rotates, moving the movable contacts 12a, 12b in the first direction to appropriately switch between opening and closing the electrical circuit. Because the operating unit 30 rotates and directly abuts against the separator 41, the force generated by rotating the operating handle 32 of the operating unit 30 is converted into a force that moves the separator 41 in the vertical direction without the need for any other components, thereby opening and closing the electrical circuit. Therefore, this switch 1 can open and close an electrical circuit with a simple mechanism. Furthermore, for example, because there is no need to provide a member between the operating unit 30 and the separator 41, there is no need to set a clearance for that member, and this reduces the variation in the amount of movement of the separator 41 in response to movement of the operating unit 30 in each switch 1.

The moving unit 40 is provided with movable contacts 12a, 12b and has movable contactors 45a, 45b that move in contact with the separator 41. As the entire separator 41 moves vertically, it comes into contact with the movable contactors 45a, 45b, moving the movable contactors 45a, 45b in the vertical direction to switch the opening and closing of the electrical circuit. In this case, the separator 41, which moves vertically while coming into contact with the contact portion 35 of the operating unit 30, comes into contact with the movable contactors 45a, 45b, respectively, and moves the movable contactors 45a, 45b in the vertical direction. Because the force transmitted from the operating unit 30 to the movable contactors 45a, 45b is transmitted via the separator 41, force is transmitted from the operating unit 30 to the movable contactors 45a, 45b in the moving unit 40, including the separator 41, using a simple mechanism. Therefore, this switch 1 can appropriately transmit the force of the operating unit 30 to the movable contacts 45a, 45b, reducing variation in the amount of movement of the movable contacts 45a, 45b in response to movement of the operating unit 30 in each switch 1.

The separator 41 also has a passive portion 42 against which the abutment portion 35 abuts. The passive portion 42 has an inclined surface 42a that is inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction and against which the abutment portion 35 can abut. In this case, the abutment portion 35 abuts against the inclined surface 42a of the passive portion 42 on the separator 41, allowing the rotational force of the operating portion 30 to be more smoothly transmitted to the separator 41. Therefore, this switch 1 can open and close the electrical circuit more smoothly with a simple mechanism. Here, if the upper end surfaces of the separator against which the abutment portion abuts are all horizontal, the degree of rotation of the operating handle is directly linked to the amount of vertical movement of the separator, which is significantly affected by variations in manufacturing errors and other factors in each component. In other words, if the upper end surfaces of the separator are all horizontal, the large degree of rotation of the operating handle must be converted into vertical movement of the separator via the horizontal plane. To achieve this, the shape and position of the contact portion must be precisely adjusted, which increases the impact of variations in the manufacturing precision of each component. However, by forming the inclined surface 42a on the separator 41, the stroke of the contact range between the contact portion 35 and the upper surface (inclined surface 42a) of the separator 41 is longer than when it is a horizontal surface. By lengthening the stroke of the contact range in this way, it is possible to absorb the errors of each component used to convert the degree of rotation of the operating handle 32 into the amount of movement of the separator 41 in the vertical direction, thereby reducing the impact of variations in the manufacturing precision of each component.

The passive part 42 is also provided with a locking surface 42b that is inclined differently from the inclined surface 42a and can be contacted by the contact portion 35. The contact portion 35 contacts the locking surface 42b, restricting the overall vertical movement of the separator 41. In this case, the contact portion 35 contacts the locking surface 42b, restricting the vertical movement of the separator 41. Therefore, the movable contacts 12a, 12b can be prevented from approaching or moving away from the fixed contacts 11a, 11b beyond a predetermined position. Therefore, this switch 1 can appropriately open and close an electrical circuit with a simple mechanism.

The operating unit 30 also has a rotation prevention portion 36 that abuts against a portion of the support portion 20 when the movable contacts 12a, 12b come into contact with the fixed contacts 11a, 11b, restricting rotation of the operating unit 30 in one direction (rotation in the direction of arrow R1). In this case, the rotation prevention portion 36 abuts against a portion of the support portion 20, thereby preventing fluctuations in the distance between the fixed contacts 11a, 11b and the movable contacts 12a, 12b after the movable contacts 12a, 12b come into contact with the fixed contacts 11a, 11b. Therefore, this switch 1 can appropriately open and close an electrical circuit with a simple mechanism.

The abutment portion 35 protrudes in a curved manner toward the separator 41 in a plane parallel to the rotation direction of the operating unit 30 (a plane extending in the X direction and the up-down direction). In this case, as the operating unit 30 rotates, the curved portion 35a of the abutment portion 35, which protrudes in a curved manner, comes into contact with the separator 41. Because the curved portion 35a of the abutment portion 35 is curved, the switch 1 can smoothly transmit the rotational force of the operating unit 30 to the separator 41, thereby smoothly opening and closing the electrical circuit. Furthermore, because the abutment portion 35 is curved, wear on the abutment portion 35 is minimized and the reaction force obtained from the separator 41 can be kept approximately constant.

The switch 1 is also installed on a DC circuit. This switch 1 can appropriately open and close the DC circuit with a simple mechanism.

[Modification]
Although various exemplary embodiments have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made. For example, a switchgear system including at least one of a power source and a load device in addition to the switchgear 1 may be integrally formed.

For example, the number of contact units 10, power supply side terminals 80, and load side terminals 90 in the switchgear 1 is not limited. The switchgear 1 may have one or three or more power supply side terminals 80, and one or three or more load side terminals 90. In this case, the number of fixed contacts 11 and movable contacts 12 in the contact unit 10 is also not limited. Furthermore, while the above-described embodiment describes a configuration in which the fixed contacts 11 are located below the movable contacts 12, the positions of the fixed contacts 11 and movable contacts 12 are not limited. The fixed contacts 11 may also be movable.

For example, the moving part 40 may not have a movable contactor 45. In this case, for example, the movable contacts 12a, 12b may be provided at the lower ends of the pressing parts 44a, 44b of the separator 41. The separator 41 may directly move towards or away from the fixed contacts 11a, 11b, thereby bringing the fixed contacts 11a, 11b into contact with, close to, or away from the movable contacts 12a, 12b.

For example, the passive portion 42 of the separator 41 may not have an inclined surface 42a. In this case, for example, the upper end of the passive portion 42 of the separator 41 may have a surface that is aligned in the horizontal direction. Also, as long as the movable contact 12 can come into contact with and separate from the fixed contact 11, the inclined surface 42a may be, for example, a flat surface that slopes downward toward the front side in the X direction.

For example, the locking surface 42b formed on the passive portion 42 of the separator 41 may have the same inclination as the inclined surface 42a. Furthermore, while the locking surface 42b in this embodiment is a horizontal surface, it may be a flat surface that slopes downward toward the front surface in the X direction, or a flat surface that slopes upward toward the front surface in the X direction. In this case, the locking surface 42b may have the same inclination as the inclined surface 42a, or a different inclination. Furthermore, the contact portion 35 contacting the locking surface 42b may not restrict the overall movement of the separator 41 in the vertical direction (first direction). In this case, the entire separator 41 may continue to move in the vertical direction even after the contact portion 35 reaches the locking surface 42b, or the overall movement of the separator 41 in the vertical direction may be restricted when the contact portion 35 reaches a predetermined position on the locking surface 42b.

For example, the operating unit 30 may not have the anti-rotation portion 36. In this case, for example, the support unit 20 may have a member that is fixed between the support members 22a and 22b and can abut against a portion of the abutment portion 35 on the front side in the X direction. When the curved portion 35a of the abutment portion 35 abuts against the locking surface 42b, for example, the portion of the member located on the front side in the X direction of the abutment portion 35 abuts against the locking surface 42b. As a result, even if the operating unit 30 does not have the anti-rotation portion 36, the member can prevent rotation of the operating handle 32.

For example, the abutment portion 35 does not have to be curved and protrude toward the separator 41 in a plane parallel to the rotation direction of the operating handle 32. In this case, for example, the abutment portion 35 may have a shape that points toward the separator 41 in a plane parallel to the rotation direction of the operating handle 32, or may have a polygonal shape. Also, for example, the electrical circuit on which the switchgear 1 is provided does not have to be a DC electrical circuit, but may be an AC electrical circuit.

1...switch, 10, 10a, 10b...contact portion, 11, 11a, 11b...fixed contact, 12, 12a, 12b...movable contact, 20...support portion, 22a, 22b...support member, 24a, 24b...bearing portion, 25a, 25b...rotation locking portion, 30...operating portion, 31...rotating shaft, 32...operating handle, 34...gripping portion, 35...contact portion, 35a...curved portion, 36...rotation prevention portion, 40...moving portion, 41...separator, 42a...inclined surface, 42b...locking surface, 45, 45a, 45b...movable contactor, 80, 80a, 80b...power supply side terminal, 90, 90a, 90b...load side terminal.

Claims (5)

A switch provided in one electric circuit,
A fixed contact;
a movable contact that can come into contact with the fixed contact;
an operation unit having a contact portion and rotatable around a rotation axis;
a support portion that rotatably supports the rotation shaft of the operation portion;
a moving unit that is provided movably with respect to the support unit and has a separator that moves in contact with the contact unit when the operation unit rotates;
Equipped with
The movable contact is provided on the moving part,
the separator moves as a whole along a first direction in which the fixed contact and the movable contact approach or move away from each other, thereby moving the movable contact along the first direction to switch between opening and closing the electric path ;
the separator has a passive portion with which the abutting portion abuts,
the passive portion is formed with an inclined surface on which the abutment portion can abut, the inclined surface being inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the first direction, and a locking surface on which the abutment portion can abut, the locking surface being connected to the inclined surface and having an inclination different from that of the inclined surface,
When the movable contact and the fixed contact are in contact with each other, the abutting portion abuts against the locking surface, thereby restricting the movement of the separator as a whole along the first direction.
Switchgear. the moving section has a movable contactor on which the movable contact is provided and which moves in contact with the separator,
The switch according to claim 1 , wherein the separator moves in its entirety along the first direction to come into contact with the movable contact, thereby moving the movable contact along the first direction to switch between opening and closing the electrical circuit. 3. The switch according to claim 1 , wherein the operating portion has a rotation stopper that abuts against a part of the support portion when the movable contact comes into contact with the fixed contact to limit rotation of the operating portion in one direction. The switch according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the abutting portion curves and protrudes toward the separator on a plane parallel to a rotation direction of the operating portion. The switch according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the electric circuit is a DC electric circuit.