FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10, rule 13)
1. Title of the invention: TERMINAL FRAME AND SWITCH DEVICE
2. Applicant(s)
NAME NATIONALITY ADDRESS
PANASONIC
CORPORATION
Japanese 1006, Oaza Kadoma, Kadoma-shi,
Osaka 571-8501, Japan
PANASONIC LIFE
SOLUTIONS INDIA PVT.,
LTD.
Indian 3rd Floor, B Wing, I Think Techno
Campus, Pokhran Road No. 2, Thane
(WEST), Thane 400607, INDIA
3. Preamble to the description
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it
is to be performed.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates generally to terminal frames and switch devices, and more
particularly relates to a terminal frame configured such that an electric wire as a connection
target is inserted thereinto, and a switch device comprising the terminal frame.

BACKGROUND ART
[0002] JP2016-103426 A (hereinafter, referred to as a “Document 1”) discloses a switch
(switch device). The switch includes a fixed contact, an opening/closing element (mover) with a
movable contact that is movable with respect to the fixed contact, a terminal frame constituting a
pillar terminal, and a terminal component, all of which are made of sheet metals. The
opening/closing element is rockingly (pivotably) supported by the terminal component. The
opening/closing element is provided at one end of its sheet metal with a fulcrum and a
positioning protrusion. The terminal component has a groove for rockingly supporting the
opening/closing element by the fulcrum of the opening/closing element being fitted thereinto and
electrically in contact therewith. The terminal component further has a hole into which the
positioning protrusion of the opening/closing element is inserted.
[0003] The Document 1 discloses that iron is used as inexpensive material for the sheet metal
of the terminal frame. Here, in consideration of electrical conductivity, the terminal frame may
be desired to be made of material with electric resistivity (e.g., brass) less than that of the iron.
The brass is however more expensive than the iron. Accordingly, if the brass is used as the
material for the terminal frame of Document 1 to merely prioritize enhancement of the electrical
conductivity, the manufacturing cost may be greatly increased.
[0004] Furthermore in the terminal component of the Document 1, it is needed a work for
forming the groove, the hole and the like and a work for assembling the terminal component with
the terminal frame (also including positioning and the like). The manufacturing cost may be

therefore further increased.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0005] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a terminal frame and a switch device,
which can reduce 5 manufacturing cost.
[0006] A terminal frame according to an aspect of the present disclosure has electrical
conductivity, and includes a frame body with a tubular shape and a supporting part. The frame
body includes a first wall and a second wall that face each other. The frame body is configured
such that an electric wire as a connection target is inserted into a space surrounded by the first
wall and the second wall. The frame body is configured to be electrically connected with the
electric wire inserted. The supporting part is provided at an external surface of the first wall. The
external surface is on an opposite side of the first wall from an internal surface of the first wall.
The internal surface faces the second wall. The supporting part includes at least one of: a
protrusion protruded in a direction of separating from the space; and a recess recessed in a
direction of coming closer to the space. The frame body and the supporting part are integrally
formed of a same single member. The supporting part is configured to be in contact with a mover
having a movable contact, which is movable with respect to a fixed contact, to be electrically
connected to the mover. The supporting part is further configured to support the mover pivotably
while making a contact point with the mover serve as a fulcrum.
[0007] A switch device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes the terminal
frame mentioned above, a terminal screw, a contact part, and an operation part. The terminal
screw holds the electric wire inserted in the space between the terminal frame and the terminal
screw. The contact part includes the fixed contact and the mover. The operation part receives an
operation to switch between an opened state and a closed state of a contact of the contact part.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a switch device with a terminal frame according to a
First Embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the switch device, when viewed from front
thereof, according to 5 the First Embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the switch device, when viewed from back
thereof, according to the First Embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the switch device according to the First
Embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a front view of a contact device of the switch device according to the First
Embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a right side view of the contact device according to the First Embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a left side view of the contact device according to the First Embodiment.
FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the terminal frame, when viewed from front thereof,
according to the First Embodiment.
FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the terminal frame, when viewed from back thereof,
according to the First Embodiment.
FIG. 9A is an essential plane view of the terminal frame according to the First
Embodiment.
FIG. 9B is an essential side view of the terminal frame according to the First
Embodiment.
FIG. 10A is an essential side view of the contact device in a closed state, according to
the First Embodiment.
FIG. 10B is an essential side view of the contact device in an opened state, according to
the First Embodiment.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a terminal frame according to a First Variation of the
First Embodiment.
FIG. 11B is a perspective view of a terminal frame according to a Second Variation of
the First Embodiment.
FIG. 11C is a perspective view of a terminal frame according to 5 a Third Variation of the
First Embodiment.
FIG. 11D is a perspective view of a terminal frame according to a Fourth Variation of
the First Embodiment.
FIG. 11E is a perspective view of a terminal frame according to a Fifth Variation of the
First Embodiment.
FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view of a terminal frame according to a Sixth Variation of
the First Embodiment.
FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of a terminal frame according to a Seventh Variation
of the First Embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a contact device including a terminal frame according
to a Second Embodiment.
FIG. 14A is an essential side view of the contact device in a closed state, according to
the Second Embodiment.
FIG. 14B is an essential side view of the contact device in an opened state, according to
the Second Embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the terminal frame according to the Second
Embodiment.
FIG. 16A is a side view of the terminal frame according to the Second Embodiment.
FIG. 16B is a side view of another example of the terminal frame according to the
Second Embodiment.

FIG. 17A is a perspective view of a terminal frame according to a First Variation of the
Second Embodiment.
FIG. 17B is a perspective view of a terminal frame according to a Second Variation of
the Second Embodiment.
FIG. 17C is a perspective view of a terminal frame according to 5 a Third Variation of the
Second Embodiment.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a contact device including the terminal frame according
to the Third Variation of the Second Embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0009]
(First Embodiment)
(1) Overview
An exemplary embodiment described below is merely one of various embodiments
according to the present disclosure. The exemplary embodiment described below may be made
various modifications based on designs or the like, as long as the object of the present disclosure
can be achieved. Also FIGS. 1 to 18 explained in the exemplary embodiments (First and Second
Embodiments) described below are schematic drawings. Thus, the sizes, thicknesses, and other
attributes of the respective constituent elements illustrated on those drawings are not always to
scale, compared with actual ones.
[0010] In the following description, an “upward/downward direction”, a “rightward/leftward
direction” and a “forward/backward direction” of a terminal frame 62 and a switch device 1
according to this embodiment are defined based on arrows of UP, DWN, R, L, FWD and BWD
shown in FIGS. 1 to 9B. Those arrows are illustrated merely for convenience of explanation, and
have no entity. Those directions should not be construed as limiting the directions in which the

terminal frame 62 and the switch device 1 are used.
[0011] It is as one example assumed that the terminal frame 62 of this embodiment is applied to
a contact device 2 of the switch device 1. However, the terminal frame 62 may be applied to a
contact device of a breaker, an electromagnetic relay or the like other than the contact device 2 of
the switch device 1.
[0012] The terminal frame 62 has electrical conductivity. The terminal frame 62 includes a
frame body 63 with a tubular shape and a supporting part U1 (refer to FIGS. 2, 8A and 8B). The
frame body 63 includes a first wall 63A and a second wall 63B that face each other. The frame
body 63 is configured such that an electric wire (second electric wire L2) as a connection target
is inserted into a space SP1 surrounded by the first wall 63A and the second wall 63B. The frame
body 63 is configured to be electrically connected with the electric wire inserted. Herein the
frame body 63 has, for example, an almost square cylindrical shape and further includes a third
wall 63C and a fourth wall 63D that face each other. That is, the space SP1 is surrounded by the
first to fourth walls 63A to 63D, as one example.
[0013] In a case that the electric wire (second electric wire L2) is an insulated wire where a
core wire formed of a conductor is covered with an insulating material, one end of the electric
wire with the insulating material being peeled at the one end, namely, an exposed end of the core
wire may be inserted into the space SP1. The electric wire may be a single wire including the
core wire formed of a single conductor, or a stranded wire including the core wire formed of a
plurality of conductors.
[0014] The supporting part U1 is provided at an external surface 631 of the first wall 63A. The
external surface 631 is on an opposite side of the first wall 63A from an internal surface 630 of
the first wall 63A. The internal surface 630 faces the second wall 63B. The supporting part U1
includes at least one of a protrusion 64 (refer to FIG. 8A) and a recess 65 (refer to FIG. 15). The
protrusion 64 is protruded in a direction of separating from the space SP1 (forward). The recess
7
65 is recessed in a direction of coming closer to the space SP1 (backward). In this embodiment, a
case that the supporting part U1 includes the protrusion(s) 64 will be explained. Herein the
supporting part U1 includes two protrusions 64, as one example. The frame body 63 and the
supporting part U1 are integrally formed of a same single member. That is, the frame body 63
and the supporting part U1 are not fixed to each other by bonding, 5 welding or caulking two
members separated from each other, but they are originally formed integrally. Herein the frame
body 63 and the supporting part U1 are formed of the same rectangular-shaped plate material X1
(refer to FIGS. 8A and 8B).
[0015] As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the supporting part U1 is configured to be in contact
with a mover (movable terminal 41) having a movable contact 410, which is movable with
respect to a fixed contact 420, to be electrically connected to the mover. The supporting part U1
is further configured to support the mover pivotably while making a contact point (hereinafter,
referred to as a “contact point P1”) with the mover serve as a fulcrum.
[0016] According to the configuration, the terminal frame 62 includes the supporting part U1.
Accordingly, the terminal frame 62 can have two functions, although it is a single member: a
function of making electrical conduction between the mover (movable terminal 41) and the
electric wire (second electric wire L2); and a function of serving as a fulcrum portion for that the
mover is pivoted. The terminal frame 62 can therefore reduce manufacturing cost.
[0017]
(2) Details
(2.1) Overall configuration
FIG. 1 shows the appearance of a switch device 1 according to this embodiment. The
switch device 1, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, includes a contact device 2, an operation part and
a housing 8.
25 [0018] The switch device 1 is connected in the middle of a feed line through which a power

supply (e.g., a commercial power source) and an electric load are electrically connected to each
other, for example. Examples of the electric load include an illumination load and the like.
Herein, the switch device 1 is assumed to be a wall switch that is fixed by two screws or the like
to one surface (e.g., a wall surface W1: refer to FIG. 1) of a building material in a building.
[0019] When the contact of the contact device 2 is turned on (i.e., closed 5 state), the power is
supplied to the electric load (if the electric load is an illumination load, it would light up). When
the contact of the contact device 2 is turned off (i.e., opened state), power supplying to the
electric load is intercepted (if the electric load is the illumination load, it would light off).
[0020]
(2.2) Contact Device
The contact device 2, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, includes a contact part 4, a pair of
screw terminals 6 and a retainer 9. In the following description, a screw terminal 6 on upper side,
of the paired screw terminals 6 arranged up and down, is referred to as a “first screw terminal
6A”, and also an electric wire to be connected to the first screw terminal 6A is referred to as a
15 “first electric wire L1”. A screw terminal 6 on lower side, of the paired screw terminals 6, is
referred to as a “second screw terminal 6B”, and also an electric wire to be connected to the
second screw terminal 6B is referred to as a “second electric wire L2”.
[0021] As one example, the first electric wire L1 has: one end to be connected to the first screw
terminal 6A; and the other end located on the opposite side to the one end, and electrically
connected to the electric load. Also as one example, the second electric wire L2 has: one end to
be connected to the second screw terminal 6B; and the other end located on the opposite side to
the one end, and electrically connected to the commercial power source.
[0022]
(2.2.1) Contact Part
The contact part 4, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, 10A and 10B, includes a movable terminal

41 (mover) and a fixed terminal 42. The movable terminal 41 and the fixed terminal 42 are made
of electrically conducting materials.
[0023] The movable terminal 41 includes a movable contact 410 and a terminal piece 411.
[0024] The terminal piece 411 is formed by e.g., cutting, punching and bending a sheet metal.
The terminal piece 411 has a strip plate shape elongated along 5 almost the upward/downward
direction. The terminal piece 411 is bent like a substantially S-shape, when viewed along the
rightward/leftward direction. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10A, the terminal piece 411 is
constituted by a first part 411A, a second part 411B and a third part 411C. The first part 411A is
curved convexly backward. The second part 411B is inclined toward the fixed terminal 42 from
an upper end of the first part 411A. The third part 411C is protruded upward from an upper end
of the second part 411B. As shown in FIG. 4, the third part 411C is provided with a through-hole
for fixing the movable contact 410 by caulking.
[0025] The terminal piece 411 includes a pair of positioning protrusions 411D that are located
at both edges in a width direction (rightward/leftward direction) on a first end (lower end). More
specifically, the paired positioning protrusions 411D are protruded to separate from each other
along the width direction of the first part 411A from right and left edges of the bottom of the first
part 411A set back.
[0026] The movable contact 410 is fixed to a second end (upper end) of the terminal piece 411
by caulking (or welding and so on). The movable contact 410 may be for example a composite
contact formed by bonding silver, silver alloy or the like (with excellent resistance to sparking
and so on) to a head of a rivet-shaped base member made of copper alloy or the like. The
rivet-shaped movable contact 410 is inserted into the through-hole of the third part 411C and
then the head of the movable contact 410 is caulked, thereby the movable contact 410 being
fixed to the terminal piece 411. Note that, in this embodiment, the movable contact 410 is
provided separately from the terminal piece 411, but may be provided integrally with the

terminal piece 411.
[0027] The fixed terminal 42 includes a fixed contact 420 and a terminal piece 421.
[0028] The terminal piece 421 is formed by e.g., cutting and punching a sheet metal. The
terminal piece 421 has a strip plate shape elongated along almost the rightward/leftward
direction. The terminal piece 421 is housed in a terminal frame 60 of the first 5 screw terminal 6A
(described later) with the thickness direction of the terminal piece 421 being in parallel to the
forward/backward direction. The terminal frame 60 has a space provided between a rear face of
the terminal piece 421 and a tip of a screw part of a screw 61, and the first electric wire L1 can
be inserted into the space. As shown in FIG. 4, the terminal piece 421 is provided in a center in
the longitudinal direction thereof with a through-hole for fixing the fixed contact 420 by
caulking.
[0029] The fixed contact 420 is fixed to the center in the longitudinal direction, of the terminal
piece 421, by caulking (or welding and so on). The fixed contact 420 is disposed to face the
movable contact 410 in substantially the forward/backward direction. The fixed contact 420 may
be for example a composite contact formed in the same manner as the movable contact 410, that
is, by bonding silver, silver alloy or the like to a head of a rivet-shaped base member made of
copper alloy or the like. The rivet-shaped fixed contact 420 is inserted into the through-hole of
the terminal piece 421 and a through-hole provided in the terminal frame 60 of the first screw
terminal 6A, and then the head of the fixed contact 420 is caulked, thereby the fixed contact 420
being fixed to the terminal piece 421. Also fixing of the terminal piece 421 to the terminal frame
60 can be achieved by the above caulking. Note that, in this embodiment, the fixed contact 420 is
provided separately from the terminal piece 421, but may be provided integrally with the
terminal piece 421.
[0030]
(2.2.2) First Screw Terminal
11
The first screw terminal 6A is a so-called pillar terminal. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the
first screw terminal 6A includes the terminal frame 60 (terminal block for fastening screw) and
the screw 61 (terminal screw).
[0031] The terminal frame 60 has electrical conductivity. The terminal frame 60 is formed by
bending a metal plate into a frame shape, and has an almost square 5 cylindrical shape. The
material of the terminal frame 60 may be brass, for example. Both of right and left faces of the
terminal frame 60 are opened, and accordingly, the terminal frame 60 has an insertion hole 620
into which the first electric wire L1 can be inserted. The terminal frame 60 further has a threaded
hole 621 (female screw) that penetrates its rear wall in the forward/backward direction. The
screw 61 is screwed in the threaded hole 621.
[0032] While the first electric wire L1 is inserted to the insertion hole 620 of the terminal frame
60, the screw 61 is fastened, thereby the first electric wire L1 being held by the first screw
terminal 6A. More specifically, the first electric wire L1 is pressed against the rear face of the
terminal piece 421 of the fixed terminal 42 by the tip of the screw part of the screw 61 in the
15 terminal frame 60. That is, the first electric wire L1 is held between the terminal piece 421 and
the screw 61. The first electric wire L1 and the fixed terminal 42 are therefore electrically
connected to each other. Note that, the first electric wire L1 can be withdrawn from the screw
terminal 6 by loosening the screw 61.
[0033]
(2.2.3) Second Screw Terminal
The second screw terminal 6B is also a so-called pillar terminal. However, the second
screw terminal 6B has a structure partially different from that of the first screw terminal 6A. As
shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the second screw terminal 6B includes a terminal frame 62 and a screw
61 (terminal screw).
[0034] The terminal frame 62 has electrical conductivity. The material of the terminal frame 62

may be brass, for example. Hereinafter, the structure of the terminal frame 62 according to this
embodiment will be explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9A and 9B.
[0035] The terminal frame 62 includes: a frame body 63 with a tubular shape; and a supporting
part U1 including a plurality of protrusions 64 (herein two protrusions). Herein the frame body
63 is formed like an almost square cylindrical shape by bending a long 5 rectangular-shaped plate
material X1 made of brass into a frame shape. Each protrusion 64 is a dowel provided for the
same plate material X1. That is, the frame body 63 and the paired protrusions 64 are integrally
formed of a same single member (plate material X1).
[0036] The square cylindrical shaped frame body 63 includes a first wall 63A (front wall) and a
10 second wall 63B (rear wall) that face each other in the forward/backward direction. The frame
body 63 further includes a third wall 63C (upper wall) and a fourth wall 63D (lower wall) that
face each other in the upward/backward direction. That is, both of right and left faces of the
frame body 63 are opened, and accordingly, the frame body 63 has an insertion hole 620 into
which the second electric wire L2 can be inserted. The second wall 63B is configured by a first
15 end portion X11 and a second end portion X12 in the longitudinal direction, of the plate material
X1. The end portion X11 and the second end portion X12 overlap each other with their thickness
directions being directed in the forward/backward direction. The second wall 63B is about twice
as thick as each of the first wall 63A, the third wall 63C and the fourth wall 63D.
[0037] In the following description, an internal space of the insertion hole 620 of the frame
20 body 63 is referred to as a “space SP1”. The space SP1 is surrounded by the first to fourth walls
63A to 63D. While the second electric wire L2 is inserted into the space SP1, the screw 61 is
fastened, thereby the terminal frame 62 being electrically connected to the second electric wire
L2.
[0038] The first wall 63A has: an internal surface 630 that faces the second wall 63B; and an
25 external surface 631 that is on an opposite side of the first wall 63A from the internal surface 630.
13
The external surface 631 faces the terminal piece 411 of the movable terminal 41. The paired
protrusions 64 are provided for the external surface 631. The first wall 63A has a pilot hole 622
(refer to FIG. 8A) that penetrates in the thickness direction thereof. The pilot hole 622 is a
through-hole provided for that a pilot (pin) is inserted thereto to perform positioning of the plate
material X1 with respect to a Multi-forming machine described later 5 upon manufacturing of the
terminal frame 62. The pilot hole 622 is located at a center in the upward/downward and
rightward/ leftward directions, of the external surface 631.
[0039] The frame body 63 has a threaded hole 621 (female screw) (refer to FIG. 8B) that
penetrates toward the space SP1. The screw 61 is screwed in the threaded hole 621. The threaded
10 hole 621 is provided for the second wall 63B. More specifically, a tubular part X13 with a flat
cylindrical shape is protruded from one surface of the second end portion X12 (a surface
continuous with the external surface 631). Both ends of the tubular part X13 are opened. The
threaded hole 621 is provided to penetrate both of the second end portion X12 and the tubular
part X13. The second end portion X12 is provided at an edge thereof (upper edge in the shown
15 example) with an insertion piece X14. On the other hand, the first end portion X11 is provided
with a fitting-hole X15. The tubular part X13 and the insertion piece X14 are fitted into the
fitting-hole X15 such that the first end portion X11 and the second end portion X12 overlap each
other, thereby the second wall 63B being formed. The threaded hole 621 accordingly penetrates
toward the space SP1.
20 [0040] In the frame body 63 configured as above, the second electric wire L2 inserted in the
space SP1 is held to be sandwiched, by fastening the screw 61, between the tip of the screw part
of the screw 61 and the internal surface 630 of the first wall 63A facing the threaded hole 621. In
particular, the second electric wire L2 is pressed against the internal surface 630 by the tip of the
screw part of the screw 61, thereby being stably held. That is, the terminal frame 62 can achieve
25 stable electrically contact with the second electric wire L2.
14
[0041] The paired protrusions 64 are protruded from the external surface 631 of the first wall
63A in a direction of separating from the space SP1 (forward). The paired protrusions 64 are
arranged along an axis direction A1 of the frame body 63 (rightward/leftward direction: refer to
FIG. 8A) on the external surface 631, when viewed from the front of the external surface 631.
The paired protrusions 64 are disposed to interpose the pilot 5 hole 622 therebetween, when
viewed from the front of the external surface 631.
[0042] Each protrusion 64 of this embodiment has a chevron-shape, when viewed along the
axis direction A1 of the frame body 63. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 9B, each protrusion
64 is formed such that its protrusion amount from the external surface 631 decreases toward both
10 sides of the protrusion 64 (up and down sides) from an apex P3 of the chevron-shape, where the
protrusion amount is the maximum. Herein as one example, the apex P3 is located at a center in
the upward/downward direction, of each protrusion 64. The apex P3 corresponds to a contact
point P1 to be in contact with the movable terminal 41 (refer to FIGS. 10A and 10B). Note that, a
dimensional relation between the paired protrusions 64 is defined such that the paired protrusions
15 64 are respectively in contact with rear faces of the paired positioning protrusions 411D of the
movable terminal 41 (refer to FIG. 5).
[0043] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8A, each protrusion 64 has a strip-shape raised at a
center thereof in a direction (upward/downward direction) orthogonal to the axis direction A1 of
the frame body 63, when viewed from the front of the external surface 631. The center is raised
20 from a right end to a left end, of the protrusion 64. In other words, each protrusion 64 has a
chevron-shape when viewed along the axis direction A1, but has a rectangular shape when
viewed along the upward/downward direction. That is, the contact point P1 (apex P3) with the
movable terminal 41 is substantially a dot when viewed along the axis direction A1 of the frame
body 63, but each protrusion 64 is actually in substantially linear contact with the movable
25 terminal 41 along the axis direction A1. Since each protrusion 64 has such the strip-shape, the
15
terminal frame 62 can enhance contact reliability with respect to the movable terminal 41.
Furthermore, the frame body 63 can be suppressed from deforming in a direction orthogonal to
the axis direction A1. That is, the protrusions 64 also serve as reinforcing ribs.
[0044] Each protrusion 64 is formed, for example, by pressing the plate material X1 with a
punch from one surface of the plate material X1 (i.e., a surface corresponding 5 to the internal
surface 630) in a dowel forming process. Note that, a manufacturing method of the terminal
frame 62 will be more specifically explained in “(2.6) Manufacturing Method of Terminal
Frame” described later.
[0045] That is, when viewed from the internal surface 630, a region corresponding to each
10 protrusion 64 is recessed as shown in FIGS. 8B and 9B. In other words, the internal surface 630
includes: a first region R1 that is flat; and a second region R2 that is recessed to be set further
back than the first region R1 in a direction of separating from the space SP1. The first region R1
is in parallel to a plane orthogonal to the forward/backward direction. The second region R2 is
located on a rear side of a corresponding protrusion 64 provided on the external surface 631.
15 Thus, since the internal surface 630 includes the flat first region R1, the frame body 63 can press
the second electric wire L2 on the flat first region R1 even if the protrusion 64 is formed as a
dowel.
[0046] The paired protrusions 64 support the movable terminal 41 such that the movable
terminal 41 is pivotable within a prescribed angle while making the contact point P1 with the
20 movable terminal 41 serve as a fulcrum. The prescribed angle is an angle made by the movable
terminal 41 that is at a first location (refer to FIG. 10A) and the movable terminal 41 that is at a
second location (refer to FIG. 10B). The first location means a location where the movable
contact 410 is in contact with the fixed contact 420. The second location means a location where
the movable contact 410 is separated from the fixed contact 420.
25 [0047] The terminal frame 62 configured as above has the following two functions (first and
16
second functions), although it is a single member. The first function is a function to make, by the
protrusions 64 being in contact with the movable terminal 41, electrical conduction between the
movable terminal 41 and the second electric wire L2. The second function is a function to serve
as a fulcrum portion for that the movable terminal 41 is turned.
[0048] In particular, while the threaded hole 621 is provided for 5 the second wall 63B, the
paired protrusions 64 are provided for the external surface 631 (of the first wall 63A facing the
second wall 63B). Accordingly, a distance between the second electric wire L2 and the
protrusion 64 being in contact with the movable terminal 41 can be further reduced, compared
with for example a case where, while the threaded hole 621 is provided for a wall other than the
10 second wall 63B (e.g., the third wall 63C), the second electric wire L2 is held between the tip of
the screw part and an internal surface of the fourth wall 63D. The conduction reliability can be
therefore enhanced.
[0049]
(2.2.4) Retainer
15 The retainer 9 houses the movable terminal 41 of the contact part 4, and determines
positioning of the movable terminal 41 with respect to the fixed terminal 42 of the contact part 4
and the paired screw terminals 6. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the retainer 9 is also configured to
house a part of the terminal frame 62 (front end part). The retainer 9 is a block body made of
material with electrical insulation, such as synthetic resin material. The retainer 9 is designed to
20 be housed in the housing 8.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 2, the retainer 9 includes: a main body 9A formed like a substantially
rectangular parallelepiped shape; and a covering part 9B for covering an upper part on a front
face, of the main body 9A.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 5, the main body 9A has a housing recess 90 for housing the movable
25 terminal 41. The housing recess 90 is recessed backward in the front face of the main body 9A.
17
The housing recess 90 has a rectangular shape long in the upward/downward direction, when
viewed from the front. The main body 9A is further provided in the upper part with an exposing
hole 94 (refer to FIGS. 3 and 4) penetrating in the forward/backward direction. The second part
411B, the third part 411C and the movable contact 410 of the movable terminal 41 are exposed
from the exposing hole 94 toward the fixed contact 420. Thus, while the 5 movable terminal 41 is
housed on the front side of the retainer 9, the movable contact 410 faces the fixed contact 420
located on the back side of the retainer 9.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 3, the main body 9A further has a frame housing part 99 for housing a
front end of the terminal frame 62. The frame housing part 99 is recessed forward in a lower part
10 on a rear face, of the main body 9A. The frame housing part 99 is provided in a bottom surface
thereof with a window part 99A (FIGS. 2 to 5) penetrating in the forward/backward direction.
The external surface 631 of the terminal frame 62 faces the movable terminal 41 through the
window part 99A.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 5, the main body 9A further has a pair of grooves 91 in which the
15 paired positioning protrusions 411D of the movable terminal 41 are respectively housed. The
paired grooves 91 are arranged right and left such that the housing recess 90 is interposed
therebetween, when viewed from the front. Each groove 91 is formed by a pair of ribs 95 like
square pole shapes, protruded forward from a bottom surface of the housing recess 90. The
paired ribs 95 forming each groove 91 are arranged up and down. The paired grooves 91
20 penetrate in the forward/backward direction, and are spatially communicated with the window
part 99A. The paired positioning protrusions 411D housed in the grooves 91 from the front side
of the main body 9A are respectively in contact with the paired protrusions 64 of the terminal
frame 62 housed in the frame housing part 99 from the back side of the main body 9A (refer to
FIGS. 5, 10A and 10B).
25 [0054] The main body 9A is further provided in lower parts of right and left ends thereof with
18
hollows 96 (refer to FIGS. 3, 6 and 7), recessed forward along an edge of the insertion hole 620,
which can prevent the main body 9A from disturbing a work for inserting the second electric
wire L2 into the space SP1.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 9A is further provided at right and left edges near an
upper end thereof with a pair of protruded pieces 98, protruded so as to 5 separate from each other
along the rightward/leftward direction.
[0056] The covering part 9B is formed like an almost dome shape with lower and rear faces,
which are opened. The covering part 9B is provided integrally with the main body 9A. The
covering part 9B is disposed to cover the exposing hole 94 of the main body 9A and the third
10 part 411C of the movable terminal 41 housed in the housing recess 90. The covering part 9B has
a front wall 97. A distance between the front wall 97 and the main body 9A is defined such that
the front wall 97 is not in contact with the movable terminal 41, when the movable terminal 41 is
turned within the prescribed angle.
[0057]
15 (2.3) Operation Part
The operation part 5 is configured to receive an operation (pushing operation) from a
user to switch between an opened state and a closed state of a contact of the contact device 2.
The operation part 5 includes an operation button 51, an operating finger 52 (plunger) and a coil
spring 53 (refer to FIG. 4).
20 [0058] The operation button 51 is elongated along the upward/downward direction, and has a
box shape with an opened rear face. The operation button 51 is housed in a housing recess 812 of
a cover 81 of the housing 8 (described later). The operation button 51 is provided on right and
left side faces thereof with shaft parts 510, respectively.
[0059] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the operation button 51 is further provided at a bottom face
25 on a back side thereof with a cylindrical part 511 protruded like a cylindrical shape. The
19
cylindrical part 511 has a rear face that is opened. The coil spring 53 is housed in the cylindrical
part 511. The cylindrical part 511 is provided at the bottom thereof with a projection 512 (refer to
FIG. 4). The projection 512 is fitted into a coil of the coil spring 53, thereby the coil spring 53
being fixed to the operation button 51.
[0060] The operating finger 52 is a member to be in contact with 5 the movable terminal 41. The
operating finger 52 is provided on the front side thereof with a small diameter part 520, and the
small diameter part 520 is fitted into the coil of the coil spring 53, thereby the operating finger 52
being housed in the cylindrical part 511 and being fixed to the coil spring 53. The operating
finger 52 is disposed to act a biasing force of the coil spring 53 on the movable terminal 41.
10 Accordingly, the operating finger 52 is stably in contact with the movable terminal 41.
[0061]
(2.4) Housing
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the housing 8 includes the cover 81 and a body 82, and has a
box shape, as the whole. The housing 8 houses therein the contact device 2, and further supports
15 the operation part 5. The cover 81 and the body 82 are synthetic resin molded products, for
example.
[0062] The cover 81 is elongated along the upward/downward direction, as the whole, and has
a flat rectangular box shape with an opened rear face.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 3, the cover 81 includes a protruded base 810, protruded like a
20 rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protruded base 810 is provided at a center in the
upward/downward and rightward/leftward directions on a rear face, of the cover 81. The
protruded base 810 is provided at upper and lower parts on a rear face thereof with a pair of
attachment pieces 811 protruded backward like rectangular plate shapes, respectively. A distance
between the attachment pieces 811 is slightly larger than a dimension in the upward/downward
25 direction, of the retainer 9. Each attachment piece 811 has a hooking-hole 811A penetrating in
20
the thickness direction thereof (upward/downward direction).
[0064] As shown in FIG. 2, the cover 81 is further provided at a center in the
upward/downward and rightward/leftward directions on a front face thereof with the housing
recess 812 for housing therein the operation button 51 of the operation part 5. The housing recess
812 is formed by upper, lower, right, left and rear walls 5 of the protruded base 810.
[0065] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the cover 81 is further provided in right and left side faces
in the housing recess 812 with bearing-holes 813 that receives the shaft parts 510 of the
operation button 51 to pivotably support the shaft parts 510, respectively. In other words, the
paired bearing-holes 813 are provided for right and left walls of the protruded base 810 in
10 one-to-one. The operation button 51 is housed in the cover 81 to be turned within a certain angle
around the shaft parts 510.
[0066] The cover 81 is further provided in the bottom of the housing recess 812 (i.e., the rear
wall of the protruded base 810) with a hole 814 penetrating the cover 81 in the
forward/backward direction. The hole 814 is located between the paired attachment pieces 811
15 when viewed from the back of the cover 81. The operating finger 52 of the operation part 5 is
protruded toward the back side of the cover 81 through the hole 814 and disposed such that its
tip is pressed against the first part 411A of the movable terminal 41.
[0067] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cover 81 is further provided near the upper and lower
ends thereof with through-holes 815 penetrating the cover 81 in the forward/backward direction,
20 respectively. The switch device 1 is attached to the wall surface W1 by inserting a screw (not
shown) into each through-hole 815 and screwing the cover 81 to a switch box (not shown) buried
in the wall surface W1, for example.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 2, the body 82 is formed like an almost rectangular box shape with an
opened front face, as the whole. The body 82 is designed to house therein the contact device 2.
25 More specifically, the body 82 includes a terminal housing part 820 that houses each screw
21
terminal 6. The paired screw terminals 6 are inserted to the terminal housing part 820 from the
front. The terminal housing part 820 is provided with a partition wall 821 (refer to FIG. 4) for
dividing the inside space to two upper and lower spaces. Thus, the paired screw terminals 6 are
housed in the terminal housing part 820 with being electrically insulated from each other.
[0069] Here, the terminal housing part 820 has a structure that the 5 second screw terminal 6B
can be housed in front of the first screw terminal 6A. More specifically, the terminal housing part
820 is provided on an inner side surface thereof with a first rib 828 and a second rib 829 (refer to
FIG. 2). The first rib 828 restricts the terminal frame 62 of the first screw terminal 6A from
moving backward. The second rib 829 restricts the terminal frame 62 of the second screw
10 terminal 6B from moving backward. Furthermore the second rib 829 is designed to be in contact
with the second screw terminal 6B at front of a location where the first rib 828 is in contact with
the first screw terminal 6A in the forward/backward direction.
[0070] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the body 82 is further provided in each of a right wall 82A
and a left wall 82B thereof with a pair of wire insertion ports 822 penetrating in the thickness
15 direction (rightward/leftward direction). Two wire insertion ports 822 on upper side, of the right
wall 82A and the left wall 82B, are spatially communicated with the insertion hole 620 of the
terminal frame 60 of the first screw terminal 6A. In other words, when one end of the first
electric wire L1 is inserted from any one of the two wire insertion ports 822 on upper side, of the
right wall 82A and the left wall 82B, it can be inserted into the insertion hole 620 of the first
20 screw terminal 6A.
[0071] Similarly, two wire insertion ports 822 on lower side, of the right wall 82A and the left
wall 82B, are spatially communicated with the insertion hole 620 of the terminal frame 62 of the
second screw terminal 6B. In other words, when one end of the second electric wire L2 is
inserted from any one of the two wire insertion ports 822 on lower side, of the right wall 82A
25 and the left wall 82B, it can be inserted into the insertion hole 620 of the second screw terminal
22
6B. Note that, the lower wire insertion ports 822 are located in front of the upper wire insertion
ports 822 in accordance with that the second screw terminal 6B is disposed at a location in front
of the first screw terminal 6A in the terminal housing part 820.
[0072] The body 82 further includes a tubular part 823 (refer to FIG. 3) for housing the screw
61 such that the screw 61 of each screw terminal 6 housed from the 5 front side can advance or
retract in the forward/backward direction. The tubular part 823 is protruded backward from a
rear face of the body 82. The tubular part 823 is provided in a rear face thereof with two
operation ports 824. Each operation port 824 is communicated with the inside space where a
corresponding screw 61 is housed. The head part of each screw 61 is exposed through a
10 corresponding operation port 824. For example, while being inserted into the insertion hole 620,
the electric wire (L1, L2) can be held by a corresponding screw terminal 6 by inserting a tip of a
tool such as a screwdriver into the operation port 824 from the back side, and fastening the screw
61.
[0073] The body 82 has fitting grooves 825 (refer to FIG. 2) at upper parts of front ends of the
15 right wall 82A and the left wall 82B. The paired protruded pieces 98 of the retainer 9 of the
contact device 2 in the body 82 are respectively fitted into the fitting grooves 825. Therefore, the
retainer 9 can be stably positioned with respect to the body 82.
[0074] The body 82 has insertion pieces 826 (refer to FIG. 2 and 3) at lower parts of the front
ends of the right wall 82A and the left wall 82B, respectively. The body 82 further has protruded
20 parts 827 (refer to FIGS. 2 and 3) on outer faces of an upper wall 82C and a lower wall 82D
thereof, respectively. The respective protruded parts 827 have inclined surfaces 827A, each of
which is inclined to be separated from the body 82, as it is separated from the cover 81.
[0075] Upon assembling of the housing 8, for example, first, while the contact device 2 is
housed in the body 82, the cover 81 supporting the operation part 5 is pressed against the body
25 82 from the front. Accordingly, the paired attachment pieces 811 of the cover 81 are elastically
23
deformed in a direction of separating from each other while being slid on the inclined surfaces
827A of the protruded parts 827 of the body 82, respectively. Then, when reaching the
hooking-hole 811A of a corresponding attachment piece 811, each protruded part 827 is fitted
into the hooking-hole 811A thereby the corresponding attachment piece 811 being elastically
returned. At this time, the two insertion pieces 826 of the body 82 are 5 respectively inserted in
two locking grooves 816 (refer to FIG. 3) provided at right and left edges of the hole 814 of the
cover 81. Therefore, assembling of the housing 8 is completed. The contact device 2 is stably
held in the housing 8.
[0076]
10 (2.5) Explanation of Operation
Hereinafter, the opening/closing operation regarding the contact device 2 of the switch
device 1 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B. For convenience, FIGS. 10A
and 10B show the contact part 4 and the paired screw terminals 6 of the contact device 2 and the
operating finger 52 of the operation part 5, but illustrations of the housing 8, the operation button
15 51 and the retainer 9 are omitted. In the following description, it is assumed that the first and
second electric wires L1 and L2 are being connected to the first and second screw terminals 6A
and 6B, respectively.
[0077] FIG. 10A shows a situation where the contact device 2 is in an on-state (closed state). In
this state, the lower part of the operation button 51 (not shown in FIG. 10A) is set back, while the
20 upper part thereof is projected forward (refer to FIG. 1).
[0078] While the contact device 2 is in the on-state, the movable contact 410 of the movable
terminal 41 is in contact with the fixed contact 420 of the fixed terminal 42. In other words, the
movable contact 410 is at a first location to be contact with the fixed contact 420. Thus, the first
and second electric wires L1 and L2 are electrically conducted with each other, and accordingly
25 the electric load connected with the first electric wire L1 can receive the power from the
24
commercial power source connected with the second electric wire L2. That is, if an illumination
load, the electric load lights up.
[0079] In this state, the tip of the operating finger 52, as shown in FIG. 10A, is in contact with a
region on upper side of a virtual line Y1, on the bottom surface of the first part 411A of the
movable terminal 41. Also in this state, the bottom surface of the first 5 part 411A is inclined
upward so as to come closer to the fixed terminal 42 with respect to the upward/downward
direction. The virtual line Y1 expends from the contact point P1 along the forward/backward
direction, and is a straight line without entity. Herein as one example, the virtual line Y1 passes
through a central point P2 on the front face of the small diameter part 520 of the operating finger
10 52.
[0080] In the on-state of the contact device 2, when a user pushes the upper part of the
operation button 51 backward, the operation button 51 is turned (seesaw motion, namely, rocking
motion) around the shaft parts 510 in a clockwise direction, when viewed from the right side.
Accordingly, the operating finger 52 is also turned together with the operation button 51 around
15 the central point P2, for example. That is, the tip of the operating finger 52 is slid downward on
the bottom surface of the first part 411A. When the tip of the operating finger 52 is further slid
below of the virtual line Y1, the movable terminal 41 is pivoted (turned) in a counterclockwise
direction with making the contact point P1 as a fulcrum (seesaw motion), when viewed from the
right side. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10B, the movable contact 410 is separated from the fixed
20 contact 420. In other words, the movable contact 410 is displaced from the first location to the
second location of separating from the fixed contact 420. FIG. 10B shows a situation where the
contact device 2 is in an off-state (opened state).
[0081] Therefore, the first and second electric wires L1 and L2 are electrically non-conducted
with each other, and if an illumination load, the electric load lights off. Note that, in this state,
25 when the user pushes the lower part of the operation button 51 backward, the movable terminal
25
41 is pivoted (seesaw motion) in the clockwise direction with making the contact point P1 as the
fulcrum, when viewed from the right side, in accordance with the seesaw motion of the operation
button 51. As a result, the contact device 2 is returned to the on-state (closed state) shown in FIG.
10A again. That is, if an illumination load, the electric load lights up.
[0082] As above, in this embodiment, the protrusions 64 of the terminal 5 frame 62 supports the
movable terminal 41 so to be pivotable between the first location and the second location while
making the contact point P1 serve as the fulcrum. Thus, although a single member, the terminal
frame 62 has the function to make the electrical conduction between the movable terminal 41
and the second electric wire L2, and the function to serve as a fulcrum portion for that the
10 movable terminal 41 is turned. For this reason, the terminal component disclosed in the above
Document 1 is not needed (i.e., the number of components is reduced). The terminal frame 62
can therefore reduce manufacturing cost. In particular, even if the terminal frame 62 is made of
brass to prioritize enhancement of the electrical conductivity, the manufacturing cost can be
suppressed from greatly increasing, compared with a case where the terminal frame and the
15 terminal component of the Document 1 (two members) are both made of brass individually.
[0083] Also in this embodiment, each protrusion 64 has the chevron-shape when viewed along
the axis direction A1 of the frame body 63. As a result, the protrusion 64 can be made as a dowel.
The protrusion 64 can be therefore more easily made, compared with a case where the protrusion
64 is made by cutting and raising a part of the frame body 63, for example. Furthermore, since
20 the protrusion 64 has the chevron-shape, the movable terminal 41 can be more smoothly pivoted
(seesaw motion) with making the contact point P1 serve as a fulcrum. The terminal frame 62 can
accordingly enhance the reliability relating to contact/separation operation of the movable
contact 410 with respect to the fixed contact 420.
[0084] In this embodiment, the two protrusions 64 (paired) are provided. Accordingly, the
25 terminal frame 62 can further improve the balance as the fulcrum portion, compared with a case
26
where a single protrusion 64 is provided. Note that, as the number of the protrusions 64 is
increased (e.g., three protrusions, four protrusions or the like), a ratio of the second region R2,
locally recessed, in the whole internal surface 630 is increased. Thus, the electrical contact
reliability with the second electric wire L2 may be reduced. The number of the protrusions 64 is
therefore 5 preferably about two.
[0085]
(2.6) Manufacturing Method of Terminal Frame
Hereinafter, the manufacturing method of the terminal frame 62 will be explained. The
manufacturing method of this embodiment includes: a first process of forming a plurality of
10 terminal frames 62 from a single long plate material; and a second process of applying surface
treatment to the terminal frame 62. The second process is optional and may be appropriately
omitted. The plate material X1 mentioned above corresponds to a base material for a unit of
terminal frame 62, of the single long plate material. The material for the plate material X1 is, for
example, brass with electric resistivity less than that of iron. The plate material X1 has a
15 rectangular shape in cross-section. The plate material X1 has 1 mm thick, for example.
[0086] The first process includes the following steps (first to five steps) to be performed using
e.g., the Multi-forming machine: conveying, pressing, cutting, bending, finishing and so on. In
the following description, the first to five steps will be more specifically explained. The
Multi-forming machine includes a plurality of devices respectively corresponding to the first to
20 five steps. Hereinafter, the first to five steps will be more specifically explained. The order of the
first to five steps explained below is merely an example and should not be construed as limiting.
[0087] In the first step, two or more long plate materials (each of which correspond to a
material for the plurality of terminal frames 62) are conveyed in a constant pitch, using a hoop
feeding device of the Multi-forming machine. In each long plate material, a plurality of pilot
25 holes 622 are previously provided at prescribed intervals. Each long plate material can be
27
conveyed using the plurality of pilot holes 622. In each long plate material, a plurality of the
tubular parts X13, insertion pieces X14 and fitting-holes X15 are also formed at prescribed
intervals by cutting and punching or the like before the first step in addition to the plurality of
pilot holes 622. They may be also formed by the Multi-forming machine.
[0088] In the second step, the paired protrusions 64 are formed using a 5 pressing-device of the
Multi-forming machine (dowel forming). For example, the conveyed long plate material is
placed on a recess-shaped die corresponding to the paired protrusions 64. The long plate material
on the die is then pressed from above with a binder and further pressed from above of the binder
with a punch, thereby the dowels being formed. The dowels become the protrusions 64.
10 [0089] Here each protrusion 64 preferably has a height H1 (refer to FIG. 9B) larger than 0.25
times as large as the thick of the plate material X1. The height H1 is a distance between the
external surface 631 and the apex P3 where the protrusion amount of the protrusion 64 is the
maximum. The height H1 may be 0.5 mm as one example. Also a distance D1 (refer to FIG. 8A)
between an edge of the plate material X1 (e.g., a right edge) and the protrusion 64 is preferably
15 larger than the thick of the plate material X1. A distance D2 (refer to FIG. 8A) between the pilot
hole 622 and each protrusion 64 is preferably larger than or equal to twice as large as the thick of
the plate material X1, but less than three times as large as the thick. Furthermore, a distance D3
(refer to FIG. 8A) between a boundary (end portion with a round-shape) and the protrusion 64 is
preferably larger than or equal to one time as large as the thick of the plate material X1, but less
20 than three times as large as the thick. The boundary is between the first wall 63A and the third
wall 63C (or the fourth wall 63D). The reliability relating to strength of the terminal frame 62
with the protrusions 64 can be maintained in accordance with that the dimensional relationship is
defined as above.
[0090] A dimension D4 in the rightward/leftward direction, of the protrusion 64, is preferably
25 larger than a dimension D5 in the upward/downward direction, of the protrusion 64, when
28
viewed from the front of the external surface 631 (refer to FIG. 9A). More stably electrical
contact with the movable terminal 41 can be achieved in accordance with that the dimensional
relationship is defined as above.
[0091] In the third step, the long plate material with the protrusions 64 is cut at a prescribed
position from an end thereof, using a cutting-device of the Multi-forming 5 machine. The plate
material X1 corresponding to a single terminal frame 62 is therefore cut off from the long plate
material.
[0092] In the fourth step, the cut-off plate material X1 is bent to be formed into a square
cylindrical shape, using a bending-device of the Multi-forming machine.
10 [0093] In the fifth step, the shape of the bent plate material X1 is arranged such that a surface
thereof is flat, using a finishing-device of the Multi-forming machine. In particular, a processing
for fitting the tubular part X13 and the insertion piece X14 into the fitting-hole X15 may be
performed in this step. The formation of the single terminal frame 62 is accordingly completed.
[0094] The surface treatment of the second process includes, for example: a metal plating step
15 for plating a part or all of a surface of the terminal frame 62 with nickel, gold, silver or the like;
and/or a knurling step for performing knurling to a surface corresponding to the internal surface
630 of the first wall 63A. The surface treatment may be performed at an appropriate timing. The
surface treatment may be started before the first process or after the first process. The internal
surface 630 of the first wall 63A is a surface coming into contact with the second electric wire
20 L2. For that reason, even if stain (oxide film or the like) is adhered to a surface of the conductor
of the second electric wire L2, the internal surface 630 subjected to the knurling can scrape off
the stain from the conductor upon coming into contact with the conductor. On the assumption
that the metal plating step is performed, the plate material X1 itself as a base material may not
have electrical conductivity. That is, the plate material X1 itself may have non-conductivity as
25 long as the terminal frame 62 as a finished product has electrical conductivity.
29
[0095] It is possible to improve a yield rate (ratio of the total of weights of the terminal frames
62, actually obtained from the long plate material, with respect to a weight of the long plate
material) by manufacturing the terminal frame 62, using the Multi-forming machine, as above.
[0096]
5 (3) Variation
Hereinafter, some variations according to the present disclosure will be explained. In the
following description, the First Embodiment described above may be referred to as a “basic
example”. Optionally any of the variations below may be adopted in combination with the above
basic example and/or the other variation as appropriate.
10 [0097]
(3. 1) First Variation
In the basic example, the paired protrusions 64 of the terminal frame 62 are dowels
formed by pressing with the punch. However, the protrusions 64 are not limited to the dowels.
[0098] FIG. 11A shows a terminal frame 62A of a First Variation. The terminal frame 62A of
15 this First Variation includes a pair of protrusions 64 formed by cutting and raising parts of a
frame body 63 forward, respectively. Each protrusion 64 has a front end face formed like a
rectangular shape long in the rightward/leftward direction, when viewed from front of an
external surface 631 of the frame body 63. Also in this configuration, the terminal component
disclosed in the above Document 1 is not needed. The terminal frame 62A can therefore reduce
20 manufacturing cost.
[0099] Note that, in the example of the drawing, the front end face of each protrusion 64 is
non-work surface that is not subjected to the surface treatment or the like. However, the front end
face is preferably subjected to the surface treatment to be formed into a curved surface with an
apex, when viewed along the axis direction A1, and accordingly, the movable terminal 41 can be
25 more smoothly pivoted (seesaw motion) with making the contact point P1 serve as a fulcrum.
30
[0100] Here when the protrusions 64 are formed by cutting and raising, through-holes 623
penetrating in the forward/backward direction are also formed according to formation of the
protrusions 64. On the other hand, the frame body 63 has an internal surface 630 that is on the
opposite side of the frame body 63 from the external surface 631 for which the protrusions 64 are
provided. The internal surface 630 is a surface to be electrically connected 5 with the second
electric wire L2. Accordingly, in consideration of the conduction reliability, the basic example is
more preferable than this First Variation where the through-holes 623 are formed. In particular, if
the second electric wire L2 is a stranded wire, a part of the wire may be inserted into the
through-holes 623. Furthermore, the strength of the first wall 63A may decrease in accordance
10 with the through-holes 623. Also from those points, the basic example is more preferable than
this First Variation.
[0101]
(3. 2) Second Variation
In the basic example, the number of the protrusions 64 of the terminal frame 62 is two,
15 but not limited in particular. The number of the protrusions 64 may be one, three or more.
[0102] FIG. 11B shows a terminal frame 62B of a Second Variation. The terminal frame 62B of
this Second Variation includes a single protrusion 64. The protrusion 64 may be also formed by
pressing with the punch, for example. The protrusion 64 is longer than each protrusion 64 of the
basic example in the rightward/leftward direction. The protrusion 64 is formed from a right end
20 to a left end, of a first wall 63A of a frame body 63. Also in this configuration, the terminal frame
62B can reduce manufacturing cost.
[0103] In this Second Variation, the first wall 63A is provided without a pilot hole 622. The
pilot hole 622 is not especially limited in position, and may be provided, for example, at a third
wall 63C or a fourth wall 63D (not shown in FIG. 11B).
25 [0104] In this Second Variation, a recess (hereinafter, referred to as a “guide groove 624”) is
31
provided on the reverse of the protrusion 64. The guide groove 624 is also formed from the right
end to the left end, of the first wall 63A. Accordingly, when inserted into the space SP1, the
second electric wire L2 can be guided by the guide groove 624. In particular, if the second
electric wire L2 is a stranded wire, the guide groove 624 can prevent the stranded wire from
5 expanding transversely.
[0105] Furthermore, when the screw 61 has been fastened, the second electric wire L2 is
housed in the guide groove 624, which can increase an area coming into contact with the second
electric wire L2. The conduction reliability with the second electric wire L2 can be therefore
further improved.
10 [0106]
(3. 3) Third Variation
The terminal frame 62 A of the First Variation includes the two protrusions 64 formed
by cutting and raising parts of the frame body 63, but, a single protrusion 64 may be formed by
cutting and raising parts of the frame body 63. FIG. 11C shows a terminal frame 62C of a Third
15 Variation including the single protrusion 64 long in the rightward/leftward direction. Also in this
configuration, the terminal frame 62C can reduce manufacturing cost. However, also in the Third
Variation, a through-hole 623 is formed according to formation of the protrusion 64, like the First
Variation. Thus in consideration of the conduction reliability, the basic example is more
preferable than the Third Variation.
20 [0107] Note that, in the example of the drawing, a front end face of the protrusion 64 is
non-work surface that is not subjected to the surface treatment or the like. However, the front end
face is preferably subjected to the surface treatment to be formed into a curved surface with an
apex, when viewed along the axis direction A1, and accordingly, the movable terminal 41 can be
more smoothly pivoted (seesaw motion) with making the contact point P1 serve as a fulcrum.
25 [0108]
32
(3. 4) Fourth Variation
In the basic example, while the terminal frame 62 includes the pair of protrusions 64,
the internal surface 630 has the flat first region R1 as a region other than the second region R2
recessed on a rear side of the protrusion 64. However, the internal surface 630 may not have the
5 flat first region R1.
[0109] FIG. 11D shows a terminal frame 62D of a Fourth Variation. The terminal frame 62D of
this Fourth Variation includes a protrusion 64 formed into an arch shape by convexly curving the
whole of a first wall 63A toward a direction of separating from the space SP1.
[0110] In the Fourth Variation, the whole of the internal surface 630 is a curved face recessed
10 toward the direction of separating from the space SP1, and constitutes a guide groove 624. Thus,
when inserted into the space SP1, the second electric wire L2 can be guided by the guide groove
624. Furthermore, when the screw 61 has been fastened, the second electric wire L2 is housed in
the guide groove 624, which can increase an area coming into contact with the second electric
wire L2. The conduction reliability with the second electric wire L2 can be therefore further
15 improved.
[0111]
(3. 5) Fifth Variation
The terminal frame 62D of the Fourth Variation includes the protrusion 64 curved like
the arch shape, but, a protrusion 64 may be formed into a triangular shape by convexly bending
20 the whole of the first wall 63A toward the direction of separating from the space SP1. FIG. 11E
shows a terminal frame 62E of a Fifth Variation including the triangular-shaped protrusion 64.
[0112] Also in the Fifth Variation, the whole of the internal surface 630 is recessed to constitute
a guide groove 624. Thus, when inserted into the space SP1, the second electric wire L2 can be
guided by the guide groove 624. Furthermore, when the screw 61 has been fastened, the second
25 electric wire L2 is housed in the guide groove 624, which can increase an area coming into
33
contact with the second electric wire L2. The conduction reliability with the second electric wire
L2 can be therefore further improved.
[0113]
(3. 6) Sixth Variation
In the basic example, the paired protrusions 64 of the terminal 5 frame 62 are dowels
formed by pressing with the punch. Accordingly, in the basic example, the internal surface 630
has the second region R2 recessed so as to correspond to the protrusions 64. However, the
internal surface 630 may not have the second region R2.
[0114] FIG. 12A shows a terminal frame 62F of a Sixth Variation. The terminal frame 62F of
10 the Sixth Variation includes a protrusion(s) 64 formed by cutting processing or the like. While
the protrusion(s) 64 is formed to be protruded from an external surface 631, the whole of an
internal surface 630 is flat. In this case, the protrusion(s) 64 may be for example formed by
cutting a surface of a plate material X1 thicker than the plate material X1 of the basic example.
[0115] In this case, the internal surface 630 has only the flat first region R1. Thus, the
15 conduction reliability with the second electric wire L2 can be further improved, compared with a
case where the internal surface 630 has the second region R2 (locally recess) as the basic
example. Also since the second region R2 is not provided, the thick in the forward/backward
direction, of the first wall 63A (including the protrusion(s) 64), is further increased by the
protrusion(s) 64, which can improve the strength of the terminal frame 62F as the whole.
20 [0116]
(3. 7) Seventh Variation
In the basic example and the Sixth Variation, the apex P3 where the protrusion amount
of the protrusion 64 from the external surface 631 is the maximum is located at a center in the
upward/downward direction, of the protrusion 64 (the rightward/leftward direction in FIG. 12A).
25 However, the apex P3 may be located to be offset from the center in the upward/downward
34
direction.
[0117] FIG. 12B shows a terminal frame 62G of a Seventh Variation. The terminal frame 62G
of this Seventh Variation includes a protrusion(s) 64 having a chevron-shape where an apex P3
thereof is located to be offset slightly downward from a center (leftward in FIG. 12B). Even the
protrusion(s) 64 of the terminal frame 62G can serve as a fulcrum portion 5 for that the movable
terminal 41 is pivoted.
[0118]
(Second Embodiment)
A terminal frame 62H according to this embodiment is different from the terminal frame
10 62 of the First Embodiment in that a supporting part U1 includes one or more recesses 65 instead
of the protrusion(s) 64 (refer to FIGS. 13 to 16B). Herein as one example, the supporting part U1
includes two recesses 65. In the following description, elements substantially similar to those of
the First Embodiment will be assigned with same reference numbers and explanations thereof
will be appropriately omitted.
15 [0119] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a contact device 2A according to this embodiment,
when viewed from the downside. The contact device 2A includes a contact part 4, a pair of screw
terminals 6 (first screw terminal 6A and second screw terminal 6B), and a retainer 9. In FIG. 13,
the illustration of the retainer 9 is omitted. The first screw terminal 6A includes a terminal frame
60H and a screw 61. The second screw terminal 6B includes the terminal frame 62H and a screw
20 61.
[0120] As described above, the terminal frame 62H of the second screw terminal 6B includes
the supporting part U1 with a pair of recesses 65. In this embodiment, the terminal frame 60H of
the first screw terminal 6A also includes a supporting part U1 with a pair of recesses 65. That is,
the terminal frame 60H has the same structure as the terminal frame 62H (in order to standardize
25 components).
35
[0121] As shown in FIG. 16A, each recess 65 has a valley-shape such that, when viewed along
an axis direction A1 of a frame body 63, its recessed amount from an external surface 631
decreases toward both sides (upper and lower sides) of the recess 65 from an apex P4 (i.e., the
bottom) of the valley-shape, where the recessed amount is the maximum. The apex P4 is located
at a center in the upward/downward direction, of the recess 65, as one 5 example. Herein each
recess 65 is recessed like an arc shape, when viewed along the axis direction A1. The apex P4
corresponds to a contact point P1 (refer to FIGS. 14A and 14B) to be in contact with a movable
terminal 41A (refer to FIG. 13). Each recess 65 may be for example formed by pressing a surface
of a plate material X1 (corresponding to the external surface 631) with a punch. Alternatively,
10 each recess 65 may be formed by cutting in the plate material X1.
[0122] As shown in FIG. 15, the paired recesses 65 are arranged in the external surface 631
along the axis direction A1, when viewed from the front of the external surface 631. Each recess
65 has an almost rectangular shape elongated along the axis direction A1, and is hollowed at a
center thereof in a direction (upward/downward direction) orthogonal to the axis direction A1,
15 when viewed from the front of the external surface 631. Herein, the paired recesses 65 are
disposed to interpose a pilot hole 622 of a first wall 63A therebetween. Note that, a dimensional
relationship between the paired recesses 65 is defined such that they are in contact with tips of a
pair of projection pieces 411E, respectively. The movable terminal 41A of this embodiment has
the structure slightly different from the movable terminal 41 of the First Embodiment. The
20 movable terminal 41A includes the pair of projection pieces 411E (described above) that are
projected backward from right and left edges of a terminal piece 411 of the movable terminal
41A, instead of the paired positioning protrusions 411D in the movable terminal 41 of the First
Embodiment. The projection pieces 411E are tapered backward and the tips thereof are formed
like arc-shapes, when viewed along the rightward/leftward direction, so as to be fitted into the
25 paired recesses 65, respectively. A left-side recess 65 of the paired recesses 65 is extended from a
36
left edge of the external surface 631 toward the pilot hole 622, when viewed from the front of the
external surface 631. A right-side recess 65 of the paired recesses 65 is extended from a right
edge of the external surface 631 toward the pilot hole 622, when viewed from the front of the
external surface 631.
[0123] The paired recesses 65 support the movable terminal 5 41A such that the movable
terminal 41A is pivotable within a prescribed angle while making the contact point P1 with the
movable terminal 41A serve as a fulcrum. The prescribed angle is an angle made by the movable
terminal 41A that is at a first location (refer to FIG. 14A) and the movable terminal 41A that is at
a second location (refer to FIG. 14B). The first location means a location where a movable
10 contact 410 is in contact with a fixed contact 420. The second location means a location where
the movable contact 410 is separated from the fixed contact 420. Although detail explanation of
operation is omitted, when a tip of an operating finger 52A (plunger) is slid downward on the
movable terminal 41A in a state shown in FIG. 14A, the movable terminal 41A is pivoted
(turned) in a counterclockwise direction with making the contact point P1 as a fulcrum (seesaw
15 motion), when viewed from the right side. As a result, as shown in FIG. 14B, the movable
contact 410 is separated from the fixed contact 420.
[0124] The terminal frame 62H configured above has the following two functions (first and
second functions) although it is a single member, similarly to the terminal frame 62 of the First
Embodiment. The first function is a function to make, by the recesses 65 being in contact with
20 the movable terminal 41A, electrical conduction between the movable terminal 41A and the
second electric wire L2. The second function is a function to serve as a fulcrum portion for that
the movable terminal 41A is turned. Also in this embodiment, the terminal component disclosed
in the above Document 1 is not needed (i.e., the number of components is reduced). The terminal
frame 62H can also therefore reduce manufacturing cost.
25 [0125] Furthermore, each recess 65 has the valley-shape as described above. The recess 65 can
37
be therefore easily formed, and the movable terminal 41A can be more smoothly pivoted with
making the contact point P1 serve as a fulcrum. The terminal frame 62H can accordingly
enhance the reliability relating to contact/separation operation of the movable contact 410 with
respect to the fixed contact 420. In particular, each recess 65 is recessed like the arc shape as
described above. The movable terminal 41A can be therefore more smoothly 5 pivoted, compared
with a case where each recess 65 is recessed like a V-shape, for example.
[0126] Here as shown in FIG. 16A, the first wall 63A is configured such that while the recesses
65 are provided for the external surface 631, an internal surface 630 is flat. Thus, insertion of the
second electric wire L2 into the space SP1 is hardly hindered. On the other hand, as shown in
10 FIG. 16B, the first wall 63A may include a hill part 66 that is gently protruded from the internal
surface 630 in a direction of coming closer to the space SP1 so as to correspond to the recess 65,
when viewed along the axis direction A1. The hill part 66 is defined to be protruded from the
internal surface 630 with a protrusion amount smaller than a recessed amount of the recess 65
from the external surface 631 such that insertion of the second electric wire L2 into the space
15 SP1 is not hindered by the hill part 66. In other words, when the recess 65 is formed by pressing
with the punch, the hill part 66 may be also formed in accordance with the recess 65. However,
in this embodiment, the protrusion amount of the hill part 66 is defined to be smaller than the
recessed amount of the recess 65. Therefore, the recess 65 can be more easily formed, compared
with a case where the recess 65 is formed by e.g., cutting, and further the insertion of the second
20 electric wire L2 into the space SP1 can be suppressed from being hindered by the hill part 66.
[0127] In the example of FIG. 15, the terminal frame 62H includes the two recesses 65, but the
number of the recesses 65 is especially not limited. The number of the recesses 65 may be one,
three or more.
[0128] FIG. 17A shows a terminal frame 62I of a variation (First Variation) according to the
25 Second Embodiment. The supporting part U1 of the terminal frame 62I includes a single recess
38
65. In this case, the recess 65 of the terminal frame 62I is extended from a left end of an external
surface 631 to a right end thereof at a center in the upward/downward direction, when viewed
from the front of the external surface 631. The terminal frame 62I is also different from the
terminal frame 62H in that a pilot hole 622 is not provided. The recess 65 of the terminal frame
62I is recessed like an arc shape, when viewed along an axis direction A1, 5 similarly to the recess
65 of the terminal frame 62H. Also in the terminal frame 62I, the movable terminal 41A can be
more smoothly pivoted.
[0129] FIG. 17B shows a terminal frame 62J of a variation (Second Variation) according to the
Second Embodiment. The supporting part U1 of the terminal frame 62J includes a single recess
10 65. In this case, when viewed from the front of an external surface 631, the recess 65 of the
terminal frame 62J is disposed at a center in the upward/downward direction, and extended from
one to the other, of two pilot holes 622, so as to connect between the two pilot holes 622
respectively located near right and left sides. The recess 65 of the terminal frame 62J is recessed
like an arc shape, when viewed along an axis direction A1, similarly to the recess 65 of the
15 terminal frame 62H. Also in the terminal frame 62J, the movable terminal 41A can be more
smoothly pivoted. The interval between the pared projection pieces 411E of the movable
terminal 41A is defined such that they are not fitted into the two pilot holes 622.
[0130] FIG. 17C shows a terminal frame 62K of a variation (Third Variation) according to the
Second Embodiment. The supporting part U1 of the terminal frame 62K includes two recesses
20 65, similarly to the terminal frame 62H. In this case, when viewed from the front of an external
surface 631, the two recesses 65 of the terminal frame 62K are respectively located at a center in
the upward/downward direction on right and left sides of a pilot hole 622. A left-side recess 65 of
the two recesses 65 is extended from a left end of the external surface 631 to a left edge of the
pilot hole 622. Also a right-side recess 65 of the two recesses 65 is extended from a right end of
25 the external surface 631 to a right edge of the pilot hole 622. The two recesses 65 of the terminal
39
frame 62K are recessed like an arc shape, when viewed along an axis direction A1, similarly to
the recess 65 of the terminal frame 62H. Also in the terminal frame 62K, the movable terminal
41A can be more smoothly pivoted.
[0131] Instead of the movable terminal 41A, a movable terminal 41B may be used for the
terminal frame 62K, as shown in FIG. 18. The movable terminal 41B 5 includes a terminal piece
411 that is configured by a strip-plate shaped member subjected to bending appropriately. In
particular, the terminal piece 411 includes a plate part 411F shaped like a rectangle, which is in
contact with a contact point P1 in each recess 65 of the terminal frame 62K. The plate part 411F
is disposed such that its thickness direction is directed to substantially the upward/downward
10 direction. The plate part 411F is in contact at a first end T1 thereof in the forward/backward
direction with the contact point P1 in each recess 65. The plate part 411F has a second end T2 on
an opposite side thereof from the first end T1. The second end T2 is fitted into a receiving part
521 that is located at an end of an operating finger 52B (plunger). The receiving part 521 is
recessed toward a direction of separating from the plate part 411F. The receiving part 521 has an
15 opening with an inclined surface 412 to expand toward the side of the movable terminal 41B, so
that, when the end of the operating finger 52B (plunger) swings in the upward/downward
direction, the receiving part 521 allows the movable terminal 41B to pivot via the second end T2.
[0132] Here the supporting part U1 of the First Embodiment includes one or more protrusions
64, while the supporting part U1 of the Second Embodiment includes one or more recesses 65.
20 However, the supporting part U1 may include both of one or more protrusions 64 and one or
more recesses 65. That is, for example, both of the protrusions 64 and the recesses 65 are
provided for the external surface 631. In this case, it is possible to change about which of the
protrusion 64 and the recess 65 should be applied as the contact point P1 in accordance with a
type of movable terminal 41 to be used.
25 [0133]
40
(4) Resume
As apparent from the foregoing description, a terminal frame (62, 62A to 62K)
according to a first aspect has electrical conductivity. The terminal frame (62, 62A to 62K)
includes a frame body (63) with a tubular shape and a supporting part (U1). The frame body (63)
includes a first wall (63A) and a second wall (63B) that face each other. 5 The frame body (63) is
configured such that an electric wire (second electric wire L2) as a connection target is inserted
into a space (SP1) surrounded by the first wall (63A) and the second wall (63B), and configured
to be electrically connected with the electric wire inserted. The supporting part (U1) is provided
at an external surface (631) of the first wall (63A). The external surface (631) is on an opposite
10 side of the first wall (63A) from an internal surface (630) of the first wall (63A). The internal
surface (630) faces the second wall (63B). The supporting part (U1) includes at least one of: a
protrusion (64) protruded in a direction of separating from the space (SP1); and a recess (65)
recessed in a direction of coming closer to the space (SP1). The frame body (63) and the
supporting part (U1) are integrally formed of a same single member. The supporting part (U1) is
15 configured to be in contact with a mover (movable terminal 41, 41A, 41B) having a movable
contact (410), which is movable with respect to a fixed contact (420), to be electrically
connected to the mover. The supporting part (U1) is further configured to support the mover
pivotably while making a contact point (P1) with the mover serve as a fulcrum. According to the
first aspect, the terminal component disclosed in the above Document 1 is not needed (i.e., the
20 number of components is reduced). The terminal frame (62, 62A to 62K) can therefore reduce
manufacturing cost.
[0134] In the terminal frame (62, 62A to 62K) according to a second aspect, which may be
implemented in conjunction with the first aspect, the frame body (63) has a threaded hole (621)
that penetrates toward the space (SP1). The threaded hole (621) is configured such that a
25 terminal screw (screw 61) is screwed thereinto. According to the second aspect, stably electrical
41
contact with the electric wire (second electric wire L2) can be achieved in accordance with that
the terminal screw (screw 61) is screwed (fastened).
[0135] In the terminal frame (62, 62A to 62K) according to a third aspect, which may be
implemented in conjunction with the second aspect, the threaded hole (621) is provided in the
second wall (63B). The electric wire (second electric wire L2) 5 is held between a tip of the
terminal screw (screw 61) and the internal surface (630). According to the third aspect, more
stably electrical contact with the electric wire (second electric wire L2) can be achieved. In
particular, a distance between the electric wire and the protrusion (64) being in contact with the
mover (movable terminal 41, 41A, 41B) can further decrease, compared with a case where the
10 electric wire is held between an internal surface of a wall (e.g., third wall 63C or fourth wall
63D) other than the first wall (63A) and the tip of the screw. Conduction reliability can be
therefore enhanced.
[0136] In the terminal frame (62, 62B, 62D to 62G) according to a fourth aspect, which may be
implemented in conjunction with any one of the first to third aspects, the supporting part (U1)
15 includes the protrusion (64). The protrusion (64) has a chevron-shape such that, when viewed
along an axis direction (A1) of the frame body (63) with the tubular shape, its protrusion amount
from the external surface (631) decreases toward both sides of the protrusion (64) from an apex
(P3) of the chevron-shape, where the protrusion amount is the maximum. According to the fourth
aspect, the protrusion (64) can be made as a dowel. The protrusion (64) can be therefore more
20 easily made, compared with a case where the protrusion (64) is made by cutting and raising a
part of the frame body (63), for example. Furthermore, the mover (movable terminal 41) can be
more smoothly pivoted (swung) with making the contact point (P1) serve as a fulcrum.
Reliability relating to contact/separation of the movable contact (410) with respect to the fixed
contact (420) can be accordingly enhanced.
25 [0137] In the terminal frame (62, 62A, 62F, 62G) according to a fifth aspect, which may be
42
implemented in conjunction with any one of the first to fourth aspects, the supporting part (U1)
includes a plurality of the protrusions (64). The plurality of the protrusions (64) are arranged on
the external surface (631) along an axis direction (A1) of the frame body (63) with the tubular
shape, when viewed from a front of the external surface (631). According to the fifth aspect, the
balance as the fulcrum portion can be further improved compared with a 5 case where a single
protrusion (64) is provided.
[0138] In the terminal frame (62, 62B, 62F, 62G) according to a sixth aspect, which may be
implemented in conjunction with any one of the first to fifth aspects, the supporting part (U1)
includes the protrusion (64). The protrusion (64) has a strip-shape raised at a center thereof in a
10 direction orthogonal to an axis direction (A1) of the frame body (63) with the tubular shape,
when viewed from a front of the external surface (631). According to the sixth aspect, the contact
reliability with the mover (movable terminal 41) can be enhanced. Furthermore, the frame body
(63) can be suppressed from deforming in a direction orthogonal to the axis direction (A1). That
is, the protrusion (64) also serves as reinforcing ribs.
15 [0139] In the terminal frame (62, 62B) according to a seventh aspect, which may be
implemented in conjunction with any one of the first to sixth aspects, the supporting part (U1)
includes the protrusion (64). The internal surface (630) includes: a first region (R1) that is flat;
and a second region (R2) that is recessed to be set further back than the first region (R1) in a
direction of separating from the space (SP1). The second region (R2) is located on a rear side of
20 the protrusion (64) provided on the external surface (631). According to the seventh aspect, the
frame body (63) can press electric wire (second electric wire L2) on the flat first region (R1)
even if the protrusion (64) is formed as a dowel.
[0140] In the terminal frame (62H to 62K) according to an eighth aspect, which may be
implemented in conjunction with any one of the first to seventh aspects, the supporting part (U1)
25 includes the recess (65). The recess (65) has a valley-shape such that, when viewed along an axis
43
direction (A1) of the frame body (63) with the tubular shape, its recessed amount from the
external surface (631) decreases toward both sides of the recess (65) from an apex (P4) of the
valley-shape, where the recessed amount is the maximum. According to the eighth aspect, the
recess (65) can be more easily made. Furthermore, the mover (movable terminal 41A, 41B) can
be more smoothly pivoted (swung) with making the contact point (P1) 5 serve as a fulcrum.
Reliability relating to contact/separation of the movable contact (410) with respect to the fixed
contact (420) can be accordingly enhanced.
[0141] In the terminal frame (62H, 62K) according to a ninth aspect, which may be
implemented in conjunction with any one of the first to eighth aspects, the supporting part (U1)
10 includes a plurality of the recesses (65). The plurality of the recesses (65) are arranged in the
external surface (631) along an axis direction (A1) of the frame body (63) with the tubular shape,
when viewed from a front of the external surface (631). According to the ninth aspect, the
balance as the fulcrum portion can be further improved compared with a case where a single
recess (65) is provided.
15 [0142] In the terminal frame (62H to 62K) according to a tenth aspect, which may be
implemented in conjunction with any one of the first to ninth aspects, the supporting part (U1)
includes the recess (65). The recess (65) has a groove shape long along an axis direction (A1) of
the frame body (63) with the tubular shape, and hollowed at a center thereof in a direction
orthogonal to the axis direction (A1), when viewed from a front of the external surface (631).
20 According to the tenth aspect, the contact reliability with the mover (movable terminal 41A,
41B) can be enhanced.
[0143] In the terminal frame (62H to 62K) according to an eleventh aspect, which may be
implemented in conjunction with any one of the first to tenth aspects, the supporting part (U1)
includes the recess (65). The recess (65) is recessed like an arc shape, when viewed along an axis
25 direction (A1) of the frame body (63) with the tubular shape. According to the eleventh aspect,
44
the mover (movable terminal 41A, 41B) can be more smoothly pivoted (swung) with making the
contact point (P1) serve as a fulcrum.
[0144] In the terminal frame (62H to 62K) according to a twelfth aspect, which may be
implemented in conjunction with any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the supporting part
(U1) includes the recess (65). The internal surface (630) of the first wall 5 (63A) is flat. According
to the twelfth aspect, insertion of the electric wire (second electric wire L2) into the space (SP1)
is hardly hindered.
[0145] In the terminal frame (62H to 62K) according to a thirteenth aspect, which may be
implemented in conjunction with any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the supporting part
10 (U1) includes the recess (65). The first wall (63A) includes a hill part (66) that is protruded from
the internal surface (630) in a direction of coming closer to the space (SP1) so as to correspond
to the recess (65), when viewed along an axis direction (A1) of the frame body (63) with the
tubular shape. The hill part (66) is protruded from the internal surface (630) with a protrusion
amount smaller than a recessed amount of the recess (65) from the external surface (631) such
15 that insertion of the electric wire (second electric wire L2) into the space (SP1) is not hindered
by the hill part (66). According to the thirteenth aspect, the recess (65) can be more easily formed,
and further the insertion of the electric wire (second electric wire L2) into the space (SP1) can be
suppressed from being hindered.
[0146] A switch device (1) according to a fourteenth aspect includes: the terminal frame (62,
20 62A to 62K) of any one of the first to thirteenth aspects; a terminal screw (screw 61); a contact
part (4); and an operation part (5). The terminal screw (screw 61) holds the electric wire (second
electric wire L2) inserted in the space (SP1) between the terminal frame (62, 62A to 62K) and
the terminal screw (screw 61). The contact part (4) includes the fixed contact (420) and the
mover (movable terminal 41, 41A, 41B). The operation part (5) receives an operation to switch
25 between an opened state and a closed state of a contact of the contact part (4). According to the
45
fourteenth aspect, it is possible to provide the switch device (1) with the terminal frame (62, 62A
to 62K), which can reduce manufacturing cost.
[0147] In the switch device (1) according to a fifteenth aspect, which may be implemented in
conjunction with the fourteenth aspect, the frame body (63) has a threaded hole (621) that
penetrates the second wall (63B) toward the space (SP1). The threaded 5 hole (621) is configured
such the terminal screw (screw 61) is screwed thereinto. The electric wire (second electric wire
L2) is held between a tip of the terminal screw (screw 61) and the internal surface (630). The
mover (movable terminal 41, 41A, 41B) is configured to be pivotable with making the contact
point (P1) serve as a fulcrum, in accordance with the operation received by the operation part (5),
10 between: a first location where the movable contact (410) is in contact with the fixed contact
(420); and a second location where the movable contact (410) is separated from the fixed contact
(420). According to the fifteenth aspect, it is possible to provide the switch device (1) with the
terminal frame (62, 62A to 62K), which can reduce manufacturing cost.
[0148] Since the configurations of the second to thirteenth aspects are not essential for the
terminal frame (62, 62A to 62K), any of the configurations may be appropriately omitted.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0149]
1 Switch device
4 Contact part
41, 41A, 41B Movable terminal (Mover)
410 Movable contact
420 Fixed contact
Operation part
61 Screw (Terminal screw)

62, 62A to 62K Terminal frame
621 Threaded hole
63 Frame body
63A First wall
5 630 Internal surface
631 External surface
63B Second wall
64 Protrusion
65 Recess
66 Hill part
A1 Axis direction
L2 Second electric wire (Electric wire)
P1 Contact point
P3 Apex
15 P4 Apex
R1 First region
R2 Second region
SP1 Space
U1 Supporting part

I/We Claim:
1. A terminal frame (62, 62A to 62K) having electrical conductivity, and comprising:
a frame body (63) with a tubular shape, including a first wall (63A) and a second wall
(63B) that face each other, the frame body (63) being configured such that 5 an electric wire (L2)
as a connection target is inserted into a space (SP1) surrounded by the first wall (63A) and the
second wall (63B), and the frame body (63) being configured to be electrically connected with
the electric wire (L2) inserted; and
a supporting part (U1) provided at an external surface (631) of the first wall (63A), the
external surface (631) being on an opposite side of the first wall (63A) from an internal surface
(630) of the first wall (63A), the internal surface (630) facing the second wall (63B),
the supporting part (U1) including at least one of:
a protrusion (64) protruded in a direction of separating from the space (SP1);
and
a recess (65) recessed in a direction of coming closer to the space (SP1),
the frame body (63) and the supporting part (U1) being integrally formed of a same
single member, and
the supporting part (U1) being configured to be in contact with a mover (41, 41A, 41B)
having a movable contact (410), which is movable with respect to a fixed contact (420), to be
electrically connected to the mover (41, 41A, 41B), and the supporting part (U1) being further
configured to support the mover (41, 41A, 41B) pivotably while making a contact point (P1)
with the mover (41, 41A, 41B) serve as a fulcrum.
2. The terminal frame (62, 62A to 62K) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame body
(63) has a threaded hole (621) that penetrates toward the space (SP1), the threaded hole (621)

being configured such that a terminal screw (61) is screwed thereinto.
3. The terminal frame (62, 62A to 62K) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the threaded hole
(621) is provided in the second wall (63B), and
the electric wire (L2) is held between a tip of the terminal screw 5 (61) and the internal
surface (630).
4. The terminal frame (62, 62B, 62D to 62G) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3,
wherein the supporting part (U1) includes the protrusion (64), and
the protrusion (64) has a chevron-shape such that, when viewed along an axis direction
(A1) of the frame body (63) with the tubular shape, its protrusion amount from the external
surface (631) decreases toward both sides of the protrusion (64) from an apex (P3) of the
chevron-shape, where the protrusion amount is maximum.
5. The terminal frame (62, 62A, 62F, 62G) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
the supporting part (U1) includes a plurality of the protrusions (64), and
the plurality of the protrusions (64) are arranged on the external surface (631) along an
axis direction (A1) of the frame body (63) with the tubular shape, when viewed from a front of
the external surface (631).

6. The terminal frame (62, 62B, 62F, 62G) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein
the supporting part (U1) includes the protrusion (64), and
the protrusion (64) has a strip-shape raised at a center thereof in a direction orthogonal
to an axis direction (A1) of the frame body (63) with the tubular shape, when viewed from a
front of the external surface (631).

7. The terminal frame (62, 62B) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the
supporting part (U1) includes the protrusion (64),
the internal surface (630) includes:
a first region 5 (R1) that is flat; and
a second region (R2) that is recessed to be set further back than the first region
(R1) in a direction of separating from the space (SP1), and
the second region (R2) is located on a rear side of the protrusion (64) provided on the
external surface (631).

8. The terminal frame (62H to 62K) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the
supporting part (U1) includes the recess (65), and
the recess (65) has a valley-shape such that, when viewed along an axis direction (A1)
of the frame body (63) with the tubular shape, its recessed amount from the external surface
(631) decreases toward both sides of the recess (65) from an apex (P4) of the valley-shape,
where the recessed amount is maximum.
9. The terminal frame (62H, 62K) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the
supporting part (U1) includes a plurality of the recesses (65), and
the plurality of the recesses (65) are arranged in the external surface (631) along an axis
direction (A1) of the frame body (63) with the tubular shape, when viewed from a front of the
external surface (631).
10. The terminal frame (62H to 62K) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the
supporting part (U1) includes the recess (65), and
the recess (65) has a groove shape long along an axis direction (A1) of the frame body
(63) with the tubular shape, and hollowed at a center thereof in a direction orthogonal to the axis
direction (A1), when viewed from a front of the external surface (631).
11. The terminal frame (62H to 62K) as claimed in any one of claims 5 1 to 10, wherein the
supporting part (U1) includes the recess (65), and
the recess (65) is recessed like an arc shape, when viewed along an axis direction (A1)
of the frame body (63) with the tubular shape.
12. The terminal frame (62H to 62K) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the
supporting part (U1) includes the recess (65), and
the internal surface (630) of the first wall (63A) is flat.
13. The terminal frame (62H to 62K) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the
supporting part (U1) includes the recess (65),
the first wall (63A) includes a hill part (66) that is protruded from the internal surface
(630) in a direction of coming closer to the space (SP1) so as to correspond to the recess (65),
when viewed along an axis direction (A1) of the frame body (63) with the tubular shape, and
the hill part (66) is protruded from the internal surface (630) with a protrusion amount
smaller than a recessed amount of the recess (65) from the external surface (631) such that
insertion of the electric wire (L2) into the space (SP1) is not hindered by the hill part (66).
14. A switch device (1), comprising:
the terminal frame (62, 62A to 62K) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13;
a terminal screw (61) for holding the electric wire (L2) inserted in the space (SP1)

between the terminal frame (62, 62A to 62K) and the terminal screw (61);
a contact part (4) including the fixed contact (420) and the mover (41, 41A, 41B); and
an operation part (5) for receiving an operation to switch between an opened state and a
closed state of a contact of the contact part (4).

15. The switch device (1) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the frame body (63) has a
threaded hole (621) that penetrates the second wall (63B) toward the space (SP1), the threaded
hole (621) being configured such the terminal screw (61) is screwed thereinto,
the electric wire (L2) is held between a tip of the terminal screw (61) and the internal
surface (630), and
the mover (41, 41A, 41B) is configured to be pivotable with making the contact point
(P1) serve as a fulcrum, in accordance with the operation received by the operation part (5),
between: a first location where the movable contact (410) is in contact with the fixed contact
(420); and a second location where the movable contact (410) is separated from the fixed contact