Composite switch

Abstract

A composite switch comprises a first fixed contact unit and a second fixed contact unit which are disposed on the surface of a substrate in such a manner as to be symmetrical about a reference line which is perpendicular to the surface of the substrate, a first rotating contact unit which contacts with the first fixed contact unit or the second fixed contact unit, and a second rotating contact unit which contacts with the second fixed contact unit or the first fixed contact unit. Both rotating contact units are respectively held by a rotating member which rotates on an axis along the reference line. A first facing contact leg is electrically connected to the first rotating contact unit and a second facing contact leg is electrically connected to the second rotating contact unit, wherein the two facing contact legs are disposed in such a manner as to face each other across the reference line. A central movable contact member is movable along the reference line into a state of electrical connection with the first and the second facing contact legs or a state of electrical disconnection from the first and the second contact legs. One or two operating shafts are provided for rotating the rotating member and moving the central movable contact member along the reference line. The above structure enables simultaneous switching operations on two independent circuits, and also enables the short-circuiting of two switching structures in the composite switch for a switching operation on one circuit.