A return mechanism is achieved which requires only a small force for operation. In one aspect of the present invention, a return mechanism (10) includes: a first spring (1) that acts between an operating section (11) and a working section (12); and a second spring (2) that acts between the operating section (11) and a base (13). A direction in which the second spring acts when the operating section (11) is in a first position is not parallel to a direction in which the second spring (2) acts when the operating section (11) is in a second position. A component which, of a force of the second spring, acts in a direction of motion of the operating section (11) is smaller when the operating section (11) is in the second position than in the first position.