JP4930766B2 - Safety switch - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a safety switch that is attached to a peripheral wall surface of an industrial machine or the like, for example, and stops power supply to the industrial machine or the like when the protective door is opened.

  Conventionally, in order to prevent troubles such as an operator being involved in a machine's protective door and getting injured, prevent the machine from being driven when the protective door is not completely closed. For example, a safety switch as disclosed in Patent Document 1 is provided.

  This type of safety switch is electrically connected to an industrial machine such as a robot, and is composed of a switch body and an actuator. The switch body is fixed to the peripheral wall of the protective door, and the actuator is a protective door. It is fixed to. The fixed position of the actuator at that time is set so as to face the actuator entrance of the switch body and to enter the head case at the upper part of the switch body when the protective door is closed.

  When the actuator enters, the switch built in the switch part below the head case (operation part) of the switch body is switched to the closed state, and power is supplied to the industrial machine so that the machine can be driven. On the other hand, when the actuator retracts due to the opening of the protective door and comes out of the head case, the built-in switch is switched to open and the power supply to the machine is cut off.

  By the way, a drive cam is provided at the center of the operation unit to open and close the contacts by moving the operation rod of the switch unit located below the operation unit. The drive cam is rotatably supported with its rotating shaft pivotally supported on the inner surface of the case member in the operation section. In a state where the actuator does not enter the operation portion, the operation rod is pressed toward the switch portion by the drive cam, and power supply to the industrial machine is interrupted. On the other hand, when the dedicated actuator enters the operation section, the connecting piece of the actuator presses the drive cam, the drive cam is rotated, and as a result, the operation rod moves to the drive cam side, and power is supplied to the industrial machine. Done.

JP-A-10-69831 ([0005], [0015], FIG. 1)

  By the way, in the conventional safety switch, measures are taken to prevent the operator from invalidating the safety switch and driving the industrial machine, such as by short-circuiting the switch built in the switch unit. Yes. For example, in the safety switch described above, after wiring is made to the contact terminal of the switch in the switch part, the switch part is completely sealed by attaching a cover using a screw that can be tightened only by a special tool. .

  In this way, since the switch cover cannot be removed without using a special tool, the operator changes the wiring state of the switch in the switch part in a dangerous state so that the industrial machine can be driven. Can be prevented. However, as a result, when a sudden design change occurs in the industrial equipment or when it is necessary to replace parts during inspection or maintenance of the industrial equipment, the maintenance inspector will check the wiring status of the switch in the switch section. There was a problem that it could not be changed easily.

  In addition, in the safety switch described above, in order to prevent the displacement of the mounting position of the safety switch, two or more mounting holes for mounting are provided in the switch body, and the switch body is installed at the mounting location using screws or the like. It is arranged. For this reason, two or more holes must be provided at the location for positioning the switch body, which causes a problem that the work of arranging the switch body becomes complicated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a safety switch capable of reliably maintaining the safety of an operator despite being able to easily cope with a design change or the like of an industrial facility. For the purpose.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a safety switch according to the present invention includes an operation unit having an entrance through which an actuator advances and retreats, and a switch that opens and closes when the actuator enters and retracts from the entrance. It was made and a switch unit, safety said switch is a can be opened and closed only by retraction after the advance inlet and said operation portion to said operation portion of the actuator from the outside is incorporated in inoperable In the switch, the switch includes an attachment portion that is attached to the switch fixing member between the operation portion and the switch portion, and in the attached state, the operation portion is exposed to the front side of the switch fixing member, and switch unit is hidden behind the side of the switch fixing member are being arranged to touch from the front side (Claim 1).

  In the invention thus configured, the safety switch has the operation portion exposed to the front side of the switch fixing member and the switch portion for fixing the switch when the mounting portion is attached to the switch fixing member. It arrange | positions so that it may be hidden behind a member. Therefore, from the front side of the switch fixing member on which the operator works, the switch part is hidden behind the switch fixing member and cannot be easily touched. Even if the parts are not completely sealed with special parts, it is possible to reliably prevent the operator from changing the wiring of the switch part and invalidating the safety switch. It is possible to reliably prevent the machine from being driven.

  In addition, it is possible to prevent the safety switch from being invalidated without completely sealing the switch part as in the prior art. Immediately before installation at the place, the wiring state of the switch in the switch unit can be easily changed at the work site according to the design change. Therefore, the safety switch can be attached to the switch fixing member after the wiring state of the safety switch is changed according to the design change of the industrial equipment. That is, the switch part can be protected by the switch fixing member by attaching the safety switch to the switch fixing member without using a special structure for the switch part to protect the switch part of the safety switch. Therefore, the safety of the operator can be reliably maintained in a state where the safety switch is attached to the switch fixing member, although the design change of the industrial equipment can be easily handled.

  By the way, it is usually necessary to periodically inspect and maintain industrial equipment in order to ensure the safety of workers and prevent the breakdown of industrial machines. Inspection and maintenance of such industrial equipment are often performed by specialized maintenance inspectors rather than workers, and when it becomes necessary to replace parts of the safety switch during inspection or maintenance of industrial equipment, such maintenance is performed. The inspector was replacing parts. However, with conventional safety switches, the switch is sealed with a special structure to prevent the operator from disabling the safety switch, so maintenance inspections are necessary when parts need to be replaced. There is a problem that a person cannot easily replace parts. Therefore, there has been a demand for a technique that can reliably maintain the safety of the worker and can easily perform maintenance inspection by a maintenance inspector.

  However, in the present invention, as described above, it is not necessary to seal the switch unit using a special structure. Therefore, in the inspection or maintenance of industrial equipment, replacement of the switch unit parts or change of the wiring state of the switch unit, etc. When it is necessary to perform the maintenance, the maintenance inspector can easily replace the switch part of the safety switch or change the wiring state from the back side of the switch fixing member performing the maintenance inspection work. Therefore, the safety switch can be reliably maintained with the safety switch attached to the switch fixing member, and the maintenance checker can easily perform maintenance inspection of the safety switch. You can play at the same time.

  Moreover, since the switch part is arranged so as to be hidden behind the switch fixing member, the wiring to the switch part of the safety switch can be hidden behind the switch fixing member, so that the safety switch can be connected to industrial equipment. The appearance at the time of arrangement | positioning can be improved. In addition, the material of the switch fixing member is arbitrarily selected and used as a material having high breaking strength, so that the switch part is arranged so as to be hidden behind the switch fixing member. Even if a special and expensive member is not used for the protection member (cover) of the switch part, the switch part can be appropriately protected. Therefore, the cost of the safety switch can be reduced.

  Further, the attachment portion is formed of a cylindrical body that connects the operation portion and the switch portion, and the cylindrical body is inserted into a circular hole that is pierced through the switch fixing member and is fixed by the fixing member. A configuration may be used (claim 2). With such a configuration, the cylindrical body is inserted through the circular hole formed in the switch fixing member and fixed by the fixing member, and the safety switch is attached to the switch fixing member. The safety switch can be easily attached to the switch fixing member simply by providing a single circular hole.

  In addition, since the cylindrical body is inserted through the circular hole formed in the switch fixing member, even when a strong force is applied when the actuator enters the operation unit from the lateral direction, Since the cylinder of the safety switch is fixed in contact with the inner peripheral surface of a circular hole formed in the switch fixing member, the advance input of the actuator when the actuator enters the entrance of the operation unit is circular. Since it is dispersed on the inner peripheral surface of the hole, the displacement of the cylindrical body is prevented. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the displacement from the mounting position of the safety switch.

  Also, the safety switch can be firmly attached to the switch fixing member simply by inserting the cylindrical body of the safety switch through the circular hole formed in the switch fixing member and fixing it with the fixing member. Therefore, a plurality of fixing screws or the like are not required unlike the conventional safety switch, and the number of parts can be simplified. In addition, it is not necessary to install a mounting hole in the safety switch for mounting the safety switch, and it is necessary to take waterproof measures to prevent water and dust from entering the switch part from the mounting hole. Therefore, the configuration of the safety switch can be simplified.

  Further, the mounting hole for mounting the safety switch to be laid through the switch fixing member may be any shape depending on the shape of the mounting portion of the safety switch, such as a polygonal shape. By configuring the mounting hole in a circular shape, the following operational effects can be achieved. That is, it is easier to process the circular hole as the mounting hole than the through hole in the polygonal shape, and the safety switch is inserted into the circular hole through the cylindrical body as the mounting part of the safety switch. By attaching, the safety switch can be rotated 360 ° at any angle with the center axis of the cylinder as the center of rotation, and the direction of the entrance provided in the operation part of the safety switch Arbitrary arrangement can be made even in the direction.

  In addition, for example, when the switch fixing member is a panel-shaped member, the shape of the mounting hole for mounting the safety switch is a circular shape rather than a polygonal shape. Since the strength balance is good, even if the actuator suddenly enters the operation part of the safety switch with a strong force, the effect of the circular holes being the mounting holes is that the members constituting the panel around the circular holes are less likely to be distorted. Can be played.

  A male screw is formed on an outer periphery of the cylindrical body, and the fixing member is a pair of position adjusting nuts that are screwed to the male screw from both sides of the switch fixing member. A configuration may be employed in which the amount of protrusion of the operation portion to the front side of the switch fixing member is adjusted by adjusting the attachment position (claim 3). With this configuration, the safety switch cylinder is secured to the front side of the switch fixing member by fixing the cylindrical body of the safety switch to the switch fixing member with a position adjusting nut with the switch fixing member interposed therebetween. The amount of protrusion from which the protrusion protrudes can be easily adjusted. Therefore, it is possible to easily adjust the positional relationship between the actuator and the entrance provided in the operation unit into which the actuator enters.

  The operation unit and the switch unit may be formed so as to be separable and united, and the attachment unit may be integrated with either the operation unit or the switch unit (Claim 4). With such a configuration, since the operation part and the switch part of the safety switch are formed so as to be separable and combined, the internal configuration such as the number of switches in the switch part, the size of the switch part, etc. The safety switch can be easily configured according to the purpose of use by arbitrarily changing the length to configure the switch unit and coupling the switch unit to the operation unit. Therefore, for example, when a design change is made in order to expand or refurbish industrial equipment, the operation unit used heretofore is used, and only the switch unit is changed to a configuration suitable for the contents of the design change. It is possible to easily cope with design changes. On the other hand, the safety switch configuration can be changed flexibly with changes in the design of industrial equipment, such as changing only the operation unit using the conventional switch unit, which wastes the safety switch. It can be prevented from being discarded and the cost can be reduced.

  Further, the switch fixing member may be formed in a casing shape, and the attachment portion may be attached to at least one surface thereof (Claim 5). With such a configuration, it has been difficult to centrally arrange known emergency stop switches, key switches, and safety switches due to the structure of the safety switch, but the mounting part of the safety switch is formed in a casing shape. By attaching to at least one surface of the switch fixing member thus formed, these switches can be arranged together in close proximity. As described above, the degree of freedom of the installation location of the safety switch is increased, so that the above-described switches can be collectively disposed in the same housing. The surface to which the safety switch is attached may be any surface of the housing and may be attached to an appropriate surface according to the design of the industrial equipment. In addition, a plurality of safety switches may be attached to one housing, and a plurality of safety switches may be attached to a plurality of surfaces.

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the switch portion is hidden from the back side of the switch fixing member and cannot be touched from the front side of the switch fixing member on which the operator works. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the operator from disabling the safety switch by changing the wiring of the switch part without completely sealing the switch part with special parts like the conventional safety switch. can do. Therefore, it is not necessary to completely seal the switch part using special parts, so the wiring state of the safety switch can be easily changed according to the design change of industrial equipment, and the safety switch is attached to the switch fixing member. In this state, the switch portion can be protected by the switch fixing member, so that the safety of the operator can be reliably maintained despite the fact that it is possible to easily cope with the design change of the industrial equipment.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the cylindrical body is inserted into the circular hole formed in the switch fixing member and fixed by the fixing member, the safety switch is attached to the switch fixing member. The safety switch can be easily attached to the switch fixing member simply by providing one circular hole in the switch fixing member.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the safety switch cylindrical body is fixed to the switch fixing member with the position adjusting nut with the switch fixing member interposed therebetween, thereby moving the switch fixing member to the front side. Since the protrusion amount by which the operation part of the safety switch protrudes can be easily adjusted, the positional relationship between the actuator and the entrance provided in the operation part into which the actuator enters can be easily adjusted.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, since the operation part and the switch part of the safety switch are formed so as to be separable and combined, the internal configuration such as the number of switches in the switch part according to the purpose of use. The safety switch can be easily configured according to the purpose of use by configuring the switch unit by arbitrarily changing the size of the switch unit and coupling the switch unit to the operation unit.

  Further, according to the invention described in claim 5, by attaching the mounting portion of the safety switch to at least one surface of the switch fixing member formed in a casing shape, a known emergency stop switch or key switch, Safety switches can be placed together in close proximity.

<First Embodiment>
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of a safety switch, in which FIG. 1A shows a state in which the operation unit and the switch unit are combined, FIG. 1B shows a state in which the operation unit and the switch unit are separated, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an actuator. FIG. 2 is a view showing a method for attaching the safety switch to the switch fixing member, and FIG. 2A is a view showing a state where the operation part and the switch part of the safety switch are separated for attachment to the switch fixing member. (B) is the figure which inserted the cylindrical body integrated with the operation part in the circular hole penetrated by the switch fixing member, (c) was penetrated by the circular hole penetrated by the switch fixing member. The figure which fixed the cylindrical body with the fixing member, (d) is a figure which shows the state which the switch part united with the operation part fixed to the member for switch fixation. FIG. 3 is a view in which the safety switch shown in FIG. 1 is attached to the case.

  The internal configuration and operation of the safety switch according to the present invention are substantially the same as the internal configuration and operation of various conventional safety switches. Therefore, in the following, differences from the conventional safety switch will be mainly described in detail, and the internal configuration and operation of the safety switch will be described with reference to an example of the internal configuration and operation of a typical safety switch. The detailed description will be omitted. The safety switch described in detail below is an example of various safety switches to which the present invention can be applied, and the types and number of normally open / normally closed switches included in the safety switch are as required. What is necessary is just to set. Furthermore, in the following safety switches, the configuration in which the operating rod moves upward / downward as the actuator enters / retreats is described as an example. However, the operating rod moves down / upward as the actuator enters / retreats. The structure which moves may be sufficient and the shape of a drive cam is not restricted to what is demonstrated below. In addition, the safety switch according to the present invention may be configured to have a lock function for preventing the actuator in the ingress state from being pulled out, and a lock function for preventing foreign objects other than the regular actuator from entering.

  The safety switch in the present invention is a switch that is electrically connected to an external device such as an industrial machine such as a robot via a cable, and includes a switch body 1 and an actuator 3.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 1, the switch body 1 includes an operation unit 5 and a switch unit 7, and is fixed to a wall surface of a protective door peripheral edge of an industrial machine (not shown). Further, the actuator 3 is fixed to the protective door, and the position thereof is a position facing one of the actuator entrances 9a and 9b formed on the side surface and the upper surface of the operation portion 5, and the protection door is closed. At this time, the actuator enters the actuator entrances 9a and 9b of the operation unit 5. As shown in FIG. 1C, the actuator 3 includes a U-shaped base portion 3a and a connecting piece 3b integrally formed by bridging both sides near the tip of the base portion 3a. .

  The operation unit 5 has a cylindrical body 51 (corresponding to the “mounting part” of the present invention), and the switch unit 7 has a cylindrical body 71 having a slightly larger diameter than the cylinder body 51. Are respectively formed integrally, and the operation portion 5 and the switch portion 7 are formed so as to be separable and combined via a cylindrical body 51 and a coupled body 71.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1B, a plurality of concave grooves 51 a having vertical grooves 51 a 1 and horizontal grooves 51 a 2 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lower part of the cylindrical body 51. The same number of convex portions 71a as the concave grooves 51a are formed on the surface so as to be able to fit into the concave grooves 51a. Therefore, the vertical groove 51a1 and the convex part 71a are slid by moving the switch part 7 in the direction of the arrow UP with the positions of the vertical groove 51a1 and the convex part 71a being aligned as shown in FIG. The operation unit 5 and the switch unit 7 are united with each other. Further, by rotating the switch part 7 in the direction of the arrow LK, the lateral groove 51a2 and the convex part 71a are in sliding contact with each other, the concave groove 51a and the convex part 71a are fitted, and the switch part 7 is united with the operation part 5. Fixed.

  When the switch unit 7 is separated from the operation unit 5, the switch unit 7 is rotated in the direction of arrow ULK and then moved in the direction of arrow DW as shown in FIG. The unit 5 and the switch unit 7 are separated. Thus, the operation part 5 and the switch part 7 of the switch body 1 are configured to be separable and combined with one touch. In this embodiment, the procedure for separating and combining the operation unit 5 and the switch unit 7 by moving and rotating the switch unit 7 with the operation unit 5 as a reference has been described. The operation unit 5 and the switch unit 7 may be separated and combined by moving and rotating the unit 5 or both the operation unit 5 and the switch unit 7.

  Further, a male screw portion 52 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the upper portion of the cylindrical body 51 of the operation portion 5 so that a nut 53 (corresponding to the “fixing member” of the present invention) can be screwed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2 (d), the nut 53 is inserted in a state where the cylindrical body 51 is inserted into the circular hole 105 a that is pierced through the case 105 (corresponding to the “switch fixing member” of the present invention). Is screwed to the cylindrical body 51, so that the switch body 1 can be fixed to the case 105. A specific method for attaching the switch body 1 to the case 105 will be described in detail later.

  Next, the configuration and operation of the safety switch will be described. The operation unit 5 disposed in the upper part of the switch body 1 includes a case member and a drive cam (not shown) that is rotatably supported with a rotating shaft pivotally supported on the inner surface of the case member. On the upper outer peripheral surface of the drive cam, an engaging portion into which the connecting piece 3b of the actuator 3 is fitted is formed at a position to be seen through the actuator entrances 9a and 9b. Further, a cam curve portion is formed on the lower outer peripheral surface of the drive cam.

  In addition, an operation rod (not shown) whose tip portion protrudes into the operation portion 5 so that the tip portion can freely move out of the switch portion 7 located below the operation portion 5 so that the hemispherical tip is in sliding contact with the cam curve portion. Is provided. Then, as the driving cam rotates, the tip of the operating rod comes into sliding contact with the large diameter portion and the small diameter portion of the cam curve portion, so that the operating rod enters and retracts into the operating portion 5 to reciprocate, and the switch portion The switching state of the switch of the switch part built in 7 is switched.

  Next, the switch unit 7 will be described. The switch unit 7 is disposed inside the case member and below the operation unit 5, and includes a switch unit having a built-in switch and the above-described operation rod.

  By the way, the switch part includes a switch that opens and closes in conjunction with the reciprocating movement of the operating rod. The switch includes a movable contact and a fixed contact. The movable contact is fixed upward to the operation rod, and the fixed contact is fixed downward to a frame member disposed in the switch unit. Here, the switch is used for supplying power to and shutting off the industrial machine. When the switch is closed, power is supplied to the industrial machine. The operation rod is biased toward the operation unit 5 by a coil spring.

  Here, a cable (not shown) that is electrically connected to the industrial machine is attached to the case member of the switch unit 7, and the cable and the switch are electrically connected inside the switch unit. Yes. Then, power supply to the industrial machine and interruption of the power supply are performed by an electrical signal generated by opening and closing the switch.

  In the state where the actuator 3 has not entered, the operating rod is pressed by the large diameter portion of the drive cam, and most of the portion is sunk in the switch portion 7 side. Due to the movement of the operating rod to the switch unit 7 side, the movable contact is simultaneously pushed away from the fixed contact, the movable contact and fixed contact of the switch are separated, the switch is opened, and the The power supply is cut off and the industrial machine is inoperable.

  Next, when the actuator 3 enters the operation portion 5 by closing the protective door or the like, the connecting piece 3b of the actuator 3 engages with the engaging portion of the drive cam, and the drive cam as the actuator 3 enters. Is rotated by being pressed by the actuator 3. As the drive cam rotates in the direction in which the actuator 3 enters, the tip of the operation rod slides from the large diameter portion of the cam curve portion to the small diameter portion, and the operation rod moves toward the operation portion 5 by the biasing force of the coil spring. Move upward. Further, as the operating rod moves upward, the movable contact contacts the fixed contact, and the switch is changed from the open state to the closed state. Therefore, since the switch is in a closed state, power is supplied to an industrial machine such as a robot connected in series to the switch, so that the industrial machine can be operated.

  On the other hand, when the protective door or the like is opened and the entering actuator 3 is pulled out, the driving cam is pulled out of the actuator 3 until the engagement state between the connecting piece 3b of the actuator 3 and the engaging portion of the driving cam is released. Rotate in the direction. As the drive cam rotates, the operating rod comes into sliding contact from the small diameter portion to the large diameter portion of the cam curve portion of the drive cam. Then, due to the large diameter portion of the cam curve portion, the operation rod is pushed downward toward the switch portion 7, the movable contact is separated from the fixed contact, the switch is opened, and the industrial machine becomes inoperable. .

  Next, a method for attaching the switch body 1 to the case 105 will be described with reference to FIGS. As described above, the case 105 is provided with the circular hole 105a through which the cylindrical body 51 formed integrally with the operation portion can be inserted. The case 105 is configured to seal the internal space by connecting two members with screws, engaging claws or the like. After separating and opening the case 105 thus sealed, as shown in FIG. 2A, the operation unit 5 is placed on the front side of the case 105 in a state where the operation unit 5 and the switch unit 7 are separated. The switch unit 7 and the nut 53 are arranged on the inside (back) side of the case 105.

  Next, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, the cylindrical body 51 of the operation unit 5 is inserted into the circular hole 105 a from the front side of the case 105. Subsequently, a nut 53 is screwed into the male threaded portion 52 of the cylindrical body 51 and the case 105 is interposed between the nut 53 and the operation portion 5 as shown in FIG. Put on the disguised state. The operation unit 5 can be fixed to the case 105 by tightening the nut 53 with respect to the operation unit 5. Further, as shown in FIG. 4D, the switch unit 7 is attached to and combined with the cylindrical body 51 of the operation unit 5 fixed to the case 105, whereby the attachment of the switch body 1 to the case 105 is completed.

  Finally, the separated and opened case 105 is coupled and sealed again with screws, engaging claws or the like, so that the operation unit 5 is exposed to the front side of the case 105 with the switch body 1 attached to the case 105, And the switch part 7 is arrange | positioned so that it may be hidden inside the case 105, ie, a back side.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the switch unit 7 is arranged so as to be hidden from the inside (back) side of the case 105 so that it cannot be easily touched from the front side of the case 105 where the operator performs work. Even if the switch part 7 is not completely sealed using special parts like a conventional safety switch, it is possible to reliably prevent the operator from changing the wiring of the switch part 7 and invalidating the safety switch. Can do. Accordingly, since it is not necessary to completely seal the switch unit 7 using special parts, the wiring state of the safety switch can be easily changed according to the design of the industrial equipment, and the switch body 1 is attached to the case 105. In this state, the switch unit 7 can be protected by the wall surface of the case 105. Therefore, the safety switch can be prevented from being invalidated by protecting the switch portion 7 with the switch body 1 attached to the case 105 in spite of being able to easily cope with a design change of industrial equipment. The safety of the person can be reliably maintained.

  Further, in this embodiment, the cylindrical body 51 is inserted into the circular hole 105 a pierced through the case 105 and fixed by the nut 53, and the switch body 1 is attached to the case 105. The switch body 1 can be easily attached to the case 105 only by making the hole 105a transparent.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, since the operation part 5 and the switch part 7 of the switch body 1 are formed so as to be separable and united, the number of switches in the switch part 7 and the like according to the purpose of use of the safety switch. The switch unit 7 is configured by arbitrarily changing the internal configuration and the size of the switch unit 7, and the switch unit 7 is coupled to the operation unit 5 so that the safety switch can be easily configured according to the purpose of use. Can do. Moreover, two or more switch parts 7 can also be attached to the to-be-coupled body 71 formed in the switch part 7, and a more versatile safety switch can be provided.

  Further, in this embodiment, the switch body 1 can be attached to the case 105 by inserting the cylindrical body 51 into the circular hole 105 a of the case 105. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, a well-known emergency stop switch 102 or key switch 101, which is impossible in the conventional structure of the safety switch, and the switch body 1 are formed in a casing shape in parallel. The switches can be attached to the case 105, and these switches can be arranged together in close proximity.

  Accordingly, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, for example, the switch body 1, the key switch 101, and the emergency stop switch 102 can be attached together with the case 105 on the operation panel. Thus, when various switches are arranged, wiring and the like can be arranged in a compact manner. Note that the surface to which the various switches are attached may be any surface of the case 105, and the various switches may be attached to a plurality of surfaces of the case 105.

  In this embodiment, a cylindrical body as the “mounting portion” of the present invention is integrally formed in the operation portion 5. However, this cylindrical body is formed integrally with the switch portion 7 and is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body. A male screw portion may be formed and a nut may be screwed and attached from the front side of the case 105. In this case, it is only necessary to provide a body to be coupled to the operation unit 5 so that the operation unit 5 and the switch unit 7 can be separated and combined via the cylindrical body. Moreover, you may provide the to-be-joined body the external thread part which can be screwed together with the nut 53. FIG.

<Second Embodiment>
A second embodiment of the safety switch according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the operation unit 50, the cylindrical body 510, and the switch unit 70 are integrally formed, and other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment. Since this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. In addition, about the structure and operation | movement same as 1st Embodiment, the same and equivalent code | symbol are attached | subjected and description of the structure and operation | movement is abbreviate | omitted. Here, the safety switch described in detail below is integrated by fixing at least the operation unit 50 and the switch unit 70 with a fixing tool such as a screw, and can be separated by removing the fixing tool. There may be.

  4A and 4B are front views of the safety switch, in which FIG. 4A shows a state in which the switch body 100 is removed from the case 105, and FIG. 4B shows a state in which the switch body 100 is attached to the case 105. The cylindrical body 510 has a male threaded portion 520 that can be screwed into the nut 53 as in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, both the cylindrical body 510 and the switch unit 70 are formed in a circular shape, and the case 105 has a circular hole (not shown) having a size through which the cylindrical body 510 and the switch unit 70 can be inserted. Is formed.

  In this embodiment, the switch body 100 can be attached to the case 105 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. That is, the nut 53 is removed from the state shown in FIG. 4A, and the switch body 100 is inserted into the circular hole so that the switch unit 70 enters the inside of the case 105 from the front side of the case 105. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 4B, the nut 53 is screwed into the cylindrical body 510 and tightened, whereby the switch body 100 is exposed to the front side of the case 105 and the switch section 70 is exposed. Can be attached so as to be hidden behind (in the back of) the case 105.

  Accordingly, since the switch unit 70 is arranged so as to be hidden from the inside (rear) side of the case 105 from the front side of the case 105 where the operator performs work, the operator changes the wiring of the switch unit 70 to change the safety switch. It is possible to achieve the same effect as in the first embodiment that can be reliably prevented from being invalidated.

  Further, in this embodiment, the terminal 70a for connecting the external wiring (not shown) and the switch inside the switch unit 70 is exposed. However, as described above, the switch unit 70 is connected to the case 105. Since it arrange | positions so that it may be hidden inside, it can prevent reliably that an operator changes wiring arbitrarily.

<Third Embodiment>
A third embodiment of the safety switch according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the third embodiment, the difference from the second embodiment is that a pair of position adjusting nuts 53a for adjusting the amount of protrusion of the operating portion of the switch fixing member to the front side of the cylindrical body 510a. 53b is screwed, and other configurations and operations are the same as those of the second embodiment. Therefore, differences from the second embodiment will be mainly described in detail below. In addition, about the structure and operation | movement same as 1st and 2nd embodiment, the same and equivalent code | symbol are attached | subjected and description of the structure and operation | movement is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 5 is a front view of the safety switch, and FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing different states in which the switch body 200 is attached to the case 105. FIG. In the cylindrical body 510a, a male thread portion 520a is formed so as to be screwable with the nuts 53a and 53b, as in the second embodiment. Similarly to the second embodiment, both the cylindrical body 510a and the switch unit 70 are formed in a circular shape, and the case 105 has a circular hole (a size that allows the cylindrical body 510a and the switch unit 70 to be inserted). (Not shown) is formed.

  In this embodiment, the switch body 200 can be attached to the case 105 in the same manner as in the first and second embodiments. That is, with the nut 53 a removed, the switch body 200 is inserted through the circular hole so that the switch unit 70 enters the inside of the case 105 from the front side of the case 105. After that, as shown in FIG. 5A, the nut 53a is screwed into the cylindrical body 510a and tightened, so that the switch body 200 is exposed to the front side of the case 105 and the switch section 70 is exposed. Can be attached so as to be hidden behind (in the back of) the case 105.

  Accordingly, since the switch unit 70 is hidden from the inside (rear) side of the case 105 and cannot be easily touched from the front side of the case 105 where the operator works, the operator can It is possible to achieve the same effect as the first and second embodiments in which it is possible to reliably prevent the safety switch from being invalidated by changing the wiring.

  Further, in this embodiment, by adjusting the tightening positions of the position adjusting nuts 53a and 53b sandwiching the case 105 and fixing the switch body 200 to the case 105, as shown in FIG. The protrusion amount by which 50 protrudes to the front side of the case 105 can be easily adjusted. Therefore, the positional relationship between the actuator 3 and the entrances 9a and 9b provided in the operation unit 50 into which the actuator 3 enters can be easily adjusted.

  The position adjusting nuts 53a and 53b in the present embodiment are applied to a safety switch in which the operation unit 5 and the switch unit 7 in the first embodiment can be separated and combined, thereby enabling the safety switch in the first embodiment. Alternatively, the amount of protrusion of the operation unit 5 protruding toward the front side of the case 105 may be adjusted.

<Fourth embodiment>
A fourth embodiment of the safety switch according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the fourth embodiment, the difference from the first embodiment is that the switch unit 700 is directly fitted into the operation unit 500 to be separated and combined, and other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment. Since it is the same as that of the first embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described in detail below. In addition, about the structure and operation | movement same as 1st Embodiment, the same and equivalent code | symbol as 1st thru | or 3rd Embodiment are attached | subjected, and description of the structure and operation | movement is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the safety switch. (A1) and (b1) show a state where the operation unit 500 and the switch unit 700 are combined and separated, and (a2) shows a state where the operation unit 500 and the switch unit 700 are separated. The top view which looked at the switch part 700 when it is in the combined state from the operation part 500 from the upper side, (b2) is the switch part 700 when the operation part 500 and the switch part 700 are in a separated state. It is the top view seen from the upper side. As shown in FIG. 5B 1, a cylindrical body 501 (corresponding to the “mounting portion” of the present invention) is integrally formed in the operation portion 500, and the switch portion 700 includes a cylindrical body 501. In addition, a coupled body 701 having a slightly larger diameter is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 6 (b1), a plurality of concave grooves 501a having vertical grooves 501a1 and horizontal grooves 501a2 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 501. The same number of convex portions 701a and 701b as the concave grooves 501a are formed so as to be able to fit into the concave grooves 501a. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2B2, in the state where the operation unit 500 and the switch unit 700 are separated, the convex portions 701a and 701b are overlapped.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6 (b1), the vertical groove 501a1 and the convex portion 701a are moved by moving the switch unit 700 in the direction of the arrow UP in a state where the vertical grooves 501a1 and the convex portions 701a and 701b are aligned. , 701b are in sliding contact with each other, and the operation unit 500 and the switch unit 700 are combined. Further, by rotating the lever 701c of the coupled body 701 in the direction of the arrow LK, as shown in FIG. 2A2, the convex portion 701b rotates, so that the lateral groove 501a2 and the convex portion 701b are in sliding contact. Thus, the concave groove 501a and the convex portions 701a and 701b are fitted, and the switch portion 700 is united with the operation portion 500 and fixed.

  Further, when the switch unit 700 is separated from the operation unit 500, the lever 701c of the coupled body 701 is rotated in the direction of the arrow ULK from the state shown in FIG. By moving in the direction, the operation unit 500 and the switch unit 700 are separated. As described above, the operation unit 500 and the switch unit 700 of the switch main body 400 are configured to be freely separated and combined by moving directly with each other.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the operation unit 500 and the switch unit 700 can be easily separated and combined by operating the lever 701c.

<Fifth Embodiment>
A fifth embodiment of the safety switch according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The fifth embodiment is different from the fourth embodiment in that the operation unit 550 and the switch unit 710 are combined and fixed, and other configurations and operations are the same as those in the fourth embodiment. Therefore, in the following, differences from the fourth embodiment will be mainly described in detail. In addition, about the structure and operation | movement same as 4th Embodiment, the same and equivalent code | symbol as 1st thru | or 4th Embodiment is attached | subjected, and description of the structure and operation | movement is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the safety switch, in which (a1) and (b1) show a state where the operation unit 550 and the switch unit 710 are combined and separated, and (a2) shows that the operation unit 550 and the switch unit 710 are connected. (A1) AA arrow sectional drawing in the state which united, (b2) is (b1) BB arrow sectional drawing when the operation part 550 and the switch part 710 exist in the state which isolate | separated. is there. As shown in FIG. 5B1, the operation portion 550 has a cylindrical cylindrical body 551 (corresponding to the “mounting portion” of the present invention), and the switch portion 710 has a slightly larger diameter than the cylindrical body 551. The coupled bodies 711 are integrally formed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7 (b1), a concave groove 551a is formed in the outer peripheral surface of the lower portion of the cylindrical body 551, and an elastic hook is formed on a part of the coupled body 711 so as to be engageable with the concave groove 551a. A body 711a is formed.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7 (b1), by moving the switch unit 710 in the direction of the arrow UP with the positions of the concave groove 551a and the hook body 711a being aligned, as shown in FIG. 7 (a2). The recessed groove 511a and the hook body 711a are engaged, and the switch unit 710 is united with the operation unit 550 and fixed.

  Further, when the switch unit 710 is separated from the operation unit 550, the tip of the hook body 711a is raised by a driver or the like so that the hook body 711a and the groove 551a in the state shown in FIG. After the release, the operation unit 550 and the switch unit 710 are separated by moving the switch unit 710 in the direction of the arrow DW. As described above, the operation unit 550 and the switch unit 710 of the switch main body 401 are configured to be separable and united by directly moving each other.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the operation unit 550 and the switch unit 710 can be easily separated / combined by the engagement between the hook body 711a and the groove 551a without using a complicated configuration like the lever 701c in FIG. Can do.

<Others>
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made to the above-described one without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the first to third embodiments described above, a cylindrical body is provided as the mounting portion of the present invention. However, as shown in FIGS. 8A1 and 8A2, the operation portion 50a of the switch body 300 is provided. And a flange portion 510b that functions as the “attachment portion” of the present invention may be formed on the periphery of the upper surface portion of the operation portion 50a. With this configuration, the switch main body 300 is inserted into the circular hole formed in the case 105, and the nut 53c is screwed into the male screw portion 520b formed on the outer peripheral surface of the operation portion 50a. The operation unit 50 a can be attached so that the upper surface of the operation unit 50 a is exposed on the front side of the case 105 and the switch unit 70 is hidden on the inside (back) side of the case 105. In addition, the figure (a1) is the top view which looked at the switch main body 300 from the upper side, (a2) is a side view of the switch main body 300.

  Further, by changing the shape of the case 105, the switch body 100 in the second embodiment can be attached as shown in FIGS. 8B1 and 8B2. In addition, the same figure (b1) is the top view which looked at the switch main body 100 from the upper side, (b2) is a side view of the switch main body 100.

  In the first to third embodiments, the switch body is attached to the case 105 by providing a circular hole in the case 105. However, the shape of the attachment hole to be provided is not limited to a circular shape. Any shape may be used as long as it can be attached. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8 (c1) and 8 (c2), a rectangular mounting hole similar to the shape of the operation portion 50 is provided, and the auxiliary frames 54a and 54b are used as the “fixing members” of the present invention. The switch body 100 can be attached to the case 105. At this time, by tightening the nut 53, the switch body 100 is fixed to the case 105 with the flange portion of the auxiliary frame 54a and the upper end portion of the auxiliary frame 54b sandwiching the peripheral edge portion of the mounting hole formed through the case 105. The In addition, the figure (c1) is the top view which looked at the switch main body 100 from the upper side, (b2) is a side view of the switch main body 100.

  In FIG. 8, various operation methods for mounting the switch body have been described using the safety switch in which the operation unit and the switch unit are integrated. However, these operation methods allow the operation unit and the switch unit to be separated and combined. Safety switches can also be used.

  In the first to third embodiments, the switch body is disposed in the case 105 using a nut as the “fixing member” of the present invention. However, the switch body is disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the circular hole 105 a pierced through the case 105. By forming the female screw, the switch body can be attached to the case 105 without using a nut.

  In the above embodiment, the case 105 has been described as an example of the switch fixing member. However, the switch fixing member is not limited to this, and a frame constituting a safety fence disposed around the industrial machine, Or what kind of thing may be sufficient as long as a safety switch can be attached, such as an operation panel. In short, if the safety switch is attached, the operation part is exposed on the front side of the switch fixing member and the switch part can be arranged so as to be hidden behind the switch fixing member. Any thing is acceptable.

  Further, in the fourth embodiment, the switch main body 402 may be configured and used by combining as many switch units 700 as necessary as shown in FIG. In addition, as a kind of switch which the switch part 700 incorporates, any of a normally open switch and a normally closed switch may be sufficient, and the switch part 700 can be combined as many as needed according to industrial equipment. Further, in this example, the actuator 3 is configured to enter and retract into the entrance 9a or 9b of the operation unit 500 so that the switch built in the combined switch unit 700 operates in conjunction with it. . In this way, by configuring the safety switch to be separable and combined, the configuration of the switch unit can be freely configured according to the design of the industrial equipment.

  In the above-described embodiment, the method of using the safety switch by fixing the actuator 3 to the protective door has been described. However, the usage method of the safety switch is not limited to the above-described method, and various methods may be used depending on the purpose of use. Safety switch can be used in the way. Specifically, for example, the actuator 3 can be disposed on the protective door via a rod-like member that operates in conjunction with a chain or a handle of the protective door. Moreover, you may use the actuator 3 as what is called a carrying-in key (safety key) which an operator brings in the working area of an industrial machine.

It is a perspective view of the safety switch in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the attachment method to the member for switch fixation of the safety switch in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which attached the safety switch in 1st Embodiment of this invention to the case. It is a front view of the safety switch in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view of the safety switch in 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the safety switch in 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the safety switch in 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the modification of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the modification of embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1, 100, 200, 300, 400, 401, 402, ... Switch body (safety switch)
3. Actuator (safety switch)
5, 50, 50a, 500, 550 ... operation part 51, 510, 510a, 501, 551 ... cylindrical body (attachment part)
510b ... Flange (mounting part)
53, 53a, 53b, 53c ... nuts (fixing members)
7, 70, 700, 710... Switch part 9a, 9b .. entrance 105. case (switch fixing member)

Claims (5)

An operation unit having an entrance through which the actuator advances and retreats, and a switch unit having a built-in switch that opens and closes when the actuator enters and exits from the entrance, and the switch includes the actuator in the safety switch said later withdrawal only by an external a can be opened and closed from the advance inlet and the operating portion of the operation unit of which is built in inoperable,
Between the operation portion and the switch portion, an attachment portion attached to a switch fixing member is provided, and in the attached state, the operation portion is exposed to the front side of the switch fixing member, and the switch portion is A safety switch, wherein the safety switch is arranged so as to be hidden behind the switch fixing member and not touched from the front side . The mounting portion is composed of a cylindrical body that connects the operation portion and the switch portion,
2. The safety switch according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical body is inserted into a circular hole formed in the switch fixing member and fixed by the fixing member. A male screw is formed on the outer periphery of the cylindrical body,
The fixing member is a pair of position adjusting nuts screwed to the male screw from both sides of the switch fixing member;
3. The safety switch according to claim 2, wherein an amount of protrusion of the operation portion to the front side of the switch fixing member is adjusted by adjusting a tightening position of the nuts. The operation part and the switch part are formed so as to be separable and combined,
The safety switch according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the attachment portion is integrated with one of the operation portion and the switch portion.   The safety switch according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the switch fixing member is formed in a casing shape, and the attachment portion is attached to at least one surface thereof.

Images