JP7751366B2 - Contact-sensitive switch, contact-sensitive switch device, and detection unit - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to contact-sensitive switches, contact-sensitive switch devices, and detection units, and more particularly to improvements to their structures.

Long contact-sensing switches (edge switches) designed to detect human contact or collision are now in practical use. Edge switches generally consist of upper and lower electrodes spaced apart and facing each other, and an outer casing that covers them. When a contact load or collision load acts on the casing, the upper and lower electrodes come into contact, thereby detecting contact or collision with the edge switch (see Figures 1 and 2 of Utility Model Registration No. 3131872).

Such edge switches are linear switches, and when several edge switches are connected together and crossed, the absence of upper and lower electrodes at the connecting points creates non-detection areas where detection is not possible. ISO 13856-2 (Pressure-Sensing Protective Devices (Edge)) also excludes such connecting areas from the standard, and does not specify standards or specific structures for connecting areas. Furthermore, even for edge switches alone, due to their structure, non-detection areas exist at the longitudinal ends, making it difficult to detect loads acting on the ends of the edge switches.

The present invention was made in consideration of these conventional circumstances, and the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a contact detection switch and detection unit that are capable of detecting a load acting on an end. The present invention also aims to provide a contact detection switch device that can detect a load on a connecting portion when contact detection switches are connected.

This invention relates to a contact-sensing switch for detecting contact, and includes a switch body extending longitudinally, an operating part with one end positioned beyond the end of the switch body and the other end positioned overlapping the switch body, and a cover that covers the end of the switch body from above, extends from the end to one end of the operating part, and has an abutment that can abut against one end of the operating part.

According to the present invention, a load acting on the end of the switch is transmitted from the cover to one end of the operating part via the cover's abutment, and then acts on the switch body from the other end of the operating part that overlaps the switch body. This makes it possible to detect a load acting on the end of the switch. As a result, even if there is a non-detection part at the end of the switch, it is possible to detect a load acting on the non-detection part, making it possible to construct a contact-sensing switch without a non-detection part.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, one end of the operating unit is positioned beyond the end of the switch body, and the cover extends from the end of the switch body to the position of one end of the operating unit. Therefore, a load acting at a position beyond the end of the switch body acts on one end of the operating unit from the cover via the abutment portion of the cover, and then acts on the switch body from the other end of the operating unit that overlaps with the switch body. This makes it possible to detect a load acting at a position beyond the end of the switch body, and therefore, when multiple contact-detecting switches are connected, it is possible to detect a load on the connecting portion that exceeds the end of the switch body.

This invention relates to a contact-sensing switch for detecting contact, and includes a switch body extending longitudinally; an operator that is vertically swingable around a fulcrum, with one end located beyond the end of the switch body and the other end located below the switch body; and a cover that covers the end of the switch body from above, extends from the end to one end of the operator, and has an abutment that can abut against one end of the operator.

According to this invention, a load acting on the end of the switch is transmitted from the cover to one end of the operator via the cover's abutment. The operator then swings up and down around the fulcrum, and the load acts on the switch body from its other end, which is located below the switch body. This makes it possible to detect the load acting on the end of the switch. As a result, even if there is a non-detection portion at the end of the switch, it is possible to detect the load acting on the non-detection portion, making it possible to construct a contact-sensing switch without a non-detection portion.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, one end of the operator is positioned beyond the end of the switch body, and the cover extends from the end of the switch body to the position of one end of the operator. Therefore, a load acting at a position beyond the end of the switch body acts on one end of the operator from the cover via the abutment portion of the cover, and then acts on the switch body from the other end of the operator that has swung up and down. This makes it possible to detect a load acting at a position beyond the end of the switch body, and therefore, when multiple contact-detecting switches are connected, it is possible to detect a load on the connecting portion that extends beyond the end of the switch body.

In this invention, the contact load on the cover at a position corresponding to the end of the switch body or beyond the end is detected by the abutment portion pressing down on one end of the operator, causing the operator to swing around a fulcrum, and acting on the lower part of the switch body from the other end of the operator.

In the present invention, the distance between one end of the operator and the fulcrum is substantially equal to the distance between the other end of the operator and the fulcrum. This causes a load substantially equal to the load acting on one end of the operator to be generated at the other end of the operator, making it possible to detect a load substantially equal to a load acting at the end of the switch or at a position beyond the end.

In this invention, one end of the operating element is bifurcated into a pair of branched ends, and the abutment portion of the cover is arranged so that it can abut against each branched end.

This invention further includes a base that holds the switch body, and the cover is immovable upward but movable downward relative to the base. Because the cover is movable downward relative to the base, downward movement of the cover is permitted when a downward load acts on the cover, and the abutment of the cover presses against the operating unit or operator. Furthermore, because the cover is immovable upward relative to the base, the cover can restrict upward displacement of the switch body when an upward load acts on the switch body from the operating unit or operator, allowing the load acting on the cover to be transmitted to the switch body via the operating unit or operator without loss.

In the present invention, the cover has vertical clearance with respect to the underside of the base.

In the present invention, the cover has a restricting portion that restricts the upward movement of the switch body at a position corresponding to the other end of the operating portion or the operating element .

The present invention relates to a contact-detecting switch device for detecting contact, comprising first and second contact-detecting switches arranged in a row and crossing each other. Each of the first and second contact-detecting switches comprises a switch body extending longitudinally, a base that holds the switch body and extends longitudinally beyond the end of the switch body, an operating unit with one end located beyond the end of the switch body and the other end located overlapping the switch body, and a cover attached to the base, covering the end of the switch body from above and extending from the end to one end of the operating unit, and having an abutment that can abut against the one end of the operating unit. The device further comprises a connecting base for connecting the bases, with the bases being connected to each other and integrally connected by the connecting base, and the covers being connected to each other and integrally connected.

The contact detection switch device of the present invention is configured by first and second contact detection switches that are arranged in a crossing relationship, with the bases of each contact detection switch connected by a connecting base and the covers connected to each other. A load acting on the connecting portion of each contact detection switch acts on one end of the operating part from the cover via the abutment of the cover, and then acts on the switch body from the other end of the operating part that overlaps with the switch body. This makes it possible to detect the load acting on the connecting portion of each contact detection switch.

The detection unit for a contact-sensitive switch according to the present invention comprises a base that extends longitudinally beyond the end of the switch, an operating unit with one end located beyond the end of the switch and the other end located overlapping the switch, and a cover attached to the base that covers the end of the switch from above, extends from the end to one end of the operating unit, and has an abutment that can abut against the one end of the operating unit.

According to the present invention, a load acting on the end of the switch is transmitted from the cover to one end of the operating part via the cover's abutment, and then acts on the switch from the other end of the operating part that overlaps the switch. This makes it possible to detect a load acting on the end of the switch, so even if there is an undetectable part at the end of the switch, it is possible to detect a load acting on the undetectable part.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, one end of the operating unit is positioned beyond the end of the switch, and the cover extends from the end of the switch to the position of one end of the operating unit. Therefore, a load acting at a position beyond the end of the switch acts on one end of the operating unit from the cover via the abutment portion of the cover, and then acts on the switch from the other end of the operating unit that overlaps with the switch. This makes it possible to detect a load acting at a position beyond the end of the switch, so when multiple contact-sensitive switches are connected, it becomes possible to detect a load on the connecting portion that extends beyond the end of each switch.

In the present invention, the base is composed of first and second base portions that are connected and intersect with each other and each extend in the longitudinal direction, and the cover is composed of first and second cover portions that are connected and intersect with each other and each extend in the longitudinal direction and correspond to the first and second base portions, respectively.

As described above, according to the present invention, a load acting on the switch body or the end of the switch acts on one end of the operating part or operator through the cover, via the abutment part of the cover, and then acts on the switch body or switch from the other end of the operating part or operator. This makes it possible to detect a load acting on the switch body or the end of the switch, so even if there is an undetectable part on the switch body or the end of the switch, it is possible to detect a load acting on the undetectable part.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, one end of the operating portion or operator is positioned beyond the end of the switch body or switch, and the cover extends from the end of the switch body or switch to the position of one end of the operating portion or operator. Therefore, a load acting at a position beyond the end of the switch body or switch acts on one end of the operating portion or operator from the cover via the abutment portion of the cover, and then acts on the switch body or switch from the other end of the operating portion or operator. This makes it possible to detect a load acting at a position beyond the end of the switch body, so when multiple contact-sensitive switches are connected, it becomes possible to detect a load on the connecting portion that extends beyond the end of the switch body.

1 is an overall perspective view of a contact-detection switch device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of the contact-detection switch device (FIG. 1). FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the contact-sensitive switch device (FIG. 2). FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the contact-sensitive switch device (FIG. 2) with the connecting cover removed. The contact detection type switch device (FIG. 2) is shown with the connecting cover and the switch body removed. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the contact-detecting switch device (FIG. 2), showing the components other than the switch body, namely, the connecting cover, the operating element, the base, and the connecting base. FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial plan view of the contact-detecting switch device (FIG. 5), showing the positional relationship between the operator, connecting cover, switch body, base, and connecting base. FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the contact-sensitive switch device (FIG. 7), showing one of the operators and the base. FIG. 7 is a rear view of the connecting cover (FIG. 6). FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X of FIG. 7. FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI of FIG. 7. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII of FIG. 7. 1A is a view taken along the arrow XIIIA in FIG. 2, and FIG. 1B is a view taken along the arrow XIIIB in FIG. 8A and 8B are schematic cross-sectional views of the main parts of the edge switch built into the switch body of the contact-detecting switch device (FIG. 7), where (a) shows the state before a load is applied (pre-load state), and (b) shows the state after a load is applied (post-load state). 8A and 8B are cross-sectional views taken along the line XV-XV in FIG. 7, in which (a) shows a state before a load is applied, and (b) shows a state after the load is applied. 15A and 15B are schematic diagrams showing the state before the load is applied, and the states after the load is applied, respectively. 1 shows a contact-sensitive switch according to an embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 7. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an operation unit according to a modified example of the present invention.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
1 to 16 are diagrams illustrating a contact-detection switch device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the contact detection switch device 1 is configured by connecting first and second contact detection switches 2, 3, each extending linearly, so that they intersect with each other (in the illustrated example, they are connected perpendicularly in an L-shape). For the sake of convenience, in the following description, "upper," "lower," "top," and "bottom" refer to directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of each contact detection switch 2, 3 (excluding the lateral direction), regardless of the actual installation orientation of the contact detection switch device 1.

The first contact-detecting switch 2 comprises bases (first base portions) 20, 20J, each extending longitudinally and linearly connected, and a switch body 21 held on each base 20, 20J, extending longitudinally, and having an end 21E at its tip. The base 20J extends beyond the end 21E of the switch body 21. Similarly, the second contact-detecting switch 3 comprises bases (second base portions) 30, 30J, each extending longitudinally and linearly connected, and a switch body 31 held on each base 30, 30J, extending longitudinally, and having an end 31E at its tip. The base 30J extends beyond the end 31E of the switch body 31. As described below, an edge switch for contact detection is built into the switch bodies 21, 31. In this example, the end 21E of the switch body 21 and the end 31E of the switch body 31 are non-detecting portions.

A connecting base CJ is located where the bases 20J, 30J of the first and second contact-sensitive switches 2, 3 intersect. The connecting base CJ has approximately T-shaped engaging portions 4a, 4b that protrude perpendicular to each other. The engaging portions 4a, 4b engage with the respective engaging recesses on the bases 20J, 30J, thereby connecting the bases 20J, 30J together in an approximately L-shape via the connecting base CJ. The end 21E of the switch body 21 and the end 31E of the switch body 31 are connected by a cable CA that extends in an approximately L-shape along the bases 20J, 30J and the connecting base CJ. The cable CA is inserted through the end portions 21E, 31E and connected to the interior of the switch bodies 21, 31.

A connecting cover 4 is attached (detachably in this example) from above each base 20J, 30J and connecting base CJ. The connecting cover 4 is made of, for example, a resin member and is composed of covers 40, 41 that extend longitudinally and are connected perpendicular to each other. Cover (first cover portion) 40 extends toward the connecting base CJ while covering end 21E of the switch body 21 from above. Similarly, cover (second cover portion) 41 extends toward the connecting base CJ while covering end 31E of the switch body 31 from above. The covers 40, 41 are arranged in a roughly L-shape, with their tips interconnected and connected together. Cover 40 corresponds to base 20, 20J, and cover 41 corresponds to base 30, 30J. Covers 40, 41 are thin-walled members with roughly semicircular cross-sectional shapes.

As shown in Figures 5 to 8, an operator 22, 32 is disposed on each base 20J, 30J, respectively. The operator 22 is a roughly Y-shaped plate-like member with a through-hole 22c formed in its longitudinal center. It has an extension 22A extending to one side of the through-hole 22c and a pair of extensions 22B extending in a bifurcated manner to the other side. A pair of protrusions 20Ja protruding upward from the connecting base 20J is inserted into each through-hole 22c of the operator 22. A round pin 25 (Figure 7), made of, for example, resin, is disposed on the base 20J and extends in the lateral direction. The round pin 25 abuts against the longitudinal center of the operator 22. The operator 22 is rotatable up and down around the round pin 25. The tip (one end) 22Ba of each extension portion 22B of the operator 22 is positioned beyond the end 21E of the switch body 21 (see FIG. 4), and the base (other end) 22Aa of the extension portion 22A is positioned so as to vertically overlap the switch body 21 (i.e., below the switch body 21) (see FIG. 7). The base end 22Aa is provided with a pressing portion 22a that can abut and press against the underside of the switch body 21 from below. The pressing portion 22a is formed, for example, by the head of a screw that screws into a screw hole formed in the base end 22Aa. The cover 40 also extends to a position that covers at least the tip 22Ba of the operator 22.

Similarly, the operator 32 is a roughly Y-shaped plate-like member with a through hole 32c formed in its approximate longitudinal center. It has an extension portion 32A extending to one side of the through hole 32c and a pair of extension portions 32B extending in a bifurcated manner to the other side. A pair of protrusions 30Ja erected on the connecting base 30J and protruding upward is inserted into each through hole 32c of the operator 32. A round pin 35 (Figure 7) extending in the short direction of the connecting base 30J is also disposed on the connecting base 30J and abuts against the approximate longitudinal center of the operator 32. The operator 32 is rotatable up and down around the round pin 35 as a fulcrum. The tip (one end) 32Ba of each extension portion 32B of the operator 32 is positioned beyond the end 31E of the switch body 31 (see FIG. 4), and the base (other end) 32Aa of the extension portion 32A is positioned so as to vertically overlap the switch body 31 (i.e., below the switch body 31) (see FIG. 7). The base end 32Aa is provided with a pressing portion 32a that can abut and press against the underside of the switch body 31 from below. The pressing portion 32a is formed, for example, by the head of a screw that screws into a screw hole formed in the base end 32Aa. The cover 41 also extends to a position that covers at least the tip 32Ba of the operator 32.

As shown in Figure 9, on the back side of connecting cover 4, cover 40 is provided with a pair of columnar protrusions (abutment portions) 40a that protrude downward (toward the front of the paper in the figure) from the inner wall surface near the connecting portion with cover 41, and wall-like protrusions (restriction portions) 40b that protrude downward in a wall-like manner from the inner wall surface at the end side. Similarly, on the back side of connecting cover 4, cover 41 is provided with a pair of columnar protrusions (abutment portions) 41a that protrude downward (toward the front of the paper in the figure) from the inner wall surface near the connecting portion with cover 40, and wall-like protrusions (restriction portions) 41b that protrude downward in a wall-like manner from the inner wall surface at the end side.

When the connecting cover 4 is attached to the bases 20J and 30J (see Figure 7), the columnar protrusions 41a of the cover 41 are positioned so that they can abut against the tips (branch ends) 32Ba of the extensions 32B of the actuators 32 while vertically facing each other (see Figures 7, 10 to 12), and the wall-like protrusions 41b of the cover 41 are positioned so that they vertically face the pressing portions 32a of the base ends (other ends) 32Aa of the actuators 32, sandwiching the switch body 31 between them (see Figures 7 and 11). As described below, the wall-like protrusions 41b act to restrict upward movement of the switch body 31 when the switch body 31 is pressed upward by the pressing portions 32a of the base ends 32Aa of the actuators 32 under load.

Similarly, each columnar protrusion 40a of the cover 40 is positioned so that it can abut against the tip (branch end) 22Ba of each extension 22B of the operator 22 while vertically facing it (see FIG. 7), and the wall-like protrusion 40b of the cover 40 is positioned so that it faces the pressing portion 22a of the base end (other end) 22Aa of the operator 22 across the switch body 21 (see FIG. 7). As described below, the wall-like protrusion 40b acts to restrict the upward movement of the switch body 21 when the switch body 21 is pressed upward by the pressing portion 22a of the base end 22Aa of the operator 22 under load.

As shown in FIG. 12, the base 30J has a pair of left and right upright wall portions 30Jb that rise upward at the left and right ends in the short side direction, i.e., the width direction (left-right direction in the figure), and a pair of left and right flange portions 30Jc that protrude outward from the upper end of each upright wall portion 30Jb (see FIGS. 5 and 6). Meanwhile, a pair of left and right flange portions 41c that protrude inward are provided on the left and right lower portions of the cover 41 (see FIG. 9). Each flange portion 41c engages with each flange portion 30Jc of the base 30J from below, thereby attaching the cover 41 to the base 30J. With this configuration, the cover 41 is immovable upward but movable downward relative to the base 30J.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 8, the base 20J has a pair of left and right upright wall portions 20Jb that rise upward at the left and right ends in the short side (i.e., width) direction, and a pair of left and right flange portions 20Jc that protrude outward from the upper ends of each upright wall portion 20Jb (see FIGS. 5 and 6). Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 9, a pair of left and right flange portions 40c that protrude inward are provided on the left and right lower portions of the cover 40. Each flange portion 40c engages with each flange portion 20Jc of the base 20J from below, thereby attaching the cover 40 to the base 20J. With this configuration, the cover 40 is immovable upward but movable downward relative to the base 20J.

13(a) is a view taken along the arrow XIIIA in FIG. 2, and as shown in the figure, the underside of the cover 40 has a lower surface 40d1 that extends substantially parallel to the lower surface _20J1 of the base 20J _with a vertical clearance _e1 between them, and _a tapered lower surface _40d2 that is formed in front of it (to the left in the figure) and extends while diagonally intersecting the lower surface _20J1 of the base 20J. A tapered clearance _e2 (> _e1 ) that gradually increases toward the front is formed between the lower surface 40d2 of the cover ₄₀ and the lower surface 20J1 of the base 20J. By forming such clearances _e1 and _e2 , when a contact load acts on the cover 40 from above, the entire cover 40 can be displaced so as to sink downward. The clearance _e2 is maximized at the front end (left end in the figure) of the cover 40 because when a contact load acts on the front end of the cover 40 from above, the downward displacement at the front end is maximized.

13(b) is a view taken along the arrow XIIIB in FIG. 2, and as shown in the figure, the underside of the cover 41 has a lower surface 41d1 that extends substantially parallel to the lower surface 30J1 of the base _30J with a vertical clearance _{f1 therebetween} , and a tapered lower surface _41d2 that is formed in front of (to the right in the figure) the lower surface _41d1 and extends while intersecting obliquely with the lower surface 30J1 of the base 30J. A tapered clearance _f2 (> _f1 ) that gradually increases toward the front is formed between the lower surface _41d2 of the cover ₄₁ and the lower surface 30J1 of the base 30J. By forming such clearances _f1 and _f2 , when a contact load acts on the cover 41 from above, the entire cover 41 can be displaced so as to sink downward. The clearance _f2 is maximized at the front end (right end in the figure) of the cover 41 because, when a contact load acts on the front end of the cover 41 from above, the downward displacement at the front end is maximized.

Figure 14 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the configuration of the main components of the edge switch provided inside the switch body 21, 31. The edge switch SW is a component extending vertically, i.e., longitudinally, and has multiple electrode pairs E spaced apart along the longitudinal direction. Each electrode pair E consists of an upper electrode E1 and a lower electrode E2 arranged opposite each other. The upper and lower electrodes E1, E2 are both strip-shaped electrodes, and the figure shows a longitudinal cross section of each electrode E1, E2. The electrode pair E is covered with a flexible soft resin Co. An elastic protrusion Pr is integrally formed on the soft resin Co above the upper electrode E1, protruding upward. The elastic protrusion Pr is a bead-shaped portion extending in a ridge-like manner perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. Although not shown, a protective structure is provided around the soft resin Co, covering it with a hard resin outer sheath. Also, Figure (a) shows the unloaded state in which no load is acting on the elastic protrusion Pr, and Figure (b) shows the loaded state in which a load F is acting on the elastic protrusion Pr.

As shown in Figure 14(b), when a load F acts on the elastic protrusion Pr, the soft resin Co on the elastic protrusion Pr side elastically deforms downward, causing the upper electrode E1 to contact the lower electrode E2 and turning on the detection circuit. On the other hand, in the unloaded state, as shown in Figure 14(a), the upper and lower electrodes E1 and E2 are not in contact, a gap g is formed between the two electrodes, and the detection circuit is off. It is preferable that the upper electrode E1 have an upwardly convex curved shape in the unloaded state; in this case, when the load is removed after being applied, the upper electrode E1 returns to its original upwardly convex curved shape due to the elastic repulsive force generated during elastic deformation.

Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. FIG.
In each figure, only the second contact detection switch 3 side of the contact detection switch device 1 is shown, but the same is true for the first contact detection switch 2 side, and so here we will only explain the operation of the second contact detection switch 3 side. Note that Fig. 16 is a diagram that schematically shows Fig. 15.

When no contact load is acting on the contact detection switch device 1, i.e., before any load is applied to the cover 41, as shown in Figures 15(a) and 16(a), the tip 32Ba of the operator 32 abuts against the columnar protrusion 41a of the cover 41 from below. At this time, the pressing portion 32a of the base end 32Aa of the operator 32 does not apply a pressing force to the underside of the switch body 31. In other words, no load is acting on the switch body 31.

The operation when a contact load is applied to the contact detection switch device 1 from this state will be described with reference to FIG. 15(b) and FIGS. 16(b) and 16(c).
16(b), when a load P is applied to the position of the columnar protrusion 41a of the cover 41, the columnar protrusion 41a is displaced downward as the cover 41 is displaced downward, and the tip (one end) 32Ba of the operator 32 is pressed down and rotates (swings) downward around the fulcrum 35. Then, the base end (other end) 32Aa of the operator 32 rotates (swings) upward around the fulcrum 35, and the pressing portion 32a of the base end 32Aa applies a pressing force P' to the underside (lower part) of the switch body 31 (see FIG. 15(b)). The action of this pressing force P' contacts and turns on the electrodes of the edge switch inside the switch body 31, thereby detecting a contact load and enabling contact with the contact-sensitive switch device 1 to be detected.

In this case, if the fulcrum 35 is located in the center between the tip 32Ba and base 32Aa of the operator 32, i.e., if the distance between the tip 32Ba of the operator 32 and the fulcrum 35 is substantially equal to the distance between the base 32Aa of the operator 32 and the fulcrum 35, a load P' (= P) substantially equal to the load P acting on the tip 32Ba will act on the switch body 31 from the pressing portion 32a of the base 32Aa. In this case, a load substantially equal to the contact load can be detected.

On the other hand, if the fulcrum 35 is not located in the center between the tip 32Ba and base 32Aa of the operator 32, i.e., if the distance between the tip 32Ba of the operator 32 and the fulcrum 35 is not equal to the distance between the base 32Aa of the operator 32 and the fulcrum 35, then, for example, if the fulcrum 35 is located close to the base 32Aa, the detection load P' will be larger than the contact load P, and the contact-sensitive switch device 1 will react sensitively even to small contact loads. Conversely, if the fulcrum 35 is located close to the tip 32Ba, the detection load P' will be smaller than the contact load P, resulting in a contact-sensitive switch device 1 that is less sensitive to small contact loads.

16(c), when a load P acts on an intermediate position (e.g., the center position) between the columnar protrusion 41a and the wall-like protrusion 41b of the cover 41, the entire cover 41 is displaced downward, and a load _P1 acts from the columnar protrusion 41a on the tip (one end) 32Ba of the operating element 32, and a load _P2 acts from the wall-like protrusion 41b on the switch body 31. At this time, _P1 + _P2 = P (and _P1 = _P2 ). At this time, the lower surface of the switch body 31 is supported from below by the pressing portion 32a of the base end (other end) 32Aa of the operating element 32, and the reaction force of the pressing portion 32a is _P2 (= _P1 ). The action of the load _P2 causes the electrodes of the edge switch inside the switch body 31 to come into contact and turn on, thereby detecting the contact load and detecting contact with the contact-sensitive switch device 1.

When a pressing force P' is applied to the underside of the switch body 31 (see Figure 16(b)), the switch body 31 attempts to move upward. However, at this time, the wall-like protrusion 41b abuts against the upper surface of the switch body 31 at a position vertically opposite the pressing portion 32a, restricting the upward movement of the switch body 31. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, the flange portions 41c at the bottom end of the cover 41 engage with the flange portions 30Jc of the base 30J from below, preventing the cover 41 from moving upward relative to the base 30J. As a result, when pressing force P' is applied, the switch body 31 does not move upward, and the load acting on the contact-sensitive switch device 1 can be transmitted to the switch body 31 without loss, thereby improving load detection accuracy.

In the examples shown in Figures 16(b) and (c), the contact load P acts at a position corresponding to a position beyond the end 31E of the switch body 31. However, even if the contact load P acts on the cover 41 at a position corresponding to the end 31E, it can still be detected by the switch body 31 via the columnar protrusion 41a of the cover 41, the operator 32, and the pressing portion 32a. This makes it possible to detect contact with the end 31E even if the end 31E is a non-detection portion, thereby making it possible to construct a contact-sensing switch device without a non-detection portion.

In addition, in the examples shown in Figures 16(b) and (c), the contact load P acts on the area between the columnar protrusion 41a and the wall-like protrusion 41b of the cover 41. However, in the case of the connecting cover 4 shown in Figure 9, even if a contact load acts on the area between the columnar protrusion 41a and the columnar protrusion 40a, i.e., on the corner portion connecting the cover 41 and the cover 40, it can still be detected by the switch main body 31 via the columnar protrusion 41a, the operator 32, and the pressing portion 32a of the cover 41. Note that in this case, it can also be detected by the switch main body 21 via the columnar protrusion 40a, the operator 22, and the pressing portion 22a of the cover 40.

Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating a contact-sensitive switch according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, the same reference numerals as in Figures 1 to 16 (particularly Figure 7) indicate the same or corresponding parts.

The contact detection switch device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 16 shows an example in which the first and second contact detection switches 2, 3 are connected to each other, but Figure 17 shows an example in which only the second contact detection switch 3 is used alone. Note that the same applies when only the first contact detection switch 2 is used alone, so only the second contact detection switch 3 will be described here.

As shown in FIG. 17 , this contact detection switch 1A has a structure equivalent to the second contact detection switch 3 described above. It includes a base 30J connected to the base 30, a switch body 31 held by the base 30, an operator 32 supported on the base 30J around a round pin 35 so as to be swingable in the vertical direction (perpendicular to the plane of the drawing), and a cover 41 that extends to a position that covers the end 31E of the switch body 31 from above and also covers the tip (one end) 32Ba of the operator 32. The tip 32Ba of the operator 32 is located beyond the end 31E of the switch body 31, and the base (other end) 32Aa is located in a position that vertically overlaps the switch body 31 (i.e., below the switch body 31). The base end 32Aa is provided with a pressing portion 32a that can abut and press against the underside of the switch body 31 from below.

In this contact detection switch 1A, the contact load on the cover 41 can be detected by the switch body 31 via the columnar protrusion 41a, the operator 32, and the pressing portion 32a, not only when the load acts on the columnar protrusion 41a of the cover 41, but also when the load acts on the area between the columnar protrusion 41a and the end 31E of the switch body 31.

Even in this case, when a pressing force acts on the underside of the switch body 31, the wall-like protrusion 41b of the cover 41 restricts the upward movement of the switch body 31, so the load acting on the contact detection switch 1A can be transmitted to the switch body 31 without loss, improving load detection accuracy.

Even in this case, when a contact load acts on a position corresponding to end 31E of switch body 31, it can be detected by switch body 31 via columnar protrusion 41a of cover 41, operator 32, and pressing portion 32a. Therefore, even if the end is a non-detection area, contact with the end can be detected. As a result, a contact-sensing switch without a non-detection area can be constructed.

Furthermore, even in this case, when a contact load acts at a position beyond the columnar protrusion 41a, i.e., at the end of the cover 41 (left end in Figure 17), it can be detected by the switch body 31 via the columnar protrusion 41a of the cover 41, the operator 32, and the pressing portion 32a. This makes it possible to construct a contact-sensitive switch that can detect contact beyond the actual extension area of the switch body 31.

As described above, the contact detection switch 3 (and the same applies to the contact detection switch 2) according to this embodiment is composed of a base 30J connected to the base 30, an operator 32 whose tip 32Ba is positioned beyond the end 31E of the switch body 31 and whose base end 32Aa is positioned so as to overlap with the switch body 31, and a cover 41 attached to the base 30J, which covers the end 31E of the switch body 31 from above, extends from the end 31 to the tip 32Ba of the operator 32, and can come into contact with the tip 32Ba of the operator 32.

Consequently, contact sensitive switch 3 (and similarly contact sensitive switch 2) can be retrofitted to an existing contact sensitive switch as a detection unit for detecting at the end (non-detection portion) of the existing contact sensitive switch or for detecting in an area beyond the end. This makes it possible to construct a contact sensitive switch without a non-detection portion, even if the contact sensitive switch has a non-detection portion, and also to construct a contact sensitive switch whose detection area can be expanded to an area beyond the actual extension area of the switch body.

[Variation 1]
In the contact detection switch device 1 according to the embodiment described above, the first and second contact detection switches 2 and 3 are arranged in series so as to be perpendicular to each other, but the application of the present invention is not limited to this.

The contact-sensitive switches 2, 3 may be arranged adjacent to each other at an acute angle (e.g., 30° or 45°), an obtuse angle (e.g., 135°), or a 180° angle. In the above-described embodiment, the contact-sensitive switches 2, 3 are arranged perpendicular to each other, so the engaging portions 4a, 4b of the connecting base 4 connecting the joint bases 20J, 30J are perpendicular to each other (see Figure 3). However, if the contact-sensitive switches 2, 3 intersect at an acute angle or an obtuse angle, the intersecting angle of the engaging portions 4a, 4b of the connecting base 4 is also set based on the intersecting angle. An angle-adjusting mechanism may also be employed that can change the intersecting angle within a range of, for example, 30° to 330°. Such an angle-adjusting mechanism can be realized, for example, by providing the engaging portions 4a, 4b of the connecting base CJ independently and circumferentially movable relative to the connecting base CJ, rather than providing them integrally with the connecting base CJ.

[Variation 2]
In the contact-detecting switch device 1 according to the embodiment described above, the operating elements 22, 32 that can swing up and down around a fulcrum are used as the operating portion, but the application of the present invention is not limited to this.

Figure 18 shows an example of a mechanism using a rack and pinion as the operating unit. The mechanism shown in Figure 18(a) has racks 100, 101 arranged at a distance from each other and pinions 110, 111 that mesh with them, respectively. The pinions 110, 111 are connected by a pinion shaft 112. The pinions 110, 111 are located on the front side of the corresponding racks 100, 101, and each rack 100, 101 has rack teeth formed on the front side of the page. On the other hand, the mechanism shown in Figure 18(b) has the same components as Figure 18(a), but differs from Figure 18(a) in that the pinion 111 is located on the back side of the page. Rack 100 has rack teeth formed on the front side of the page, while rack 101 has rack teeth formed on the back side of the page.

In these mechanisms, the rack 100 corresponds to the columnar protrusion 41a of the cover 41 in the above embodiment, the pinions 110, 111 and pinion shaft 112 correspond to the operator 32 in the above embodiment, and the rack 101 corresponds to the wall-like protrusion 41b of the cover 41 in the above embodiment (see Figure 16), and the racks 100 and 101 are connected to the cover 41.

In the example shown in Figure 18(a), when a contact load P acts on the cover 41, the columnar protrusion 41a of the cover 41 presses the rack 100 downward. This causes the pinion 110, which meshes with the rack 100, to rotate, and in response, the pinion 111 rotates in the same direction via the pinion shaft 112. This presses the rack 101, which meshes with the pinion 111, downward. As a result, the rack 101 presses against the top surface of the switch body 31 with the load P, allowing the switch body 31 to detect the load.

On the other hand, in the example shown in Figure 1(b), when a contact load P acts on the cover 41, the rack 100 is similarly pressed downward by the columnar protrusion 41a of the cover 41. This causes the pinion 110, which meshes with the rack 100, to rotate, and in response, the pinion 111 rotates in the same direction via the pinion shaft 112. This causes the rack 101, which meshes with the pinion 111, to be pressed upward. As a result, the rack 101 presses against the underside of the switch body 31 with the load P, allowing the switch body 31 to detect the load.

[Variation 3]
In the contact-detection switch device according to the above embodiment, an edge switch is used as the switch body, but the application of the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of an edge switch, a tape switch that is not covered with a jacket may be used, or a pressure-sensitive sensor using a piezoelectric element or a strain gauge may be used. Also, a switch having a structure in which many mechanical switches that can be operated with a small force are arranged in the longitudinal direction may be used. Alternatively, a capacitance sensor or a magnetic sensor may be used.

[Other Modifications]
The above-described embodiments and modifications are to be considered in all respects as merely illustrative of the present invention, and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to devise various modifications and other embodiments that incorporate the principles of the present invention, even if not expressly described herein, without departing from the spirit and essential characteristics of the present invention, when taking into account the teachings set forth above.

[Application example]
The contact detection switch, contact detection switch device, and detection unit according to the present invention are applicable to doors for opening and closing machine tools such as NC (Numerically Controlled) lathes, NC milling machines, machining centers, etc. The present invention is also applicable to doors for factory facilities, vehicles, buildings, windows, shutters, etc.

The present invention is useful for contact-sensitive switches, contact-sensitive switch devices, and detection units.

1: Contact-sensing switch device

1A: Contact detection switch

2: First contact detection switch 20, 20J: Base (first base portion)
21: Switch body 21E: End 22: Operator (operating part)
22Ba: Tip (one end)
22Aa: Base end (other end)
25: Round pin (fulcrum)

3: Second contact detection switch 30, 30J: Base (second base portion)
31: Switch body 31E: End 32: Operator (operating part)
32Ba: Tip (one end)
32Aa: Base end (other end)
35: Round pin (fulcrum)

4: Connecting cover (cover)
40: Cover (first cover part)
40b: Wall-like contact part (contact part)
41: Cover (second cover part)
41a: columnar protrusion (contact portion)
41b: Wall-shaped overhanging part (regulating part)

CJ: Consolidated basis

Utility Model Registration No. 3131872 (see Figures 1 and 2)

Claims (11)

A contact-sensitive switch for detecting contact,
a switch body extending in a longitudinal direction;
an operating portion having one end disposed beyond an end of the switch body and the other end disposed in a position overlapping the switch body;
a cover that covers the end of the switch body from above, extends from the end to the one end of the operating part, and has an abutment that can abut against the one end of the operating part;
A contact-sensitive switch equipped with A contact-sensitive switch for detecting contact,
a switch body extending in a longitudinal direction;
an operator that is provided so as to be swingable in the up and down direction around a fulcrum, one end of which is disposed beyond an end of the switch body and the other end of which is disposed below the switch body;
a cover that covers the end of the switch body from above, extends from the end to the one end of the operator, and has an abutment portion that can abut against the one end of the operator;
A contact-sensitive switch equipped with In claim 2,
The contact load on the cover at a position corresponding to the end of the switch body or beyond the end is detected by the abutting portion pressing down the one end of the operator to swing the operator around the fulcrum, and acting on the lower part of the switch body from the other end of the operator.
A contact detection switch characterized by: In claim 2,
a distance between the one end of the manipulator and the fulcrum is substantially equal to a distance between the other end of the manipulator and the fulcrum;
A contact detection switch characterized by: In claim 2,
The one end of the operating element has a pair of branched ends that are bifurcated, and the abutment portion of the cover is provided so as to be able to abut against each of the branched ends.
A contact detection switch characterized by: In claim 1 or 2,
The switch further includes a base for holding the switch body, and the cover is provided on the base so as to be immovable upward but movable downward.
A contact detection switch characterized by: In claim 6,
The cover has a clearance in the vertical direction with respect to the lower surface of the base.
A contact detection switch characterized by: In claim 1 or 2 ,
The cover has a restricting portion at a position corresponding to the other end that restricts upward movement of the switch body.
A contact detection switch characterized by: A contact-sensitive switch device for detecting contact,
The device includes first and second contact detection switches arranged in series and crossing each other,
The first and second contact-sensitive switches each include:
a switch body extending in a longitudinal direction;
a base that holds the switch body and extends longitudinally beyond an end of the switch body;
an operating portion having one end disposed beyond the end of the switch body and the other end disposed in a position overlapping the switch body;
a cover that is provided on the base, covers the end of the switch body from above, extends from the end to the one end of the operating part, and has an abutment that can abut against the one end of the operating part;
The device further includes a connecting base for connecting the bases, and the bases are connected to each other and integrally connected by the connecting base, and the covers are connected to each other and integrally connected by the connecting base.
A contact detection type switch device characterized by: A detection unit of a contact-sensitive switch,
a base extending longitudinally beyond an end of the switch;
an operating portion having one end disposed beyond the end of the switch and the other end disposed in a position overlapping the switch;
a cover provided on the base, covering the end of the switch from above and extending from the end to the one end of the operating unit, and having an abutment portion that can abut against the one end of the operating unit;
A detection unit comprising: In claim 10,
The base is composed of first and second base portions that are arranged adjacent to each other while crossing each other and each extend in the longitudinal direction, and the cover is composed of first and second cover portions that are arranged adjacent to each other while crossing each other and each extend in the longitudinal direction and correspond to the first and second base portions, respectively.
A detection unit characterized by: