EP2148343B1 - Secure validation command switch - Google Patents

Secure validation command switch Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2148343B1
EP2148343B1 EP09166182.7A EP09166182A EP2148343B1 EP 2148343 B1 EP2148343 B1 EP 2148343B1 EP 09166182 A EP09166182 A EP 09166182A EP 2148343 B1 EP2148343 B1 EP 2148343B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
contact
actuator
module
transmission member
housing
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Application number
EP09166182.7A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2148343A1 (en
Inventor
Joël GAUZIN
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Apem
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Apem
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/50—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member
    • H01H13/506—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member with a make-break action in a single operation
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/50—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member
    • H01H13/64—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member wherein the switch has more than two electrically distinguishable positions, e.g. multi-position push-button switches
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
    • H01H3/02—Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch
    • H01H3/022—Emergency operating parts, e.g. for stop-switch in dangerous conditions
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2300/00—Orthogonal indexing scheme relating to electric switches, relays, selectors or emergency protective devices covered by H01H
    • H01H2300/028—Application dead man switch, i.e. power being interrupted by panic reaction of operator, e.g. further pressing down push button

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a contact module and a validation control switch comprising said contact module.
  • the operator uses a control switch in which the machine does not work. only when a pusher is held down.
  • validation control Such a device is called "validation control”.
  • Intervention can be dangerous when the operator is near a moving machine while the protective devices are disabled.
  • control switch must therefore allow that, in a panic situation in which the operator would release his pressure on the pusher, the machine stops.
  • EP 1 387 373 and EP 1 321 952 describe such devices.
  • the general principle of these devices is to provide a pusher consists of two parts indexed relative to each other by two slides arranged so as to slide in a direction perpendicular to the direction of actuation against the solicitation of two springs.
  • Said slides have a slope cooperating with a corresponding slope of one of the parts of the pusher, so as to cause, when a pressure exceeding a predetermined pressure is applied to the pusher, a displacement of the sliders leading to the retraction of the pusher.
  • the sliders are generally made of a plastic material and, especially if said slope has an angle greater than 45 °, are likely to b-bouter lead to a deterioration of the function.
  • this device must possibly be able to be associated with additional safety devices in order to increase the security of the control.
  • the indexing system of the contact carrier comprises two balls connected by an elastic means substantially perpendicular to the direction of actuation.
  • the inner profile of the housing of the actuating element has a bell-shaped lower portion widening from a narrower upper portion, said portions being connected by a shoulder, so that at rest the balls of the indexing system are housed in said shoulder and when excessive pressure is exerted on the actuating element while the contact holder is in abutment with the body, said elastic means contracts, allowing to the contact carrier to slide in the upper portion of said housing.
  • a validation control switch comprising a housing and a key movable in translation on the housing in said direction of actuation, said switch comprising at least one module of contact as described above, arranged in the housing and cooperating with the key so that pressing the key drives the translation member in translation in its actuating direction.
  • the switch advantageously comprises a second contact module identical to the first and arranged in the housing adjacent thereto, which makes it possible to secure the control.
  • a stabilizer bar is preferably arranged under the key so as to ensure a movement parallel to the direction of actuation.
  • the secure enable control switch includes a three-position contact module that meets the requirements of the standard.
  • the three-position contact module will be described in detail below. It mainly comprises a body equipped with two fixed contacts connected to relays for starting the machine.
  • a transmission member movable in translation in the actuating direction of the module, supporting a movable contact.
  • the transmission member has the particularity of being composed of two parts whose connection mode will be described in detail below, which makes it able to contract when excessive pressure is exerted.
  • the transmission member has an axial dimension (that is to say in the direction of actuation) variable.
  • the contact module comprises an elastic means capable of acting on the movable contact to separate it from the fixed contacts when the transmission member is in its contracted state.
  • the transmission member is actuated by means of a push button, which makes it possible to establish the electrical contact by bringing the movable contact into contact with the two fixed contacts.
  • the contact module at rest ("position 1"), is in the open state.
  • the contact is open, the machine is stopped.
  • the transmission member is in its free state, uncontracted, that is to say having a maximum axial dimension.
  • the module When the pusher is exerted on a moderate pressure (arrow P1), the module is in the closed state ("position 2") as long as this pressure is maintained. The contact being closed, the machine is in operation.
  • the validation control switch comprises two identical three-position contact modules placed side by side in a housing.
  • the switch which has just been described incorporates an emergency stop module.
  • the enable control switch may comprise a single three-position contact module associated with an emergency stop module, without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • the Figures 2 to 5 illustrate the different positions that can adopt the switch according to the effort exerted by the operator.
  • the illustrated switch comprises two identical contact modules located on either side of an emergency stop module.
  • the three-position contact module comprises a body 7, equipped with two electrical contacts, for example lugs 14.
  • the body 7 is housed in the housing 1 of a switch, intended to be mounted for example on a remote control of a machine.
  • the lugs 14 are connected for example to relays (not shown) which, when an electrical contact is established between the lugs, to start the machine.
  • a key 2 movable in translation in the housing 1 allows to actuate the device.
  • a retractable transmission member comprising an actuating element 3 and a contact carrier 5 equipped with a movable contact 15, a tip 8 and a spring 11 is movable in translation. in the direction X of actuation.
  • the actuating element 3 is movable in translation inside the body 7 against two lateral elastic means such as springs 13 housed in the body 7.
  • the actuating element 3 has substantially a bell-shaped shape, and defines an inner housing 30 whose profile has a substantially parallelepipedal upper portion and a lower portion which flares downwardly.
  • This profile gives the interior of the housing 30 a cam function along which two balls 16, between which is interposed an elastic means such as a spring 17, can move.
  • the spring 17 keeps the balls 16 in abutment against the rounded shoulder 31.
  • the assembly consisting of the balls 16 and the spring 17 is an indexing system of the contact carrier 5 relative to the actuating element 3, which allows the transmission member to contract.
  • the contact carrier 5 is pierced with a bore perpendicular to the direction of actuation, in which are arranged the two balls 16 and the spring 17.
  • the assembly consisting of the contact carrier 5, the tip 8, the movable contact 15 and the spring 11 is thus housed inside the actuating element 3 and held therein by means of the control system.
  • indexing 16, 17 which, at rest and as long as the pressure exerted on the actuating element 3 is lower than a determined pressure, is in abutment in the shoulder 31.
  • the tip 8 of substantially cylindrical shape, is rigidly connected, in its upper part, to the contact holder 5.
  • the movable contact 15 is movable in translation along the upper part of the nozzle 8, against an elastic means such as a spring 11 called "over-stroke".
  • the spring 11 is mounted in a housing of the contact carrier 5.
  • the spring 11 keeps the movable contact 15 in abutment against a stop 80 located substantially in the middle of the tip 8 (better visible on the figure 5 ).
  • the central spring 12 holds the contact carrier 5 in abutment against the housing 1.
  • the transmission member then behaves as a rigid assembly.
  • the key 2 continues to move and the over-stroke spring 11 compresses until the end piece 8 comes into abutment against the body 7 at the bottom of the central spring housing 12.
  • the figure 4 illustrates the situation where the operator exerts a pressure higher than the expected normal pressure. This corresponds, for example, to the case where, in a situation of danger, the operator twists on the pusher.
  • the key 2 exerts a pressure on the actuating element 3.
  • the tip 8 of the contact carrier 5 being in abutment against the body 7, the contact carrier can not translate more.
  • the balls 16 are not subject to the bracing or shearing phenomena encountered in the prior art.
  • the balls are preferably made of stainless steel, which gives them great strength.
  • the transmission member is then in its contracted state.
  • the force of the actuating element 3 exerted on the contact carrier 5 through these balls has no vertical component.
  • connection between the actuating element 3 and the contact carrier 5 then becomes a sliding connection.
  • the key 2 can continue its travel until it reaches the stop on the housing 1, without driving the contact carrier 5.
  • the contact between the lugs 14 remains open without going through a closed state.
  • the actuating element 3, sliding relative to the contact carrier 5, allows the balls 16 to resume their initial position down the housing 30 to the rounded shoulder 31 and thus "rearm" the system indexing the contact carrier 5.
  • the transmission member then resumes its initial position, uncontracted.
  • the emergency stop module comprises a body 9 housed in the housing 1.
  • the body 9 is equipped with four fixed contacts, such as lugs 10 connected to relays which, when an electrical contact is ensured between the lugs, allows the start of the machine.
  • a push guide 20 is integral with the body 9 and allows the translational guidance of two pushers 21, each of the pushers being equipped with a movable contact 18.
  • Each pusher 21 is held in abutment against the housing 1 by means of a push spring 22.
  • Two contact springs 19 are housed in the lower part of the body 9 so that each exerts a force on the corresponding movable contact 18 and holds it in abutment against two lugs 10, thus ensuring the electrical connection between these two lugs.
  • This clearance is determined so that, when the operator exerts a normal pressure to control the start-up of the machine, he does not exert any action on the emergency stop module and that the electrical contacts between the pods 10 remain assured.
  • the emergency stop module thus makes it possible to secure the cut-off of the electrical contact when the key is depressed in a situation of tension.
  • the switch then returned to the home position ("position 1") illustrated in FIG. figure 2 .
  • the key 2 is guided during its movement by the housing 1 and maintained parallel through a stabilizing bar 6, which ensures simultaneous opening or closing of the contacts by a parallel movement to the direction of actuation.
  • the forces and compression strokes of the elastic means employed in the contact module and the emergency stop module are dimensioned by those skilled in the art so as to obtain the desired characteristics for the switch (normal operating pressure, normal operating stroke, pressure considered excessive ).
  • Validation control switch can be used in the field of cranes, forklift trucks and other handling systems, in driving machinery such as tractors, trains or trams, plows, jet-skis, cable cars, dangerous tools (mowers, mowers), but also for robot programming of machine tools or automated equipment.
  • the switch can advantageously be incorporated in a remote control, the handle of a joystick or a pedal.
  • this key can itself be actuated by any type of actuator, such as a key, a lever, a rocker, a trigger, a pedal ...
  • actuator such as a key, a lever, a rocker, a trigger, a pedal ...
  • the invention is therefore applicable to any type of switch.

Description

DOMAINE DE L'INVENTIONFIELD OF THE INVENTION

La présente invention concerne un module de contact et un interrupteur à commande de validation comprenant ledit module de contact.The present invention relates to a contact module and a validation control switch comprising said contact module.

ARRIERE PLAN DE L'INVENTIONBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Lors d'une intervention sur une machine en mode dégradé, c'est-à-dire par exemple lors d'une opération de programmation, de dépannage ou d'essais, l'opérateur utilise un interrupteur de commande dans lequel la machine ne fonctionne que lorsqu'un poussoir est maintenu enfoncé.During an intervention on a machine in degraded mode, that is to say for example during a programming operation, troubleshooting or testing, the operator uses a control switch in which the machine does not work. only when a pusher is held down.

Un tel dispositif est dit « à commande de validation ».Such a device is called "validation control".

Il est par exemple intégré à une télécommande que tient l'opérateur lors de son intervention.It is for example integrated into a remote control that holds the operator during his intervention.

L'intervention peut se révéler dangereuse lorsque l'opérateur se trouve à proximité d'une machine en mouvement alors que les dispositifs de protection sont neutralisés.Intervention can be dangerous when the operator is near a moving machine while the protective devices are disabled.

Pour préserver la sécurité de l'opérateur, l'interrupteur de commande doit donc permettre que, dans une situation de panique dans laquelle l'opérateur relâcherait sa pression sur le poussoir, la machine s'arrête.To preserve the safety of the operator, the control switch must therefore allow that, in a panic situation in which the operator would release his pressure on the pusher, the machine stops.

Des dispositifs répondant à cette exigence sont déjà proposés sur le marché.Devices meeting this requirement are already on the market.

Ils peuvent adopter deux positions, à savoir une position activée, dans laquelle les contacts sont fermés, lorsqu'une pression suffisante est exercée sur le poussoir, et une position désactivée, dans laquelle les contacts sont ouverts, lorsque la pression sur le poussoir est relâchée.They can adopt two positions, namely an activated position, in which the contacts are closed, when sufficient pressure is exerted on the pusher, and a deactivated position, in which the contacts are open, when the pressure on the pusher is released. .

Or, la norme CEI 60947-5-8 a récemment renforcé l'exigence de sécurité.However, the IEC 60947-5-8 standard has recently reinforced the safety requirement.

Cette norme impose en effet maintenant que les interrupteurs à commande de validation soient conçus de telle sorte qu'au cas où une pression trop forte serait exercée sur le poussoir - ce cas pouvant correspondre à une crispation de l'utilisateur dans une situation de panique - la machine s'arrête également.This standard now requires that the switches with validation control are designed so that if too much pressure is exerted on the pusher - this case may correspond to a tension of the user in a situation of panic - the machine also stops.

En d'autres termes, il est nécessaire de concevoir un dispositif dans lequel à la fois un relâchement et une pression trop importante entraînent l'arrêt de la machine.In other words, it is necessary to design a device in which both loosening and excessive pressure cause the machine to stop.

Les documents EP 1 387 373 et EP 1 321 952 décrivent de tels dispositifs.The documents EP 1 387 373 and EP 1 321 952 describe such devices.

Le principe général de ces dispositifs est de procurer un poussoir est constitué de deux parties indexées l'une par rapport à l'autre par deux coulisseaux agencés de sorte à coulisser dans une direction perpendiculaire à la direction d'actionnement à l'encontre de la sollicitation de deux ressorts.The general principle of these devices is to provide a pusher consists of two parts indexed relative to each other by two slides arranged so as to slide in a direction perpendicular to the direction of actuation against the solicitation of two springs.

Lesdits coulisseaux présentent une pente coopérant avec une pente correspondante de l'une des parties du poussoir, de sorte à occasionner, lorsqu'une pression excédant une pression déterminée est appliquée sur le poussoir, un déplacement des coulisseaux conduisant à la rétractation du poussoir.Said slides have a slope cooperating with a corresponding slope of one of the parts of the pusher, so as to cause, when a pressure exceeding a predetermined pressure is applied to the pusher, a displacement of the sliders leading to the retraction of the pusher.

Toutefois, les coulisseaux sont généralement réalisés en un matériau plastique et, notamment si ladite pente présente un angle supérieur à 45°, sont susceptibles de s'arc-bouter conduisant à une détérioration de la fonction.However, the sliders are generally made of a plastic material and, especially if said slope has an angle greater than 45 °, are likely to b-bouter lead to a deterioration of the function.

En outre, une pression brutale sur la touche peut entraîner un cisaillement et la rupture des coulisseaux, ce qui a pour effet de ne pas produire l'effet de sécurité escompté (à savoir, la coupure du circuit en cas d'un appui fort dans une situation de panique).In addition, sudden pressure on the key may result in shear and breakage of the sliders, which has the effect of not producing the expected safety effect (ie, circuit breakage in case of a strong support in a situation of panic).

On cherche donc à concevoir un dispositif plus robuste et plus fiable que ceux de l'art antérieur.We therefore seek to design a device more robust and reliable than those of the prior art.

Par ailleurs, ce dispositif doit pouvoir éventuellement être associé à des dispositifs de sécurité complémentaires afin d'augmenter la sécurité de la commande.Moreover, this device must possibly be able to be associated with additional safety devices in order to increase the security of the control.

BREVE DESCRIPTION DE L'INVENTIONBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Conformément à l'invention, il est proposé un module de contact apte à établir un contact électrique entre deux contacts fixes au moyen d'un contact mobile lorsqu'une pression est exercée sur un organe de transmission dans une direction d'actionnement, comprenant :

  • un corps supportant les deux contacts fixes,
  • un organe de transmission supportant le contact mobile et coulissant dans ledit corps selon la direction d'actionnement,
dans lequel ledit organe de transmission est réalisé en deux parties et est apte à se contracter selon la direction d'actionnement lorsqu'une pression excessive est exercée sur ledit organe après établissement du contact électrique, et dans lequel le contact mobile est apte à se séparer d'au moins un contact fixe sous l'action d'un moyen élastique lorsque l'organe de transmission est dans son état contracté.According to the invention, there is provided a contact module adapted to establish an electrical contact between two fixed contacts by means of a movable contact when a pressure is exerted on a transmission member in an actuating direction, comprising:
  • a body supporting the two fixed contacts,
  • a transmission member supporting the movable and sliding contact in said body in the direction of actuation,
wherein said transmission member is made in two parts and is able to contract in the direction of actuation when excessive pressure is exerted on said member after establishment of the electrical contact, and wherein the movable contact is able to separate at least one fixed contact under the action of an elastic means when the transmission member is in its contracted state.

Ledit organe de transmission comprend :

  • un élément d'actionnement coulissant dans ledit corps selon la direction d'actionnement à l'encontre de la sollicitation d'au moins un moyen élastique,
  • un porte-contact supportant le contact mobile, monté coulissant selon ladite direction dans un logement de l'élément d'actionnement au moyen d'un système d'indexation rétractable dans ledit logement sous l'effet d'une pression excessive exercée sur l'élément d'actionnement lorsque le porte-contact est en butée sur le corps,
et ledit contact mobile est apte à coulisser selon ladite direction sur le porte-contact à l'encontre de la sollicitation d'un moyen élastique.Said transmission member comprises:
  • an actuating element sliding in said body in the direction of actuation against the biasing of at least one elastic means,
  • a contact carrier supporting the movable contact, slidably mounted in said direction in a housing of the actuating element by means of a retractable indexing system in said housing under the effect of excessive pressure exerted on the actuating element when the contact carrier is in abutment with the body,
and said movable contact is slidable in said direction on the contact carrier against biasing elastic means.

Le système d'indexation du porte-contact comprend deux billes reliées par un moyen élastique sensiblement perpendiculaire à la direction d'actionnement.The indexing system of the contact carrier comprises two balls connected by an elastic means substantially perpendicular to the direction of actuation.

De manière particulièrement avantageuse, le profil intérieur du logement de l'élément d'actionnement présente une portion inférieure s'élargissant en forme de cloche à partir d'une portion supérieure plus étroite, lesdites parties étant reliées par un épaulement, de sorte qu'au repos les billes du système d'indexation sont logées dans ledit épaulement et que lorsqu'une pression excessive est exercée sur l'élément d'actionnement alors que le porte-contact est en butée sur le corps, ledit moyen élastique se contracte, permettant au porte-contact de coulisser dans la portion supérieure dudit logement.Particularly advantageously, the inner profile of the housing of the actuating element has a bell-shaped lower portion widening from a narrower upper portion, said portions being connected by a shoulder, so that at rest the balls of the indexing system are housed in said shoulder and when excessive pressure is exerted on the actuating element while the contact holder is in abutment with the body, said elastic means contracts, allowing to the contact carrier to slide in the upper portion of said housing.

Un autre objet de l'invention concerne un interrupteur à commande de validation, comprenant un boîtier et une touche mobile en translation sur le boîtier selon ladite direction d'actionnement, ledit interrupteur comprenant au moins un module de contact tel que décrit plus haut, agencé dans le boîtier et coopérant avec la touche de telle sorte qu'une pression sur la touche entraîne l'organe de transmission en translation dans sa direction d'actionnement.Another subject of the invention relates to a validation control switch, comprising a housing and a key movable in translation on the housing in said direction of actuation, said switch comprising at least one module of contact as described above, arranged in the housing and cooperating with the key so that pressing the key drives the translation member in translation in its actuating direction.

L'interrupteur comprend avantageusement un deuxième module de contact identique au premier et agencé dans le boîtier adjacent à celui-ci, ce qui permet de sécuriser la commande.The switch advantageously comprises a second contact module identical to the first and arranged in the housing adjacent thereto, which makes it possible to secure the control.

De manière encore préférée, l'interrupteur comprend en outre un module d'arrêt d'urgence agencé dans le boîtier adjacent au(x)dit(s) module(s) de contact, ledit module d'arrêt d'urgence comprenant :

  • un corps supportant au moins deux contacts fixes,
  • un guide de poussoir,
  • au moins un poussoir coulissant dans le guide dans la direction d'actionnement à l'encontre d'au moins un moyen élastique logé dans le corps, et portant un contact mobile. Au repos, le contact mobile est en contact avec les contacts fixes et il existe un jeu entre la touche et le poussoir, de sorte que l'application d'une pression modérée sur la touche n'entraîne pas le poussoir en translation.
More preferably, the switch further comprises an emergency stop module arranged in the housing adjacent to said contact module (s), said emergency stop module comprising:
  • a body supporting at least two fixed contacts,
  • a push guide,
  • at least one sliding pusher in the guide in the operating direction against at least one elastic means housed in the body, and carrying a movable contact. At rest, the movable contact is in contact with the fixed contacts and there is a play between the key and the pushbutton, so that the application of a moderate pressure on the key does not cause the push in translation.

Une barre stabilisatrice est de préférence agencée sous la touche de manière à garantir un déplacement parallèle à la direction d'actionnement.A stabilizer bar is preferably arranged under the key so as to ensure a movement parallel to the direction of actuation.

BREVE DESCRIPTION DES DESSINSBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention ressortiront de la description détaillée qui va suivre, en référence aux dessins annexés sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est un diagramme de fonctionnement du module de contact à trois positions,
  • la figure 2 présente des vues en coupe d'un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention, au repos (« position 1 »)
  • la figure 3 présente des vues en coupe du même dispositif sous l'effet d'une pression normale sur le poussoir (« position 2 »),
  • la figure 4 présente des vues en coupe du même dispositif sous l'effet d'une pression plus importante exercée sur le poussoir,
  • la figure 5 illustre des vues en coupe de ce même dispositif lorsque que la pression maximale sur le poussoir est atteinte (« position 3 »).
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • the figure 1 is an operating diagram of the three-position contact module,
  • the figure 2 presents sectional views of a preferred embodiment of the invention, at rest ("position 1")
  • the figure 3 shows sectional views of the same device under the effect of a normal pressure on the pusher ("position 2"),
  • the figure 4 presents sectional views of the same device under the effect of a greater pressure exerted on the pusher,
  • the figure 5 illustrates sectional views of the same device when the maximum pressure on the pusher is reached ("position 3").

DESCRIPTION DETAILLEE DE L'INVENTIONDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

L'interrupteur à commande de validation sécurisé comprend un module de contact à trois positions qui permet de répondre aux exigences de la norme.The secure enable control switch includes a three-position contact module that meets the requirements of the standard.

Le module de contact à trois positions sera décrit en détail plus bas. Il comprend principalement un corps équipé de deux contacts fixes reliés à des relais permettant la mise en route de la machine.The three-position contact module will be described in detail below. It mainly comprises a body equipped with two fixed contacts connected to relays for starting the machine.

A l'intérieur du corps est agencé un organe de transmission mobile en translation dans la direction d'actionnement du module, supportant un contact mobile.Inside the body is arranged a transmission member movable in translation in the actuating direction of the module, supporting a movable contact.

L'organe de transmission présente la particularité d'être composé de deux parties dont le mode de liaison sera décrit en détail plus bas, ce qui le rend apte à se contracter lorsqu'une pression trop importante est exercée. Ainsi, l'organe de transmission présente une dimension axiale (c'est-à-dire dans la direction d'actionnement) variable.The transmission member has the particularity of being composed of two parts whose connection mode will be described in detail below, which makes it able to contract when excessive pressure is exerted. Thus, the transmission member has an axial dimension (that is to say in the direction of actuation) variable.

Par ailleurs, le module de contact comprend un moyen élastique apte à agir sur le contact mobile pour le séparer des contacts fixes lorsque l'organe de transmission est dans son état contracté.Furthermore, the contact module comprises an elastic means capable of acting on the movable contact to separate it from the fixed contacts when the transmission member is in its contracted state.

L'organe de transmission est actionné au moyen d'une touche de poussoir, ce qui permet d'établir le contact électrique en amenant le contact mobile au contact des deux contacts fixes.The transmission member is actuated by means of a push button, which makes it possible to establish the electrical contact by bringing the movable contact into contact with the two fixed contacts.

Le principe de fonctionnement du module de contact est expliqué ci-après, en référence à la figure 1.The operating principle of the contact module is explained below, with reference to the figure 1 .

Le module de contact, au repos (« position 1 »), est à l'état ouvert. Le contact étant ouvert, la machine est à l'arrêt. Par ailleurs, l'organe de transmission est dans son état libre, non contracté, c'est-à-dire présentant une dimension axiale maximale.The contact module, at rest ("position 1"), is in the open state. The contact is open, the machine is stopped. Furthermore, the transmission member is in its free state, uncontracted, that is to say having a maximum axial dimension.

Lorsque l'on exerce sur le poussoir une pression modérée (flèche P1), le module est à l'état fermé (« position 2 ») tant que cette pression est maintenue. Le contact étant fermé, la machine est en fonctionnement.When the pusher is exerted on a moderate pressure (arrow P1), the module is in the closed state ("position 2") as long as this pressure is maintained. The contact being closed, the machine is in operation.

Dès que la pression sur le poussoir est relâchée (flèche R1), le contact s'ouvre et la machine s'arrête. On revient alors à la position 1.As soon as the pressure on the pusher is released (arrow R1), the contact opens and the machine stops. We then return to position 1.

En revanche, si, lorsque le module est à l'état fermé (« position 2 »), on augmente la pression au-delà d'une pression déterminée sur le poussoir (flèche P2), alors l'organe de transmission se contracte et, sous l'action du moyen élastique mentionné plus haut, le contact mobile se sépare des contacts fixes, rompant le contact électrique. La machine s'arrête (« position 3 »).On the other hand, if, when the module is in the closed state ("position 2"), the pressure is increased beyond a determined pressure on the pusher (arrow P2), then the transmission member contracts and under the action of the elastic means mentioned above, the movable contact separates from the fixed contacts, breaking the electrical contact. The machine stops ("position 3").

Enfin, lorsque, à partir de cette dernière position, on relâche le poussoir (flèche R2), le module revient à la position 1 de repos tout en restant à l'état ouvert. En d'autres termes, il revient à la position de repos sans passer par l'état fermé.Finally, when, from this last position, the pusher is released (arrow R2), the module returns to the rest position 1 while remaining in the open state. In other words, it returns to the rest position without going through the closed state.

De manière particulièrement avantageuse, l'interrupteur à commande de validation comprend deux modules de contact à trois positions identiques et placés côte à côte dans un boîtier.Particularly advantageously, the validation control switch comprises two identical three-position contact modules placed side by side in a housing.

Ceci permet la redondance de la commande et garantit la rupture des contacts même dans le cas où le mécanisme de l'un des modules de contact viendrait à rompre, par exemple.This allows the redundancy of the command and ensures the breaking of the contacts even in the case where the mechanism of one of the contact modules would break, for example.

Selon un mode encore préféré de réalisation, on incorpore à l'interrupteur qui vient d'être décrit un module d'arrêt d'urgence.According to a still preferred embodiment, the switch which has just been described incorporates an emergency stop module.

C'est ce mode de réalisation préféré de réalisation de l'invention, garantissant une sécurité optimale grâce à une redondance maximale, qui va maintenant être décrit de façon détaillée, étant entendu que, comme exposé plus haut, un dispositif simplifié ne comprenant qu'un unique module de contact à trois positions est également couvert par la présente invention.It is this preferred embodiment of the invention, guaranteeing optimal security through maximum redundancy, which will now be described in detail, it being understood that, as explained above, a simplified device comprising only a single three-position contact module is also covered by the present invention.

En variante, l'interrupteur à commande de validation peut comprendre un seul module de contact à trois positions associé à un module d'arrêt d'urgence, sans pour autant sortir du cadre de la présente invention.Alternatively, the enable control switch may comprise a single three-position contact module associated with an emergency stop module, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Les figures 2 à 5 illustrent les différentes positions que peut adopter l'interrupteur en fonction de l'effort exercé par l'opérateur. L'interrupteur illustré comprend deux modules de contact identiques situés de part et d'autre d'un module d'arrêt d'urgence.The Figures 2 to 5 illustrate the different positions that can adopt the switch according to the effort exerted by the operator. The illustrated switch comprises two identical contact modules located on either side of an emergency stop module.

Sur ces figures, on a représenté la direction X d'actionnement de l'interrupteur. Dans la suite, lorsqu'on mentionne un mouvement de translation, il s'agit, sauf mention contraire, d'une translation parallèle à la direction X.In these figures, the X direction of actuation of the switch is shown. In the following, when mentioning a translation movement, it is, unless otherwise stated, a translation parallel to the X direction.

Situation de repos (« position 1 »)Rest situation ("position 1")

En référence à la figure 2, le module de contact à trois positions comprend un corps 7, équipé de deux contacts électriques, par exemple des cosses 14.With reference to the figure 2 the three-position contact module comprises a body 7, equipped with two electrical contacts, for example lugs 14.

Le corps 7 est logé dans le boîtier 1 d'un interrupteur, destiné à être monté par exemple sur une télécommande d'une machine.The body 7 is housed in the housing 1 of a switch, intended to be mounted for example on a remote control of a machine.

Les cosses 14 sont reliées par exemple à des relais (non représentés) qui permettent, lorsqu'un contact électrique est établi entre les cosses, de faire démarrer la machine.The lugs 14 are connected for example to relays (not shown) which, when an electrical contact is established between the lugs, to start the machine.

Une touche 2 mobile en translation dans le boîtier 1 permet d'actionner le dispositif.A key 2 movable in translation in the housing 1 allows to actuate the device.

A l'intérieur du corps 7, un organe de transmission rétractable comprenant un élément d'actionnement 3 et un porte-contact 5 équipé d'un contact mobile 15, d'un embout 8 et d'un ressort 11, est mobile en translation dans la direction X d'actionnement.Inside the body 7, a retractable transmission member comprising an actuating element 3 and a contact carrier 5 equipped with a movable contact 15, a tip 8 and a spring 11 is movable in translation. in the direction X of actuation.

L'élément d'actionnement 3 est mobile en translation à l'intérieur du corps 7 à l'encontre de deux moyens élastiques latéraux tels que des ressorts 13 logés dans le corps 7.The actuating element 3 is movable in translation inside the body 7 against two lateral elastic means such as springs 13 housed in the body 7.

En position de repos, l'élément d'actionnement 3 est maintenu en butée sur la touche 2 par les deux ressorts 13.In the rest position, the actuating element 3 is held in abutment on the key 2 by the two springs 13.

En coupe A-A, l'élément d'actionnement 3 présente sensiblement une forme de cloche, et définit un logement intérieur 30 dont le profil présente une portion supérieure sensiblement parallélépipédique et une portion inférieure qui s'évase vers le bas.In section A-A, the actuating element 3 has substantially a bell-shaped shape, and defines an inner housing 30 whose profile has a substantially parallelepipedal upper portion and a lower portion which flares downwardly.

A la jonction entre les deux parties du logement 30, on peut observer un épaulement arrondi 31.At the junction between the two parts of the housing 30, a rounded shoulder 31 can be seen.

Ce profil confère à l'intérieur du logement 30 une fonction de came le long de laquelle deux billes 16, entre lesquelles est interposé un moyen élastique tel qu'un ressort 17, peuvent se déplacer.This profile gives the interior of the housing 30 a cam function along which two balls 16, between which is interposed an elastic means such as a spring 17, can move.

Au repos, le ressort 17 maintient les billes 16 en butée contre l'épaulement arrondi 31.At rest, the spring 17 keeps the balls 16 in abutment against the rounded shoulder 31.

L'ensemble constitué des billes 16 et du ressort 17 constitue un système d'indexation du porte-contact 5 par rapport à l'élément d'actionnement 3, qui permet à l'organe de transmission de se contracter.The assembly consisting of the balls 16 and the spring 17 is an indexing system of the contact carrier 5 relative to the actuating element 3, which allows the transmission member to contract.

Comme on le verra plus bas, une pression exercée vers le haut sur les billes tend à comprimer le ressort 17 et à faire glisser les billes dans la portion supérieure, plus étroite, du logement 30. Ce système d'indexation est ainsi escamotable dans le logement 30.As will be seen below, an upward pressure on the balls tends to compress the spring 17 and to slide the balls in the upper, narrower portion of the housing 30. This indexing system is thus retractable in the accommodation 30.

Le porte-contact 5 est percé d'un alésage perpendiculaire à la direction d'actionnement, dans lequel sont agencés les deux billes 16 et le ressort 17.The contact carrier 5 is pierced with a bore perpendicular to the direction of actuation, in which are arranged the two balls 16 and the spring 17.

L'ensemble constitué du porte-contact 5, de l'embout 8, du contact mobile 15 et du ressort 11 est ainsi logé à l'intérieur de l'élément d'actionnement 3 et maintenu dans celui-ci au moyen du système d'indexation 16, 17 qui, au repos et tant que la pression exercée sur l'élément d'actionnement 3 est inférieure à une pression déterminée, se trouve en butée dans l'épaulement 31.The assembly consisting of the contact carrier 5, the tip 8, the movable contact 15 and the spring 11 is thus housed inside the actuating element 3 and held therein by means of the control system. indexing 16, 17 which, at rest and as long as the pressure exerted on the actuating element 3 is lower than a determined pressure, is in abutment in the shoulder 31.

L'embout 8, de forme sensiblement cylindrique, est rigidement lié, dans sa partie supérieure, au porte-contact 5.The tip 8, of substantially cylindrical shape, is rigidly connected, in its upper part, to the contact holder 5.

Le contact mobile 15 est mobile en translation le long de la partie supérieure de l'embout 8, à l'encontre d'un moyen élastique tel qu'un ressort 11 dit « de sur-course ».The movable contact 15 is movable in translation along the upper part of the nozzle 8, against an elastic means such as a spring 11 called "over-stroke".

Le ressort 11 est monté dans un logement du porte-contact 5.The spring 11 is mounted in a housing of the contact carrier 5.

Au repos, le ressort 11 maintient le contact mobile 15 en appui contre une butée 80 située sensiblement au milieu de l'embout 8 (mieux visible sur la figure 5).At rest, the spring 11 keeps the movable contact 15 in abutment against a stop 80 located substantially in the middle of the tip 8 (better visible on the figure 5 ).

Par ailleurs, au repos, le ressort central 12 maintient le porte-contact 5 en butée contre le boîtier 1.Moreover, at rest, the central spring 12 holds the contact carrier 5 in abutment against the housing 1.

Application d'une pression modérée sur l'organe d'actionnementApplication of a moderate pressure on the actuating member

Lorsque l'on exerce une pression sur la touche 2, celle-ci entraîne l'élément d'actionnement 3 et, grâce au système d'indexation 16, 17, le porte-contact 5.When pressing the key 2, it causes the actuating element 3 and, thanks to the indexing system 16, 17, the contact carrier 5.

L'organe de transmission se comporte alors comme un ensemble rigide.The transmission member then behaves as a rigid assembly.

Après un déplacement correspondant à l'avant-course (compression partielle) du ressort central 12, le contact 15 vient toucher les deux cosses 14 et assurer la liaison électrique entre ces deux cosses.After a displacement corresponding to the pre-stroke (partial compression) of the central spring 12, the contact 15 comes to touch the two lugs 14 and ensure the electrical connection between these two lugs.

La touche 2 continue à se déplacer et le ressort 11 de sur-course se comprime jusqu'à ce que l'embout 8 arrive en butée contre le corps 7 au fond du logement du ressort central 12.The key 2 continues to move and the over-stroke spring 11 compresses until the end piece 8 comes into abutment against the body 7 at the bottom of the central spring housing 12.

La liaison électrique entre les cosses 14 est toujours assurée.The electrical connection between the lugs 14 is always ensured.

Cette situation (« position 2 ») est illustrée à la figure 3.This situation ("position 2") is illustrated in figure 3 .

Si l'opérateur relâche la pression sur la touche 2, l'élément d'actionnement 3 et le porte-contact 5 reviennent vers leur position de repos (« position 1 ») sous l'effet des ressorts 12 et 13.If the operator releases the pressure on the key 2, the actuating element 3 and the contact carrier 5 return to their rest position ("position 1") under the effect of the springs 12 and 13.

La liaison électrique entre les cosses 14 est alors rompue, ce qui engendre l'arrêt de la machine.The electrical connection between the lugs 14 is then broken, which causes the stoppage of the machine.

Application d'une pression importante sur l'organe d'actionnement (crispation)Application of a large pressure on the actuating member (twisting)

La figure 4 illustre la situation où l'opérateur exerce une pression plus élevée que la pression normale prévue. Ceci correspond par exemple au cas, où, dans une situation de danger, l'opérateur se crispe sur le poussoir.The figure 4 illustrates the situation where the operator exerts a pressure higher than the expected normal pressure. This corresponds, for example, to the case where, in a situation of danger, the operator twists on the pusher.

La touche 2 exerce une pression sur l'élément d'actionnement 3.The key 2 exerts a pressure on the actuating element 3.

Toutefois, l'embout 8 du porte-contact 5 étant en butée contre le corps 7, le porte-contact ne peut se translater davantage.However, the tip 8 of the contact carrier 5 being in abutment against the body 7, the contact carrier can not translate more.

L'effort s'exerce alors sur les deux billes d'indexation 16 qui sont en butée dans l'épaulement 31 du logement 30 de l'élément d'actionnement 3.The force then exerts on the two indexing balls 16 which abut in the shoulder 31 of the housing 30 of the actuating element 3.

Sous cet effort, les billes 16 compriment le ressort 17 et s'effacent dans la partie la plus étroite du logement 30.Under this force, the balls 16 compress the spring 17 and disappear in the narrowest part of the housing 30.

On notera que, grâce à leur forme sphérique, les billes 16 ne sont pas sujettes aux phénomènes d'arc-boutement ou de cisaillement rencontrés dans l'art antérieur.It will be noted that, thanks to their spherical shape, the balls 16 are not subject to the bracing or shearing phenomena encountered in the prior art.

Par ailleurs, les billes sont de préférence réalisées en acier inoxydable, ce qui leur confère une grande robustesse.Furthermore, the balls are preferably made of stainless steel, which gives them great strength.

L'organe de transmission est alors dans son état contracté.The transmission member is then in its contracted state.

Une fois que les billes 16 sont dans la portion supérieure du logement 30, l'effort de l'élément d'actionnement 3 exercé sur le porte-contact 5 par l'intermédiaire de ces billes n'a plus de composante verticale.Once the balls 16 are in the upper portion of the housing 30, the force of the actuating element 3 exerted on the contact carrier 5 through these balls has no vertical component.

La liaison entre l'élément d'actionnement 3 et le porte-contact 5 devient alors une liaison glissante.The connection between the actuating element 3 and the contact carrier 5 then becomes a sliding connection.

Sous l'effet du ressort central 12, le porte-contact 5 est ramené en butée de repos sur le boîtier 1.Under the effect of the central spring 12, the contact carrier 5 is brought to rest stop on the housing 1.

La liaison électrique entre les cosses 14 est alors interrompue, ce qui entraîne l'arrêt de la machine.The electrical connection between the lugs 14 is then interrupted, which causes the machine to stop.

La touche 2 peut continuer sa course jusqu'à arriver en butée sur le boîtier 1, sans entraîner le porte-contact 5.The key 2 can continue its travel until it reaches the stop on the housing 1, without driving the contact carrier 5.

On atteint alors la « position 3 » illustrée à la figure 5.We then reach the "position 3" illustrated in the figure 5 .

Lors du relâchement de la touche 2 par l'opérateur les ressorts 13 provoquent la remontée de l'élément d'actionnement 3 qui entraîne la touche 2 vers sa position de repos (« position 1 »).When the key 2 is released by the operator, the springs 13 cause the raising of the actuating element 3 which causes the key 2 to return to its rest position ("position 1").

Dans cette phase, le porte-contact 5, étant déjà en butée dans sa position de repos, reste immobile.In this phase, the contact carrier 5, already abutting in its rest position, remains stationary.

Le contact entre les cosses 14 reste donc ouvert sans passer par un état fermé.The contact between the lugs 14 remains open without going through a closed state.

L'élément d'actionnement 3, en coulissant par rapport au porte-contact 5, permet aux billes 16 de reprendre leur position initiale en descendant le long du logement 30 jusqu'à l'épaulement arrondi 31 et ainsi de « réarmer » le système d'indexation du porte-contact 5.The actuating element 3, sliding relative to the contact carrier 5, allows the balls 16 to resume their initial position down the housing 30 to the rounded shoulder 31 and thus "rearm" the system indexing the contact carrier 5.

L'organe de transmission reprend alors sa position initiale, non contractée.The transmission member then resumes its initial position, uncontracted.

L'interrupteur est alors revenu à la position 1.The switch is then returned to position 1.

Module d'arrêt d'urgenceEmergency stop module

Comme on l'a exposé plus haut, il est particulièrement avantageux de sécuriser encore davantage le dispositif au moyen d'un module de type « arrêt d'urgence » qui va être décrit maintenant, en référence aux figures 2, 4 et 5.As has been explained above, it is particularly advantageous to further secure the device by means of a module type "emergency stop" which will be described now, with reference to figures 2 , 4 and 5 .

Le module d'arrêt d'urgence comprend un corps 9 logé dans le boîtier 1.The emergency stop module comprises a body 9 housed in the housing 1.

Il s'agit ici d'un module à double contact dont la redondance est prévue pour en sécuriser le fonctionnement, mais on comprend qu'un module à simple contact fonctionnant selon le même principe pourrait être utilisé.This is a dual contact module whose redundancy is provided to secure the operation, but it is understood that a single contact module operating on the same principle could be used.

Le corps 9 est équipé de quatre contacts fixes, tels que des cosses 10 reliées à des relais qui, lorsque l'un contact électrique est assuré entre les cosses, permet la mise en route de la machine.The body 9 is equipped with four fixed contacts, such as lugs 10 connected to relays which, when an electrical contact is ensured between the lugs, allows the start of the machine.

Dans ce module d'arrêt d'urgence, les contacts sont dits « normalement fermés ».In this emergency stop module, the contacts are said to be "normally closed".

Dans la position de repos illustrée à la figure 2, deux contacts mobiles 18 sont donc maintenus en contact contre les cosses 10.In the rest position illustrated in figure 2 two movable contacts 18 are thus kept in contact against the terminals 10.

Par ailleurs, un guide poussoir 20 est solidaire du corps 9 et permet le guidage en translation de deux poussoirs 21, chacun des poussoirs étant équipé d'un contact mobile 18.Furthermore, a push guide 20 is integral with the body 9 and allows the translational guidance of two pushers 21, each of the pushers being equipped with a movable contact 18.

Chaque poussoir 21 est maintenu en butée contre le boîtier 1 au moyen d'un ressort de poussoir 22.Each pusher 21 is held in abutment against the housing 1 by means of a push spring 22.

Deux ressorts de contact 19 sont logés dans la partie inférieure du corps 9 de telle sorte que chacun exerce un effort sur le contact mobile 18 correspondant et le maintient en butée contre deux cosses 10, assurant ainsi la liaison électrique entre ces deux cosses.Two contact springs 19 are housed in the lower part of the body 9 so that each exerts a force on the corresponding movable contact 18 and holds it in abutment against two lugs 10, thus ensuring the electrical connection between these two lugs.

On remarquera qu'il existe un jeu entre le sommet des poussoirs 21 et la touche 2, de sorte qu'une pression puisse être exercée sur la touche 2 sans entraîner les poussoirs 21.Note that there is a clearance between the top of the pushers 21 and the key 2, so that a pressure can be exerted on the key 2 without driving the pushers 21.

Ce jeu est déterminé de telle sorte que, lorsque l'opérateur exerce une pression normale pour commander la mise en route de la machine, il n'exerce aucune action sur le module d'arrêt d'urgence et que les contacts électriques entre les cosses 10 restent assurés.This clearance is determined so that, when the operator exerts a normal pressure to control the start-up of the machine, he does not exert any action on the emergency stop module and that the electrical contacts between the pods 10 remain assured.

C'est pourquoi cette situation n'a pas été représentée en coupe B-B sur les figures 3 et 4, l'état du module d'arrêt d'urgence étant inchangé par rapport à celui de la figure 2.This is why this situation was not represented in BB section on figures 3 and 4 , the state of the emergency stop module being unchanged from that of the figure 2 .

Lorsque l'opérateur exerce une pression plus importante sur la touche, par exemple s'il se crispe sur celle-ci, la touche 2 vient toucher le sommet des poussoirs 21 et entraîne ces poussoirs en translation, en comprimant les ressorts 22.When the operator exerts a greater pressure on the key, for example if it twists on it, the key 2 comes to touch the top of the pushers 21 and drives these pushers in translation, compressing the springs 22.

Lorsque les ressorts 22 sont comprimés, ce sont les contacts mobiles 18 qui sont entraînés en translation vers le bas, rompant ainsi le contact électrique entre les cosses 10.When the springs 22 are compressed, it is the movable contacts 18 which are driven in translation downwards, thereby breaking the electrical contact between the lugs 10.

On atteint alors la position 3, illustrée à la figure 5.We then reach the position 3, illustrated in figure 5 .

Le module d'arrêt d'urgence permet donc de sécuriser la coupure du contact électrique lorsque la touche est enfoncée dans une situation de crispation.The emergency stop module thus makes it possible to secure the cut-off of the electrical contact when the key is depressed in a situation of tension.

Lorsque l'opérateur relâche sa pression sur la touche 2, les ressorts 19 et 22 se détendent et permettent aux contacts de se refermer et aux poussoirs 21 de revenir en butée sur le boîtier 1.When the operator releases his pressure on the key 2, the springs 19 and 22 relax and allow the contacts to close and the pushers 21 to return to abutment on the housing 1.

L'interrupteur est alors revenu à la position de repos (« position 1 ») illustrée à la figure 2.The switch then returned to the home position ("position 1") illustrated in FIG. figure 2 .

De manière particulièrement avantageuse, la touche 2 est guidée lors de son déplacement par le boîtier 1 et maintenue parallèle grâce à une barre stabilisatrice 6, qui permet d'assurer la simultanéité de l'ouverture ou de la fermeture des contacts par un déplacement parallèle à la direction d'actionnement.Particularly advantageously, the key 2 is guided during its movement by the housing 1 and maintained parallel through a stabilizing bar 6, which ensures simultaneous opening or closing of the contacts by a parallel movement to the direction of actuation.

Les efforts et courses de compression des moyens élastiques employés dans le module de contact et le module d'arrêt d'urgence sont dimensionnés par l'homme du métier de manière à obtenir les caractéristiques souhaitées pour l'interrupteur (pression normale d'actionnement, course normale d'actionnement, pression considérée comme excessive...).The forces and compression strokes of the elastic means employed in the contact module and the emergency stop module are dimensioned by those skilled in the art so as to obtain the desired characteristics for the switch (normal operating pressure, normal operating stroke, pressure considered excessive ...).

Il va de soi que les exemples que l'on vient de donner ne sont que des illustrations particulières en aucun cas limitatives quant aux domaines d'application de l'invention.It goes without saying that the examples which have just been given are only particular illustrations in no way limiting as to the fields of application of the invention.

Ainsi, les moyens élastiques illustrés sur les figures sont des ressorts, mais on comprendra qu'ils peuvent être remplacés par tout autre moyen remplissant la même fonction.Thus, the elastic means illustrated in the figures are springs, but it will be understood that they can be replaced by any other means fulfilling the same function.

L'interrupteur à commande de validation peut être utilisé dans le domaine des grues, chariots élévateurs et autres systèmes de manutention, dans la conduite d'engins tels que tracteurs, trains ou trams, chasse-neige, jet-ski, téléphériques, d'outils dangereux (tondeuse, faucheuse), mais aussi pour la programmation de robot de machines-outils ou d'équipements automatisés.Validation control switch can be used in the field of cranes, forklift trucks and other handling systems, in driving machinery such as tractors, trains or trams, plows, jet-skis, cable cars, dangerous tools (mowers, mowers), but also for robot programming of machine tools or automated equipment.

L'interrupteur peut avantageusement être incorporé à une télécommande, à la poignée d'un joystick ou encore à une pédale.The switch can advantageously be incorporated in a remote control, the handle of a joystick or a pedal.

Enfin, même si l'actionnement du module de contact à trois positions et, le cas échéant, du module d'arrêt d'urgence, est réalisé au moyen d'une touche en translation dans le boîtier, cette touche peut être elle-même actionnée par tout type d'actionneur, tel qu'une touche, un levier, une bascule, un gâchette, une pédale... L'invention est donc applicable à tout type d'interrupteur.Finally, even if the actuation of the three-position contact module and, if appropriate, of the emergency stop module is performed by means of a key in translation in the housing, this key can itself be actuated by any type of actuator, such as a key, a lever, a rocker, a trigger, a pedal ... The invention is therefore applicable to any type of switch.

Claims (6)

  1. Contact module able to set up electric contact between two fixed contacts (14) by means of a mobile contact (15) when pressure is applied to a transmission member in an actuation direction (X), comprising:
    - a body (7) carrying the two fixed contacts (14),
    - a transmission member (3, 5) carrying the mobile contact (15) and sliding within said body (7) in the actuation direction (X),
    wherein
    - said transmission member is formed of two parts (3, 5) and is able to contract in the actuation direction (X) when excessive pressure is applied to said member after electric contact has been set up,
    - the mobile contact (15) is able to separate itself from at least one fixed contact (14) under the action of elastic means (12) when the transmission member (3, 5) is in its contracted state,
    - said transmission member comprises:
    • an actuator element (3) sliding within said body (7) in the actuation direction (X) against prompting by at least one elastic means (13),
    • a contact-holder (5) carrying the mobile contact (15), slidingly mounted in said direction (X) in a housing (30) of the actuator element (3) by means of an indexing system (16, 17) which can retract into said housing (30) under the effect of excessive pressure applied to the actuator element (3) when the contact-holder (5) lies in abutment on the body (7),
    said mobile contact (15) being able to slide in said direction (X) on the contact-holder (5) against prompting action by elastic means (11),
    characterized in that the indexing system of the contact-holder (5) comprises two beads (16) connected by elastic means (17) substantially perpendicular to the actuation direction (X).
  2. Module according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner profile of the housing (30) of the actuator element (3) has a lower portion widening into a bell shape from a narrower upper portion, said parts being joined by a shoulder (31), so that when at rest the beads (16) of the indexing system are housed in said shoulder (31) and when excessive pressure is applied to the actuator element (3) whilst the contact-holder (5) lies in abutment on the body (7), the elastic means (17) contract, enabling the contact-holder (5) to slide in the upper portion of the housing (30).
  3. Enabling switch comprising a casing (1) and an actuator-button (2) mobile in translation on the casing in said actuation direction (X), characterized in that it comprises at least one contact module according to any of claims 1 or 2 arranged in the casing (1) and cooperating with the actuator-button (2) so that pressure on the actuator-button (2) drives the transmission member (3, 5) in translation in its actuation direction (X).
  4. Switch according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises a second contact module identical to the first one and arranged in the casing (1) adjacent thereto.
  5. Switch according to any of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that it further comprises an emergency stop module arranged in the casing (1) adjacent said contact module(s), said emergency stop module comprising:
    - a body (9) carrying at least two fixed contacts (10),
    - a pushbutton guide (20),
    - at least one pushbutton (21) sliding in the guide (20) in actuation direction (X) against at least one elastic means (19) housed in the body (9), and carrying a mobile contact (18),
    and in that, at rest, the mobile contact (18) is in contact with the fixed contacts (10) and there is clearance between the actuator-button (2) and the pushbutton (21), so that application of moderate pressure to the actuator-button (2) does not drive the pushbutton (21) in translation.
  6. Switch according to any of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that a stabilizing bar (6) is arranged underneath the actuator-button (2) so as to guarantee movement parallel to the actuation direction (X).
EP09166182.7A 2008-07-23 2009-07-23 Secure validation command switch Active EP2148343B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0855019A FR2934415B1 (en) 2008-07-23 2008-07-23 SECURE VALIDATION CONTROL SWITCH

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2148343A1 EP2148343A1 (en) 2010-01-27
EP2148343B1 true EP2148343B1 (en) 2014-07-23

Family

ID=40404547

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP09166182.7A Active EP2148343B1 (en) 2008-07-23 2009-07-23 Secure validation command switch

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US20100025208A1 (en)
EP (1) EP2148343B1 (en)
CN (1) CN101635214B (en)
FR (1) FR2934415B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2013125991A1 (en) 2012-02-22 2013-08-29 Husqvarna Ab Robotic lawnmower
CN107753236A (en) * 2017-11-21 2018-03-06 广东银狐医疗科技股份有限公司 A kind of water, electricity and gas master switch of dental chair
DE102019101267A1 (en) * 2019-01-18 2020-07-23 Eaton Intelligent Power Limited Pushbutton arrangement with identification of switching states
WO2023032846A1 (en) * 2021-08-30 2023-03-09 Idec株式会社 Enabling switch

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5345050A (en) * 1993-06-01 1994-09-06 Caterpillar Inc. Switch actuating assembly
EP1387373B1 (en) * 1997-04-28 2005-06-29 Idec Izumi Corporation Push-button switch, and operating device and teaching pendant comprising the same
JP3677199B2 (en) * 2000-07-31 2005-07-27 和泉電気株式会社 Push button switch and teaching pendant with the same
JP3566639B2 (en) * 2000-09-06 2004-09-15 和泉電気株式会社 Teaching pendant enable device
JP3961755B2 (en) * 2000-09-18 2007-08-22 Ｉｄｅｃ株式会社 Grip-type switch device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2148343A1 (en) 2010-01-27
CN101635214A (en) 2010-01-27
CN101635214B (en) 2013-05-01
FR2934415A1 (en) 2010-01-29
US20100025208A1 (en) 2010-02-04
FR2934415B1 (en) 2010-08-27

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